2009-08-19
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
The CLERK: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, I inform honourable members that a response to petition No 9 has been received and circulated to honourable members. The text of the response will be placed on the Legislative Assembly website. A copy of the response will be provided to the member who tabled the petition for distribution to the petitioners.
Petition No 9
Stuart Highway/Virginia Road merging lane
Date presented: 4 March 2009
Presented by: Mr Wood
Referred to: Minister for Infrastructure
Date response due: 18 August 2009
Date response received: 18 August 2009
Date response presented: 19 August 2009
Response
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received a document relating to pairs for today, 19 August 2009, from 4.45 pm until 5.15 pm, for the members for Arafura and Araluen. It is signed by both the government Whip and the opposition Whip. I table the document.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The devastating Victorian bushfires in February of this year brought to the forefront of the minds of all Australians the catastrophic damage to life, property and environment that can result from bushfires. At a national level, concerns were raised about the adequacy of Australian laws dealing with bushfires and arson. Bushfires legislation was on the agenda at the recent meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General in Canberra in April of this year.
All Australian jurisdictions have agreed, through SCAG, to continue to implement robust bushfires offences. The Northern Territory has a range of offences covering the destruction of property by fire. It also has a number of offences under the Bushfires Act and the Fire and Emergency Act designed to prevent the occurrence of bushfires. These later offences include restrictions on lighting fires without a permit; prohibitions on using fire during a fire ban; and conditions on lighting camp fires. However, there is no serious criminal offence dealing with the lighting of bushfires.
The bill before the Assembly seeks to emphasise the gravity of the danger that lighting bushfires represents by creating such an offence. The bill is based on the model bushfires offence which was developed in 2001 by the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee. The model offence forms the basis of the bushfires offences in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia. The bill proposes to insert into the Criminal Code a new bushfires offence.
The offence applies to people who intentionally or recklessly cause a fire and who then create the risk of the spread of fire. The emphasis of the offence is on the recklessness as to the spread of a fire to vegetation. The speed at which fire can spread means it is appropriate that people should light fires only when they are in a position to control the fire. The offence is aimed at widespread blazes. This offence is not intended to cover situations such as a campfire which, despite the person lighting it taking appropriate precautions, suddenly gets out of control because of a sudden strong gale. A person in those circumstances would not be reckless according to law.
Recklessness, in the context of the proposed offence, means that a person is aware of the substantial risk that the fire they caused could spread to vegetation on property belonging to another person, and there is a substantial risk that they would not be able to stop the spread of the fire. It must also be unjustifiable in the circumstances to take that risk.
The bill also recognises there are circumstances where people do create a substantial risk of fire spreading, but they have a legitimate reason for doing so. These people will not be liable under this provision. The circumstances in which people are exempted from liability reflect the land management practices in the Northern Territory and the geographical conditions here, particularly the expanses of subtropical savannah. These geographical conditions do not exist in the southern states of Australia. As such, persons who cause a fire for the purposes of fire or land management are exempted from liability where the activity was done:
(a) in accordance with the law in force in the Territory; or
For example, persons causing fires in the course of activity such as firefighting, or hazard reduction operations, would fall within these exemptions.
Persons acting under a commercial agreement such as the West Arnhem Fire Management Agreement - which is a greenhouse gas offset agreement between the Northern Territory government, ConocoPhillips, the Northern Land Council, and traditional owners in west Arnhem Land - would also be exempt.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members. I table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to modernise penalty provisions in most of the acts administered by the Department of Justice. This bill updates penalty units and related matters for some 69 acts and regulations within the responsibility of the Department of Justice. All penalties and legislation are being review by the Department of Justice in conjunction with other agencies. The aim of the review is to ensure that penalty levels are reasonably consistent across the statute book, and that they have an appropriate deterrent effect. Members will be aware that hard, fast rules do not apply when parliament sets maximum penalties in legislation. At the end of the day, there is always an element of subjective decision-making about what should be the maximum penalty for the worst case breach of a provision.
The Department of Justice does, however, have a penalty policy created over the past 10 years, which is applied during the review process for consistency. In examining the penalty levels it should be remembered that the Interpretation Act also applies so that first, under section 38DB, corporate offenders are liable to a maximum fine of five times the amount specified as the penalty. Second, for an offence when the only listed penalty is imprisonment, the court also has a discretion to impose a fine in addition to, or as an alternative to, imprisonment. The maximum fine in such situations is determined in accordance with a formula set out in section 38DA of the Interpretation Act; that is, the fine is 100 penalty units per 12 months of the maximum term of imprisonment.
This bill amends the maximum penalties for breaching the provision in the Criminal Code relating to perverting the course of justice from two years imprisonment to 15 years. This amendment was made following suggestions by the judges of the Supreme Court to reflect the seriousness of this offence. The other amendments include the inclusion of the word ‘maximum’ in many penalties where that word is not used. This amendment does not affect the meaning of ‘penalty provision’ as the Interpretation Act in section 38C provides that the word ‘penalty’ used in offence provisions means ‘maximum penalty’. The amendment is intended to provide clarity for the reader.
Madam Speaker, the balance of the department’s legislation is expected to be reviewed in the next 12 months. In broad terms, the revised penalties conform to the general level of penalties contained in Territory legislation enacted since the Penalties Act commenced in 1999. I commend the bill to honourable members and I table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill amends the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act. The intention of this bill is to amend the act to vary references to the Water Supply and Sewerage Act, which was repealed in January 2001; references to the Industry Trading Act, replaced by the Northern Territory Employment and Training Act; and the replacement of the term ‘inspectors’ by the words ‘authorised officers’ to take into account private certification and access to work sites as it exists under the Building Act. The amendment act validates any matters related to the mentioned repeal of the Water Supply and Sewerage Act and, in addition, the term ‘penalty’ is amended to become ‘maximum penalty’.
The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act has the object of providing the following:
(a) licensing persons to carry out plumbing and draining in the Territory while at the same time allowing certain work to be carried out by unlicensed persons;
(b) providing for reciprocity in relation to qualifications of plumbers and drainers with other jurisdictions; and
(c) providing uniformity of standards in the trades across the Northern Territory.
In general, the act licenses a person intending to do plumbing or draining work in the Northern Territory. The competency of licensed persons is monitored and assessed by the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. There are a number of levels of achievement under licensing, including apprentice, journeymen, and advanced tradesmen.
An advanced tradesman licence allows the holder to contract for and perform plumbing and draining work in his own right. This does not include the ability to sign off on work. He is permitted to direct and supervise the work of apprentices, journeymen, and trades assistants.
A journeyman registration allows the holder to carry out plumbing and draining work under the general direction of an advanced tradesman. A journeyman may supervise the work of apprentices and trades assistants but he is not permitted to contract for plumbing or draining work.
An apprentice is a person employed under a legally binding training arrangement with an employer that combines structured training with paid employment. Apprenticeships usually take a number of years to complete, with training taking place both at the workplace and with the training provider, whether public or private.
A certifying plumber is someone licensed as a building practitioner with the Builders Practitioners Board, under the Building Act, to sign off on the work conducted.
I received a briefing on this amending legislation and I thank the minister for allowing her department to brief me so there is an understanding of this amendment. Whilst it is not an earth-shattering amendment, it is important we get it right. Plumbing, in the construction industry, is a crucial area of work, like electrical work, which goes to the heart of ensuring that buildings and residences are safe.
I understand there is a move to have a national licence system and construction code; having uniform licensing arrangements for plumbers across the country is high on COAG’s agenda. In the very near future, there will be a review of plumbing across the country. No doubt that will come into the Northern Territory and, on behalf of my constituents, many of whom operate small businesses, including plumbing businesses, we will be most interested in a review that is undertaken in regard to plumbers and drainers.
Madam Speaker, we have no issue with this proposed legislation. I thank the minister for providing the briefing.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the government for bringing this legislation to the Assembly. I had some discussions with Mr Graeme Wigg, Chairman of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. He explained the reason this legislation should come into place is because of the changeover from Power and Water being a government organisation to a government owned corporation. There was some uncertainty about the legality of decisions made using the existing act when the role of Power and Water changed. This act allows any decisions made from that time up to the new act being introduced to be retrospectively validated in case of any problems.
It also removes the idea of water and sewerage districts, and replaces them with plumbing licence areas. I will ask some questions here instead of going to committee: are the areas presently covered by water and sewerage districts relevant to the new plumbing licence areas? If the plumbing licence areas cover a much larger portion of the Northern Territory, what portions of the Northern Territory do they actually cover? Will people know they are within those particular expanded areas of responsibility this act covers?
I notice it also removes reference to inspectors because of the private certifier process. Under the act, I gather you still have people who can inspect the private certifier’s work and ensure they are doing the job, and that would come under the Building Board.
There have been a couple of sections removed in relation to irrigation, which relates to section 39 of the old act. Having been one who installs underground irrigation, there are some questions I would like to ask: if I had to get a plumber to install connections to the Territory water supply, is there a definition of what the Territory water supply is? Is it all the water Power and Water has some control over - is that defined as ‘Territory water supply’?
In relation to this section, the government has removed most of section 39(3)(c) and 39(4). There was a fairly convoluted section which has now been replaced with section 39(3):
My understanding is, if it is not connected to the Territory water supply, you do not need a licensed plumber to install irrigation. I presume there are some rules. Even though I come from an area where there are many bores, there may need to be some consideration regarding irrigation connected to your bore; a requirement to have some sort of anti-syphoning valve or a non-return valve - an anti-syphoning valve would probably be better. I do not understand whether there are any restrictions on that.
If you connect it to the Territory water supply, meaning the public water supply, you would need a licensed plumber, and that can be expensive. If you are doing just one job and you have to call out a plumber, the plumber will charge you normal rates. Is it possible for irrigators to be given a permit, after some training, to install an anti-syphoning device? It is not very difficult. If they were licensed to do that it would reduce costs. It could also be more efficient, especially if an irrigator had to wait for the plumber to come and connect it, and it is only a half-an-hour job. Perhaps we could move that responsibility to licensed irrigators. The irrigators would do a course and get a certificate to say they know what they are doing. That may be a way round some of the practical issues. I am not sure the plumbers will like it, although there are plenty of toilets and showers to fix in the Northern Territory; I do not think we would actually do them out of business. I raise that as a practical issue.
Minister, I asked if there is a definition of ‘Territory water supply’. It mentions it here, and I do not know whether it has a definition. It also mentions this is only the first stage of what should be a review. I am interested to know when you think that review will start. The member for Goyder raised the possibility of national licensing, etcetera. Would that review work on bringing regulations and guidelines together, where possible? I am not sure plumbing and drainage requirements are the same for the Territory as they are in Melbourne. It would be good to get as much of our regulatory matters in regard to drainage and plumbing as uniform as possible.
Madam Speaker, I support the bill; I believe it is good. Obviously, the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board has looked at it and supported it. I would like to hear if the minister has a response to those issues I raised.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I support the bill to amend the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act. I do not have much to add to what the members for Goyder and Nelson have already put to the House this morning.
While the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act commenced in 1983, it does rely on the Water Supply and Sewerage Act for its application. The latter was repealed in 2001, and replaced by the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act. I understand these amendments are necessary in order to remove any doubts about the application under the act. These amendments are, in effect, dealing with some necessary housekeeping to bring these two acts into line, and to remove any doubt about the application of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act and, in so doing, provide certainty to the NT Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, the industry and, of course, the community.
I had a quick look on the Internet yesterday and I quote from the board’s website:
Quite plainly, they are the peak body behind this legislation and the amendments.
An important part of the amendment to this bill is the introduction of a new application provision that refers to a plumbing licence area, as opposed to distinctions between water and sewerage districts. As the minister explained in her second reading speech, the bill makes provision for the minister to declare plumbing licence areas by Gazette notice. This may be defined on a map or a plan. Previous Gazette notices, based on technical descriptions which were based on lot numbers, areas, points, bearings and lengths, are to be updated and compiled into clear plans for the proposed plumbing licence areas. Not being a plumber or a specialist in this area, there does seem to be a good deal of common sense in having access to a visual reference by way of a map or plan or diagram, as opposed to only technical descriptions. As the minister said in her second reading speech:
This is one of the key amendments in the bill and, obviously, the opportunity has been taken to make a number of other minor amendments to tidy things up, as a matter of housekeeping.
I also see on the homepage of the board’s website there is clear mention of a review of legislation, and an invitation for anyone to contact the registrar to make proposed changes or additions to that legislation. Both the members for Goyder and Nelson have mentioned this. It is also my understanding a full review of the legislation, across jurisdictions, will be undertaken in due course.
Madam Speaker, I commend the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill to the House.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I commend this bill, and thank the minister for bringing it forward. I am not a plumber either and, as I am not up-to-date on everything in this bill, I sought some advice from people in my electorate who have been in this industry for many years. They are very happy you have brought this on and are very pleased to see the changes you have made updating some old legislation. I believe that is very good.
I was concerned when the member for Goyder told me, from her briefing, that this would not affect Indigenous communities. The minister might be able to cover that in committee stage. If that is the case, I express some discontent with the inertia of other ministers - not this minister, but other ministers such as the Housing Minister, the Indigenous Policy Minister, and Minister for Regional Development.
Many people in this parliament would be aware of some of the significant failures that have occurred over the years in infrastructure development across the Territory through both federal and Territory funding. We are hearing stories about toilets installed in houses and the pipework not connected to the sewers. These things need to be fixed. Not discounting the fact that the Minister for Housing has not yet built a house under SIHIP, I understand, as part of a tender process, there are some clauses that stipulate certification of works to be undertaken. That is a good thing. Aside from that program, and any Territory government money that goes in when those clauses are effected, I am sure this legislation will not affect any private or non-government work that may be done in those communities.
Seventy-three communities were identified as part of the intervention. We have been through the debate regarding the need for emergency housing and how this government does not treat this as an emergency. Even though the minister has done a good job with this plumbing bill, I am concerned that we are still in the same position without a regulatory base to provide protection for communities and the investment that happens in those communities.
Minister, I know this is not your bailiwick. The Ministers for Housing, Indigenous Policy, and Regional Development should be leading the charge on that. However, it is about inertia. This is not just about plumbing; it is about the building control areas as well. When you look at the building control areas in the Northern Territory and identify where they are, it is interesting to note that Tennant Creek is a building control area, despite the debacle about Red Rooster and all that has happened in Tennant Creek. I would have thought, two years after the intervention, and knowing all the problems in housing, legislative reform would have been put forward to ensure those 73 communities are covered under this legislation, and the building control areas actually have relevance in Indigenous communities.
I know the implications for roadhouses and station properties and why they would be excluded. However, for people who are in receipt of professional services in these communities by way of tenancy in a house, I would have expected more rigour in the debates from the Minister for Housing, the Indigenous Policy Minister, and the Minister for Regional Development. These are very important issues across the Northern Territory because where we have left out communities and building control areas, they have also been left out of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act.
I would appreciate it if the minister could explain that for me, and detail how the Indigenous communities have been left out. While we neglect this we will continue to see problems such as at Corella Creek. Yesterday, there was a story by Alice Brennan, from the ABC in Alice Springs, about Corella Creek. The Northern Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, was talking about houses in Corella Creek not having water. They have to utilise the water facilities from the school and, when the bore goes down due to all the plumbing problems they have, the school has to close as well. This may be a little simplistic but inertia flows through this government which casts these real issues aside. If the legislation was right, these issues on the ground would not continue and we would be in a different position.
The tendering frameworks for SIHIP should seek to overcome those problems, just for that one program. We continue to see problems arise. I wonder when complacency will leave this government so they act and treat issues as an emergency. People often talk about administrative management, but crisis management is what is really needed in the Territory. Mal Brough, the former Indigenous Affairs minister, took that on with rigour. There are some things people did not agree with in the intervention, but he took it on, and wanted to make a change. This could very easily be changed. It should have happened in 2007, but there is an opportunity now in 2009. For those other three ministers not to lobby for change is a real concern. I keep wondering when government will get the impetus to drive some of these critical issues forward.
We are aware of leaking sewage in Alpara. How can that happen for four weeks and nothing be done? Would controls, in a regulatory sense, have stopped that from occurring? The mismanagement and incompetence of the Housing Minister astounds me. If we had some sort of a certification process in these areas, we would have something different.
The Australian has an article today by Natasha Robinson about a Tasmanian couple, Kerry Gearman and Bronwen King, who were employed as remote audit building managers as part of SIHIP. We wonder where the administrative dollars go from SIHIP – well, read this article. It says the couple were paid a salary of $71 000 each - $142 000 in total. They say they spent five months with five other managers - that is five times $71 000 - doing ‘absolutely nothing’ during their employment with the Northern Territory government. The article said:
Here we have a very good reform bill being put in place by the minister, the member for Karama, and we have the incompetence of the member for Daly trying to implement some sort of regulatory reform - wasting Northern Territory taxpayers’ money, federal taxpayers’ money, Mal Brough’s money, and GST money which was provided for an emergency. It beggars belief how $71 000, paid to each of these certifiers is a good business. We hear about 11.4% tracking of SIHIP, but I ask: what is it 11.4% of, and what does it include? This government has neglected to tell us exactly. Here we read about $71 000 going to each of the certifiers to do absolutely nothing:
This is inertia; this is waste. This is absolute government waste. When will the Chief Minister act? When will he cut the member for Daly loose from his ministerial role?
The member for Karama has presented the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill, and it is a good bill. Everyone I have spoken to has said it is a good bill. I commend the minister for that.
Put the member for Karama in charge of Housing; she is a can-do woman, she can make things happen, we can get housing happening ...
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Mr GILES: This is an emergency, member for Fong Lim. We should be calling for the member for Karama to take control of Housing and get it done. We want these houses built. She can do the certification process, she can get the certification done for plumbing, and she can get the certification done for the building.
I will look at some of these building control areas which are relevant to plumbing. Elliott is Tier 2. The building control area takes in the township of Elliott which is, generally, covered by the regulatory regime of the certification process except for North Camp, which is outside. I do not understand how South Camp can be in the Elliott building control area and North Camp can be out. I do not understand how the Newcastle Waters community can be out, and the 73 communities can be out - this is a bit of a maze. If the Minister for Housing really wanted to see some changes he would have spoken to the Minister for Planning and Lands and asked for these changes to be incorporated. Whilst we have this inertia by the Minister for Housing we are seeing continued neglect of these systemic problems due to complacency over a number of years.
I request the minister for Planning provide a response regarding whether there have been any changes to this, whether there will be any changes, and at what point things are. She could also tell me what the indications are that the Minister for Housing is actually on the ball. She might also want to tell me if the Minister for Housing has addressed further poor administration of the housing program at Haasts Bluff. I am told an electrical contractor was sent to Haasts Bluff to do $1.2m worth of housing works only to be told the housing works have been scaled back to $800 000 because $400 000 is going to administration. This is another story - the stories are endless.
I am interested to hear from the new Minister for Indigenous Policy what is happening regarding the coverage of this legislation: how it will affect 73 Indigenous communities under the intervention; how it will affect homelands in the Northern Territory to ensure the people who are most in need of housing are not ripped off, provided with bad service and poor infrastructure; and to ensure they have appropriate living standards that, as taxpayers, we are paying for and expect. If I do not hear anything I will presume the complacency lives on, that people do not care, it is just the norm, and it is how things are done in the Territory - we do not connect the toilet to the tank; we do not connect the toilet to the sewer.
If that is the case, nothing will change and we will be coming back trying to provide emergency housing again. If the Country Liberals were in power, it would be emergency housing, as opposed to emergency housing under the guise of administration, as it is with this government.
I wait, with interest, to hear what the minister will present; how she is going to ensure all Indigenous communities, all homelands, are covered under this legislation; ensure that Indigenous Territorians who are most in need of appropriate services are covered and protected. Clearly, that is not the case now.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, I will attend to the relevant questions raised by the member for Nelson. I recognise that the member for Nelson sees this legislation as essentially maintaining the status quo for the industry, and also places beyond legal doubt the status quo of the plumbing regulations as understood by practitioners in the industry.
The legal doubt arises from the repeal of the Water Supply and Sewerage Act in January 2001. This is about ensuring that the decisions made by the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board are absolutely legal - and there is no doubt about that. Has it had any affect in the intervening time? No, it has not. I am advised they have not had to make a determinant decision as a board; where matters have arisen they have been able to negotiate an appropriate solution in the industry. That being said, it captures and provides clarity through the entire intervening period from 1 January and beyond.
We also took the opportunity to make it clearer and easier for practitioners in this area to understand, if you like, the maps of those plumbers and drainers licensed areas. They are called the plumbing licence areas in the new legislation. Previously, the districts and areas had evolved over time through additions and amendments using three sections of the repealed act. The declarations are contained in numerous Gazette notices over two decades using lot numbers, areas, points, bearings, and length. The districts and areas were created for the provision of water and sewerage services, and for convenience, but were also used for plumbing and draining regulation purposes. We have picked up the same area, same locations, but defined them clearly as plumbing licence areas; so they are the same. Like the building control areas, they will be declared by reference to a map; they will be published in the Gazette; they will be on a website; and they will also be displayed in DPI offices. Industry feedback is this is a good move, a sensible move, using clearly defined maps rather than a range of coordinates. They will be put out to the industry through those forms of communication.
The next question was about the inspectors. It is the role of the authorised officers to audit the work done by the certifiers. Feedback from the industry indicates this is the appropriate way to go.
Regarding irrigation, member for Nelson, the bill will continue to allow the handyman to do what can be done around the house. The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act allows the handyman to do regular maintenance works such as changing a washer in a tap or replacing the whole tap; the bill maintains that position. The act does not regulate systems attached to the normal domestic tap such as hoses to fill up pools, and dripper systems that screw onto a tap; the bill maintains that position.
The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act exempts plumbing connected to a bore, as you picked up. It also exempts plumbing for irrigation that is not connected to government mains, as you mentioned, and the bill maintains those positions. Member for Nelson, the questions you raised are relevant questions. They will be captured in the debate of the broader review. I will come back to the review in later comments.
I am advised the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act does regulate above, underground, or partly underground, irrigation systems which are connected directly to service pipes and government mains. Under the act, a licensed plumber is required to make the actual connection and to arrange an inspection of the whole system by a government inspector. The bill, in effect, maintains this position by replacing the government inspector with a licensed plumber. In other words, the licensed plumber can make the actual connection and must be satisfied that the remainder of the irrigation system meets the required standards. Put simply, above-ground irrigation systems can be put in by a handyman, but it is the connection point that is checked. Whether that is occurring in practice all the time is highly questionable, in my view, member for Nelson. Equally, the current practice where the underground system should be through someone licensed – is that is happening all the time? I also think that is highly questionable, member for Nelson.
We recognise whilst this is a status quo bill, apart from the better contemporary practice of the plumbing licence areas being clearly defined by a map, there is a need for a broader review into plumbers and drainers, and how the entire system operates.
We are in step with COAG in looking at consistency across all jurisdictions in the regulation of these trades, and that is a critical and important body of work. The COAG agenda has a timetable attached to it: the national licensing for plumbers and drainers is expected by July 2012, and they are looking at a national construction code for plumbing and building by June 2011. You can see by those time lines we are in the heavy work phase, preparing and leading up to those time lines.
That being recognised, as minister, I have already approved the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to undertake a significant review of the industry in the Territory. That will occur. We already have someone in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure putting together the preliminary desktop work in preparation for the review.
The broader review of the industry will commence next year, member for Nelson. Next year will be the strong consultation phase for the industry. We have picked up in the broader review which commences next year the issues raised by the member for Nelson regarding people who are not connected to the Territory water supply and what happens in those circumstances. We already have someone in DPI doing the preliminary preparatory work leading up to the review which will run through next year.
The member for Braitling raised broad issues about plumbing licence areas covering communities and pastoral areas. This is an issue still not covered. Nhulunbuy and Jabiru are not covered; the big mining towns are not covered. Those issues will be captured in the broader review and advice will come back. I am not under any illusion of the difficulties of capturing those issues in the broader review. In my view, now is the time to undertake that.
As an industry, they have done well. I have every confidence in the people who are currently on the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. They are energised. We have a few new people come on to the board who are very focused on industry reform. They are very engaged in the need for the broader review and, as I said, we have a dedicated resource in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to kick-start that review. The preparatory work has already started; it will go into the broader industry and public consultation phase next year when the department has completed the preparatory work. The big, broader issues around where licensing areas exist – how you capture people who are currently not captured; should you capture them; if you do, how do you do that - will be addressed within the broader review next year.
This is legislation which clarifies the certainty of the regulatory operations; it is not intended to be anything more than that. I could have held this legislation back pending the broader review but I did not believe that was the right course of action. I thought it was better to clarify the legal status of the industry - how it is regulated and how it exists now - so there is no doubt leading into the broader review where we will capture the bigger ticket issues that have been raised.
You asked whether you need a licensed plumber if you are not connected to the Territory water supply. That is correct; you do not require a licensed plumber. As I said, those issues need to be picked up in the broader review. I do not doubt that bores, pastoral areas, communities, the mining towns of Nhulunbuy and Jabiru - all those questions have to be captured by the industry in the broader review. It will be difficult. No one has gone there in the past but contemporary practice needs to be looked at for the Territory.
Equally, we are grappling with similar issues in the Building Act control areas, through the Queensland report on the certification process. We have two major bodies of work which are fairly complementary. I am very confident in the skills of the people in the agency who have been brought into the department specifically to focus on this. I am very confident, also, about maturity of the industries we have here now - both the plumbers and drainers industry and the building industry. They have come a long way in regulatory changes. They are at the point now where they can engage proactively with government in seeing those regulations and requirements roll out across the Territory without diminishing the ability of people on pastoral stations or in the rural area to do the work they need to do without hindrance. Whilst you want to look at the issues of who you capture and how you capture them, you need to look at an effective and efficient system which recognises the vast geographical distances, so you are not bogging people down in bureaucratic paperwork and red tape. Equally, you are ensuring there is a high standard of the work being undertaken, and people with the appropriate, licensed skills are undertaking the work, as they should be.
How does government do that now when, historically, we have inherited areas that are confined and defined? We built into the conditions of funding - if you go for a government tender, within the conditions of that tender will be the requirement, for example, to comply with the Building Code of Australia. Regardless of where you are doing that work, whether it is Lajamanu or in Karama, you are required to meet those standards as a tender specification. Similarly, the standards apply for plumbers and drainers work. We build that into our tender specification processes now, without having to capture it in a broader perspective, from the legislation in defining those broader control areas.
The question of broader control areas is a very relevant question and one about which I have been in discourse with industry. They are mature enough to go down the path now to ask: how can it be done? For example, we currently have a tiered system in the Building Act. Do we have a tiered system with plumbers and drainers conforming Australia-wide? It is what we have done in the plumbing licence area - recognising where the building control areas lie as well - so it is not complex and confusing to industry but is pretty clear and straightforward.
We need to get the balance right between ensuring we have the right regulatory framework existing over the entire Territory, covering pastoral areas, communities, and areas such as mining towns which have been out of the picture historically. With the invigorated Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, the Building Practitioners Board, a range of regulatory reforms we have made in the building area, and the discourse that has been going on between government and those practitioners, I sense a maturity in the industry to grapple with these tougher issues, and come forward in a sensible way.
We have a real opportunity here because, as you heard in the debate, we are going through a COAG process which is all about getting a national uniformity to these regulatory trades. We can capture what will, ultimately, be national best practice and we can also look at how that applies to the unique circumstances in the Territory. Whilst they are unique, I argue there are similarities to the far north of Queensland and to vast parts of Western Australia. As minister in this trade regulatory area, I have always had the approach that the Territory has lessons to learn from those top end jurisdictions in Queensland and Western Australia; they share their knowledge with us and we share our knowledge with them. That is why I engaged Queensland experts in the certification process. There are things to be learned in how they deal with their licensing areas in the vast geographical areas they cover.
Stripping the politics away from what you said, member for Braitling, there is sense in that work being done. It is being done; I have engaged a review person to do the work. There is a time line for the second half of this year to do what I call all the preparatory work - getting the information prepared, engaging with industry and the broader community, and the sectors, all through next year. The time lines are such that we step in tandem with the COAG reform time lines in these trade regulated areas. There is rhyme and reason to how we are approaching this. This is what I describe as status quo legislation - seeking to clarify and provide the legal status to the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board through the act, and how it operates. It will ensure the plumbing licence areas are very clear and easy to understand, through those maps formed from the coordinates which existed previously. It is a sensible form of legislation, but it is not the be all and end all. I made the decision to bring this forward first, to provide clarity to the industry about the status quo because we are embarking on a broader review. I do not want to go into a broader review when there is a question mark about the status quo. I want to lock in the status quo so there is certainty about going forward for the industry in this legislation that will pass today.
It is only required because in January 2001 the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act was repealed and there were issues of legal clarity and certainty as a result of that. This captures the status quo and provides clarity for the industry. I am deliberately doing that ahead of the broader review so the industry can go into the review with confidence; the confidence and maturity that review will require.
The issue of looking at where licensed areas apply - whether they apply in trade licensed areas, whether plumbers and drainers or building - are significant issues for the Territory. Perhaps a tiered process is the way to go in sorting it out. In the interim, this government has chosen in our tender specification processes to ensure we apply the regulatory and standing requirements to the work the government funds which is done outside those control areas. They are the mechanisms we have been using. We will continue to use those mechanisms until we have answered the very difficult and complex question of how to apply controlled areas across vast geographic distances, pastoral properties, communities, and mining towns. They all need to be captured.
As minister, my commitment is they are being addressed; I have them in line of sight. I am not going to say I have the answer; that requires government working very closely with not just industry - the practitioners who understand the work and the challenges and do not want to be burdened with red tape and paperwork - but also the consumer, the customer, the people living in the community, on the pastoral station, or in a mining town, whether it be Nhulunbuy or Jabiru. We have to capture all those views and viewpoints. We have to understand where COAG reforms are going to, and how they fall in terms of best practice.
This has not been tackled historically, but I am willing to tackle it. I have people in the agency doing the preparation for it - people I have confidence in regarding their skills sets and awareness of trade regulations in the industry. They are starting to understand you can overburden practitioners with paperwork, which adds costs and delays to the consumer, or you can make it a controlled and regulated environment without overburdening either the practitioner or the consumer who will, ultimately, pay for that burden.
This is status quo legislation so the broader issues are captured through the review process. Someone is already in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to commence the review work. They will be doing the preparatory phases to the end of the year, and go through the consultation with industry and stakeholders through next year. The time lines deliberately fit within the COAG time lines so we are not out of step with the national process. We are getting on and fixing our own patch at the same time.
I know this will not necessarily satisfy all political views or discussions. I tend to focus on pragmatic and sensible steps forward, rather than get bogged down in the politics. This is, essentially, status quo legislation. What it does is compile good plans and maps that show the plumbing licence areas, rather than a series of coordinates. People will be able to view those maps on the website and at DPI offices, and they will be published in the Gazette. It gives me the ability to declare additional plumbing licence areas. If we were to resolve something in the interim for Jabiru, that could be declared. It is useful legislation; it provides certainty, clarity, and status quo to the industry, preparing them to go forward with a comprehensive review of how the industry is regulated, and how practitioners are able to meet the requirements of the consumer and government across the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I commend the legislation to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands) (by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Madam Speaker, I will be brief. As the Attorney-General said in her second reading speech in June this year:
There is also an amendment to section 55 of the Geothermal Energy Act and, while it is a correction of a typographical error, I make the point this bill was under development for a couple of years and was introduced in November 2008. Extensive government amendments were introduced prior to the April sittings, and I note with great interest, and more than a little disappointment, that the government is still finding errors to correct. When you find the errors, obviously, they need to be corrected.
For my part, the most interesting, bordering on fascinating, part of this bill is the ‘z’. We have talked in this parliament before, in relation to different bills, how we could not change the spelling of words by substituting the ‘z’ with an ‘s’. Yet, under the Water Act, section 13, and section 40(2)(a), the word ‘utilisation’ is substituted for the word ‘utilization’. An ‘s’ and a ‘z’ can be swapped over in the Water Act but, for reasons that confound me, it cannot be done in other legislation. Such is the world of statutory interpretation and drafting.
Madam Speaker, on that illuminating thought, I will leave it. The opposition supports the bill.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow Attorney-General for her support of this legislation which, as we know, is just making some consequential amendments to various NT laws. They are not changes in government policy or programs; they are simply updating superseded references, correcting typographical errors, grammatical errors, and omissions in various legislation. I am pleased to see the ‘s’ in ‘utilisation’. I believe it is a victory the shadow Attorney-General can claim. We might see, in the next round of statute law revision, a whole raft of ‘s’s’ appearing through the typographical change. Every now and again you get a win, and I am pleased to see the win coming through. Congratulations to the shadow on the ‘s’. I commend the bill to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General) (by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I have had a look at this bill and the second reading speech. From that, I have not had to receive a briefing; I understand the intention of this bill. In many respects, it is a return to an environment of common sense in relation to the operation of members’ entitlements, and how they are determined. Nothing flows from it of any major consequence. Suffice to say, the opposition will not be opposing the bill.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin, and the opposition, for their support for this bill. It is common sense in re-empowering the Remuneration Tribunal to determine capacity, or non-personal remuneration entitlements, of members of parliament. It is independent; it is at arm’s length from politicians. The public is open to making submissions to the tribunal. I thank members for their support.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Statement – Cash for Containers Scheme
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms LAWRIE (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I commend this debate. It is an important example of how, with bipartisanship, you step gently and consistently through the issues. Whilst it is sound and right to say we want to look at and implement a CDL scheme, it is easier said than done, as we are all aware of the complex geographic distances in the Territory. Over the years, we have seen examples of communities, supported through the environment grants process, of their own volition come forward to tackle cash for containers in different ways and different circumstances. It would be good if we can get a consistent approach dealing with the economy of scale, with freight and transport challenges, and how to deal with recycling depots in the different geographic locations in the Territory.
I am delighted to see a bipartisan approach has been taken to this, which is important. I am delighted the member for Nelson, who has pursued this issue with vigour over many years, is doing the work on the ground with our member for Fannie Bay. It is good to have an urban and a rural perspective. The former Environment minister, with a bush perspective, was value adding to that. I am sure our new Environment minister, with a bush perspective, will significantly value add to that as well. What might work in a suburban setting does not necessarily translate easily to a regional town, rural setting or a remote setting. The Territory has always been a place of innovation. Because of our diversity, and our geographic challenges, we have managed to find innovative ways to tackle challenges and issues as they arise.
As for the Cash for Containers Scheme, we have happy hunting grounds elsewhere in Australia looking at how that is done, how that is put together. My interest in this is as Treasurer because, at the end of the day, I know that any scheme needs to be well thought through, well analysed, and as cost-effective as you can make it and not an economic burden on people. It also needs incentives for people to engage fully and actively in the scheme.
When I was a child growing up in Darwin, a non-government organisation had a cans depot at the Nightcliff shops. We funded our pocket money by scavenging bottles and cans and getting our 10. It was happy days for us as children. I say that because I believe the generation coming through is the generation that is most adaptable. The youth are the ones who tend to capture any innovation quicker than those of us with entrenched habits. I am keen to see how we are engaging young people across the Territory in this. They are good, they are vast in numbers, and they are on the ground. They do not have any qualms about ferreting into places, be it the back of a school oval or down the local park. They capture what we need, which is getting those containers into the system. I believe this is a great opportunity, and I am interested in discussions with the members for Fannie Bay and Nelson on what they have seen and learned through their travels to date - how they think they can engage with young people of the Territory, regardless of where they live. They will be at the forefront of making any cash for container system work.
I am pleased the Henderson government has included this as part of their Greening the Territory initiative. We want to keep our community clean and tidy; we want to provide incentives for people to recycle and to improve our environment. We have worked well with Keep Australia Beautiful over the years. Many of us have worked closely with Keep Australia Beautiful to create awareness and to roll out programs in the regional and remote areas of the Territory. We cannot become lax and complacent in the urban areas. As a former Environment minister, I know these initiatives sound simple but are complex to construct. I have confidence in the team working on the Cash for Containers Scheme.
The Mayor of Alice Springs is on a litter cleanup campaign, which is great. We know he has had significant concerns regarding glass in that community so I was pleased to provide him with a grant of approximately $700 000 last financial year to enable the Alice Springs Town Council to buy a glass crusher machine. This is an opportunity for government to assist local government in an innovative way. The mayor identified a glass crushing machine can cut and crush tonnes of glass, diminishing the requirement for landfill. The machine can also be used to create sand-based concrete which will create new pathways and pavements in Alice Springs - a win/win situation; you help the environment by reusing and recycling glass through a machine. The council will find it more affordable to provide a path and pavement system across Alice Springs which improves usability of the town for locals, the town will look more attractive, and they will get more bang for their buck.
That is an example of looking at practical measures when you create a litter abatement scheme. Sometimes, the greatest costs are the start-up costs, and it often depends on what grants are available to fund those costs. The environment grants through the Northern Territory government have been very successful in communities where they have received environment grants and created litter abatement schemes. They are to be highly commended.
We will have a strong body of work to create the container deposit legislation; I am confident of that. It will focus around cash for containers. The broader issues underpinning this are providing incentives to recycle and contribute to improving our environment. Government supports this and different government agencies are involved in providing advice. Treasury provides advice on the financial structures of any scheme; Justice provides legal advice; and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure is a construction agency and understands the geographic realities of the Territory.
As Deputy Chief Minister and minister with these portfolio responsibilities, I am delighted to lend whatever assistance is required to enable this to be effective, efficient innovation, and encourage community-based responses. A community-based response is most effective when you have the right framework in place. We are working to have this in place by 2011. We all know the Territory is a highly innovative place and, in the intervening period, opportunities will arise at the community level. When it all comes together in 2011, it will be a seamless change for Territorians.
It is important to engage young people in this. They are the energy of our community, our society, and they embrace change quickly. They are our environmental warriors. If the children in my local electorate are anything to go by, they are passionate about caring for their environment and their community.
The member for Fannie Bay may turn his skills to engaging the young people of the Territory through this process. We can set up a framework which can be well structured and resourced but, if we have not engaged young people as environment warriors, we will not see the successes we are all looking forward to.
I commend the bipartisan approach. I wish the minister for the Environment all the best in his portfolio; it is a portfolio which achieves great things for our Territory. Our environment is one of our most attractive aspects. The cash for containers move by the Henderson government is critical, and has the full support of the government. We look forward to progress reports and seeing the end result. It will be successful, and I look forward to assisting in any way I can.
Madam Speaker, I commend this motion to the House.
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, I support the statement of my colleague, the minister for the Environment.
I grew up in an era when container deposit legislation did not exist. In those days you went to the retailer, purchased your cool drinks or beer, and were charged for the content and the bottle. You returned the crate with the empty beer bottles, or the cool drink bottles. You never saw broken bottles because every single bottle had a monetary value on it and every family knew the monetary value of the deposit. Container deposit legislation will provide a means for young people to get pocket money.
We live in an era where we are concerned about climate change and carbon emissions. Considering the cost to the environment in producing the containers, whether they are steel, aluminium or glass - more energy is used to produce a glass bottle from scratch than to crush and remould from used glass bottles. Much energy is required to produce aluminium from alumina. Aluminium has been defined as gelatinised electricity and more energy is required to produce aluminium from alumina than to smelt and remake aluminium cans. The same applies to steel. More energy is required, and enormous emissions are produced converting iron ore to steel and rolling it to produce cans, than smelting cans and reproducing new ones. It is not only the cost to the community, or that it will give an opportunity to young people or anyone to collect containers and cash in on them, it is the total cost to the environment and the community.
I am pleased with the bipartisan support for container deposit legislation. The Territory is a big place; some people say it is a big place populated by people with big egos. It also has difficulties, one of which is the tyranny of distance. We have many towns around the Territory with small populations, and the number of containers collected may not be commercially feasible to transport to a major centre and be processed. Unless we try, we will not know if it works.
Tourism has used a very effective slogan: ‘You will never, never know, if you never, never go’. That slogan attracted thousands of people because if they did not come to the Territory, they would never know what they were missing. We could use a similar slogan here: if you never, never go there – that is, container deposit legislation - you will never, never know what you are missing, and you will never, never know what you may gain.
It is very important that we find the most appropriate system for the containers to be collected, transported and recycled. We have a railway line, so we can transport massive volumes of scrap metal or scrap glass to places where it can be easily recycled cost-effectively. There are other innovative ideas. Alice Springs Town Council is using a machine to crush glass to make footpaths - a very innovative idea. Another is shredding plastic containers to reduce the volume for easy transportation and remoulding
When I was minister for the Environment we looked at container legislation and, at that time, it was not feasible. The minister for the Environment has now suggested it is time to bite the bullet. There might be some cost to government. We may have to contribute something to start and it may evolve into something bigger and better. This is a unique opportunity for us to look at container deposit legislation and compare the differences around Australia. South Australia and other jurisdictions are looking at container deposit legislation.
Canada is an example of where people recycle containers. There are stations at shopping centres where people can deposit their used containers which are then recycled. It is very effective in Canada, and the same applies to the United States of America and most European countries. Resources are scarce in Europe and people are aware not only of the environmental pollution created by discharged containers, but also the production of these containers. They are very keen to recycle.
We are recycling computer monitors and car parts. Many cars manufactured now have parts that are recyclable. You can buy an expensive car and the dashboard will be constructed of material from other cars and, when this car becomes old and obsolete, that dashboard can be recycled. If we can recycle cars and computer monitors it would not be difficult to recycle things we use every day in massive quantities such as cold drink containers, cans, or alcoholic beverage bottles.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support this container deposit legislation. There will be a reaction by people with a vested interest. Pressure will be exerted on the Commonwealth, state and territory governments not to go there. Unless we do, we will not find the benefits to the community and the environment. I strongly support the CDL.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support this statement. Container deposit is not a new idea; the deposit refund system was originally introduced by the beverage industry. They were predominately glass bottles in those days. They wanted to guarantee the return of their glass bottles so they could be washed, refilled and resold. The change came from bottles to cans. It was traditional that beer, soft drink, and milk came in refillable glass bottles which were then recycled. It was not until after World War II the steel industry became involved and started to replace glass bottles in the beer industry - in America initially, then other countries. The convenience and disposability of cans helped boost their sales across that country, and around the world.
It was something different, something modern. People were coming out of wartime and they needed something different to cheer them up. That contributed to an escalation in sales of cans. They had advertisements such as ‘drink right from the can, no empties to return’. They tried to make it convenient to put cans in the bin, or wherever they put them in those days. That continued through the decades until about the 1960s or 1970s, when the tide started to turn in the community’s mind and thinking. That is when the litter component, associated with the beverage industry and other industries, emerged as a serious environmental issue.
Returning empties was a way of life in the 1960s. They were predominately glass and manufacturers wanted them back to recycle - not so much in the remote areas across the Territory, but it happened in the urban areas. That legacy is seen today in that there is little litter on our roadside. People started to change their way of thinking regarding recycling and reusing their items.
In the Territory, we have the Keep Australia Beautiful Council which worked to get container deposit legislation on the agenda. They ran displays at the Royal Darwin Show and lobbied long and hard to have this legislation brought before parliament. They met with resistance from the business and beverage industries but they persevered. I am not sure of their position now as I understand KAB funding comes predominantly from the beverage industry.
This move towards setting up legislation in the Territory offers us an opportunity to get it right. South Australia has had their legislation since the mid-1970s. Parts of it are very good, but there are parts that are troublesome such as the definition of what is a beverage container. Is it the can of soft drink you buy at the shop and drink there? Does it include the carton of milk you take home from the shop? Some are included in South Australia and some are excluded. I know members of this parliament who have an active interest in this issue have travelled to South Australia and have done much work on it.
It is an opportunity for change, and change for the better. We need to take our time to ensure it suits the urban areas and is sufficiently flexible to suit remote areas. It has to be owned by the community. I do not believe it can be driven by government agencies or by the beverage industry, although they are an important stakeholder.
I urge both the committee and government to ensure there is ownership by the community, and to consult all relevant stakeholders - the business community, local government, remote and Aboriginal communities, and the urban areas. I look forward to seeing some movement regarding this legislation. I look forward to draft discussion papers, or whatever government and other members of this parliament come forward with. We can take it back to the electorate to get the best model for the Northern Territory, the community and the environment.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Years 10 to 12 German Exchange Students at Casuarina Senior College, accompanied by Ms Dorothy Carmichael. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr McCARTHY (Transport): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support the statement of the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage, and the statement of other members, on the introduction of a Cash for Container Scheme in the Northern Territory. I would like to take the House on a brief walk in history to demonstrate the relevance and vision of this policy.
I will not go to the Punic Wars. I would like to start with the Industrial Revolution and talk about a culture I saw as a culture of litter. The Industrial Revolution was a period in time where we started to learn about real toxic waste. There were no real plans around toxic waste. The culture of toxic pollution emerged, and this was large-scale littering; large-scale, irresponsible disposal of products causing serious harm to our environment.
I jump to the 1950s in Sydney and my recollections as I grew up of the challenges, and some of the bases for my entry into politics. I could talk about the Parramatta River and the industry located on that river, with the toxic waste dumped into the river and the environs of the greater Sydney area. I could talk about one of our most beautiful and famous beaches in the world, Bondi Beach, and the sewage outfall. I will not go into the metaphors used when I was an adolescent in Sydney. There was this culture of rapid disposal, easiest way to go, no problems, dump it in the sea; we have never found the bottom of the sea, so it must be okay.
One of my memories of camping holidays and going down the coast was the shock and horror of seeing responsible Australians who had just celebrated a great summer holiday in the bush pulling over to the side of the road and dumping their rubbish in the bush. That is still a live and vivid vision. I questioned it then and I question it now – this culture of easy disposal, easy way out, no responsibility for what we do.
The irony here is, in the 1950s and 1960s, much small-scale recycling was going on. The big picture item that was evident, and linked to the change in our society, was that progressive, small-scale recycling initiatives were occurring.
Members on the other side might be a bit young to remember the bottle-o and rag and bone man. I could name them in this House, but this week I am a bit nervous about naming people. Old man Fatty Gratten, my next door neighbour, one of the famous Gratten brothers, was a rag and bone man. My mother was never happy with him burning tyres in the back yard when she had her washing hanging on the line. That was an example of an easy disposal method. All other products Fatty Gratten processed were recycled. Beer bottles were valuable. Milk was delivered in glass bottles and I remember, from my childhood, that milk bottles were rinsed, returned, and more milk was poured into them.
Soft drink bottles became an income for a generation of children like me. There was not a lot of broken glass or litter around our area. These products were valuable, and we were able to source them and resource ourselves. It was a physical result in a disposable cash income, and a very good environmental result. More importantly, it highlighted a behaviour, a value, a moralistic area of child development. Maybe we have to question that today. We will have that debate some other time.
The 1960s and 1970s were a major environmental awareness period in our history. I base Woodstock on a lot of it; Woodstock influenced a lot of policy today. The member for Braitling is way too young for Woodstock, because you definitely do not have much Woodstock about you. We are all learners in our society. I can teach you much about the philosophy of Woodstock.
The major campaigns regarding environmental awareness started to highlight the problem. The next irony was the culture of packaging: there were no disposable milk bottles any more, products were thrown away and discarded. On a small scale, we returned to this idea of cast away, no responsibility, it is someone else’s problem - it went into the rivers, the sea, into landfill. We started to see the problems we are faced with today. The business culture drove it, limiting recycling. The member for Casuarina highlighted how the shift in values was driven by economies, and we lost touch with the environment.
We get to Generation Y, with very individual thinking, and very individual philosophy. I have become frustrated witnessing students in our secondary schools in the Northern Territory having lunch, celebrating a meal together, participating in valuable discussion, sharing ideas and friendship. They then go back to class leaving a heap of rubbish behind them. We have tried initiative after initiative to address this. We are still trying to address the issue of individual lack of responsibility towards packaging and product. Moving on with the next part of life is more important.
What is the question? The question is, if the message of preserving our environment for our children and their children is not getting through, how do we motivate people to stop littering? Do we have time to change these attitudes? Are there better, quicker ways to reduce litter? I see it working hand-in-hand with this legislation, and this move for the Northern Territory. The government is focused on creating jobs, involving the community, and increasing our pride as Territorians in who we are, where we live, and where we are going in the future. There is no silver bullet; we need to chip away at the problem and be focused on what we can do for our country.
I am glad to say the Henderson government’s decision to introduce the Cash for Containers Scheme is part of the answer to these problems and challenges. I am proud to say the Northern Territory will be the second jurisdiction to introduce the scheme. This is another example of this government having a plan, moving forward, setting an agenda, and leading the way nationally.
We know the South Australian model works. We know that where such schemes run between 70% and 90% of the containers sold are returned for recycling, refilling or disposal. We know drink containers contribute less than 20% of litter, by volume, in South Australia compared to other states where the rate is up to 50%. Sadly, in the Northern Territory, we have the second highest litter level anywhere in Australia. This government is setting ambitious targets as part of the Territory 2030 Draft Strategy, to reduce the amount of waste taken to rubbish dumps by 50% by the year 2020. This is an honourable target which cannot be achieved without the Cash for Containers Scheme. We need to be looking at visionary policy to support the big ticket item.
I am delighted to see this scheme gets the community working for itself, for each other, and the country. I cannot wait to see kids being involved in resource, income generation, and planning and working towards an objective. It will be great to see that culture for all generations, because it is a good thing. The kids will have a chance not only to help their country; they will also have a chance to make some pocket money and create a tangible reward for changing attitude. That has to be good.
In a report for Sydney’s Institute of Sustainable Technologies on CDL, Dr Stuart White noted:
Dr White found when both financial and environment impacts were considered on a whole-of-society basis, the potential benefits of introducing CDL significantly exceeded the costs. He found the annualised nett economic benefit of CDL, where recovered container materials are recycled, was in the order of millions per year compared to the current situation. This nett economical benefit is largely due to environmental benefits, which were also valued at millions of dollars per year. The valuation of environmental benefits is exclusive to the value of improved visual amenity due to litter reduction. That cannot be overestimated for Territorians and visitors alike. I get many comments from visitors about litter; they challenge me regularly on what we are doing about it.
Dr White also found local government would realise financial benefits from the introduction of CDL through reduced cost of kerbside collection. He reported the introduction of CDL would, ultimately, improve the financial performance of kerbside recycling by reducing its costs. Dr White also found there would be a nett jobs benefit. He estimated there would be a nett employment increase in full-time jobs if CDL were implemented. Dr White advised the New South Wales government: ‘Just do it’. I say to them, follow our lead. I say to my home town, and the rest of Australia: get with the program.
Madam Speaker, I support this statement. I am proud this government is doing the hard work to protect the environment, create jobs, and lead nationally.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you are in continuation and have 10 minutes.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Thank you, Madam Speaker. There is much support for cash for containers, although some people are not quite sure. I remember when the minister introduced the cash for containers statement people were very positive and supportive.
There is not much more for me to add except pontificate on the question of whether a house will be built under SIHIP before cash for containers starts. It is like those people at Woodstock smoking that wacky weed, sitting around waiting for something to happen. Maybe the member for Daly might do something.
Jokes aside, I have spoken on this before. The Alice Springs Town Council is working to remove litter from the streets. I commend Damien Ryan, Murray Stewart, Liz Martin, Brendan Heenan, Sandy Taylor, and everyone else on the council. It is unfortunate local businesses and consumers will now be slugged with extra tax - this is the Labor way with tax. It could be the carbon pollution reduction scheme; however, that again means more tax. It is just a tax-athon by Labor all around the country.
Madam Speaker, I will not add anymore except to say: do not get caught by the iceberg waiting for cash for containers.
Mr HAMPTON (National Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I thank all members for their contribution. This statement was brought to the House at the end of April by the then minister and it is fantastic to be able to wrap it up.
It is a very big issue in the Territory. Listening to speakers it does bring home climate change, the environment, and the broader issues we face, not only in Australia but throughout the world. They are important to all of us, and to our constituents in the Northern Territory.
I have been newly appointed as minister for the Environment. I acknowledge the work of my predecessor, the member for Macdonnell, for what she had done on this, together with the reference group, and for the great passion she had in this portfolio and for bringing the CDL statement to the House.
In relation to the comments this morning, besides the negativity of the member for Braitling, I thank all other members for their positive comments on the statement, particularly in relation innovation.
The Deputy Chief Minister spoke about innovation in her contribution. I place on the record the people at Coodardie Station in my electorate, Clair and Mike O’Brien. They have come up with their own can crusher which is a very simple innovation but very effective. I was there last week. Local people have come up with a solution to crushing cans, bagging them, and sending them away. These are the things we forget - locals came up with this fantastic idea. I put on the public record that great innovation at Coodardie Station, in my electorate of Stuart.
One of the members raised the fact it is great for our kids. The member for Barkly mentioned Generation Y. It is great for kids to clean up, pick up cans and rubbish, and put them in bags and send them away for cash. It is a great way to raise funds for local schools, and to encourage kids to think about the environment. It is great to see schools and kids getting involved in these projects in my electorate at Mataranka. In my contribution to the statement in June this year, I mentioned the initiative at Lajamanu. They have been doing this type of scheme for quite a while, along with many other places throughout the Northern Territory. I know in Central Australia, Santa Teresa and Titjikala have put together a scheme to address litter issues in their own communities. It is right across the board, no matter what size the community. The member for Goyder mentioned some of the initiatives in her electorate. It is fantastic to see.
I acknowledge the reference group, which consists of the members for Fannie Bay and Nelson; they have done some great work. I am looking forward to working with them in the future, as minister for the Environment, in getting this right. My colleagues on the reference group have made some very useful comments. The member for Nelson mentioned some of the deficiencies in the South Australian scheme. I share his desire to fix these, as far as we can, in a Territory scheme. The member for Fannie Bay has highlighted the use of reverse vending machines. I know he is keen to see these as part of cash for containers, and I look forward to those discussions with him and the member for Nelson.
The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned the proposal by Alice Springs Town Council for a litter levy, and local cash for containers program. The Northern Territory government has provided funding for a glass crusher. This will go a long way to help the council deal with those issues.
I am aware of concerns about the levy among local liquor retailers and hotels. I have met with a number of these outlets, including the Gapview Resort. As a local member, and the Minister for Central Australia, I have made representations to the Mayor of Alice Springs on this issue. A Territory-wide scheme will avoid the problems of local schemes. The Chief Minister said if we can get the cash for containers scheme up before 2011, we will.
Mention was also made of how cash for containers will roll out in the regions. Much can be done making the 20 growth towns – a major policy initiative of this government - recycling hubs. The 20 growth towns will pick up this opportunity. I will be taking this up, not only as minister for the Environment, but also as Minister for Regional Development. We need to look at where we can create more job opportunities, particularly for people in the growth towns.
I pick up on a few points raised by the member for Brennan in his contribution on 30 April. I believe he was supporting cash for containers - I hope so. There seemed to be many qualifications; I will run through a few of them. He said it could be too costly and we are remote from recycling markets; he is not sure whether it can be successfully implemented; the beverage industry may not be flexible enough; and there may be a national model around the corner. Member for Brennan, that is a long list.
On the last point, let me be clear as there is some confusion. In the past, government took a position that a national CDL was the best way to go. We tried, but that does not seem likely now. If we are wrong, and at some time in the future a national CDL scheme gets up, we would not run a parallel scheme. Having implemented cash for containers, we would certainly be in a much stronger position to shape the national outcome. There is more than one way to show national leadership. We hope other jurisdictions will take our lead and see it is possible.
All the issues the member for Brennan has raised, and more, will be addressed. The big difference is we are now addressing them, not from the perspective of whether we have CDL, but how we have it. It is a very important distinction. Having made the decision to proceed, we can now design a scheme which meets these challenges, and meets the Territory’s needs.
The opposition has made a point of highlighting what was said in the past. I am more interested in action for the future. Government has made it clear we have had a fresh look at CDL, and we have made a policy shift. That is what good governments do; if circumstances change, the responsible thing is to re-examine and adapt to that change. CDL has been, over the years, a passionate area of debate, and both sides of politics have had something to say. I remember the former member for Braitling, Loraine Braham, was also very passionate about this and I acknowledge the work she did in the early stages.
Madam Speaker, I will not go tit for tat. The time has come to put a line under past debates, move forward and get on with the job. I will be working hard with the members for Nelson and Fannie Bay.
Member for Brennan, we talked last night about the EPA amendments of CDL. I am prepared to work with you and my door is always open.
I look forward to working with the reference group and all the stakeholders involved in the scheme to get it right. Let us make it happen.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
Continued from 11 June 2009.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson in continuation. I believe you have 15 minutes left.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I went through what was said on 11 June by the Minister for Asian Relations. Much was said about encouraging foreign investment, keeping our trade up, and increasing our trade for the benefit of the Territory. Some of the issues I raised on 11 June were about encouraging people to come here. I note with interest, in the lead-up to the last election the Chief Minister said he wanted to go to the polls to get certainty for the Territory, to make sure INPEX was going to come here and, in general, more certainty so we could do what the Minister for Asian Relations articulated in the ministerial statement.
The problem is we currently do not have a great deal of certainty. We have a government hanging on by a thread. We have issues still to be played out. We are still trying to attract foreign investment, trying to attract overseas people to come here to work, to set up businesses, to trade and do business in the Territory. Instead of dealing with some of the major issues in our community such as law and order, health, housing, land, and education, we hear about the Surf Life Saving Club. What I heard the member for Casuarina say during Question Time is what I hear members of government say in adjournment debate speeches. In Question Time today, I heard a number of adjournment debate speeches. That is amazing when you add up the other issues that beset the Territory at the moment.
The three pillars of any community are health, education, and law and order. What did we hear today during Question Time? Did we hear about great news in law and order? Did we hear about great news in health? Did we hear about great news in education? The three pillars of a good community and we did not hear anything. Did we hear anything about land? Did we hear about land release? No, we did not. Did we hear about the vibrant community out there and the vibrant business community?
I heard the member for Johnston say yesterday he is out there talking to businesses, and it is fantastic. I would like to talk to the member for Johnston later and get a list of people I can talk to, because I am not hearing the same thing. I am out there, at the markets, at the shopping centres, talking to small business, and they are concerned about where the Territory is headed, and they are concerned about the stability of government.
I hear about education. I talk to teachers at the markets and at the shops. They are expressing great concern about education. I have friends who are avid Labor supporters. I accept in our community we have to have people on both sides which makes for good, healthy debate. Teachers I have known for many years and who are great Labor supporters are expressing deep concern over the direction of education. I talk to police officers I have known for many years and who are great Labor supporters, and they express deep concerns over the direction of law and order. They are looking for answers. That is why they want an inquiry. They want to know where all the police officers are. The government refuses to budge on that particular issue. Health - well, I do not know if I want to go there. There are so many issues in health, and not enough time to discuss them.
These are the issues we have to get right if we want to attract foreign investment. When people come here from overseas or interstate - whether they are small business people, public servants, or Defence people - they need to know their kids are going to be safe; they are going to be educated; and they can go to hospital and get good treatment. They need to know they can go to an automatic teller machine at Northlakes Shopping Centre without getting the living daylights kicked out of them when they are getting money. These are the very basic things any civilised community has to get right. The sad thing is we do not seem to be getting it right.
Earlier, the Chief Minister stated he is very concerned about SIHIP. We have to get those things right as well. If we do not, how on earth can we get housing sorted out in suburban areas? I note when talking about the costs of this housing, the Chief Minister claimed the $772m is going to buy 750 homes. Other people are saying it is only 300. Given that in the last eight years the government has sold off over 2000 dwellings, how are you going to replace those dwellings? If houses in remote areas cost twice as much to build as those in suburban areas, how are we going to replace them? How are we going to give housing assistance to people who want to come here? How are we going to supply the people to do the range of jobs at a lower end of the socioeconomic scale? How are we going to house these people? How is the government going to attract them? If we get all this foreign investment and everything mentioned in the statement, how are we going to attract the workforce?
The caravan parks are full. I was in a caravan park talking to residents; they want to get into housing and they cannot. How do people’s kids get a house? I mentioned in this House the story about the guy whose family broke up. I have heard a few more stories of families with kids who cannot afford to get a house, cannot afford to get a start. How are we going to attract investment? How are we going to get a workforce here?
I hear from the government in these great ministerial statements that this is great; all of this is fantastic. The problem is we need to attract people and keep them here. If people cannot get a home, cannot get land, cannot have a really good health system, if there is no confidence in law and order, the health system, and education, there is one major thing missing - hope.
When I came to the Territory there was a good law and order system. The health system, although not perfect, was in slightly better shape than it is now. The education system was great; we were leaders in education. I spent a few years working with teachers and, when I talk to teachers who have been here for 30 years, they freely admit that 20 years ago we were the leaders in the country in education. We had a smaller base to work on; we were able to implement programs. It was easy to implement new, innovative programs in the Territory, and we did. People came to conferences and took away some of the innovations that the Territory created. I was talking to someone who is a long-term Territorian, a long-term educator, at an interstate education conference, and they conveyed to me we are the laughing stock of the country at the moment. It saddened me to have that conversation and listen to them explain how they were embarrassed at the things being said. That is indicative. I talk to nurses and police officers. These are the very things we have to get right.
I encourage the government, even if they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth, to consider these things. If they want to see progress they need to look carefully at some of the very basics any civilised community needs; that is, health, education, law and order, and a vibrant economy to pay for them. I hear about vibrant economies but, when I talk to people on the ground, they are concerned about what is happening down south. There are more people turning up in Darwin. I do not know how many builders are going to come here but there is nowhere to live. We just cannot get houses ...
A member: They could get a package.
Mr STYLES: Yes, they can get a package. They could see Territory Housing and find out what package they can get in four or five years time.
The other issue is a reliable power system. It appears the government is trying to fix that problem and is, hopefully, achieving some goals.
Madam Speaker, it is important we get this right. It is important that instead of adjournment debate speeches during Question Time we deal with these issues and make the Territory the great place everyone in this House believes it is, and realise the potential it has. If we do not get it right, we will not be able to do all the things the minister reports in his ministerial statement.
Mr KNIGHT (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, I add my support to the Minister for Asian Relations’ statement on Asian Relations and Trade. The Territory has a long-standing and close relationship with its Asian neighbours, and we are committed to building closer ties for our mutual benefit. This relationship has shaped the very essence of the Territory and built the vibrant, multicultural society we have today. A short walk through our CBD details the impact on our buildings of our close ties with the Asian community over the last several decades.
I will talk about this statement from the point of view of Minister for Public Employment. Members will be aware that this government is committed to a Timor-Leste Civil Service Capacity Building Internship Scheme. The Henderson government and the Timor-Leste government have developed a warm and close relationship. There have been many activities and initiatives between these governments, underpinned by the mutual benefits of exchange, reciprocity and partnership.
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste met with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory on 24 August 2008 as part of his official visit to Australia. A range of opportunities were discussed at this meeting to strengthen ties between the jurisdictions, and how the Northern Territory might contribute to the overall Australian effort to support Timor-Leste’s development in education, training and employment needs.
One opportunity lies in the area of public sector training. The Prime Minister proposed, and the Chief Minister agreed, that the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste governments cooperate in the establishment of a scheme whereby Timor-Leste civil servants gain work experience from short-term placements in the Northern Territory public sector. As the Chief Minister has announced, we have a commitment to facilitate 10 new internships for Timor-Leste civil servants. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment began working with senior representatives from the Timor-Leste Civil Service Secretariat to determine the scope of the scheme, and identify where we can add value to maximise learning and experiential outcomes for civil servants. The outcome of the consultation was the proposal to concentrate efforts on building the capacity of emerging middle managers in the fields of human resources and corporate management.
A representative from the OCPE travelled to Dili in April 2009 to progress the scheme, and facilitate the signing of the memorandum of cooperation. The visit provided the opportunity to develop positive relationships, and engender a mutual understanding of the objectives of the Territory’s internship scheme. I am informed the visit to Dili was also productive in understanding the challenges faced by the Timor-Leste Civil Service, and highlighted the importance capacity building programs play in building a workforce responsive to the needs of the people of Timor-Leste. Through the internship program, I am committed to ensuring that we will assist in creating a public sector which provides the highest quality service to Timor-Leste.
Initially, we will place the interns within the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment where they can develop an understanding of the Northern Territory public sector. Previous interns have been able to develop their own knowledge in their chosen field. They have gained experience through working in operational and practical components of the following agencies: Planning and Infrastructure; Education and Training; Health and Families; and Business and Employment.
A range of factors influenced the selection of best match agencies, including participants’ current work experience and their learning objectives. One of the participants works for the ministry of Health in the area of Human Resources. It would be great for that participant to work in a comparable business environment. The interns started their placement on Monday, 29 June 2009, for a period of eight weeks. These interns are now coming to the end of their placement with the NTPS and I am looking forward to meeting them on Friday night to hear about their experiences.
All interns have extensive work experience in the Timor-Leste Civil Service. Deolinda De Oliveira, head of Information Technology in the Civil Service Secretariat, was placed with the Department of Business and Employment; Ostelino Belo, head of HR Planning in the Ministry of Health in Timor-Leste, was placed with Health and Families; Idalina da Costa Freitas, National Director for Planning and Policy of Professional Training in the Ministry of Education, was placed in the Department of Education and Training; and Imaculada Moniz Sequeira, Human Resource Officer in the Civil Service Secretariat, was placed with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. The first four return home shortly and we are looking forward to planning for the next group of interns in the coming weeks.
I travelled to Timor-Leste with the Chief Minister, and the Minister for Business, Asian Relations, and Trade, to meet many ministers. I also met the interns before they arrived. They have done a great deal of work on their numeracy and literacy and are able to work within the NTPS. I look forward to chatting with them about their experiences. The Darwin-based Timor-Leste population welcomed them and many of the interns had family in Darwin, which was comforting for them.
Capacity building of the public sector is a huge task, as we witnessed on our visit to Timor-Leste. It is a huge undertaking. There are some 35 000 public servants, full-time and part-time, and they have much to learn. They started from scratch when Indonesia pulled out of Timor. As the Prime Minister said, Timor and Darwin are neighbours forever and that relationship will grow over time. We look forward to seeing more interns coming into the Northern Territory Public Service, and for that relationship to grow.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the minister on his statement.
Mr McCARTHY (Transport): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to support the statement from the Minister for Asian Relations, and the statements of other members from this side of the House on Asian Relations and Trade.
Northern Territorians owe their cultural histories to all parts of the globe, and a deep basis in the oldest culture on earth. I am sure we all acknowledge the first Australians and the Indigenous people of this country. It was through the Indigenous people of this country - the Yanyuwa people of Borroloola and the Gulf country - that my education on cultural fusion was taken to the next level. This relates to our relationship with our northern Asian neighbours for many centuries, the Macassan people. The Yanyuwa had, as did other Indigenous people, a relationship with the Indigenous people of Sulawesi for many centuries. It was not only a friendly cultural exchange, it was also to do with trade. There were many technological exchanges between the two groups; there were also many cultural exchanges. I have visited Macassan sites on Vanderlin Island where they were allowed to come onto Yanyuwa country for trepang fishing and trading, and were welcome visitors each year.
It seems very natural, very positive, and very important that we look today to our northern neighbours for Asian relations and trade - more and more we look to the north. I love the concept of the Northern Territory as the gateway to Asia. I remember coming to the Northern Territory and learning about this concept. When I started to travel and understand the nature of the geography of this part of the world, it seemed very logical, and now very important. Part of that importance is that we turn our faces toward one of the world’s largest democracies, Indonesia, and toward the diversity, wealth and vibrancy of the great nations in this region.
In my own electorate of Barkly, mining operations such as Bootu Creek Manganese Mine expect to produce an annual rate of 550 000 tonnes of manganese ore, with a high proportion of the product expected to be consumed by the smelters of south-west China. Emerson’s exciting gold mining plans and the Wonarah Rock phosphate project are taking advantage of the changed world supply/demand situation, with sea freight cost advantages to Asia, and proximity to the recently constructed Alice Springs to Darwin railway line. These companies are seizing on the Territory as the seaway to Asia, where the resources boom continues and economies are less affected by the tough global economic times we are experiencing. These are exciting projects for all Territorians; they bring investment, jobs and wealth for all our families and our children. They, along with the Henderson government’s handling of the boom economy, ensure the good times will continue and be shared by all.
Darwin has long been Australia’s No 1 port for the export of live cattle. It is now becoming the region’s primary service and supply base for onshore and offshore oil and gas projects, particularly in the Timor Sea. The expansion of East Arm port is a key priority of this government. The Commonwealth government’s contribution of $50m will bring a total of $150m to the port expansion. It will assist with the provision of vital facilities in this important building area on the way forward for the future. The initial port expansion will double the capacity. The new ship loading facilities can accommodate larger ships, and the move forward to transportation of bulk resources and commodities will reduce costs and boost competitiveness of Australia’s export gateways. Total trade grew 18% in 2008-09, and is expected to grow by 18% again in 2009-10.
I am proud to say 365 000 head of live cattle were exported through the Port of Darwin in 2008, with 90% going to Indonesia. The Indonesian market is predicted to double in the next four to five years. Darwin is positioned to play a pivotal role in the nation’s future industrial growth, and as a significant transport and logistics centre, particularly in the Australasian region. The port expansion will support the Territory’s future economical growth; it is setting the pace in this area of development and focus on our Asian neighbours. It will support investors looking for sea/road connections to Asia. It will also drive development of an integrated regional transport strategy of which I am proud to be a part. That is another example of visionary government policy and plans for all Territorians, creating jobs and driving investment as we go ahead in the place we all love and where we raise our families.
There is more to our relationship than meets the eye. I recently became the Minister for Arts and Museums, a portfolio I am thrilled to be involved in as part of the Henderson Labor government. Our arts and museums sector enhances the Territory lifestyle by fostering artistic expression and building a strong arts industry. Part of this lifestyle is the uniquely Asian feel to our art, housing, eateries and more. I am continually fascinated by the Top End.
This government has long supported an arts residency program in Asia, through the Arts Grant Program. Since 1995, through a partnership with Asialink, the non-academic centre of the University of Melbourne, and an initiative of the Myer Foundation, Australia’s leading centre for the promotion and public understanding of the countries of Asia and Australia’s role in the region, funding has supported a series of residencies across arts practices including arts management in the region. Several of our leading Territory arts managers have participated including Tim Newth, Artistic Director of Tracks Dance Company, who undertook a residency in Sri Lanka in 2003 which resulted in Snakes Gods and Deities, featuring Sama Ballet Company from Sri Lanka as part of the 2004 Darwin Festival. This year, Steve Eland, Director of 24HR Art, the Northern Territory Centre for Contemporary Art, has been awarded a highly competitive arts management residency in China.
Beyond this, a $30 000 Northern Territory Eastern Indonesian Partnership Program with Asialink grew out of the successes of the residency program which bore remarkable fruit in both the visual and performing arts. The partnership supported two pairs of artists to undertake residencies focused strongly on skills transfer and artistic leadership in remote Eastern Indonesia. Visual artists Winsome Jobling and Leon Stainer worked with the artist collective in Baun, Amarasi, in West Timor, and musicians Tony Gray and Grant Nundhirribala from Yilila worked in the village of Watublapi in Flores.
Madam Deputy Speaker, you can see my Bahasa Indonesia and Yolngu Matha need a bit of work - I am in the right portfolio for that to be developed. I look forward to informing the House about those developments, adding on to the local Warumungu I am learning, and the Garrwa language I have spent a lot of time learning ...
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to pause for a moment so I can acknowledge some visitors in the gallery. I advise honourable member of the presence in the gallery of students from Amanbidji Primary School, accompanied by Mr Reg Robinson and Ms Fran Clark. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a very warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Deputy Speaker, the two exchange projects contributed significantly to the revitalisation of cultural activities in these regions. Darwin audiences were also able to witness the remarkable artistic fruit of those residencies and sell-out shows during the Darwin Festival last year. Territory artists and art managers look north to our region, and reflect this in their programming. This also reflects the makeup of our Territory community.
Not all the artistic exchanges are so formal. The Readers and Writers Festival in Ubud, Bali, has also been supported by Darwin-based artists and managers for many years. Staff development residencies, supported by small professional development grants, have allowed Darwin managers, Finley Smith and Andrew Ewing - once with the Northern Territory Writers Centre - to take on pivotal roles within the festival at Ubud, to more informal borrowings. Organisations such as Top End Arts Marketing have also previously been contracted to support the marketing of that prestigious international event. Our own Darwin Chorale, under the efforts of President, Jenny Scott and Musical Director, Nora Lewis, has also forged a strong independent partnership with East Timor, with two choirs working together and performing for Darwin audiences in 2008.
Our efforts in the arts do not stop there. There is also a strong program through the Museums and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with South-East Asia. Over the last year, Joanna Barrkman, Curator of South-East Asian Arts and Material Culture, has undertaken a number of projects with our near northern neighbours, including:
From the Hands of our Ancestors - a joint exhibition with the National Directorate of East Timor. This exhibition featured the National Collection of East Timor and the MAGNT collection.
Coming up will be Heritage and Culture of East Timor. Joanna Barrkman has been invited to present a paper at the international seminar to be held later this year.
The Territory is the Asian gateway for Australia and the world. It is a seamless hot spot of culture, investment, art, religion and culture. Under this Henderson Labor government, it will continue to be enriched by its links to Asia.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I support the statement and commend it to the House.
Mr HAMPTON (Regional Development): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased to speak in support of the ministerial statement on the Northern Territory’s Asian Relations and Trade initiatives. We do have a special bond with Asia, historically, culturally, and geographically.
Some recent visitors to my office commented on the map which takes up one of the walls in my conference room. At the top, it shows countries of northern Asia, China, Mongolia, and Japan. At the bottom of the map, it ends at the Northern Territory’s border with South Australia. No Sydney, no Melbourne, no Canberra, no Adelaide, Hobart or Perth. Some of us here may think that is a good idea. The map highlights the Territory’s proximity to Asia. We always say Darwin is the gateway to Asia, as my colleague mentioned during his statement, but a picture tells a thousand words. This one really drove home the point to me.
The Northern Territory has numerous sporting links with Asia and this is what I would like to focus on in my contribution to this statement. This weekend, our own Territory Storm netballers are travelling to Singapore to take on the locals in an Australian Netball League match. I am sure members join me in wishing them all the best. Our sporting links with Asia are highlighted no better than by the biennial Arafura Games. It is fair to say that over the past 20 years the Arafura Games have grown to symbolise and cement our close engagement with Asia.
In February this year, I travelled to Macau and China to chair a meeting of participating sports delegations. I met with delegates from 14 different countries to discuss various issues relating to the games, including the definition of the level of competition for each sport, opportunities for junior sports development, and the overall future direction of the games. The ultimate purpose of the Heads of Delegation Meeting is to ensure the Arafura Games continue to meet the international sporting requirements of the region, and that we continue to receive the support of all countries which send some of their best athletes to Darwin.
This year, we hosted 2700 athletes, including 1100 international athletes from 47 different countries, with large contingents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. There were 27 sports, including eight Paralympic sports. Darwin’s magnificent new Convention Centre was the venue for the perennial favourite Sepak Takraw, the South-East Asian version of volleyball where you do not use your hands. We had a new crowd pleaser this year, another Asian sport, the national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai. It is a martial art in which you can strike your opponent with hands, elbows, knees, and shins. It was an extremely popular sport during the games.
I thank all those volunteers who helped make the 2009 Games such a great success; there were more than 1000 of them. In their official roles, they acted as ambassadors for the Northern Territory, and they have my sincere thanks.
I am sure we are all looking forward to the 2011 Arafura Games, which we plan to make even bigger and better. This government is proud to support the iconic Arafura Games.
The games are not the only event the government supports that boosts the Territory’s reputation. The Heineken Hottest 7s is a Territory success story. Over the past 20 years, it has grown from its beginnings as the Territory 7s into one of the leading international Rugby Union events. This year, the Heineken Hottest 7s included teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, yet again helping to boost the Territory’s ties with Asia. The Territory government is backing the Heineken Hottest 7s by allocating $300 000 over the next three years to help it continue to grow. Territory businesses are continuing their proud record of supporting the tournament. This year, Foxy Robinson, from the Airport Value Inn, signed up as a major sponsor, joining other sponsors including Austar, OneSteel, Perkins, SKYCITY, and Southern Cross Television. I acknowledge and applaud their support for this great event.
Basketball is another sport with strong ties into Asia. In August last year, the Darwin Airport Resort All Stars won the Brunei Cup. They followed up by playing two home and away games against the Singapore Slingers in December. Although the All Stars lost both games, the series was a great success. All parties are keen to make the fixture an annual event. The Territory government was pleased to support the event by awarding a special assistance grant of $5000 to the Darwin Basketball Association. The association has written to me stating it sees the tour as an extremely important event in continuing to build on relationships between Asia and the Northern Territory. The 24 Territory basketballers, 12 boys and 12 girls, will be up against players from DBL Indonesia, the largest basketball competition in Indonesia, which incorporates more than 17 000 basketball players.
The Timor Sea Cup is an example of how the Territory government can help promote closer relations in the region through the development of sporting ties. The first Timor Sea Cup competition was held in September last year. It is an Under 18 men’s football competition between the Northern Territory, Timor-Leste and the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timor, which includes West Timor. The Northern Territory made the final but were beaten 3-0 by Timor-Leste. During the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Timor-Leste, he announced that the Territory government will offer two NTIS scholarships to East Timorese footballers. I look forward to welcoming them when they arrive next year.
This government brought Test cricket to the Territory. We saw the national teams from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh play at Marrara. We saw with that the influx of their supporters from interstate, and from their home countries. The minister spoke of how sporting links can contribute to strong people-to-people contacts which exist between the Territory and Asia. We saw this clearly with the international cricket stars, but we also see it at every other level.
Even as we speak, the Northern Territory eight ball team is in West Timor competing for the Kupang Cup. This competition has taken place since 1997, held in Darwin one year and Kupang the next. I know the players take their sport very seriously and they still find time to collect and deliver donated books, pens and stationery to schoolchildren in West Timor. I congratulate them on their efforts - a perfect example of how sport can bring people closer together.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased to support the minister’s statement.
Dr BURNS (Asian Relations): Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank all members for contributing to this debate over the last two sittings.
It is an important statement. It underlines this government’s commitment to our Asian Relations and Trade Strategy, and it foreshadows important things on the horizon for Asian Relations and Trade. It demonstrates a plan on the part of this government in our Asian Relations and Trade Strategy. It also demonstrates team work between the Chief Minister, who is taking the lead, and the minister for Mines and Energy and Fisheries and Primary Industry. He has also played a very active part, over a number of years, in drawing investment into the Territory. As minister responsible for the port, the Treasurer plays a key role with the Australian government, which is now investing heavily in our port.
I am not going to say the point at which we are now is solely due to the efforts of this government; I repeatedly pay tribute to the vision and energy of Barry Coulter, and previous CLP governments, in building the railway.
Mineral deposits up and down the track have started to open up. There is now the prospect of more exports through the Port of Darwin. The port has gone from its initial development phase of focusing on container traffic to now focusing on bulk materials. I believe that is appropriate. That is where this government has invested. It is something I have discussed with Barry Coulter. There has been a transition from being a container port to really going with our strength, which is bulk material.
That does not mean we will not be focusing on the future and continuing to build our container traffic through the Port of Darwin. Having said that, and having paid tribute to the previous government for their achievements, I would like to draw a distinction that was illustrated by the Chief Minister during his first days as Minister for Asian Relations and Trade where he asked for a briefing on strategy and was told there was no strategy. It was, to some degree, built on ‘we will enter into a memorandum of understanding with this particular group, or this particular country’ …
Mr Elferink: You are so sensitive about this.
Dr BURNS: That is the way it was.
Mr Elferink: That was because the strategy was driven by government, not public servants.
Dr BURNS: I will illustrate what the strategies are, member for Port Darwin. This is a government that has been very strategic in what we have done in our Asian Relations and Trade, particularly in relation to our exports.
The member for Casuarina, over many years, and the former member for Drysdale, pointed to the China investment strategy. This has been about showcasing the Northern Territory, and its mineral prospectivity, to China and Japan. That has really borne fruit. We are seeing the fruit in the eagerness of Chinese and Japanese companies to invest heavily in the Northern Territory. I believe that is quite appropriate. It has also evidenced the leadership of the Chief Minister and, the former member for Fannie Bay when she was Chief Minister. They went to China and Japan, sold the Territory and got big results. What bigger result could you get than the INPEX project? The former Chief Minister, Clare Martin, and Mr Tyrrell, put the idea in the minds of the INPEX Board It was heavily followed up by the member for Wanguri, our Chief Minister. He sealed the deal and the relationship with INPEX. There is more to come. There is more investment, both Chinese and Japanese, to come.
I was amazed when the member for Sanderson asked how we were going to attract investment. Whenever the member for Sanderson speaks, it is so depressing. There is hardly a positive; it is just a grumble. He needs to acknowledge some positives here today in the achievements of the former CLP government, and their vision of the railway. To deny this government has no achievements whatsoever is being a bit blind. To say the world of the Northern Territory is so bad it is crumbling and it is caving in, he needs to be a bit more positive and realistic in his outlook.
The member for Blain talked about a number of things. He believes we are giving the impression of activity. He listed all the things that have occurred in this area. The list is impressive. We have a series of plans, and we are moving to achieve those plans. The results are there for all to see. The member for Blain should have recognised that.
He talked about Garuda at length. That is a continuing battle that we will wage. I am glad to know the member for Blain is also working on that case. We can hope there is a return of Garuda, or some other entity from Indonesia, to give some competition on some of those routes. On that particular point, we are at one.
The member for Port Darwin raised what he thought was a perplexing issue about some of the figures. I quote from Hansard where the member for Port Darwin said:
Mr Elferink: Ah, you did not make that distinction in the speech, if memory serves.
A member: Another ‘Oh ho’ moment.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: I will be honest and frank with the House. I took what the member for Port Darwin had said and made inquiries, because I needed to understand the figures myself. I can say to the House and the member for Port Darwin, I am convinced the explanation is as I have given. It was a reasonable question that you asked. I have tried to give you a reasonable answer. No doubt, we will continue the debate on other figures at another time. On this particular figure, I have given a very reasonable answer to that.
The government is recognised for its proactive and successful pursuit of new resources development. INPEX is an obvious example of the ‘can do’ attitude of the Henderson government. We are working very carefully with INPEX and local business to maximise the opportunities for Territory business and the Territory economy.
The member for Blain made an inquiry regarding the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asian Group, the BIMP-EAGA group. The Northern Territory is not a member of BIMP-EAGA. We have had a low-key, good neighbour association with the southern regional group since its inception in the early 1990s. The BIMP-EAGA concept has gained little traction as a vehicle for driving growth and investment in the subregion.
The Territory has been managing some unrealistic expectations that had previously arisen regarding the Northern Territory financial and project assistance, including travel to meetings and events. This contrasts with the previous approach, which really raised expectations beyond our capacity to meet, and the way we are approaching our contemporary relationships with Timor-Leste.
The Chief Minister and the member for Daly alluded to the fact we went to Timor-Leste two months ago. We made it plain we were there as neighbours. We do not have the resources of the Australian government or the United Nations but, as good neighbours and friends with very strong links, we are here to help. The member for Daly, in his role as Minister for Public Employment, talked about some of the exchanges, the traineeships, and mentoring that has occurred, and will continue to occur, for public servants coming from Timor-Leste, receiving a real boost for their careers and more understanding within our Northern Territory Public Service.
There are ways, in the Health and Education sectors, where we can assist. The Chief Minister, I, and the member for Daly, made it plain that we have our own commitments in health, education, and other matters. Our top priority is the welfare of Northern Territorians and delivering services to Territorians. Where we can assist, where it is appropriate for us to assist, we certainly will assist. We had feedback from the Australian Embassy that the approach was valued and appreciated by the Timor-Leste authorities.
We were not in there promising the world and delivering very little; we were in there promising what we could. Solid relationships are building. I will be travelling to Timor-Leste shortly to further build on those relationships, and for their independence celebrations. There is also a business expo, and there are a number of Territory businesses following up on opportunities with Timor-Leste. I have mentioned in this House the Darwin to Dili yacht race. I will have meetings to that effect whilst I am in Dili. This is a very important relationship for us. I am outlining the sort of approach this government is taking.
Coming back to BIMP-EAGA, the Northern Territory’s focus is on encouraging the BIMP-EAGA business council to increase its capacity to promote business lead growth within the subregion, and internal and external trade. The Northern Territory government, in association with the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory, has offered to sponsor the placement of a senior BIMP-EAGA business council representative with the chamber’s International Business Council in order to promote business matching and networking. The Northern Territory bilateral political trading and people-to-people links, with each of its member states, takes precedence over the relationship with the BIMP-EAGA subregional grouping.
Where practical, the Northern Territory continues to be involved in BIMP-EAGA cultural and community events. The member for Stuart, as the Minister for Sport and Recreation, has outlined the importance of those sporting links. I pay tribute to the former CLP government for the Arafura Games. That is a fantastic idea. This is a government that is committed to continuing the Arafura Games and building on it. Let us get a fair perspective about what has happened in the past, what is happening now, and what might happen in the future.
International trade underpins the Northern Territory’s economy, bringing together industry sectors, creating jobs, boosting incomes, and improving our standard of living. Exports are the backbone of our economy. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from international trade by giving focus to the way we use our assets and infrastructure, smooth paths for better export outcomes, and foster our business relationships with our business partners.
International trade accounts for approximately 40% of the Territory’s GSP compared with 21% nationally. The Northern Territory exports are expected to increase by 9.5% in 2008-09, with imports expected to rise by over 15% in the same period. In this context, I will be releasing a new international trade strategy titled Growing International Trade, Priority Action Plan 2009-2013. The strategy will provide the blueprint for future trade growth over the next five years that will help diversify and strengthen the Territory’s economic base. The strategy will be directly implemented through the Department of the Chief Minister. I must compliment all those officers who worked in the Department of the Chief Minister in this particular area. They are very energetic, and vital. They are always looking for opportunities for the Northern Territory in our trade, social and cultural links with our neighbours and countries to our north. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly-qualified group of people. They are absolutely passionate about building the Territory’s Asian Relations and Trade profile.
Our competitive advantages include abundant natural resources, proximity to key international markets, growing transport and logistics capability, private infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. All these things present a formidable picture of the Northern Territory, secure in its position as Australia’s Asian gateway.
I appreciate the member for Barkly saying we are a hot spot for not only trade, but cultural exchange. The member for Barkly, as did the member for Blain, talked about the history of trade and cultural links with people to our north going back to the Macassans, and to the modern time. That is very important. The member for Barkly also talked about some of the cultural exchanges ...
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I move an extension of time of 10 minutes, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Members interjecting.
Dr BURNS: An MPI is a very important issue ...
Mr Elferink: Yes, I know, but we brought it on, not you.
Dr BURNS: We know you brought it on, but again …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting.
Dr BURNS: This has been complemented with our strategic approach to bilateral relations in the region at the political, business, cultural and sporting level. This will further position the Territory as a reliable and friendly neighbour, a secure and stable location providing certainty for foreign direct investment, and will underpin our future trade opportunities. The trade strategy recognises the importance of our international trade with Asia - which Japan, China and Indonesia recognise as the Northern Territory’s core markets - and the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Timor-Leste acknowledged as emerging international markets.
I believe that sums up the activities and targets this government is embarking on to build our relationships with those countries, and also build our trade profile.
In Vietnam, live cattle export is about to start. My compliments to all those involved, particularly the Cattlemen’s Association, the department of Primary Industry, and our partners in Vietnam.
Japan and China are current major trade partners and we see increasing prospectivity, increasing investment from those particular countries.
Regarding issues the member for Sanderson raised about the business community not having confidence in the government and Northern Territory economy, I suggest he get hold of the Sensis survey and read that. Have a look at the comparisons between the Northern Territory and other jurisdictions in Australia. We are the lowest taxing jurisdiction in Australia of small business. We have reduced taxes and charges on business substantially since we came to office in 2001. I know the Treasurer has given a commitment we will be further reducing those costs.
I have mentioned in the House that we are focused on programs to support business. We are also focused on growing business overseas through our trade strategies. As the minister responsible for Asian Relations and Trade, I pledge to continue to actively work with businesses, industry, and the broader community to create opportunities for all Territorians to share in future economic prosperity, and our ongoing development and ties with the Asian region.
Madam Speaker, I commend the statement to the House.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received the following letter from the member for Goyder.
Honourable members, is the proposed discussion supported? The discussion is supported.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I propose for discussion this day the following definite matter of public importance: the impact of the rising cost of living on Territorians as a result of the Henderson Labor government’s failure to provide affordable housing and deliver sufficient land for housing construction.
By definition, public housing is secure and affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income families and individuals, particularly those who have difficulties accessing housing in the private market. Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity for every family. Without a decent place to live people cannot be productive members of society, children cannot learn, and families cannot thrive. That, in itself, goes to the heart of what happens to a community when we do not have affordable, secure public housing for people who are in those brackets of low to moderate income and, perhaps, disadvantaged.
In the last 12 to 18 months, there has been an enormous amount of commentary on the concept of affordable housing, and affordable public housing. There is an alarming decrease of affordable housing in the Northern Territory and there is a quite dramatic increase in housing stress. Housing stress is defined as when housing costs, whether mortgage or rent, exceeds 30% of income. Other factors include interest rates and land availability. We have one of those big issues here in the Northern Territory. We have a serious problem with land availability. We have no land shortage; we have lack of availability of land.
When the Reserve Bank went before the Senate Select Committee on House Affordability, they noted the median house price had risen by 180% over the previous decade compared with little over a 30% increase to the CPI. The bank concluded there was a direct link to land prices. Similar positions have been held by the relevant industry groups including the Real Estate Institute and the Housing Industry Association. Industry is saying there is little or no first homebuyer market in Darwin, Palmerston, or Alice Springs in particular.
Look at the Bellamack situation, which is way behind schedule with only 90 blocks available. When will titles be issued to the land in Bellamack? Is it true it will not be until early 2010, and no houses can be started prior to that? That puts it in the middle of the Wet Season. What delays and cost pressures will there be because of that situation? When is the next Bellamack lot release? The government’s website says by the end of August. The minister said in parliament on 18 August, which was yesterday, the second release of lots in Bellamack is expected next month. Did she mean next month 2009, or next month 2010? This is another example of delays when it comes to developing affordable land and public housing in the Northern Territory.
Let us look at the history of this government’s public statements in regard to Bellamack. A media release dated 30 June 2008, headed ‘Tender Release for Bellamack Headworks’; quotes minister Lawrie:
Here we are in the second half of the year, and what do we have? No construction, no land ownership - nothing. What about Mitchell? What about Zuccoli? This is from a media release dated 10 September 2008:
Has not happened yet, Madam Speaker. A media release dated 10 June 2009:
That is in six weeks time; however, we only have 90 lots that have been released in the Bellamack area. Is this a true statement, or is it another fictitious statement? The history of delays and espousing incorrect information goes to the core of the government. They are out of their collective depth. They have no idea, and have taken the Territory down the path of wrack and ruin when it comes to affordable housing and public housing.
The government made a statement about Berrimah Research Farm being turned into urban housing. That is a joke. It is unsuitable land, it is unwise, and is inappropriate for land infill. It lacks vision, it is problematic, and there is no real plan of where it would fit into the surrounding area.
On 8 October 2007, there was this media release:
I have spoken in relation Berrimah Research Farm before. That statement was made two years ago. We know we are currently in the state of having environmental studies done on that parcel of land. There is a very good chance there will be no land available for release in the next two to three years.
Infill seems to be the new catch word. Let us look at that infill. Does this government have a policy on infill? Has this government done a careful and comprehensive assessment on infill opportunities, an estimate of how many housing units might reasonably be built on available infill sites, and an evaluation of the critical market and policy gaps that remain if Darwin and other urban areas of the Territory are to increase the supply of housing infill locations? I say to all those questions, no. This government makes policy on the run and has no idea what I am talking about. It does not have a clue in relation to infill capability and supporting infrastructure.
Let us look at the key issues we have in the Territory. We have the lowest level of home ownership in Australia at 44.1%, compared to the Australian rate of 71%; the largest number of public housing dwellings in the country at 6.8% in urban centres, despite declining stock numbers; the highest rate of homelessness, at 248 persons per 10 000 people, compared to the national average of 53 persons per 10 000; significant land supply constraints, sometimes due to native title claims, but often not; and the highest rate of overcrowding and the ensuing issue of mobility between remote and urban communities, which has a considerable impact on larger town areas.
We have a high rate of population growth in Indigenous communities. We do not have the same range, level, and quality of infrastructure and service that is available in towns of similar size in the rest of Australia. We have a significant Indigenous population, with 73% of Indigenous Territorians residing outside the urban centres in remote communities. We have well-documented levels of disadvantage, particularly within the Indigenous population. We have a wide geographic spread, small populations, and limited infrastructure and service delivery capability and capacity. We have a steadily increasing and relatively youthful population, particularly in Indigenous populations.
We have the fastest rate of ageing in the country. By 2050, we expect to triple our numbers of people over 65, compared to a doubling for the nation in the same period. We have a relatively prosperous economy, but an enormously unequal distribution of wealth.
We also have a new breed of person that I have spoken of before - the working homeless. There are many people in Darwin who have jobs, but do not and cannot live in a house. They are living in their vehicles because they cannot afford to rent and they cannot afford to buy. In relation to the current economic downturn, and a history of being one of the most unaffordable places to live for ordinary working families and individuals buying, renting, and sustaining a home, my fear is in the current climate of rising unemployment, appropriate and affordable housing for those without secure employment will result in many more Territory households facing housing stress and homelessness.
I turn to areas of concern in the public housing sector. We know we have extremely long waiting periods to access public housing. I had a case put to me recently by the owner of a caravan park in my electorate who said a couple had come in to rent a caravan saying they would only be there for two weeks because they have put their name down for public housing. The owner had to break the bad news to them; they would be in the caravan park for up to three or four years, if not longer.
We have a growing demand in troubled times. We have a large level of outstanding rental payments which does not seem to be chased up by the government. We know we have asset management problems, and poor planning of future housing. There is an unbalanced relationship between the landlord and the tenant. There is a complete lack of support for people leaving institutions such as gaol and mental health or substance abuse facilities. There is definitely a lack of emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence. There is very little relief for temporary public housing in the emergency category.
There is a lack of public housing for the aged, but not necessarily those who are ill. We have the highest ageing population. They often need public housing in a secure and safe environment. Access to affordable, secure, seniors housing is a priority, and should be a priority. There is a lack of independent aged living centres in the rural areas of the NT major centres, not nursing homes. This government seems to have a one-size-fits-all idea regarding public housing.
This government does not seem to understand any of the aforementioned points. It does not seem to understand it has to invest in public housing, not just sell off the stocks and not replace it. In June 2000, there were 7400 public housing stocks; in June 2007, there were only 5200. This government has sold off 2200 public housing stocks and has not replaced them. They are not investing in this very important part of our Northern Territory. In their foray into Emery Avenue, they took public housing stocks off the market, refurbished them at taxpayers’ expense, put them back on the market at quite a few hundred thousand dollars, and then wondered why not many people put in a bid to pick up one of these blocks under the ballot system. As I understand it, they are still on the housing market.
The matter of public importance goes to the heart of what is wrong with this government. They cannot plan, and they cannot deliver to Territorians, particularly those Territorians who are in a disadvantaged situation. This is not getting better, it is getting worse. My colleague from Alice Springs will be talking more on public housing relevant to Central Australia and remote communities.
I urge the government to put this higher on the agenda than they have been, and stop talking about sporting events and wasting Question Time. I urge them to address the important issues in the Northern Territory, providing safe and secure, affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income families and individuals, particularly those who have difficulties accessing housing in the private market. Also, to take into consideration, and assist those who are disadvantaged, so they can have a home, which is every individual’s right.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, I will go to the first point of the member for Goyder’s matter of public importance where she talks of the impact of the rising cost of living on Territorians. I will point out some facts that seem to have escaped the member for Goyder.
The cost of living has always been higher in the Territory than elsewhere in Australia. Looking at the Consumer Price Index, which is, obviously, a good barometer for the cost of living, a year ago Darwin’s annual CPI was 3.9%. That compared with a national CPI of 5%. Darwin’s annual CPI has now dropped to 2.5%, compared to a dramatic drop in the national to 1.5%. We have seen a significant drop in the growth of the cost of living. As we have seen, the decline has been far greater nationally than in Darwin.
We know the result shows Darwin is holding strong regarding our economy. We have strong employment growth, which has led to a significant increase in population. We know those effects are putting upward pressure on our housing market. Strong employment and population growth puts enormous upward pressure on the housing market. A strong economy is not the only contributor to a growing population.
We also believe the aspect the opposition seems to think is unimportant - paying attention to lifestyle - adds to the attractant. The wave pools, the water parks, those national level sport games we have here, international concerts, BassintheGrass, and the better fishing with better boat ramps all go to ensuring our lifestyle is the best in the country. This is part of the reason why people are coming here and, importantly, choosing to stay.
We have the most generous pensioner concession scheme in the country. It is designed to help keep our Territorians here when they retire. We are also paying attention to those cost of living impacts on families at the other end of the scale. We remain the only jurisdiction in Australia to provide a childcare subsidy. All these different government programs help to contribute to the growing population. It is fair to say there is no doubt we are being far more successful than we ever anticipated.
If you look at population growth figures in recent years, they have gone way beyond forecasts. We have achieved population growth of 2% for the past three financial years. This is absolutely unprecedented in the Northern Territory and this has put significant pressure on our housing market. As Australian Property Monitors commentator, Mathew Bell, said recently on ABC radio in reference to the Darwin market, unemployment had not really moved. People come into the area for jobs and as people do that the pressure on housing prices remains.
This is why the government has launched our Housing the Territory strategy. It includes a range of measures to improve housing affordability and to help get more Territorians into home ownership. We have a range of measures in the Housing the Territory strategy which includes: Homestart NT, which is about providing entry into the marketplace for people who are on the lower end of the income scale; and Buildstart, which we have now extended to 31 December 2009. We are the only place in Australia that has a scheme like Buildstart, which is about attracting investors into the property market to increase that all important rental stock. No one else has an initiative like Buildstart. We did that on our own, and we will continue to help boost our rental stock market. It is the most expansive land release program in the history of the Territory. We have set up, for the first time, a new affordable housing rental company. The Housing Minister will talk more on these initiatives, but I will focus on Buildstart and land release.
Buildstart has approved 336 applications, and the $2.8m expended so far has leveraged significant additional investment into our construction industry. It was widely welcomed by the construction industry when introduced, and even more widely welcomed when we extended it, because people knew, as a product, it was working. It is working to create more houses and more units in the property market, importantly from investors, which creates more rental stock. ‘More delight for new home builders’ was the response from the Property Council when we extended the Buildstart program through to the end of December 2009. Similar comments came from many others in the construction industry.
I heard the member for Braitling laugh, but this is the reality of the feedback that is coming from the sector. The people are building the houses, building the units; they get that Buildstart works. We are the only place in Australia to have created a scheme like Buildstart, and we have stuck to it. We have extended it because there has been a significant uptake in Buildstart; new rental responses to the housing market pressure. The opposition would have you think that we are simply doing nothing. These are facts, this is happening; it is on the ground.
The Northern Territory government is also undertaking a variety of initiatives in creating more land available for housing. We have identified four new suburbs - Bellamack, Johnston, Zuccoli and Mitchell. They will provide around 3700 new residential lots for housing. That will increase Palmerston’s population by 15 000 people. The government is providing $50m to develop the infrastructure headworks for these exciting new suburbs. That is not money in the never-never. That is money being spent this financial year to put in the headworks for the new suburbs.
Last month, 48 blocks within Bellamack were sold off the plan to the general public through a ballot process. The second stage of Bellamack will be released to the general public in September 2009. Bellamack will, ultimately, provide 670 new residential lots.
We are the first government in the history of the Territory to set aside lots in new residential developments specifically for affordable housing and social housing, otherwise called public housing.
In Johnston, the development rights for the construction of the first 200 lots are expected to be released shortly. Planning for Stage 2 of Johnston providing a further 400 lots is also well under way.
We are also planning for the new city of Weddell. We are going to have a national competition for designing Weddell. It is estimated that 10 000 blocks of land, catering for a population of 40 000, will be situated in the new city south of Palmerston.
Separately, we are working with Defence Housing Australia in turning off lots at the new suburb of Lyons. We have seen how quickly that suburb is taking off. The next major release will be Muirhead, on the other side of Lee Point Road. Muirhead will yield approximately 1000 lots. It is a significant-sized subdivision in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
An important factor in bringing land to the market is minimising delays in the assessment process. We have been running a system to fast-track that release. Where you normally go through several stages, we are running a system of stages in parallel to speed up the process. We are running our planning designs in parallel with our headworks. Tenders and works are under way so, when you have a release, you actually have a site ready to start subdividing. Separately, we have also created the development one-stop shop. That provides developers with pre-application meetings with a planner to assist with the preparation of an application, allocation of a planner to guide applicants through the assessment process, pre-application planning forums, and pre-application briefings of the Development Consent Authority.
We know housing costs are too high and we are taking action to bring those costs down across the Territory. I have focused on the Top End, but, before Labor came to government, Alice Springs was land locked. We negotiated with the traditional owners of Alice Springs to release Larapinta in stages, as we have done. We also have the ILUA on Mt John Valley, and that is proceeding well.
New ABS housing finance data released last week shows more Territorians are becoming homeowners. This is the fact; this is the reality. The annual trend figures show there was a 35.8% increase in owner/occupier finance commitments for housing this June compared to June of last year. The Territory’s first homeowner purchases are up 30.6% year on year. Monthly owner/occupier housing finance commitments have been trending upwards since the global recession began to take effect in mid-2008.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia’s home loan affordability indicator shows home loan affordability in the Territory increased by 13% in the March quarter. That makes the Territory the second most affordable jurisdiction behind the ACT. As you can see from those independent figures - Real Estate Institute of Australia figures - affordability is increasing. The owner/occupier financial commitment for houses is increasing and the first homeowner purchases are increasing.
We have seen the take-up of Buildstart bringing that all-important investor construction into the marketplace. There is no doubt that we have a very tight rental market. That is why we created Buildstart, which is starting to flow through into the marketplace. We are not going to stop there. We are very focused on affordable housing models and the Minister for Housing will speak on that.
This is a government that puts its money and its action where its policy lies. There is $108m in the 2009-10 Budget to turn off new suburban developments in the Territory. We have auctioned land in Katherine. We have auctioned land in Tennant Creek. We have subdivisions turning off for Alice Springs. We are planning for the next major stage which will be AZRI. That is going through the Alice Springs planning processes under the tutelage of the Planning Steering Committee. That is out for public exhibition and consultation at the moment.
We are not resting on what we have done. We will continue to invest in turning off residential land across the Territory. We are planning subdivisions across all the major communities. Across the Territory, SIHIP is going to come in and build on those subdivisions. We are signing leases to get SIHIP’s process rolling out the door. We are working in our major urban growth centres and we are also working in our regional centres, and our remote centres.
Historically, housing has been a significant need in the Territory. As a small market, ours will always be impacted by movements in population growth, and significantly, by movements of people from remote to regional centres, and regional centres to the major urban centres. We will always be impacted by Defence movements in and out of the major urban markets where they exist, classically, Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, and Alice Springs. When I say Defence in Alice Springs, I am talking about the impact of the US establishment there.
We are a small jurisdiction with a small marketplace which makes us far more volatile to the movement of numbers of people who are not necessarily predicted or controlled by state level jurisdiction. We will have a steady, clearly articulated release of land and subdivisions going forward so investors know what is coming on to the marketplace, where it is coming on, where the opportunities lie, not just for investors but, importantly, those first homeowners.
The Minister for Housing will talk about the public housing component. We are being more innovative in the realms of public housing than any other government has been. Enshrining it into land release policy is a first in the Territory. It took the Henderson government to do that. No other government has mandated, as policy, 15% of all land release enshrining affordable and social housing. It is not hit and miss anymore. You have a dedicated stream of land and lots becoming available for affordable and social housing. We are working very closely with the federal Rudd government. One of the things that I found remarkable about the Rudd government is they were the first federal government in over a decade to boldly and strongly step into the space of tackling homelessness, and of helping state and territory levels to create new social housing stocks and public housing.
The homelessness funding is agreed to between the Commonwealth and Territory governments. That is under the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, who will talk about that. When you talk about the need to get housing for the homeless, there are funds in the budget to provide that housing. In the past, under Howard, it was left to your own devices - good luck, you will never meet the need. Rudd has gone there in a very significant way, with tens of millions of dollars committed to tackling homelessness in Australia, and we are the beneficiaries of that in the Territory.
In relation to social housing, $64m is rolling out on new social housing. We are able to refurbish old stock that has been off line because it was damaged, and bring that stock online to create more public housing in our urban centres, which is currently under way. There are new construction opportunities as well.
We have had the supported accommodation opportunities tackling the homelessness. We will also have the mainstream public housing opportunities to increase the stock. We will also be …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: They are like children really …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex, if you wish to have a conversation with another member please leave the Chamber.
Ms LAWRIE: … refurbishing existing public housing stock so it can come back online to provide for a reduction in the waiting list. We are providing supported accommodation housing stock for people in need of supported accommodation. They tend to be the harder task of homeless. They also require other supports in and around mental health services, which we have been funding, and increasingly funding, under our Labor government. Importantly, we are providing transitional housing options which, in the past, has been the missing link in that picture. Those who understand the movement of people in and out of urban centres in the Territory understand the critical importance of that. That is not just for Darwin, it is for Alice Springs. We are also looking at opportunities for Tennant Creek and Katherine.
We have this opportunity because the Territory government has a proven record of working well with the federal Rudd government. Fortunately for us, they want the same outcomes. They want to improve housing stock in the Territory, whether it is urban, regional, or remote. They want to improve the range of affordable housing stock, social housing stock, and transitional housing in the Territory.
You say there is a rising cost of living; the CPI is dropping. You say we are failing to provide affordable housing; we are the first government that has created an affordable housing policy. We are the first government that has looked at affordable housing models to introduce to the Territory. Regarding failing to deliver sufficient land for housing construction, we are actually turning off new subdivisions in Darwin and Alice Springs; we have gone to auction in Katherine and Tennant Creek - new land turning off for new residential development.
We have done much in a short time under the Henderson government, and we have more to do. We are committed to continuing to fund the infrastructure required to turn off new subdivisions. We are committed to working with traditional owners, particularly in Alice Springs, to reach agreements to turn the land off in Alice Springs. This is why we will continue to go to auction and turn lots off in Katherine and Tennant Creek. We have growth in those regional centres, which is a great result for the Territory.
Madam Speaker, this MPI shows how out of touch and ignorant the members of the opposition truly are.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for talking about this MPI. It is important she talks on this. I know this MPI mentions housing and land, but it is more of a housing question. There was no chance the Minister for Housing would lead the debate. It is good to hear someone who knows a little more than the member for Daly talk on it. I hope the member for Stuart, the Minister for Central Australia, can take second lead. It would be great to see some proper words by someone who actually cares a bit about Alice Springs, rather than the former Minister for Central Australia, who did not even live in Central Australia.
I thank the member for Goyder for proposing this matter of public importance regarding the Henderson’s government failure to provide affordable housing and deliver sufficient land for housing construction. It is a very important point. It is one of the biggest problems in Alice Springs. We hear much about the levels of crime, antisocial behaviour and violence in our streets. However, I attribute many of the problems in those areas to housing. With housing comes a number of areas, such as infrastructure, as the minister just touched on, land release and so forth, and the problems of overcrowding and homelessness, combined with other social concerns such as alcoholism, contribute to law and order.
I welcome this matter of public importance. It is important to talk about several different issues today such as housing stress and housing models. I will also talk of land tenure, and reform of land tenure. We are going to have a new era in housing in the Northern Territory. It will be great to have that and a new era in land release.
My role in this matter of public importance is to raise the concerns of Alice Springs and Central Australia. I am sure the Minister for Central Australia will get trumped by the incompetent member for Daly. Unit prices in Braitling have gone up by 21.9% in the last three months. House prices in Larapinta have gone up by 19.4% in the last three months. That is a significant increase. It is a large cost burden for anyone trying to get into the market. We do not have a plethora of million-dollar mansions in Alice Springs. We do have a number of high-quality dwellings, but there are many in the lower bracket. This increase is creating housing stress by way of prices, mortgage repayments, rental repayments, and council rates for first homebuyers and others. All these things are going up and it is causing problems in Alice Springs. It is a bit of a supply and demand equation.
It was interesting to hear the minister singing the praises of reports. We can do searches on the Internet and quote from different things. That is all well and good and, at certain times, that is what needs to happen. Contributing to a debate, the best information you can give is on-the-ground information. The minister spoke about a 38% increase in commitments for financing in the Northern Territory. You can see that as a good thing or a negative. I prefer to look at the positive side of it. In this case, the reason there is a 38% increase in commitments for financing is because prices went up and there has not been any land release or housing construction. For those people trying to get into the market it is not a positive. If it was because there were more sales at a reasonable amount of money, that would be a different story but that is actually not true.
I am interested to hear what the Minister for Housing thinks about housing stress for residents of town camps in Alice Springs We have people who live in Hidden Valley Town Camp, such as Queenie and her family - six people to a bit of tin. They pay $50 each per fortnight, $300, to live under a piece of tin - no shower, no bathroom, no bedrooms, nothing. There is a tap in the dirt which cannot be turned off. That is all they get. For $300 a fortnight they get one tap that does not stop running. It is an absolute disgrace. I know there are tremendous issues involved with town camps, but I believe the Northern Territory government has a part to play.
When we talk about housing stress, let us think about what those people in those cruel living conditions are paying for. This happens in all communities in the Territory. If you go to the Utopia region, there are people paying rent to live under tin sheds. I know the Minister for Housing will not know much about this. He does not get out much and he does not know much about his portfolio. There is no reason these people should be paying this amount of money to live in a tin shed.
We heard the minister talking about the stimulus package, and how well they get on with the Rudd government. Well, they get on so well, they have the ability to knock down vacant Territory Housing properties to build a new one. There is a house on Irvine Street in my electorate, and there is also one in the member for Araluen’s electorate - the Territory government has knocked down two perfectly structurally sound three-bedroom houses to build a four-bedroom house. In Irvine Street it cost $426 000 to build a new house. If this government was serious about solving housing stress and some of those problems, they could have gone to a greenfield site, a clear block of land, and used that $426 000 to build a new house. I know that a house does not cost $426 000 to build. I do not know why the Minister for Housing does not know that. We have turned one housing stock from a three-bedroom to a four-bedroom for $426 000; a structurally sound house. That comes from the builder who knocked the house down to build a new one. He said there was nothing wrong with that house. We are not addressing any of those concerns.
Let me talk about housing models - public, private, and community housing models. I support a model of housing that has all three elements. I believe that housing is a linear model where you start at the lower end of housing and continue to the higher end of housing. You might start in a caravan park, or temporary or emergency accommodation. You might transition to private rental or public rental, then into private ownership at a different escalating scale from a lower-end house up to a higher-end house. People generally follow that pathway. The young homebuyers gradually upgrade.
The problem we have in Alice Springs is that the emergency and temporary housing is full. We hear from places like NT Shelter and other bodies in that sector that we need more short-term accommodation. I am not sure we do need short-term accommodation; there is no evidence out there to say we do. I know what we do need, though. We need to ensure the people who are in short-term accommodation or emergency housing or caravans or the like, are not bottlenecked going up that linear model.
At the moment, there are no houses in the private rental market for people to move into. We have a vacancy rate of zero. If people want to move out of this into that, they cannot follow it through. The people who are in the lower end of private home ownership cannot move into the medium end of home ownership because there are no houses available. Most people cannot move into the multimillion dollar sector because there is none available. That is the problem we have with housing in Alice Springs - a lack of supply is causing problems.
Public housing is following the same problem of being choked up by the number of people in public housing. People do not have that opportunity to get out into the private sector because there is no private sector housing available. I had a look at the wait times for public housing in Alice Springs. For a one-bedroom non-pensioner residence in Alice Springs, it is nearly a five-year wait. There is a four-year wait for a three-bedroom house. The government should try addressing some of these issues. The Minister for Planning and Lands said her government was addressing these. A five-year wait for a one-bedroom non-pensioner apartment in Alice Springs is crazy. This is the Northern Territory, not inner city Sydney or Melbourne.
I saw a link on the website of Territory Housing that talks about the waiting list. It is titled ‘Making Yourself at Home’. I seek leave to table this document after I have read it, Madam Speaker.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: This is a bit of an oxymoron, I think. It says:
No wonder you cannot get a cab at Darwin Airport at 1 am if it works like the public housing waiting list ...
Mr Westra van Holthe: And vice versa.
Mr GILES: That is right. It shows exactly what is happening. ‘The public housing waiting list usually works like a cab rank’. Sometimes, it feels as though you are waiting six years for a cab at Darwin Airport.
Some of the stimulus money that has come in should have sought to attack the housing demands we have but it has not. We should also see action by this government to address some of our land release shortages. The minister was talking about land release that has occurred Alice Springs. The Albrecht Drive subdivision, which is the only land that is going to be available soon, still has not had titles issued. If we want to address some of these things, we have to release land.
I have not seen the government do anything in regard to town camp land. It does not have a strategy. It has played the game of blame the federal government: ‘Yes, we would like to turn them into suburbs, but we will not do anything about it’. This government holds the leases on town camps. This government has the option to take action on those leases; it has the option of address the housing circumstances of people in those town camps. There are three town camps that Lhere Artepe, the native title body in Alice Springs, wants to take action on: freehold some land, give people home ownership, and give people the choice, and have economic development. This government will not do it. It is that whole spin cycle: likes to talk, but not like to do.
Town camps in Alice Springs have the best opportunity. The local Aboriginal people living in town camps in Alice Springs have an opportunity, put simply, of becoming rich through a reform of land tenure on those town camps. There is no reason why the private sector should not be able to come into town camps and build houses for people. Government does not have to bear the sole responsibility of providing housing for Aboriginal Territorians. That is the way we see it outside of the urban areas. When we get to town camps or communities, it all has to be government owned. That is not the case. We should be giving people the opportunity to buy their own homes. The private sector should be allowed to come into town camps, buy some old houses, renovate them, and lease them back to tenants. That is how the private sector works. They can solve the problems; not the public sector, as we are seeing now. The failures of this government are endless and this is another example. Maybe the government could go further and release land in Ti Tree and Tennant Creek and all over the place. I do not think they will do that.
We hear much about the Buildstart program. We know in Alice Springs there is only one place approved under the Buildstart program. This comes to the spin of this government. Today, the minister for Planning said that 336 applications had been approved for Buildstart. Last week, the Chief Minister announced the Buildstart program had approved 205 applications worth $2.5m, and announced the new Territory city of Weddell. How do we have an increase of 131 approved applications with Buildstart in seven days? That is what amazes me. It proves this government is all about spin and no action.
Mr KNIGHT (Housing): Madam Speaker, what a pathetic effort at an MPI.
Today, on this definite matter of public importance I outline the work that is well under way to provide affordable housing for Territorians. I am pleased to advise the House today of the major work this government is undertaking to provide more public housing, affordable housing and affordable rental properties. The Henderson government wants every Territorian to have access to safe and affordable housing. We have invested a record $390.3m in Budget 2009-10 to Housing the Territory. This is a 92% increase from last year’s budget.
Our Housing the Territory strategy is the most comprehensive overhaul of housing in the Territory’s history. It will include offering new types of public housing homes, reforming the way public housing is delivered, and the creation of an affordable housing rental company. In 2008-09, this government allocated $116m to the Territory Housing construction program. This included more houses for teachers, nurses and police in the bush; upgrades to our public housing complexes; upgrades and renovations to public housing properties; and investment in Indigenous housing.
In the area of public housing, much activity is under way to not only build new homes to add to the public housing stock, but also undertake major repairs and maintenance to ensure public housing stock is appropriate and lasts. We know the needs of public housing tenants are changing. For example, the senior population is a rapidly growing group within the Territory, and we need to house them in an appropriate environment that best suits this particular group’s needs. As a result of these changing needs, work is under way to ensure we have a wide variety of public housing that best meets the needs of all residents.
It is great to be able to advise the House that we are in the process of building an initial 22 dwellings, with an average estimated cost of $320 000 per dwelling. These works should all be completed by early next year. New dwellings will be located across the Darwin region, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek. They include a four-bedroom home in Araluen, a four-bedroom home in Gillen, six two-bedroom units in Bakewell, two two-bedroom duplexes at Humpty Doo, a four-bedroom home at Malak, two two-bedroom duplexes at Malak, four two-bedroom units and four two-bedroom duplexes at Millner, and a four-bedroom home at Tennant Creek - a wide variety of locations. These properties offer a great mix of type and location. I look forward to the completion of all those properties.
I advise the House the contract for the four-bedroom home at Malak has been awarded. The slab will be poured for this house next week, so a great result. A contract has been awarded to Probuild for the construction of three four-bedroom houses, two in Alice Springs and one in Tennant Creek. That is great news as well. The slabs have been poured for the two houses in Alice Springs. The slab will be poured for the house in Tennant Creek on Thursday. The remaining dwellings will be going out to public tender in the next few weeks. I look forward to advising the House on the progress of this important project, to deliver more public housing right across the Territory.
A substantial repairs and maintenance program is also under way for our public housing stock. At 31 July 2009, expenditure reached $2.44m. At least 259 dwellings have now been upgraded, and have had common areas upgraded also. Repairs and maintenance is important. It means we can bring public housing stock back online that was previously not available for housing tenants. This government is working hard to deliver more public housing to reduce public housing waiting times. We want to get people housed quickly, and as appropriately as possible.
I must also commend the federal Rudd government for the Commonwealth stimulus package. This package will deliver an additional $54m to build more social housing right across the Territory. The government has made a bid for this Stage 2 money for a number of projects. These projects are focused on urban centres. They will offer a variety of dwelling types. I look forward to updating the House on the success of this bid once it has been approved by the federal minister for Housing. The total of the stimulus money into social housing in the Territory is roughly $64m. Providing appropriate public housing is important. We need to provide affordable housing and rental options. The Northern Territory government is committed to this, in particular, for senior Territorians or first homebuyers.
One example of this is the government’s commitment to provide affordable housing and rental options at the Parap Gateway project. This is a key election commitment that the Henderson Labor government is delivering on. Work will soon be under way. The Parap Gateway demonstrates this government’s commitment to redeveloping old high-density public housing stock, while providing affordable housing and rental options for Territorians. This is a long-term investment in the future of Parap which will create new public and affordable housing opportunities. The redevelopment will deliver a mix of purchase and rental housing for the area.
Demolition and redevelopment of the Wirrina Flats is a first part of this project. The demolition contract has been advertised. Work will begin on the important project in October. Tenants living at Wirrina have been relocated across Darwin and Palmerston. No one has been left without a home. Seniors living at Wirrina will be given a first preference to move back into the new accommodation once redevelopment has commenced. The Wirrina flats development will provide appropriate seniors accommodation and affordable housing. I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his support and assistance in getting this project under way.
The Parap Gateway redevelopment will be the first project for the affordable housing rental company announced as part of the Housing the Territory strategy. The company will provide rental housing …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Giles: The member for Daly cannot talk about me …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling!
Mr Giles: … he talks about education and he …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling! When I call order that means you cease.
Mr KNIGHT: Glass Jaw Giles, they are calling him now.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I ask the member for Daly to refer to me by my electorate rather than my name.
Mr KNIGHT: Sorry, Madam Deputy Speaker, the member for …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I do not really want to interrupt the member for Daly’s reading, but I ask him to withdraw.
Mr KNIGHT: Madam Deputy Speaker, I withdraw Glass Jaw Giles. I will refer to him as the member for …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! You are not supposed to repeat the same sentence when you are withdrawing and be smart. That is the purpose of standing orders.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: The minister knows that. Minister, I ask you withdraw those statements please, and to only refer to the member for Braitling as the member for Braitling.
Mr KNIGHT: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. A classic example of what I just stated. Madam Deputy Speaker …
Mr GILES: He has not withdrawn yet.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, did I hear you say you have withdrawn?
Mr KNIGHT: I did withdraw, several times.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Parap Gateway redevelopment will be the first project for the affordable housing rental company announced as part of the Housing the Territory strategy. The company will provide rental housing targeted at low- to middle-income households and seniors. Extensive work is under way on the structure of the company. I look forward to advising the House of how this company will take shape and deliver affordable rental opportunities for Territorians.
We know there is a demand for rental properties between the price of public housing and the higher priced rental private properties in the marketplace. The affordable housing rental company will help meet this gap. It is about providing housing options for those people who cannot afford current commercial rents. The first project for the affordable housing rental company will be the Parap Gateway redevelopment. The company could potentially have 200 units located in it. This is an exciting step …
Mr Giles: Do know what you are talking about? Can you talk without reading?
Mr KNIGHT: I will bring out those Yirrkala stats from 2007. I will bring out the election results from 2007 again ...
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This is an exciting step in providing affordable rental properties for Territorians. In some cases, we have redeveloped public housing stock and put them on the market primarily for first homebuyers. Once these properties are sold, all monies from the sale are reinvested into Territory Housing to provide more public housing ...
Mr Giles: You should sit down. You are an embarrassment to government.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, I will call order again. If I call it again for you, for an interjection, I will put you on a warning. Please allow the minister to finish. Thank you.
Mr KNIGHT: Madam Deputy Speaker, one such redevelopment sale was the 16 units located at 26 Emery Avenue. This redevelopment was targeted at low- to middle-income earners. We chose this site to ease the high density of public housing in the area, provide a much-needed boost to affordable stock, and also to provide more seniors accommodation which all the monies will go back into. At the close of the ballot process on Friday, 14 August, 13 applications have been approved as being applicable. There was significant interest towards the end of the week in these properties. Properties such as Emery Avenue offer first homebuyers and low- to middle-income earners a real step into the market.
This government is committed to providing assistance to low- to middle-income earners to access housing through Homestart NT. Homestart NT loans contain a number of features making it easier for Territorians to achieve home ownership. It is a program this government is particularly proud of. Homestart NT commenced on 1 June 2009 to assist more Territory families to fulfil their dream of owning their own home. Since its launch, there have been 85 applications for assistance through the Homestart NT program, with 37 applications approved in principle, one loan funded, and a further five applications reaching final approval stage. Twenty-one clients who have received assistance are using $6.1m in loans and share equity purchases. A further 17 loans are awaiting settlement to the value of $5.3m in loans and share equity purchases. That is great news. The scheme is directly targeted to the affordable housing market so that low- to medium-income earners can access around 40% of the housing market in their region using no more than 30% of their gross income. Homestart NT builds on the success of the former HomeNorth Xtra program, which has helped 1175 Territory households own their own home.
We are focused on building and upgrading public housing to meet our areas of highest demand: $10m will go into Bellamack seniors village; and $11.2m to upgrade 175 homes and build 22 new public homes through funding from the Australian government’s Nation Building Jobs Plan. The Parap Gateway redevelopment, and 15% of land releases, will go towards both affordable housing and public housing. That will involve the 20-year land release program. While we are undertaking to increase our public housing stock, we are also working hard to provide additional affordable housing and rental options. This work, coupled with the work of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, will ensure more affordable housing is available for all Territorians.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we are delivering more public housing to meet the growing variety of needs, more affordable housing, and more affordable rental properties. There is still work to be done by this government, but it is committed to delivering more affordable housing options for all Territorians.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Deputy Speaker, in contributing to this debate, I refer to page 118 of the Regional Statistics 2001 for Public Housing. Public housing dwellings in the Northern Territory totalled 7451. Six years later, in the 2006-07 year, public housing dwellings were 5352. That is 2099 fewer public housing dwellings. I rest my case.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table these documents.
Leave granted.
Discussion concluded.
Mr KNIGHT (Housing): Madam Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am aware that there is a time limit; it is an adjournment debate.
The Territory government, as we know, has joined forces with the Commonwealth government to roll out record school infrastructure across the Territory. In the electorate of Karama, we have been very successful in the first two rounds of the schools grants.
I congratulate O’Loughlin Catholic College and the Principal, Lester Lemke. They received $404 000 for a new science lab that is going to be a great addition to the school. This comes on top of a significant building program currently being undertaken at O’Loughlin Catholic College as a result of a partnership with the Northern Territory government in securing funding, where we have seen new classroom blocks, new arts facility, and new toilet blocks. There is enormous expansion going on at O’Loughlin Catholic College, and it is great to see the benefits that will bring to the quality of education for the students.
Manunda Terrace Primary School is the recipient of $2m for a new library at the school. It is a small primary school with a very diverse school population. Manunda Terrace is a great school. They are innovative in their learning and teaching programs for children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I congratulate Manunda Terrace on an exciting $2m grant for a new library.
Marrara Christian School received $2.799m for a library. I have seen Marrara Christian School grow from strength to strength over the last few years. They have construction programs at the school. The exciting thing about Marrara Christian School is they often undertake their own construction through the program they have training senior students in construction.
Malak Primary School has received $2m for an administration upgrade and a meeting place. It is a fantastic school. They are already in the midst of a construction program due to the $1m from the Territory government to upgrade the assembly area. We are seeing the reshape and redesign of Malak Primary and it is an exciting time for that school.
Holy Family School received $2m for a library and an outdoor learning centre. I was talking to someone connected to the school recently and they were telling me about the innovative and exciting design the school has embarked on.
We will be receiving these much needed state-of-the-art facilities in the local schools. It is going to make a big difference to the quality of teaching and learning in the schools. I thank the Rudd government. I am pleased to be the Treasurer and Infrastructure minister who sat at COAG to ensure the Territory was signing up for these funds.
We have a very vibrant and diverse community in my electorate. Danila Dilba, a social wellbeing service and health clinic, is working out of Malak Shopping Centre. It makes sense they are there because we have a significant Indigenous population in the electorate of Karama. They have shown that not only are they taking care of the primary health care needs of Indigenous residents, but they are focusing on their social and wellbeing as well. They have an important range of counselling programs. They have ventured into a new area focusing on youth. They have created a new Malak Youth Drop-in Centre at the back of their social and wellbeing facility. It is already very popular with the youth of the area. They are open after school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also on Friday. They are staffed by qualified youth workers who are working with the local Indigenous children.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Karama, can you pause for one moment, please? Members, conversations that are being held in the Chamber at the moment are interfering with the member for Karama’s ability to be heard. Thank you.
Ms LAWRIE: The age range at Danila Dilba’s Youth Drop-in Centre is 10 to 20 years old. The latest project being run from the centre is a small lawn mowing and yard cleaning service. This is an initiative started by the young, local Indigenous boys. It goes to show the initiative of these kids when they are given the right support in their community.
I hosted the annual Karama Biggest Morning Tea at Karama Tavern. I host it there every year. It was a huge success. I sincerely thank the Karama and Malak residents for coming along. Thanks to Kerry and Donna for doing the hard work and preparing all the food. We raised $3480. We made No 2 in the Territory’s top 10 for fundraising for the Cancer Council morning tea. Thanks to the La Pira family, who provided a significant donation, and the Karama Tavern staff. They do a Friday night whip-around at the tavern, and they donate the money to charity. That week, they donated to the Cancer Council through the morning tea. I thank Rachel, a local mother, who has her own business, Designer Cakes. She supplied beautiful cakes as well.
The Darwin Community Arts has established at Malak Shopping Centre. Bob and his team are doing a fantastic job. They have Internet facilities set up. Local youth come and use the Internet and do their homework there. I donated plants for their latest project, the garden overhaul at Malak community garden. It will produce local produce for families to eat. It shows that with innovation and effort, Karama and Malak are great places to live.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Deputy Speaker, I speak tonight about a letter I received from a law firm in Alice Springs, and I am glad that the Health Minister is here so he can hear this. It was sent to me through the Alice Springs Hospital X-ray department. It says:
That was sent to me by the law firm Povey Stirk.
I ask the minister what he proposes to do about this? I reiterate the line ‘this would not be countenanced in Darwin’. Alice Springs, once again, is playing second fiddle. Is the minister aware of the lack of CT scanning in Alice Springs, and what does he propose to do? I have been asked to make some representation to the minister. I have chosen to do so on the floor of parliament: a direct representation to the Health Minister. I will be following it up with a letter. I look forward to hearing from the Health Minister as soon as possible. The minister may oblige and provide some information regarding this so I can advise the law firm, and the constituent, in relation to what is happening. Perhaps the minister could speak to his department, find out what is happening, and get the CT scan operating in Alice Springs. He might oblige by providing some information before the end of this evening.
Mr VATSKALIS (Casuarina): Thank you, member for Greatorex. The first thing I will do is check on the CAT scan. I know there is a CAT scan machine there. It is one of the few small hospitals around Australia that has a CAT scan machine. I do not know why the scanner is not operating, and I will provide feedback.
I wish to speak about my electorate of Casuarina, and the upgrades that have taken place to the schools and the police station.
The new Casuarina Police Station is now open. Thanks very much to Superintendent Peter Gordon for taking me through the police station. It is a state-of-the-art police station, recently completed at a cost of nearly $45m. The old police station was there prior to Cyclone Tracy. A state-of-the-art police station is now there. It houses a significant number of police and it has the capacity to house more police if required. It has state-of-the-art equipment, holding cells, and interview rooms with digital recorders. It is a fantastic place to work. The people I met and spoke with are very enthusiastic.
The police station at Casuarina works in close cooperation with the police station in the Casuarina Shopping Square which, in the past few months, has made a significant difference in the youth and the itinerant problem in the area. The area is completely clear. That shows a police presence at a big shopping centre like Casuarina Square can make significant difference.
I want to speak about the significant money spent on the upgrades in schools in my electorate. Alawa Primary School and Nakara Primary School were built in the 1970s. Very little was done there for many years. It was only this government that committed a significant amount of money for the upgrade of the schools. The first stage of the upgrade to Alawa and Nakara was $2m each. Work was completed two or three years ago. We are now through the second stage of upgrade, where another $2m was allocated. The work on the music room at Nakara is 70% complete, whilst the upgrade of the childcare centre is complete. Teachers are telling me they feel like they are dreaming when they arrive at school because they do not recognise the school. It is a totally different school.
Alawa Primary School has become one of the most modern and best-equipped schools in the Northern Territory. It has electronic whiteboards, a centre point where all laptops are charged at night, and an open scheme so teachers can see students anywhere in the school. The upgrades done at Alawa and Nakara are being copied in schools throughout the Territory. That is significant.
Another election promise made in 2005 was the installation of lights along the footpath of Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Many people use the Casuarina Coastal Reserve for recreation and walking at night or early in the morning. A number of women have complained to me that they feel unsafe late at night or early in the morning because of the lack of lighting. We allocated $300 000, and now a row of lights have been installed all the way from the Casuarina Coastal Reserve car park area to the bridge in the Nightcliff/Rapid Creek area. This makes walking enjoyable, and very safe. I visited the area recently. I was very impressed with the style of the lights. I am the first to admit public servants are sometimes not very artistic in their concepts. This time they have done a really good job. The lights that have been installed enhance the environment ...
Mr Elferink: Point out the bad ones you did not like. Which ones did you not like?
Mr VATSKALIS: The ones that I, and many people, do not like are the yellow sodium lights used by the council to light the streets. Many people complain because the intensity of the light makes everything look really weird late at night. I do not know if they had anything to drink before or after; that is beside the point.
On Sunday, 9 August, I was pleased to initiate the Beach2Bridge race organised by the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club in Casuarina. As a patron of the club, I am very impressed by the efforts of the club to engage young people in surf life saving activities. They are expanding to other areas around the Territory, and as we heard today, even to Yirrkala. A significant number of young people took part. Some of them were not that young, probably my age. I am very pleased to say that they participated actively, and they enjoyed themselves.
There was a swim-run. The first three groups were Peter Eason, the swimmer and Rachel McLean, the runner, who came first, again. The second was Oliver Teale, the swimmer, with Robert Gerlach as runner. The third was Jack Ryan, the swimmer and Joel Kaye, the runner.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The time has expired.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Casuarina, your time has expired, forgive me.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I draw members’ attention to a recent concert held at the launch of Territory Seniors Month at Darwin High School. I had cause to hear some information about that concert. Sadly, I missed it because I was changing a tyre for a lady at the Botanic Gardens and got myself quite dirty doing that. That was a tragedy because it turns out the concert was enjoyed enormously by all who participated according to Marion Guppy, the Principal of Darwin High School. That included students, staff and seniors.
The reason I raise the issue is, after speaking to Marion Guppy, I found the passion, the drive, and the enthusiasm behind the concert was, essentially, driven by one person, Ms Patricia Tamayo, a student at Darwin High School in her final year of studies. The energy and drive Ms Tamayo put into the concert was nothing shy of exemplary. You hear all too often stories about how bad kids are nowadays. I have great faith in the future of our community. That faith is supported by people like Ms Tamayo who, with a full-time NTCE study load, dedicated herself passionately and completely to something like the launch of Territory Seniors Month.
I do not often point out students to this House. I know that members in this House occasionally hear about exemplary and stand-out members of our community, but I am proud to do it in this instance. I am fully aware that Ms Tamayo has ambitions to enter medicine. If the quality of what she has achieved on this occasion is reflected in her desire for study and improvement, then I expect she will get herself into medicine. She will do so not only with my support and blessing, but with me cheering on from the sidelines. I am certain that all members in this House will wish Ms Tamayo a very successful future.
I thank her and I draw the attention of all members of this parliament to her for the effort she has made for the launch of Territory Seniors Month at the Darwin High School concert. I hope all members take the time to contact her to congratulate her because she has done a good thing.
I also speak of Paul Eustance. Mr Eustance was recognised in the newspaper of Tuesday, 18 August for his bravery. His act of bravery happened when he saw some thug bashing a British tourist; he did not turn a blind eye, he got involved. Getting involved cost him a broken nose and fractures to one eye socket. It nearly cost him his sight, and a permanent injury. In 2005, Mr Eustance decided to get involved when he saw something happening that was wrong. I congratulate Mr Eustance on that, because I am always encouraged by the courage of others.
We hear stories of people being heroic. Our community is full of people who are potential heroes. Place them in the right circumstances, and they rise to the occasion, as Mr Eustance did.
I know the police do not encourage people to get involved when they see things happening in the community. I take a slightly different view. I like it when people get involved. When thugs and villains out there realise people are prepared to stand up and be counted, as Mr Eustance was, those thugs and villains will think a whole lot more about what they do.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, the first thing I do tonight is acknowledge the early finish. I do not recall having a job in the last 10 years where I finished at 5.10 pm. It will be a pleasant surprise to get home early to spend some time with my children.
Tonight, I talk about a sad indictment on this government regarding a gentleman, Mr Sampson, who attended my office. He struggled with a dental issue which led to bad gum disease. This started over two years ago. He spoke to the former member, who advised it was very hard to get dentists to the Northern Territory, and not a lot could be done other than stay on the waiting list. Six months ago, he went to the Chief Minister’s Office in Palmerston with the same issue - we are now 18 months down the track - and was provided with the same spin from the Chief Minister’s Office: dentists were hard to come by, stay on the waiting list.
Mr Sampson came into my office and I told him it was ridiculous. I advised him I would write to the Health Minister to see what could be done about it. I thank the minister because, a week after receiving that letter, Mr Sampson was seen at a dental clinic. Today he is in a much better condition. He did lose a piece of his gum because the condition should have been dealt with two years ago. However, compliments to the minister who did step in and move Mr Sampson up the list.
It provides another example of how the Office of the Chief Minister in Palmerston does not seem to be able to assist the average person. I do not really know why they are there.
Today, I learned that the floating pontoon at Cullen Bay - and I have used it many times with my own boat pulling up there, taking on people and dropping people off. It is a wonderful facility. I can appreciate it may not meet the new requirements of allowing more room; however, to sink it in Darwin Harbour to create an artificial reef is poor judgment, and a waste of a perfectly good piece of infrastructure. In Palmerston, people have been talking about a floating pontoon where people could put their boats in, tie up, and then use the pontoon, and people could fish from it.
What a perfect opportunity here, to take one piece of infrastructure and, with today’s engineering and technology, we could move it from where it is and place it on new footings at Elizabeth River at the boat ramp. Surely, that is not out of the question. It would provide necessary infrastructure for the Elizabeth River boat ramp, and be a wonderful facility for all the people of Palmerston to use. We have many artificial reefs and I understand how that benefits fishing in and around the harbour. This is one piece of infrastructure, and it is a wonderful resource that could be used somewhere else. It is a drastic waste of public money when it could provide a wonderful opportunity at Palmerston, and perhaps be part of the redevelopment of the boat ramp.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, there are a number of roles the opposition plays. One is to keep this woeful government accountable. Another role is to give them a bit of a helping hand from time to time when they seem to be floundering as badly as they are in relation to housing, and the effort they have put into SIHIP.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table this document.
Leave granted.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Thank you to all who allowed me to do that.
This is a photograph of a house that sits on the ground - it has actually been built - it sits on the ground at Yirrkala, an area that you would know quite well. Anyone who knows the Northern Territory would know that Yirrkala is a very isolated part of the Northern Territory. It is a hair’s breadth off being as isolated as Groote Eylandt because it is cut off for six to seven months of the year, during which time there is only barge access.
This house, which was built recently, is virtually an indestructible home. It would be ideal under SIHIP’s process. It is all steel construction. It has been put together using concrete footings, steel posts, indestructible flooring. It has C-section steel as walls on the outside. It is clad with 19 mm compressed cement sheet, which is almost impossible to break. It has stainless steel fit-out on the inside. It has a steel roof. It has verandas on two sides. It is an ideal housing option for SIHIP. The cost of this house, on the ground, in Yirrkala - and it is sitting there right now – is $420 000.
I went to school in the days when the three Rs were taught. I am not too bad at maths. If the government is going to build 750 homes, you could build 750 of these homes for $315m, which is less than half of the amount of money that is allocated to SIHIP ...
Mr Elferink: It is all the money they are going to have after they finish with it.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: That is right. If the administration and other costs associated with this program are going to run at 45% to 50%, there will still be enough money for these houses to be built - all 750 of them.
I was at Yirrkala a couple of weeks ago. I went out for the Garma Festival, and took the time to have a look around the community. I was guided around there by a person who has business interests in that area. He was kind enough to show me this home. I wonder whether the Chief Minister has ever bothered to go to Yirrkala and seek a briefing on this particular home. I see you nodding, and I think that is wonderful.
I do not know why on God’s earth it has taken so long to get houses on the ground anywhere in the Northern Territory. It is easily built; all the materials were taken in. The cost of this home at $420 000 takes in everything - construction costs, all the goods to make it, and the transport to get it there. It escapes me why this government cannot take some simple concept like that on board and go out there and do what they are supposed to do with that money - build houses.
I did not come here to rip threads off the government, or castigate it too hard. I am giving them a bit of a hand, a bit of a heads up. I hope they have a much closer look at this. Maybe they can weave it into their policy on SIHIP. This goes a little further past the spin than we usually see. That might not actually work for them.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I correct the record. During Question Time yesterday, and the MPI today, the member for Port Darwin sought to table ABS statistics that he claimed show irrefutable proof this government had sold off over 2000 public housing properties.
The member for Braitling said the same thing. The Deputy Opposition Leader followed suit earlier today. I then read a media release from the Leader of the Opposition who had just blindly followed his shadow Treasurer. I say to the members opposite: you are all wrong. The shadow Treasurer has often had problems adding things up. Here we are with another example.
The member for Port Darwin, and those opposite, said that since we came into government we have sold over 2000 public housing dwellings. If the member for Port Darwin could do his research correctly, he would know he was wrong. He tried to use ABS statistics for the year 2000 to the year 2006-07. What he did not realise was the statistics for the year 2000 were reports on statistics for 1999, not 2000. First mistake - that is not an odd moment for the member for Port Darwin.
In fact, in 1998-99, the then CLP government sold off 781 public housing dwellings in one year. In that year alone, the CLP sold off more public housing stock than this government has sold off in our three terms in government. In 2000, the CLP sold off a further 172 properties. In 2001, before the Labor government came into power, they sold off another 440 public housing dwellings. This totals a whopping 1393 properties. That is 70% of the 2000 public housing dwellings they were claiming were sold off. What is most disappointing is I gave the opposition members the numbers in the estimates briefing, and they still got it wrong …
Dr Burns: Not up to government. Not even up to opposition.
Mr KNIGHT: Not up to government at all. To the Opposition Leader-in-waiting, and the member for Port Darwin, you need to get it right. You sold off 1400 properties in three years. You had an asset sale of public housing. Disgraceful! You talk about us selling off properties. That is over 460 properties sold, on average, in your last three years in government; our average was 90. That is disgraceful.
The member for Sanderson waffled on about 2000. You need to get your facts right. Do not trust him; he does not know his figures. He has been doing it for years and years. They are absolutely disgraceful with public housing. They sold off 1400 properties over three years. Where would the Territory be …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr KNIGHT: The member for Araluen jerks up. She should be aware in Alice Springs alone, they sold 738 properties. That is half of their stock - ripped it out of Alice Springs. You are talking about public housing shortage and waiting time in Alice Springs. It is disgraceful.
The member for Katherine chimed into this: 154 properties were sold in Katherine. That town could do with those numbers. They sold off 154 properties in those last few years. It is absolutely disgraceful. They should be ashamed of themselves ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The member for Daly should say we actually built the houses before we sold them, which is more than he could do …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Deputy Speaker, I extend a very warm welcome to some of our newest citizens. On 9 July, I attended a special citizenship ceremony to celebrate Constitution Day, and the 60th anniversary of Australian Citizenship at the National Archives in Millner. The Administrator, His Honour Tom Pauling, was on hand to confer Australian citizenship on a number of people, including three who reside in the Johnston electorate. I take this opportunity to formally welcome Mr Angraj Khillan, Ms Preeti Khillan, and Ms Aayushi Khillan as citizens of this great country.
On 13 June, I had the privilege of attending the Portuguese National Day celebrations at the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club. It was wonderful to see so many faces, familiar and new, demonstrating their love and respect for their native culture. While everyone there was a fiercely proud Territorian, their sense of community and pride in their heritage only helps to make our society richer and more vibrant. I congratulate the committee members of the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club: President, Pedro Bernadino; Vice President, Ivan Soares; Secretary, Odette da Costa; Treasurer, Rui Pereira; and Vice Treasurer, Tim Byfield, for their work in keeping the organisation so strong and active.
I also thank the people who helped organise and run the National Day celebrations: Gina Borges, Amelia Bentes, Flavia Pires, Joaquim Guerreiro, Lorena Guerreiro, Josefa and Caetano Lusitana Mascarenhas, Brodie Mitchell and Abel Pires. Some of the people I met on the night included Dino Ribeiro, Joaquim Silva, Mario Ingles and Oscar Nunes, all past presidents of this wonderful organisation.
On 11 July, I attended the Bastille Day Ball at Crustaceans Restaurant at Stokes Hill Wharf. It was trs magnifique - a colourful and lively celebration of French culture with a Territorian twist. I congratulate the Alliance Franaise de Darwin for putting on such a memorable evening. To the President, Lea Aitken; Vice President, Ully Mueller; Treasurer, Linda Murphy; Class Coordinator, Sharon Parsonson; Grants Coordinator - and DJ and photographer on the night - Ralph Lante; Film Coordinator, Lisa Manuel; Events Coordinator - and what an event she coordinated - Maria Randozza; her able assistant, Nathalie Hernandez; Secretary, Barbara Baggley; IT Coordinator, Xavier Espiau; Public Relations Coordinator, Vivienne Blandy; Minutes Reporter, Kevin Merdy, and committee members Olga dos Santos and Anna Maria Delker - you all put on a fantastic and inspiring night. A special mention should go to Eleonore Du Rosel, a visiting intern from France, who was a co-compre on the night. It was a truly memorable evening, enjoyed by everyone there.
On 20 June, with the Chief Minister, I attended another fantastic celebration of our cultural diversity at the Islamic Centre. I express my sincere thanks to the President of the Islamic Society of Darwin, Mr Ishfaq Haider, for his kind invitation to attend the Islamic Awareness Week Open Day. The open day was well attended with between 300 and 400 people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, looking at static information displays, and listening to talks by local and visiting experts on Islam. The event was also attended by representatives of other religious and cultural communities, all keen to learn more about each other and to forms bonds of understanding between them.
I congratulate the ISD’s committee, including Vice President Mr Anwar Lamaya, Youth Secretary Sr Sumaira Mohammed, Treasurer, Agus Sudjoko, Imam Adama Konda, along with committee members and coordinators, Dr Khalid Ali Khan, Dr Hussein Farah, Ferry Guntoro, Sr Qumrunnessa Poppy Mustafa, Dawood Mohammed, and Mazhar Khan. I also acknowledge the contribution of Sadarud Din, Absir Mahamed Warsame, Uncle Nurul Haq, Ayesha Mohammed, and Samaya and family.
It was a great week, a great function, all about true understanding. It highlights the core messages of all the great faiths - love, faith, peace, tolerance, and understanding. Events such as these are proof of how so many nationalities and cultures can contribute to the diverse and lively society that makes the Territory the unique place it is today.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston. That could have gone horribly wrong, but you pulled it off quite well.
I would like to talk about housing. I have some illustrations of public housing. We often see graffiti and neglect around our public housing. Here I have a photo of a caravan in the car park of the Ellery Street flats in my electorate. That seems to be the extent of the current government’s housing policy. I seek leave to table that, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: I have a photo of the same block which shows the extent and strength of the government’s law and order policies. This is Ellery Street in Larapinta. You can see the burn-outs on the road from people hooning around. Here we have a photo of a public housing estate with six flats - luckily, we have six police cars there. Six police cars for six flats. Things are going well in Ellery Drive. The member for Daly is doing a great job. Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table that photo too.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: Madam Deputy Speaker, I will talk about two issues.
The incoherent member for Daly cannot speak without reading - although he did a good job today talking about how we sold houses that we built; and he cannot sell them because he cannot build them.
He talked about us not getting a briefing on SIHIP. This government does not provide briefings very well. I cannot get a Transport briefing, I cannot get a Police briefing on statistics for DUI; or on yesterday’s traffic figures for the Stuart Highway. I do not think the government actually has them. I did arrange a briefing on SIHIP; that was cancelled. People have tried and will continue to try.
The story is about the public housing units at Head Street, Alice Springs. This great stimulus package was coming from the federal government - that debt-laden package. They decided they wanted to put solar panels on these aged pensioner units in Head Street. They put panels on units 22, 23, 26, 27, and 28. The Housing Minister visited in early July, and the tenants complained saying they did not want solar panels installed. The Housing Minister disagreed. The problem with the solar panels was there were trees in the way. The idea of solar panels is good economically and environmentally, and it also has that green fringe about it. I have solar panels; I think they are smart. It has that rogue element; that Woodstock divide in there too.
A letter was then sent, signed by the Acting Tenancy Manager – I will not say their name:
They are chopping trees down to give more sun to the solar panel. I cannot believe it. I thought there were some stupid people in this world but the member for Daly is taking the cake.
The tree is not native to Central Australia. It may have fallen over later and caused damage. Justify it how you want, but they are chopping a tree down to put a solar panel in. The money has come from the federal government. You are taking money out for administration and you are putting our children into debt to pay for it. Soon you will saying you need to be more conservation specific and save money. Chopping trees down for solar panels - I think that is hilarious.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I give members an update on the Darwin Railway Sports and Social Club located in Parap. As most members would be aware, a fire devastated the Darwin Railway Club on 18 April this year. The kitchen was destroyed and a great deal of smoke damage was caused. It was amazing to see the heat that must have generated from the fire in the kitchen; there were actually girders bent in the roof. Thankfully, the main structure of the building was sound, and the committee was left with a decision – rebuild, fold, or move their club to another part of Darwin.
After a Special General Meeting of club members on 17 May, it was determined the club would rebuild with whatever money they had available to them. In true Territory style, the motion from the floor was: ‘I move that this stuff remains here’. It was passed unanimously.
Unfortunately for the club, the insurance held by the club was inadequate for the rebuild. After a full audit of the books by the Office of Business Affairs, the Northern Territory government gave the Darwin Railway Club a grant of $200 000. This funding will meet the gap between the insurance payout and what is needed to get the Railway Club up and running again. This is fantastic news, and definitely appreciated by the club and its members.
Much of the cleanup following the fire was done by club members volunteering their own time. Rebuilding has now commenced. I was there recently to see progress. It is quite extraordinary to see the amount of work they have already done, but you can also see the amount of work still to go. There was a considerable amount of damage. There is work to be done in both the building and the gardens, and they are doing a big cleanup. I know they have found some taps and drains and things they did not know they had. They have done a lot of work through the area cleaning it up.
The Permablitz crew came in and did their bit, a back yard blitz-style garden makeover that was filmed by Stateline. Permablitz is a community group where people join in, and every Sunday people go and blitz a garden. If you are a member of the Permablitz crew, at some stage they will come and do your garden. Essentially, you all chip in together to help people for a community benefit.
There are some great ideas the committee has come up with to make the Railway Club a vibrant part of Darwin. Some of these include a kitchen upgrade allowing for a ‘cook your own’ barbecue restaurant. I am sure we have all seen that, at some stage, where you can buy your meat there and cook it on-site. The Railway Club will provide the salads, sourced from local providers. They are thinking of doing foods from around the world; a restaurant with a different country featured every week. They want to get the kitchen working again and give it a bit more of a community feel.
They will air-condition and sound proof the major club space. Something the Railway Club started doing recently is getting live music in, which had an impact on the local residents, but local residents wanted to work with the Railway Club. It was a very constructive discussion, and the Railway Club will, in the rebuild, ensure there is better soundproofing and ensure the club stays quieter during the week and on weekends.
The famous parquetry floor will be re-sanded, allowing for dance groups to come back. A big screen will be put up for film nights, and to show major sporting events. The committee is also working with Karen Sheldon of Karen’s Kitchen, who lives in the electorate and is a good local constituent, to get Indigenous trainees into the bar and the kitchen. Karen is doing good work in relation to trainees. I was at Kantillas, where Karen has a site as well, and she is working with trainees there. She has an arrangement with McDonalds regarding trainees. It will be great if they can work with Karen’s Kitchen at the Railway Club.
The club is expected to be up and running sometime in October, just after the club turns 35. I congratulate Kane and Anna Stewart, President and Secretary respectively. They are there every day working hard to ensure the rebuild goes as smoothly as possible. I also congratulate all the club members, particularly those who have volunteered their time to help clean up the club in preparation for the rebuild.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish them all the best, and cannot wait to get down there for the official opening of the revitalised club.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson, just briefly by way of explanation for you, it is a convention of the House that we alternate from one side to the other when giving the call. I need the member for Fannie Bay to relieve me so that I can participate in the adjournment debate.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Madam Deputy Speaker, I will address several issues. Before I do that I would like to deal with something the member for Daly mentioned. He accused the Country Liberals of selling off 1400 homes. What do you say about selling off 2000 homes? Irrespective of whether it was three years or eight years, it is still public housing stock. I do not know whether the figures he gave are true. I do not dispute or agree with them at this point in time. I have not had time to check them. He describes it as deplorable when he, in fact, is part of an organisation that sold 2000. I find it quite amazing.
I also mention something my colleague, the member for Katherine, mentioned. He tabled a photograph of a fine looking house at Yirrkala - on-site, built, keys handed over for $420 000. I heard the Chief Minister say how expensive it is to build these houses. I am not sure of the construction, but I am led to believe these are very solid homes. I do not think anything is indestructible, but almost indestructible.
I recently went to Palmerston and had a look at Nimble Homes. They have some fantastic transportable homes that could be put into remote areas for $225 000 to $230 000. SIHIP is actually classified as an emergency housing program. Two years on, we have some concrete on the ground on Groote Eylandt, and the government claims this is fantastic. We have concrete on the ground, but not much else happening. We have several people engaged, and much money being spent on consultants, but there are no houses finished yet. That is two years for an emergency response.
The recent government housing report stated the government needs 1700 homes per year to keep up with demand. If we cannot build a house under emergency conditions in two years, what hope do we have of trying to keep up with the demand, especially in public housing, over the next few years? Is 2030 when we start or when we finish? How many will be completed by 2030? Is this part of the government’s 2030 plan? We might have a few public houses on the books by 2030.
These are some of the issues I ask the government to look at. If the government tried contacting the member for Katherine he would gladly give them contact details for the people who can deliver these homes in a very short period of time for $420 000. The fantastic thing is the government would have money left to spend on ways to help these remote communities.
Nimble Homes have homes at the moment they could send to these communities. They are good, solid homes. They are easy to put up. I am sure not everyone in these communities is going to get these homes and wreck them in the first few months. I know there are stories of this happening. My understanding is these are good people; they just want a home to live in. They want security for their children so they can sleep at night without being harassed. They want a home they can call home and not have to put up with everyone arriving on their doorstep because it is the only home they have to sleep in.
I ask the government to consider very seriously the Nimble Homes example. I commend the government to talk to Nimble Homes.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Nhulunbuy High School’s Grow Zone which was recently announced as a finalist for the Power and Water’s 2009 Melaleuca Awards. They were nominated in the community category, which recognises outstanding achievements in water conservation, efficiency, recycling and gardening within local communities. They received a framed certificate and they are very proud of their achievements - and so they should be.
The Grow Zone is an initiative of our local high school’s Special Learning Annexe, which provides an amazing service to our disabled adolescents in our community. It is extremely well supported by principal, Kate Middleton, and teachers, Maree Jegou and Faye Brook-Jones, as well as the aides, inclusion support assistants and, of course, the parents of the students. The Grow Zone, based loosely on Darwin’s The Patch concept, provides an outlet for these young people to be actively involved and engaged in a program which is sociable and provides them with productive and meaningful activity as part of their broader school program. They produce, amongst other things, decorative pavers and garden ornaments. They produce seedlings and they make these items available for sale.
On their very first public sale on a Saturday morning, it was just about all sold out. Indeed, they were taking orders for pavers and ornaments. They also sold tea, coffee and cakes, and it was quite a morning out for the community. They have come this far in just under 12 months, and have received enormous support from the community. What we need to do now – and certainly I as local member - is to work really hard with them to find a permanent place from which they can operate.
Friday, 9 August was a very special and proud day for Yirrkala community and for surf life saving. The Walngawu Djakamirri Surf Life Saving Club at Yirrkala officially opened with a few hundred people turning out at Shady Beach to celebrate. The MC was senior Rirratjingu man and traditional owner, Mr Djuwalpi Marika, who is also the club’s patron. As local member, I was honoured and proud to accept the role of Vice Patron. Also present was inaugural club President, Djawa (Timmy) Burrawunga. The federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin MP, was there as was our own Chief Minister who announced a special assistance grant of $25 000 for lifesaving equipment and resources. The club is the source of immense pride for the community, and the beach was alive with activity. As the Chief Minister said in Question Time today, the club is about many things. It is about promoting teamwork and leadership, and accredited education with children completing their surf lifesaving certificate. Nine students to date have been awarded a Bronze Medallion.
All this said, I was disappointed to hear members of the opposition - the members for Fong Lim and Sanderson - dismiss the talk of surf lifesaving in the House today as virtually unimportant. They just do not get it. It is about much more than surf lifesaving. It is about the really good things that do happen in Indigenous communities, including my electorate. As the Chief Minister said, this new club is also about a partnership. It is local people working together with non-government and government partners to promote healthy activities and good citizenship for their kids and their communities.
As part of the celebrations at Shady Beach on that day, Yirrkala CEC launched their Lipa-lipa project. Lipa-lipa is a Yolngu Matha word for dugout canoe. The Lipa-lipa was sailed into the beach, and later club members launched their newly painted surfboat onto the water.
It was that same weekend that the Garma Festival was held. The Garma Festival is in its 11th year, and it goes from strength to strength. In the vicinity of 1500 to 2000 people attended Garma this year. It is the biggest Indigenous festival of culture in Australia. Not surprisingly, it attracts people from around Australia and the world, not to mention many, many clans who come in from around East Arnhem Land as well. It was absolutely fantastic. I was very pleased to see the member for Katherine there, because I have not seen any members of the opposition out visiting. Perhaps they have been and I have not seen them. Certainly I saw the member for Katherine.
I thank the member for Katherine for tabling the photograph. I am very familiar with that house, as is the Chief Minister, because we have both been in it. It is the home of Mrs Dhuwarrwarr Marika. It is, indeed, a model home. In relation to SIHIP at Yirrkala community, whilst the land use agreements are in progress but not yet in place, the next step is a housing reference group will be formed. That whole process is about people having the opportunity to talk about, discuss and be consulted on what sort of house they would like. It could be that is the sort of house Yirrkala people say they want in their community. I do hope that when the member for Katherine was there he got the opportunity to meet not just with the business people who represent the traditional owners but the TOs themselves, and get to hear those great stories about things like the Surf Life Saving Club that happen out there.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I place on the Parliamentary Record the very significant contribution made by Pasquale ‘Pat’ Adami, who died in March. Pat Adami and his wife, Bronwen, made a significant contribution to the community of Alice Springs via their very famous restaurant, Puccini’s. Puccini’s had its beginnings in the late 1980s. It was a fine-dining restaurant in our town.
I arrived in Alice Springs in 1989, so I was pretty lucky; I was there when Puccini’s started. Its first location was a very strange one. It was at the back of a dusty car park at the Verdi Club on Undoolya Road. You would not know, when you were approaching the restaurant, that there was this fine-dining Italian restaurant in the back of the car park. When you walked in, you could tell it was elegance and class, with service and food to match. It was a marvellous initiative of Bronwen and Pat. I am pleased to say there was a two-page obituary in The Centralian Advocate in June, and I will quote from a couple of parts of that:
Although members of the family say Sporties, as it is known, is actually a better business than Puccini’s, it is said Pat enjoyed Puccini’s, and Bronwen, his wife, was quoted as saying: ‘Puccini’s was the best time of his life. It was absolutely what he wanted to do and he loved doing it’.
Pat Adami was a very colourful figure in Alice Springs, well known for his time at the racing track, and was the owner of a horse, Paisano, which won the Alice Springs Cup in 1997.
The significance of Puccini’s really cannot be underestimated. Members will be interested to know it was a venue that gave local musicians and entertainers, such as the then rookie comedienne, Fiona O’Loughlin, a stage and encouragement to develop and hone their art. Fiona was also quoted in the obituary written in The Centralian Advocate. She remembers her times at Puccini’s very fondly, as do many others.
I remember it was the first place I laid eyes on Shane Stone. Shane and Josephine were always very close to the Adamis. As a young solicitor in Alice Springs coming from Victoria, you were not used to seeing Premiers or Chief Ministers anywhere; you would only ever see them on television. Of course, in the typical Territory way, most people at some time get to see the Chief Minister, whoever that Chief Minister is. I remember seeing Shane Stone as the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and thinking it must be a really good restaurant because the Chief Minister was there. As I got to know Shane and, indeed, other government ministers as the years rolled on, it was a great place, not just for CLP ministers, but both sides of politics were there. Pat was always very supportive of me in my efforts to get involved in politics. I wanted that to be on the Parliamentary Record as well.
It is appropriate, given the contribution Pat and his wife, Bronwen, made to the community of Alice Springs, that it be noted on the Parliamentary Record. I am sure members join with me in passing on their condolences to Pat and Bronwen’s children, Jason, Ben, and Becky and their families and their children. On behalf of us all, thank you, Pat Adami for your marvellous contribution, and rest in peace.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I was absolutely delighted that one of the first duties I performed in my role as Minister for Arts and Museums was to attend the media preview of this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. As members would know, NATSIAA celebrated its 26th anniversary this year. It is the premier event in the Northern Territory Arts calendar. The opening night of the awards sees hundreds of people flocking to the lawns of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy an evening under the stars with some of Australia’s best artists.
Due to the business of the Assembly, I was unable to attend the opening night, and I thank the Chair of the Museum Board, Professor Marcia Langton, for doing the honours on the night. I was able to attend the media preview, and got a chance to not only view the winning entries, but also meet and speak with four of the five winning artists. I also met with Georgia Symmons, General Manager, Telstra Indigenous Directorate, and Mark Sweet, Northern Territory Manager Telstra Countrywide. The success of the award is directly linked to the ongoing generous support of Telstra. Telstra has been sponsoring NATSIAA since 1992, and it has been one of the most successful partnerships between the corporate world and a cultural institution.
A preselection panel of art professionals is formed each year to view up to 400 entries, a quarter of which are selected for the exhibition. Two judges are then invited to select the winners of each category. The two judges this year were Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, and Curator Indigenous Art at the Art Gallery of Western Australian, Carly Lane.
The winning entries they chose are: the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award was Western Australian, Janine McAullay Bott, for her artwork, Dhalkatj Bilby; the Telstra General Painting Award winner was Papunya Tula artist, Yinarupa Nangala; the Telstra Bark Painting Award winner was Rerrkirrwanga Munungurr from Yirrkala for her artwork, Gumatj Gurtha; the Telstra Work on Paper Award winner was Glen Namundja from Gunbalanya for his artwork, Likkanaya and Marrayka; and the winner of the $40 000 Telstra Award was Canberra-based artist Danie Mellor for his artwork, From Rite to Ritual.
The artwork in this year’s Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award showcases the artistic excellence produced by these artists. It also reflects the changing face of contemporary Indigenous art practice in Australia. I urge all members to go to the museum at Bullocky Point and have a look at this great exhibition.
Mr BOHLIN (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I have two main things to talk about. I would like to add something to the member for Sanderson’s speech.
Unless some of the project managers are blind and looking at their navel, there are many great companies in Australia that have innovative, durable designs for transportable housing to site, that are being used throughout the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
One example is MRN, Murray River North Homes. There is a base in Darwin, in Alice Springs, and one in Perth. These are a concrete based pre-tensioned slab. They are transported in separate platforms to the site and then are located into the ground and cemented into place, essentially buried on-site forevermore. I have seen those go into Kintore, where I was the Officer in Charge of the Police Station. Within a very rapid time, these houses are fully operational on the ground. They are built off-site, and taken to the site by truck.
For those who do not know, Kintore it is over 500 km from Alice Springs, a very long distance across mainly dirt roads. Trucks are moving very heavy pieces of housing a long way. They can even be barged. They are then set up on-site, saving one of the most critical parts of any housing construction in remote communities; that is, the cost of labour within the camp. Setting up a complete camp is expensive. You have to pay extra duties for labourers whilst they are in remote communities. Building them on-site, in a central location like Alice Springs, Darwin or Perth, means there is a huge cost saving.
Kintore had a complete childcare facility built, transported to the site, dropped into the ground, locked it all up, and it is now in full use, for around $850 000 - a complete childcare facility. You cannot even build a house. Open your ears, contact some of these other great companies in Australia, such as Nimble Homes. They are available, and it can be done. Stop messing about and get on with business.
Last weekend, I was lucky to watch the 2009 Chariots of Thunder at Darwin Speedway. Saturday night was a fantastic night. I had a friend or two racing there. Although the races are fun, I highlight the volunteers, the committee who are the heart and soul of the event. I take the time to thank them all. There are many volunteers, and many committee members who put on a major event. It is becoming one of the best speedways. On Saturday night it was packed. I was very proud to see that. I did not go there as an official; I went down to enjoy the atmosphere of the Territory speedway.
Motor sports have come a long way in Darwin with Gary Pendlebury as president. He has done a fantastic job. I make particular note of a long-time friend of mine, Al Ballinger. Al is very well known to motor sports enthusiasts throughout Darwin. He is involved in most of them. He is also a constituent of mine.
With my short time left, I note Palmerston Seniors Week, which commenced the previous weekend, finished last Sunday. The organising committee did a fantastic job. I had a great time at the opening and the closing ceremony. The Lions Club cooked all the meals for everyone. They slaved away at the barbecues even when it was humid. They did a great job. Lions is a fantastic organisation in our community. They go a long way to making the Territory a much better place.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it is with much sadness that I place on the public record the passing of Kwementyaye Marshall Japanjardi. Kwementyaye Marshall was a long-serving president of the Yuendumu Community Government Council prior to the introduction of the Central Desert Shire, and a crucial leader of many Warlpiri people. He was also involved with the Central Land Council. Kwementyaye Marshall was also a long-serving member of the Yuendumu Magpies football team, and enjoyed talking about the team’s successes to many people, including me. This included the bragging rights when Yuendumu defeated my team, the Pioneer Eagles, in last year’s AFL CA grand final. Kwementyaye Marshall also spoke proudly of the achievements and successes of his countryman, Liam Jurrah, playing AFL.
Kwementyaye Marshall was forced into Alice Springs due to kidney disease, and the need to access renal dialysis in Alice Springs. This move, from his country and home at Yuendumu and Pikyili, had a dramatic impact on him, his lifestyle, his family and, particularly his wife, Violet. Kwementyaye Marshall worried about his children, grandchildren, and his wife, Violet, as she began dealing with her own serious illness and associated treatment.
I acknowledge my electorate officer, Vicky, and Violet, for assisting Kwementyaye Marshall in this difficult transition. The urban drift is something we often talk about, however, there are many Indigenous people who have to make this tough transition from their home community into places like Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs because of renal failure.
Kwementyaye Marshall was also a strong member of the Warlpiri people, spearheading the project to have renal units set up in remote areas, particularly Yuendumu and Lajamanu. Renal patients would not have to go through the tough times of not being able to go back to country to see family; they could live on their own community with their family. Kwementyaye Marshall worked tirelessly with the Kurra Aboriginal Corporation royalty association and GMAAAC to convince other members of those royalty associations to provide funding towards the renal projects at Yuendumu and Lajamanu. Through his great work and leadership, he was successful in getting a lot of money from those royalty associations for the project.
Kwementyaye Marshall was a great campaign helper for me during my election as the member for Stuart. He also helped in the days of Brian Ede and Peter Toyne. At the polling booth, he would tell Warlpiri people he was a Labor Party man and he would stick by the Labor Party. He was very strong in his belief in the Labor Party and Indigenous people in relation to lands rights, education and housing. He was proud that I would be the first Warlpiri man to represent the Warlpiri people in the Legislative Assembly.
Something I will always remember about Kwementyaye Marshall is his pride in me, his pride in his people, and the Yuendumu Magpies football team. He worked tirelessly to secure funding for renal units to be set up at Yuendumu and Lajamanu.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it was my pleasure, on 14 August, to launch the 2009 swimming season. There was a large turnout at Parliament House, and it was great to meet so many of our young swimmers. They have a busy season planned for them, thanks to the hard work of the competition committee, chaired by Mez Ryan. I acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Swimming NT’s President, Clare Labowitch.
The 2008 season had a number of highlights, notably the achievements of Rachel McLean, who came second in the 2009 Australian Open Water Event in Sydney in the 17 to18 age group. Rachel also qualified for the Commonwealth Games trials in the 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 5 km and 10 km freestyle events. There were many outstanding swimmers.
In closing, I place on the public record acknowledgment of Leah Cullen and Tony Tilley, both of whom passed away this year, and had served Swimming NT with much distinction, and were well respected.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, as Minister for Education and Training, I highlight some of the great work done by students and teachers in our schools as part of the Exit Art Program. Exit Art is the annual Territory senior secondary arts exhibition. It showcases artwork produced by Year 12 visual art, craft and design students in Territory schools. I am sure many would be aware these works are part of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory’s annual exhibitions program.
Today, I commend the partnerships that come together to enable this exhibition to take place, the students for their commitment to excellence, the teachers for the quality instruction, preparation, and knowledge they provide to inspire and encourage students, as well as the staff at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Territory and the Department of Employment, Education and Training, who work together to produce this exhibition each year. Lastly, I acknowledge the great support this program enjoys from ENI Australia.
Once again, a selection of Exit Art works is on display in Parliament House. I take this opportunity to acknowledge these students. From Darwin High School, we enjoy the work of award-winning student, Kristie Langford. Kristie’s work is titled Loose Threads, and is a collection of jewellery made from loose threads captured in resin. Kristie’s work is also the winner of the Chief Minister’s Award. Catherine Browne, also a graduate from Darwin High School, has produced a series of self-portraits on canvas titled Cathculator.
From Kormilda College, Samantha Daly has produced four canvasses that explore the colours and textures of porcellanite rock. From Central Australia, Olivia Heggie has produced a series of digital prints titled Life is a Zoo Inside a Jungle. From Tennant Creek High School, Andrew Pearce’s work is a mixed media piece titled Conflicted Wings. From Palmerston High School, Elysia Ranking has produced a piece using digital prints to show the life and movement of people and animals; and lastly, from Casuarina Senior College, Jessica Cooper’s work titled Light and Movement presents digital images on transparent film.
One of the advantages of being Minister for Education and Training is having the opportunity to see firsthand the achievements of our students across many areas of schooling. I pay tribute to all of the young artists involved with the Exit Art Program, their teachers, and the agency staff who help to bring about this wonderful event each year.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
RESPONSE TO PETITION
Petition No 9
Petition No 9
The CLERK: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, I inform honourable members that a response to petition No 9 has been received and circulated to honourable members. The text of the response will be placed on the Legislative Assembly website. A copy of the response will be provided to the member who tabled the petition for distribution to the petitioners.
Petition No 9
Stuart Highway/Virginia Road merging lane
Date presented: 4 March 2009
Presented by: Mr Wood
Referred to: Minister for Infrastructure
Date response due: 18 August 2009
Date response received: 18 August 2009
Date response presented: 19 August 2009
Response
- I write further to my letter of 22 June 2009, regarding a petition read in the Legislative Assembly on 28 April 2009 for funding and construction of a merging lane on the Stuart Highway at its intersection with Virginia Road (Petition No 9).
- As a follow-up to my initial response, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure has completed its intersection investigation involving intersection traffic count, assessment of delays of the merging movements during the peak traffic hours, review of accident history and identification of remedial treatment options.
- The department has advised that the left turn movement at the Virginia Road approach experiences delays and requires further consideration. The recommended treatment includes provision of a dedicated left turn and right turn lanes at a preliminary estimated cost of $900 000.
- The department will consider this intersection in preparing future capital works programs for the NT government road network.
TABLED PAPER
Pairing Arrangement – Members
for Arafura and Araluen
Pairing Arrangement – Members
for Arafura and Araluen
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received a document relating to pairs for today, 19 August 2009, from 4.45 pm until 5.15 pm, for the members for Arafura and Araluen. It is signed by both the government Whip and the opposition Whip. I table the document.
CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT
(BUSHFIRES) BILL
(Serial 54)
(BUSHFIRES) BILL
(Serial 54)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The devastating Victorian bushfires in February of this year brought to the forefront of the minds of all Australians the catastrophic damage to life, property and environment that can result from bushfires. At a national level, concerns were raised about the adequacy of Australian laws dealing with bushfires and arson. Bushfires legislation was on the agenda at the recent meeting of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General in Canberra in April of this year.
All Australian jurisdictions have agreed, through SCAG, to continue to implement robust bushfires offences. The Northern Territory has a range of offences covering the destruction of property by fire. It also has a number of offences under the Bushfires Act and the Fire and Emergency Act designed to prevent the occurrence of bushfires. These later offences include restrictions on lighting fires without a permit; prohibitions on using fire during a fire ban; and conditions on lighting camp fires. However, there is no serious criminal offence dealing with the lighting of bushfires.
The bill before the Assembly seeks to emphasise the gravity of the danger that lighting bushfires represents by creating such an offence. The bill is based on the model bushfires offence which was developed in 2001 by the Model Criminal Code Officers Committee. The model offence forms the basis of the bushfires offences in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, and South Australia. The bill proposes to insert into the Criminal Code a new bushfires offence.
The offence applies to people who intentionally or recklessly cause a fire and who then create the risk of the spread of fire. The emphasis of the offence is on the recklessness as to the spread of a fire to vegetation. The speed at which fire can spread means it is appropriate that people should light fires only when they are in a position to control the fire. The offence is aimed at widespread blazes. This offence is not intended to cover situations such as a campfire which, despite the person lighting it taking appropriate precautions, suddenly gets out of control because of a sudden strong gale. A person in those circumstances would not be reckless according to law.
Recklessness, in the context of the proposed offence, means that a person is aware of the substantial risk that the fire they caused could spread to vegetation on property belonging to another person, and there is a substantial risk that they would not be able to stop the spread of the fire. It must also be unjustifiable in the circumstances to take that risk.
The bill also recognises there are circumstances where people do create a substantial risk of fire spreading, but they have a legitimate reason for doing so. These people will not be liable under this provision. The circumstances in which people are exempted from liability reflect the land management practices in the Northern Territory and the geographical conditions here, particularly the expanses of subtropical savannah. These geographical conditions do not exist in the southern states of Australia. As such, persons who cause a fire for the purposes of fire or land management are exempted from liability where the activity was done:
(a) in accordance with the law in force in the Territory; or
For example, persons causing fires in the course of activity such as firefighting, or hazard reduction operations, would fall within these exemptions.
Persons acting under a commercial agreement such as the West Arnhem Fire Management Agreement - which is a greenhouse gas offset agreement between the Northern Territory government, ConocoPhillips, the Northern Land Council, and traditional owners in west Arnhem Land - would also be exempt.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members. I table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
JUSTICE LEGISLATION (PENALTIES) AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 53)
(Serial 53)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to modernise penalty provisions in most of the acts administered by the Department of Justice. This bill updates penalty units and related matters for some 69 acts and regulations within the responsibility of the Department of Justice. All penalties and legislation are being review by the Department of Justice in conjunction with other agencies. The aim of the review is to ensure that penalty levels are reasonably consistent across the statute book, and that they have an appropriate deterrent effect. Members will be aware that hard, fast rules do not apply when parliament sets maximum penalties in legislation. At the end of the day, there is always an element of subjective decision-making about what should be the maximum penalty for the worst case breach of a provision.
The Department of Justice does, however, have a penalty policy created over the past 10 years, which is applied during the review process for consistency. In examining the penalty levels it should be remembered that the Interpretation Act also applies so that first, under section 38DB, corporate offenders are liable to a maximum fine of five times the amount specified as the penalty. Second, for an offence when the only listed penalty is imprisonment, the court also has a discretion to impose a fine in addition to, or as an alternative to, imprisonment. The maximum fine in such situations is determined in accordance with a formula set out in section 38DA of the Interpretation Act; that is, the fine is 100 penalty units per 12 months of the maximum term of imprisonment.
This bill amends the maximum penalties for breaching the provision in the Criminal Code relating to perverting the course of justice from two years imprisonment to 15 years. This amendment was made following suggestions by the judges of the Supreme Court to reflect the seriousness of this offence. The other amendments include the inclusion of the word ‘maximum’ in many penalties where that word is not used. This amendment does not affect the meaning of ‘penalty provision’ as the Interpretation Act in section 38C provides that the word ‘penalty’ used in offence provisions means ‘maximum penalty’. The amendment is intended to provide clarity for the reader.
Madam Speaker, the balance of the department’s legislation is expected to be reviewed in the next 12 months. In broad terms, the revised penalties conform to the general level of penalties contained in Territory legislation enacted since the Penalties Act commenced in 1999. I commend the bill to honourable members and I table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
PLUMBERS AND DRAINERS LICENSING AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 39)
(Serial 39)
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill amends the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act. The intention of this bill is to amend the act to vary references to the Water Supply and Sewerage Act, which was repealed in January 2001; references to the Industry Trading Act, replaced by the Northern Territory Employment and Training Act; and the replacement of the term ‘inspectors’ by the words ‘authorised officers’ to take into account private certification and access to work sites as it exists under the Building Act. The amendment act validates any matters related to the mentioned repeal of the Water Supply and Sewerage Act and, in addition, the term ‘penalty’ is amended to become ‘maximum penalty’.
The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act has the object of providing the following:
- … the protection of the health and welfare of the community by -
(a) licensing persons to carry out plumbing and draining in the Territory while at the same time allowing certain work to be carried out by unlicensed persons;
(b) providing for reciprocity in relation to qualifications of plumbers and drainers with other jurisdictions; and
(c) providing uniformity of standards in the trades across the Northern Territory.
In general, the act licenses a person intending to do plumbing or draining work in the Northern Territory. The competency of licensed persons is monitored and assessed by the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. There are a number of levels of achievement under licensing, including apprentice, journeymen, and advanced tradesmen.
An advanced tradesman licence allows the holder to contract for and perform plumbing and draining work in his own right. This does not include the ability to sign off on work. He is permitted to direct and supervise the work of apprentices, journeymen, and trades assistants.
A journeyman registration allows the holder to carry out plumbing and draining work under the general direction of an advanced tradesman. A journeyman may supervise the work of apprentices and trades assistants but he is not permitted to contract for plumbing or draining work.
An apprentice is a person employed under a legally binding training arrangement with an employer that combines structured training with paid employment. Apprenticeships usually take a number of years to complete, with training taking place both at the workplace and with the training provider, whether public or private.
A certifying plumber is someone licensed as a building practitioner with the Builders Practitioners Board, under the Building Act, to sign off on the work conducted.
I received a briefing on this amending legislation and I thank the minister for allowing her department to brief me so there is an understanding of this amendment. Whilst it is not an earth-shattering amendment, it is important we get it right. Plumbing, in the construction industry, is a crucial area of work, like electrical work, which goes to the heart of ensuring that buildings and residences are safe.
I understand there is a move to have a national licence system and construction code; having uniform licensing arrangements for plumbers across the country is high on COAG’s agenda. In the very near future, there will be a review of plumbing across the country. No doubt that will come into the Northern Territory and, on behalf of my constituents, many of whom operate small businesses, including plumbing businesses, we will be most interested in a review that is undertaken in regard to plumbers and drainers.
Madam Speaker, we have no issue with this proposed legislation. I thank the minister for providing the briefing.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the government for bringing this legislation to the Assembly. I had some discussions with Mr Graeme Wigg, Chairman of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. He explained the reason this legislation should come into place is because of the changeover from Power and Water being a government organisation to a government owned corporation. There was some uncertainty about the legality of decisions made using the existing act when the role of Power and Water changed. This act allows any decisions made from that time up to the new act being introduced to be retrospectively validated in case of any problems.
It also removes the idea of water and sewerage districts, and replaces them with plumbing licence areas. I will ask some questions here instead of going to committee: are the areas presently covered by water and sewerage districts relevant to the new plumbing licence areas? If the plumbing licence areas cover a much larger portion of the Northern Territory, what portions of the Northern Territory do they actually cover? Will people know they are within those particular expanded areas of responsibility this act covers?
I notice it also removes reference to inspectors because of the private certifier process. Under the act, I gather you still have people who can inspect the private certifier’s work and ensure they are doing the job, and that would come under the Building Board.
There have been a couple of sections removed in relation to irrigation, which relates to section 39 of the old act. Having been one who installs underground irrigation, there are some questions I would like to ask: if I had to get a plumber to install connections to the Territory water supply, is there a definition of what the Territory water supply is? Is it all the water Power and Water has some control over - is that defined as ‘Territory water supply’?
In relation to this section, the government has removed most of section 39(3)(c) and 39(4). There was a fairly convoluted section which has now been replaced with section 39(3):
- (3) Notwithstanding section 38, a person who does not hold a licence or registration card may -
- …
- (b) install a watering or drip system used or intended to be used for irrigation purposes, that is -
- (i) located above or below the ground, and
- (ii) not connected to the Territory water supply system;
My understanding is, if it is not connected to the Territory water supply, you do not need a licensed plumber to install irrigation. I presume there are some rules. Even though I come from an area where there are many bores, there may need to be some consideration regarding irrigation connected to your bore; a requirement to have some sort of anti-syphoning valve or a non-return valve - an anti-syphoning valve would probably be better. I do not understand whether there are any restrictions on that.
If you connect it to the Territory water supply, meaning the public water supply, you would need a licensed plumber, and that can be expensive. If you are doing just one job and you have to call out a plumber, the plumber will charge you normal rates. Is it possible for irrigators to be given a permit, after some training, to install an anti-syphoning device? It is not very difficult. If they were licensed to do that it would reduce costs. It could also be more efficient, especially if an irrigator had to wait for the plumber to come and connect it, and it is only a half-an-hour job. Perhaps we could move that responsibility to licensed irrigators. The irrigators would do a course and get a certificate to say they know what they are doing. That may be a way round some of the practical issues. I am not sure the plumbers will like it, although there are plenty of toilets and showers to fix in the Northern Territory; I do not think we would actually do them out of business. I raise that as a practical issue.
Minister, I asked if there is a definition of ‘Territory water supply’. It mentions it here, and I do not know whether it has a definition. It also mentions this is only the first stage of what should be a review. I am interested to know when you think that review will start. The member for Goyder raised the possibility of national licensing, etcetera. Would that review work on bringing regulations and guidelines together, where possible? I am not sure plumbing and drainage requirements are the same for the Territory as they are in Melbourne. It would be good to get as much of our regulatory matters in regard to drainage and plumbing as uniform as possible.
Madam Speaker, I support the bill; I believe it is good. Obviously, the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board has looked at it and supported it. I would like to hear if the minister has a response to those issues I raised.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Speaker, I support the bill to amend the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act. I do not have much to add to what the members for Goyder and Nelson have already put to the House this morning.
While the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act commenced in 1983, it does rely on the Water Supply and Sewerage Act for its application. The latter was repealed in 2001, and replaced by the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act. I understand these amendments are necessary in order to remove any doubts about the application under the act. These amendments are, in effect, dealing with some necessary housekeeping to bring these two acts into line, and to remove any doubt about the application of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act and, in so doing, provide certainty to the NT Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, the industry and, of course, the community.
I had a quick look on the Internet yesterday and I quote from the board’s website:
- The NT Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board is a statutory authority established under section 5 of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act 1983. It is responsible for the issue of Advanced Tradesman licences and Journeyman registration cards.
The board administers the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act 1983, and ensures that only qualified persons obtain licences, registration cards, and certificates. It is also responsible for the assessment and maintenance of standards of workmanship and consumer protection by investigation of complaints and, where appropriate, taking disciplinary action.
The board functions in conjunction with other authorities which, under their respective legislation, require authorised plumbing and drainage works to be carried out via licensed tradesmen.
Quite plainly, they are the peak body behind this legislation and the amendments.
An important part of the amendment to this bill is the introduction of a new application provision that refers to a plumbing licence area, as opposed to distinctions between water and sewerage districts. As the minister explained in her second reading speech, the bill makes provision for the minister to declare plumbing licence areas by Gazette notice. This may be defined on a map or a plan. Previous Gazette notices, based on technical descriptions which were based on lot numbers, areas, points, bearings and lengths, are to be updated and compiled into clear plans for the proposed plumbing licence areas. Not being a plumber or a specialist in this area, there does seem to be a good deal of common sense in having access to a visual reference by way of a map or plan or diagram, as opposed to only technical descriptions. As the minister said in her second reading speech:
- This provides a product that is more readable and better understood by the user, and is more efficient as a record of the facts, particularly for recording amendments.
This is one of the key amendments in the bill and, obviously, the opportunity has been taken to make a number of other minor amendments to tidy things up, as a matter of housekeeping.
I also see on the homepage of the board’s website there is clear mention of a review of legislation, and an invitation for anyone to contact the registrar to make proposed changes or additions to that legislation. Both the members for Goyder and Nelson have mentioned this. It is also my understanding a full review of the legislation, across jurisdictions, will be undertaken in due course.
Madam Speaker, I commend the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill to the House.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I commend this bill, and thank the minister for bringing it forward. I am not a plumber either and, as I am not up-to-date on everything in this bill, I sought some advice from people in my electorate who have been in this industry for many years. They are very happy you have brought this on and are very pleased to see the changes you have made updating some old legislation. I believe that is very good.
I was concerned when the member for Goyder told me, from her briefing, that this would not affect Indigenous communities. The minister might be able to cover that in committee stage. If that is the case, I express some discontent with the inertia of other ministers - not this minister, but other ministers such as the Housing Minister, the Indigenous Policy Minister, and Minister for Regional Development.
Many people in this parliament would be aware of some of the significant failures that have occurred over the years in infrastructure development across the Territory through both federal and Territory funding. We are hearing stories about toilets installed in houses and the pipework not connected to the sewers. These things need to be fixed. Not discounting the fact that the Minister for Housing has not yet built a house under SIHIP, I understand, as part of a tender process, there are some clauses that stipulate certification of works to be undertaken. That is a good thing. Aside from that program, and any Territory government money that goes in when those clauses are effected, I am sure this legislation will not affect any private or non-government work that may be done in those communities.
Seventy-three communities were identified as part of the intervention. We have been through the debate regarding the need for emergency housing and how this government does not treat this as an emergency. Even though the minister has done a good job with this plumbing bill, I am concerned that we are still in the same position without a regulatory base to provide protection for communities and the investment that happens in those communities.
Minister, I know this is not your bailiwick. The Ministers for Housing, Indigenous Policy, and Regional Development should be leading the charge on that. However, it is about inertia. This is not just about plumbing; it is about the building control areas as well. When you look at the building control areas in the Northern Territory and identify where they are, it is interesting to note that Tennant Creek is a building control area, despite the debacle about Red Rooster and all that has happened in Tennant Creek. I would have thought, two years after the intervention, and knowing all the problems in housing, legislative reform would have been put forward to ensure those 73 communities are covered under this legislation, and the building control areas actually have relevance in Indigenous communities.
I know the implications for roadhouses and station properties and why they would be excluded. However, for people who are in receipt of professional services in these communities by way of tenancy in a house, I would have expected more rigour in the debates from the Minister for Housing, the Indigenous Policy Minister, and the Minister for Regional Development. These are very important issues across the Northern Territory because where we have left out communities and building control areas, they have also been left out of the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act.
I would appreciate it if the minister could explain that for me, and detail how the Indigenous communities have been left out. While we neglect this we will continue to see problems such as at Corella Creek. Yesterday, there was a story by Alice Brennan, from the ABC in Alice Springs, about Corella Creek. The Northern Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, was talking about houses in Corella Creek not having water. They have to utilise the water facilities from the school and, when the bore goes down due to all the plumbing problems they have, the school has to close as well. This may be a little simplistic but inertia flows through this government which casts these real issues aside. If the legislation was right, these issues on the ground would not continue and we would be in a different position.
The tendering frameworks for SIHIP should seek to overcome those problems, just for that one program. We continue to see problems arise. I wonder when complacency will leave this government so they act and treat issues as an emergency. People often talk about administrative management, but crisis management is what is really needed in the Territory. Mal Brough, the former Indigenous Affairs minister, took that on with rigour. There are some things people did not agree with in the intervention, but he took it on, and wanted to make a change. This could very easily be changed. It should have happened in 2007, but there is an opportunity now in 2009. For those other three ministers not to lobby for change is a real concern. I keep wondering when government will get the impetus to drive some of these critical issues forward.
We are aware of leaking sewage in Alpara. How can that happen for four weeks and nothing be done? Would controls, in a regulatory sense, have stopped that from occurring? The mismanagement and incompetence of the Housing Minister astounds me. If we had some sort of a certification process in these areas, we would have something different.
The Australian has an article today by Natasha Robinson about a Tasmanian couple, Kerry Gearman and Bronwen King, who were employed as remote audit building managers as part of SIHIP. We wonder where the administrative dollars go from SIHIP – well, read this article. It says the couple were paid a salary of $71 000 each - $142 000 in total. They say they spent five months with five other managers - that is five times $71 000 - doing ‘absolutely nothing’ during their employment with the Northern Territory government. The article said:
- ‘They paid us wages for months to basically do nothing, because there wasn't anything for us to do,’ Mr Gearman said. ‘We were told to do a bit of research, go and introduce ourselves to people, but essentially we were given nothing to do’.
Here we have a very good reform bill being put in place by the minister, the member for Karama, and we have the incompetence of the member for Daly trying to implement some sort of regulatory reform - wasting Northern Territory taxpayers’ money, federal taxpayers’ money, Mal Brough’s money, and GST money which was provided for an emergency. It beggars belief how $71 000, paid to each of these certifiers is a good business. We hear about 11.4% tracking of SIHIP, but I ask: what is it 11.4% of, and what does it include? This government has neglected to tell us exactly. Here we read about $71 000 going to each of the certifiers to do absolutely nothing:
- They paid us wages for months to basically do nothing, because there wasn’t anything for us to do.
This is inertia; this is waste. This is absolute government waste. When will the Chief Minister act? When will he cut the member for Daly loose from his ministerial role?
The member for Karama has presented the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Amendment Bill, and it is a good bill. Everyone I have spoken to has said it is a good bill. I commend the minister for that.
Put the member for Karama in charge of Housing; she is a can-do woman, she can make things happen, we can get housing happening ...
Mr Tollner interjecting.
Mr GILES: This is an emergency, member for Fong Lim. We should be calling for the member for Karama to take control of Housing and get it done. We want these houses built. She can do the certification process, she can get the certification done for plumbing, and she can get the certification done for the building.
I will look at some of these building control areas which are relevant to plumbing. Elliott is Tier 2. The building control area takes in the township of Elliott which is, generally, covered by the regulatory regime of the certification process except for North Camp, which is outside. I do not understand how South Camp can be in the Elliott building control area and North Camp can be out. I do not understand how the Newcastle Waters community can be out, and the 73 communities can be out - this is a bit of a maze. If the Minister for Housing really wanted to see some changes he would have spoken to the Minister for Planning and Lands and asked for these changes to be incorporated. Whilst we have this inertia by the Minister for Housing we are seeing continued neglect of these systemic problems due to complacency over a number of years.
I request the minister for Planning provide a response regarding whether there have been any changes to this, whether there will be any changes, and at what point things are. She could also tell me what the indications are that the Minister for Housing is actually on the ball. She might also want to tell me if the Minister for Housing has addressed further poor administration of the housing program at Haasts Bluff. I am told an electrical contractor was sent to Haasts Bluff to do $1.2m worth of housing works only to be told the housing works have been scaled back to $800 000 because $400 000 is going to administration. This is another story - the stories are endless.
I am interested to hear from the new Minister for Indigenous Policy what is happening regarding the coverage of this legislation: how it will affect 73 Indigenous communities under the intervention; how it will affect homelands in the Northern Territory to ensure the people who are most in need of housing are not ripped off, provided with bad service and poor infrastructure; and to ensure they have appropriate living standards that, as taxpayers, we are paying for and expect. If I do not hear anything I will presume the complacency lives on, that people do not care, it is just the norm, and it is how things are done in the Territory - we do not connect the toilet to the tank; we do not connect the toilet to the sewer.
If that is the case, nothing will change and we will be coming back trying to provide emergency housing again. If the Country Liberals were in power, it would be emergency housing, as opposed to emergency housing under the guise of administration, as it is with this government.
I wait, with interest, to hear what the minister will present; how she is going to ensure all Indigenous communities, all homelands, are covered under this legislation; ensure that Indigenous Territorians who are most in need of appropriate services are covered and protected. Clearly, that is not the case now.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, I will attend to the relevant questions raised by the member for Nelson. I recognise that the member for Nelson sees this legislation as essentially maintaining the status quo for the industry, and also places beyond legal doubt the status quo of the plumbing regulations as understood by practitioners in the industry.
The legal doubt arises from the repeal of the Water Supply and Sewerage Act in January 2001. This is about ensuring that the decisions made by the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board are absolutely legal - and there is no doubt about that. Has it had any affect in the intervening time? No, it has not. I am advised they have not had to make a determinant decision as a board; where matters have arisen they have been able to negotiate an appropriate solution in the industry. That being said, it captures and provides clarity through the entire intervening period from 1 January and beyond.
We also took the opportunity to make it clearer and easier for practitioners in this area to understand, if you like, the maps of those plumbers and drainers licensed areas. They are called the plumbing licence areas in the new legislation. Previously, the districts and areas had evolved over time through additions and amendments using three sections of the repealed act. The declarations are contained in numerous Gazette notices over two decades using lot numbers, areas, points, bearings, and length. The districts and areas were created for the provision of water and sewerage services, and for convenience, but were also used for plumbing and draining regulation purposes. We have picked up the same area, same locations, but defined them clearly as plumbing licence areas; so they are the same. Like the building control areas, they will be declared by reference to a map; they will be published in the Gazette; they will be on a website; and they will also be displayed in DPI offices. Industry feedback is this is a good move, a sensible move, using clearly defined maps rather than a range of coordinates. They will be put out to the industry through those forms of communication.
The next question was about the inspectors. It is the role of the authorised officers to audit the work done by the certifiers. Feedback from the industry indicates this is the appropriate way to go.
Regarding irrigation, member for Nelson, the bill will continue to allow the handyman to do what can be done around the house. The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act allows the handyman to do regular maintenance works such as changing a washer in a tap or replacing the whole tap; the bill maintains that position. The act does not regulate systems attached to the normal domestic tap such as hoses to fill up pools, and dripper systems that screw onto a tap; the bill maintains that position.
The Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act exempts plumbing connected to a bore, as you picked up. It also exempts plumbing for irrigation that is not connected to government mains, as you mentioned, and the bill maintains those positions. Member for Nelson, the questions you raised are relevant questions. They will be captured in the debate of the broader review. I will come back to the review in later comments.
I am advised the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act does regulate above, underground, or partly underground, irrigation systems which are connected directly to service pipes and government mains. Under the act, a licensed plumber is required to make the actual connection and to arrange an inspection of the whole system by a government inspector. The bill, in effect, maintains this position by replacing the government inspector with a licensed plumber. In other words, the licensed plumber can make the actual connection and must be satisfied that the remainder of the irrigation system meets the required standards. Put simply, above-ground irrigation systems can be put in by a handyman, but it is the connection point that is checked. Whether that is occurring in practice all the time is highly questionable, in my view, member for Nelson. Equally, the current practice where the underground system should be through someone licensed – is that is happening all the time? I also think that is highly questionable, member for Nelson.
We recognise whilst this is a status quo bill, apart from the better contemporary practice of the plumbing licence areas being clearly defined by a map, there is a need for a broader review into plumbers and drainers, and how the entire system operates.
We are in step with COAG in looking at consistency across all jurisdictions in the regulation of these trades, and that is a critical and important body of work. The COAG agenda has a timetable attached to it: the national licensing for plumbers and drainers is expected by July 2012, and they are looking at a national construction code for plumbing and building by June 2011. You can see by those time lines we are in the heavy work phase, preparing and leading up to those time lines.
That being recognised, as minister, I have already approved the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to undertake a significant review of the industry in the Territory. That will occur. We already have someone in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure putting together the preliminary desktop work in preparation for the review.
The broader review of the industry will commence next year, member for Nelson. Next year will be the strong consultation phase for the industry. We have picked up in the broader review which commences next year the issues raised by the member for Nelson regarding people who are not connected to the Territory water supply and what happens in those circumstances. We already have someone in DPI doing the preliminary preparatory work leading up to the review which will run through next year.
The member for Braitling raised broad issues about plumbing licence areas covering communities and pastoral areas. This is an issue still not covered. Nhulunbuy and Jabiru are not covered; the big mining towns are not covered. Those issues will be captured in the broader review and advice will come back. I am not under any illusion of the difficulties of capturing those issues in the broader review. In my view, now is the time to undertake that.
As an industry, they have done well. I have every confidence in the people who are currently on the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board. They are energised. We have a few new people come on to the board who are very focused on industry reform. They are very engaged in the need for the broader review and, as I said, we have a dedicated resource in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to kick-start that review. The preparatory work has already started; it will go into the broader industry and public consultation phase next year when the department has completed the preparatory work. The big, broader issues around where licensing areas exist – how you capture people who are currently not captured; should you capture them; if you do, how do you do that - will be addressed within the broader review next year.
This is legislation which clarifies the certainty of the regulatory operations; it is not intended to be anything more than that. I could have held this legislation back pending the broader review but I did not believe that was the right course of action. I thought it was better to clarify the legal status of the industry - how it is regulated and how it exists now - so there is no doubt leading into the broader review where we will capture the bigger ticket issues that have been raised.
You asked whether you need a licensed plumber if you are not connected to the Territory water supply. That is correct; you do not require a licensed plumber. As I said, those issues need to be picked up in the broader review. I do not doubt that bores, pastoral areas, communities, the mining towns of Nhulunbuy and Jabiru - all those questions have to be captured by the industry in the broader review. It will be difficult. No one has gone there in the past but contemporary practice needs to be looked at for the Territory.
Equally, we are grappling with similar issues in the Building Act control areas, through the Queensland report on the certification process. We have two major bodies of work which are fairly complementary. I am very confident in the skills of the people in the agency who have been brought into the department specifically to focus on this. I am very confident, also, about maturity of the industries we have here now - both the plumbers and drainers industry and the building industry. They have come a long way in regulatory changes. They are at the point now where they can engage proactively with government in seeing those regulations and requirements roll out across the Territory without diminishing the ability of people on pastoral stations or in the rural area to do the work they need to do without hindrance. Whilst you want to look at the issues of who you capture and how you capture them, you need to look at an effective and efficient system which recognises the vast geographical distances, so you are not bogging people down in bureaucratic paperwork and red tape. Equally, you are ensuring there is a high standard of the work being undertaken, and people with the appropriate, licensed skills are undertaking the work, as they should be.
How does government do that now when, historically, we have inherited areas that are confined and defined? We built into the conditions of funding - if you go for a government tender, within the conditions of that tender will be the requirement, for example, to comply with the Building Code of Australia. Regardless of where you are doing that work, whether it is Lajamanu or in Karama, you are required to meet those standards as a tender specification. Similarly, the standards apply for plumbers and drainers work. We build that into our tender specification processes now, without having to capture it in a broader perspective, from the legislation in defining those broader control areas.
The question of broader control areas is a very relevant question and one about which I have been in discourse with industry. They are mature enough to go down the path now to ask: how can it be done? For example, we currently have a tiered system in the Building Act. Do we have a tiered system with plumbers and drainers conforming Australia-wide? It is what we have done in the plumbing licence area - recognising where the building control areas lie as well - so it is not complex and confusing to industry but is pretty clear and straightforward.
We need to get the balance right between ensuring we have the right regulatory framework existing over the entire Territory, covering pastoral areas, communities, and areas such as mining towns which have been out of the picture historically. With the invigorated Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board, the Building Practitioners Board, a range of regulatory reforms we have made in the building area, and the discourse that has been going on between government and those practitioners, I sense a maturity in the industry to grapple with these tougher issues, and come forward in a sensible way.
We have a real opportunity here because, as you heard in the debate, we are going through a COAG process which is all about getting a national uniformity to these regulatory trades. We can capture what will, ultimately, be national best practice and we can also look at how that applies to the unique circumstances in the Territory. Whilst they are unique, I argue there are similarities to the far north of Queensland and to vast parts of Western Australia. As minister in this trade regulatory area, I have always had the approach that the Territory has lessons to learn from those top end jurisdictions in Queensland and Western Australia; they share their knowledge with us and we share our knowledge with them. That is why I engaged Queensland experts in the certification process. There are things to be learned in how they deal with their licensing areas in the vast geographical areas they cover.
Stripping the politics away from what you said, member for Braitling, there is sense in that work being done. It is being done; I have engaged a review person to do the work. There is a time line for the second half of this year to do what I call all the preparatory work - getting the information prepared, engaging with industry and the broader community, and the sectors, all through next year. The time lines are such that we step in tandem with the COAG reform time lines in these trade regulated areas. There is rhyme and reason to how we are approaching this. This is what I describe as status quo legislation - seeking to clarify and provide the legal status to the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Board through the act, and how it operates. It will ensure the plumbing licence areas are very clear and easy to understand, through those maps formed from the coordinates which existed previously. It is a sensible form of legislation, but it is not the be all and end all. I made the decision to bring this forward first, to provide clarity to the industry about the status quo because we are embarking on a broader review. I do not want to go into a broader review when there is a question mark about the status quo. I want to lock in the status quo so there is certainty about going forward for the industry in this legislation that will pass today.
It is only required because in January 2001 the Water Supply and Sewerage Services Act was repealed and there were issues of legal clarity and certainty as a result of that. This captures the status quo and provides clarity for the industry. I am deliberately doing that ahead of the broader review so the industry can go into the review with confidence; the confidence and maturity that review will require.
The issue of looking at where licensed areas apply - whether they apply in trade licensed areas, whether plumbers and drainers or building - are significant issues for the Territory. Perhaps a tiered process is the way to go in sorting it out. In the interim, this government has chosen in our tender specification processes to ensure we apply the regulatory and standing requirements to the work the government funds which is done outside those control areas. They are the mechanisms we have been using. We will continue to use those mechanisms until we have answered the very difficult and complex question of how to apply controlled areas across vast geographic distances, pastoral properties, communities, and mining towns. They all need to be captured.
As minister, my commitment is they are being addressed; I have them in line of sight. I am not going to say I have the answer; that requires government working very closely with not just industry - the practitioners who understand the work and the challenges and do not want to be burdened with red tape and paperwork - but also the consumer, the customer, the people living in the community, on the pastoral station, or in a mining town, whether it be Nhulunbuy or Jabiru. We have to capture all those views and viewpoints. We have to understand where COAG reforms are going to, and how they fall in terms of best practice.
This has not been tackled historically, but I am willing to tackle it. I have people in the agency doing the preparation for it - people I have confidence in regarding their skills sets and awareness of trade regulations in the industry. They are starting to understand you can overburden practitioners with paperwork, which adds costs and delays to the consumer, or you can make it a controlled and regulated environment without overburdening either the practitioner or the consumer who will, ultimately, pay for that burden.
This is status quo legislation so the broader issues are captured through the review process. Someone is already in the Department of Planning and Infrastructure to commence the review work. They will be doing the preparatory phases to the end of the year, and go through the consultation with industry and stakeholders through next year. The time lines deliberately fit within the COAG time lines so we are not out of step with the national process. We are getting on and fixing our own patch at the same time.
I know this will not necessarily satisfy all political views or discussions. I tend to focus on pragmatic and sensible steps forward, rather than get bogged down in the politics. This is, essentially, status quo legislation. What it does is compile good plans and maps that show the plumbing licence areas, rather than a series of coordinates. People will be able to view those maps on the website and at DPI offices, and they will be published in the Gazette. It gives me the ability to declare additional plumbing licence areas. If we were to resolve something in the interim for Jabiru, that could be declared. It is useful legislation; it provides certainty, clarity, and status quo to the industry, preparing them to go forward with a comprehensive review of how the industry is regulated, and how practitioners are able to meet the requirements of the consumer and government across the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I commend the legislation to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands) (by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL
(Serial 47)
(Serial 47)
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Madam Speaker, I will be brief. As the Attorney-General said in her second reading speech in June this year:
- The main purpose of this bill is to make consequential amendments to various Northern Territory laws, including updating superseded references and correcting typographical errors, grammatical errors, and omissions. None of the amendments in the bill amount to changes in government policies or programs.
There is also an amendment to section 55 of the Geothermal Energy Act and, while it is a correction of a typographical error, I make the point this bill was under development for a couple of years and was introduced in November 2008. Extensive government amendments were introduced prior to the April sittings, and I note with great interest, and more than a little disappointment, that the government is still finding errors to correct. When you find the errors, obviously, they need to be corrected.
For my part, the most interesting, bordering on fascinating, part of this bill is the ‘z’. We have talked in this parliament before, in relation to different bills, how we could not change the spelling of words by substituting the ‘z’ with an ‘s’. Yet, under the Water Act, section 13, and section 40(2)(a), the word ‘utilisation’ is substituted for the word ‘utilization’. An ‘s’ and a ‘z’ can be swapped over in the Water Act but, for reasons that confound me, it cannot be done in other legislation. Such is the world of statutory interpretation and drafting.
Madam Speaker, on that illuminating thought, I will leave it. The opposition supports the bill.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow Attorney-General for her support of this legislation which, as we know, is just making some consequential amendments to various NT laws. They are not changes in government policy or programs; they are simply updating superseded references, correcting typographical errors, grammatical errors, and omissions in various legislation. I am pleased to see the ‘s’ in ‘utilisation’. I believe it is a victory the shadow Attorney-General can claim. We might see, in the next round of statute law revision, a whole raft of ‘s’s’ appearing through the typographical change. Every now and again you get a win, and I am pleased to see the win coming through. Congratulations to the shadow on the ‘s’. I commend the bill to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General) (by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
ASSEMBLY MEMBERS AND STATUTORY OFFICERS (REMUNERATION AND OTHER ENTITLEMENTS) AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 45)
(Serial 45)
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I have had a look at this bill and the second reading speech. From that, I have not had to receive a briefing; I understand the intention of this bill. In many respects, it is a return to an environment of common sense in relation to the operation of members’ entitlements, and how they are determined. Nothing flows from it of any major consequence. Suffice to say, the opposition will not be opposing the bill.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Port Darwin, and the opposition, for their support for this bill. It is common sense in re-empowering the Remuneration Tribunal to determine capacity, or non-personal remuneration entitlements, of members of parliament. It is independent; it is at arm’s length from politicians. The public is open to making submissions to the tribunal. I thank members for their support.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Statement – Cash for Containers Scheme
Continued from 10 June 2009.
Ms LAWRIE (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I commend this debate. It is an important example of how, with bipartisanship, you step gently and consistently through the issues. Whilst it is sound and right to say we want to look at and implement a CDL scheme, it is easier said than done, as we are all aware of the complex geographic distances in the Territory. Over the years, we have seen examples of communities, supported through the environment grants process, of their own volition come forward to tackle cash for containers in different ways and different circumstances. It would be good if we can get a consistent approach dealing with the economy of scale, with freight and transport challenges, and how to deal with recycling depots in the different geographic locations in the Territory.
I am delighted to see a bipartisan approach has been taken to this, which is important. I am delighted the member for Nelson, who has pursued this issue with vigour over many years, is doing the work on the ground with our member for Fannie Bay. It is good to have an urban and a rural perspective. The former Environment minister, with a bush perspective, was value adding to that. I am sure our new Environment minister, with a bush perspective, will significantly value add to that as well. What might work in a suburban setting does not necessarily translate easily to a regional town, rural setting or a remote setting. The Territory has always been a place of innovation. Because of our diversity, and our geographic challenges, we have managed to find innovative ways to tackle challenges and issues as they arise.
As for the Cash for Containers Scheme, we have happy hunting grounds elsewhere in Australia looking at how that is done, how that is put together. My interest in this is as Treasurer because, at the end of the day, I know that any scheme needs to be well thought through, well analysed, and as cost-effective as you can make it and not an economic burden on people. It also needs incentives for people to engage fully and actively in the scheme.
When I was a child growing up in Darwin, a non-government organisation had a cans depot at the Nightcliff shops. We funded our pocket money by scavenging bottles and cans and getting our 10. It was happy days for us as children. I say that because I believe the generation coming through is the generation that is most adaptable. The youth are the ones who tend to capture any innovation quicker than those of us with entrenched habits. I am keen to see how we are engaging young people across the Territory in this. They are good, they are vast in numbers, and they are on the ground. They do not have any qualms about ferreting into places, be it the back of a school oval or down the local park. They capture what we need, which is getting those containers into the system. I believe this is a great opportunity, and I am interested in discussions with the members for Fannie Bay and Nelson on what they have seen and learned through their travels to date - how they think they can engage with young people of the Territory, regardless of where they live. They will be at the forefront of making any cash for container system work.
I am pleased the Henderson government has included this as part of their Greening the Territory initiative. We want to keep our community clean and tidy; we want to provide incentives for people to recycle and to improve our environment. We have worked well with Keep Australia Beautiful over the years. Many of us have worked closely with Keep Australia Beautiful to create awareness and to roll out programs in the regional and remote areas of the Territory. We cannot become lax and complacent in the urban areas. As a former Environment minister, I know these initiatives sound simple but are complex to construct. I have confidence in the team working on the Cash for Containers Scheme.
The Mayor of Alice Springs is on a litter cleanup campaign, which is great. We know he has had significant concerns regarding glass in that community so I was pleased to provide him with a grant of approximately $700 000 last financial year to enable the Alice Springs Town Council to buy a glass crusher machine. This is an opportunity for government to assist local government in an innovative way. The mayor identified a glass crushing machine can cut and crush tonnes of glass, diminishing the requirement for landfill. The machine can also be used to create sand-based concrete which will create new pathways and pavements in Alice Springs - a win/win situation; you help the environment by reusing and recycling glass through a machine. The council will find it more affordable to provide a path and pavement system across Alice Springs which improves usability of the town for locals, the town will look more attractive, and they will get more bang for their buck.
That is an example of looking at practical measures when you create a litter abatement scheme. Sometimes, the greatest costs are the start-up costs, and it often depends on what grants are available to fund those costs. The environment grants through the Northern Territory government have been very successful in communities where they have received environment grants and created litter abatement schemes. They are to be highly commended.
We will have a strong body of work to create the container deposit legislation; I am confident of that. It will focus around cash for containers. The broader issues underpinning this are providing incentives to recycle and contribute to improving our environment. Government supports this and different government agencies are involved in providing advice. Treasury provides advice on the financial structures of any scheme; Justice provides legal advice; and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure is a construction agency and understands the geographic realities of the Territory.
As Deputy Chief Minister and minister with these portfolio responsibilities, I am delighted to lend whatever assistance is required to enable this to be effective, efficient innovation, and encourage community-based responses. A community-based response is most effective when you have the right framework in place. We are working to have this in place by 2011. We all know the Territory is a highly innovative place and, in the intervening period, opportunities will arise at the community level. When it all comes together in 2011, it will be a seamless change for Territorians.
It is important to engage young people in this. They are the energy of our community, our society, and they embrace change quickly. They are our environmental warriors. If the children in my local electorate are anything to go by, they are passionate about caring for their environment and their community.
The member for Fannie Bay may turn his skills to engaging the young people of the Territory through this process. We can set up a framework which can be well structured and resourced but, if we have not engaged young people as environment warriors, we will not see the successes we are all looking forward to.
I commend the bipartisan approach. I wish the minister for the Environment all the best in his portfolio; it is a portfolio which achieves great things for our Territory. Our environment is one of our most attractive aspects. The cash for containers move by the Henderson government is critical, and has the full support of the government. We look forward to progress reports and seeing the end result. It will be successful, and I look forward to assisting in any way I can.
Madam Speaker, I commend this motion to the House.
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, I support the statement of my colleague, the minister for the Environment.
I grew up in an era when container deposit legislation did not exist. In those days you went to the retailer, purchased your cool drinks or beer, and were charged for the content and the bottle. You returned the crate with the empty beer bottles, or the cool drink bottles. You never saw broken bottles because every single bottle had a monetary value on it and every family knew the monetary value of the deposit. Container deposit legislation will provide a means for young people to get pocket money.
We live in an era where we are concerned about climate change and carbon emissions. Considering the cost to the environment in producing the containers, whether they are steel, aluminium or glass - more energy is used to produce a glass bottle from scratch than to crush and remould from used glass bottles. Much energy is required to produce aluminium from alumina. Aluminium has been defined as gelatinised electricity and more energy is required to produce aluminium from alumina than to smelt and remake aluminium cans. The same applies to steel. More energy is required, and enormous emissions are produced converting iron ore to steel and rolling it to produce cans, than smelting cans and reproducing new ones. It is not only the cost to the community, or that it will give an opportunity to young people or anyone to collect containers and cash in on them, it is the total cost to the environment and the community.
I am pleased with the bipartisan support for container deposit legislation. The Territory is a big place; some people say it is a big place populated by people with big egos. It also has difficulties, one of which is the tyranny of distance. We have many towns around the Territory with small populations, and the number of containers collected may not be commercially feasible to transport to a major centre and be processed. Unless we try, we will not know if it works.
Tourism has used a very effective slogan: ‘You will never, never know, if you never, never go’. That slogan attracted thousands of people because if they did not come to the Territory, they would never know what they were missing. We could use a similar slogan here: if you never, never go there – that is, container deposit legislation - you will never, never know what you are missing, and you will never, never know what you may gain.
It is very important that we find the most appropriate system for the containers to be collected, transported and recycled. We have a railway line, so we can transport massive volumes of scrap metal or scrap glass to places where it can be easily recycled cost-effectively. There are other innovative ideas. Alice Springs Town Council is using a machine to crush glass to make footpaths - a very innovative idea. Another is shredding plastic containers to reduce the volume for easy transportation and remoulding
When I was minister for the Environment we looked at container legislation and, at that time, it was not feasible. The minister for the Environment has now suggested it is time to bite the bullet. There might be some cost to government. We may have to contribute something to start and it may evolve into something bigger and better. This is a unique opportunity for us to look at container deposit legislation and compare the differences around Australia. South Australia and other jurisdictions are looking at container deposit legislation.
Canada is an example of where people recycle containers. There are stations at shopping centres where people can deposit their used containers which are then recycled. It is very effective in Canada, and the same applies to the United States of America and most European countries. Resources are scarce in Europe and people are aware not only of the environmental pollution created by discharged containers, but also the production of these containers. They are very keen to recycle.
We are recycling computer monitors and car parts. Many cars manufactured now have parts that are recyclable. You can buy an expensive car and the dashboard will be constructed of material from other cars and, when this car becomes old and obsolete, that dashboard can be recycled. If we can recycle cars and computer monitors it would not be difficult to recycle things we use every day in massive quantities such as cold drink containers, cans, or alcoholic beverage bottles.
Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support this container deposit legislation. There will be a reaction by people with a vested interest. Pressure will be exerted on the Commonwealth, state and territory governments not to go there. Unless we do, we will not find the benefits to the community and the environment. I strongly support the CDL.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support this statement. Container deposit is not a new idea; the deposit refund system was originally introduced by the beverage industry. They were predominately glass bottles in those days. They wanted to guarantee the return of their glass bottles so they could be washed, refilled and resold. The change came from bottles to cans. It was traditional that beer, soft drink, and milk came in refillable glass bottles which were then recycled. It was not until after World War II the steel industry became involved and started to replace glass bottles in the beer industry - in America initially, then other countries. The convenience and disposability of cans helped boost their sales across that country, and around the world.
It was something different, something modern. People were coming out of wartime and they needed something different to cheer them up. That contributed to an escalation in sales of cans. They had advertisements such as ‘drink right from the can, no empties to return’. They tried to make it convenient to put cans in the bin, or wherever they put them in those days. That continued through the decades until about the 1960s or 1970s, when the tide started to turn in the community’s mind and thinking. That is when the litter component, associated with the beverage industry and other industries, emerged as a serious environmental issue.
Returning empties was a way of life in the 1960s. They were predominately glass and manufacturers wanted them back to recycle - not so much in the remote areas across the Territory, but it happened in the urban areas. That legacy is seen today in that there is little litter on our roadside. People started to change their way of thinking regarding recycling and reusing their items.
In the Territory, we have the Keep Australia Beautiful Council which worked to get container deposit legislation on the agenda. They ran displays at the Royal Darwin Show and lobbied long and hard to have this legislation brought before parliament. They met with resistance from the business and beverage industries but they persevered. I am not sure of their position now as I understand KAB funding comes predominantly from the beverage industry.
This move towards setting up legislation in the Territory offers us an opportunity to get it right. South Australia has had their legislation since the mid-1970s. Parts of it are very good, but there are parts that are troublesome such as the definition of what is a beverage container. Is it the can of soft drink you buy at the shop and drink there? Does it include the carton of milk you take home from the shop? Some are included in South Australia and some are excluded. I know members of this parliament who have an active interest in this issue have travelled to South Australia and have done much work on it.
It is an opportunity for change, and change for the better. We need to take our time to ensure it suits the urban areas and is sufficiently flexible to suit remote areas. It has to be owned by the community. I do not believe it can be driven by government agencies or by the beverage industry, although they are an important stakeholder.
I urge both the committee and government to ensure there is ownership by the community, and to consult all relevant stakeholders - the business community, local government, remote and Aboriginal communities, and the urban areas. I look forward to seeing some movement regarding this legislation. I look forward to draft discussion papers, or whatever government and other members of this parliament come forward with. We can take it back to the electorate to get the best model for the Northern Territory, the community and the environment.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Years 10 to 12 German Exchange Students at Casuarina Senior College, accompanied by Ms Dorothy Carmichael. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Mr McCARTHY (Transport): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support the statement of the Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage, and the statement of other members, on the introduction of a Cash for Container Scheme in the Northern Territory. I would like to take the House on a brief walk in history to demonstrate the relevance and vision of this policy.
I will not go to the Punic Wars. I would like to start with the Industrial Revolution and talk about a culture I saw as a culture of litter. The Industrial Revolution was a period in time where we started to learn about real toxic waste. There were no real plans around toxic waste. The culture of toxic pollution emerged, and this was large-scale littering; large-scale, irresponsible disposal of products causing serious harm to our environment.
I jump to the 1950s in Sydney and my recollections as I grew up of the challenges, and some of the bases for my entry into politics. I could talk about the Parramatta River and the industry located on that river, with the toxic waste dumped into the river and the environs of the greater Sydney area. I could talk about one of our most beautiful and famous beaches in the world, Bondi Beach, and the sewage outfall. I will not go into the metaphors used when I was an adolescent in Sydney. There was this culture of rapid disposal, easiest way to go, no problems, dump it in the sea; we have never found the bottom of the sea, so it must be okay.
One of my memories of camping holidays and going down the coast was the shock and horror of seeing responsible Australians who had just celebrated a great summer holiday in the bush pulling over to the side of the road and dumping their rubbish in the bush. That is still a live and vivid vision. I questioned it then and I question it now – this culture of easy disposal, easy way out, no responsibility for what we do.
The irony here is, in the 1950s and 1960s, much small-scale recycling was going on. The big picture item that was evident, and linked to the change in our society, was that progressive, small-scale recycling initiatives were occurring.
Members on the other side might be a bit young to remember the bottle-o and rag and bone man. I could name them in this House, but this week I am a bit nervous about naming people. Old man Fatty Gratten, my next door neighbour, one of the famous Gratten brothers, was a rag and bone man. My mother was never happy with him burning tyres in the back yard when she had her washing hanging on the line. That was an example of an easy disposal method. All other products Fatty Gratten processed were recycled. Beer bottles were valuable. Milk was delivered in glass bottles and I remember, from my childhood, that milk bottles were rinsed, returned, and more milk was poured into them.
Soft drink bottles became an income for a generation of children like me. There was not a lot of broken glass or litter around our area. These products were valuable, and we were able to source them and resource ourselves. It was a physical result in a disposable cash income, and a very good environmental result. More importantly, it highlighted a behaviour, a value, a moralistic area of child development. Maybe we have to question that today. We will have that debate some other time.
The 1960s and 1970s were a major environmental awareness period in our history. I base Woodstock on a lot of it; Woodstock influenced a lot of policy today. The member for Braitling is way too young for Woodstock, because you definitely do not have much Woodstock about you. We are all learners in our society. I can teach you much about the philosophy of Woodstock.
The major campaigns regarding environmental awareness started to highlight the problem. The next irony was the culture of packaging: there were no disposable milk bottles any more, products were thrown away and discarded. On a small scale, we returned to this idea of cast away, no responsibility, it is someone else’s problem - it went into the rivers, the sea, into landfill. We started to see the problems we are faced with today. The business culture drove it, limiting recycling. The member for Casuarina highlighted how the shift in values was driven by economies, and we lost touch with the environment.
We get to Generation Y, with very individual thinking, and very individual philosophy. I have become frustrated witnessing students in our secondary schools in the Northern Territory having lunch, celebrating a meal together, participating in valuable discussion, sharing ideas and friendship. They then go back to class leaving a heap of rubbish behind them. We have tried initiative after initiative to address this. We are still trying to address the issue of individual lack of responsibility towards packaging and product. Moving on with the next part of life is more important.
What is the question? The question is, if the message of preserving our environment for our children and their children is not getting through, how do we motivate people to stop littering? Do we have time to change these attitudes? Are there better, quicker ways to reduce litter? I see it working hand-in-hand with this legislation, and this move for the Northern Territory. The government is focused on creating jobs, involving the community, and increasing our pride as Territorians in who we are, where we live, and where we are going in the future. There is no silver bullet; we need to chip away at the problem and be focused on what we can do for our country.
I am glad to say the Henderson government’s decision to introduce the Cash for Containers Scheme is part of the answer to these problems and challenges. I am proud to say the Northern Territory will be the second jurisdiction to introduce the scheme. This is another example of this government having a plan, moving forward, setting an agenda, and leading the way nationally.
We know the South Australian model works. We know that where such schemes run between 70% and 90% of the containers sold are returned for recycling, refilling or disposal. We know drink containers contribute less than 20% of litter, by volume, in South Australia compared to other states where the rate is up to 50%. Sadly, in the Northern Territory, we have the second highest litter level anywhere in Australia. This government is setting ambitious targets as part of the Territory 2030 Draft Strategy, to reduce the amount of waste taken to rubbish dumps by 50% by the year 2020. This is an honourable target which cannot be achieved without the Cash for Containers Scheme. We need to be looking at visionary policy to support the big ticket item.
I am delighted to see this scheme gets the community working for itself, for each other, and the country. I cannot wait to see kids being involved in resource, income generation, and planning and working towards an objective. It will be great to see that culture for all generations, because it is a good thing. The kids will have a chance not only to help their country; they will also have a chance to make some pocket money and create a tangible reward for changing attitude. That has to be good.
In a report for Sydney’s Institute of Sustainable Technologies on CDL, Dr Stuart White noted:
- Container deposit legislation is an example of an increasingly important environmental management principle known as extended producer responsibility.
Dr White found when both financial and environment impacts were considered on a whole-of-society basis, the potential benefits of introducing CDL significantly exceeded the costs. He found the annualised nett economic benefit of CDL, where recovered container materials are recycled, was in the order of millions per year compared to the current situation. This nett economical benefit is largely due to environmental benefits, which were also valued at millions of dollars per year. The valuation of environmental benefits is exclusive to the value of improved visual amenity due to litter reduction. That cannot be overestimated for Territorians and visitors alike. I get many comments from visitors about litter; they challenge me regularly on what we are doing about it.
Dr White also found local government would realise financial benefits from the introduction of CDL through reduced cost of kerbside collection. He reported the introduction of CDL would, ultimately, improve the financial performance of kerbside recycling by reducing its costs. Dr White also found there would be a nett jobs benefit. He estimated there would be a nett employment increase in full-time jobs if CDL were implemented. Dr White advised the New South Wales government: ‘Just do it’. I say to them, follow our lead. I say to my home town, and the rest of Australia: get with the program.
Madam Speaker, I support this statement. I am proud this government is doing the hard work to protect the environment, create jobs, and lead nationally.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you are in continuation and have 10 minutes.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Thank you, Madam Speaker. There is much support for cash for containers, although some people are not quite sure. I remember when the minister introduced the cash for containers statement people were very positive and supportive.
There is not much more for me to add except pontificate on the question of whether a house will be built under SIHIP before cash for containers starts. It is like those people at Woodstock smoking that wacky weed, sitting around waiting for something to happen. Maybe the member for Daly might do something.
Jokes aside, I have spoken on this before. The Alice Springs Town Council is working to remove litter from the streets. I commend Damien Ryan, Murray Stewart, Liz Martin, Brendan Heenan, Sandy Taylor, and everyone else on the council. It is unfortunate local businesses and consumers will now be slugged with extra tax - this is the Labor way with tax. It could be the carbon pollution reduction scheme; however, that again means more tax. It is just a tax-athon by Labor all around the country.
Madam Speaker, I will not add anymore except to say: do not get caught by the iceberg waiting for cash for containers.
Mr HAMPTON (National Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I thank all members for their contribution. This statement was brought to the House at the end of April by the then minister and it is fantastic to be able to wrap it up.
It is a very big issue in the Territory. Listening to speakers it does bring home climate change, the environment, and the broader issues we face, not only in Australia but throughout the world. They are important to all of us, and to our constituents in the Northern Territory.
I have been newly appointed as minister for the Environment. I acknowledge the work of my predecessor, the member for Macdonnell, for what she had done on this, together with the reference group, and for the great passion she had in this portfolio and for bringing the CDL statement to the House.
In relation to the comments this morning, besides the negativity of the member for Braitling, I thank all other members for their positive comments on the statement, particularly in relation innovation.
The Deputy Chief Minister spoke about innovation in her contribution. I place on the record the people at Coodardie Station in my electorate, Clair and Mike O’Brien. They have come up with their own can crusher which is a very simple innovation but very effective. I was there last week. Local people have come up with a solution to crushing cans, bagging them, and sending them away. These are the things we forget - locals came up with this fantastic idea. I put on the public record that great innovation at Coodardie Station, in my electorate of Stuart.
One of the members raised the fact it is great for our kids. The member for Barkly mentioned Generation Y. It is great for kids to clean up, pick up cans and rubbish, and put them in bags and send them away for cash. It is a great way to raise funds for local schools, and to encourage kids to think about the environment. It is great to see schools and kids getting involved in these projects in my electorate at Mataranka. In my contribution to the statement in June this year, I mentioned the initiative at Lajamanu. They have been doing this type of scheme for quite a while, along with many other places throughout the Northern Territory. I know in Central Australia, Santa Teresa and Titjikala have put together a scheme to address litter issues in their own communities. It is right across the board, no matter what size the community. The member for Goyder mentioned some of the initiatives in her electorate. It is fantastic to see.
I acknowledge the reference group, which consists of the members for Fannie Bay and Nelson; they have done some great work. I am looking forward to working with them in the future, as minister for the Environment, in getting this right. My colleagues on the reference group have made some very useful comments. The member for Nelson mentioned some of the deficiencies in the South Australian scheme. I share his desire to fix these, as far as we can, in a Territory scheme. The member for Fannie Bay has highlighted the use of reverse vending machines. I know he is keen to see these as part of cash for containers, and I look forward to those discussions with him and the member for Nelson.
The Deputy Chief Minister mentioned the proposal by Alice Springs Town Council for a litter levy, and local cash for containers program. The Northern Territory government has provided funding for a glass crusher. This will go a long way to help the council deal with those issues.
I am aware of concerns about the levy among local liquor retailers and hotels. I have met with a number of these outlets, including the Gapview Resort. As a local member, and the Minister for Central Australia, I have made representations to the Mayor of Alice Springs on this issue. A Territory-wide scheme will avoid the problems of local schemes. The Chief Minister said if we can get the cash for containers scheme up before 2011, we will.
Mention was also made of how cash for containers will roll out in the regions. Much can be done making the 20 growth towns – a major policy initiative of this government - recycling hubs. The 20 growth towns will pick up this opportunity. I will be taking this up, not only as minister for the Environment, but also as Minister for Regional Development. We need to look at where we can create more job opportunities, particularly for people in the growth towns.
I pick up on a few points raised by the member for Brennan in his contribution on 30 April. I believe he was supporting cash for containers - I hope so. There seemed to be many qualifications; I will run through a few of them. He said it could be too costly and we are remote from recycling markets; he is not sure whether it can be successfully implemented; the beverage industry may not be flexible enough; and there may be a national model around the corner. Member for Brennan, that is a long list.
On the last point, let me be clear as there is some confusion. In the past, government took a position that a national CDL was the best way to go. We tried, but that does not seem likely now. If we are wrong, and at some time in the future a national CDL scheme gets up, we would not run a parallel scheme. Having implemented cash for containers, we would certainly be in a much stronger position to shape the national outcome. There is more than one way to show national leadership. We hope other jurisdictions will take our lead and see it is possible.
All the issues the member for Brennan has raised, and more, will be addressed. The big difference is we are now addressing them, not from the perspective of whether we have CDL, but how we have it. It is a very important distinction. Having made the decision to proceed, we can now design a scheme which meets these challenges, and meets the Territory’s needs.
The opposition has made a point of highlighting what was said in the past. I am more interested in action for the future. Government has made it clear we have had a fresh look at CDL, and we have made a policy shift. That is what good governments do; if circumstances change, the responsible thing is to re-examine and adapt to that change. CDL has been, over the years, a passionate area of debate, and both sides of politics have had something to say. I remember the former member for Braitling, Loraine Braham, was also very passionate about this and I acknowledge the work she did in the early stages.
Madam Speaker, I will not go tit for tat. The time has come to put a line under past debates, move forward and get on with the job. I will be working hard with the members for Nelson and Fannie Bay.
Member for Brennan, we talked last night about the EPA amendments of CDL. I am prepared to work with you and my door is always open.
I look forward to working with the reference group and all the stakeholders involved in the scheme to get it right. Let us make it happen.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MOTION
Note Statement – Asian Relations and Trade
Note Statement – Asian Relations and Trade
Continued from 11 June 2009.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson in continuation. I believe you have 15 minutes left.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I went through what was said on 11 June by the Minister for Asian Relations. Much was said about encouraging foreign investment, keeping our trade up, and increasing our trade for the benefit of the Territory. Some of the issues I raised on 11 June were about encouraging people to come here. I note with interest, in the lead-up to the last election the Chief Minister said he wanted to go to the polls to get certainty for the Territory, to make sure INPEX was going to come here and, in general, more certainty so we could do what the Minister for Asian Relations articulated in the ministerial statement.
The problem is we currently do not have a great deal of certainty. We have a government hanging on by a thread. We have issues still to be played out. We are still trying to attract foreign investment, trying to attract overseas people to come here to work, to set up businesses, to trade and do business in the Territory. Instead of dealing with some of the major issues in our community such as law and order, health, housing, land, and education, we hear about the Surf Life Saving Club. What I heard the member for Casuarina say during Question Time is what I hear members of government say in adjournment debate speeches. In Question Time today, I heard a number of adjournment debate speeches. That is amazing when you add up the other issues that beset the Territory at the moment.
The three pillars of any community are health, education, and law and order. What did we hear today during Question Time? Did we hear about great news in law and order? Did we hear about great news in health? Did we hear about great news in education? The three pillars of a good community and we did not hear anything. Did we hear anything about land? Did we hear about land release? No, we did not. Did we hear about the vibrant community out there and the vibrant business community?
I heard the member for Johnston say yesterday he is out there talking to businesses, and it is fantastic. I would like to talk to the member for Johnston later and get a list of people I can talk to, because I am not hearing the same thing. I am out there, at the markets, at the shopping centres, talking to small business, and they are concerned about where the Territory is headed, and they are concerned about the stability of government.
I hear about education. I talk to teachers at the markets and at the shops. They are expressing great concern about education. I have friends who are avid Labor supporters. I accept in our community we have to have people on both sides which makes for good, healthy debate. Teachers I have known for many years and who are great Labor supporters are expressing deep concern over the direction of education. I talk to police officers I have known for many years and who are great Labor supporters, and they express deep concerns over the direction of law and order. They are looking for answers. That is why they want an inquiry. They want to know where all the police officers are. The government refuses to budge on that particular issue. Health - well, I do not know if I want to go there. There are so many issues in health, and not enough time to discuss them.
These are the issues we have to get right if we want to attract foreign investment. When people come here from overseas or interstate - whether they are small business people, public servants, or Defence people - they need to know their kids are going to be safe; they are going to be educated; and they can go to hospital and get good treatment. They need to know they can go to an automatic teller machine at Northlakes Shopping Centre without getting the living daylights kicked out of them when they are getting money. These are the very basic things any civilised community has to get right. The sad thing is we do not seem to be getting it right.
Earlier, the Chief Minister stated he is very concerned about SIHIP. We have to get those things right as well. If we do not, how on earth can we get housing sorted out in suburban areas? I note when talking about the costs of this housing, the Chief Minister claimed the $772m is going to buy 750 homes. Other people are saying it is only 300. Given that in the last eight years the government has sold off over 2000 dwellings, how are you going to replace those dwellings? If houses in remote areas cost twice as much to build as those in suburban areas, how are we going to replace them? How are we going to give housing assistance to people who want to come here? How are we going to supply the people to do the range of jobs at a lower end of the socioeconomic scale? How are we going to house these people? How is the government going to attract them? If we get all this foreign investment and everything mentioned in the statement, how are we going to attract the workforce?
The caravan parks are full. I was in a caravan park talking to residents; they want to get into housing and they cannot. How do people’s kids get a house? I mentioned in this House the story about the guy whose family broke up. I have heard a few more stories of families with kids who cannot afford to get a house, cannot afford to get a start. How are we going to attract investment? How are we going to get a workforce here?
I hear from the government in these great ministerial statements that this is great; all of this is fantastic. The problem is we need to attract people and keep them here. If people cannot get a home, cannot get land, cannot have a really good health system, if there is no confidence in law and order, the health system, and education, there is one major thing missing - hope.
When I came to the Territory there was a good law and order system. The health system, although not perfect, was in slightly better shape than it is now. The education system was great; we were leaders in education. I spent a few years working with teachers and, when I talk to teachers who have been here for 30 years, they freely admit that 20 years ago we were the leaders in the country in education. We had a smaller base to work on; we were able to implement programs. It was easy to implement new, innovative programs in the Territory, and we did. People came to conferences and took away some of the innovations that the Territory created. I was talking to someone who is a long-term Territorian, a long-term educator, at an interstate education conference, and they conveyed to me we are the laughing stock of the country at the moment. It saddened me to have that conversation and listen to them explain how they were embarrassed at the things being said. That is indicative. I talk to nurses and police officers. These are the very things we have to get right.
I encourage the government, even if they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth, to consider these things. If they want to see progress they need to look carefully at some of the very basics any civilised community needs; that is, health, education, law and order, and a vibrant economy to pay for them. I hear about vibrant economies but, when I talk to people on the ground, they are concerned about what is happening down south. There are more people turning up in Darwin. I do not know how many builders are going to come here but there is nowhere to live. We just cannot get houses ...
A member: They could get a package.
Mr STYLES: Yes, they can get a package. They could see Territory Housing and find out what package they can get in four or five years time.
The other issue is a reliable power system. It appears the government is trying to fix that problem and is, hopefully, achieving some goals.
Madam Speaker, it is important we get this right. It is important that instead of adjournment debate speeches during Question Time we deal with these issues and make the Territory the great place everyone in this House believes it is, and realise the potential it has. If we do not get it right, we will not be able to do all the things the minister reports in his ministerial statement.
Mr KNIGHT (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, I add my support to the Minister for Asian Relations’ statement on Asian Relations and Trade. The Territory has a long-standing and close relationship with its Asian neighbours, and we are committed to building closer ties for our mutual benefit. This relationship has shaped the very essence of the Territory and built the vibrant, multicultural society we have today. A short walk through our CBD details the impact on our buildings of our close ties with the Asian community over the last several decades.
I will talk about this statement from the point of view of Minister for Public Employment. Members will be aware that this government is committed to a Timor-Leste Civil Service Capacity Building Internship Scheme. The Henderson government and the Timor-Leste government have developed a warm and close relationship. There have been many activities and initiatives between these governments, underpinned by the mutual benefits of exchange, reciprocity and partnership.
The Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste met with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory on 24 August 2008 as part of his official visit to Australia. A range of opportunities were discussed at this meeting to strengthen ties between the jurisdictions, and how the Northern Territory might contribute to the overall Australian effort to support Timor-Leste’s development in education, training and employment needs.
One opportunity lies in the area of public sector training. The Prime Minister proposed, and the Chief Minister agreed, that the Northern Territory and Timor-Leste governments cooperate in the establishment of a scheme whereby Timor-Leste civil servants gain work experience from short-term placements in the Northern Territory public sector. As the Chief Minister has announced, we have a commitment to facilitate 10 new internships for Timor-Leste civil servants. The Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment began working with senior representatives from the Timor-Leste Civil Service Secretariat to determine the scope of the scheme, and identify where we can add value to maximise learning and experiential outcomes for civil servants. The outcome of the consultation was the proposal to concentrate efforts on building the capacity of emerging middle managers in the fields of human resources and corporate management.
A representative from the OCPE travelled to Dili in April 2009 to progress the scheme, and facilitate the signing of the memorandum of cooperation. The visit provided the opportunity to develop positive relationships, and engender a mutual understanding of the objectives of the Territory’s internship scheme. I am informed the visit to Dili was also productive in understanding the challenges faced by the Timor-Leste Civil Service, and highlighted the importance capacity building programs play in building a workforce responsive to the needs of the people of Timor-Leste. Through the internship program, I am committed to ensuring that we will assist in creating a public sector which provides the highest quality service to Timor-Leste.
Initially, we will place the interns within the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment where they can develop an understanding of the Northern Territory public sector. Previous interns have been able to develop their own knowledge in their chosen field. They have gained experience through working in operational and practical components of the following agencies: Planning and Infrastructure; Education and Training; Health and Families; and Business and Employment.
A range of factors influenced the selection of best match agencies, including participants’ current work experience and their learning objectives. One of the participants works for the ministry of Health in the area of Human Resources. It would be great for that participant to work in a comparable business environment. The interns started their placement on Monday, 29 June 2009, for a period of eight weeks. These interns are now coming to the end of their placement with the NTPS and I am looking forward to meeting them on Friday night to hear about their experiences.
All interns have extensive work experience in the Timor-Leste Civil Service. Deolinda De Oliveira, head of Information Technology in the Civil Service Secretariat, was placed with the Department of Business and Employment; Ostelino Belo, head of HR Planning in the Ministry of Health in Timor-Leste, was placed with Health and Families; Idalina da Costa Freitas, National Director for Planning and Policy of Professional Training in the Ministry of Education, was placed in the Department of Education and Training; and Imaculada Moniz Sequeira, Human Resource Officer in the Civil Service Secretariat, was placed with the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. The first four return home shortly and we are looking forward to planning for the next group of interns in the coming weeks.
I travelled to Timor-Leste with the Chief Minister, and the Minister for Business, Asian Relations, and Trade, to meet many ministers. I also met the interns before they arrived. They have done a great deal of work on their numeracy and literacy and are able to work within the NTPS. I look forward to chatting with them about their experiences. The Darwin-based Timor-Leste population welcomed them and many of the interns had family in Darwin, which was comforting for them.
Capacity building of the public sector is a huge task, as we witnessed on our visit to Timor-Leste. It is a huge undertaking. There are some 35 000 public servants, full-time and part-time, and they have much to learn. They started from scratch when Indonesia pulled out of Timor. As the Prime Minister said, Timor and Darwin are neighbours forever and that relationship will grow over time. We look forward to seeing more interns coming into the Northern Territory Public Service, and for that relationship to grow.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the minister on his statement.
Mr McCARTHY (Transport): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to support the statement from the Minister for Asian Relations, and the statements of other members from this side of the House on Asian Relations and Trade.
Northern Territorians owe their cultural histories to all parts of the globe, and a deep basis in the oldest culture on earth. I am sure we all acknowledge the first Australians and the Indigenous people of this country. It was through the Indigenous people of this country - the Yanyuwa people of Borroloola and the Gulf country - that my education on cultural fusion was taken to the next level. This relates to our relationship with our northern Asian neighbours for many centuries, the Macassan people. The Yanyuwa had, as did other Indigenous people, a relationship with the Indigenous people of Sulawesi for many centuries. It was not only a friendly cultural exchange, it was also to do with trade. There were many technological exchanges between the two groups; there were also many cultural exchanges. I have visited Macassan sites on Vanderlin Island where they were allowed to come onto Yanyuwa country for trepang fishing and trading, and were welcome visitors each year.
It seems very natural, very positive, and very important that we look today to our northern neighbours for Asian relations and trade - more and more we look to the north. I love the concept of the Northern Territory as the gateway to Asia. I remember coming to the Northern Territory and learning about this concept. When I started to travel and understand the nature of the geography of this part of the world, it seemed very logical, and now very important. Part of that importance is that we turn our faces toward one of the world’s largest democracies, Indonesia, and toward the diversity, wealth and vibrancy of the great nations in this region.
In my own electorate of Barkly, mining operations such as Bootu Creek Manganese Mine expect to produce an annual rate of 550 000 tonnes of manganese ore, with a high proportion of the product expected to be consumed by the smelters of south-west China. Emerson’s exciting gold mining plans and the Wonarah Rock phosphate project are taking advantage of the changed world supply/demand situation, with sea freight cost advantages to Asia, and proximity to the recently constructed Alice Springs to Darwin railway line. These companies are seizing on the Territory as the seaway to Asia, where the resources boom continues and economies are less affected by the tough global economic times we are experiencing. These are exciting projects for all Territorians; they bring investment, jobs and wealth for all our families and our children. They, along with the Henderson government’s handling of the boom economy, ensure the good times will continue and be shared by all.
Darwin has long been Australia’s No 1 port for the export of live cattle. It is now becoming the region’s primary service and supply base for onshore and offshore oil and gas projects, particularly in the Timor Sea. The expansion of East Arm port is a key priority of this government. The Commonwealth government’s contribution of $50m will bring a total of $150m to the port expansion. It will assist with the provision of vital facilities in this important building area on the way forward for the future. The initial port expansion will double the capacity. The new ship loading facilities can accommodate larger ships, and the move forward to transportation of bulk resources and commodities will reduce costs and boost competitiveness of Australia’s export gateways. Total trade grew 18% in 2008-09, and is expected to grow by 18% again in 2009-10.
I am proud to say 365 000 head of live cattle were exported through the Port of Darwin in 2008, with 90% going to Indonesia. The Indonesian market is predicted to double in the next four to five years. Darwin is positioned to play a pivotal role in the nation’s future industrial growth, and as a significant transport and logistics centre, particularly in the Australasian region. The port expansion will support the Territory’s future economical growth; it is setting the pace in this area of development and focus on our Asian neighbours. It will support investors looking for sea/road connections to Asia. It will also drive development of an integrated regional transport strategy of which I am proud to be a part. That is another example of visionary government policy and plans for all Territorians, creating jobs and driving investment as we go ahead in the place we all love and where we raise our families.
There is more to our relationship than meets the eye. I recently became the Minister for Arts and Museums, a portfolio I am thrilled to be involved in as part of the Henderson Labor government. Our arts and museums sector enhances the Territory lifestyle by fostering artistic expression and building a strong arts industry. Part of this lifestyle is the uniquely Asian feel to our art, housing, eateries and more. I am continually fascinated by the Top End.
This government has long supported an arts residency program in Asia, through the Arts Grant Program. Since 1995, through a partnership with Asialink, the non-academic centre of the University of Melbourne, and an initiative of the Myer Foundation, Australia’s leading centre for the promotion and public understanding of the countries of Asia and Australia’s role in the region, funding has supported a series of residencies across arts practices including arts management in the region. Several of our leading Territory arts managers have participated including Tim Newth, Artistic Director of Tracks Dance Company, who undertook a residency in Sri Lanka in 2003 which resulted in Snakes Gods and Deities, featuring Sama Ballet Company from Sri Lanka as part of the 2004 Darwin Festival. This year, Steve Eland, Director of 24HR Art, the Northern Territory Centre for Contemporary Art, has been awarded a highly competitive arts management residency in China.
Beyond this, a $30 000 Northern Territory Eastern Indonesian Partnership Program with Asialink grew out of the successes of the residency program which bore remarkable fruit in both the visual and performing arts. The partnership supported two pairs of artists to undertake residencies focused strongly on skills transfer and artistic leadership in remote Eastern Indonesia. Visual artists Winsome Jobling and Leon Stainer worked with the artist collective in Baun, Amarasi, in West Timor, and musicians Tony Gray and Grant Nundhirribala from Yilila worked in the village of Watublapi in Flores.
Madam Deputy Speaker, you can see my Bahasa Indonesia and Yolngu Matha need a bit of work - I am in the right portfolio for that to be developed. I look forward to informing the House about those developments, adding on to the local Warumungu I am learning, and the Garrwa language I have spent a lot of time learning ...
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, I ask you to pause for a moment so I can acknowledge some visitors in the gallery. I advise honourable member of the presence in the gallery of students from Amanbidji Primary School, accompanied by Mr Reg Robinson and Ms Fran Clark. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a very warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Mr McCARTHY: Madam Deputy Speaker, the two exchange projects contributed significantly to the revitalisation of cultural activities in these regions. Darwin audiences were also able to witness the remarkable artistic fruit of those residencies and sell-out shows during the Darwin Festival last year. Territory artists and art managers look north to our region, and reflect this in their programming. This also reflects the makeup of our Territory community.
Not all the artistic exchanges are so formal. The Readers and Writers Festival in Ubud, Bali, has also been supported by Darwin-based artists and managers for many years. Staff development residencies, supported by small professional development grants, have allowed Darwin managers, Finley Smith and Andrew Ewing - once with the Northern Territory Writers Centre - to take on pivotal roles within the festival at Ubud, to more informal borrowings. Organisations such as Top End Arts Marketing have also previously been contracted to support the marketing of that prestigious international event. Our own Darwin Chorale, under the efforts of President, Jenny Scott and Musical Director, Nora Lewis, has also forged a strong independent partnership with East Timor, with two choirs working together and performing for Darwin audiences in 2008.
Our efforts in the arts do not stop there. There is also a strong program through the Museums and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory with South-East Asia. Over the last year, Joanna Barrkman, Curator of South-East Asian Arts and Material Culture, has undertaken a number of projects with our near northern neighbours, including:
From the Hands of our Ancestors - a joint exhibition with the National Directorate of East Timor. This exhibition featured the National Collection of East Timor and the MAGNT collection.
Coming up will be Heritage and Culture of East Timor. Joanna Barrkman has been invited to present a paper at the international seminar to be held later this year.
The Territory is the Asian gateway for Australia and the world. It is a seamless hot spot of culture, investment, art, religion and culture. Under this Henderson Labor government, it will continue to be enriched by its links to Asia.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I support the statement and commend it to the House.
Mr HAMPTON (Regional Development): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased to speak in support of the ministerial statement on the Northern Territory’s Asian Relations and Trade initiatives. We do have a special bond with Asia, historically, culturally, and geographically.
Some recent visitors to my office commented on the map which takes up one of the walls in my conference room. At the top, it shows countries of northern Asia, China, Mongolia, and Japan. At the bottom of the map, it ends at the Northern Territory’s border with South Australia. No Sydney, no Melbourne, no Canberra, no Adelaide, Hobart or Perth. Some of us here may think that is a good idea. The map highlights the Territory’s proximity to Asia. We always say Darwin is the gateway to Asia, as my colleague mentioned during his statement, but a picture tells a thousand words. This one really drove home the point to me.
The Northern Territory has numerous sporting links with Asia and this is what I would like to focus on in my contribution to this statement. This weekend, our own Territory Storm netballers are travelling to Singapore to take on the locals in an Australian Netball League match. I am sure members join me in wishing them all the best. Our sporting links with Asia are highlighted no better than by the biennial Arafura Games. It is fair to say that over the past 20 years the Arafura Games have grown to symbolise and cement our close engagement with Asia.
In February this year, I travelled to Macau and China to chair a meeting of participating sports delegations. I met with delegates from 14 different countries to discuss various issues relating to the games, including the definition of the level of competition for each sport, opportunities for junior sports development, and the overall future direction of the games. The ultimate purpose of the Heads of Delegation Meeting is to ensure the Arafura Games continue to meet the international sporting requirements of the region, and that we continue to receive the support of all countries which send some of their best athletes to Darwin.
This year, we hosted 2700 athletes, including 1100 international athletes from 47 different countries, with large contingents from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Timor-Leste. There were 27 sports, including eight Paralympic sports. Darwin’s magnificent new Convention Centre was the venue for the perennial favourite Sepak Takraw, the South-East Asian version of volleyball where you do not use your hands. We had a new crowd pleaser this year, another Asian sport, the national sport of Thailand, Muay Thai. It is a martial art in which you can strike your opponent with hands, elbows, knees, and shins. It was an extremely popular sport during the games.
I thank all those volunteers who helped make the 2009 Games such a great success; there were more than 1000 of them. In their official roles, they acted as ambassadors for the Northern Territory, and they have my sincere thanks.
I am sure we are all looking forward to the 2011 Arafura Games, which we plan to make even bigger and better. This government is proud to support the iconic Arafura Games.
The games are not the only event the government supports that boosts the Territory’s reputation. The Heineken Hottest 7s is a Territory success story. Over the past 20 years, it has grown from its beginnings as the Territory 7s into one of the leading international Rugby Union events. This year, the Heineken Hottest 7s included teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, yet again helping to boost the Territory’s ties with Asia. The Territory government is backing the Heineken Hottest 7s by allocating $300 000 over the next three years to help it continue to grow. Territory businesses are continuing their proud record of supporting the tournament. This year, Foxy Robinson, from the Airport Value Inn, signed up as a major sponsor, joining other sponsors including Austar, OneSteel, Perkins, SKYCITY, and Southern Cross Television. I acknowledge and applaud their support for this great event.
Basketball is another sport with strong ties into Asia. In August last year, the Darwin Airport Resort All Stars won the Brunei Cup. They followed up by playing two home and away games against the Singapore Slingers in December. Although the All Stars lost both games, the series was a great success. All parties are keen to make the fixture an annual event. The Territory government was pleased to support the event by awarding a special assistance grant of $5000 to the Darwin Basketball Association. The association has written to me stating it sees the tour as an extremely important event in continuing to build on relationships between Asia and the Northern Territory. The 24 Territory basketballers, 12 boys and 12 girls, will be up against players from DBL Indonesia, the largest basketball competition in Indonesia, which incorporates more than 17 000 basketball players.
The Timor Sea Cup is an example of how the Territory government can help promote closer relations in the region through the development of sporting ties. The first Timor Sea Cup competition was held in September last year. It is an Under 18 men’s football competition between the Northern Territory, Timor-Leste and the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timor, which includes West Timor. The Northern Territory made the final but were beaten 3-0 by Timor-Leste. During the Chief Minister’s recent visit to Timor-Leste, he announced that the Territory government will offer two NTIS scholarships to East Timorese footballers. I look forward to welcoming them when they arrive next year.
This government brought Test cricket to the Territory. We saw the national teams from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh play at Marrara. We saw with that the influx of their supporters from interstate, and from their home countries. The minister spoke of how sporting links can contribute to strong people-to-people contacts which exist between the Territory and Asia. We saw this clearly with the international cricket stars, but we also see it at every other level.
Even as we speak, the Northern Territory eight ball team is in West Timor competing for the Kupang Cup. This competition has taken place since 1997, held in Darwin one year and Kupang the next. I know the players take their sport very seriously and they still find time to collect and deliver donated books, pens and stationery to schoolchildren in West Timor. I congratulate them on their efforts - a perfect example of how sport can bring people closer together.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am very pleased to support the minister’s statement.
Dr BURNS (Asian Relations): Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank all members for contributing to this debate over the last two sittings.
It is an important statement. It underlines this government’s commitment to our Asian Relations and Trade Strategy, and it foreshadows important things on the horizon for Asian Relations and Trade. It demonstrates a plan on the part of this government in our Asian Relations and Trade Strategy. It also demonstrates team work between the Chief Minister, who is taking the lead, and the minister for Mines and Energy and Fisheries and Primary Industry. He has also played a very active part, over a number of years, in drawing investment into the Territory. As minister responsible for the port, the Treasurer plays a key role with the Australian government, which is now investing heavily in our port.
I am not going to say the point at which we are now is solely due to the efforts of this government; I repeatedly pay tribute to the vision and energy of Barry Coulter, and previous CLP governments, in building the railway.
Mineral deposits up and down the track have started to open up. There is now the prospect of more exports through the Port of Darwin. The port has gone from its initial development phase of focusing on container traffic to now focusing on bulk materials. I believe that is appropriate. That is where this government has invested. It is something I have discussed with Barry Coulter. There has been a transition from being a container port to really going with our strength, which is bulk material.
That does not mean we will not be focusing on the future and continuing to build our container traffic through the Port of Darwin. Having said that, and having paid tribute to the previous government for their achievements, I would like to draw a distinction that was illustrated by the Chief Minister during his first days as Minister for Asian Relations and Trade where he asked for a briefing on strategy and was told there was no strategy. It was, to some degree, built on ‘we will enter into a memorandum of understanding with this particular group, or this particular country’ …
Mr Elferink: You are so sensitive about this.
Dr BURNS: That is the way it was.
Mr Elferink: That was because the strategy was driven by government, not public servants.
Dr BURNS: I will illustrate what the strategies are, member for Port Darwin. This is a government that has been very strategic in what we have done in our Asian Relations and Trade, particularly in relation to our exports.
The member for Casuarina, over many years, and the former member for Drysdale, pointed to the China investment strategy. This has been about showcasing the Northern Territory, and its mineral prospectivity, to China and Japan. That has really borne fruit. We are seeing the fruit in the eagerness of Chinese and Japanese companies to invest heavily in the Northern Territory. I believe that is quite appropriate. It has also evidenced the leadership of the Chief Minister and, the former member for Fannie Bay when she was Chief Minister. They went to China and Japan, sold the Territory and got big results. What bigger result could you get than the INPEX project? The former Chief Minister, Clare Martin, and Mr Tyrrell, put the idea in the minds of the INPEX Board It was heavily followed up by the member for Wanguri, our Chief Minister. He sealed the deal and the relationship with INPEX. There is more to come. There is more investment, both Chinese and Japanese, to come.
I was amazed when the member for Sanderson asked how we were going to attract investment. Whenever the member for Sanderson speaks, it is so depressing. There is hardly a positive; it is just a grumble. He needs to acknowledge some positives here today in the achievements of the former CLP government, and their vision of the railway. To deny this government has no achievements whatsoever is being a bit blind. To say the world of the Northern Territory is so bad it is crumbling and it is caving in, he needs to be a bit more positive and realistic in his outlook.
The member for Blain talked about a number of things. He believes we are giving the impression of activity. He listed all the things that have occurred in this area. The list is impressive. We have a series of plans, and we are moving to achieve those plans. The results are there for all to see. The member for Blain should have recognised that.
He talked about Garuda at length. That is a continuing battle that we will wage. I am glad to know the member for Blain is also working on that case. We can hope there is a return of Garuda, or some other entity from Indonesia, to give some competition on some of those routes. On that particular point, we are at one.
The member for Port Darwin raised what he thought was a perplexing issue about some of the figures. I quote from Hansard where the member for Port Darwin said:
- I draw honourable members’ attention to the statement on page 4 of the document circulated last night:
- In the year to April 2009, the Territory’s exports increased by 57.3% and imports grew by 73.9%, increasing the Territory’s goods trades surplus by $500m to $2.1bn.
That is impressive - really impressive. However, I draw members’ attention to page 71 of their own budget documents where it says:
- In 2007-08, the international trade surplus …
…
… increased to $2.3bn. The positive trade balance is primarily due to strong demand for mineral and energy resources, high commodity prices and favourable exchange rates for the Australian dollar during 2007-08.
Mr Elferink: Ah, you did not make that distinction in the speech, if memory serves.
A member: Another ‘Oh ho’ moment.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: I will be honest and frank with the House. I took what the member for Port Darwin had said and made inquiries, because I needed to understand the figures myself. I can say to the House and the member for Port Darwin, I am convinced the explanation is as I have given. It was a reasonable question that you asked. I have tried to give you a reasonable answer. No doubt, we will continue the debate on other figures at another time. On this particular figure, I have given a very reasonable answer to that.
The government is recognised for its proactive and successful pursuit of new resources development. INPEX is an obvious example of the ‘can do’ attitude of the Henderson government. We are working very carefully with INPEX and local business to maximise the opportunities for Territory business and the Territory economy.
The member for Blain made an inquiry regarding the Brunei Indonesia Malaysia Philippines East Asian Group, the BIMP-EAGA group. The Northern Territory is not a member of BIMP-EAGA. We have had a low-key, good neighbour association with the southern regional group since its inception in the early 1990s. The BIMP-EAGA concept has gained little traction as a vehicle for driving growth and investment in the subregion.
The Territory has been managing some unrealistic expectations that had previously arisen regarding the Northern Territory financial and project assistance, including travel to meetings and events. This contrasts with the previous approach, which really raised expectations beyond our capacity to meet, and the way we are approaching our contemporary relationships with Timor-Leste.
The Chief Minister and the member for Daly alluded to the fact we went to Timor-Leste two months ago. We made it plain we were there as neighbours. We do not have the resources of the Australian government or the United Nations but, as good neighbours and friends with very strong links, we are here to help. The member for Daly, in his role as Minister for Public Employment, talked about some of the exchanges, the traineeships, and mentoring that has occurred, and will continue to occur, for public servants coming from Timor-Leste, receiving a real boost for their careers and more understanding within our Northern Territory Public Service.
There are ways, in the Health and Education sectors, where we can assist. The Chief Minister, I, and the member for Daly, made it plain that we have our own commitments in health, education, and other matters. Our top priority is the welfare of Northern Territorians and delivering services to Territorians. Where we can assist, where it is appropriate for us to assist, we certainly will assist. We had feedback from the Australian Embassy that the approach was valued and appreciated by the Timor-Leste authorities.
We were not in there promising the world and delivering very little; we were in there promising what we could. Solid relationships are building. I will be travelling to Timor-Leste shortly to further build on those relationships, and for their independence celebrations. There is also a business expo, and there are a number of Territory businesses following up on opportunities with Timor-Leste. I have mentioned in this House the Darwin to Dili yacht race. I will have meetings to that effect whilst I am in Dili. This is a very important relationship for us. I am outlining the sort of approach this government is taking.
Coming back to BIMP-EAGA, the Northern Territory’s focus is on encouraging the BIMP-EAGA business council to increase its capacity to promote business lead growth within the subregion, and internal and external trade. The Northern Territory government, in association with the Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory, has offered to sponsor the placement of a senior BIMP-EAGA business council representative with the chamber’s International Business Council in order to promote business matching and networking. The Northern Territory bilateral political trading and people-to-people links, with each of its member states, takes precedence over the relationship with the BIMP-EAGA subregional grouping.
Where practical, the Northern Territory continues to be involved in BIMP-EAGA cultural and community events. The member for Stuart, as the Minister for Sport and Recreation, has outlined the importance of those sporting links. I pay tribute to the former CLP government for the Arafura Games. That is a fantastic idea. This is a government that is committed to continuing the Arafura Games and building on it. Let us get a fair perspective about what has happened in the past, what is happening now, and what might happen in the future.
International trade underpins the Northern Territory’s economy, bringing together industry sectors, creating jobs, boosting incomes, and improving our standard of living. Exports are the backbone of our economy. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from international trade by giving focus to the way we use our assets and infrastructure, smooth paths for better export outcomes, and foster our business relationships with our business partners.
International trade accounts for approximately 40% of the Territory’s GSP compared with 21% nationally. The Northern Territory exports are expected to increase by 9.5% in 2008-09, with imports expected to rise by over 15% in the same period. In this context, I will be releasing a new international trade strategy titled Growing International Trade, Priority Action Plan 2009-2013. The strategy will provide the blueprint for future trade growth over the next five years that will help diversify and strengthen the Territory’s economic base. The strategy will be directly implemented through the Department of the Chief Minister. I must compliment all those officers who worked in the Department of the Chief Minister in this particular area. They are very energetic, and vital. They are always looking for opportunities for the Northern Territory in our trade, social and cultural links with our neighbours and countries to our north. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and highly-qualified group of people. They are absolutely passionate about building the Territory’s Asian Relations and Trade profile.
Our competitive advantages include abundant natural resources, proximity to key international markets, growing transport and logistics capability, private infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. All these things present a formidable picture of the Northern Territory, secure in its position as Australia’s Asian gateway.
I appreciate the member for Barkly saying we are a hot spot for not only trade, but cultural exchange. The member for Barkly, as did the member for Blain, talked about the history of trade and cultural links with people to our north going back to the Macassans, and to the modern time. That is very important. The member for Barkly also talked about some of the cultural exchanges ...
Mr McCARTHY: Madam Speaker, I move an extension of time of 10 minutes, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Members interjecting.
Dr BURNS: An MPI is a very important issue ...
Mr Elferink: Yes, I know, but we brought it on, not you.
Dr BURNS: We know you brought it on, but again …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Port Darwin, cease interjecting.
Dr BURNS: This has been complemented with our strategic approach to bilateral relations in the region at the political, business, cultural and sporting level. This will further position the Territory as a reliable and friendly neighbour, a secure and stable location providing certainty for foreign direct investment, and will underpin our future trade opportunities. The trade strategy recognises the importance of our international trade with Asia - which Japan, China and Indonesia recognise as the Northern Territory’s core markets - and the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Timor-Leste acknowledged as emerging international markets.
I believe that sums up the activities and targets this government is embarking on to build our relationships with those countries, and also build our trade profile.
In Vietnam, live cattle export is about to start. My compliments to all those involved, particularly the Cattlemen’s Association, the department of Primary Industry, and our partners in Vietnam.
Japan and China are current major trade partners and we see increasing prospectivity, increasing investment from those particular countries.
Regarding issues the member for Sanderson raised about the business community not having confidence in the government and Northern Territory economy, I suggest he get hold of the Sensis survey and read that. Have a look at the comparisons between the Northern Territory and other jurisdictions in Australia. We are the lowest taxing jurisdiction in Australia of small business. We have reduced taxes and charges on business substantially since we came to office in 2001. I know the Treasurer has given a commitment we will be further reducing those costs.
I have mentioned in the House that we are focused on programs to support business. We are also focused on growing business overseas through our trade strategies. As the minister responsible for Asian Relations and Trade, I pledge to continue to actively work with businesses, industry, and the broader community to create opportunities for all Territorians to share in future economic prosperity, and our ongoing development and ties with the Asian region.
Madam Speaker, I commend the statement to the House.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Rising Cost of Living
Rising Cost of Living
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received the following letter from the member for Goyder.
- Madam Speaker
I propose for discussion this day the following definite Matter of Public Importance: the impact of the rising cost of living on Territorians as a result of the Henderson Labor government’s failure to provide affordable housing and deliver sufficient land for housing construction.
Honourable members, is the proposed discussion supported? The discussion is supported.
Ms PURICK (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I propose for discussion this day the following definite matter of public importance: the impact of the rising cost of living on Territorians as a result of the Henderson Labor government’s failure to provide affordable housing and deliver sufficient land for housing construction.
By definition, public housing is secure and affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income families and individuals, particularly those who have difficulties accessing housing in the private market. Safe, affordable housing is a basic necessity for every family. Without a decent place to live people cannot be productive members of society, children cannot learn, and families cannot thrive. That, in itself, goes to the heart of what happens to a community when we do not have affordable, secure public housing for people who are in those brackets of low to moderate income and, perhaps, disadvantaged.
In the last 12 to 18 months, there has been an enormous amount of commentary on the concept of affordable housing, and affordable public housing. There is an alarming decrease of affordable housing in the Northern Territory and there is a quite dramatic increase in housing stress. Housing stress is defined as when housing costs, whether mortgage or rent, exceeds 30% of income. Other factors include interest rates and land availability. We have one of those big issues here in the Northern Territory. We have a serious problem with land availability. We have no land shortage; we have lack of availability of land.
When the Reserve Bank went before the Senate Select Committee on House Affordability, they noted the median house price had risen by 180% over the previous decade compared with little over a 30% increase to the CPI. The bank concluded there was a direct link to land prices. Similar positions have been held by the relevant industry groups including the Real Estate Institute and the Housing Industry Association. Industry is saying there is little or no first homebuyer market in Darwin, Palmerston, or Alice Springs in particular.
Look at the Bellamack situation, which is way behind schedule with only 90 blocks available. When will titles be issued to the land in Bellamack? Is it true it will not be until early 2010, and no houses can be started prior to that? That puts it in the middle of the Wet Season. What delays and cost pressures will there be because of that situation? When is the next Bellamack lot release? The government’s website says by the end of August. The minister said in parliament on 18 August, which was yesterday, the second release of lots in Bellamack is expected next month. Did she mean next month 2009, or next month 2010? This is another example of delays when it comes to developing affordable land and public housing in the Northern Territory.
Let us look at the history of this government’s public statements in regard to Bellamack. A media release dated 30 June 2008, headed ‘Tender Release for Bellamack Headworks’; quotes minister Lawrie:
- The first blocks of this new suburb are expected to be on the market early next year creating more housing options for people interested in building their own homes.
- The first housing lots in Bellamack are expected to be released in the second half of 2009.
Here we are in the second half of the year, and what do we have? No construction, no land ownership - nothing. What about Mitchell? What about Zuccoli? This is from a media release dated 10 September 2008:
- The Territory government will fast-track the development of Johnston, Zuccoli, and Mitchell to deliver another 3000 lots into the housing market.
Has not happened yet, Madam Speaker. A media release dated 10 June 2009:
- Housing lots in Johnston are expected to be released for sale off the plan from October 2009.
That is in six weeks time; however, we only have 90 lots that have been released in the Bellamack area. Is this a true statement, or is it another fictitious statement? The history of delays and espousing incorrect information goes to the core of the government. They are out of their collective depth. They have no idea, and have taken the Territory down the path of wrack and ruin when it comes to affordable housing and public housing.
The government made a statement about Berrimah Research Farm being turned into urban housing. That is a joke. It is unsuitable land, it is unwise, and is inappropriate for land infill. It lacks vision, it is problematic, and there is no real plan of where it would fit into the surrounding area.
On 8 October 2007, there was this media release:
- Berrimah Land Release for New Housing.
Chief Minister, Clare Martin today announced the release of land in Berrimah which will result in hundreds of new dwellings on a 220 hectare site. Ms Martin was joined at Berrimah Farm by the Minister for Planning and Lands, Delia Lawrie, Minister for Primary Industry, Chris Natt, and member for Brennan, James Burke. Ms Martin said initial estimates were that the release of Berrimah Farm land currently owned by the NT government would allow about 700 residential dwellings to be built.
I have spoken in relation Berrimah Research Farm before. That statement was made two years ago. We know we are currently in the state of having environmental studies done on that parcel of land. There is a very good chance there will be no land available for release in the next two to three years.
Infill seems to be the new catch word. Let us look at that infill. Does this government have a policy on infill? Has this government done a careful and comprehensive assessment on infill opportunities, an estimate of how many housing units might reasonably be built on available infill sites, and an evaluation of the critical market and policy gaps that remain if Darwin and other urban areas of the Territory are to increase the supply of housing infill locations? I say to all those questions, no. This government makes policy on the run and has no idea what I am talking about. It does not have a clue in relation to infill capability and supporting infrastructure.
Let us look at the key issues we have in the Territory. We have the lowest level of home ownership in Australia at 44.1%, compared to the Australian rate of 71%; the largest number of public housing dwellings in the country at 6.8% in urban centres, despite declining stock numbers; the highest rate of homelessness, at 248 persons per 10 000 people, compared to the national average of 53 persons per 10 000; significant land supply constraints, sometimes due to native title claims, but often not; and the highest rate of overcrowding and the ensuing issue of mobility between remote and urban communities, which has a considerable impact on larger town areas.
We have a high rate of population growth in Indigenous communities. We do not have the same range, level, and quality of infrastructure and service that is available in towns of similar size in the rest of Australia. We have a significant Indigenous population, with 73% of Indigenous Territorians residing outside the urban centres in remote communities. We have well-documented levels of disadvantage, particularly within the Indigenous population. We have a wide geographic spread, small populations, and limited infrastructure and service delivery capability and capacity. We have a steadily increasing and relatively youthful population, particularly in Indigenous populations.
We have the fastest rate of ageing in the country. By 2050, we expect to triple our numbers of people over 65, compared to a doubling for the nation in the same period. We have a relatively prosperous economy, but an enormously unequal distribution of wealth.
We also have a new breed of person that I have spoken of before - the working homeless. There are many people in Darwin who have jobs, but do not and cannot live in a house. They are living in their vehicles because they cannot afford to rent and they cannot afford to buy. In relation to the current economic downturn, and a history of being one of the most unaffordable places to live for ordinary working families and individuals buying, renting, and sustaining a home, my fear is in the current climate of rising unemployment, appropriate and affordable housing for those without secure employment will result in many more Territory households facing housing stress and homelessness.
I turn to areas of concern in the public housing sector. We know we have extremely long waiting periods to access public housing. I had a case put to me recently by the owner of a caravan park in my electorate who said a couple had come in to rent a caravan saying they would only be there for two weeks because they have put their name down for public housing. The owner had to break the bad news to them; they would be in the caravan park for up to three or four years, if not longer.
We have a growing demand in troubled times. We have a large level of outstanding rental payments which does not seem to be chased up by the government. We know we have asset management problems, and poor planning of future housing. There is an unbalanced relationship between the landlord and the tenant. There is a complete lack of support for people leaving institutions such as gaol and mental health or substance abuse facilities. There is definitely a lack of emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence. There is very little relief for temporary public housing in the emergency category.
There is a lack of public housing for the aged, but not necessarily those who are ill. We have the highest ageing population. They often need public housing in a secure and safe environment. Access to affordable, secure, seniors housing is a priority, and should be a priority. There is a lack of independent aged living centres in the rural areas of the NT major centres, not nursing homes. This government seems to have a one-size-fits-all idea regarding public housing.
This government does not seem to understand any of the aforementioned points. It does not seem to understand it has to invest in public housing, not just sell off the stocks and not replace it. In June 2000, there were 7400 public housing stocks; in June 2007, there were only 5200. This government has sold off 2200 public housing stocks and has not replaced them. They are not investing in this very important part of our Northern Territory. In their foray into Emery Avenue, they took public housing stocks off the market, refurbished them at taxpayers’ expense, put them back on the market at quite a few hundred thousand dollars, and then wondered why not many people put in a bid to pick up one of these blocks under the ballot system. As I understand it, they are still on the housing market.
The matter of public importance goes to the heart of what is wrong with this government. They cannot plan, and they cannot deliver to Territorians, particularly those Territorians who are in a disadvantaged situation. This is not getting better, it is getting worse. My colleague from Alice Springs will be talking more on public housing relevant to Central Australia and remote communities.
I urge the government to put this higher on the agenda than they have been, and stop talking about sporting events and wasting Question Time. I urge them to address the important issues in the Northern Territory, providing safe and secure, affordable rental housing for low- to moderate-income families and individuals, particularly those who have difficulties accessing housing in the private market. Also, to take into consideration, and assist those who are disadvantaged, so they can have a home, which is every individual’s right.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, I will go to the first point of the member for Goyder’s matter of public importance where she talks of the impact of the rising cost of living on Territorians. I will point out some facts that seem to have escaped the member for Goyder.
The cost of living has always been higher in the Territory than elsewhere in Australia. Looking at the Consumer Price Index, which is, obviously, a good barometer for the cost of living, a year ago Darwin’s annual CPI was 3.9%. That compared with a national CPI of 5%. Darwin’s annual CPI has now dropped to 2.5%, compared to a dramatic drop in the national to 1.5%. We have seen a significant drop in the growth of the cost of living. As we have seen, the decline has been far greater nationally than in Darwin.
We know the result shows Darwin is holding strong regarding our economy. We have strong employment growth, which has led to a significant increase in population. We know those effects are putting upward pressure on our housing market. Strong employment and population growth puts enormous upward pressure on the housing market. A strong economy is not the only contributor to a growing population.
We also believe the aspect the opposition seems to think is unimportant - paying attention to lifestyle - adds to the attractant. The wave pools, the water parks, those national level sport games we have here, international concerts, BassintheGrass, and the better fishing with better boat ramps all go to ensuring our lifestyle is the best in the country. This is part of the reason why people are coming here and, importantly, choosing to stay.
We have the most generous pensioner concession scheme in the country. It is designed to help keep our Territorians here when they retire. We are also paying attention to those cost of living impacts on families at the other end of the scale. We remain the only jurisdiction in Australia to provide a childcare subsidy. All these different government programs help to contribute to the growing population. It is fair to say there is no doubt we are being far more successful than we ever anticipated.
If you look at population growth figures in recent years, they have gone way beyond forecasts. We have achieved population growth of 2% for the past three financial years. This is absolutely unprecedented in the Northern Territory and this has put significant pressure on our housing market. As Australian Property Monitors commentator, Mathew Bell, said recently on ABC radio in reference to the Darwin market, unemployment had not really moved. People come into the area for jobs and as people do that the pressure on housing prices remains.
This is why the government has launched our Housing the Territory strategy. It includes a range of measures to improve housing affordability and to help get more Territorians into home ownership. We have a range of measures in the Housing the Territory strategy which includes: Homestart NT, which is about providing entry into the marketplace for people who are on the lower end of the income scale; and Buildstart, which we have now extended to 31 December 2009. We are the only place in Australia that has a scheme like Buildstart, which is about attracting investors into the property market to increase that all important rental stock. No one else has an initiative like Buildstart. We did that on our own, and we will continue to help boost our rental stock market. It is the most expansive land release program in the history of the Territory. We have set up, for the first time, a new affordable housing rental company. The Housing Minister will talk more on these initiatives, but I will focus on Buildstart and land release.
Buildstart has approved 336 applications, and the $2.8m expended so far has leveraged significant additional investment into our construction industry. It was widely welcomed by the construction industry when introduced, and even more widely welcomed when we extended it, because people knew, as a product, it was working. It is working to create more houses and more units in the property market, importantly from investors, which creates more rental stock. ‘More delight for new home builders’ was the response from the Property Council when we extended the Buildstart program through to the end of December 2009. Similar comments came from many others in the construction industry.
I heard the member for Braitling laugh, but this is the reality of the feedback that is coming from the sector. The people are building the houses, building the units; they get that Buildstart works. We are the only place in Australia to have created a scheme like Buildstart, and we have stuck to it. We have extended it because there has been a significant uptake in Buildstart; new rental responses to the housing market pressure. The opposition would have you think that we are simply doing nothing. These are facts, this is happening; it is on the ground.
The Northern Territory government is also undertaking a variety of initiatives in creating more land available for housing. We have identified four new suburbs - Bellamack, Johnston, Zuccoli and Mitchell. They will provide around 3700 new residential lots for housing. That will increase Palmerston’s population by 15 000 people. The government is providing $50m to develop the infrastructure headworks for these exciting new suburbs. That is not money in the never-never. That is money being spent this financial year to put in the headworks for the new suburbs.
Last month, 48 blocks within Bellamack were sold off the plan to the general public through a ballot process. The second stage of Bellamack will be released to the general public in September 2009. Bellamack will, ultimately, provide 670 new residential lots.
We are the first government in the history of the Territory to set aside lots in new residential developments specifically for affordable housing and social housing, otherwise called public housing.
In Johnston, the development rights for the construction of the first 200 lots are expected to be released shortly. Planning for Stage 2 of Johnston providing a further 400 lots is also well under way.
We are also planning for the new city of Weddell. We are going to have a national competition for designing Weddell. It is estimated that 10 000 blocks of land, catering for a population of 40 000, will be situated in the new city south of Palmerston.
Separately, we are working with Defence Housing Australia in turning off lots at the new suburb of Lyons. We have seen how quickly that suburb is taking off. The next major release will be Muirhead, on the other side of Lee Point Road. Muirhead will yield approximately 1000 lots. It is a significant-sized subdivision in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
An important factor in bringing land to the market is minimising delays in the assessment process. We have been running a system to fast-track that release. Where you normally go through several stages, we are running a system of stages in parallel to speed up the process. We are running our planning designs in parallel with our headworks. Tenders and works are under way so, when you have a release, you actually have a site ready to start subdividing. Separately, we have also created the development one-stop shop. That provides developers with pre-application meetings with a planner to assist with the preparation of an application, allocation of a planner to guide applicants through the assessment process, pre-application planning forums, and pre-application briefings of the Development Consent Authority.
We know housing costs are too high and we are taking action to bring those costs down across the Territory. I have focused on the Top End, but, before Labor came to government, Alice Springs was land locked. We negotiated with the traditional owners of Alice Springs to release Larapinta in stages, as we have done. We also have the ILUA on Mt John Valley, and that is proceeding well.
New ABS housing finance data released last week shows more Territorians are becoming homeowners. This is the fact; this is the reality. The annual trend figures show there was a 35.8% increase in owner/occupier finance commitments for housing this June compared to June of last year. The Territory’s first homeowner purchases are up 30.6% year on year. Monthly owner/occupier housing finance commitments have been trending upwards since the global recession began to take effect in mid-2008.
The Real Estate Institute of Australia’s home loan affordability indicator shows home loan affordability in the Territory increased by 13% in the March quarter. That makes the Territory the second most affordable jurisdiction behind the ACT. As you can see from those independent figures - Real Estate Institute of Australia figures - affordability is increasing. The owner/occupier financial commitment for houses is increasing and the first homeowner purchases are increasing.
We have seen the take-up of Buildstart bringing that all-important investor construction into the marketplace. There is no doubt that we have a very tight rental market. That is why we created Buildstart, which is starting to flow through into the marketplace. We are not going to stop there. We are very focused on affordable housing models and the Minister for Housing will speak on that.
This is a government that puts its money and its action where its policy lies. There is $108m in the 2009-10 Budget to turn off new suburban developments in the Territory. We have auctioned land in Katherine. We have auctioned land in Tennant Creek. We have subdivisions turning off for Alice Springs. We are planning for the next major stage which will be AZRI. That is going through the Alice Springs planning processes under the tutelage of the Planning Steering Committee. That is out for public exhibition and consultation at the moment.
We are not resting on what we have done. We will continue to invest in turning off residential land across the Territory. We are planning subdivisions across all the major communities. Across the Territory, SIHIP is going to come in and build on those subdivisions. We are signing leases to get SIHIP’s process rolling out the door. We are working in our major urban growth centres and we are also working in our regional centres, and our remote centres.
Historically, housing has been a significant need in the Territory. As a small market, ours will always be impacted by movements in population growth, and significantly, by movements of people from remote to regional centres, and regional centres to the major urban centres. We will always be impacted by Defence movements in and out of the major urban markets where they exist, classically, Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, and Alice Springs. When I say Defence in Alice Springs, I am talking about the impact of the US establishment there.
We are a small jurisdiction with a small marketplace which makes us far more volatile to the movement of numbers of people who are not necessarily predicted or controlled by state level jurisdiction. We will have a steady, clearly articulated release of land and subdivisions going forward so investors know what is coming on to the marketplace, where it is coming on, where the opportunities lie, not just for investors but, importantly, those first homeowners.
The Minister for Housing will talk about the public housing component. We are being more innovative in the realms of public housing than any other government has been. Enshrining it into land release policy is a first in the Territory. It took the Henderson government to do that. No other government has mandated, as policy, 15% of all land release enshrining affordable and social housing. It is not hit and miss anymore. You have a dedicated stream of land and lots becoming available for affordable and social housing. We are working very closely with the federal Rudd government. One of the things that I found remarkable about the Rudd government is they were the first federal government in over a decade to boldly and strongly step into the space of tackling homelessness, and of helping state and territory levels to create new social housing stocks and public housing.
The homelessness funding is agreed to between the Commonwealth and Territory governments. That is under the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, who will talk about that. When you talk about the need to get housing for the homeless, there are funds in the budget to provide that housing. In the past, under Howard, it was left to your own devices - good luck, you will never meet the need. Rudd has gone there in a very significant way, with tens of millions of dollars committed to tackling homelessness in Australia, and we are the beneficiaries of that in the Territory.
In relation to social housing, $64m is rolling out on new social housing. We are able to refurbish old stock that has been off line because it was damaged, and bring that stock online to create more public housing in our urban centres, which is currently under way. There are new construction opportunities as well.
We have had the supported accommodation opportunities tackling the homelessness. We will also have the mainstream public housing opportunities to increase the stock. We will also be …
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: They are like children really …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex, if you wish to have a conversation with another member please leave the Chamber.
Ms LAWRIE: … refurbishing existing public housing stock so it can come back online to provide for a reduction in the waiting list. We are providing supported accommodation housing stock for people in need of supported accommodation. They tend to be the harder task of homeless. They also require other supports in and around mental health services, which we have been funding, and increasingly funding, under our Labor government. Importantly, we are providing transitional housing options which, in the past, has been the missing link in that picture. Those who understand the movement of people in and out of urban centres in the Territory understand the critical importance of that. That is not just for Darwin, it is for Alice Springs. We are also looking at opportunities for Tennant Creek and Katherine.
We have this opportunity because the Territory government has a proven record of working well with the federal Rudd government. Fortunately for us, they want the same outcomes. They want to improve housing stock in the Territory, whether it is urban, regional, or remote. They want to improve the range of affordable housing stock, social housing stock, and transitional housing in the Territory.
You say there is a rising cost of living; the CPI is dropping. You say we are failing to provide affordable housing; we are the first government that has created an affordable housing policy. We are the first government that has looked at affordable housing models to introduce to the Territory. Regarding failing to deliver sufficient land for housing construction, we are actually turning off new subdivisions in Darwin and Alice Springs; we have gone to auction in Katherine and Tennant Creek - new land turning off for new residential development.
We have done much in a short time under the Henderson government, and we have more to do. We are committed to continuing to fund the infrastructure required to turn off new subdivisions. We are committed to working with traditional owners, particularly in Alice Springs, to reach agreements to turn the land off in Alice Springs. This is why we will continue to go to auction and turn lots off in Katherine and Tennant Creek. We have growth in those regional centres, which is a great result for the Territory.
Madam Speaker, this MPI shows how out of touch and ignorant the members of the opposition truly are.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for talking about this MPI. It is important she talks on this. I know this MPI mentions housing and land, but it is more of a housing question. There was no chance the Minister for Housing would lead the debate. It is good to hear someone who knows a little more than the member for Daly talk on it. I hope the member for Stuart, the Minister for Central Australia, can take second lead. It would be great to see some proper words by someone who actually cares a bit about Alice Springs, rather than the former Minister for Central Australia, who did not even live in Central Australia.
I thank the member for Goyder for proposing this matter of public importance regarding the Henderson’s government failure to provide affordable housing and deliver sufficient land for housing construction. It is a very important point. It is one of the biggest problems in Alice Springs. We hear much about the levels of crime, antisocial behaviour and violence in our streets. However, I attribute many of the problems in those areas to housing. With housing comes a number of areas, such as infrastructure, as the minister just touched on, land release and so forth, and the problems of overcrowding and homelessness, combined with other social concerns such as alcoholism, contribute to law and order.
I welcome this matter of public importance. It is important to talk about several different issues today such as housing stress and housing models. I will also talk of land tenure, and reform of land tenure. We are going to have a new era in housing in the Northern Territory. It will be great to have that and a new era in land release.
My role in this matter of public importance is to raise the concerns of Alice Springs and Central Australia. I am sure the Minister for Central Australia will get trumped by the incompetent member for Daly. Unit prices in Braitling have gone up by 21.9% in the last three months. House prices in Larapinta have gone up by 19.4% in the last three months. That is a significant increase. It is a large cost burden for anyone trying to get into the market. We do not have a plethora of million-dollar mansions in Alice Springs. We do have a number of high-quality dwellings, but there are many in the lower bracket. This increase is creating housing stress by way of prices, mortgage repayments, rental repayments, and council rates for first homebuyers and others. All these things are going up and it is causing problems in Alice Springs. It is a bit of a supply and demand equation.
It was interesting to hear the minister singing the praises of reports. We can do searches on the Internet and quote from different things. That is all well and good and, at certain times, that is what needs to happen. Contributing to a debate, the best information you can give is on-the-ground information. The minister spoke about a 38% increase in commitments for financing in the Northern Territory. You can see that as a good thing or a negative. I prefer to look at the positive side of it. In this case, the reason there is a 38% increase in commitments for financing is because prices went up and there has not been any land release or housing construction. For those people trying to get into the market it is not a positive. If it was because there were more sales at a reasonable amount of money, that would be a different story but that is actually not true.
I am interested to hear what the Minister for Housing thinks about housing stress for residents of town camps in Alice Springs We have people who live in Hidden Valley Town Camp, such as Queenie and her family - six people to a bit of tin. They pay $50 each per fortnight, $300, to live under a piece of tin - no shower, no bathroom, no bedrooms, nothing. There is a tap in the dirt which cannot be turned off. That is all they get. For $300 a fortnight they get one tap that does not stop running. It is an absolute disgrace. I know there are tremendous issues involved with town camps, but I believe the Northern Territory government has a part to play.
When we talk about housing stress, let us think about what those people in those cruel living conditions are paying for. This happens in all communities in the Territory. If you go to the Utopia region, there are people paying rent to live under tin sheds. I know the Minister for Housing will not know much about this. He does not get out much and he does not know much about his portfolio. There is no reason these people should be paying this amount of money to live in a tin shed.
We heard the minister talking about the stimulus package, and how well they get on with the Rudd government. Well, they get on so well, they have the ability to knock down vacant Territory Housing properties to build a new one. There is a house on Irvine Street in my electorate, and there is also one in the member for Araluen’s electorate - the Territory government has knocked down two perfectly structurally sound three-bedroom houses to build a four-bedroom house. In Irvine Street it cost $426 000 to build a new house. If this government was serious about solving housing stress and some of those problems, they could have gone to a greenfield site, a clear block of land, and used that $426 000 to build a new house. I know that a house does not cost $426 000 to build. I do not know why the Minister for Housing does not know that. We have turned one housing stock from a three-bedroom to a four-bedroom for $426 000; a structurally sound house. That comes from the builder who knocked the house down to build a new one. He said there was nothing wrong with that house. We are not addressing any of those concerns.
Let me talk about housing models - public, private, and community housing models. I support a model of housing that has all three elements. I believe that housing is a linear model where you start at the lower end of housing and continue to the higher end of housing. You might start in a caravan park, or temporary or emergency accommodation. You might transition to private rental or public rental, then into private ownership at a different escalating scale from a lower-end house up to a higher-end house. People generally follow that pathway. The young homebuyers gradually upgrade.
The problem we have in Alice Springs is that the emergency and temporary housing is full. We hear from places like NT Shelter and other bodies in that sector that we need more short-term accommodation. I am not sure we do need short-term accommodation; there is no evidence out there to say we do. I know what we do need, though. We need to ensure the people who are in short-term accommodation or emergency housing or caravans or the like, are not bottlenecked going up that linear model.
At the moment, there are no houses in the private rental market for people to move into. We have a vacancy rate of zero. If people want to move out of this into that, they cannot follow it through. The people who are in the lower end of private home ownership cannot move into the medium end of home ownership because there are no houses available. Most people cannot move into the multimillion dollar sector because there is none available. That is the problem we have with housing in Alice Springs - a lack of supply is causing problems.
Public housing is following the same problem of being choked up by the number of people in public housing. People do not have that opportunity to get out into the private sector because there is no private sector housing available. I had a look at the wait times for public housing in Alice Springs. For a one-bedroom non-pensioner residence in Alice Springs, it is nearly a five-year wait. There is a four-year wait for a three-bedroom house. The government should try addressing some of these issues. The Minister for Planning and Lands said her government was addressing these. A five-year wait for a one-bedroom non-pensioner apartment in Alice Springs is crazy. This is the Northern Territory, not inner city Sydney or Melbourne.
I saw a link on the website of Territory Housing that talks about the waiting list. It is titled ‘Making Yourself at Home’. I seek leave to table this document after I have read it, Madam Speaker.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: This is a bit of an oxymoron, I think. It says:
- The public housing waiting list usually works like a cab rank – first in, first out.
No wonder you cannot get a cab at Darwin Airport at 1 am if it works like the public housing waiting list ...
Mr Westra van Holthe: And vice versa.
Mr GILES: That is right. It shows exactly what is happening. ‘The public housing waiting list usually works like a cab rank’. Sometimes, it feels as though you are waiting six years for a cab at Darwin Airport.
Some of the stimulus money that has come in should have sought to attack the housing demands we have but it has not. We should also see action by this government to address some of our land release shortages. The minister was talking about land release that has occurred Alice Springs. The Albrecht Drive subdivision, which is the only land that is going to be available soon, still has not had titles issued. If we want to address some of these things, we have to release land.
I have not seen the government do anything in regard to town camp land. It does not have a strategy. It has played the game of blame the federal government: ‘Yes, we would like to turn them into suburbs, but we will not do anything about it’. This government holds the leases on town camps. This government has the option to take action on those leases; it has the option of address the housing circumstances of people in those town camps. There are three town camps that Lhere Artepe, the native title body in Alice Springs, wants to take action on: freehold some land, give people home ownership, and give people the choice, and have economic development. This government will not do it. It is that whole spin cycle: likes to talk, but not like to do.
Town camps in Alice Springs have the best opportunity. The local Aboriginal people living in town camps in Alice Springs have an opportunity, put simply, of becoming rich through a reform of land tenure on those town camps. There is no reason why the private sector should not be able to come into town camps and build houses for people. Government does not have to bear the sole responsibility of providing housing for Aboriginal Territorians. That is the way we see it outside of the urban areas. When we get to town camps or communities, it all has to be government owned. That is not the case. We should be giving people the opportunity to buy their own homes. The private sector should be allowed to come into town camps, buy some old houses, renovate them, and lease them back to tenants. That is how the private sector works. They can solve the problems; not the public sector, as we are seeing now. The failures of this government are endless and this is another example. Maybe the government could go further and release land in Ti Tree and Tennant Creek and all over the place. I do not think they will do that.
We hear much about the Buildstart program. We know in Alice Springs there is only one place approved under the Buildstart program. This comes to the spin of this government. Today, the minister for Planning said that 336 applications had been approved for Buildstart. Last week, the Chief Minister announced the Buildstart program had approved 205 applications worth $2.5m, and announced the new Territory city of Weddell. How do we have an increase of 131 approved applications with Buildstart in seven days? That is what amazes me. It proves this government is all about spin and no action.
Mr KNIGHT (Housing): Madam Speaker, what a pathetic effort at an MPI.
Today, on this definite matter of public importance I outline the work that is well under way to provide affordable housing for Territorians. I am pleased to advise the House today of the major work this government is undertaking to provide more public housing, affordable housing and affordable rental properties. The Henderson government wants every Territorian to have access to safe and affordable housing. We have invested a record $390.3m in Budget 2009-10 to Housing the Territory. This is a 92% increase from last year’s budget.
Our Housing the Territory strategy is the most comprehensive overhaul of housing in the Territory’s history. It will include offering new types of public housing homes, reforming the way public housing is delivered, and the creation of an affordable housing rental company. In 2008-09, this government allocated $116m to the Territory Housing construction program. This included more houses for teachers, nurses and police in the bush; upgrades to our public housing complexes; upgrades and renovations to public housing properties; and investment in Indigenous housing.
In the area of public housing, much activity is under way to not only build new homes to add to the public housing stock, but also undertake major repairs and maintenance to ensure public housing stock is appropriate and lasts. We know the needs of public housing tenants are changing. For example, the senior population is a rapidly growing group within the Territory, and we need to house them in an appropriate environment that best suits this particular group’s needs. As a result of these changing needs, work is under way to ensure we have a wide variety of public housing that best meets the needs of all residents.
It is great to be able to advise the House that we are in the process of building an initial 22 dwellings, with an average estimated cost of $320 000 per dwelling. These works should all be completed by early next year. New dwellings will be located across the Darwin region, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek. They include a four-bedroom home in Araluen, a four-bedroom home in Gillen, six two-bedroom units in Bakewell, two two-bedroom duplexes at Humpty Doo, a four-bedroom home at Malak, two two-bedroom duplexes at Malak, four two-bedroom units and four two-bedroom duplexes at Millner, and a four-bedroom home at Tennant Creek - a wide variety of locations. These properties offer a great mix of type and location. I look forward to the completion of all those properties.
I advise the House the contract for the four-bedroom home at Malak has been awarded. The slab will be poured for this house next week, so a great result. A contract has been awarded to Probuild for the construction of three four-bedroom houses, two in Alice Springs and one in Tennant Creek. That is great news as well. The slabs have been poured for the two houses in Alice Springs. The slab will be poured for the house in Tennant Creek on Thursday. The remaining dwellings will be going out to public tender in the next few weeks. I look forward to advising the House on the progress of this important project, to deliver more public housing right across the Territory.
A substantial repairs and maintenance program is also under way for our public housing stock. At 31 July 2009, expenditure reached $2.44m. At least 259 dwellings have now been upgraded, and have had common areas upgraded also. Repairs and maintenance is important. It means we can bring public housing stock back online that was previously not available for housing tenants. This government is working hard to deliver more public housing to reduce public housing waiting times. We want to get people housed quickly, and as appropriately as possible.
I must also commend the federal Rudd government for the Commonwealth stimulus package. This package will deliver an additional $54m to build more social housing right across the Territory. The government has made a bid for this Stage 2 money for a number of projects. These projects are focused on urban centres. They will offer a variety of dwelling types. I look forward to updating the House on the success of this bid once it has been approved by the federal minister for Housing. The total of the stimulus money into social housing in the Territory is roughly $64m. Providing appropriate public housing is important. We need to provide affordable housing and rental options. The Northern Territory government is committed to this, in particular, for senior Territorians or first homebuyers.
One example of this is the government’s commitment to provide affordable housing and rental options at the Parap Gateway project. This is a key election commitment that the Henderson Labor government is delivering on. Work will soon be under way. The Parap Gateway demonstrates this government’s commitment to redeveloping old high-density public housing stock, while providing affordable housing and rental options for Territorians. This is a long-term investment in the future of Parap which will create new public and affordable housing opportunities. The redevelopment will deliver a mix of purchase and rental housing for the area.
Demolition and redevelopment of the Wirrina Flats is a first part of this project. The demolition contract has been advertised. Work will begin on the important project in October. Tenants living at Wirrina have been relocated across Darwin and Palmerston. No one has been left without a home. Seniors living at Wirrina will be given a first preference to move back into the new accommodation once redevelopment has commenced. The Wirrina flats development will provide appropriate seniors accommodation and affordable housing. I thank the member for Fannie Bay for his support and assistance in getting this project under way.
The Parap Gateway redevelopment will be the first project for the affordable housing rental company announced as part of the Housing the Territory strategy. The company will provide rental housing …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Giles: The member for Daly cannot talk about me …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling!
Mr Giles: … he talks about education and he …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Braitling! When I call order that means you cease.
Mr KNIGHT: Glass Jaw Giles, they are calling him now.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I ask the member for Daly to refer to me by my electorate rather than my name.
Mr KNIGHT: Sorry, Madam Deputy Speaker, the member for …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I do not really want to interrupt the member for Daly’s reading, but I ask him to withdraw.
Mr KNIGHT: Madam Deputy Speaker, I withdraw Glass Jaw Giles. I will refer to him as the member for …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! You are not supposed to repeat the same sentence when you are withdrawing and be smart. That is the purpose of standing orders.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: The minister knows that. Minister, I ask you withdraw those statements please, and to only refer to the member for Braitling as the member for Braitling.
Mr KNIGHT: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. A classic example of what I just stated. Madam Deputy Speaker …
Mr GILES: He has not withdrawn yet.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, did I hear you say you have withdrawn?
Mr KNIGHT: I did withdraw, several times.
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Parap Gateway redevelopment will be the first project for the affordable housing rental company announced as part of the Housing the Territory strategy. The company will provide rental housing targeted at low- to middle-income households and seniors. Extensive work is under way on the structure of the company. I look forward to advising the House of how this company will take shape and deliver affordable rental opportunities for Territorians.
We know there is a demand for rental properties between the price of public housing and the higher priced rental private properties in the marketplace. The affordable housing rental company will help meet this gap. It is about providing housing options for those people who cannot afford current commercial rents. The first project for the affordable housing rental company will be the Parap Gateway redevelopment. The company could potentially have 200 units located in it. This is an exciting step …
Mr Giles: Do know what you are talking about? Can you talk without reading?
Mr KNIGHT: I will bring out those Yirrkala stats from 2007. I will bring out the election results from 2007 again ...
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This is an exciting step in providing affordable rental properties for Territorians. In some cases, we have redeveloped public housing stock and put them on the market primarily for first homebuyers. Once these properties are sold, all monies from the sale are reinvested into Territory Housing to provide more public housing ...
Mr Giles: You should sit down. You are an embarrassment to government.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, I will call order again. If I call it again for you, for an interjection, I will put you on a warning. Please allow the minister to finish. Thank you.
Mr KNIGHT: Madam Deputy Speaker, one such redevelopment sale was the 16 units located at 26 Emery Avenue. This redevelopment was targeted at low- to middle-income earners. We chose this site to ease the high density of public housing in the area, provide a much-needed boost to affordable stock, and also to provide more seniors accommodation which all the monies will go back into. At the close of the ballot process on Friday, 14 August, 13 applications have been approved as being applicable. There was significant interest towards the end of the week in these properties. Properties such as Emery Avenue offer first homebuyers and low- to middle-income earners a real step into the market.
This government is committed to providing assistance to low- to middle-income earners to access housing through Homestart NT. Homestart NT loans contain a number of features making it easier for Territorians to achieve home ownership. It is a program this government is particularly proud of. Homestart NT commenced on 1 June 2009 to assist more Territory families to fulfil their dream of owning their own home. Since its launch, there have been 85 applications for assistance through the Homestart NT program, with 37 applications approved in principle, one loan funded, and a further five applications reaching final approval stage. Twenty-one clients who have received assistance are using $6.1m in loans and share equity purchases. A further 17 loans are awaiting settlement to the value of $5.3m in loans and share equity purchases. That is great news. The scheme is directly targeted to the affordable housing market so that low- to medium-income earners can access around 40% of the housing market in their region using no more than 30% of their gross income. Homestart NT builds on the success of the former HomeNorth Xtra program, which has helped 1175 Territory households own their own home.
We are focused on building and upgrading public housing to meet our areas of highest demand: $10m will go into Bellamack seniors village; and $11.2m to upgrade 175 homes and build 22 new public homes through funding from the Australian government’s Nation Building Jobs Plan. The Parap Gateway redevelopment, and 15% of land releases, will go towards both affordable housing and public housing. That will involve the 20-year land release program. While we are undertaking to increase our public housing stock, we are also working hard to provide additional affordable housing and rental options. This work, coupled with the work of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, will ensure more affordable housing is available for all Territorians.
Madam Deputy Speaker, we are delivering more public housing to meet the growing variety of needs, more affordable housing, and more affordable rental properties. There is still work to be done by this government, but it is committed to delivering more affordable housing options for all Territorians.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Deputy Speaker, in contributing to this debate, I refer to page 118 of the Regional Statistics 2001 for Public Housing. Public housing dwellings in the Northern Territory totalled 7451. Six years later, in the 2006-07 year, public housing dwellings were 5352. That is 2099 fewer public housing dwellings. I rest my case.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table these documents.
Leave granted.
Discussion concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr KNIGHT (Housing): Madam Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Deputy Speaker, I am aware that there is a time limit; it is an adjournment debate.
The Territory government, as we know, has joined forces with the Commonwealth government to roll out record school infrastructure across the Territory. In the electorate of Karama, we have been very successful in the first two rounds of the schools grants.
I congratulate O’Loughlin Catholic College and the Principal, Lester Lemke. They received $404 000 for a new science lab that is going to be a great addition to the school. This comes on top of a significant building program currently being undertaken at O’Loughlin Catholic College as a result of a partnership with the Northern Territory government in securing funding, where we have seen new classroom blocks, new arts facility, and new toilet blocks. There is enormous expansion going on at O’Loughlin Catholic College, and it is great to see the benefits that will bring to the quality of education for the students.
Manunda Terrace Primary School is the recipient of $2m for a new library at the school. It is a small primary school with a very diverse school population. Manunda Terrace is a great school. They are innovative in their learning and teaching programs for children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I congratulate Manunda Terrace on an exciting $2m grant for a new library.
Marrara Christian School received $2.799m for a library. I have seen Marrara Christian School grow from strength to strength over the last few years. They have construction programs at the school. The exciting thing about Marrara Christian School is they often undertake their own construction through the program they have training senior students in construction.
Malak Primary School has received $2m for an administration upgrade and a meeting place. It is a fantastic school. They are already in the midst of a construction program due to the $1m from the Territory government to upgrade the assembly area. We are seeing the reshape and redesign of Malak Primary and it is an exciting time for that school.
Holy Family School received $2m for a library and an outdoor learning centre. I was talking to someone connected to the school recently and they were telling me about the innovative and exciting design the school has embarked on.
We will be receiving these much needed state-of-the-art facilities in the local schools. It is going to make a big difference to the quality of teaching and learning in the schools. I thank the Rudd government. I am pleased to be the Treasurer and Infrastructure minister who sat at COAG to ensure the Territory was signing up for these funds.
We have a very vibrant and diverse community in my electorate. Danila Dilba, a social wellbeing service and health clinic, is working out of Malak Shopping Centre. It makes sense they are there because we have a significant Indigenous population in the electorate of Karama. They have shown that not only are they taking care of the primary health care needs of Indigenous residents, but they are focusing on their social and wellbeing as well. They have an important range of counselling programs. They have ventured into a new area focusing on youth. They have created a new Malak Youth Drop-in Centre at the back of their social and wellbeing facility. It is already very popular with the youth of the area. They are open after school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and also on Friday. They are staffed by qualified youth workers who are working with the local Indigenous children.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Karama, can you pause for one moment, please? Members, conversations that are being held in the Chamber at the moment are interfering with the member for Karama’s ability to be heard. Thank you.
Ms LAWRIE: The age range at Danila Dilba’s Youth Drop-in Centre is 10 to 20 years old. The latest project being run from the centre is a small lawn mowing and yard cleaning service. This is an initiative started by the young, local Indigenous boys. It goes to show the initiative of these kids when they are given the right support in their community.
I hosted the annual Karama Biggest Morning Tea at Karama Tavern. I host it there every year. It was a huge success. I sincerely thank the Karama and Malak residents for coming along. Thanks to Kerry and Donna for doing the hard work and preparing all the food. We raised $3480. We made No 2 in the Territory’s top 10 for fundraising for the Cancer Council morning tea. Thanks to the La Pira family, who provided a significant donation, and the Karama Tavern staff. They do a Friday night whip-around at the tavern, and they donate the money to charity. That week, they donated to the Cancer Council through the morning tea. I thank Rachel, a local mother, who has her own business, Designer Cakes. She supplied beautiful cakes as well.
The Darwin Community Arts has established at Malak Shopping Centre. Bob and his team are doing a fantastic job. They have Internet facilities set up. Local youth come and use the Internet and do their homework there. I donated plants for their latest project, the garden overhaul at Malak community garden. It will produce local produce for families to eat. It shows that with innovation and effort, Karama and Malak are great places to live.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Deputy Speaker, I speak tonight about a letter I received from a law firm in Alice Springs, and I am glad that the Health Minister is here so he can hear this. It was sent to me through the Alice Springs Hospital X-ray department. It says:
- Dear Sir
We advise people injured in medical misadventure, motor vehicle and workplace accidents, and assist them in obtaining compensation where available.
In order to do so we frequently engage interstate experts to provide us with opinions and on most occasions these experts require a copy of X-ray and CT films taken at the Alice Springs Hospital.
We recently contacted the Alice Springs Hospital to obtain copies of X-ray and CT films for a client and were advised that their CT scanner that is used to make the copies is not functioning and will not be replaced for another two months. They were understandably reluctant to send the original films away for copying as they could get lost, and we were advised that the earliest we could obtain copies of the films was 24 August 2009, when a staff member was travelling to Tennant Creek and could arrange for copies on their scanner.
Obviously this creates a further unnecessary delay in what is often already a lengthy and stressful process for injured Centralian residents.
We would appreciate your assistance ensuring a scanner is procured for the Alice Springs Hospital, in a more timely manner. Such a delay would not be countenanced in Darwin.
- Could you advise us of the outcome of your representations so we can pass them on to your constituents.
That was sent to me by the law firm Povey Stirk.
I ask the minister what he proposes to do about this? I reiterate the line ‘this would not be countenanced in Darwin’. Alice Springs, once again, is playing second fiddle. Is the minister aware of the lack of CT scanning in Alice Springs, and what does he propose to do? I have been asked to make some representation to the minister. I have chosen to do so on the floor of parliament: a direct representation to the Health Minister. I will be following it up with a letter. I look forward to hearing from the Health Minister as soon as possible. The minister may oblige and provide some information regarding this so I can advise the law firm, and the constituent, in relation to what is happening. Perhaps the minister could speak to his department, find out what is happening, and get the CT scan operating in Alice Springs. He might oblige by providing some information before the end of this evening.
Mr VATSKALIS (Casuarina): Thank you, member for Greatorex. The first thing I will do is check on the CAT scan. I know there is a CAT scan machine there. It is one of the few small hospitals around Australia that has a CAT scan machine. I do not know why the scanner is not operating, and I will provide feedback.
I wish to speak about my electorate of Casuarina, and the upgrades that have taken place to the schools and the police station.
The new Casuarina Police Station is now open. Thanks very much to Superintendent Peter Gordon for taking me through the police station. It is a state-of-the-art police station, recently completed at a cost of nearly $45m. The old police station was there prior to Cyclone Tracy. A state-of-the-art police station is now there. It houses a significant number of police and it has the capacity to house more police if required. It has state-of-the-art equipment, holding cells, and interview rooms with digital recorders. It is a fantastic place to work. The people I met and spoke with are very enthusiastic.
The police station at Casuarina works in close cooperation with the police station in the Casuarina Shopping Square which, in the past few months, has made a significant difference in the youth and the itinerant problem in the area. The area is completely clear. That shows a police presence at a big shopping centre like Casuarina Square can make significant difference.
I want to speak about the significant money spent on the upgrades in schools in my electorate. Alawa Primary School and Nakara Primary School were built in the 1970s. Very little was done there for many years. It was only this government that committed a significant amount of money for the upgrade of the schools. The first stage of the upgrade to Alawa and Nakara was $2m each. Work was completed two or three years ago. We are now through the second stage of upgrade, where another $2m was allocated. The work on the music room at Nakara is 70% complete, whilst the upgrade of the childcare centre is complete. Teachers are telling me they feel like they are dreaming when they arrive at school because they do not recognise the school. It is a totally different school.
Alawa Primary School has become one of the most modern and best-equipped schools in the Northern Territory. It has electronic whiteboards, a centre point where all laptops are charged at night, and an open scheme so teachers can see students anywhere in the school. The upgrades done at Alawa and Nakara are being copied in schools throughout the Territory. That is significant.
Another election promise made in 2005 was the installation of lights along the footpath of Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Many people use the Casuarina Coastal Reserve for recreation and walking at night or early in the morning. A number of women have complained to me that they feel unsafe late at night or early in the morning because of the lack of lighting. We allocated $300 000, and now a row of lights have been installed all the way from the Casuarina Coastal Reserve car park area to the bridge in the Nightcliff/Rapid Creek area. This makes walking enjoyable, and very safe. I visited the area recently. I was very impressed with the style of the lights. I am the first to admit public servants are sometimes not very artistic in their concepts. This time they have done a really good job. The lights that have been installed enhance the environment ...
Mr Elferink: Point out the bad ones you did not like. Which ones did you not like?
Mr VATSKALIS: The ones that I, and many people, do not like are the yellow sodium lights used by the council to light the streets. Many people complain because the intensity of the light makes everything look really weird late at night. I do not know if they had anything to drink before or after; that is beside the point.
On Sunday, 9 August, I was pleased to initiate the Beach2Bridge race organised by the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club in Casuarina. As a patron of the club, I am very impressed by the efforts of the club to engage young people in surf life saving activities. They are expanding to other areas around the Territory, and as we heard today, even to Yirrkala. A significant number of young people took part. Some of them were not that young, probably my age. I am very pleased to say that they participated actively, and they enjoyed themselves.
There was a swim-run. The first three groups were Peter Eason, the swimmer and Rachel McLean, the runner, who came first, again. The second was Oliver Teale, the swimmer, with Robert Gerlach as runner. The third was Jack Ryan, the swimmer and Joel Kaye, the runner.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The time has expired.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Casuarina, your time has expired, forgive me.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I draw members’ attention to a recent concert held at the launch of Territory Seniors Month at Darwin High School. I had cause to hear some information about that concert. Sadly, I missed it because I was changing a tyre for a lady at the Botanic Gardens and got myself quite dirty doing that. That was a tragedy because it turns out the concert was enjoyed enormously by all who participated according to Marion Guppy, the Principal of Darwin High School. That included students, staff and seniors.
The reason I raise the issue is, after speaking to Marion Guppy, I found the passion, the drive, and the enthusiasm behind the concert was, essentially, driven by one person, Ms Patricia Tamayo, a student at Darwin High School in her final year of studies. The energy and drive Ms Tamayo put into the concert was nothing shy of exemplary. You hear all too often stories about how bad kids are nowadays. I have great faith in the future of our community. That faith is supported by people like Ms Tamayo who, with a full-time NTCE study load, dedicated herself passionately and completely to something like the launch of Territory Seniors Month.
I do not often point out students to this House. I know that members in this House occasionally hear about exemplary and stand-out members of our community, but I am proud to do it in this instance. I am fully aware that Ms Tamayo has ambitions to enter medicine. If the quality of what she has achieved on this occasion is reflected in her desire for study and improvement, then I expect she will get herself into medicine. She will do so not only with my support and blessing, but with me cheering on from the sidelines. I am certain that all members in this House will wish Ms Tamayo a very successful future.
I thank her and I draw the attention of all members of this parliament to her for the effort she has made for the launch of Territory Seniors Month at the Darwin High School concert. I hope all members take the time to contact her to congratulate her because she has done a good thing.
I also speak of Paul Eustance. Mr Eustance was recognised in the newspaper of Tuesday, 18 August for his bravery. His act of bravery happened when he saw some thug bashing a British tourist; he did not turn a blind eye, he got involved. Getting involved cost him a broken nose and fractures to one eye socket. It nearly cost him his sight, and a permanent injury. In 2005, Mr Eustance decided to get involved when he saw something happening that was wrong. I congratulate Mr Eustance on that, because I am always encouraged by the courage of others.
We hear stories of people being heroic. Our community is full of people who are potential heroes. Place them in the right circumstances, and they rise to the occasion, as Mr Eustance did.
I know the police do not encourage people to get involved when they see things happening in the community. I take a slightly different view. I like it when people get involved. When thugs and villains out there realise people are prepared to stand up and be counted, as Mr Eustance was, those thugs and villains will think a whole lot more about what they do.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, the first thing I do tonight is acknowledge the early finish. I do not recall having a job in the last 10 years where I finished at 5.10 pm. It will be a pleasant surprise to get home early to spend some time with my children.
Tonight, I talk about a sad indictment on this government regarding a gentleman, Mr Sampson, who attended my office. He struggled with a dental issue which led to bad gum disease. This started over two years ago. He spoke to the former member, who advised it was very hard to get dentists to the Northern Territory, and not a lot could be done other than stay on the waiting list. Six months ago, he went to the Chief Minister’s Office in Palmerston with the same issue - we are now 18 months down the track - and was provided with the same spin from the Chief Minister’s Office: dentists were hard to come by, stay on the waiting list.
Mr Sampson came into my office and I told him it was ridiculous. I advised him I would write to the Health Minister to see what could be done about it. I thank the minister because, a week after receiving that letter, Mr Sampson was seen at a dental clinic. Today he is in a much better condition. He did lose a piece of his gum because the condition should have been dealt with two years ago. However, compliments to the minister who did step in and move Mr Sampson up the list.
It provides another example of how the Office of the Chief Minister in Palmerston does not seem to be able to assist the average person. I do not really know why they are there.
Today, I learned that the floating pontoon at Cullen Bay - and I have used it many times with my own boat pulling up there, taking on people and dropping people off. It is a wonderful facility. I can appreciate it may not meet the new requirements of allowing more room; however, to sink it in Darwin Harbour to create an artificial reef is poor judgment, and a waste of a perfectly good piece of infrastructure. In Palmerston, people have been talking about a floating pontoon where people could put their boats in, tie up, and then use the pontoon, and people could fish from it.
What a perfect opportunity here, to take one piece of infrastructure and, with today’s engineering and technology, we could move it from where it is and place it on new footings at Elizabeth River at the boat ramp. Surely, that is not out of the question. It would provide necessary infrastructure for the Elizabeth River boat ramp, and be a wonderful facility for all the people of Palmerston to use. We have many artificial reefs and I understand how that benefits fishing in and around the harbour. This is one piece of infrastructure, and it is a wonderful resource that could be used somewhere else. It is a drastic waste of public money when it could provide a wonderful opportunity at Palmerston, and perhaps be part of the redevelopment of the boat ramp.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, there are a number of roles the opposition plays. One is to keep this woeful government accountable. Another role is to give them a bit of a helping hand from time to time when they seem to be floundering as badly as they are in relation to housing, and the effort they have put into SIHIP.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table this document.
Leave granted.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Thank you to all who allowed me to do that.
This is a photograph of a house that sits on the ground - it has actually been built - it sits on the ground at Yirrkala, an area that you would know quite well. Anyone who knows the Northern Territory would know that Yirrkala is a very isolated part of the Northern Territory. It is a hair’s breadth off being as isolated as Groote Eylandt because it is cut off for six to seven months of the year, during which time there is only barge access.
This house, which was built recently, is virtually an indestructible home. It would be ideal under SIHIP’s process. It is all steel construction. It has been put together using concrete footings, steel posts, indestructible flooring. It has C-section steel as walls on the outside. It is clad with 19 mm compressed cement sheet, which is almost impossible to break. It has stainless steel fit-out on the inside. It has a steel roof. It has verandas on two sides. It is an ideal housing option for SIHIP. The cost of this house, on the ground, in Yirrkala - and it is sitting there right now – is $420 000.
I went to school in the days when the three Rs were taught. I am not too bad at maths. If the government is going to build 750 homes, you could build 750 of these homes for $315m, which is less than half of the amount of money that is allocated to SIHIP ...
Mr Elferink: It is all the money they are going to have after they finish with it.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: That is right. If the administration and other costs associated with this program are going to run at 45% to 50%, there will still be enough money for these houses to be built - all 750 of them.
I was at Yirrkala a couple of weeks ago. I went out for the Garma Festival, and took the time to have a look around the community. I was guided around there by a person who has business interests in that area. He was kind enough to show me this home. I wonder whether the Chief Minister has ever bothered to go to Yirrkala and seek a briefing on this particular home. I see you nodding, and I think that is wonderful.
I do not know why on God’s earth it has taken so long to get houses on the ground anywhere in the Northern Territory. It is easily built; all the materials were taken in. The cost of this home at $420 000 takes in everything - construction costs, all the goods to make it, and the transport to get it there. It escapes me why this government cannot take some simple concept like that on board and go out there and do what they are supposed to do with that money - build houses.
I did not come here to rip threads off the government, or castigate it too hard. I am giving them a bit of a hand, a bit of a heads up. I hope they have a much closer look at this. Maybe they can weave it into their policy on SIHIP. This goes a little further past the spin than we usually see. That might not actually work for them.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I correct the record. During Question Time yesterday, and the MPI today, the member for Port Darwin sought to table ABS statistics that he claimed show irrefutable proof this government had sold off over 2000 public housing properties.
The member for Braitling said the same thing. The Deputy Opposition Leader followed suit earlier today. I then read a media release from the Leader of the Opposition who had just blindly followed his shadow Treasurer. I say to the members opposite: you are all wrong. The shadow Treasurer has often had problems adding things up. Here we are with another example.
The member for Port Darwin, and those opposite, said that since we came into government we have sold over 2000 public housing dwellings. If the member for Port Darwin could do his research correctly, he would know he was wrong. He tried to use ABS statistics for the year 2000 to the year 2006-07. What he did not realise was the statistics for the year 2000 were reports on statistics for 1999, not 2000. First mistake - that is not an odd moment for the member for Port Darwin.
In fact, in 1998-99, the then CLP government sold off 781 public housing dwellings in one year. In that year alone, the CLP sold off more public housing stock than this government has sold off in our three terms in government. In 2000, the CLP sold off a further 172 properties. In 2001, before the Labor government came into power, they sold off another 440 public housing dwellings. This totals a whopping 1393 properties. That is 70% of the 2000 public housing dwellings they were claiming were sold off. What is most disappointing is I gave the opposition members the numbers in the estimates briefing, and they still got it wrong …
Dr Burns: Not up to government. Not even up to opposition.
Mr KNIGHT: Not up to government at all. To the Opposition Leader-in-waiting, and the member for Port Darwin, you need to get it right. You sold off 1400 properties in three years. You had an asset sale of public housing. Disgraceful! You talk about us selling off properties. That is over 460 properties sold, on average, in your last three years in government; our average was 90. That is disgraceful.
The member for Sanderson waffled on about 2000. You need to get your facts right. Do not trust him; he does not know his figures. He has been doing it for years and years. They are absolutely disgraceful with public housing. They sold off 1400 properties over three years. Where would the Territory be …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Order! Member for Drysdale!
Mr KNIGHT: The member for Araluen jerks up. She should be aware in Alice Springs alone, they sold 738 properties. That is half of their stock - ripped it out of Alice Springs. You are talking about public housing shortage and waiting time in Alice Springs. It is disgraceful.
The member for Katherine chimed into this: 154 properties were sold in Katherine. That town could do with those numbers. They sold off 154 properties in those last few years. It is absolutely disgraceful. They should be ashamed of themselves ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The member for Daly should say we actually built the houses before we sold them, which is more than he could do …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! There is no point of order.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Deputy Speaker, I extend a very warm welcome to some of our newest citizens. On 9 July, I attended a special citizenship ceremony to celebrate Constitution Day, and the 60th anniversary of Australian Citizenship at the National Archives in Millner. The Administrator, His Honour Tom Pauling, was on hand to confer Australian citizenship on a number of people, including three who reside in the Johnston electorate. I take this opportunity to formally welcome Mr Angraj Khillan, Ms Preeti Khillan, and Ms Aayushi Khillan as citizens of this great country.
On 13 June, I had the privilege of attending the Portuguese National Day celebrations at the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club. It was wonderful to see so many faces, familiar and new, demonstrating their love and respect for their native culture. While everyone there was a fiercely proud Territorian, their sense of community and pride in their heritage only helps to make our society richer and more vibrant. I congratulate the committee members of the Portuguese and Timorese Social Club: President, Pedro Bernadino; Vice President, Ivan Soares; Secretary, Odette da Costa; Treasurer, Rui Pereira; and Vice Treasurer, Tim Byfield, for their work in keeping the organisation so strong and active.
I also thank the people who helped organise and run the National Day celebrations: Gina Borges, Amelia Bentes, Flavia Pires, Joaquim Guerreiro, Lorena Guerreiro, Josefa and Caetano Lusitana Mascarenhas, Brodie Mitchell and Abel Pires. Some of the people I met on the night included Dino Ribeiro, Joaquim Silva, Mario Ingles and Oscar Nunes, all past presidents of this wonderful organisation.
On 11 July, I attended the Bastille Day Ball at Crustaceans Restaurant at Stokes Hill Wharf. It was trs magnifique - a colourful and lively celebration of French culture with a Territorian twist. I congratulate the Alliance Franaise de Darwin for putting on such a memorable evening. To the President, Lea Aitken; Vice President, Ully Mueller; Treasurer, Linda Murphy; Class Coordinator, Sharon Parsonson; Grants Coordinator - and DJ and photographer on the night - Ralph Lante; Film Coordinator, Lisa Manuel; Events Coordinator - and what an event she coordinated - Maria Randozza; her able assistant, Nathalie Hernandez; Secretary, Barbara Baggley; IT Coordinator, Xavier Espiau; Public Relations Coordinator, Vivienne Blandy; Minutes Reporter, Kevin Merdy, and committee members Olga dos Santos and Anna Maria Delker - you all put on a fantastic and inspiring night. A special mention should go to Eleonore Du Rosel, a visiting intern from France, who was a co-compre on the night. It was a truly memorable evening, enjoyed by everyone there.
On 20 June, with the Chief Minister, I attended another fantastic celebration of our cultural diversity at the Islamic Centre. I express my sincere thanks to the President of the Islamic Society of Darwin, Mr Ishfaq Haider, for his kind invitation to attend the Islamic Awareness Week Open Day. The open day was well attended with between 300 and 400 people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, looking at static information displays, and listening to talks by local and visiting experts on Islam. The event was also attended by representatives of other religious and cultural communities, all keen to learn more about each other and to forms bonds of understanding between them.
I congratulate the ISD’s committee, including Vice President Mr Anwar Lamaya, Youth Secretary Sr Sumaira Mohammed, Treasurer, Agus Sudjoko, Imam Adama Konda, along with committee members and coordinators, Dr Khalid Ali Khan, Dr Hussein Farah, Ferry Guntoro, Sr Qumrunnessa Poppy Mustafa, Dawood Mohammed, and Mazhar Khan. I also acknowledge the contribution of Sadarud Din, Absir Mahamed Warsame, Uncle Nurul Haq, Ayesha Mohammed, and Samaya and family.
It was a great week, a great function, all about true understanding. It highlights the core messages of all the great faiths - love, faith, peace, tolerance, and understanding. Events such as these are proof of how so many nationalities and cultures can contribute to the diverse and lively society that makes the Territory the unique place it is today.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston. That could have gone horribly wrong, but you pulled it off quite well.
I would like to talk about housing. I have some illustrations of public housing. We often see graffiti and neglect around our public housing. Here I have a photo of a caravan in the car park of the Ellery Street flats in my electorate. That seems to be the extent of the current government’s housing policy. I seek leave to table that, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: I have a photo of the same block which shows the extent and strength of the government’s law and order policies. This is Ellery Street in Larapinta. You can see the burn-outs on the road from people hooning around. Here we have a photo of a public housing estate with six flats - luckily, we have six police cars there. Six police cars for six flats. Things are going well in Ellery Drive. The member for Daly is doing a great job. Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table that photo too.
Leave granted.
Mr GILES: Madam Deputy Speaker, I will talk about two issues.
The incoherent member for Daly cannot speak without reading - although he did a good job today talking about how we sold houses that we built; and he cannot sell them because he cannot build them.
He talked about us not getting a briefing on SIHIP. This government does not provide briefings very well. I cannot get a Transport briefing, I cannot get a Police briefing on statistics for DUI; or on yesterday’s traffic figures for the Stuart Highway. I do not think the government actually has them. I did arrange a briefing on SIHIP; that was cancelled. People have tried and will continue to try.
The story is about the public housing units at Head Street, Alice Springs. This great stimulus package was coming from the federal government - that debt-laden package. They decided they wanted to put solar panels on these aged pensioner units in Head Street. They put panels on units 22, 23, 26, 27, and 28. The Housing Minister visited in early July, and the tenants complained saying they did not want solar panels installed. The Housing Minister disagreed. The problem with the solar panels was there were trees in the way. The idea of solar panels is good economically and environmentally, and it also has that green fringe about it. I have solar panels; I think they are smart. It has that rogue element; that Woodstock divide in there too.
A letter was then sent, signed by the Acting Tenancy Manager – I will not say their name:
- Dear Tenant
At the residents meeting yesterday afternoon, it was identified that the large tree growing in the common area around units 22, 23, 26, 27, and 28 was affecting the solar hot water services to units 22, 27, and 28. In the interests of power conservation, the tree will be removed.
They are chopping trees down to give more sun to the solar panel. I cannot believe it. I thought there were some stupid people in this world but the member for Daly is taking the cake.
The tree is not native to Central Australia. It may have fallen over later and caused damage. Justify it how you want, but they are chopping a tree down to put a solar panel in. The money has come from the federal government. You are taking money out for administration and you are putting our children into debt to pay for it. Soon you will saying you need to be more conservation specific and save money. Chopping trees down for solar panels - I think that is hilarious.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I give members an update on the Darwin Railway Sports and Social Club located in Parap. As most members would be aware, a fire devastated the Darwin Railway Club on 18 April this year. The kitchen was destroyed and a great deal of smoke damage was caused. It was amazing to see the heat that must have generated from the fire in the kitchen; there were actually girders bent in the roof. Thankfully, the main structure of the building was sound, and the committee was left with a decision – rebuild, fold, or move their club to another part of Darwin.
After a Special General Meeting of club members on 17 May, it was determined the club would rebuild with whatever money they had available to them. In true Territory style, the motion from the floor was: ‘I move that this stuff remains here’. It was passed unanimously.
Unfortunately for the club, the insurance held by the club was inadequate for the rebuild. After a full audit of the books by the Office of Business Affairs, the Northern Territory government gave the Darwin Railway Club a grant of $200 000. This funding will meet the gap between the insurance payout and what is needed to get the Railway Club up and running again. This is fantastic news, and definitely appreciated by the club and its members.
Much of the cleanup following the fire was done by club members volunteering their own time. Rebuilding has now commenced. I was there recently to see progress. It is quite extraordinary to see the amount of work they have already done, but you can also see the amount of work still to go. There was a considerable amount of damage. There is work to be done in both the building and the gardens, and they are doing a big cleanup. I know they have found some taps and drains and things they did not know they had. They have done a lot of work through the area cleaning it up.
The Permablitz crew came in and did their bit, a back yard blitz-style garden makeover that was filmed by Stateline. Permablitz is a community group where people join in, and every Sunday people go and blitz a garden. If you are a member of the Permablitz crew, at some stage they will come and do your garden. Essentially, you all chip in together to help people for a community benefit.
There are some great ideas the committee has come up with to make the Railway Club a vibrant part of Darwin. Some of these include a kitchen upgrade allowing for a ‘cook your own’ barbecue restaurant. I am sure we have all seen that, at some stage, where you can buy your meat there and cook it on-site. The Railway Club will provide the salads, sourced from local providers. They are thinking of doing foods from around the world; a restaurant with a different country featured every week. They want to get the kitchen working again and give it a bit more of a community feel.
They will air-condition and sound proof the major club space. Something the Railway Club started doing recently is getting live music in, which had an impact on the local residents, but local residents wanted to work with the Railway Club. It was a very constructive discussion, and the Railway Club will, in the rebuild, ensure there is better soundproofing and ensure the club stays quieter during the week and on weekends.
The famous parquetry floor will be re-sanded, allowing for dance groups to come back. A big screen will be put up for film nights, and to show major sporting events. The committee is also working with Karen Sheldon of Karen’s Kitchen, who lives in the electorate and is a good local constituent, to get Indigenous trainees into the bar and the kitchen. Karen is doing good work in relation to trainees. I was at Kantillas, where Karen has a site as well, and she is working with trainees there. She has an arrangement with McDonalds regarding trainees. It will be great if they can work with Karen’s Kitchen at the Railway Club.
The club is expected to be up and running sometime in October, just after the club turns 35. I congratulate Kane and Anna Stewart, President and Secretary respectively. They are there every day working hard to ensure the rebuild goes as smoothly as possible. I also congratulate all the club members, particularly those who have volunteered their time to help clean up the club in preparation for the rebuild.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish them all the best, and cannot wait to get down there for the official opening of the revitalised club.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Sanderson, just briefly by way of explanation for you, it is a convention of the House that we alternate from one side to the other when giving the call. I need the member for Fannie Bay to relieve me so that I can participate in the adjournment debate.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Madam Deputy Speaker, I will address several issues. Before I do that I would like to deal with something the member for Daly mentioned. He accused the Country Liberals of selling off 1400 homes. What do you say about selling off 2000 homes? Irrespective of whether it was three years or eight years, it is still public housing stock. I do not know whether the figures he gave are true. I do not dispute or agree with them at this point in time. I have not had time to check them. He describes it as deplorable when he, in fact, is part of an organisation that sold 2000. I find it quite amazing.
I also mention something my colleague, the member for Katherine, mentioned. He tabled a photograph of a fine looking house at Yirrkala - on-site, built, keys handed over for $420 000. I heard the Chief Minister say how expensive it is to build these houses. I am not sure of the construction, but I am led to believe these are very solid homes. I do not think anything is indestructible, but almost indestructible.
I recently went to Palmerston and had a look at Nimble Homes. They have some fantastic transportable homes that could be put into remote areas for $225 000 to $230 000. SIHIP is actually classified as an emergency housing program. Two years on, we have some concrete on the ground on Groote Eylandt, and the government claims this is fantastic. We have concrete on the ground, but not much else happening. We have several people engaged, and much money being spent on consultants, but there are no houses finished yet. That is two years for an emergency response.
The recent government housing report stated the government needs 1700 homes per year to keep up with demand. If we cannot build a house under emergency conditions in two years, what hope do we have of trying to keep up with the demand, especially in public housing, over the next few years? Is 2030 when we start or when we finish? How many will be completed by 2030? Is this part of the government’s 2030 plan? We might have a few public houses on the books by 2030.
These are some of the issues I ask the government to look at. If the government tried contacting the member for Katherine he would gladly give them contact details for the people who can deliver these homes in a very short period of time for $420 000. The fantastic thing is the government would have money left to spend on ways to help these remote communities.
Nimble Homes have homes at the moment they could send to these communities. They are good, solid homes. They are easy to put up. I am sure not everyone in these communities is going to get these homes and wreck them in the first few months. I know there are stories of this happening. My understanding is these are good people; they just want a home to live in. They want security for their children so they can sleep at night without being harassed. They want a home they can call home and not have to put up with everyone arriving on their doorstep because it is the only home they have to sleep in.
I ask the government to consider very seriously the Nimble Homes example. I commend the government to talk to Nimble Homes.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Nhulunbuy High School’s Grow Zone which was recently announced as a finalist for the Power and Water’s 2009 Melaleuca Awards. They were nominated in the community category, which recognises outstanding achievements in water conservation, efficiency, recycling and gardening within local communities. They received a framed certificate and they are very proud of their achievements - and so they should be.
The Grow Zone is an initiative of our local high school’s Special Learning Annexe, which provides an amazing service to our disabled adolescents in our community. It is extremely well supported by principal, Kate Middleton, and teachers, Maree Jegou and Faye Brook-Jones, as well as the aides, inclusion support assistants and, of course, the parents of the students. The Grow Zone, based loosely on Darwin’s The Patch concept, provides an outlet for these young people to be actively involved and engaged in a program which is sociable and provides them with productive and meaningful activity as part of their broader school program. They produce, amongst other things, decorative pavers and garden ornaments. They produce seedlings and they make these items available for sale.
On their very first public sale on a Saturday morning, it was just about all sold out. Indeed, they were taking orders for pavers and ornaments. They also sold tea, coffee and cakes, and it was quite a morning out for the community. They have come this far in just under 12 months, and have received enormous support from the community. What we need to do now – and certainly I as local member - is to work really hard with them to find a permanent place from which they can operate.
Friday, 9 August was a very special and proud day for Yirrkala community and for surf life saving. The Walngawu Djakamirri Surf Life Saving Club at Yirrkala officially opened with a few hundred people turning out at Shady Beach to celebrate. The MC was senior Rirratjingu man and traditional owner, Mr Djuwalpi Marika, who is also the club’s patron. As local member, I was honoured and proud to accept the role of Vice Patron. Also present was inaugural club President, Djawa (Timmy) Burrawunga. The federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin MP, was there as was our own Chief Minister who announced a special assistance grant of $25 000 for lifesaving equipment and resources. The club is the source of immense pride for the community, and the beach was alive with activity. As the Chief Minister said in Question Time today, the club is about many things. It is about promoting teamwork and leadership, and accredited education with children completing their surf lifesaving certificate. Nine students to date have been awarded a Bronze Medallion.
All this said, I was disappointed to hear members of the opposition - the members for Fong Lim and Sanderson - dismiss the talk of surf lifesaving in the House today as virtually unimportant. They just do not get it. It is about much more than surf lifesaving. It is about the really good things that do happen in Indigenous communities, including my electorate. As the Chief Minister said, this new club is also about a partnership. It is local people working together with non-government and government partners to promote healthy activities and good citizenship for their kids and their communities.
As part of the celebrations at Shady Beach on that day, Yirrkala CEC launched their Lipa-lipa project. Lipa-lipa is a Yolngu Matha word for dugout canoe. The Lipa-lipa was sailed into the beach, and later club members launched their newly painted surfboat onto the water.
It was that same weekend that the Garma Festival was held. The Garma Festival is in its 11th year, and it goes from strength to strength. In the vicinity of 1500 to 2000 people attended Garma this year. It is the biggest Indigenous festival of culture in Australia. Not surprisingly, it attracts people from around Australia and the world, not to mention many, many clans who come in from around East Arnhem Land as well. It was absolutely fantastic. I was very pleased to see the member for Katherine there, because I have not seen any members of the opposition out visiting. Perhaps they have been and I have not seen them. Certainly I saw the member for Katherine.
I thank the member for Katherine for tabling the photograph. I am very familiar with that house, as is the Chief Minister, because we have both been in it. It is the home of Mrs Dhuwarrwarr Marika. It is, indeed, a model home. In relation to SIHIP at Yirrkala community, whilst the land use agreements are in progress but not yet in place, the next step is a housing reference group will be formed. That whole process is about people having the opportunity to talk about, discuss and be consulted on what sort of house they would like. It could be that is the sort of house Yirrkala people say they want in their community. I do hope that when the member for Katherine was there he got the opportunity to meet not just with the business people who represent the traditional owners but the TOs themselves, and get to hear those great stories about things like the Surf Life Saving Club that happen out there.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I place on the Parliamentary Record the very significant contribution made by Pasquale ‘Pat’ Adami, who died in March. Pat Adami and his wife, Bronwen, made a significant contribution to the community of Alice Springs via their very famous restaurant, Puccini’s. Puccini’s had its beginnings in the late 1980s. It was a fine-dining restaurant in our town.
I arrived in Alice Springs in 1989, so I was pretty lucky; I was there when Puccini’s started. Its first location was a very strange one. It was at the back of a dusty car park at the Verdi Club on Undoolya Road. You would not know, when you were approaching the restaurant, that there was this fine-dining Italian restaurant in the back of the car park. When you walked in, you could tell it was elegance and class, with service and food to match. It was a marvellous initiative of Bronwen and Pat. I am pleased to say there was a two-page obituary in The Centralian Advocate in June, and I will quote from a couple of parts of that:
- Puccini’s won … Gold Plate Awards for the Best Restaurant in the Northern Territory and in 1994 was inducted into the Australian Culinary Institute Hall of Fame.
- … Pat Adami developed several other restaurants, including Al Fresco in the cinema complex, Piccolo’s in Alice Plaza, the Pasta Machine at the Coles Complex, and the highly successful Sporties Bar on Todd Mall, which is still owned and run by the family.
Although members of the family say Sporties, as it is known, is actually a better business than Puccini’s, it is said Pat enjoyed Puccini’s, and Bronwen, his wife, was quoted as saying: ‘Puccini’s was the best time of his life. It was absolutely what he wanted to do and he loved doing it’.
Pat Adami was a very colourful figure in Alice Springs, well known for his time at the racing track, and was the owner of a horse, Paisano, which won the Alice Springs Cup in 1997.
The significance of Puccini’s really cannot be underestimated. Members will be interested to know it was a venue that gave local musicians and entertainers, such as the then rookie comedienne, Fiona O’Loughlin, a stage and encouragement to develop and hone their art. Fiona was also quoted in the obituary written in The Centralian Advocate. She remembers her times at Puccini’s very fondly, as do many others.
I remember it was the first place I laid eyes on Shane Stone. Shane and Josephine were always very close to the Adamis. As a young solicitor in Alice Springs coming from Victoria, you were not used to seeing Premiers or Chief Ministers anywhere; you would only ever see them on television. Of course, in the typical Territory way, most people at some time get to see the Chief Minister, whoever that Chief Minister is. I remember seeing Shane Stone as the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and thinking it must be a really good restaurant because the Chief Minister was there. As I got to know Shane and, indeed, other government ministers as the years rolled on, it was a great place, not just for CLP ministers, but both sides of politics were there. Pat was always very supportive of me in my efforts to get involved in politics. I wanted that to be on the Parliamentary Record as well.
It is appropriate, given the contribution Pat and his wife, Bronwen, made to the community of Alice Springs, that it be noted on the Parliamentary Record. I am sure members join with me in passing on their condolences to Pat and Bronwen’s children, Jason, Ben, and Becky and their families and their children. On behalf of us all, thank you, Pat Adami for your marvellous contribution, and rest in peace.
Mr McCARTHY (Barkly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I was absolutely delighted that one of the first duties I performed in my role as Minister for Arts and Museums was to attend the media preview of this year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award. As members would know, NATSIAA celebrated its 26th anniversary this year. It is the premier event in the Northern Territory Arts calendar. The opening night of the awards sees hundreds of people flocking to the lawns of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy an evening under the stars with some of Australia’s best artists.
Due to the business of the Assembly, I was unable to attend the opening night, and I thank the Chair of the Museum Board, Professor Marcia Langton, for doing the honours on the night. I was able to attend the media preview, and got a chance to not only view the winning entries, but also meet and speak with four of the five winning artists. I also met with Georgia Symmons, General Manager, Telstra Indigenous Directorate, and Mark Sweet, Northern Territory Manager Telstra Countrywide. The success of the award is directly linked to the ongoing generous support of Telstra. Telstra has been sponsoring NATSIAA since 1992, and it has been one of the most successful partnerships between the corporate world and a cultural institution.
A preselection panel of art professionals is formed each year to view up to 400 entries, a quarter of which are selected for the exhibition. Two judges are then invited to select the winners of each category. The two judges this year were Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, and Curator Indigenous Art at the Art Gallery of Western Australian, Carly Lane.
The winning entries they chose are: the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award was Western Australian, Janine McAullay Bott, for her artwork, Dhalkatj Bilby; the Telstra General Painting Award winner was Papunya Tula artist, Yinarupa Nangala; the Telstra Bark Painting Award winner was Rerrkirrwanga Munungurr from Yirrkala for her artwork, Gumatj Gurtha; the Telstra Work on Paper Award winner was Glen Namundja from Gunbalanya for his artwork, Likkanaya and Marrayka; and the winner of the $40 000 Telstra Award was Canberra-based artist Danie Mellor for his artwork, From Rite to Ritual.
The artwork in this year’s Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award showcases the artistic excellence produced by these artists. It also reflects the changing face of contemporary Indigenous art practice in Australia. I urge all members to go to the museum at Bullocky Point and have a look at this great exhibition.
Mr BOHLIN (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I have two main things to talk about. I would like to add something to the member for Sanderson’s speech.
Unless some of the project managers are blind and looking at their navel, there are many great companies in Australia that have innovative, durable designs for transportable housing to site, that are being used throughout the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.
One example is MRN, Murray River North Homes. There is a base in Darwin, in Alice Springs, and one in Perth. These are a concrete based pre-tensioned slab. They are transported in separate platforms to the site and then are located into the ground and cemented into place, essentially buried on-site forevermore. I have seen those go into Kintore, where I was the Officer in Charge of the Police Station. Within a very rapid time, these houses are fully operational on the ground. They are built off-site, and taken to the site by truck.
For those who do not know, Kintore it is over 500 km from Alice Springs, a very long distance across mainly dirt roads. Trucks are moving very heavy pieces of housing a long way. They can even be barged. They are then set up on-site, saving one of the most critical parts of any housing construction in remote communities; that is, the cost of labour within the camp. Setting up a complete camp is expensive. You have to pay extra duties for labourers whilst they are in remote communities. Building them on-site, in a central location like Alice Springs, Darwin or Perth, means there is a huge cost saving.
Kintore had a complete childcare facility built, transported to the site, dropped into the ground, locked it all up, and it is now in full use, for around $850 000 - a complete childcare facility. You cannot even build a house. Open your ears, contact some of these other great companies in Australia, such as Nimble Homes. They are available, and it can be done. Stop messing about and get on with business.
Last weekend, I was lucky to watch the 2009 Chariots of Thunder at Darwin Speedway. Saturday night was a fantastic night. I had a friend or two racing there. Although the races are fun, I highlight the volunteers, the committee who are the heart and soul of the event. I take the time to thank them all. There are many volunteers, and many committee members who put on a major event. It is becoming one of the best speedways. On Saturday night it was packed. I was very proud to see that. I did not go there as an official; I went down to enjoy the atmosphere of the Territory speedway.
Motor sports have come a long way in Darwin with Gary Pendlebury as president. He has done a fantastic job. I make particular note of a long-time friend of mine, Al Ballinger. Al is very well known to motor sports enthusiasts throughout Darwin. He is involved in most of them. He is also a constituent of mine.
With my short time left, I note Palmerston Seniors Week, which commenced the previous weekend, finished last Sunday. The organising committee did a fantastic job. I had a great time at the opening and the closing ceremony. The Lions Club cooked all the meals for everyone. They slaved away at the barbecues even when it was humid. They did a great job. Lions is a fantastic organisation in our community. They go a long way to making the Territory a much better place.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it is with much sadness that I place on the public record the passing of Kwementyaye Marshall Japanjardi. Kwementyaye Marshall was a long-serving president of the Yuendumu Community Government Council prior to the introduction of the Central Desert Shire, and a crucial leader of many Warlpiri people. He was also involved with the Central Land Council. Kwementyaye Marshall was also a long-serving member of the Yuendumu Magpies football team, and enjoyed talking about the team’s successes to many people, including me. This included the bragging rights when Yuendumu defeated my team, the Pioneer Eagles, in last year’s AFL CA grand final. Kwementyaye Marshall also spoke proudly of the achievements and successes of his countryman, Liam Jurrah, playing AFL.
Kwementyaye Marshall was forced into Alice Springs due to kidney disease, and the need to access renal dialysis in Alice Springs. This move, from his country and home at Yuendumu and Pikyili, had a dramatic impact on him, his lifestyle, his family and, particularly his wife, Violet. Kwementyaye Marshall worried about his children, grandchildren, and his wife, Violet, as she began dealing with her own serious illness and associated treatment.
I acknowledge my electorate officer, Vicky, and Violet, for assisting Kwementyaye Marshall in this difficult transition. The urban drift is something we often talk about, however, there are many Indigenous people who have to make this tough transition from their home community into places like Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs because of renal failure.
Kwementyaye Marshall was also a strong member of the Warlpiri people, spearheading the project to have renal units set up in remote areas, particularly Yuendumu and Lajamanu. Renal patients would not have to go through the tough times of not being able to go back to country to see family; they could live on their own community with their family. Kwementyaye Marshall worked tirelessly with the Kurra Aboriginal Corporation royalty association and GMAAAC to convince other members of those royalty associations to provide funding towards the renal projects at Yuendumu and Lajamanu. Through his great work and leadership, he was successful in getting a lot of money from those royalty associations for the project.
Kwementyaye Marshall was a great campaign helper for me during my election as the member for Stuart. He also helped in the days of Brian Ede and Peter Toyne. At the polling booth, he would tell Warlpiri people he was a Labor Party man and he would stick by the Labor Party. He was very strong in his belief in the Labor Party and Indigenous people in relation to lands rights, education and housing. He was proud that I would be the first Warlpiri man to represent the Warlpiri people in the Legislative Assembly.
Something I will always remember about Kwementyaye Marshall is his pride in me, his pride in his people, and the Yuendumu Magpies football team. He worked tirelessly to secure funding for renal units to be set up at Yuendumu and Lajamanu.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it was my pleasure, on 14 August, to launch the 2009 swimming season. There was a large turnout at Parliament House, and it was great to meet so many of our young swimmers. They have a busy season planned for them, thanks to the hard work of the competition committee, chaired by Mez Ryan. I acknowledge the dedication and hard work of Swimming NT’s President, Clare Labowitch.
The 2008 season had a number of highlights, notably the achievements of Rachel McLean, who came second in the 2009 Australian Open Water Event in Sydney in the 17 to18 age group. Rachel also qualified for the Commonwealth Games trials in the 400 m, 800 m, 1500 m, 5 km and 10 km freestyle events. There were many outstanding swimmers.
In closing, I place on the public record acknowledgment of Leah Cullen and Tony Tilley, both of whom passed away this year, and had served Swimming NT with much distinction, and were well respected.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, as Minister for Education and Training, I highlight some of the great work done by students and teachers in our schools as part of the Exit Art Program. Exit Art is the annual Territory senior secondary arts exhibition. It showcases artwork produced by Year 12 visual art, craft and design students in Territory schools. I am sure many would be aware these works are part of the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory’s annual exhibitions program.
Today, I commend the partnerships that come together to enable this exhibition to take place, the students for their commitment to excellence, the teachers for the quality instruction, preparation, and knowledge they provide to inspire and encourage students, as well as the staff at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Territory and the Department of Employment, Education and Training, who work together to produce this exhibition each year. Lastly, I acknowledge the great support this program enjoys from ENI Australia.
Once again, a selection of Exit Art works is on display in Parliament House. I take this opportunity to acknowledge these students. From Darwin High School, we enjoy the work of award-winning student, Kristie Langford. Kristie’s work is titled Loose Threads, and is a collection of jewellery made from loose threads captured in resin. Kristie’s work is also the winner of the Chief Minister’s Award. Catherine Browne, also a graduate from Darwin High School, has produced a series of self-portraits on canvas titled Cathculator.
From Kormilda College, Samantha Daly has produced four canvasses that explore the colours and textures of porcellanite rock. From Central Australia, Olivia Heggie has produced a series of digital prints titled Life is a Zoo Inside a Jungle. From Tennant Creek High School, Andrew Pearce’s work is a mixed media piece titled Conflicted Wings. From Palmerston High School, Elysia Ranking has produced a piece using digital prints to show the life and movement of people and animals; and lastly, from Casuarina Senior College, Jessica Cooper’s work titled Light and Movement presents digital images on transparent film.
One of the advantages of being Minister for Education and Training is having the opportunity to see firsthand the achievements of our students across many areas of schooling. I pay tribute to all of the young artists involved with the Exit Art Program, their teachers, and the agency staff who help to bring about this wonderful event each year.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016