2005-10-19
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 4842 petitioners praying that a 24-hour emergency medical service be established in Palmerston. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 252 petitioners, praying that the Legislative Assembly take the necessary steps to reduce the noise and air pollution from the Ron Goodin Power Station. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, further to information on celebrating Democracy Week, I advise today the Statehood Challenge is being held in the dining room commencing at 9 am. This activity is open to students from Year 8 through to Year 11. Students will be given information about statehood and asked to develop an advertising campaign or strategy to inform young Territorians about the issues surrounding statehood for the Northern Territory. At present, there are two schools participating, Taminmin High School and Sanderson High School, and students will present their ideas from 1 pm. All members are welcome.
The Teachers’ Forum will be held in Members and Guests Lounge today from 3.30 pm. This activity is open to both primary and secondary teachers. Teachers will be given a brief tour of the building, followed by afternoon tea. The education coordinator will also present an overview of the programs offered by the Legislative Assembly and discuss the types of pre-visit and post-visit activities that will further enhance student learning.
Dr BURNS (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, part of the East Arm Wharf has been closed since mid-June 2005 to investigate the failure of three tie rods. The closure was a precautionary measure until we could better understand why the tie rods had broken and what impact their failure might have on the wharf structure.
Since that time, extensive investigations, testing and engineering modelling have been undertaken utilising the skills and experience of interstate and overseas experts in wharf and marine structures. I am pleased to advise that much of this work has been undertaken cooperatively with the joint venture partners who designed and built Stage 1 of the wharf in the 1990s. The investigation is a complex engineering task which is still not finalised. However, we now have a much clearer idea of the issues and associated risk.
I am pleased to announce that, while these further investigations are being undertaken, it has been decided to reopen the wharf under certain constraints and conditions. The wharf was reopened earlier this week on Monday, 17 October.
The wharf was constructed under a design and construct contract by joint venture partnerships between Barclay Mowlem, Thiess and WestHam Dredging. It was completed and handed over to the Darwin Port Corporation in December 1999. While the defects liability period under the contract expired in December 2004, a final certificate has not yet been issued due to non-completion of defects.
A significant structural component of the wharf is the 400 lower tie rods located several metres below the surface which tie the sheet-piled wall of the wharf to concrete anchors. Three of these tie rods were found to have snapped and, as a precautionary measure, Stage 1 of the wharf was closed so that a detailed investigation into the cause and effect of the failures could be conducted.
Extensive metallurgical tests have been conducted on the three broken tie rods together with ultrasonic tests on the remaining lower tie rods. Regular surveys of the wharf have been done to determine any movement, and regular visual inspections of the rod ends to check that no others have failed. The cause of the tie rod failure appears to be a combination of tack welding with the cathodic protection system which has caused a change in the metallurgical properties of the steel, together with the bending of the bars during backfill settlement when the wharf was built. The tie rods are buried under 5 m of fill and, as part of the design, are subject to water inundation. This certainly adds to the complexity of the investigations and future repairs.
When it became apparent that the final resolution of the problem was likely to be protracted, it was agreed to undertake a two-stage approach. The first stage was to focus on all efforts on reopening the wharf to port users, and the second stage on the long-term fix of the problem so that the joint venture can meet its obligation to provide a wharf with a 50-year design life. Expert analysis of the various tests and engineering modelling has been positive and resulted in a recommendation that the wharf can be partially reopened. A stringent monitoring regime has been put in place and an emergency action plan has been implemented and explained to all port users.
During this initial reopening, there will be some limitations on usage, particularly at the location of the failed tie rods, as the joint venture requires space to work. However, rig tenders, livestock carriers and container ships will be able to tie up for loading and bunkering purposes, and there will be normal road train access to the wharf adjacent to the vessel. The container crane can be used for normal operations between chainage 240 and Stage 2 - which, I should emphasise, has remained open during all this process; so we are really focusing on Stage 1 here - with crawler cranes able to be used on the rest of the available wharf.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the joint venture partners, and the engineering experts will now refocus their attention on the reasons for the failures, the possibility of further failures, and the rectification methods. I look forward to being able to inform the House when the full rectification is completed.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for what appears to be a relatively fulsome statement. I am sure a number of other Territorians will be interested to read the Hansard.
I am hopeful that the member for Wanguri, in his capacity as minister for Police, will provide during these ministerial reports an equally detailed report into the review of the investigation into the death of 7-year-old Louisa May Turner. It was observed with a level of concern by me and others that the Police minister did not issue a media release yesterday - it was left to the police - and the findings of this investigation were issued by media release as opposed to providing Territorians and the family, at the very least, with a copy of the findings. We would expect, in those circumstances, at the very least, for the Police minister to provide a report into this investigation because, important though the wharf is, the investigation into the death of this young girl is arguably more important for reasons with are patently obvious.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his statement. It was a detailed statement. However, there may be some other questions that still need to be asked for the sake of the taxpayer because, as you said, the wharf has been closed down for some time. It would be interesting to know what it has cost the government in wharf fees, and what inconveniences it caused with the shipping having to go back to the Darwin wharf. Has that held up, for instance, redevelopment of the Darwin wharf area? How long do you think before it can be fully opened and running as usual? I suppose I am asking the budgetary questions here. What has been the effect and has the government put away some money for repairs? Do they have any estimate of what the repairs will cost?
Dr BURNS (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution. Turning first to the member for Nelson, there have certainly been indirect costs. I give credit to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Port Corporation officers who have been working tirelessly to address this issue. The issue of costs will be addressed in due course and, from my perspective, I would like to minimise any cost to the Northern Territory taxpayer. However, this is a matter for further on down the track. The first priority is to get the wharf operational but we have been keeping track of any costs.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her comments. If I could just give a little hint to the Leader of the Opposition: she needs to look up the word ‘fulsome’ in the dictionary. I do not think it exactly means what she thinks. Thank you and I will report further on the progress with the port.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I report on government’s progress in establishing the Northern Territory’s first Environment Protection Agency. Last year, government announced that it would respond to emerging environmental challenges by establishing the Territory’s first EPA. Labor reaffirmed this commitment during the recent election campaign. We announced that the EPA would be developed in two stages.
Stage 1 would see the introduction of a three-member, independent EPA board and the reorganisation of the Environment and Heritage Office so that services are re-aligned into an EPA program. The immediate task of the EPA board would be to consult with the Northern Territory community on a final preferred model for the EPA and advise government on new supporting legislation.
Stage 2 of the EPA establishment would see the final EPA model put in place, the new legislation in operation, and significant additional resources provided to improve environmental services.
I am very pleased to report that government is today delivering the first stage of that commitment as promised. I have great pleasure in announcing today that I have appointed an interim EPA board, comprising three eminently-qualified and highly-respected professional people. They are Professor Gordon Duff, who will chair the interim board; Professor Donna Craig; and Ms Judith King. All three have a great list of qualities, experience and other credentials that they bring to this role, and it is hard for me to do justice to them in a few brief paragraphs.
Professor Gordon Duff is currently the CEO of the Tropical Savannas Management Cooperative Research Centre located at Charles Darwin University. Professor Duff brings a wealth of experience in tropical research, the management of complex organisations that require collaboration with a diverse range of partners, and engagement with an even wider range of stakeholders. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Professor Donna Craig is Professor of Desert Knowledge at the Alice Springs campus of Charles Darwin University. Her work focuses on how to make resource management law contribute to the better health, wellbeing and ecologically sustainable development of desert communities and arid lands. She is the Co-Convener of the World Conservation Union’s Specialist Group on Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Law. Professor Craig’s knowledge of environmental law and its application to indigenous and regional development will be a vital asset for an EPA board.
Ms Judith King has been a non-executive Director of the Power and Water Corporation’s Board since its establishment. She currently chairs Power and Water’s Environment Committee and is a company director and business advisor with expertise in the growth and export of services. Ms King was formerly a director of Melbourne Water Corporation and Citipower Ltd, being closely involved in the restructuring and reforms of those utilities. In January 2003, Ms King was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal.
We are very privileged to have people of such high calibre willing to contribute their expertise. I am very pleased that the interim board has representation from Central Australia, and members with scientific, business and legal expertise. Just as important as their wealth and range of expertise, they are people who have actively sought out the challenge of integrating new ideas and systems to solve old problems.
As promised, and concurrent with the appointment with the new EPA board, is the reorganisation of the Office of Environment and Heritage into the new EPA program. The EPA program will support the EPA Board and carry out the day-to-day environmental protection activities, including environmental impact assessment, policy development, standard setting, regulation and monitoring. Work has substantially progressed on the comprehensive audit and evaluation of our environmental laws and programs across government to support the development of a draft model for Stage 2 of the EPA establishment. This work will provide the basis for the new EPA Board to undertake further community consultation in early 2006.
Madam Speaker, we are serious about improving the Territory’s environmental performance and doing it in a way that takes into account the views of the community, industry and environmental scientists. The simple definition challenges all Territorians to be involved in the management of our unique environment. Today we have taken the first step in such a journey.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report. The establishment of an independent EPA in the Northern Territory is a very important step. I am very pleased, as I am sure all members on this side are, very pleased to hear the names of the eminent people who will be on that board. I know that those people will take on a serious responsibility of preserving our pristine environment. I trust that our heritage in the Northern Territory will be well protected by this EPA Board.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I also welcome the minister’s statement. It is important we do have an EPA established in the Northern Territory. I hope the government bears in mind one of the themes that all sides of parliament who were on the committee were looking at: to make sure it did not become a big bureaucracy. I know you have done some reorganisation in the department to suit that. I hope it can stay that way and the government keeps that in mind so it does not start to creep towards becoming a big bureaucracy.
I would like to just ask a question which was not clear in your statement: why is it an interim board? Why are we not establishing a board straight off? It is something that you could explain. There are plenty of issues in the Northern Territory that you could get started on straightaway. I might just mention a few: the Glyde Point industrial area; Ord River Stage 2, which we do not seem to be doing much about; the radioactive waste facility, an ideal one; and the new township of Weddell. There are some great opportunities straightaway for them to do some work.
I welcome this statement. Though not all parts of industry have wanted an EPA, it will be up to the government now to prove to those industries that did not support it – like the pastoral and mining industries – that it is beneficial to the Territory; you can run it without big bureaucracy, and it will be to the benefit of all people. If that happens, it will be a great for the Territory.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their response. There was bipartisan agreement in the Environment committee and I acknowledge the member for Karama and other members on that committee for their work. We need to improve our environmental services. That is clear and became clear through that report. In terms of two stages, this is crucial. We do need to get the audit and assessment and pull together all of those laws. There is a major change; it is a major reform. We did say two stages; this is Stage 1. In Stage 2, the public process that we promised will happen. We now need to have this Stage 1 with this interim board to oversee and make sure it is going along the right track so that we get it right. We have to get it right for the future of all Territorians, particularly our children who will live with this.
Mr McADAM (Local Government): Madam Speaker, my predecessor, Mr John Ah Kit, reported to this parliament on indigenous knowledge centres in June 2002. I am pleased to advise of the considerable progress that has been made in the delivery of library services to remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. This government approved a new model for library services in indigenous communities in March 2004. The model, known as Libraries and Knowledge Centres, builds on existing community networks and provides a place where community members can interact socially, gain and share knowledge, and access on-line resources. The key focus of Libraries and Knowledge Centres is on literacy as well as the acquisition and preservation of local knowledge, and brings together the traditional library concept with indigenous knowledge ideals.
The Libraries and Knowledge Centres model incorporates a community knowledge starter base aims to provide: access to knowledge and information through core library services including English literary and information literacy programs; enable the acquisition and preservation of local knowledge; provide training and support to community members; engage in inquiring and preserving knowledge; and provide recreational activities for all groups in the community.
The implementation of the Libraries and Knowledge Centre model is now under way in eight communities. A local community library officer manages each centre. The Northern Territory Library provides ongoing training and support to the Community Library Officers as part of this government’s commitment to work with communities to develop local skills and increased literacy through participation and delivery of library services.
To provide this service, flexibility, appropriate infrastructure and a user friendly knowledge database are the key elements in the delivery of library services to indigenous communities in the Territory. The knowledge database has been developed through the use of Ara Irititja software which was specifically developed for Pitjantjatjara communities in Central Australia. The Northern Territory Library has a licence for the software and is introducing it in community libraries at no cost to the community. The Northern Territory Library has renamed the software ‘Our Story’; however, each community is encouraged to choose a local name for their database. For example, I understand Wadeye’s database is known as Murrinh Nekingime, meaning ‘Our Story’. Each community owns the contents of their database and the data is stored according to rules set by indigenous community leaders.
I am pleased to report that I recently attended the Winnellie offices of the Northern Territory Library to see first-hand the work that is being undertaken in training and support to Community Library Officers who work in library and knowledge centres. I presented 27 Community Library Officers with certificates. These people travelled from 17 communities throughout the Northern Territory and completed the training session over a period of one week.
The annual Community Library Officers’ Forum provides an important opportunity for Community Library Officers to increase their library skills and knowledge, as well as helping overcome the challenge of working in isolation in remote locations. I was encouraged to see some familiar faces amongst the participants, including from my electorate of Barkly, and also from Angurugu, Borroloola, Elliott, Wadeye and Anmatjere.
Today, libraries are not just about books on shelves. Libraries and Knowledge Centres is an important initiative of the Northern Territory Library, and this government is at the forefront in the delivery of library services to indigenous communities. I was able to see the important work that the Northern Territory Library is doing in developing the skills of these Community Library Officers. The level of attendance at the forum was very reassuring. Community Library Officers travelled great distances, many with their young children and babies in tow, and it was encouraging to see the value participants placed on the training being provided, which I believe was reflected in their commitment to attend.
During my visit to the Community Library Officers’ Forum, Northern Territory Library staff demonstrated the use of the ‘Our Story’ database. The database enables community members to connect with their history in a simple and direct manner. It provides a measure of ownership over local, historic and cultural records. It inspires a sense of pride and self-worth in individuals. Young people, in particular, are learning how to use the database and developing the skills needed to manage it. It brings more people into the local library where they can access a range of library services designed to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
The Northern Territory Library has recently prepared a progress report on the implementation of Libraries and Knowledge Centres in the Northern Territory. The work that the Northern Territory Library has undertaken far exceeds expectations we all have about library services. I commend their work to this parliament.
In light of this government’s …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Mr McADAM: I seek leave to table the report that I have just referred to.
Madam SPEAKER: You do not need to seek leave. You can just table it.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the ministerial report and look forward to reading the report he has just tabled. We can respond at another time in an adjournment.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The bill represents an important step in this government’s efforts to improve the governance and accountability framework of the Territory Insurance Office. It proposes amendments to the Territory Insurance Office Act that will facilitate better prudential regulation of the office, and also a better management of the guarantee that government offers to TIO’s customers.
As an insurance and financial services company, TIO is exposed to a range of financial and operational risks that require regulation. For private insurance and financial services companies, this regulation is undertaken by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. For TIO, prudential regulation is undertaken by Northern Territory Treasury.
With the collapse of HIH, APRA has moved to strengthen the National Prudential Regulation Framework to guard against such collapses in the future. It is now appropriate that the prudential regulations framework applying to TIO also be updated to reflect the changes in the APRA framework. This bill will repeal the existing prudential regulatory framework, and facilitate a regime of ministerial directions to apply a new updated framework. It is proposed that the new regime embodied in the ministerial directions will apply an APRA-like regime appropriate to TIO’s unique circumstances.
The insurance and financial services industries are dynamic and it is important that the regulatory framework can respond quickly to industry changes. Because of this, the APRA regulatory framework is constantly being updated, and it is desirable that the Territory’s regulatory framework respond quickly and appropriately to any changes in the national regulatory landscape. It is for this reason that the bill provides a framework for prudential regulations to be applied by way of ministerial direction. This will ensure that the Territory can maintain currency in its prudential regulation of TIO. To ensure parity with private sector counterparts, the legislation provides that TIO can also now be charged a fee for the prudential regulation of its commercial businesses.
The second set of amendments relate to the current legislative guarantee of contracts of insurance and deposits held with the TIO. This bill will allow government to charge a fee for the guarantee commensurate with the benefits that TIO receives. This will serve two purposes. First, by charging for the guarantee, government will ensure that TIO receives no nett commercial advantage over its competitors from having a government guarantee. Second, the charging regime that is proposed will be a risk-based regime that will provide government and TIO with a better means of managing the risks that are inherent in providing a government guarantee to a commercial business.
Taken together, the above amendments will significantly improve the government’s supervision framework for TIO, and will facilitate improved corporate performance at TIO.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to provide for the formal establishment and operation of the Community Justice Centre. The centre provides and promotes mediation services as a means of resolving disputes to achieve greater harmony in the community. The centre was established within the Department of Justice in June 2003. Initially, from 2003 to November 2004, it operated as a trial service.
A review of the centre undertaken by the Department of Justice in mid-2004 indicated that there was and overwhelmingly positive response to the centre from the stakeholders, community groups and mediation parties surveyed as part of the review; and that there was ongoing active support from the Community Justice Centres’ Consultative Forum for the centre. The review noted the provision of advice on nearly 600 inquiries and mediation for 60 of those in various locations including Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. It also considered the establishment of contact mechanisms, promotional material and an ongoing outreach program to advertise the centre.
The core aim of the proposed legislation is to facilitate the provision of mediation services for community disputes. Over time, it is anticipated that, for various minor or personal disputes, the legislation will provide an alternate model for dispute resolution. In doing so, the legislation seeks to take pressure off various other government agencies such as police, court and providers of community legal services. The bill does this by creating the Northern Territory Community Justice Centre, the consultative council for the centre, and a statutory office of director of the centre.
The consultative council for the centre is seen as critical to ensure the proper functioning of the centre. Employment and the financial responsibilities for the centre will be performed by the chief executive officer of the Department of Justice. However, the consultative council will have the key role of making the guidelines and establishing the principles regulating how the director is to provide mediation services. The consultative council will also be responsible for dealing with complaints about the provision of services by the director.
The bill sets out, in clear language, the roles and responsibilities of the minister and the chief executive officer in relation to the centre. The minister may give directions about the general nature of the functions to be performed by the consultative council, but is precluded from giving directions on matters for which the council has an independent role. In keeping with standard principles governing Northern Territory public sector bodies, the chief executive officer of the Department of Justice is responsible for the overall operation of the legislation; thus, the chief executive officer is responsible for approving forms, conducting the reviews, appointing the director and providing an annual report.
The details of how the consultative council is to operate are to be largely a matter for the council, subject to regulations that may be made if considered necessary. In line with general principles applied by the Interpretation Act, the terms of membership of the consultative council will be as specified in the instruments of appointment for each member.
The director of the centre is to be a public servant and will operate subject to usual principles applicable to public sector employees. However, in carrying out statutory functions, the director will only be subject to the provisions of the act.
There are a number of other important provisions of the bill in respect of the provision of mediation through the Community Justice Centre. Clause 10(3) provides that mediators must hold qualifications prescribed for the purposes of the act. Initially, it is intended that the current practice will continue to be followed; that is, the director of the Community Justice Centre, subject to any guidelines issued by the consultative council, will have discretion as to the level of qualifications that a mediator requires. However, over time, it is expected that the consultative council or the department may develop formal requirements which could be prescribed by regulation. Secondly, the bill strives to ensure that mediations conducted by the Community Justice Centre are voluntary. The core provisions include: clause 14 which, in essence, permits any relevant person to terminate mediation proceedings; and clause 16 which provides that parties may withdraw from a mediation at any time. The bill does not seek to prescribe how parties to a mediation may reach and enforce any agreement in respect of the outcomes of the mediation. However, clause 16 clearly recognises that parties may reach such agreements and that they will be bound by such agreements.
The bill also provides for confidentiality of proceedings and imposes penalties for such breaches. This accords with the general principle that the information obtained by the Community Justice Centre is private information rather than government information.
The bill also provides for the Director of the Community Justice Centre to facilitate the adjudication of small disputes in accordance with the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004. That act, which commenced operation on 1 July 2005, has the objective of providing a streamlined process for decision making in respect of the adjudication of most building construction disputes occurring under contracts entered into on or after 1 July 2005.
However, industry has signalled that the cost associated with adjudicating disputes may mean that the process is not cost-effective in relation to the resolution of small disputes. Evidence from the operation of similar legislation in New South Wales tends to support that view; that is, for small disputes, the cost of adjudication often represents a significant percentage of the amount that is in dispute. The government has accepted that this is a valid point. Accordingly, this bill provides, in effect, for a limit on the costs payable by parties to disputes where the maximum amount payable, excluding interest, is $10 000. Instead, parties will pay a one-off lodgement fee of $500 to the Director of the Community Justice Centre. The director’s role will be confined to arranging for the appointment and payment of an adjudicator who will then assist the parties in resolving their dispute. In all other respects, the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 will continue to apply to small scale construction industry disputes, in much the same as it applies to all other such disputes. This discrete scheme, including the determination of the size of the lodgement fee payable by the parties, has been developed in direct consultation with Construction Industry Reference Group.
The bill also includes a minor amendment to the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 inserting a new section 53A which will require certain information about the construction industry disputes to be provided to the registrar under that act. This will enable the registrar to provide statistical and other information about how the act is working. This statistical information will greatly assist in ongoing monitoring, and also in relation to the review of the act due following its first five years of operation. It is expected that the information to be provided to the registrar will relate to the acceptance, handling, the cost, duration and outcome of disputes and any other prescribed information the registrar may need to be aware in relation to the operation of the legislation.
Finally, clause 45 of the bill provides that Part 7 expires on the day after it commences operation. This is a conventional housekeeping provision designed to ensure that the statute book does not contain provisions that are spent. It is necessary because the Part 7 provisions will effectively become spent as soon as the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 is amended by them.
In conclusion, the bill provides the statutory framework for the operation of a Community Justice Centre and for appropriate levels of accountability, direction and independence.
Madam Speaker, that concludes my explanation of the bill. I table the explanatory statement which accompanies this bill. I commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr HENDERSON (Police, Fire and Emergency Services): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
This bill seeks to amend the Weapons Control Act in a number of ways. Primarily, the proposed bill will place new restrictions on the sale and purchase of crossbows in the Northern Territory in accordance with resolution to the Australasian Police Ministers’ Council (APMC) made in July 2003. The restrictions are less severe than those imposed in other Australian jurisdictions, and are designed to ensure the APMC resolution is not undermined.
Further minor amendments to the Weapons Control Act relate to a legal uncertainty surrounding police powers of search in cases where a person on school premises is suspected of carrying or using a weapon in contravention of the act.
I now turn to specific components of the bill. In relation to the amendments limiting the sale and purchase of crossbows, in 2003 the APMC resolved that all jurisdictions would take action to prohibit or restrict the availability of these weapons. This followed an incident in New South Wales where two high school students were injured when a 17-year-old male, who had previously been in a relationship with one of the girls, shot them with a crossbow. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have either prohibited or have provided for the sale and purchase of crossbows under the permit system.
The Territory already has a comprehensive regime restricting the use of crossbows. For example, smaller concealable weapons that can be operated with one hand are prohibited under the Northern Territory’s Weapons Control Act and regulations, and cannot be owned without a permit, whilst larger crossbows, the type typically used for hunting, are listed as controlled weapons under the act. This means large crossbows can be used by anyone for legitimate purposes, such as for sport or recreational use. Misuse of these weapons is an offence.
After careful consideration, the Territory government is determined that an outright prohibition on crossbows is neither desirable nor necessary in the Territory, especially since these weapons have been used for legitimate sporting and recreational purposes without incident. However, in order to restrict the unsupervised purchase of crossbows by young Territorians and to address the APMC resolution, it was determined that a ban on the supply of crossbows to a person under the age of 18 years was appropriate.
In order to support the more restricted measures adopted in other states, new offence provisions are proposed to prevent the trafficking of crossbows and crossbow parts into or out of the Territory. For example, clause 4 of the bill inserts new offences in the Territory prohibiting the cross-border:
For all offences, if the offender is a natural person, the penalty is 200 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months. If the offender is a body corporate, the penalty is 1000 penalty units.
These offences should act as sufficient disincentive for any person in the Territory hoping to profit from the interstate restrictions. A statutory defence is also provided where the person receiving the weapon proves that it was sent to them without their knowledge or approval. The offences are expected to have a minimal impact on the current Territory retailers who deal legitimately in crossbows. Territory retailers are still able to purchase crossbows from licensed dealers interstate, most of whom, if not all, are already operating under restrictions imposed by their respective legislatures.
In relation to police powers of search without a warrant, there is some legal uncertainty as to whether a school is a public place for the purposes of section 7 of the act. Section 7 of the act makes it an offence for a person to possess, carry, or use a controlled weapon in a public place without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes a use associated with employment, sport, recreation and collecting. As it presently stands, it is uncertain as a matter of law whether or not the offence to possess, carry, or use a controlled weapon in a public place without lawful excuse applies in respect of school premises. That is because the definition of public place does not expressly include school premises. In addition, because public access to many Territory schools is restricted, it is arguable whether or not they are a public place as defined by the act. Clause 5 of the bill seeks to remedy this anomaly by making it clear that the misuse of a controlled weapon on school premises is an offence.
Similarly, it is uncertain whether police can use their powers under section 19 of the act to search a person on school premises where they have a reasonable belief that the person is misusing a weapon in contravention of the act. Clause 7 of the bill seeks to amend section 19, clarifying that existing police powers of search without warrant apply when the person in question is on school premises.
Madam Speaker, I table explanatory statements in relation to this bill and commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr VATSKALIS (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The main purpose of this bill is to introduce a two-tiered scheme of veterinary registration in the Northern Territory. Up until these changes, only a single form of registration has been available with no distinction made between whether the vet was living and operating locally, or principally located and registered in another jurisdiction, but visited the Territory occasionally for professional purposes. All have been subject to the same application process and annual registration fee. The amendments will usher in primary and secondary registration for vets and vet specialists.
Vets who are registered interstate, in their home jurisdiction, will find secondary registration more convenient, with a streamlined application process, and registration will be cheaper. The offer of secondary registration will be an incentive to attract increased numbers of vets to register in the Territory, especially as the annual fee will be half the cost of a primary registration. One positive result will be the additional availability of vet services that could be on offer and able to respond to areas of potentially unmet needs which may arise from time to time.
The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council proposed in 2002 a model for secondary registration for vets when they are operating away from their home jurisdiction. All jurisdictions endorsed the proposal, and jurisdictions have either amended their veterinarian legislation accordingly or, like the Territory, are in the process of doing so. These changes are consistent with the principles of mutual recognition and are, in a practical sense, an acknowledgement that many professionals such as vets are increasingly expected to operate in the national market. Qualifications, training and interstate registration have, for quite some time now, been recognised, but this change will take it a step further and tailor a registration scheme for the needs of cross-jurisdiction activities of registered vets. These changes will not only affect interstate vets, but will be beneficial to our local members of the veterinarian profession. Our local members will, in turn, enjoy the reciprocal benefits of mutual recognition when they apply for registration to operate professionally in another jurisdiction.
Changes of registration will result in the need for a different fee structure to accommodate the two-tiered registration scheme. The necessary adjustments to accommodate the new differential fee structure will be included in amended Veterinarians Regulations. At this stage, no fee increases are contemplated but it will be a matter kept under review by the Veterinarians Board. Given the need to amend the legislation to accommodate a new registration scheme, the opportunity has been taken to convert the current monetary penalties in the legislation to penalty units in accordance with government policy. At the same time, a review of the current penalty regime in the act was conducted to ensure that the penalty levels are equivalent to similar penalties across Northern Territory legislation. The review resulted in some minor adjustments and modifications, which is to be expected after 10 years of operating the scheme without change. The Department of Justice endorsed the outcomes of the review. The penalty conversion table is at clause 14 of the bill.
Finally, section 53 is to be amended by deleting the power to make regulation to control advertising by vets. This action will be done in the interest of legislation tidiness. The specific regulations that previously existed to regulate advertising by vets were removed from Veterinarians Regulations several years ago, and so no controls continue in force. Removal of this regulation-making power in the act is consistent with the National Competition Principles and was a recommendation of the National Competition Council. These types of regulatory controls over the business activities of professionals are no longer considered necessary, nor are they appropriate in fostering competitive market and are viewed as anti-competitive.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to the House and I table an explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
Dr BURNS (Communications): Madam Speaker, I move – That this Assembly:
This is a very crucial issue for the Territory and, as members of this House are aware, the Martin government has made representation to the Howard Liberal government for the funding of improved telecommunication services for all Territorians. Later, I will be tabling that correspondence from the Chief Minister to the Prime Minister on this very issue.
Whilst this government does not support the sale of Telstra, it is critical, now that the sale of Telstra is inevitable, that telecommunications services in the Territory are brought up to scratch immediately. I would like to elaborate on the proposal put to the Commonwealth and move this motion accordingly.
The funds we are seeking will redress many of the poor telecommunications services found throughout the Territory. The funds will deliver to the Territory the ability to catch up to a level of telecommunication service that is already enjoyed in other parts of Australia. The funds will be targeted at a range of things, and I will outline them now: improved services in remote indigenous communities; establishment of a Northern Territory/South Australia fibre optic link; increasing mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway; filling the gaps in urban broadband availability; providing broadband links for education and research institutions to connect into Australia’s Academic and National Research Network, (AARNET); the provision of remote TeleHealth services; and the Smart Homes project in the new suburb of Lyons.
The $265m we are seeking from the Commonwealth equates to less than 1% of the proceeds expected from the full sale of Telstra, but we believe that it will provide benefits worth considerably more to people living in the Territory. The vast majority of the $265m is for expenditure over three to five years. We believe that this claim is comparatively modest. I have the communications here between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister and I table those for the benefit of members.
The major focus of the proposal is on improved telecommunication services to remote indigenous communities. The key funding is the first phase targeted at communities with a population of over 100 people and will cost $98m. These communities are right across the Territory and reach into many regions. They include communities from Epenarra down to Finke and Kintore and Kaltukatjara west of Alice Springs across to Lake Nash. In the Top End, the prioritised communities range from Amanbidji to Wadeye in the west, across to Robinson River, Umbakumba and Yirrkala in the east, up to Minjilang and Nguiu in the north. This $98m will provide upgraded telecommunications infrastructure to 60 remote communities, which is approximately 30% of the remote indigenous population in the Territory, at an estimated cost of $68m.
This infrastructure is at the core of the telecommunications network provided by Telstra, and the highway along which the telephone calls and the Internet connections are carried, and needs to be large enough to carry the growing traffic requirements. This is critical infrastructure that is expensive to install and maintain, but the type of service and quality of service that the customer can receive is entirely dependent on it. The upgraded infrastructure will then allow the provision of standard telecommunication services that will include mobile phone services, broadband and videoconferencing capability. These are the telecommunication products that are available to most Territorians today; at least those who live in the major regional towns and Darwin. These are not products that will be particular to remote communities. This is about delivering the telecommunications capacity that will enable these communities to catch up to the level of telecommunications available to the vast bulk of Australians.
The balance of the claim, $30m, will provide supported community on-line access centres for 45 communities. This is an important component of the bid, as it will not only provide an on-line learning environment, but also the means by which people in communities can access on-line electronic services from all levels of government and the private sector. This is much more than a training program. These centres will provide an appropriate and friendly environment, supported by staff who will be knowledgeable about the technology and services available, as well as the issues that communities are confronted with.
Today, electronic access to financial services is becoming more and more popular in communities. Most activity is still centred on electronic funds transfers at the point of sale in the community store. Nevertheless, the next step is to provide the means by which people can manage their accounts electronically. These on-line access centres will not only provide the access points, but also some guidance in how to use the electronic systems and, eventually, with collaboration with the financial sector, guidance on better money management. These centres will also provide the means by which aspiring young students can connect to a world outside of and vastly larger than that of their classrooms. In time, the access to the Internet and broadband services will provide these communities with access to an economy based on information and access through the Internet. This will provide the means by which community members can participate in meaningful work as information and knowledge workers. These centres will ensure that the benefits from telecommunication services provided are maximised.
In support of our claim for funding for this $98m program, the Department of Corporate and Information Services contracted local consultants from ACIL Tasman to assess the economic and social impact of upgraded telecommunication services in remote communities in the Territory. I believe that report has been circulated to the opposition and to Independents ...
Mr Wood: I just saw it today.
Dr BURNS: That is unfortunate, member for Nelson. I did try to ensure that members opposite were supplied. I need to look into that because I did ask for it to happen.
The ACIL Tasman Report suggests that the provision of upgraded and suitable telecommunications would enhance a capacity for communities to reach employment normalisations, and could contribute to an increase in aggregate economic output. This is based on the work done by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) in the Thamarrurr region and applying similar criteria.
The second phase of the proposed funding program is for upgrading telecommunication services into remote indigenous communities with a population of less than 100 people, and that is estimated at approximately $50m. This estimate assumes that services will not necessarily be delivered by terrestrial infrastructure to those communities but would be a mix of terrestrial services, where appropriate, and heavily subsidised satellite services. Where possible, these communities will be associated with larger communities on a regionalised basis for the additional support services required. Of course, this all depends on the Commonwealth attaching the same level of importance to the plight of people in our remote communities as we do.
The other major focus is the installation of a fibre optic cable between the Northern Territory and South Australia, linking us to the world. I should point out this is actually an extra fibre optic cable to the one that exists presently, and I will outline exactly why this extra link is required. I can do it now because it is all about competition and capacity. At this stage, there is a monopoly on the current fibre optic link, and what is required is a bit of competition to reduce price and provide a competitive atmosphere. This is a program estimated to cost $70m and will provide significant competition to the incumbent telecommunication providers. At this time, Telstra is the sole owner/operator of the fibre optic links into the Territory and, whilst Telstra is currently servicing the Territory well, the Territory’s long-term future needs a competition telecommunications infrastructure. The second fibre link would force Telstra to sharpen their pencil and deliver an even more competitive service to the Territory.
Of course, there is considerable concern about the coverage of mobile telephony on our major highways in the Territory, and the proposed funding packing will provide additional coverage of mobile services along the Stuart Highway. I know the member for Solomon certainly gave some pledges, maybe two elections ago or the last term of the federal government, in linking the sale of Telstra to the coverage of mobile services along the Stuart Highway. The estimate for this is that $15m would be required to provide nearly full coverage between Darwin and the South Australian border. This will deliver a level of safety for travellers and the transport industry not previously possible.
There have been a number of representations to my office regarding the lack of available ADSL broadband services in and around Darwin. We estimate that $2m would be required to close those gaps that will not be covered by Telstra’s current programs. This will ensure that all our major centres are fully covered by the more flexible and cheaper broadband services provided by ADSL. When it comes to broadband services, our research and higher education institutions are significant users.
We have found that it is extremely difficult to obtain good pricing for high capacity telecommunication connections into our education and research institutions. In particular, the prices for interstate telecommunication transmission are very expensive and have proven to be an inhibitor for our institutions to connect into Australia’s Academic Research Network. AARNET, as it is known, provides education and research institutions across Australia with very high speed connection between themselves and overseas research and educational organisations. This has had considerable benefits for those institutions which are able to fully participate in AARNET. Currently, Charles Darwin University is restricted by cost in the size of the connection they have to AARNET. This funding proposal will provide $10m over a period of five years to supplement the cost and improve the connection of our research and higher education institution into the high speed AARNET.
The delivery of health services to our remote communities is a difficult task and, often, the distances involved cause considerable inconvenience to remote residents, sometimes needlessly. The advent of TeleHealth is a means of extending health services and expertise to our remote residents which will enhance health care in remote communities. Whilst health care costs can often be unpredictable, our estimate of $15m over five years for services such as remote patient diagnostics will go a long way to improving health services in our remote communities.
The last component of the $265m bid to the Commonwealth is an exciting new program - only the second such program in Australia - delivering ‘Smart Homes’ into the new suburb of Lyons. The Smart Homes program will provide the residents of Lyons with high speed Internet connections and full control of their home from anywhere on the Internet. Smart Homes mean the home environment for security and energy management can be monitored remotely. The possibilities are exciting and will provide the residents of Lyons with the very leading edge of technological homes. To achieve this, each home will need to have telecommunication services delivered via fibre optic link. To successfully complete this project, we have estimated it will cost $5m.
Whilst not a funding component of the bid to the Commonwealth, our telephone exchanges in the Territory have been consistently reported in their network reliability framework performance report. These reports identify exchanges where faults have reached the stipulated threshold. I can inform the Assembly that the Territory has been consistently mentioned in these reports with significant numbers of poor performing exchanges. The Commonwealth government imposed a licence condition on Telstra on 1 January 2003 as part of the Commonwealth’s response to the telecommunication service inquiry in 2000, requiring Telstra to report and fix all faults in these exchanges. Wherever there are faults in exchanges, Telstra is required to ensure that all faults are reported and fixed within reasonable time frames.
I am hoping for bipartisan support and endorsement for this motion. The motion involves a $265m proposal that we have put before the Commonwealth government. I am hopeful that the Assembly will provide all assistance and support to ensure that the Howard government delivers the funding required to provide telecommunication services to which all Territorians have a right.
I have already tabled some documents, and I would just like to table some more. I have one attachment which goes through the communities within the Territory, concerning the populations and their infrastructure requirement. The second attachment outlines the various aspects of the funding proposal to the Commonwealth.
Just to encapsulate what we are asking for:
Some might say that this is an excessive ask on the Commonwealth. We believe it represents a small percentage of the total sale of Telstra. It is also a matter of equity; Territorians deserve the same service as other Australians. We have already been discriminated against in relation to this wretched nuclear waste dump, and it is about time the Northern Territory’s needs were recognised by the Commonwealth government.
I will give a personal anecdote here. When I came …
A member interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr BURNS: Thanks, Madam Speaker. When I first came to the Territory some 25 years ago and was living at Maningrida - and there might be other members here who have been through this story too - the only link that we had to the outside world was VJY, which was the radio telephone. I can very well remember that, if you wanted to make a telephone call, it just was not a matter of picking up the phone and dialling the number and talking to Joe Smith or whoever - you had to wait until it was your turn. VJY, at that stage, came out of Katherine. You would have to wait, put your name on a list and, eventually, after two hours, after all the other conversations, the operator would say: ‘Okay, it is your turn now’. It was a system where there was a little button on the phone, and you would have to say ‘over’ and all that sort of stuff. Sometime you would have to say ‘Alpha, lima, bravo’ and use all the radio terminology.
However, the worst thing is that you would ring someone up and say: ‘Can I speak to Mr Gerry Wood, please’, and someone would say: ‘Oh, I am sorry, Gerry is just out of the office. Can you ring back in five minutes?’ You would be waiting hours and hours to make a telephone call. It was very difficult, and you became very expert at leaving fairly complex messages. It was also difficult if the person on the other end was not used to saying ‘over’ and, sometimes, you would talk over one another and lose track of the conversation.
This was the state of telecommunications for remote areas in the Territory some 25 years ago: there was no fax, no television, and hardly any radio. You had to tune into Radio Australia. Some people might say they were the good old days but, basically, you felt very isolated. Some 25 years later, we still have to redress the deficiencies in telecommunications across the Territory.
Those Aboriginal and remote communities are in big need of telecommunications; it is their lifeline to the world and it reflects on education and health. It is time for us in the parliament - and I am hoping we will get bipartisan support - to go to the Commonwealth government and say: ‘These are our needs. They have been identified by the ACIL Report which looked into these funding issues’.
I hope for bipartisan support because telecommunications is an important issue for our remote communities and for our educational institutions. Even in Darwin, there are gaps in our services in telecommunications. Also, we need some money invested along the Stuart Highway. Therefore, $265m over a total of five years represents a relatively small percentage of the full sale of Telstra. Madam Speaker, I ask members in this Assembly to support this motion.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, the opposition sees this motion exactly for what it is: not worthy of support on the basis that it is political and mischievous in nature. It is as simple as that. We have only been back in this, the Tenth Assembly, for a relatively short time, but we have dealt with more Commonwealth matters in that time than I am sure we dealt with in the four years from 2001 to 2005. It speaks volumes as to the level of lethargy or, in the alternative, arrogance of this government.
Only a few months ago, we had an election and government was returned with a massive majority. There was next to nothing, until today, on the Notice Paper. They are trying to stretch things out to such an extent that they are giving us a couple of motions every couple of days. For a government that went to the election saying that there was so much more to do - well, Territorians would be very grateful if government got on with it. Instead, we are seeing this haranguing in relation to the Commonwealth. It is as though members on the other side get together in their strategy meetings, the contents of some which leak, of course - others do not. They get together in their strategy meetings whenever they have them - I think it is in the afternoon - and ask: ‘What are we going to do today?’ They must surely be looking at each other saying: ‘Well, we cannot actually think of anything, so how about we get stuck into the Commonwealth?’ I hope you are not going to play that game for the next four years, because you were elected to represent the interests of the Territory and to govern well for them. There are a number of important issues that are uppermost in Territorians’ minds: health, education, law and order, and we touched upon drunkenness yesterday.
Perhaps it is the case that some of the ministers just continue to be on holidays. I note that the Chief Minister is away a lot. Maybe they are just winding down until Christmas, trying to think of things to say. Well, you are in an extremely privileged position; you have the ability to govern for the people of the Northern Territory. Will you please start getting on with some of the issues that you promised Territorians you would deal with during the election campaign?
Having said that, I have a number of other things to say in relation to Telstra. It would appear to anyone reading Hansard – at least to those of us on this side – and those listening to what the minister has said, one could draw the conclusion that people need to be extremely concerned with the level of service that the communications giant, Telstra, provides. We had a picture painted by the minister, almost hysterical in places, of a network needing serious repairs and that, in essence, the world was about to come to an end unless it happened. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The minister detailed a litany of perceived and alleged weaknesses of Telstra. Territorians could, however, be forgiven for being confused by the minister’s contradictory political gibberish compared to when one looks at this government’s actions in relation to Telstra. This was, after all, the government that has given a vote of support to Telstra. The government, the Chief Minister, saw fit to award all of the government’s communications contracts to Telstra without allowing any other applicants a chance to participate in this lucrative business. I assume that the government is pleased with the service it is receiving from Telstra. If it is not, please tell us, and why. The fact that this government granted the contract to Telstra certainly does not suggest that it has very serious concerns with Telstra. Perhaps, if the Chief Minister and her colleagues are concerned, then they can renegotiate the communications contract to allow for Optus or some other company to have the role. It is somewhat a hypocritical and disingenuous attack that we have seen this morning.
I note with interest that the new Labor Party president and federal politician, Warren Snowdon, was a willing supporter of the sale of a number of Commonwealth assets over the years. When government sold Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the Commonwealth Serum Laboratory, my recollection was that most of those happened under the Labor government, and I am pretty sure that the new Labor Party president was supportive of them. They are all over the place when it comes to selling assets but, as is usually the case, they want a bob each way.
We have seen, in relatively recent times, the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Labor Party going down this path of selling assets. I would have thought that that was contrary to the left Labor ethos. Only this week, we have seen that this government is considering selling off the Territory Insurance Office. Shame on them, I say. I say again, they are really all over the place when it comes to, what appears to be, philosophical reasons for not selling assets and then: ‘Oh well, yes, we happen to have the TIO. Oh, yes, let us flog it’. It is disingenuous and unbelievable.
The fact is that, when the Commonwealth government negotiated to sell Telstra, the Territory’s federal representatives, like all of the representatives from the states and territories around the country, did their best to ensure that the package contained benefits for the states and territories that they represent. As part of the Telstra sale, the federal government will establish a multi-billion dollar Connect Australia package. This does have benefits for the Northern Territory. Apart from the massive infrastructure commitments which are benefits of themselves, there are specific benefits for regional Australia and throughout many places in the Territory. Included in the Connect Australia initiative is a significant boost to indigenous radio and television broadcasting services. A new $90m Backing Indigenous Ability program includes $51.8m in funds to develop indigenous television and to restore ageing radio infrastructure in remote communities. A recent report identified options for the creation of an indigenous television service, and the Australian government’s response to the report will involve the development of an indigenous television service over four years at a cost of $48m.
I would like to address the repair of faults in remote areas which are as follows. Time frames for repairs in the Territory have been below the national average for the last four quarters. That means that Territorians have been getting quicker service than the average across Australia. However, it is just not remote areas; the same applies for rural and urban areas as well. In addition, the percentage of fault-free services has also increased. That means more services in the Territory are fault-free.
Some of the complaints ventilated by the minister, in light of what I have said so far - and there is plenty more to come - can be seen as nothing more than politicking. The Commonwealth government has assured Territorians and, indeed other Australians, that they can be confident that telecommunication services will continue to improve service, the quality will be maintained at high levels, and existing consumer rights will be protected.
Connect Australia will roll out affordable broadband connections to people living in regional and remote areas. Mobile phone coverage will be extended, new regional communications networks will be built, and vital telecommunications services will be set up for remote indigenous communities. More than $100m will be provided for clever networks to roll out new broadband networks for innovative applications to improve the delivery of health, education and other services. You can imagine how those clever networks will benefit remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Telstra is the Labor government in the Northern Territory’s communications company of choice. Telstra handles all of the government’s business, and we have not heard any reports, as I said earlier, about how things are going or, indeed, whether things are going badly. Of course, we would expect nothing more from the government.
The Connect Australia package is still being finalised, as I understand it. It is, without doubt, the biggest regional telecommunications assistance package in Australian history. Let me detail, once again, what this initiative entails. The package includes $878m for broadband connect. This is a massive amount of money, almost $1bn. This is on top of the government’s $157.8m higher bandwidth incentive scheme, which offers financial incentives to provide broadband for the bush. Connect Australia includes $130m for clever networks which will fund the rollout of broadband networks for the new applications in the delivery of health and eduction. There is also $30m for mobile connect to extend mobile phone coverage and continue satellite phone subsidies. Then there is the $90m I have detailed for indigenous telecommunications, television and radio service. The federal government has already deposited with the Reserve Bank of Australia the $2bn communications fund. The money will stay with the Reserve Bank until the investment mandate is settled. One thing is certain: this $2bn will deliver, on even modest returns of 5%, $100m a year for reinvestment in telecommunication services. This income stream will fund new technology for regional Australia.
The indigenous package will provide community phones, Internet and videoconferencing, and improve television and radio services. This is a great gift for remote indigenous communities. Perhaps one day we will see the finest universities in the world, not to mention, of course, our Charles Darwin University, providing direct classes to everyone in a remote community. What a day that would be! Some would say we are being especially ambitious, but I do not mind being ambitious when we are considering the opportunities that might be available to young Territorians and, in particular, young indigenous Territorians in our remote communities. Can you imagine these young kids interacting with the likes of, say, Harvard University, and obtaining a degree from that august university? Or can you imagine the potential of such technology to help cure something like petrol sniffing? Such investments have the potential to alleviate many of the social problems that exist now in our remote communities. It would be advantageous, in this new era of telecommunications, to not only encourage young indigenous Territorians to aim for the sky, but also to keep them occupied during their young lives.
The Telstra sale will speed up such developments, which will be of an enormous benefit to the Northern Territory and its people. The claim of $265m being needed to bring the Territory up to scratch in communications is ludicrous and clearly politically motivated. The Martin government should be working with the Commonwealth government and Telstra to ensure the best deal for Territorians. Perhaps the Chief Minister would like to address the people who live at The Narrows. These are just the latest Territorians to benefit from Telstra. As of yesterday, the residents of The Narrows were hooked up to ADSL broadband. Perhaps she can also speak, as can the minister, with the people of Karama and Malak, where Telstra recently invested in infrastructure to bring them into the broadband network. Optus and Arafura Connect are also providing a range of high speed Internet services that are expanding across the Northern Territory, and Telstra has established a demand register through which Territorians can register their interest in obtaining services.
My thanks to the minister for providing us with the opportunity of putting the record straight. This is about politicking. I am not sure it was wise for the minister to, inadvertently or otherwise, have a bit of a dig at Telstra. This government, of course, retained Telstra to handle its entire government works. I will be ensuring that the relevant personnel at Telstra receive the minister’s speech as well as my own. I simply ask government members that, if they have a problem with Telstra, firstly deal with Telstra then see how far you get. However, if there is a problem that Territorians should know about that amounts to griping about the terrific services, generally speaking, that Telstra provides, then they should come clean. Bring on a ministerial report about it and come clean with Territorians.
That concludes my comments in relation to this matter, Madam Speaker. I look forward to the contribution from the member for Greatorex who is well known to be the communications whiz on this side of the parliament. In the parliament there is one on each side. The member for Stuart seems to be one and the member for Greatorex seems to be the other. I look forward to both of their contributions.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I am glad the Leader of the Opposition did abandon the field of battle at the end of the speech, and admitted that she does not really know much about the topic at hand. Only someone with no background in the history of telecommunications in the Northern Territory could possibly dismiss this debate as trivial. This is a vital issue for the Northern Territory; it is one that is not a luxury for us in our part of Australia. It is an absolute essential set of issues that we have to get right to the degree that our government and our community can do so. Only someone who has never worked to see the potential impact of these technologies on all communities around the Northern Territory could possibly pick up a federal media release and read it out and say: ‘She will be right, mate’. The whole history of the development of telecommunications infrastructure and its use in the Northern Territory has been a huge battle against centralist decision-making by both the Commonwealth government and the big corporations. It has been a battle to get the specific needs of Territorians in front of people within the industry and government agencies which deal with these issues for the Australian community.
Every step of the way, we have had to remind people in Canberra and in the corporations such as Telstra, Optus and Singtel, that the Territory has a unique set of needs; the greatest need of all being that we cannot advance parts of our community development in the Territory without access to the full range of digital technologies. That is what this is all about. It is an absolutely critical issue to the Territory’s future development. Therefore, to dismiss it as being a trivial time waster in parliament I find absolutely unbelievable. I hope that the member for Greatorex might take it a bit more seriously.
I stand alongside the minister’s contribution in launching this motion. The minister was looking very much at the details of the infrastructure that we are looking to the Commonwealth government to provide to the Territory. Infrastructure is absolutely important, and it is critical that it is there if we are going to do anything else. What I would like to concentrate on is some observations about the impact digital infrastructure - telecommunications, computing, information systems - will have on the future lives and development of Territorians.
Looking at government service delivery as one focus of this, in the high end of digital technologies we have broadcasting, videoconferencing which has a fairly high bandwidth application, high speed Internet, through to e-mail and down into telephony. There is a whole spectrum of technologies, therefore, it is not a case of picking up the appliance and saying: ‘Right, let us give one to every Territorian’. You have to look at a combination of the technologies impacting on the different areas of the Territory and we want to have access to the huge benefits that they can provide. Right around the world, there have been studies - in remote areas, in the large regional centres, and capital cities – regarding the impact these technologies are capable of making. Ultimately, the marketplace generally decides where the technology is going, along with the development of the technologies themselves, because they are converging into a single medium of digital transmission and display, and that is changing the way in which equipment, appliances, and links are put out into the community. They are becoming more and more seamless, interchangeable, and stackable in a package of technologies that we may be able to use.
What does it mean in the Territory? It means that, in a very highly dispersed population with very high levels of need, particularly in areas of government delivery such as health and education, we have a powerful new set of possibilities to extend our government services to every Territorian no matter where they choose to live - unless members of this House conceive of a future for the Northern Territory that, increasingly, tumbles into the Stuart Highway, and we find that into the future Territorians are going to live in a straight line along our main highway. If that is not the future that we conceive, then we have to put out very powerful communication networks to link services, activities, and people together.
In my portfolio area, I immediately think of Health and TeleHealth as being one very good example of the need for this network to be further advanced in the Northern Territory. What digital networks do is create people and professional networks between people who share the same responsibilities to the community and functions in the work that they do. They connect hierarchies within a service delivery agency. We have specialists working with District Medical Officers, remote nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, and allied health workers. They can combine using these linkages so that, from the patients’ point of view, they are being cared for by a team of professionals drawn from the point at which the expertise is available. When you have a system such as we have in the Northern Territory, where we have chronic shortages of some of the really key areas of expertise, this is like gold to our Health system. If we can draw and mix and match Health expertise at a particular delivery site, we can bring so much more power to our service delivery arrangement. That is the hope of TeleHealth; that we can bring information to service delivery points through our various Health databases and bring in high level expertise if needed; for example, you could bring in a renal specialist in assessing a patient out on a remote community, and psychiatrists to analyse a mental health issue with a patient at, say, Kintore. We have done that. I am not talking about dreams here; I am talking about things that have actually been done on the ground and shown to provide the benefit that has always been the promise of these technologies.
That is where TeleHealth can take our health system. It can take it so that there is real equality of access to services, no matter where Territorians choose to live. It is where we can support our remote communities, both in the sense of geographic remoteness and remoteness from the service. A person who is in a wheelchair is often remote from accessing a service within our health system even if they live in the northern suburbs of Darwin and they find it very difficult to get to a specialised service that they want to access. We have to think of these networks as being a very powerful way of amplifying the outcomes for our service delivery.
The same applies to open learning. We have seen many trials now in the Northern Territory. We have seen a roll-out of open learning networks within our education system. We have not yet assembled a full suite of digital technologies in a place where we are delivering education; that is still ahead of us. We need to be able to support, for example, a remote secondary program in Kalkarindji, Yuendumu, or wherever it might be, with videoconferencing and bringing in specialist subject teachers. You are never going to get a full set of teachers out in a remote community. You have to bring much of the teaching expertise in by remote linkages. We need high speed Internet so that there is a vast improvement in the amount of information that is available to a student and a teacher during the delivery of a program. We have to have all of that assembled side by side, so that we can tutor students, teach them in a classroom aspect, and support them as they do assignments and follow-up work for elements of the course.
Every single element of that has been trialled somewhere in the Northern Territory and found to be workable. We just have to have the infrastructure there to embed it in the way that we deliver our services. This bid to the Commonwealth is absolutely crucial to this. If we do not get a quantum shift in the amount of infrastructure available, we are going to be falling short of these amazing possibilities that are out there that have been trialled and proved to be beneficial for Territorians. That is why it is so gut-wrenchingly important today that we take our case to the Commonwealth in the strongest possible terms.
If you have a person in Darwin High School who wants to study a particular foreign language, there may be only one foreign language teacher in that language available in Darwin; there may be none. We should be using open learning increasingly to bring specific teaching skills into the classrooms in our urban centres so that we can diversify the subject choices that our students often do not have enough of because the scale of our educational systems are smaller than in other parts of Australia. You do not often have the diversity of subject choice, particularly in the senior end of secondary education and in tertiary education.
These networks are just as important in Darwin as they are out at Yuendumu. We have to have the ability to draw expertise that is not available in the Territory. We are a young, small jurisdiction and we need to make maximum use of expertise drawn from other parts of Australia, whether that is on-line course studies using Internet connections, or through a direct presence in the classroom in the form of either a tutoring or teaching function. All of that is available and workable, and is something that we can very much aspire to here in the Northern Territory.
Looking at business development, Darwin has a huge future as a business hub, both for the gas industry and for our relationship to the South-East Asian countries. How do you do that? You do it through telecommunications. Darwin actually has huge access to satellite bandwidth. We also have a fantastic geographical position to provide a base for the gas industry in managing its logistics and its management systems for HR, or for the engineering or biological systems that they have to maintain. When the Chief Minister and I went to Aberdeen to look at the North Shore oil and gas industry and its impact on that community, there were whole sections of their universities which were specialising in engineering, biological, human management, and chemical support for that industry. They were wired up to what is a global industry so that they could provide niche expertise into the global expertise the industry needed, and also draw on gaps in the expertise that was available onshore in the United Kingdom. It is absolutely vital that we offer businesses an environment here in the Territory that is fully connectable to the global form of their particular sector. That will move Darwin on. It is integral to moving Darwin into a role as a hub centre, whether it is the gas industry or service delivery into South-East Asian countries. We are always being approached to provide health and education input into the countries to our north, and that is clearly one very powerful mechanism we could use to do that.
I will talk very quickly about Alice Springs as well, being very loyal to my home town. The Desert Knowledge development is equally a network development because it is not just about Alice Springs, it is about desert living places - whether that be Broken Hill, Mt Isa, Kalgoorlie, or all the other major regional centres that are located in our arid parts of Australia. The technologies, knowledge and projects that are being developed through Desert Knowledge depend very much on bringing expertise in, combining knowledge from the different centres that have parts of the jigsaw puzzle. We are very much seeing Desert Knowledge as a connected network which has a very strong component of telecommunications and computing, as much as the people getting together physically at times when it is appropriate.
Indigenous people have had traditional knowledge networks from time immemorial. Again, they are very quick to identify the benefits of bringing modern telecommunications into the maintenance of their cultural ties. Comparison of culture here in Australia with other indigenous cultures around the world would share many of the same challenges in land tenure, maintaining language and culture in a broader society, and looking at the social evolution and dissolution that is often occurring in those communities. We have had very powerful links from Yuendumu through to Alaska and Yuendumu through to the north of Sweden, so that indigenous people in the Northern Territory can directly compare and contrast their knowledge and life challenges with their counterparts overseas. You can do that sitting in front of a videoconferencing unit. That is how direct the contacts can be using these technologies.
Employment or community services cannot be sustained reliably out there. We are all aware of the difficulties which have occurred in remote councils and stores. Through a management network, you can actually look over the store manager’s shoulder as they do their weekly accounts, or you can bring a lawyer or an accountant directly into a meeting of a store committee so that there is a stabilisation of the prospects of that store remaining viable and serving the community that it stands in. Equally, with specialised businesses here in Darwin or in Alice Springs, often the contact with peers in other parts of Australia provides that impetus to grow that business here. There would be many examples.
I was at Peter Kittle Motors only a couple of weeks, seeing the enormous on-line training effort that they are drawing from. They bring all their training into training rooms, on-line from the manufacturers directly from overseas. Therefore, they can train their workers right up to the minute on the needs of the servicing of the new vehicles.
The last thing I will say before I pass to someone else is that it is not good enough to pick up a Canberra-generated set of initiatives in a media release and say: ‘Do not worry, the Territory needs are all being serviced’. We have to work this into an arrangement that suits our people, our needs, and our environment. We are the only ones who can do that. We have to be very proactive, and that is why I thoroughly approve of the proactive bids that have gone into the Canberra process. We will have to be there every step of the way because, as sure as eggs, if you turn your back for one second, you will find that money is being put into something that is completely irrelevant to the needs of the Territory. We have to have it tailor made to move our needs forward, to cover the gaps in our community, and to deal with the challenges we are all facing in this growing part of Australia. It will be particularly challenging, although rewarding when you get it right. Every part of our community has to express its needs through this dialogue with the Commonwealth government.
I, for one, say that we should not be endorsing the federal sale of Telstra unless we get some strong guarantees that not only will the Territory receive additional improvements to the infrastructure, but also that it is on our terms, and not a case of money being thrown at us and being told to go away and shut up. That is not good enough, and we would fail in our responsibilities to the people we represent if we go along with a federal package on that basis.
Madam Speaker, we may not be able to hold back the sale of Telstra; that is going to be played out in the Commonwealth parliament. However, we will keep reminding Canberra of what our needs are and what they should be doing to help the Territory and Territorians.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I will not talk for very long on this issue. One reason I find it difficult to talk about this, is the short notice. I should say at the outset I support the general thrust of the statement, and I will come to some of my concerns about the way the motion has been structured. We have statements given to us during parliament which we receive the night before. This really is just another statement. As the Leader of the Opposition said, this is filling in time; we have no legislation. I am not saying we should not discuss these issues, although here is a very important motion, and detailed statement, the minister has made. It would have been nice to have that statement given to us, as we had for the young Territorians today, so that I could have looked at that statement to give a better response to what the minister is saying.
I know the minister has apologised that we did not receive the ACIL Tasman report, and my secretary cannot find any record of it being e-mailed. It would have been good to have been given this document and told you were going to bring it on for debate. As it is, I have a lot of good information the minister has given us in supporting his motion. It is difficult to reply to these things in such a short time. As we do not have any legislation on, I cannot really see an excuse for that not being able to have happened a little earlier.
I do not support the sale of Telstra. I believe it should have remained in the hands of the people. As the member for Stuart said, it is probably going to happen and we need to get the best we can out of that. It is always funny coming from a Labor government: ‘We do not want to sell Telstra’. However, I always remember my Dad grinding his teeth and saying: ‘Well, why did you allow the sale of the Commonwealth Bank?’ I reckon if there is anything needed more than anything in Australia, it is a bank owned by the government today in this climate. However, we do not have that. I certainly believe that we should not sell communication. Basic communication, for me, is a little like water and electricity; they are essentials for people living in Australia.
I do not think everything should be controlled by private industry. Certainly, private industry has its place; but the basics should still be under the control of government. I have said that before regarding the issue of building licences, building inspectors, and some of the electrical inspectors. Government had a role to play in maintaining that position of being the protector of the community by keeping that neutral role and being the arbiter.
If you have lived in the Howard Springs area, you would certainly know that you cannot get ADSL. The member for Goyder would also know that there are quite a few parts of his electorate which cannot get ADSL. You can only get ADSL if you are within 4 km of an upgraded telephone exchange ...
Mr Kiely: In the suburbs too, Gerry!
Mr WOOD: Yes. I am just talking about my area at the moment. Places like the industrial area at the 11 Mile cannot get ADSL. The little good news is that, if you look up the Telstra demand register that is on the web site, you will find a little note that says: ‘Telstra is going to upgrade the Howard Springs exchange’. There is no date for when the update is going to occur. There have been many people trying to get ADSL. It looks like, eventually, Telstra is going to do that.
However, that is not going to solve all the problems. People outside the 4 km area are still going to have problems. They will be told they can have HiBIS. As any members of parliament who might have a satellite dish sitting on their roof like I have know, it is not much good when the rains come, because you just do not have any communication at all. If anyone has been to my office when the bright, shining sun is out, they would know that communications at my office are woeful!
Mr Kiely: You are talking about electronics.
Mr WOOD: E-mails are painful. Did you say the type of communication?
We have had people come out and look at our e-mail service and they just shake their head. It certainly makes it hard to operate an office when you have to wait ages for something to be sent or received. I am not sticking up for the service of Telstra; I am concerned that, if it is privatised, people in the rural and remote areas might not get a good service at the moment, but they might get a worse service because there would not be any money in some of these places. The cost of delivering the service even out to Marrakai or down the track somewhere is going to cost a lot of money. Why would you bother putting on something that would appear on the surface not to be commercial? That is a concern I have.
Another concern is the extent of mobile coverage. We have reasonable coverage in parts of the rural area; but we certainly have gaps. I do not know if this is the appropriate forum to say it, but I still think mobile phone companies should be aware of their obligations of putting mobile phone towers in a community. The placement of those is very important. I have said before that you can put a mobile phone tower up against someone’s fence and have all the scientific knowledge to say that it is not going to do them any harm - and I am one of those who believes that it does not do them any harm - but it can actually reduce the value of your land. If you move it 200 m, 500 m away, there is probably no problem at all. The siting of their communications facilities or infrastructure is important. One of the problems of them being such a big company is they sometimes forget who they are dealing with and the issues on-site locally.
The ACIL Tasman Report, I gather, deals with issues relating to indigenous parts of the Northern Territory. It says ‘communications in remote indigenous community’. I would have liked the minister to see - and I could not see it in my brief look through this report – what the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory has been doing over quite a few years. When I was in the Local Government Association there were lots of funds going into LGANT for communication upgrades throughout the Northern Territory. I would be interested to know what has happened to all of those funds. Have they succeeded? It might be good going crook at the Commonwealth government through this statement but, to be fair, has Telstra and the Commonwealth government been putting lots of funds into remote areas through the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory? We need to know that because, if you are putting a case to the government that indigenous communities have not been getting enough funds, they are going to put their hand up and say: ‘We have been doing it for the last 10 years’. I need to know whether that is the case.
Minister, you mentioned the $265m for Lyons - this is the Defence Housing subdivision. In your motion, it does not say what that $265m is all about; you explained that in your speech. I am interested to know whether that $265m is extra on what the developer is required to do. You explained that they are going to have some ‘Smart Houses’. Is this something that the developer or the Commonwealth should be paying? For instance, a sewerage system has to go in; you would expect the developer to put it in. If you were going to put in recycled grey water systems through the new Lyons subdivision, would you be expecting the developer to do that and recover his costs from the sale of the block and the house. I am interested to know why the Commonwealth is being asked to do this when, normally, a developer would be required to do it.
My concern about the motion, although I agree with the statement in general, is that I believe it is too wordy. It has lost the plot, and I will give you a little reason why. I have trouble even understanding the wording of (d):
What does that really mean? You have asked him just ‘to consider’. It is like: ‘Oh, I will consider it. I will sit down here and just have consideration of it’. It is not very good English; it is bureaucratic language. You could be a bit more to the point.
The other thing is, this is slightly different to what I received yesterday …
Dr Burns: Is it?
Mr WOOD: Yes. At least I have (a), (b) and (c). Today I have (a), (b), (c), (d), (e). So I am working on what I am going to say based on (a), (b), (c), and now I have (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). So I am not sure how that happened …
Mr Kiely: A typo?
Mr WOOD: No, I do not know. It must be a big typing error. On reading this, when you put down we are trying to push for the development of economic wellbeing in remote indigenous communities, I thought that is great, but it needs to be a broader brush. There are people on pastoral properties and mining properties who conduct tourism ventures out bush. The economic wellbeing is for all Territorians. That is what you should be hitting the government with. For sure, when you send off your motion, you send them a copy of this one, which talks about communications in remote and indigenous communities, and a report about the importance of good communications for the tourism industry in remote areas, for the mining industry, and for the pastoral industry. There are families out there on pastoral properties who also require good communications for school, the running of their business, getting the latest cattle prices, finding out when the trucks are going to arrive - all that sort of business is just as important. From a government perspective, when you talk about remote communities, you need to envelop the whole lot. They are all important for the development of the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I would like to move the following amendment:
Do I have to move that?
Madam SPEAKER: You have just moved it, so now you can continue to speak for the rest of your time, or you can sit down.
Members interjecting.
Mr WOOD: I feel I am under duress, but I will take up the option of speaking to the motion.
I raise that because I am supporting the general thrust of what the government is doing. I certainly do not think, especially in the rural area around Darwin, that we get a fair go with communications. I acknowledge that the member for Sanderson has areas in his electorate that are not getting ADSL. I appreciate that Telstra has put out the HiBIS scheme, but that scheme has now run out of its funds because the Commonwealth was subsidising it. As I said, the problem in the Wet Season is you can have all the fancy communications you like on your roof but, as soon as a big storm comes past, you do not hear anything.
I believe that what you are doing is right. I just believe this is too wordy a motion. It tends to pick out certain specifics like the $265m. I do not think the government is going to be too interested in that specific. You could add that on to the motion with the extra documents, but it needs to be far more centred. You need to hit them right on the head with exactly what you are trying to say. Here we have a nice wordy document which had three parts to it and now has five parts to it, which has just become a little out of hand.
My amendment is saying to the Prime Minister: ‘We are concerned that all Territorians will not get a fair share of the sale of Telstra and we believe they should. We especially believe that should be the case for rural and remote areas because, at the present time, the service is not good’. I have a letter sitting on my desk in my office at the moment. Someone has moved out to the rural area and found out they are just outside the perimeter of one of our telephone exchanges. They were hoping to do E-Bay and partly run their business from their house and they cannot. It is so slow that it is just going to drive them up the wall.
Minister, I am putting forward this motion, not objecting to what you are doing, but thinking this motion focuses and tells people clearly what you are trying to do. Give people that document and they will say: ‘We have told the Prime Minister to consider it’. ‘That is very nice’. What I am saying here is that we are calling on the Prime Minister to ensure it actually happens, not just to consider it. We want the Prime Minister to do it, and to get a guarantee that he will do it.
They are the reasons that I am moving the amendment, Madam Speaker. Even though I have more time, I will not avail myself of it.
Debate suspended until after Question Time.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, at the commencement of Question Time yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition, in asking a question of the Chief Minister, produced and sought to table a document relating to her question. This action is recorded in the Daily Hansard record. I am advised that in the course of proceedings the paper was not collected and not recorded in the minutes as having been tabled. Accordingly, I have requested the Clerk to correct the Minutes of Proceedings and related records of the Assembly to reflect the tabling of this document.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the gallery of Vicki O’Halloran and staff from Somerville Community Services; other visitors for Business Month from Darwin and Palmerston; 11 Army personnel from 2nd Cavalry Regiment; Year 8 to Year 11 students from Sanderson High School participating in the Statehood Challenge; interstate visitors; and also Mrs Anna-Maria Sacilotto, the former honorary consul of Italy and the mother-in-law of the member for Port Darwin. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, during the current sittings, during Question Time, I have had occasion to ask some members to cease interjecting, sometimes repeatedly. I have had complaints from Hansard and listeners to the parliamentary broadcast about having trouble hearing the proceedings. I also advise that at least two honourable members have hearing impediments making it difficult for them to follow proceedings.
Whilst a level of interjection is part of the parliamentary process, and an important aspect of the democratic process, repeated interjections, particularly when a member has been asked to cease interjecting, is not.
I therefore remind members of Standing Order 51, which says that:
MOTION
Funding for Telecommunications Infrastructure
Continued from earlier this day.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, I advise you that before we broke for lunch the last speaker was the member for Nelson who has introduced an amendment to the motion. From now on, members are speaking on both the amendment and the motion. Members who have previously spoken in the debate on the motion can only speak again to the amendment and not to the motion. I hope I have that right.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, I support and welcome the minister’s motion. The Northern Territory government does not support the sale of Telstra. However, Telstra will be sold and, because of the Commonwealth government’s decision, we wish to hold both the CLP and the Commonwealth government accountable for the services that Telstra will provide to Territorians into the future.
This is going to be a fire sale. Territorians who live in remote and rural areas, including the urban centres of the Northern Territory, need to be provided with a service that every other Australian citizen deserves at this present time. The funds we are targeting have been outlined in the minister’s motion. I take this opportunity to speak to this motion.
For the Parliamentary Record, there have been a number of issues involving Telstra. I have taken great steps to advocate for the benefit of my constituents not only with the organisation of Telstra but also the Commonwealth government.
The minister moved the motion today:
Through doorknocking in my electorate, I became very aware, as did volunteers who worked with me over the last 12 months, that the broadband issue within the RAAF Base in my electorate of Millner is a huge issue for a number of reasons. First of all, it is a constituency where people are working for a professional organisation, the Defence Force. People travel from all over Australia to come to the Northern Territory to serve their country. They have chosen a profession in the Defence Force to benefit not only themselves, but their families and the greater community of Australia. They come from parts of southern Australia, remote Queensland, or remote Western Australia and, often, they arrive as families isolated from the groups of people who are their support structures – families, parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends.
They come to the RAAF Base, on which there are approximately 400 homes for families. There are about 120 or 130 people in single men’s quarters on the base. They travel to the Northern Territory and look to do their job, which is to serve their country in the best possible manner. Two issues arise from that. One of them is their remoteness from family down south, especially those people who are serving their country overseas. What I have become aware of is that there are many Australian families who have members serving in places like Iraq. At present, through lack of broadband access on the RAAF Base, these families and communities cannot easily access or communicate with husbands, wives, etcetera. This is causing great stress for these families. We have people who are Australian citizens serving on behalf of the Commonwealth’s commitment to this war in Iraq. I do not want to get into the fors or againsts of this war. However, in this specific case, many of these people view themselves as purely doing the job that they have been hired, and have volunteered, to do; that is, represent their country. It is not necessarily an issue about whether they are for the war in Iraq or other events that happen overseas, but merely that they wish to serve their country to the best of their ability. They have been asked to do that, therefore, they will do it.
What we are not doing at the moment – and when I say ‘we’ I am talking about the Commonwealth government and Telstra to a lesser extent; but particularly the Commonwealth government – is providing a service to allow them to communicate with their daughters, sons, husbands, or wives who remain in Darwin. What further adds to this burden is that these people are often from other parts of Australia - Canberra, Melbourne, Perth. Therefore, there is a double isolation problem.
Here we are, asking the Defence Force to locate to Darwin over the last 10 years and, often, many defence personnel say that, out of all the places they get posted, this is place that they feel most comfortable in, in terms of being accepted and being made to feel welcome by the wider community. They have issues to do with the heat, of course, during the Wet Season, isolation and the cost of living, but many of the people who love Darwin and the posting are interested in the lifestyle that the Northern Territory provides. However, it is definitely quite clear that the main issue is the ability to communicate with their families, either through travel or through phone, video link-up, broadband access, etcetera.
I would like to read a couple of the letters I wrote to the Prime Minister, and Telstra officials on behalf of my constituents of the RAAF Base. The first one is:
As they became aware that we ran this campaign to actively get support, I think we ended up with over 100 applications filled out for this proposal. I continue with the letter:
Mr Deputy Speaker, the response that we received shows the effect and influence that the Commonwealth government can have on issues such as this - in particular the sale of Telstra - and providing services to not only people on the RAAF Base, but also throughout the wider remote and rural areas of the Northern Territory.
The response came from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Hon Teresa Gambaro MP:
Dear Mr Bonson,
We have issues with broadband in the heart of Darwin. We are talking about issues of providing a service over 3 km. How are we going to provide services, with what the Commonwealth is proposing to happen to Telstra, into the future in places like Daly River, Oenpelli, Port Keats, Kalkarindji, and Lajamanu? I remind the House and those people who have influence in Canberra that the reality is that these people I am talking about are Australian citizens whose family members are representing Australia overseas performing their duty. Do we not have a duty of care to provide this ability to contact them and for them to have easy access to their children and their parents? I call on the CLP to support this motion and to come back strongly against Canberra and what they are proposing.
The letter goes on to say:
We know this is over 100 now:
I read that letter out just to highlight the fact the Commonwealth still has influence over Telstra before its sale. However, after its sale its influence will be deteriorated. We need to provide services, so I support the minister’s bid for $265m of extra funds, not only for the residents of the RAAF Base but for those living in rural and remote areas. Telstra and broadband will help them with education, health and general communication throughout the whole of the Northern Territory and Australia. Every other Australian citizen - black, white, green or purple - expects this service to be delivered.
There are two more letters I would like to read. I also wrote to Danny Honan who, as many people here would know, has been a fantastic servant for Territorians and fights very hard to deliver the services that Telstra Country Wide is supposed to deliver. Like everyone, he was restricted by his budget. This extra $265m, I am assured by the minister, will assist in dealing with all our problems in terms of infrastructure.
Since then, we have received further requests:
Basically, what occurred for us to get this large group of people to be heard was a concerted doorknocking campaign, a signing-up of interest forms, and a community response which included barbecues and meetings held at the Darwin RAAF Base. Without volunteers and the footwork that is needed to be done as a local member, you cannot achieve this type of response. It became apparent that the old saying of ‘United you stand, divided you fall’ applied; that when we came together as a group we were able to lift this issue up in the eyes of Telstra. I just would like to read a letter from Telstra in response to our correspondence from this campaign. I have misplaced that letter at the moment. Basically, my understanding is that it has been promised by Telstra for the end of the year in December. I stand corrected if I am wrong, as I do not at present have that particular piece of correspondence. With the ability of the Commonwealth government to have influence over the Telstra sale, as in where funds are going, we have been able to achieve for the benefit of Territorians serving in Darwin and overseas, a connection between their families which has increased their ability to keep in contact.
If the Commonwealth government decides to support this motion and give us the extra $265m that we require, people in remote areas of Australia, mostly of indigenous background, will be able to access health, education and other services that all Australian citizens expect to be able to access. If we have these issues in urban centres such as Darwin, which is classed as a remote area by the rest of Australia, then what hope do we have for access to the technology of the 21st century in our remote areas?
In summary, the motion is called for and well drafted. I hope that the member for Nelson’s amendment will be discussed, and I understand that there are negotiations going on regarding his amendment. I call again on the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to fully understand that we have Australian citizens who come from all over Australia serving in Darwin and serving overseas doing a hard job, who require assistance. I have taken a particular stance in regard to the Australian Defence Force in my area, but I know that this is the case for Australian Defence Force families right across Australia. Most of their issues are affected by the Commonwealth government. I ask the Commonwealth government to consider my contribution and understand that this is not just about providing services into what we consider remote areas, but also Darwin, which they consider a remote area.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I fully support those people in remote Aboriginal communities and the RAAF Base. I look forward to the motion going to Canberra, and the provision and delivery of services that we need.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, I feel that I have to get up and speak on this motion moved by the minister. This government, after having won the last election with a huge majority, should be enthused and energised with all the extra bodies they have in parliament to do business. For the last four months, we have sat here and have had a Question Time that has been dominated by government. This is just an unbelievable exercise by this government in arrogance, confabulation and obfuscation, instead of doing business.
We talk about Telstra and this minister comes out with a wish list – really, that is all it is. This government, regarding other portfolios, says: ‘Oh, we cannot have brain surgeons in every community because it is not possible’. Then the minister says: ‘But we have to have broadband in every community, everywhere in the whole of the Northern Territory. Whether they have 100 people or 50 people does not matter, we have to get it out there, as long as someone pays for it’. That is a sign of irresponsible governance - absolutely irresponsible governance.
That is why I support the member for Nelson’s motion, because I believe it is well worded, it is considerate, and it is asking for the federal government to ensure that there are adequate resources provided to the Northern Territory in the event of a sell-off of Telstra - not this wish list from a government that is not prepared to put in any money of its own.
Let us talk about ADSL quickly. I was at a function not so long ago, when Danny Honan, the Area Manager for the Northern Territory’s Telstra Country Wide, said: ‘Once a person has a taste of ADSL, it is like getting a taste of heroin; once you have tasted it, you cannot do without it’ - because of the broadband, obviously.
ADSL is not available for everybody because of the physical structure of the technology and, therefore, you have to go for other means. The in-principle request that the government should provide broadband to as much of Australia as possible is a reasonable request. To then say: ‘Give us $265m to do this or that’, is absolutely unrealistic.
The member for Stuart said the marketplace ultimately determines where infrastructure will go. Precisely that: the marketplace will ultimately determine where infrastructure will go. If the marketplace cannot support the infrastructure, then it cannot go there. It is unreasonable to expect a multimillion dollar infrastructure to go into a place that supplies 50 to 100 people - it is just unreasonable. You would not do that yourself ...
Members interjecting.
Dr LIM: You would not. You would not build a road or an airstrip in the middle of nowhere for 50 people …
A member: But we do!
Dr LIM: You would not do it! Therefore, in the same light as you would not do that using your own resources, you have no right to ask anybody else to do likewise.
We talk about getting landlines around everywhere. Obviously, you know that your ACIL Tasman Report told us that the cheaper way to go is to use wireless technology. It has to be the cheapest way to do it. Telstra has worked very hard to deliver.
It was only about two years ago that the federal government put out - not so much a tender, but asking for expressions of interests - for a roll out of satellite technology and broadband communications into the bush. The Northern Territory, through DCIS, did very little - did not put anything in. Education did not put anything into the federal government for funding; Health did not do anything about it. They were chased and they did nothing. The only people who got off their backsides and did it were the Police. They got it and that is why we have broadband where the request was made.
LGANT have a contract, a big grant of multimillion dollars, to roll out broadband technology into community governments. They did that because they actually went out there, applied for the funds, and received a lot of money from the Commonwealth government. They tried to negotiate with the Northern Territory government, and said: ‘Let us do this together for the Territory, for our bush communities’. The Northern Territory government, through the departments, did not respond. If the minister does his consultation, he will find out that is definitely true.
Therefore, do not now come along and say: ‘Oh, well, we have to get the Commonwealth government to give us the funds now so we can roll out broadband into every community in the Territory’. It is just not practical; it is not a useful way of spending money. If you can promise me that you will provide a surgeon in every community - and a surgeon only costs $250 000 each; not much - then you have the right to ask for $265m for broadband into nowhere.
In fact, Telstra has done a reasonably good job on CDMA and GSM coverage alone. I am sure the ministers have seen this diagram from Telstra, which continues to provide the services into the areas where there are people and where the technology can be used. There is no point putting up a $30 000 or $50 000 CDMA tower when there is hardly anybody to use it. Ideally speaking, every man, woman and child should have access to every form of technology that is available in Australia. That is the ideal. However, there is also the practicality of it, and you just cannot go along and say: ‘Let us get everything spread out’.
When the minister spoke about the new subdivision of Lyons, he is the Minister for Planning and Lands, you would think he would know the legislation, and he would know that developers have to put down that sort of infrastructure. To recoup that money the developer spends, he sets a practical level of charge for the sale of each allotment. That is the way development goes. You are saying a particular suburb or a new subdivision will now have this technology paid for by the federal government, paid for by my taxpayers’ money. No way in the world can you do that. That is not right. If that is the case, then it should be done to every home, in every suburb, down every street in the whole of the Northern Territory. Again, that is not …
Mr Bonson: In Darwin.
Dr LIM: In Darwin, says the member for Millner. See, there you go, the Darwin central government. That is what it is about. Well, it is not about that. It is about appropriate technology to the appropriate places at appropriate costs. If you cannot do that, then what you are doing is taking cherries and saying: ‘This suburb should be helped, this other suburb does not need to be helped’. Suddenly, you are now saying: ‘We will support a particular group of the community and not another group’. That is discrimination and I was told that a Labor government, in this country, is a socialist government, and is supposed to be fair to everybody. Well, that is …
Mr Henderson: Socialist government! Talk about a dinosaur.
Dr LIM: … definitely not the case. You are communists, aren’t you?
Mr Henderson: You have to get chardonnay in there yet.
Members interjecting.
Dr LIM: I pick up on the minister’s interjection. Yes, you are, you are all chardonnay socialists sitting there with your feet on the desks and watching Rome burn while you are playing your fiddles.
In terms of the member for Nelson’s motion, I propose to move an amendment to that amendment. I move that we insert, after the word ‘on’, the words, ‘all the Northern Territory federal members of parliament and’, and I will read it in total. The motion now reads:
I believe that will be a fair motion that we can send to the federal government saying: ‘When you sell Telstra, you make sure that the Northern Territory gets its fair share’. We should also encourage our four federal members, the two Senators and the two members of the House of Representatives, to ensure that they lobby strongly and support the Northern Territory in this regard. I believe, if the four of them were to work together - it might be the first time ever - as a team from the Northern Territory, saying to the federal government: ‘Do it this way and we will support you’, what will happen is we will get those services delivered. That, in my opinion, is the way to go.
I come back to the issue of this government having fallen flat on its face. There was a time when there was money available from the federal government for the Northern Territory government to apply for a roll out of broadband into communities using a satellite system. While there are flaws with it - as the member for Nelson described earlier; when it rains the satellite falls over – that is better than nothing - seriously. It is a cheap way of delivering broadband into the rural areas where a high band landline is not physically possible. If we do that, then I believe we can get that sort of technology delivered. I agree with the member for Stuart that, when you bring technology into a community, the quantum leap in social change is absolutely tremendous.
Before you go that one step, you have to also make sure that there is the resource available to support the infrastructure that you are going to deliver. If you cannot do that, then you are building something that will fail; no different than if you had a health clinic or a school there without teachers or nurses. What are you building it for? You are building it for nothing. If you build it, you have to support it. To do that, you have to make sure that you find the right technicians to go out bush to service the technology infrastructure. Who is going to be out there fixing up the computers, the modems and the satellite dishes? All those things have to be considered otherwise you are just rolling out all sorts of infrastructure without any care whether they will work for the longer term. If it is not, then what is the point? We know about small communities out in the outstations. They have been built and abandoned by the people who have started them. What do you do with the infrastructure that is already out there? It is expenditure for no long-term gain.
If government believes that by getting the technology out there it is going to ensure that people stay out there, well, you have another think coming. I am not an indigenous person and I am sure that people will agree that I do not understand their culture particularly well. However, having grown up in a third world country, in a little village, my first desire once I was educated was to get the hell out of there into somewhere better, where opportunities and employment opportunities are better, where there are bright lights, where I can see people, I can see things, and I can do things. Why would I want to stay in my little village where my future was going be forever stifled? Of course, I would not. If I am an educated person, I want to go where I can get the best outcomes from my education, and that is not in my little village. Yes, I can return home one day, once I have established myself, or I can go back and create something because I have the wherewithal to create whatever I want to create in my own village. However, that has to come later. It does not mean that I grow up, am educated there and I die there. It means I should be more mobile and can learn and take things back to my village when I eventually grow up, or provide services through my own ability, perhaps by delivering it through my increased income. That is also an issue that I believe that the government needs to consider.
A wish list such as that which has been delivered by the minister I believe is most inappropriate. It will not achieve anything. All the Prime Minister will do, I suggest to you, is reply in a very polite manner saying: ‘Thank you for your communication. We will, obviously, consider the Northern Territory in the greater scheme of things’. You will get a non-specific answer. I believe a motion such as the one I have just moved, or amended, would have just as much impact. If we convince our four members of federal parliament to go there together as a team, it will be an historical moment when the four of them work together for the Northern Territory. That, to me, will be an effective way for the Commonwealth government to then respond and say: ‘These four people are representing the Northern Territory as a team and we will now listen to them very closely and see what we can do to help them deliver for the Northern Territory’.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I ask the Assembly to support the amended motion.
Mr HENDERSON (Business and Economic Development): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, that contribution from the member for Greatorex, as shadow spokesman for communications, has to be the most appalling contribution that I have heard in this House in nearly six years. In regards to the commitments to provide infrastructure for communications throughout the Northern Territory, the cat is out of the bag. If the member for Greatorex’s position on this is the same position as the Commonwealth government’s in regards to their commitment, their safeguards to people who live in rural and remote regions of Australia as a result of the sale of Telstra – well, God help us! This is possibly going to be a national story because the member for Greatorex has said that Australians, wherever they live, if they live in communities of 100 people or less, are not entitled to the same level of communications that other Australians are …
Dr Lim: I never said that.
Mr HENDERSON: This is a radical departure from the commitments that the Prime Minister has given to remote and rural Australia in regard to the infrastructure fund: that people, wherever they live in Australia, are going to be guaranteed an ongoing level of infrastructure that other Australians take for granted. The member for Greatorex has let the cat out of the bag because, if you live in rural and remote Australia in a community of 100 people or less, you get nothing. That is what the member for Greatorex has said and I have his words here. He said: ‘To provide broadband for all communities over 100 people is irresponsible’. You get nothing! Tell that to the communities in western Queensland, western New South Wales, and in the northern parts of Western Australia: as communities of 100 people or less you get nothing under the sale of Telstra and, if you want anything, you have to move to town …
Dr Lim: What are you going to do about a surgeon out there? Let us see you do that.
Mr HENDERSON: Oh, no! This is a radical departure. These are the member for Greatorex’s words: ‘… that the marketplace will determine where the infrastructure will go’. The cat is out of the bag!
This is not what the Prime Minister of Australia has been saying. He set up this infrastructure fund, and we have not yet seen the details, that people in rural and remote Australia - we are not just talking about Aboriginal communities, unlike the member for Greatorex, we are talking about any community in Australia, people who work and live on the pastoral estate and on small mining communities, we have tourism ventures in remote and regional parts of Australia - do not count. You do not get anything. You do not contribute to the community. You do not contribute to the economy. You are not entitled, according to the member for Greatorex, as you do not live in a big community, to a level of infrastructure that other Australians take for granted.
I remind the member for Greatorex, the supposed genius on the other side who is supposed to know all things telecommunications and information technology, that the Telstra Charter did have a universal service obligation which specifically recognised the rights of people in rural and regional Australia; that they are entitled to telecommunication services in particular, as they live in rural and remote regions of Australia. They need desperately to have that level of communication with the outside world. But, oh no, says the member for Greatorex. You go to hell and you do not get anything under the member for Greatorex’s claim. The cat is out of the bag regarding commitment.
I wonder if the member for Greatorex has spoken to the National Party about this? I am sure he is right off the page in that his mate, Senator Scullion, actually sits with the National Party in their party room. I wonder if Senator Scullion has actually said to Ron Boswell, Barnaby Joyce and whoever the others are in the National Party in Canberra: ‘The Country Liberal Party’s position is if it is a community of 100 or less, or just over 100, you do not get anything. It would be irresponsible to spend a cent, and the marketplace will decide’. Do you reckon that that is Senator Scullion’s position in the party room down there with the National Party? I do not think so! Well, maybe it is, because Senator Scullion, the great jelly-back that he is …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I believe that is unparliamentary language about a member of parliament in another place. I do not think that should be said, and should be withdrawn.
Mr HENDERSON: I withdraw, Mr Deputy Speaker.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, yes, I think ‘jelly-back’ is a bit …
Dr LIM: It is Standing Order 62, by the way.
Mr HENDERSON: I will withdraw.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, minister.
Mr HENDERSON: However, the good Senator for the CLP for the Territory certainly does not have any intestinal fortitude or commitment to the Territory, given that he is backing the imposition of the nuclear waste dump on the Territory to serve his political masters in the National Party and in the Coalition.
This same Senator is the Senator who came out with an extraordinarily, if not naive – maybe he is picking up on the member for Greatorex’s policy that what he could guarantee the people of the Northern Territory in regards to additional funding from the sale of Telstra was $14m - $14m! Maybe if you did the sums and got ACIL Tasman to rework these numbers here, if we discount communities of 100 and less, or just over 100, I do not think that even comes close to $14m. We probably still need $100m. Maybe there is a hidden agenda in CLP policy in that people who live in the bush do not get any telecommunications infrastructure at all because it would be totally irresponsible to do so.
I doubt whether the member for Greatorex has actually read this report by ACIL Tasman. This is not government spin or hyperbole. We did commission, through the Department of Corporate and Information Services, ACIL Tasman to conduct an assessment and report on what would be required to upgrade infrastructure in the Northern Territory. I challenge the member for Greatorex: have you read it? Probably not! We have an absolute responsibility when coming into this parliament to inform ourselves, particularly the supposed shadow spokesperson for communications, who knew this debate was coming on. This report has been a public report; we released it around two months ago …
Dr Burns: It was sent to the member for Greatorex.
Mr HENDERSON: It was sent to the member for Greatorex so he could inform himself of the content. If you were to apply a purely economic rationalist approach to this, which is what the member for Greatorex was saying – if you live in a community of 100 or less anywhere in Australia, you are irresponsible if you think that you should be provided with a basic phone service and access to the Internet that all other Australians take for granted. You are being irresponsible; the marketplace should determine and, if you live in remote and rural Australia – well, you might as well depopulate remote and rural Australia. You might as well close down the pastoral estates, all those communities, and anybody who has a tourism enterprise up and running somewhere. Close them down and everybody move to the cities. That is the vision for the member for Greatorex.
If you even take that economic rationalist approach, let us have a look. You only have to go the executive summary; you do not have to go to the detail of the report. The executive summary talks about the aggregated output of the Northern Territory in relation to the economy, by providing this level of investment. It is only talking about the $100m which goes to communities of 100 or more, not the additional $165m which goes to the training in communities …
Dr Lim: Oh, so you are talking about 100 or more in the communities, too.
Mr HENDERSON: Even if you do the sums on $100m, it says:
The member for Greatorex should be able to do this:
There it is. Even an economic rationalist would see that there is a return on investment in providing this level of investment. In the summary, it talks about the resultant estimate of a potential annual increase and aggregate output of some $400m, so the economy actually benefits. Not only the economy benefits for the economic rationalists, but social outcomes benefit as well.
Let us look at the potential cost savings that the member for Greatorex will not even contemplate in improved access to service delivery for health, education and corrections, let alone the capacity of people on remote communities in remote regional Australia to be able to offer business or services and make their presence available in the broader community. No, that is all discounted by the member for Greatorex. If you live in a small community, you do not count, you do not get anything! Walk away from the universal service obligation entirely!
You can really see that the Country Liberal Party has been reduced to four members over there, with not one rural seat represented on the opposition benches. Prior to the last election, in the seat of Daly, for example, I wonder if the then member for Daly would have agreed with the member for Greatorex that communities in Daly, 100 or less, should not receive any services at all from the sale of Telstra. I do not think that the then member for Daly, one Tim Baldwin, would agree with the member for Greatorex’s new policy position on behalf of the CLP. As I said before, it is an absolutely outrageous abrogation of responsibility to those Territorians who live in the bush, both black and white. As the executive summary says, the capacity of those additional 60 communities is about 10% of the total Northern Territory population. ‘Well, we do not care about them, they are only Territorians. They are not entitled to telecommunications services. It is only 10% of the population. It is irresponsible to do so and the marketplace should determine’.
We do not accept the member for Greatorex’s amendment. It is an appalling statement from somebody who purports to be the alternative minister for Communications in a future Country Liberal Party government; that he would walk away entirely from the 10%-plus people in the Northern Territory who live in the bush – ‘You do not count. You are not economically viable, therefore it would be irresponsible to spend any money on you whatsoever’. Well, you run that line. That is his assessment of telecommunications, the capacity to be in contact with the outside world and have access to broadband and the Internet like other Australians take for granted. If that is his attitude of such a vital service such as telecommunications, what is his attitude to education and health? That it is irresponsible to provide health and education services to people who live in communities of 100 or less? You can very easily run that economic rationalist line through.
It certainly is a sad day for the Country Liberal Party which was born in Central Australia with a commitment to serve all Territorians. When you look back at the early years of the Country Liberal Party, they proudly stood for all Territorians regardless of where they live. But not now. They are a very sad reflection of their former selves when the shadow minister for Communications says that those 10% plus Territorians, regardless of their race or colour, wherever they live in the Northern Territory, are not entitled to telecommunications services that the rest of us take for granted. It is an absolute outrage, and really does show, if that is a true reflection of conservative politics in the Northern Territory, what the federal government’s intention is for Telstra down the track.
Mr Deputy Speaker, we reject the amendment from the member for Greatorex. If that is their new position on services to people in the bush, then long may they be on the other side of this parliament.
Mr WOOD (Nelson)(by leave): Mr Deputy Speaker, before I start, I should say one thing; I need to apologise to the minister. I said before that I had not received a copy of ACIL Tasman’s report. A little note came to me before lunch that I did not quite catch in time and ended up being stuck to the back of the amendment which told me, yes, I had received a copy. I apologise for that, and reckon someone might be owing me a free lunch, but we will see.
Dr Burns: You are forgiven, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Anyway, I do not have any problems with the member for Greatorex’s amendment per se. I heard the minister giving the reasons why, but his reasons were far broader than that tiny amendment. I do not have a problem with that amendment; it just adds something to what I have put in forward. I am happy to support that amendment, but I say at the same time that I am flagging that I will withdraw my amendment. I have spoken to the minister and he will add my amendment to the original motion. I just thought I would let parliament know that is where it is at the moment.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): On a procedural point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I wish to put the amendment to the amendment as moved by the member for Greatorex.
Amendment negatived.
Ms McCARTHY (Arnhem): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the motion moved by the Minister for Communications. The minister has identified that $265m is needed to bring the Territory’s telecommunication infrastructure up to an acceptable standard. I was going to continue on with some of the thoughts that I had in regards to this motion, but there are a couple of issues that I need to address in light of some of the comments that have been made in the House to date.
Firstly, beginning with the Leader of the Opposition saying this is a hypocritical attack by the Martin government which she would call ‘gibberish’. How could we call calling on the Prime Minister to ensure that our remote areas and the people in our bush receive adequate funding to continue existing and receiving further services in communications ‘gibberish’? It is beyond me. Indeed, I question whether the Opposition Leader is aware of just what is going on in our remote and rural areas, in particular, in the bush. She speaks quite fluently about the money that is going to indigenous communities for an indigenous television news service or television station as something that is going to come about because of the sale of Telstra.
I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why does it have to be the sale of any organisation or, indeed, the sale of Telstra to ensure that Aboriginal people in this country get their own television station? Why is it that public broadcasters like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Services have a funding stream entirely dedicated and devoted to them - albeit it seems to be diminishing every year – and we cannot have the same for the Aboriginal and Islander people of Australia? Why does the sale of Telstra have to have a spin-off of indigenous people in this country getting access to any form of communication? Why is it rob Peter to pay Paul? Why is it we cannot get these services directly given as a given, not as something that we compromise? Why must we in the bush have to give up those services to be given something else?
I must add here my absolute disgust at what I see is happening with the Howard government in its agenda with indigenous people of this country. Why is it that a shadow minister of the Northern Territory parliament speaks about his upbringing and asks why he would stay in a little village where there were no opportunities? Why? He moved away to get opportunities. It is an absolute disgrace that the member for Greatorex speaks about his own opportunities and, yet, cannot represent the very people he needs to, who have no access to those opportunities. I say to the member for Greatorex: you do have the education and the responsibility to represent those people who cannot represent themselves. You are here to represent them and to speak for them. Wake up to yourself, member for Greatorex!
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms McCARTHY: Why is it that here in the Northern Territory parliament, the shadow Communications minister cannot even defend the very people in the Northern Territory who need to be defended over the services that they should be receiving as a right when, in the federal parliament we have our own shadow minister, Senator Conroy, who said:
Who are the most vulnerable people in our society? I would take a good guess that it is the indigenous people of the Northern Territory who are vulnerable in those remote areas, not to mention the many farmers and pastoralists who live in those regions who are trying to educate their children through the use of telecommunication services - the very people that the member for Greatorex should be representing right here ...
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Arnhem, if I could please seek your indulgence for one moment. I advise honourable members of the presence in the gallery of the following participants of the Civic Citizens Forum: Ms Bianca McCullow, Australian Electoral Commission; Ms Dayna Lister, NT Electoral Commission; Ms Susanne Mazlin, Australian Electoral Commission; Ms Ruth Sheridan, Palmerston High; Ms Cheryl Burnett, Wulagi Primary School; Ms Kate Minahan, Curriculum Services; Ms Jennifer Clue, Curriculum Services; Ms Julie Andrews, Holy Family School; and Ms Margaret Davis, Darwin High School.
On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms McCARTHY: Mr Deputy Speaker, further, this is not a dig at Telstra per se as some members of the opposition have said this morning. The Martin government is, indeed, supportive of the Telstra staff and the many hundreds of technicians across the Northern Territory who try to make sure that our people in those remote regions are receiving the services that they should. I met with the National Indigenous Directorate General Manager, Mr Laurie Mortimer, in August to talk about what he is going to do. He is very keen on working with indigenous communities in remote areas to try to maintain some of the services. I commend Mr Mortimer and his staff, and highlight that the Northern Territory government is supportive of the staff within Telstra. It is not about the staff; this is all about the politics of the Howard government.
In the Territory there are still thousands of homes in the bush without access, and this is not a fault of Telstra. People know that the more remote you are the less interested any company will be to service you due to the costs involved to the company. How can the member for Araluen call this motion, as she did, ‘gibberish’? We are talking about regions where access becomes so difficult for close to six months of the year due to heavy rains and flooding. It makes it difficult to drive and, therefore at times, for some planes to land in some on these most remote airstrips, even though the Martin government has fixed many airstrips including Ramingining, Bulman and Minyerri. However, the Wet Season is such that you cannot stop the rain and, if it floods, it floods. Therefore, what do we rely on? To call on the medical services which fly into our remote communities, who do we call? How do we do it? We do it through Telstra.
I would like to recall just how far the Northern Territory has come. I am incredibly proud of it. When I used to go to school in Alice Springs and had to go back home to Borroloola, it would be arranged by radio communication, as the minister outlined in his statement earlier. That is how recent the history is; that we used to coordinate the events of travelling through radio HF frequency ...
Mr Kiely: That is not long ago.
Dr Toyne: Yes, I remember that.
Ms McCARTHY: Yes. Sometimes, we would get the bus from Alice Springs to Daly Waters Highway Inn, where we would have to wait in the hope that someone in Borroloola had received the message that there was a group of school students waiting at the highway. Mind you, it is a four-hour drive from the highway to our homelands. If no one was there to pick us up, we would just have to camp by the side of the road, or if extended family members might be travelling by, we would try to hitch a ride. In most cases the best of form of telecommunication at that time was through the telegram. If the radiophone did not work, we would get it through telegrams.
We are proud of what we have so far. In light of what Senator Conroy said in federal parliament, it is a basic right to have access to a phone. If the pressure is on in our communities and, indeed, on Telstra to chase the dollar, it is without a doubt that the dollar does not speak volumes in our remote communities.
Only a couple of months ago – certainly, earlier this year - there was a particular town in the Northern Territory which lost all communication. It lost phone and Internet, e-mail and fax access - everything went down. It must have taken almost two days before people realised that there was no communication to that particular town. My memory here might waiver a little on whether it was earlier this year or late last year, but it was certainly in the last 12 months. We have a fundamental need for that kind of access that; when it is not there, people cannot do anything. They could not get any money out of EFTPOS, to provide funding to pay for food and drinks; vital necessities of day-to-day living. They also could not get access to fuel. I question - and these are the things that we need to be vigilant about in the sale of Telstra - if these kinds of problems will be gone forever, or are they issues and problems that we need to monitor and be vigilant about? That is why I ask the members of the opposition, when they stand here and represent the people in their electorates – be vigilant.
We have not heard from our two CLP representatives in the federal parliament – not a word. Oh, hang on. Maybe a year ago, or two years ago - let me quote: ‘Stuart Highway mobile coverage – a condition of Telstra sale’ from Senator Nigel Scullion, the CLP Senator in the federal parliament. As a minimum requirement for his support of any further sale of Telstra, he has nominated mobile phone towers along the entire route from Adelaide to Darwin. There you go, the only words. In fact, if you do a search of Hansard, you would be lucky to find any comments by any of the CLP representatives in federal parliament on anything about Telstra. Perhaps that is when you use your imagination and think that, maybe, they are there just putting their hand up in support of the Howard government. In light of one Labor Senator, and her famous words: ‘Does the Northern Territory have boys in Canberra or is it the Prime Minister who has the boys in the Northern Territory?’
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I am very supportive of this motion moved by the minister. Indeed, if anything must be said here today, it is that there must be a constant reminder, a constant vigilance of what is happening right across this country under the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and what is going on with the communications agenda of this country. I, for one, will be very vigilant about what is happening.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow minister, the member for Greatorex. I certainly will be putting the new CLP policy in my newsletter to my communities. I will be encouraging other northern suburbs members to write to constituents in the northern suburbs who frequent these little communities to go fishing or for holidays, who quite like the idea of having mobile phone coverage, being able to access the Internet, or even just using a public telephone with ease. I am sure they will be delighted with the new policy of the CLP. It is even a worse example of the Berrimah Line than I have ever seen in my life! It is scorched earth policy. I am sure they will be delighted to hear this new policy of the CLP – nothing above Alice Springs and nothing below Palmerston; that is the way it is going to be.
I support this motion to urge the federal government to provide to the residents of the Northern Territory sufficient funds to bring the telecommunications services across the Territory up to an adequate standard which other citizens of Australia enjoy.
I note that the motion targets a number of areas. Several of these targeted areas have particular significance to my electorate. The improved services in remote indigenous communities will be the most pressing. For many people who live in the regional centres or major cities, the lack of basic facilities in many major Aboriginal communities comes as a surprise. It always amuses me to see southern visitors - and they include bureaucrats and politicians who travel out to these communities - bemused about the fact that they cannot get mobile phone access. Their staffers ring up saying: ‘I have been trying to get my boss on the phone and I cannot get hold of him’. They are just beside themselves. We just say: ‘We do not have mobile phones here’. It is a lack of understanding and the inadequacy of those services. Even the telephone services in some of these communities are at a level which was outdated and deemed substandard to other parts of Australia decades ago.
The federal government has made some commitments towards these communities; however, the level of funding is simply not sufficient for the current and future needs of the people of the Northern Territory. Of the $98m identified in the Northern Territory government’s bid for remote indigenous communities of over 100 people, I have several of these communities within my electorate.
The Bulla community is located 60 km west of Timber Creek and has a population of 165 Aboriginal people. This community is in need of the three basic telecommunication upgrades, which is sought in the bid. They need a new tower and other infrastructure which will come at an estimated cost of $1m. This will upgrade the telephone, mobile and broadband access. This community of 165 people has quite significant infrastructure. It has a health clinic, a school, a store but, unfortunately, they only have one public phone for a community that size. They have a CDEP office. Also, the community is quite entrepreneurial. Many of the residents work on stations around that community, so their expectations are growing as their income grows. They expect to have some services to be able to communicate with people.
A community not too far away from that is the Mialuni community, which sits on Amanbidji pastoral land, and has a population of 140 people. Because it is set about 60 km south of the Victoria Highway, it needs about five towers, the cost of which would be $2m. That, again, provides those basic services of upgraded telephone, mobile and broadband. This community is significantly advanced in infrastructure and has some economic development opportunities. The cattle station is going again so there are people working. There is a store, a CDEP office, a health clinic, a school, with only one public phone in a community that size. These people are getting higher incomes and they have an expectation to be able to communicate effectively.
There are other communities in my electorate which have been identified for telecommunications work. A significant one is Wadeye for which some upgrades were announced not so long ago. This goes to show the true cost of what is needed out there. Simply getting an advanced high capacity line for the community is going to cost around $4m to $5m. Senator Scullion’s comments on ABC radio were: ‘Well, $14m was the amount that I worked out …’. I do not know how he worked it out, but the Commonwealth government’s commitment was about $2m to $3m. Almost a quarter of Senator Scullion’s little exercise on what the Territory needs is taken up in one single community.
One of the other target areas is going to be seeking increased mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway. Much has been talked about there. My electorate takes in 600 km of the Stuart Highway. Again …
Dr Toyne: Is that all?
Mr KNIGHT: Yes, I am not too sure how much you have, member for Stuart. I do not think you have much at all, actually.
Dr Toyne: Two hundred and fifty.
Mr KNIGHT: Two hundred and fifty, there you go. The member for Greatorex believes that if you cannot see anything, and if there are not significant numbers of people, it must be an empty country. Yet, if you stand on the side of the Stuart Highway, you get mowed down by the number of trucks and cars, and tourists and caravans, and umpteen other things - motorbikes, everything. That is a living community along some 3000 km, which is constantly being occupied by people travelling in all manner of vehicles. We are trying to promote the Territory, to encourage visitors here. We get a lot of elderly visitors and the reassurance for the elderly and the families who travel in those vehicles, of having mobile coverage right along the Stuart Highway would be a significant attraction for those people to visit here.
When you look at a certain court case that is going on at the moment, there is a little reassurance there for people. It allows, as you are travelling up the highway, to forward book to the next community. Sometimes in the middle of the night on the Stuart Highway, in the middle of nowhere, there are accidents if people run into a buffalo, a cow, or whatever. To be able to pick up your phone and dial for help would be great; and also for breakdowns. For someone who travels up and down that highway constantly, being able to work, make phone calls, and utilise that two to three hours that you have on that road would certainly be an advantage.
The member for Arnhem commented about the promise that the member for Solomon backed away from. He made that commitment in the federal election, like quite a number of these other commitments, that he would not support the full sale unless there was full mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway. His response to a radio interview was: ‘Well, I am going to back away from that promise’. What is the use of making promises? What is the use of him representing the Northern Territory when he cannot even do the right thing and stand up for Territorians? It seems quite a regular occurrence that big, tough Dave actually gets rolled every single time he goes into his meetings with his lovely, friendly, cooperative colleagues from Canberra who represent electorates in other parts of Australia. I am sure that they are going to get a nice little slice of the cake when it comes up, whilst Dave is standing up for us by giving us a piddling little $14m which is going to get us absolutely nowhere.
One of the other key areas of the bid that the Northern Territory government is proposing is provision of remote TeleHealth services. When you are out on some of these remote communities, health is very important. We all know the pressures that are on the department for the delivery of health services in these remote communities. Advanced technologies and communications will address many of these pressures. The ability to videoconference will allow specialist medical professionals into remote communities, and provide economical, timely and a high standard of medical services to these patients. New mobile health services which travel to these remote outstations will also need reliable and effective telecommunication services to allow teleconferencing and remote access to centralised health databases.
The Commonwealth has again referred to this sector; however, they have not allocated any monetary figures against the needs that the Territory really does require. Most members of this House would realise the massive land mass in which the Health Department has to deliver a complex and significant health service. No one would disagree that the cost of such an upgrade of telecommunication services and these health services will come at a significant cost. I do not believe that the federal government realises the true cost of providing this basic upgrade.
This also goes for remote education. It seems as though, over the years, the remote schools have had a bit of an ad hoc process of upgrades. There are all sorts of telecommunications there of differing standards. When you look at the number of remote schools, there is much work that needs to be done and Telstra has the obligation to provide those headworks.
This government has indicated that its focus will be on regional development. That is something that I applaud, and I am delighted that we are heading down the next four years of regional development. Telecommunications is a vital ingredient in economic and social development anywhere. You cannot develop regional Australia, especially the Northern Territory, without this infrastructure. This goes for the rural areas as well.
During my campaigning in the rural areas at Darwin River, Livingstone and Acacia Hills, it was a regular occurrence to come on a property and find a junction box out the front and phone lines running into a property along the ground. When I talked to the residents, or with Telstra staff who were required to do this, it was just about getting it connected and keeping the statistics up so that they could get the company ready for a sale. What is going to happen to those services in the future for those people in the rural area? It is all going to be forgotten. Once Telstra is sold there is no guarantee that they will be receiving any sort of adequate services there.
The Opposition Leader in her reply asked why we were talking about Telstra and this issue which is a federal government issue? Well, hello! I use a phone. Nearly everybody here uses a phone. Nearly everybody uses the computer and Internet access; it is a basic thing in our lives. It is an important tool in education and health systems. If, somehow, that is not important to this House, I do not know what is.
It seems as if this little bit of money that Senator Scullion has dreamt up and the $90m the federal minister is putting into indigenous telecommunications applauded by him, is across Australia. We have identified, in the ACIL Tasman Report, that we require even more than that just for that area in the Northern Territory for communities below 100 people which, apparently, do not mean anything to the opposition.
However, this is an indication that our federal members are not supporting, and have no idea about what the true needs for Territorians are. They seem to get rolled every single time they go down there. They do not represent the Northern Territory or the issues of the Northern Territory. They are patsies to their Canberra colleagues and yes men. They come back here and try to make excuses. You could say that is those federal members, but it seems like the CLP opposition are apologists for the ineptness of the federal members and the arrogance of the federal government. We do not hear: ‘Yes, telecommunications is shocking out bush, in our rural areas, and in the suburbs of Darwin’. No, we get apologies. ‘It is all right, she will be right’. I really do not know whether the opposition moves around the electorate, but they should start to listen a bit.
The simple fact is that Telstra will be sold. If we do not squeeze every possible dollar out of the federal government to upgrade these basic services in the Northern Territory, we will miss the boat; there will be no second chance. Once it is gone, it will be gone. This is why this motion is before the parliament. It is something that our federal CLP colleagues do not seem to be able to do much about.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, I support this motion and urge all members who take the rights to an adequate telecommunication service seriously, to support it also.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Speaker, before I start on my contribution, I must declare an interest because I am a Telstra shareholder. I want to get that on the record. Some of us do make …
Mr Warren: You poor thing.
Mr KIELY: … decisions that we should think about in the future. Oh, well!
Mrs Braham: Don’t know whether you are allowed to speak.
Mr KIELY: That is right. I have declared the interest and, if anyone wishes to object, it is up there.
Madam Speaker, I support the motion moved by the Minister for Communications. The minister is right, this government does not support the sale of Telstra but, with the support of the CLP’s representation in Canberra, that sale was inevitable. That being the case, we in the Territory have to do what we can, with the full support of the opposition, of course, to address the problems we are faced with in the area of telecommunication services.
As Territorians, these services are vital. It is not just a case of being able to make a phone call to family or log on to the Internet to check your e-mail, though a Territorian would reasonably expect to have access to these technologies; it is a case for the wellbeing of Territorians. It is a case for the further strengthening and development of the Territory economy.
We in the Territory should expect to have access to communications. As an example, NT HealthDirect for some of the more isolated communities - communities I am sure the opposition would agree are in greater need of this innovative health service. I thought they would have agreed to that, but you can see from the shadow spokesman for Communications over there that, if you have poor health and you are on a community with less than 100, you do not get access to NT HealthDirect. Some of these communities cannot currently rely on their telecommunication services. A $15m funding plan for services like remote patient diagnostics will improve health services in our remote communities.
All members would agree that, as a government and elected members, one of our most important roles is to do everything we can to help local businesses with, I believe, the exception of the shadow minister for Communications. We want Territory businesses to have a level playing field. We want them to have the same opportunities and access to telecommunication services as their southern counterparts. How many charter services on the Daly will go broke under the CLP’s current communications policy of ‘nothing under 100 gets communication services’? That should go out to the small tour operators on the Daly.
Tourism businesses, for example, bring in business from all over Australia and the world. We have international tourists coming to Australia, not to see Sydney or Melbourne but to see the Territory; to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tourists come to see Kakadu. These Territory businesses are doing a great job and I commend them for that. With improved telecommunications services, these businesses could be doing even greater things. They deserve our support and they should be given that chance. They certainly have the support of the Martin Labor government.
Members interjecting.
Mr KIELY: They do not have the support of the CLP opposition and you stand condemned for that.
Right now, Territorians are playing catch up when it comes to telecommunications services. We are not asking for much from the Commonwealth: as the minister pointed out, less than 1% of the proceeds from the full sale of Telstra - $265m.
Obviously, one of the areas where services are severely lacking is our remote indigenous communities. We heard yesterday about the Northern Territory Public Sector Indigenous Employment Career Development Strategy. We, as a government, want to right some wrongs when it comes to indigenous communities. Improved telecommunications in remote communities will have a flow-on effect for the provision of health, education and training. These are vital to Northern Territory public sector strategy.
We want to improve telecommunication services to remote indigenous communities. These Territorians deserve and should expect improved telecommunication services, and $98m will provide these improved services in the form of upgraded telecommunications infrastructure to 60 of our larger remote communities. These communities are playing catch up. This infrastructure is not giving services above and beyond other Territorians to these remote communities. This infrastructure is for the provision of standard telecommunications services - a point which the member for Arnhem made quite clearly. Mobile phone services, broadband, Internet services, videoconferencing capabilities – Territorians living in these communities are quite reasonable to expect these services and I believe it would be quite reasonable of the Commonwealth to provide them.
This infrastructure will open the gates to better health services, better education and better opportunities. We have these plans in place; we are waiting on the Commonwealth. These plans are good for the Territory and good for Territorians. I am sure that the opposition, the people who brand themselves the Territory party, will be supporting this motion with as much enthusiasm as I do.
The upgrades to infrastructure will be further supported by the provision of on-line access centres in 45 remote communities. In these centres, Territorians will have access to the knowledge and advice they need to get the most out of the improved infrastructure. They will have access to government and private sector electronic services, to on-line financial services and to telecommunications and services that many of us - perhaps not some of my constituents in Northlakes, might I add - might take for granted.
The Territory’s smaller communities should not be left out though. The Martin government is proposing to upgrade telecommunications services in these smaller communities as well. Around $50m is what we are looking at. Your standard Telstra services are landlines, where practical, and satellite services where not. This is the whole point: it does not matter where you are in the Territory we want you to have the same opportunities as everyone else. This all makes a lot of sense - better services, more opportunities, a change for the better. It is not just Territorians in remote communities who stand to gain from the proposed improvements to telecommunications services. Some areas in major centres are also in need of funding.
The Martin government does not support the sale of Telstra, and currently Telstra is the only operator of fibre optic links in the Territory. We want to make sure that, once the sale has gone ahead and other providers move in, Territorians are given a choice and competitive prices and service. $70m for a new fibre optic cable between the Northern Territory and South Australia would ensure that Territorians continue to receive the services they deserve.
There are gaps in services that need to be filled. The Territory’s main road, the Stuart Highway, does not currently have mobile coverage. You just have to go back to member of the House of Representatives for Solomon, Mr David Tollner, who said in 2001: ‘Trust me. I am going to get mobile coverage along the whole length of the highway, or there will be no sale of Telstra’. He has done a backflip. This is so much typical CLP talk, where they come in and say: ‘Yes, we are Territorians, we will stand up for Territorians’ rights’ They are like fillets, which is quite ironic given the history of the Senator for the Northern Territory, Mr Scullion, and his seafood connections. Like fillets, they have no guts and no backbone. They will not stand up for the Territory in Canberra and that is disgusting.
The CLP is not in a position to be a credible alternative government. This government will stand for the rights of Territorians and will look for the best deal for all Territorians. The opposition, the so-called government-in-waiting, will not stand up. They will just kowtow to Canberra. They will get us steamrolled every time. There are many debates going on at the moment. You wonder why we are debating Commonwealth issues in this House. If the CLP representatives would stand up for Territorians and tell it how it is in Canberra, tell them about the need we have, then we would do okay. You cannot have one policy in this House whereby the opposition supports Territorians and they will not direct other members of their party in Canberra to stand up for us. It is about time they did a Barnaby Joyce and a Harradine. It is about time they stood up for Territorians.
Members interjecting.
Mr KIELY: You can laugh at that, Deputy Leader of the Opposition - you can well laugh at that - but the people in the communities, in Northlakes and in Alice Springs are not laughing. You better be prepared for a long hard stay over there because you will not be getting off the opposition benches because people will know about this ...
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Sanderson well knows that this is a robust place. However, two points: can he direct his comments through the Chair and, secondly, he is almost becoming threatening in his demeanour. I would ask that you rein him in.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, direct your comments through the Chair. Leader of the Opposition, if you are concerned about things like that, then I ask you to perhaps consider your tone.
Mr KIELY: Madam Speaker, I will happily direct my comments through the Chair. I refute that my demeanour is threatening. If it is, why is there laughter coming from the Deputy Leader of the Opposition? Let us get that on Hansard, shall we? The Leader of the Opposition has a habit of getting things on Hansard and referring to it. The laughter is on Hansard too. Let us get it right, Leader of the Opposition.
Mrs Miller: You look and sound like a fool. You can get your point over without all that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KIELY: Can I have that interjection again? That sounded threatening.
Mrs Miller: Oh, you can get your point over without all that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, please continue.
Mr KIELY: In the interests of safety for travellers and industry alike, the proposal of a funding package for $15m to deliver this coverage would be of great benefit to all Territorians.
Less remote than communities in Central Australia, the Top End, and the Stuart Highway, there are gaps right in the middle of Darwin. Members would be aware of the gaps in the availability of ADSL broadband in Darwin. The main issue when it comes to determining availability of ADSL broadband is network compatibility and transmission loss resulting from large distances between the exchange and the home or business. In Sanderson, the electorate I represent, I receive quite a number of requests from constituents in the Northlakes area for assistance with broadband ADSL. Northlakes is, essentially, divided into two distribution areas: Marrara east and Marrara west. Both areas have provision of optical fibre feed from the Casuarina exchange. In the case of Marrara east, the reason behind the lack of availability is to do with network compatibility and an upgrade of the distribution point will be required to facilitate ADSL broadband. Broadband requires a copper path between the customer and the exchange and current optical fibre is not suitable.
Telstra’s current policy, as I am sure other members would be aware, is that this upgrade can only go ahead after a certain number of requests for a service are made on the company’s web site and through other channels. My constituents in Marrara west are faced with the same limitations in infrastructure and are, again, advised by Telstra to lodge an application. In Marrara west, however, there are a small number of copper paths available for broadband customers. This being the case, Telstra will currently undertake an investigation to identify a compatible copper path between the residents and the exchange. ADSL is only currently effective up to a certain distance from the exchange. This is the issue of transmission loss. I believe that distance to be some 3 km or 4 km. If the resident is lucky enough to be in a suitable location to take advantage of one of the copper path ways, the application will proceed. Otherwise, they are left in the same position as those in Marrara east.
My constituents and all Territorians are entitled to this level of service, enabling them access to on-line electronic services provided by the government and the private sector, and giving them access to educational resources. As the Minister for Communications mentioned earlier, an estimated $2m, in conjunction with Telstra’s current programs, would close these gaps in broadband coverage. Considerable advantages can be provided to our educational and research institutions through the funding of $10m to deliver high speed connections between themselves and overseas and interstate equivalents. Students and researchers at our institutions will be able to connect to Australia’s Academic and Research Network, making them more competitive on a local and global level.
I congratulate the Minister for Communications on moving this motion which, through the framework of improving telecommunication services across the Territory, aims to improve the general wellbeing of the Territory. There are flow-on benefits to be had in the areas of health and community services, business opportunities and the delivery of education. Whilst remaining opposed to the sale of Telstra, the Martin government is looking to the future and has a plan that, when implemented, will help to continue advancing the Territory economy, improving the way of life for all Territorians.
It is a sad, sorry day when all members of this parliament, whether opposition or government, cannot join together to try to make the lot of all Territorians a better one. Once again, I say the opposition has no credibility on this. The opposition has no claim to saying that they are an alternative government for the people. Until the opposition stands up for the Territory’s rights in Canberra, they will be forever forgotten by the people of the Northern Territory.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support this important motion by the Minister for Communications on the telecommunications investment needs of the Territory.
As the minister pointed out in his motion, here in the Territory we are dogged by the tyranny of distance. I applaud this government’s aggressive approach in seeking $265m worth of funding from the federal government to try to ensure our telecommunications services are up to scratch. The minister is quite right when he says that these funds are aimed to redress many of the poor telecommunications services found throughout the Territory. This goes to the very core of the justification the federal government gave for the sale of Telstra. However, I fear the very areas that need it most - the rural electorates like my own, Goyder - may miss out unless the Territory gets the $265m worth of funding.
Telstra was once a public company and we all owned it. Like every other Australian, I owned a share in Telstra. However, I am losing that sense of ownership rapidly because of what the federal government is doing to us. In those days, we had the benefits of a world-class telecommunications network. We were then told by the Howard government that Telstra 1 and Telstra 2 privatisation sales were necessary so that the money generated could be used to improve telecommunications services, so the mums and dads could buy shares in Telstra and share in the wealth generated by partly privatised Telstra. The mums and dads were conned into buying shares in something that they already owned.
It reminds me of stories I was told, purported to come from World War II, of spivs selling shares in the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the American soldiers. The trouble is, the partial sale of Telstra was not an urban myth, it actually happened. The federal government did this to hardworking everyday Australians. Sadly, not only did all of us see a decline in the service levels provided by Telstra after our service partly sold off, but we awoke to find a big slice of the profits had to be returned to shareholders. Improving services seemed to take a back seat. The public was now being referred to as stakeholders or clients and shareholders profits seemed to be paramount. Not only that, but all those long-suffering mums and dads who did buy Telstra 1 and Telstra 2 shares were hit with a double whammy. Both the services they received as clients declined and so did the dollar value of the shares they purchased. This begs the question: who does get the value from the sale of Telstra 1 and 2 other than the federal government - and Telstra 3, of course?
The ruse is on again. The full sale of Telstra 3, so we are told, will not mean a reduction in service delivery to rural Australia. That is partly right as, in some places, it is already so bad that it could not get any worse. On that point, just before the federal parliament voted on the full sale of Telstra, the executive management of Telstra publicly announced that it would be unfair if a fully privatised Telstra had to maintain services at existing levels in the bush; this was something that was forced on them by the federal government.
Our so-called Territory CLP Senate representative, who holds a balance of power in the Senate, could have shown some real fortitude and truly held out for the best possible deal for Territorians. This is the political party that keeps telling us they are a so-called Territory party. Of course, we all know that is a real porky. The CLP Senator clearly owes his allegiance to his political masters in Canberra, so much so that he voted to gag the debate in the Senate where the states and territory rights are supposed to be upheld. He did not even bother to speak on the Territory’s behalf during the debate in the Senate on the sale of Telstra bill.
Unfortunately, the federal government has forced Telstra to under-invest in the network to the tune of $3bn in recent years. Poor performing exchange service areas have recently become very topical. Based on the reports by the Australian Communications Authority over the last 12 months, it is apparent that this under-investment for services and infrastructure is highlighted in the Northern Territory where, per capita, we have the worst telephone exchanges in the country. Specifically, six of the 97 worst telephone exchanges listed Australia-wide over the last 12 months are in the Northern Territory; at Berry Springs, Casuarina, Daly, Galiwinku, Nhulunbuy and Nightcliff. The Northern Territory has more dodgy exchanges in the 97 worst exchanges list than anywhere else in Australia except New South Wales and Victoria, and twice as many as Tasmania or Western Australia. It is worth noting that Telstra has a responsibility to ensure a standard service from the terms of the licence, and the federal government should require Telstra to address these issues.
What particularly angers me is when I hear from my Cox Peninsula constituents and read in the local newspaper that Telstra has been forced by the federal government to publicly advise that it will now renege on a commitment it announced more than a year ago to provide a mobile phone service to the Cox Peninsula. The reasons they give is that it is not commercially viable as there are not enough people there. I guess it comes back to what the member for Greatorex has said: anywhere less than 100 people or anywhere where it is not viable, it should not be considered. They have said there are not enough people out there and it is not commercially viable. Well, let me tell the members of the House, the Cox Peninsula, and Wagait Beach in particular, is clearly growing at an accelerated rate. In fact, I spoke to the Cox Peninsula Community Government Council CEO at Wagait Beach and Belyuen council’s CEO, and the combined permanent population of the Cox Peninsula has grown from about 500 in 2001-02 to about 620 in 2005-06. That does not include people living at Mica Beach and those who commute to work at Cox Peninsula such as medical staff at Belyuen and Radio Australia staff.
Furthermore, according to the Mandorah Beach Hotel licensee, Mr Steve Brown, who keeps his own records of visitor numbers, some 35 000 ferry and road visitors currently travel to Mandorah each year. At the moment, 15% of visitors come to Mandorah by road. Realistically, this coming year we should see that number at least double as the last section of the Cox Peninsula Road is currently being completed to sealed all-weather two-wheel drive road standard. Consequently, next year could see nearly 700 permanent residents and some 40 000 tourists and visitors travel to Mandorah. These are tourists who will not have guaranteed mobile phone coverage; and we all know how important mobile phone coverage is for a tourist.
For it to be said that numbers do not stack up is clearly a fallacious argument. I am glad today to be able to show this mistruth for what it is. The ink is not even dry on the Telstra bill and the government reneges on a basic level of service delivery to the Cox Peninsula, a rapidly growing, beachside tourist community less than 10 km from Darwin.
The CLP member for the federal electorate of Solomon supported the sale, and praised Telstra’s local and remote services. As Labor’s Warren Snowdon stated in a recent press release: ‘It is particularly disappointing for Wagait that they have copped the dubious distinction of being the first cab off the rank for an offer of service to be withdrawn’. Like my federal ALP counterparts, Warren Snowdon and Senator Trish Crossin, and my fellow MLAs, I continue to fight hard to try to get a fair deal for Territorians and my constituents.
Many Australians in the cities take broadband Internet services for granted. However, in rural Australia and the bush, the story is quite different. There are still enormous problems accessing ADSL and broadband in Darwin, rural areas outside Darwin, and also cross large swathes of regional areas of the Northern Territory. It does not leave much, does it? In the main part of my electorate of Goyder, ADSL platform coverage is now only available to a limited number of people from Humpty Doo 8988 exchange, depending on whether they live within 2 km of a suitable distribution point. All of those people who live in Goyder and neighbouring Nelson who are serviced by the Howard Springs 8983 exchange need a full exchange upgrade to be able to receive ADSL platform broadband services.
Many Internet users have turned to satellite provided Internet access. However, it is nowhere as near as fast as ADSL and the cost for downloads is very expensive compared to ADSL. To expand the ADSL broadband network in the rural areas of my electorate of Goyder is generally a factor of demonstrated demand. Telstra require a minimum of 30 identified clients before they will invest $100 000 to $250 000 in necessary infrastructure. In order to help my constituents in Goyder in this regard, I have started collecting expressions of interest and passing them on to Telstra.
Madam Speaker, I applaud the minister for his telecommunications motion. I truly hope the Northern Territory government can provide sufficient pressure on the federal government to at least provide the $265m in funding to try and ensure our Telstra telecommunications services are up to scratch. I call on the Commonwealth government to provide sufficient funds right now so that Telstra can honour its commitment to provide mobile services for Wagait Beach on the Cox Peninsula.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I only have a few comments to make, mainly because most of the comments have already been made by members from both sides of the House. I want to state publicly that I am not a supporter of the federal government selling Telstra. It always concerns me that our Commonwealth government has sold off our assets. As rich a nation as we are, we should always retain certain assets so they belong to the people of Australia. It concerns me that they are doing this, and that is why I support this motion. It is a way you can bring home the ramifications this sale will have on people in remote areas is far greater than the Prime Minister and his colleagues in Canberra understand.
I have to admit that I do not have a conflict of interest. Why would you want to buy Telstra shares? I believe that if you are going to buy shares, buy them when they are on the up and not when they are on the down. They do not look very healthy at the moment, I have to admit. However, in saying that, we do expect Telstra to provide us with a good service. It is rather ironical that, having a unit in Fannie Bay up until a few months ago, I could not get reception within my unit; I had to walk outside. Then I found out that they had put a power pole in the racecourse area, and that was why the reception was so much better.
Let me relate a couple of incidents that have happened to me. I have a son who works as a subcontractor in remote communities. He has a couple of small children, as well as an older daughter. We have, at times, wanted to be able to contact him. Because he has never invested in a satellite phone, it is almost impossible to reach him; yet there are times we should be able to. His daughter is in England at the moment, and I can ring my granddaughter on my mobile and get her easier and clearer than trying to reach someone around the area of Darwin and the rural area. It just seems crazy that we do not have this equality of service throughout Australia.
A couple of years ago, when we were driving between Darwin and Katherine, there was a rather nasty pile-up of cars and a couple of people were killed. We had a satellite phone with us at the time. Of the number of cars that pulled up, we were the only ones who were able to reach the police and ambulance in Katherine fairly quickly. Without that communication, those people may have been on the side of the road until people drove on to Katherine. It is essential and vital that we do have easy access to communications, in particular from Darwin to Katherine. As the member for Katherine knows, it is a beautiful stretch of road, but quite dangerous and, at times, very hard to communicate from. There are instances where it is very important that the service that we are getting from Telstra accommodates all different situations in the Territory, not just the main centres.
You only have to look at the advance of technology in the School of the Air and the way they have grasped it and the benefits for the students in many of the remote pastoral areas and communities. They have grasped it with both hands. I still remember the old pedal radios they used to have in the School of the Air, with the static reception they used to get and how hard it was. Now, communications and Internet access is so much better. It has improved the quality of teaching, the service provision for students in the School of the Air, and given them a different view of life. They do not just live in a remote pastoral community with little communication; they actually get a good grasp of the broader view of life. That has been a tremendous asset in increasing their knowledge of the world and improving their learning outcomes. Therefore, there is a reason for us to always be pushing for the best we can possibly have. We should not be in Australia, of all places, accepting second best. We are a country with an enormous amount of resources and potential, why should we allow the Commonwealth government to give us a service that is second class? I really believe that, in many places, it is second class.
Madam Speaker, I support the motion before us today. The sad part when you get motions like this is that they become political argy-bargy. However, I support the essence and spirit of it. That is what is important for people within this House no matter where we live; that we send this message to Canberra and make them understand that we should not be disadvantaged just because we live in the Territory, and that there is an enormous need for the safety and wellbeing of our people, no matter where they live in the Territory, to have good access to communications. In saying that, I support the motion.
Dr BURNS (Communications): Madam Speaker, this certainly is a very important motion before this House. There was some talk by some members of the opposition that, somehow, there is not enough business before this House and this is a filling, padding exercise. Given the numbers of people who have spoken on this motion, it shows the interest in this issue. It is a vital issue for the Northern Territory and it is appropriate that it was debated at length here today.
I thank all members for their contribution. Everyone here has recognised that telecommunications is very important for the Northern Territory. Although the opposition has its view and one can understand the politics of that, one might have hoped that they might have taken an attitude like the member for Braitling, whose words were that she supports ‘the spirit of this motion’. That is what counts.
The member for Araluen talked about a number of things. She spoke about a number of Commonwealth government initiatives in certain areas. She talked about Connect Australia and some of the funding associated with that. My advice is that that is a program rolled out over three-and-a-half to four years and is probably not a viable option for the large scale programs that are being proposed through the ACIL Report. Whilst Connect Australia is a Commonwealth government initiative, I outlined in my speech for the motion that, basically, that was not an option.
I should also flag before I go too much further, that in the scheme of things, the member for Nelson has withdrawn his amendment. In discussions with the member for Nelson, I agreed to incorporate his amendment in part of the overall motion which I will explain. I move that paragraph (c) of my motion be omitted. The original paragraph (c) read:
I move to insert the following words so it now becomes:
I table that amendment.
Returning to the member for Araluen, she talked about fault improvement through the efforts of the federal government over time. She also said that the $265m …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am just asking for guidance. The minister just amended his motion, so does this open up the debate again …
Dr BURNS: Yes, it does ...
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Yes, an amendment has been put, and that means that any member can speak on that amendment.
Dr BURNS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Given the way that the member for Greatorex was whacked the last time he spoke, it will be interesting to see whether he ventures forth again.
The member for Araluen put forward the opinion that she thought the $265m being sought by the Northern Territory and broken up in the proposal that I spoke to earlier today, was politically motivated. I say to the member for Araluen that the ACIL Report went through the telecommunications needs of the Northern Territory and a cost of $265m was ascribed to that. I would also mention to the member for Araluen that this represents about 1% of the sale of Telstra, and we should bear in mind that the Northern Territory represents 1% of the population of Australia. Therefore, it is quite a reasonable ask on the sale of Telstra. It is not as if we are asking manifold of what our population is. In fact, our needs are great as I demonstrated in my speech, as did other speakers, particularly in the rural and remote areas. In the mainstream, there are great gaps within our service and great support needed for our educational institutions, and the cost is $265m.
The member for Araluen also talked about the federal initiative called Building Indigenous Ability. My information is that approximately $50m of that goes towards indigenous television and radio and that does not leave for too much left over for some of the other initiatives that have been flagged here today.
We heard very eloquently from the member for Arnhem about the issue of equity. Why should Aboriginal people, particularly in remote areas of the Northern Territory, have to give something up to gain something that they should rightfully have? Support for some of those services in radio and television should be forthcoming, notwithstanding the sale of Telstra. I agree with the member for Arnhem in relation to that.
I heard the member for Araluen also say that we should send this motion to Telstra, rather than the Prime Minister. I believe this is a political issue and we should be sending it to the Prime Minister and I am standing beside that part of the motion.
The member for Stuart talked about essential issues, and about the Territory having a unique set of needs. He also talked about digital networks. As we are aware, the member for Stuart has a long involvement in this particular area, and has been somewhat of a pioneer in setting up the Tanami Network, and some of the innovations around that. He was well placed to speak about some of the issues around telemedicine and education. He was saying that many of these things have already been trialled; it is not as if they are coming out of left field, there is already some work being done. He was saying it is time to move forward, and to expand these services elsewhere in the Northern Territory.
He also has a vision. I know he was a former minister, both for Corporate and Information Services and Communication. He has a vision for business hubs out of the Territory to the world. That is a great vision that we should be moving towards, as there are unique businesses in the Northern Territory. We have unique knowledge to offer the rest of the world. The member for Stuart mentioned Desert Knowledge amongst others. I thank him for his support.
We resolved the issue over short notice of the motion and the member for Nelson actually receiving a copy. I thank him for clarifying that particular issue, because I did ask my office to send out copies of the ACIL Report to other members in this parliament as soon as I knew that this motion was coming on.
He talked about what LGANT’s role has been in rolling out telecommunication services in the Northern Territory over the past few years. My advice is that they were involved in the NT Connect or the 20/20 Vision, and that this was basically about systems - business systems not infrastructure per se. I compliment LGANT, and Louise Fuller in particular who has given me a briefing on some of the issues and the activities that she has been undertaking through LGANT over the past three years. They have done much fine work. I am advised that, basically, this is about systems, not so much infrastructure.
The member asked some technical questions about why the wording had changed in the motion from one day to the next. I guess that occurred through the Clerk-Assistant on whose advice we rearranged the format; not the content of the motion. It is all about the way that the motion looked, and the presentability of the motion rather than rearranging the content. I am advised by the Clerk that that is quite appropriate. I apologise if that has caused some inconvenience to the member for Nelson. I thought that he gave a good account of his views on this whole issue. He does not support the sale of Telstra, as do most members in this place - certainly government members - and the other Independent member.
The member for Millner focused on the Defence Forces and the deficits there, particularly at the RAAF Base. I know he has been fighting very hard, probably over a couple of years now, to try to get broadband connections into RAAF Base Darwin. As the member for Millner eloquently pointed out, these are people who go overseas to serve our country; they are our armed forces. Their extended families are elsewhere and, if they go overseas, they are removed from their family here. Why should they not have the very best in telecommunications to enable them to converse, contact and communicate with their family members when overseas? I commend the member for Millner for his great work. He is a great local member. I know that he has lobbied Telstra very hard, and through my office also, to try to bring the extension of broadband services into the RAAF Base. We will keep working on that. He has written letters to the Prime Minister and others, and probably received quite inadequate replies. He is working hard.
He also acknowledged the great work of Telstra staff - as did a couple of other speakers here today - in particular, the Manager of Telstra Country Wide in the Northern Territory, Mr Danny Honan, who has taken to the Territory, loves it here and has a great commitment to the Territory. He represents that heart and soul of Telstra; all the people, the technicians, who work in Telstra who do such a great job. This motion here today is not a slap at Telstra, Madam Speaker. We recognise that the people who work at Telstra are hard workers. This is directed towards the Commonwealth government.
The member for Greatorex talked about this being a wish list. He talked about marketplace economies and, basically, why communities of less than 100 should even expect to have this infrastructure. The member of Wanguri addressed many of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex. I just ask the member for Greatorex to consider that the Territory government gives Power and Water CSOs across the Territory to equalise the cost of power. I suppose our government and the previous government gave these things. So, there has been a recognition within previous CLP governments that there needs to be equalisation, and that everything cannot be driven by the marketplace and cost. It is very important that we maintain that, and recognise that there is a unique set of conditions here in the Northern Territory and a whole range of communities that need our support.
The members for Wanguri and Arnhem addressed many of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex so I will not pursue that any further. The member for Wanguri also pointed out to the member for Greatorex that Telstra does have a universal service obligation, and they also have that to communities of less than 100. The member for Wanguri pointed out very well that Telstra is a viable service to the Northern Territory. He sent a message to the opposition that they really should consider their position on this because it is not really a position that is friendly to a lot of communities within the Northern Territory - Aboriginal communities, pastoral properties, tourism areas, and mining areas. All these areas require the support of the Commonwealth government and Telstra to have telecommunications.
The member for Arnhem spoke very passionately on this issue. She raised the issue of indigenous radio and television. I have mentioned that previously. She also highlighted the consistency of the Labor Party, over several elections, in opposing the sale of Telstra and the reasons why the Labor Party federally has opposed the sale of Telstra. This is in stark contrast to our federal Coalition representatives, Senator Scullion and Mr Dave Tollner who, as the record has shown, have said one thing about the sale of Telstra and what they expected to get out of it and, basically, have gone very silent as this as it progressed. This one issue was that there should be mobile phone coverage all the way down the Stuart Highway. Also, what I would say was a very poor ask from Senator Scullion of $14m to cover the pressing needs of telecommunications within the Northern Territory. The member for Arnhem covered those issues very well. She said that these telecommunications were a basic necessity. If they are down, people cannot go about their normal business or communicate with the outside world, and commerce in those communities just grinds to a halt; it is a hopeless situation. Those communities deserve equity, along with every other community in the Northern Territory.
The member for Daly talked about the scorched earth policy of the CLP in relation to telecommunications, or the policy that they seemed to have unveiled today. He also asserted that the CLP representatives in Canberra were ‘yes men’ for Canberra and, unfortunately, that seems to be the case. He also highlighted the telecommunications needs for regional development in his electorate, and they are very important needs, might I say.
The member for Sanderson said that he was a shareholder in Telstra; he declared his interest. He has the wellbeing of Territorians at heart – the importance of telecommunications for health and business. He also talked about access for the people of Sanderson. He is very passionate about Territory rights and I respect the member for Sanderson for that.
The member for Goyder talked about the tyranny of distance. He stated that, with the sale of T1 and T2 improving services took a back seat; that there was a $3bn under-investment in Telstra and that led to poor performing exchanges, and he named a few in his own electorate and beyond. He also commented, as a few speakers have, on the conduct of Senator Scullion in the Senate, in the fact that he did not speak and that he allowed debate to be gagged, which I believe is poor performance. He talked about growing areas in his electorate which will need increased telecommunications infrastructure.
The member for Braitling gave a very good offering that was short. Basically, the member for Braitling placed on the record today that she does not support the full sale of Telstra. She also talked about the ramifications for our rural and remote communities. The member for Braitling certainly has a long experience in the Territory and in Central Australia in particular, and her views must be respected. She talked about her son who is a builder in remote communities and how difficult it can be for him to contact his family, without easy access. She also talked about educational needs, particularly on remote pastoral communities, and how this telecommunication infrastructure is very important for students in those communities. She said there has been some political argy-bargy around this motion but she thought it was simple, and she supported it in essence and also in spirit.
Madam Speaker, I have tried to address the issues that have been raised by honourable members. I will come back to the $265m that is being asked here in the ACIL Tasman Report: $98m for remote indigenous communities of greater than 100; approximately $50m for remote indigenous communities of less than 100; a Northern Territory/South Australia fibre optic link and mobile coverage along the Stuart Highway, $85m; urban broadband gaps, approximately $2m; education AARNET broadband links to help our educational institutions, $10m; remote TeleHealth, $15m; and Smart Homes fibre, $5m, with a total of $265m.
I will say again that this is 1% of the sale of Telstra. We are 1% of the Australian population; this is equity. There is equity in our ask. It is equity in what we expect of the level of telecommunications that is offered to everyone else in Australia. All we are after is equity. I am glad of the support of members here today. I get the feeling the opposition is not supporting this motion. That is unfortunate, but I ask members to support this motion and the amendment that I have put.
Madam SPEAKER: I clarify that members should be aware that now you can speak on the amendment, and only on the amendment, that the minister has just moved.
Dr LIM: Speaking to that direction, Madam Speaker, I seek your advice further. The minister was quite global in his speech now, in drawing all the points together. He travelled across many areas and talked about many issues and included in that was the amendment. The question is: do you stick to the amendment as he just spoke, or do you use all the points that he made?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, the minister was, in fact, summing up the whole comments of the debate and, whilst he was doing that, he also moved an amendment. It is my understanding, but I will seek advice before I make a ruling, that you can just only speak on the part that is the amendment.
Dr LIM: Yes, I seek the indulgence of the Clerk, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It is as I suggested: you can only speak on the amendment. There were two options. One was that you could seek leave to speak but I am going to allow any member to speak on the amendment. That would also mean the minister can reply again.
Dr LIM: Following that advice, Madam Speaker, I would decline to pursue the debate any further, but seek that you allow me to make a personal explanation.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, that has to be done when there is no business before the Chair, once the motion has been put.
Are there any further speakers on the amendment?
Let us just go through what has happened this afternoon. The member for Greatorex put forward an amendment which was negatived. The member for Nelson put forward an amendment which was withdrawn. The minister has put forward an amendment to his motion, and then there will be another motion; either the original motion or the amended motion.
I am now putting the amendment, as moved by the Minister for Communications, to the original motion.
Amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, the member for Greatorex has sought my leave to make a personal explanation. I would appreciate you listening in silence to his comments.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, earlier in the debate on Telstra, the member for Wanguri, the Leader of Government Business, attributed words to me, namely that I said: ‘The marketplace ultimately determines where the infrastructure will go’.
Yes, I did say those words in my contribution in the debate. However, they were my quoting of the member for Stuart, who used those words, ‘that the marketplace ultimately determines where the infrastructure will go’. They were his words that have been attributed to me as my words. It is unfortunate that the Leader of Government Business has misrepresented me right throughout his own contribution to this debate. I wish to have that corrected. You can get the rushes out if you would like to check that for yourself.
Continued from 17 August 2005.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, the opposition supports this bill. The second reading speech was relatively short and to the point. It is a sensible bill and there is no reason to oppose it. In government, the CLP would have done the same thing. If it provides some level of flexibility to the magistracy that, in turn, enables for a more efficient administration of justice in the Northern Territory, then it is a bill worthy of support.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for their support for what is a minor amendment bill. It is to allow our retired magistrates or, indeed, retired magistrates drawn from elsewhere in Australia, to be brought into our courts on a relieving or acting basis after the time when they turn 65. It clarifies the eligibility criteria within the current act by making it clear that reaching the age of 65 does not preclude being taken into those roles.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Dr TOYNE (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.
Madam SPEAKER: Are there any ministerial statements?
Ms Lawrie: Madam Speaker, I believe we are to continue with the ministerial statement on Building Healthier Communities.
Dr Lim: I thought Young Territorians was going to come on first. Hang on a moment. The Whip and I talked about this and Young Territorians was coming on first.
Ms Lawrie: I am no longer Whip, but that was the advice I was given.
Madam Speaker, may I propose that the minister is happy to go with the Young Territorians statement if the opposition prefers it.
Mrs Braham: We were told the health one was going to be completed. Sorry, Madam Speaker, we were informed by the government Whip that we were going to finalise the health statement before they went on with sport and recreation.
Ms Carney: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the opposition, it is a worry. I believe there was bit of a muck-up last week in relation to the Government Whip as well. Can I simply ask in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation that the Government Whip communicate with the Opposition Whip effectively so that my colleagues and I know what we are doing in the parliament in terms of the government’s agenda.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Could I have some clarification? Were you advised which statement is coming on now?
Dr Lim: I was advised, Madam Speaker, that Youth would come on first and then we would complete the Health one later on today.
Madam SPEAKER: All right. Is the Minister for Young Territorians available to deliver her speech?
Dr Toyne: I am quite happy with reversing it if that is what you want. I am not going to die in a ditch over that.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Young Territorians): Madam Speaker, I speak about a topic that is important to the future of the Northern Territory - young Territorians. In the Northern Territory, perhaps more than anywhere in Australia, it is important to be aware of the complex challenges facing our young people. The Northern Territory government is committed to providing programs and policies aimed at assisting them to meet these challenges.
The Territory has the most youthful population of any state or territory in Australia, and the lowest median age. Twenty-two percent of the Territory’s population is aged 12 to 25 years old. This population is spread across the Territory, with 30% of young people living in what is classified as rural and remote areas. Young people in the Territory contribute to the cultural diversity of our society, with about 30% of young people stating that they speak another language other than English at home.
Young Territorians are an asset we need to support and develop to ensure that the Territory keeps moving ahead. That is the underlying rationale for Building a Better Future for Young Territorians, the Northern Territory government’s youth policy framework. This framework was written after extensive Territory-wide consultation with young people, their families, and those who work with and support young people. The framework outlines a whole-of-government approach to the delivery of services and programs for young Territorians, and was launched in April 2003.
The youth policy framework promotes five interrelated objectives for and on behalf of young Territorians. These are: improving young people’s health and wellbeing; improving access to education and employment for young people; providing more opportunities for young people to have fun and develop new skills; making sure that young people are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives; and creating communities where young people can feel safe and secure. Key issues and priority actions were identified in respect of each of these objectives to guide service and program delivery to young Territorians.
When the youth policy framework was released in 2003, government made a commitment to report on the progress towards the achievement of each of the objectives, as well as on new initiatives that were developed in response to emerging needs of young Territorians. The Office of Youth Affairs in the Department of Chief Minister coordinates this reporting process. The inaugural progress report was released in early 2004, and it is with pleasure today that I table the second progress report for members.
The second progress report shows what further progress has been achieved in respect of the different objectives, and illuminates the range of programs and services available to young Territorians. I will highlight some of them here today. Today’s ministerial statement is an opportunity for us to focus on the positive programs and initiatives available that have been established to engage our young people and acknowledge the positive contributions that young Territorians make to the community.
First, young people’s health and wellbeing. As young people move through adolescence and into adult independence, the lifestyle and behaviour patterns they establish for themselves have the potential to shape their future health and wellbeing. Government, therefore, supports health programs that focus on prevention and intervention strategies.
Government acknowledges that one of the most significant health burdens carried by young people is in the area of mental health. Positive mental health amongst young people empowers them to provide the impetus to work through issues. Throughout their journey through adolescence, young people need our understanding, support and guidance. Making sure that young people are informed about mental health issues and giving them the skills to build their capacity to cope with issues is an important step in maintaining positive mental health.
The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with the Department of the Chief Minister, developed a resource kit to give young people the skills to cope with emotional distress. The kit provides a series of fact sheets that cover topical issues relevant to young Territorians such as stress and coping, positive relationships, positive image, and what to do if someone is having trouble. The kit is a valuable resource for young Territorians and addresses the key priority areas for reducing mental health problems and issues amongst young people identified at the Northern Territory government’s youth policy framework and the Building Healthier Communities framework.
The Northern Territory government is now leading the way with our efforts to combat petrol sniffing in the community. It has committed $10m over the next five years for this cause. Members will be aware that the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly in May this year. This legislation provides long-term rehabilitation strategies for people with volatile substance misuse problems or those at risk of such problems. For the first time anywhere in Australia, it will grant to law enforcement officers the legal authority and power to seize petrol and other petrol sniffing equipment from the unfortunate individual who is in the grip of this life-wrecking addiction. The legislation will not come into effect until new treatment and rehabilitation services are developed, and systems and protocols are put in place. Consultation with key stakeholders is under way to develop a service network of treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for people with volatile substance misuse problems.
The Gunbalanya Youth Service is developing a youth and wellbeing program that builds young people’s self-esteem and provides the skills to make positive decisions. The program will also provide cultural education to reduce domestic violence, and will offer referrals to other health-related services such as counselling. The Family and Children’s Services Program has developed a family support framework to facilitate future planning and redevelopment of services in the Northern Territory. The framework will be used to provide a consistent approach and guide the development and provision of an improved system of services across the care continuum.
This work is one of the many projects that have been undertaken as part of the Caring for Our Children Reform Agenda and a key initiative of the Building Healthier Communities framework. With this framework, it is anticipated that service provision to young people will be consistent and accessible. There is an ongoing commitment to funding family support services across the Territory to ensure that services are effective, innovative and accountable. The family support framework has been distributed to non-government sector forums across the Territory.
The Alternative Family Care Program is a new Territory-wide service of government. This service will provide family-based care services to young people who have disabilities and other special needs but, for these reasons, are unable to live with their birth family on a full-time basis. This service is aimed at providing a therapeutic and supportive environment for young people with disabilities and/or challenging behaviour. The service provider Life Without Barriers has extensive experience in providing out of home care services to young people. Service development and planning has commenced, and it is anticipated that the service will commence work with young people and their carers and families towards the end of the year.
The Office of Children and Families and the Department of Health and Community Services has continued to grow and develop a range of services to young families. Service mapping activities are being undertaken to ascertain what services exists which support young teenage mothers in the community. The department has also been working closely with the Parenting Puzzle Group and the Darwin Toy Library on how to engage with vulnerable parents, including unsupported young mothers. Parentline is also being reviewed to ascertain how best to market the service to young people.
The Tennant Creek Family Support Service is a new and exciting initiative. This early intervention service will support young families struggling to care for children. Tennant Creek has a very young population, with 60% being under the age of 18 years of age. This new service is directed at families and is focused on providing relevant and effective services to this population.
Improving access to education and employment for young people: the Northern Territory government is committed to ensuring that young Territorians are able to obtain the skills and experience needed to enhance their career prospects and opportunities. Strategies for achieving that objective include scholarships and increased support for trainees and apprentices. We have an environment scholarship worth $3000, which is given annually to a young Territorian to study Environmental Science, Management or a related courses at Charles Darwin University. The tertiary studies Earth Science Cadetship provides a Territory student interested in a career in earth sciences or geology with $12 000 annually for three years. The successful student is also guaranteed paid work experience during long holiday periods in a relevant Northern Territory public sector agency or a major mining company in the Northern Territory. The Department of Employment, Education and Training offers higher education scholarships worth $3500 annually to young Territorians accepted into tertiary study, as well as teacher bursaries worth $12 000 annually to Territorians starting a teaching degree in the Northern Territory.
The Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development provides services and programs to the Territory business community. Our concept of the Territory business community includes young people at school and who are already in business and young people who consider business as a career option, and backs up that encouragement with business skills, training and advice. The department’s emphasis on youth has been demonstrated in its contribution to the Futures Expo, and in the presentations it has conducted in Territory high schools of starting a business and the basics of running a business.
The display at the Futures Expo was themed ‘Dreams to Reality’ and generated considerable interest with students. About 1000 students attending the expo across all regions completed a survey which reflected the business aspirations of the respondents. Equipping young Territorians with marketable skills is a high priority for this government and we acknowledge that particular skills and qualifications are needed for most trades and occupations. We are increasing apprentice and training numbers right across the Territory, in both the private and public sector, as well as providing training opportunities to upskill our existing work force. To ensure that the Territory has a skilled work force into the future, we have introduced a range for incentives to encourage both employers and apprentices.
As a result of these initiates, there has been a growth in apprentice and trainee commencement numbers. The initiatives include the following:
Under the Northern Territory public sector new apprenticeship program, young Territorians will be given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience whilst studying for a nationally accredited qualification at the Certificate II or III level. The program is now offered to all Territorians with school leavers being the main applicants. There are currently 125 apprentices employed in the public sector, the majority of whom are young people.
Much has already been said publicly about the Building Better Schools package which is part of the response to our review of secondary education in the Northern Territory. The implementation phase has begun with community consultations held last month to look at improving educational outcomes for those young people in the middle years of their education.
Providing an education service for many of our indigenous students requires positive partnership across government with communities and families to enhance opportunities for students to achieve successes at school and beyond. Over the next four years, government will work with the Northern Territory communities to provide effective education from preschools to senior secondary, including improved access to vocational education and training. Increasing the focus on supporting indigenous students in this regard is essential if students are to have meaningful opportunities and choices for their future. Priority action to significantly improve outcomes and education and training for indigenous students over the next four years has been identified and form the basis for the Northern Territory Indigenous Education Strategic Plan 2005-08. We will continue to focus on building a better skilled and responsive work force.
Providing more opportunities for young people to have fun and develop new skills: rounded human beings have skills and capacities both in the work environment and in the family and community environments. It is in the interest of both government and the community to assist young people to reach their full potential in developing life skills which will support them through adolescence and adult life. The process of youth development should involve opportunities for active citizenship, the building of self-esteem and self-confidence, the development and enhancement of social skills, and the acceptance of differing views and ways of doing things.
Young people need more than structured programs in this area; they need good role models in their lives and a sense of belonging to a community. Mentoring can play a crucial role in young people’s lives by offering social and emotional support and by nurturing and developing relevant social skills and understanding. Most of us here today can identify a person who, at some time in their life, had a significant and positive impact on them. A mentor can be a friend, relative, co-worker or teacher; mentors offer knowledge, insight, wisdom and perspective. It is, therefore, important that the community acknowledges its responsibility in nurturing young people and providing positive role models. The Athletes as Role Models program is a good example of a program that is built on strong mentoring principles. This program uses high profile athletes to connect with young people and encourage their participation in sporting activities. This program is really popular with our young indigenous Territorians and is yielding positive outcomes.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training supports the indigenous student leadership and mentorship programs. Government secondary schools across the Territory have responded to this program with almost 70 applications received. Preparations are under way for an induction day for the successful first round of students. An exciting program is being developed including a series of interactive workshops that explore in a practical way the concepts of leadership and mentorship. The day will also involve an award ceremony at Parliament House when the inaugural students will have their place in the program officially recognised.
The Office of Sports and Recreation has established the Club Guru Leadership Program open to young people aged 16 to 22 years living in the Darwin and Palmerston areas. The program targets potential future leaders of sport and active recreation organisations. Club Guru aims to develop youth leaders in each sport by equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute at club and association levels. Accredited training is offered to participants to provide them with a range of coaching, officiating and administrative skills. Youth development offers mutual benefit to young people in their community, not just in the future, but here and now.
Young people need skills for life such as the ability to communicate, work effectively as a member of a team, and accept and discharge responsibilities. There are many other examples of diverse youth specific programs and initiatives available to all young Territorians that build on the individual’s capacity. Government will continue to support the Leeuwin Youth Development Program. This program provides young Territorians with a positive and unique life experience and the opportunity to develop important interpersonal skills. Each year, 40 young Territorians sail aboard the tall ship STS Leeuwin for 11 days. This program aims to provide learning experiences that promote personal development and targets those young Territorians who may be disadvantaged in some way or at risk of leaving school.
The Junior Police Rangers Scheme is an initiative of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services. The three-year program provides positive role models and develops the leadership skills of Year 8 to Year 10 students by providing activities that build self-esteem, enabling them to pass these skills on to their peers. Students get to participate in outdoor adventure-based activities such as abseiling, archery, bush survival skills, first air, canoeing and bike riding.
The Parks and Wildlife Junior Ranger Program is a free environmental-based program for children aged nine to 14 years. The program is part of the Parks and Wildlife approach to building community support for the environment and protected area system. The program is available to children in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, as well as many children in remote areas and Aboriginal communities. It is also delivered by the Katherine and Alice Springs School of the Air Program to reach children living in isolated areas. Up to 2005, the Darwin Junior Ranger Program has provided over 500 activities to more than 1750 children. On the weekend, I had the privilege of handing out graduation certificates to 50 of the Darwin children in this year’s program.
The Palmerston Recreation Centre, once completed, will deliver a new and much needed recreation centre for the youth of Palmerston and surrounding rural community.
Leanyer Recreation Park is a popular recreational park for our young people. Government has committed additional funding to expand facilities at Lake Leanyer to include waterslides, a kiosk, upgraded skateboard facilities, a BMX track, tennis facilities and further shade protection.
Engaging our young people in remote communities is a priority for government. The following initiatives funded by the Department of Health and Community Services highlight government commitment to our remote communities:
Making sure that young people are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives: because the Territory has a small but substantially dispersed population spread across some of Australia’s most remote and isolated regions, there are logistical difficulties to be tackled in engaging with our young people. We need to listen to them and to involve them on matters of importance. We want to bring young people together to talk about issues that ensure that they play a role in developing the Territory.
Government has a number of strategies and initiatives that are designed to create or enhance opportunities for young people to get involved in their communities and in the public life of the Territory generally. A special mention needs to be made of the worthwhile programs and initiatives that are available to young Territorians through community organisations.
One such development program that comes to mind is Youth Parliament which is run by the YMCA in partnership with government. This program provides the opportunity for young Territorians to gain public speaking and debating skills, and develop an interest in their parliamentary system by being actively involved in the process. Youth Parliament also provides a forum for young people to express their views on matters of concern to them. Talented and energetic young people from secondary schools across the Northern Territory contribute to rigorous debate on topical issues that are important to them. Youth Parliament gives young Territorians a taste of what it is like to participate in the formal process of government decision making.
National Youth Week is an annual event and the single largest event on Australia’s youth calendar. Youth Week celebrates our diverse youth culture and showcases the talent, creativity and commitment of young people. National Youth Week 2006 will be held from 1 to 9 April. The Office of Youth Affairs has begun promoting Youth Week to encourage young Territorians and the community to get involved.
Government also provides grants to young people and community organisations for the funding of projects that benefit the broader youth community. These grants are available for projects that promote personal development and activities that are drug and alcohol free. The Youth Grant Program benefits young Territorians from all backgrounds. For example, a youth grant was awarded to the Melaleuca Refugee Centre to provide skills development to young refugees who have entered the Northern Territory under a humanitarian program, to learn how to swim.
Many young people prefer to use the Internet to access information. The Internet enables young people to seek information at any time of the day. An important engagement tool is the Territory’s youth web site. The web site provides information about government programs and services for young people, as well as links to a range of community-based youth services. Community organisations also use the web site to promote youth-related activities and events.
Sports LinkUp is Australia’s only junior sport web site. It was launched in September by my parliamentary colleague, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Twenty-seven sports have come on board to be part of this all inclusive web site that provides a smorgasbord of information for young people, families and teachers, including club information, training times and competitions.
Members will be interested to know that there are mechanisms in place to ascertain the views of young people. Through its Regional Consultations Program, the Office of Youth Affairs facilitates forums with young people and service providers to talk about the issues affecting their lives and to seek their views on possible solutions. The Regional Consultations Program also identifies those gaps in youth service delivery that exist in the Northern Territory and enables government to consider options to address these gaps. The Office of Youth Affairs plays a key role in engaging young people and, essentially, acts as a conduit in conveying information on key youth issues to government, its agencies, and to the community and youth sectors.
There are many initiatives that government has implemented in response to listening to the views and ideas of young people. One such example is the successful BassintheGrass and BassintheDust concerts. These concerts are now part of the Territory’s annual youth entertainment calendar and will continue to get bigger and better each year. It should be noted that free bus services are continuing to be expanded to major events such as these, giving more opportunities for young Territorians to attend.
Government was also responsive to the Katherine community’s needs and suggestions for an appropriate youth service. For example, a commitment was made by government as part of the Katherine by-election to provide $200 000 in funding towards the establishment of a youth service in Katherine. The outcome of consultations with the Katherine community was the establishment of services that are really needed and, importantly, wanted. The Katherine Youth Service operates two nights a week and during daytime hours on Monday to Thursday, with the option for weekend activities. The service is a central service point for youth service providers, and improves coordination between young people and service providers in Katherine.
Government also provides funding for the operation of a number of youth drop-in centres. There is a culturally appropriate youth drop-in and activity zone in Nhulunbuy. This service meets the needs of young indigenous and non-indigenous people in the communities of Nhulunbuy, Ski Beach and Yirrkala. Services are provided most afternoons and evenings, with special events occurring on weekends and extended operating hours during school holidays.
The After Hours Youth Drop-in Centre reopened at Alice Springs on 1 July 2005. The service operates three nights a week from Thursday onwards. This service is a good example of a holistic approach to service delivery to young people as six youth services are involved in the drop-in centre and work in partnership to alleviate youth homelessness.
The Round Table of Young Territorians will continue to ensure that young people have a voice in government decision-making through this forum. The Youth Round Table is an advisory body to government, consisting of 16 young members aged 15 to 25 years. Members come from all over the Northern Territory and reflect the Territory’s cultural diversity. I had the pleasure of meeting the members of the 2005 Youth Round Table. Their enthusiasm and determination to make a difference for the benefit of all young Territorians and the community is impressive. This program has real credibility as an exceptional development program for young people, and delivers positive outcomes for the community.
Young people who are achievers in their field of interest deserve community recognition. Some people may feel that the awards programs are elitist and exclude those young people who are disadvantaged in some way. This government is of the view that awards programs inspire and encourage other young Territorians to reach their full potential and realise their dreams and hopes for their future. The Northern Territory government, therefore, supports a range of awards which recognise these achievements.
In August this year, I was pleased to launch the 2006 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards. The Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards is a way of recognising those young Territorians who have contributed positively to the Northern Territory through their achievements. There are eight categories to this award, which is sponsored by government and the business community. At the 2005 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards, Jessica Mauboy, Richard Tambling, George Philbey, David Janmaat, Jacinta Thorbjornsen, Janelle Fisher, Judith Trezise and Daniel Bourchier were all recognised for their contribution to the arts, sports, science and engineering, regional and rural initiatives, community services, environment, career achievement and youth leadership. With the right support and encouragement, all young Territorians can achieve their goals and aspirations.
The Rural Young Achievers Award encourages young people from rural areas to develop skills particular to rural life, as well as public speaking skills. The award is sponsored by this government and is presented at the Freds Pass Rural Show.
The Student Citizen Award aims to recognise positive contributions to community life by young students across the Territory. The award is sponsored by the Department of Employment, Education and Planning and coordinated by the Australia Day Council.
Creating communities where young people can feel safe and secure: it is essential that our young people be protected from crime, and by this I mean both protected from becoming a victim and from criminal influence. To achieve this, we must first recognise and tackle the causes of crime in our community.
The Northern Territory government provides $400 000 annually through the NT Crime Prevention Grant Scheme to support community efforts to tackle the causes of crime. In the 2004-05 round of funding, 56% of the applications funded targeted young Territorians. Some examples of the funded initiatives include: a graffiti and anti-vandalism project in Tennant Creek; and the School Supporting Families with Young Children, an early intervention project in the Sadadeen area of Alice Springs. The Crime Prevention Grant Scheme is a proactive initiative to reduce the level of crime young Territorians are exposed to. It provides young people with the tools to realise that criminal behaviour is the least viable of the many paths available to them.
The Office of Crime Prevention’s support of the Crime Prevention Councils is another example of how government is working with the community to implement youth initiatives with a crime prevention focus. Initiatives include strategies to reduce juvenile crime across the Territory. Protecting young people and showing that they have the best possible start in life is fundamental to preventing crime. The Northern Territory government’s Building Safer Communities framework released in October 2004 outlines a number of priority areas towards achieving this goal.
The Katherine West Health Board’s Young People Keeping Strong project delivers a series of workshops aimed at young people aged 10 to 18 years that promote resilience and personal safety. This program assists young people to develop coping strategies to deal with violent and abusive situations. The workshops will be delivered in Timber Creek, Bulla and Mialuni.
Making sure our young people are safe on the road is a priority area for government. In partnership with Northern Territory Police and the Territory Insurance Office, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure manages a road safety awareness program aimed at young people. Through high school visits, young people gain an understanding of the issues and responsibilities confronting young drivers.
Government continues to develop strategies and programs to accommodate the emerging needs of young people. The Office of Youth Affairs is developing a youth engagement strategy to create more opportunities for active participation by young people. The strategy will provide an important focus for efforts in relation to youth engagement and development, particularly in the program and policy level. Youth development initiatives are characterised by effective partnership and recognition of the multiple stakeholders most likely to achieve sustained success and community support.
Finally, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work being undertaken by all Northern Territory government agencies in building a better future for young Territorians. I particularly thank the Office of Youth Affairs for the work it does as a central coordination unit for young people across government. Before I finish this statement, I would like to share a quote from Franklin D Roosevelt who said: ‘We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build a youth for the future’.
With that sentiment in mind, Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the minister for the statement. The opposition supports the statement and recognises the importance of our youth. To finish with a quote, minister, is very appropriate in recognising the importance of youth. It brings to mind a reference in an ancient text about young people or children being referred to as arrows. An arrow is an appropriate analogy because an arrow is a weapon that goes way beyond the reach of the person who uses that weapon or spear; a sword is within the hand of the user. An arrow goes way beyond and over the horizon, out of reach of the warrior, and young children are like that. They go to places we will never be able to go. They will go into a future that we can only imagine and it is our responsibility today to prepare them to go to a place where we will not be able to go. That is why these sorts of statements are so important.
However, these sorts of statements which list activities are fine, but we need to see the principles upon which all these activities are based. I listened carefully for that, to see that we are actually constructing something enduring based upon solid principles. There is nothing worse than to have a whole litany of activity with everyone moving to and fro and a lot happening, if we cannot assess what principles it is based upon, and what the purpose of all this activity is. That is always the focus we must bring to bear on all of our activities. What are all these activities endeavouring to do? Reference is made to the purpose of this; preparing our young people for the future. That is the role of opposition to assess. I am sure the minister also has similar concerns, as we all do.
I was interested to hear the reference to how government supports awards. There is a culture in modern times that speaks against the value of awarding recognition for achievement. The underlying philosophy that argues against recognition is that it is elitist, and the minister referred to that. For too long, we have dwelt upon issues of equality and not wanting to allow kids to feel they have failed in any sense, so much so, that we give them these activities that give them a false sense of achievement, when deep within they are hungering for reality. They want to know whether they are actually going okay or not, without constructed systems that conceal that from them. They are not gaining a sense of whether they are doing okay or not.
It starts at school and continues in our education system today. I will start with outcomes-based education. Our kids, generally, do not get a sense of whether they are succeeding or failing. They get a sense of activity, vague references to their achievement in abstract terms that neither parents nor teachers can really understand, and so they leave our education system not knowing whether they actually have done well or not. They know darn well that they cannot read very well but the reports do not tell them that; they tell them that they are progressing in some general abstract way.
That is where it starts. I am pleased to hear that the minister supports the notion of awards and recognition. Recognition must be there; it allows us to establish standards, values and principles upon which all of our activities are based. I encourage the minister to continue fighting that very important point; that when kids genuinely achieve something they are recognised, although it is much more than recognition to make a kid feel good, it is reinforcing the underlying principles upon which everything we do is based. If they are not there, it is chaos and we end up with a problem that is all too evident. I will touch on some of those problems. The problems that we have are obesity, suicide, mental problem, substance abuse and the like. They are the result, I assert, from not having a clear understanding of the principles and values upon which all our activities are based. Keep going with this argument that awards and recognition of achievement are important, but make sure we are recognising genuine achievement for principled reason, not just to give kids a false sense of achievement and security which dismays them and compounds confusion.
We hear much about the government’s achievements with young Territorians. The opposition welcomes good news about our youth. However, early on in my reply, I would like to bring to the attention of the parliament just how much support the government has given one of our most innovative young Territorians. Twelve-year-old Zak Menzies is a young man on a mission. I thought most members would know young Zak. This youngster, who has inspired many, has taken it upon himself to gather 3500 signatures in a petition to the Australian federal parliament calling on them to return the World War II flag that was flown in Darwin just across the road from here. That is right: a 12-year-old is working to have our flag returned to the Territory.
For your information, the flag is currently in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, having been given by the wife of an Administrator who was evacuated from Darwin. This flag is the only Australian flag that was damaged by enemy fire on Australian soil. It is displayed in Canberra. The mission of young Zak, with the support of many Territorians, is that it be returned to the Territory. This young man, Zak, has not only gathered those signatures, he has organised for the Returned Services League here in Darwin to back him 100%. Even the Darwin City Council is flying this young man to Canberra so he can present his petition.
Now comes the interesting part. What has the minister done to him? Well, young Zak and his parents simply wanted a letter from the NT government giving him their 100% support. What did he get? He received a letter telling him the flag is too important for the federal government to give back, and that we are going to borrow it for a while and display it at our museum. That is a practice that has existed in the past. His achievement is unrecognised - no letter of support. A young person does not receive the appropriate support. That must be put on the record. I, along with others who have supported this young lad in gathering some of these signatures, have been inspired by his actions. He represents something very special in our community. It is very sad that he did not receive the level of support that I believe he deserves.
Further to that, the Darwin Youth Choir spent a lot of time gathering support to fund their own trip - upon invitation, in fact - to Brunei. I met them on a couple of occasions and I was surprised to learn that they assert they also receive no assistance from this government. They are not strident, militant, or greedy kids who are inappropriately requesting help because they have not helped themselves; they have helped themselves. They have worked very hard and funded their own activities, and they received no support. Even small support would have been of great encouragement ...
A member: Not true, they have that.
Mr MILLS: As the member interjects, it may well be the case in the last stages that they did get support but, at the time when I spoke to them not long before they left, they were discouraged because they had received no support or recognition ...
A member: Did they write to the minister?
Mr MILLS: I assisted in directing them to a minister who, hopefully, did return their request with some support.
We talk about recognition of achievement and the principles upon which we consider that recognition. That is the core aspect to all these activities. When we assess the range of youth activity, it is no different than any assessment we make of a group. We have, in any bell curve, kids who have outstanding ability and they seem to achieve and excel. They might be strong in this area and not so strong in that area. However, there are generally kids who are high achievers, and those down the other end who cause us concern. As a father of two kids, I know they are markedly different. In a group of children, there is great different in ability - some are artistic; some are very physical in supporting; some have a mixture of two and have been blessed; and some seem to have no sense of what their ability is. That is a reality.
The challenge is to allow the kid - no matter whether they have particular skills or abilities or are not sure what they are - a sense of reality so that they know where they are at and they have the capacity to overcome whatever challenges they have. They are all equally challenged in one way. If they have ability they have challenges to overcome; that is, how they utilise their ability to the benefit of others. For those who cannot work out what their ability is, they are equally challenged to find out what their ability is. Everyone has some kind of gift or ability. That is one level of this.
The temptation, however, in dealing with youth programs, is to be attracted to the top end, the elite group, because everyone is looking at them; everyone wants to see the achievers. We spend a fair bit of time there. Of course, we are compassionate and are concerned about some of the disturbing trends we see, and we spend a lot of time at the tail end with those who are in real need. The symptoms are clearly there, and we are responsible to respond to those symptoms.
The suicide rate in the Northern Territory is staggering, and I do not think that there would be a member in here who has ever faced this issue and gone away unchanged. Sadly, we can easily allow the impact of a suicide to wane in our own assessment of where we are as a community. When one looks at the figures and we see that, in the Northern Territory, the suicide rate, particularly among young Territorians, is 77% above the national average - 77%. I do not wish to dwell too long on this subject, but that is a symptom of something that requires our concerted effort to raise ourselves above politics and assess all of our actions to ensure that we are actually digging deep to make a real difference. That is a symptom of something that is wrong, and we must assess that problem because it affects all of us - families and communities and every Territorian, directly or indirectly. It is a symptom that must be honestly assessed, lessons learnt, policy implemented, and genuine actions following through. It will take a long time to turn that around. Many of the discussions we have in here relate, in some way, to that awful symptom of having such a high rate of suicide, particularly among young people, and particularly among young males.
You may have seen the Four Corners program on obesity. It is a topic that has been talked about for some time. However, if you saw the Four Corners program on Monday, I believe you would have been shocked to see what is happening to our young people. Step back and you will see we are all caught up in this. We hear politicians put on the spot; they are asked to respond to this, and they respond to it as far as they possibly can. You can see the effects of politics and difference interest groups and how that shapes the message they give; whether they are in the consumer game themselves or they are representing the industry. You hear what they have to say, and that is influenced by their own agenda. It is the same with politicians. Too often, when you see something starkly presented like this, their response is governed by the agenda. There is only so far we can go, but it is that must allow us not to loiter too far from what is a very serious problem and, once again, another symptom that we all must buy into.
How could we buy into that? Can I just stand up here and talk about it? I feel a bit better because I have talked about it, or I saw it on TV? No, there is something that we can do. I thought carefully about this; there is something that we can do, and I will continue with this. It is time to provide a sound assessment of the state of youth health, assessing levels of obesity, fitness and hearing, particularly. We need to do an assessment of our young people’s health right now. We need to be able to communicate that to parents so that they know whether their child is actually seriously overweight or, in fact, obese. Many of these things are concealed from parents; they do not want to know. If they knew that their kid was quite overweight, it is ultimately the parent who has the greatest power. However, as that program on Monday night showed, the parent needs support. For industry to assert that advertising makes no difference, is a joke. Why would they spend so much money if it makes no difference? The parents do need some support. However, first, we need an assessment. We need to know what the state of health is of our young Territorians - an honest assessment, so that we know exactly what we are dealing with – so that we can move from there. That information must go to parents and it must inform policy.
Out of that would come a policy, I suggest, to assess the quality of food that is served at school canteens and in public venues, so that there is a reference point: we have some goal that we want to achieve. Why? Because we want to feel good because we feel healthy? No, because it is something that would concern a Treasurer or whoever sits in the Treasurer’s spot in years to come. This is an issue for the future that is dealt with now. We cannot put it off. I am sure there are issues with obesity - overweight kids, unhealthy kids – where we need to know exactly where we are going.
The suicide rate has already been measured; it is 77% above the national rate. That is a symptom upon which we must focus our energies.
There are trends that are developing and moving across our country that are bringing forces to bear upon how we deliver education, which has an impact upon the senior end of school. We talk much of skills shortage and kids being engaged and being supplied with real skills to be able to get involved. To be engaged, given real skills and an ability, gives a kid some purpose and meaning.
There is a change emerging in education and it is starting at Years 10, 11 and 12. This issue will not go away and it is going to come back to this minister for Education. The decision to hold back on the proposed secondary facility at Palmerston must be immediately re-assessed and advanced in the interests of addressing the skills shortage, responding to the current trends in education and connecting the Years 10, 11 and 12 enterprise in education, and changing it. We must lead the way and show that we can connect that end of the school sector more appropriately to the higher education sector and direct our attention to addressing the skills shortage.
They are the sorts of things that need to occur, particularly for our young lads, who need to be given greater technical skill and greater connection to careers beyond school. As our young lads go into the middle years of education - it is no surprise that the indicators show us that it is the boys who are principally being affected here – they do not quite know what it is about. Education is subtly focused on academic achievement and boys are having trouble reading. They are subtly required to stay at school to Year 12. They are having difficulty finding any level of success and they feel that they might be better with their hands. They do not know what this all means, so they run amok. They sometimes leave school and try to get attention elsewhere. We then set up a whole range of programs to try to catch those kids, to either occupy them or to give them some skills. The minister has a great opportunity to get on with the job of redefining the way that we do Years 10, 11 and 12, starting with the pilot program in Palmerston and show the way, and give a lot of those young lads – I do not want to over emphasise the young lads, but we are fully aware that this is a core problem – and our young ladies, an opportunity to develop technical ability.
That is the way education is going. If you watch carefully, you will see it in other places in the world. There is a re-assessment in the way that we do Years 10, 11 and 12. We need skilled workers. We need young people who feel that they have some sense of connection and meaning to what is going on around them, and education must move to provide that. There is an opportunity going for the minister to lead the way there.
Another important subject that was raised by the minister is mentorship programs. They are critical. In a time when there are fewer real role models in our community, relationships have been placed under a lot of threat. You only have to go through our community and be involved as local members to discover that a lot of the kids, the young people, the youth, are causing concern. It does not take too much of an analysis to find that there is a breakdown of significant mentors in their lives. That is why mentorship programs are so important. We can describe these programs, put money into them, pay someone to establish mentorship programs; however, it takes real grit to make these programs work on a genuine basis.
There is nothing sadder than to have government embark on a program which sounds good but the guts of it is missing. It takes deep commitment to make these things really work and we should always dig deep. I only have to mention the suicide rate which is a symptom of a problem. It is not just the ones who commit suicide, or those who have profound health problems at an early age – that is just a symptom of many others who are also affected to one degree or another with a malaise, a lack of meaning and connection. That is why mentorship programs are important. However, we must ensure that we dig deeper and that those programs do actually work.
There are many good people out there in small business who want to make a contribution. However, small businesses are hard for bureaucrats to engage, as small business operators do not understand how government systems work. They do not have the time to learn, and they do not work the same hours as someone who is a public servant. They also want to make a contribution. Therefore, it needs commitment from the public sector to find that resource within the small business sector, as they are the ones that need to build an understanding of our young people to employ them. You can funnel rivers of money into programs which sound good in statements, but do not make the level of difference required. That is why we need to attend to the terrible symptoms we see around us and ensure we make these programs actually work in a measurable way.
Before I close, I must mention a couple of issues in Palmerston. It is good to see the indoor recreation facility is progressing. That will be an important asset for Palmerston and I look forward to its opening. It has been long awaited. Local members will feel a sense of pride. However, it is the community who will feel that sense of pride as there are many community members who have worked long and hard in the Palmerston community, before I entered parliament. We need to put these things into perspective, not just pats on the back to the government. It does meet a need in the community, and an important one at that. Our responsibility, whatever side of parliament we are on, or whatever role we play, is to make sure it works, and works well.
The YMCA Youth Centre does need to be brought to the attention of the minister. The staff are doing a good job. It has existed for some time; it has a patchy history. However, it has only survived by the quality of the people who have worked there, particularly in recent times. The level of funding needs to be considered so the scope of service can be enlarged. We talk about mental health issues and the capacity needs to be built into the programs which are offered at YMCA. It is going very well as a facility providing recreation. You only have to go there on a Friday night and you will see all my old students there have a great old time with all their mates – they love it, and it is doing a good job. However, there is an opportunity to enlarge the scope of service and to increase the hours of operation.
The Palmerston community is growing - 24 000 people plus – along with the wider area. We see the importance of sport and physical fitness, kids and young people working together and providing leadership in a sporting context. There needs to be a home for Palmerston soccer. We need to make an assessment today, not wait until we have a crisis. There has been an emerging problem for sometime as the population increases, particularly in the newer suburbs, that there needs to be a reassessment of our recreation facilities.
I moved to Palmerston when there were about 5500 people. We, effectively, had the same level of recreation facility then, which was excellent. The infrastructure is excellent. Population has grown considerably and the recreation infrastructure has not. There needs to be a reassessment and an audit of where we are now, not so that we can catch up, but so that we know where we are going to be in 10 to 15 years time.
Which brings me to Archer. It is going to take some courage from government - whichever government it be; maybe it is this one - to deal with Archer. There are lots of groups now using Archer but there are problems, as anyone who has assessed the issues with Archer would know. These are best demonstrated by this little story. A few years ago, there was an opportunity for sporting groups to nominate a project for funding. I spoke to the Raiders then and said: ‘Here is an opportunity for you; fill this out and see whether you can get some money. It is in the order of $1500 or $2000. What do you really need?’ They actually wrote that they would like a grant to allow them to buy RID in bulk. I said: ‘Are you joking?’ They said: ‘No, one of our greatest expenditures is the cost of RID’. They wanted to buy, as a club, RID in bulk because of the serious sand fly problem at Archer. It is being reasonably well used in spite of that problem - and it is a serious problem. Council is looking at ways of trying to solve it.
However, we do need some aggressive solution for Archer such as, perhaps turning it over to a housing estate and using that money to invest in infrastructure somewhere else in Palmerston. People can live more comfortably in that area because you have a lower concentration of people. However, when you have large groups of people such as sporting groups trying to play sport there, particularly in the Wet Season or on high tide, it is intolerable. In the Wet Season also, the ground is subject, because of the way it has been developed, to some flooding and it becomes a quagmire. That needs attention. Our new local members probably are aware of it, and need to use your abilities to persuade government to bring some attention to bear on solving that problem. It needs very significant attention in order to come up with an appropriate solution; not a bandaid solution.
I cannot help but mention the skate park. I know the Minister for Sport and Recreation has the appropriate answer to this, but it is not one that really satisfies Palmerston kids who are using the skate park. The skate park has been there for some time. You often see kids there, even in the evening, doing quite amazing things that make me shudder to think how on earth they learned to backflip a BMX bike. I have no idea. They spend a lot of time in the evenings there in the skate park. If you go around sometimes and talk to kids and ask what the issues are they say shade would be good. The kid I asked had a bit of sunburn that time. ‘What do you mean – shade?’ He said: ‘We would really like to use that skate park a bit more, but there is no shade’ …
Mr Burke: Palmerston City Council will not build it.
Mr MILLS: Yes, Palmerston City Council would build it but they do need some additional subsidy …
Mr Burke: They would not. I was at the meeting where they said they would not. They refused.
Mr MILLS: Have your argument later, buggerlugs!
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Blain, please withdraw that.
Mr MILLS: What ‘buggerlugs’?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Buggerlugs.
Mr MILLS: I withdraw buggerlugs.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you. Member for Blain, you have run out of time.
Mr MILLS: You are kidding! Is it?
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Deputy Speaker, it gives me pleasure tonight to support the minister’s statement on young Territorians.
Young Territorians are our future society and they need support to reach their full potential. Opportunities must be made available to develop their life skills through their adolescence and early adult years. Self-esteem and self-confidence are two elements of their lives that need to be built and nurtured. I am particularly pleased to see a number of programs have been structured to give them an opportunity to build on these two basic life traits.
Having come from a sporting administration, coaching and playing background, I know what value sport plays in young people’s lives and how it can shape their future, especially in the areas of confidence and esteem. I was particularly interested to read about a couple of programs that have been structured to not only assist sports target future administrators, coaches, trainers and the like, but also offer skill-based training in leadership and a mentoring support program which will have benefits in their future lives.
The Club Guru Leadership program is a pilot leadership program targeting potential future leaders of sport and active recreation organisations, coordinated by Participation and Development’s Junior Sports Coordinator. This 12-month program aims to develop youth leaders in sport by equipping them with the necessary skills to be sound contributors at both club and administration level.
Participants undertake a range of coaching, officiating, and administrative skills, coordinated by the Office of Sport and Recreation. Some of the courses undertaken include: General Principles Level I in Coaching and Officiating; the Senior First Aid Certificate; the Australian Sports Commission Club Association Management Program; a disability inclusion training subject, and a program based on working with indigenous athletes. The inaugural program commenced in April this year, with 14 participants from Darwin and Palmerston representing a wide cross-section of sports. I understand there has been some fantastic feedback from both the participants and the sports. The program, I believe, will continue in 2006.
As there has been considerable interest from both remote and regional areas, the department is currently investigating the possibility of expanding the program in 2006 across the Northern Territory. The free accreditation training and support is worth about $500 per participant, and the benefits of this course to them are many and varied. They will become a part of a select group of leaders within their sport who will have the opportunity to liaise and network with other sports and organisations. We are, obviously, hopeful that this program will create employment opportunities for the participants, because participating in such a course has the capacity to show employers that these young participants are committed to improving their skills and have the capacity to be future leaders.
The second program I am extremely interested in is the Indigenous Students Leadership and Mentoring Program. The reason I have an interest in this program is due to the fact that I, too, have undertaken a similar program at the Gray Primary School just this week. Many young people do have unfortunate family situations and are desperately in need of guidance and support as their lives progress. The ISLMP is an initiative of the $42m Building Better Schools package of initiatives. Its objective is to expand the educational experiences and leadership opportunities for indigenous secondary students in the Northern Territory. The program aims to achieve this by matching students with a mentor who will provide structured support and guidance, funding activities or resources to develop the student’s skills and interests, as well as engaging students in workshops and camps that will build their leadership capacity. The program targets to improve leadership opportunities by engaging local organisations and the broader community in supporting leadership opportunities focused on improving educational outcomes and pathways.
Twenty-five students have been awarded a position on the program in 2005, after an overwhelming number of applicants from schools across the Northern Territory applied. An additional 25 students will be selected each year from 2007-09 so that, at the beginning 2009, there will have been 100 indigenous secondary students supported and maintained by the program each year. A coordinator’s position has been funded to develop and manage the project.
The program includes an induction in Darwin, where they come together to meet other students undertaking the course and are advised on the structure of the leadership and mentoring components of the module. A leadership camp will be organised in the Litchfield National Park where several tasks will be intertwined with practical leadership skill courses. Many enjoyable educational experiences will be developed throughout the program to embellish the individual’s interest. They could be music, sport, reading, computer education or job interest. I guess above all, the crux of the program will be the mentoring opportunities available to the students.
In between all of the exciting opportunities I have mentioned, the students will be meeting regularly with a mentor of their choice. The mentor will be a person who can talk to the students about how they are progressing at school, discuss any worries or concerns they may have from time to time, and assist them in their goal setting and plans for the future. Mentors, of course, offer support and guidance and the benefit of their wisdom and experience.
The 2005 students have already come together in Darwin in September for the induction workshop, where they learned more about the concepts of leadership and mentorship and spent some time in getting to know each other. Many of the students flew in from remote parts of the Northern Territory to take part, and found the experience particularly rewarding. The students were recognised for their participation by the Minister for Employment, Education, and Training at a ceremony held in Parliament House while they were all here.
Communication and consultation with youth is a vital link to assist the people who hold positions of authority, to understand the concerns, ideas and needs of the younger generation. I would like to quote a few words from a speech Ben Whitehouse, Australia’s youth representative made to an assembly of the United Nations. He stated:
He went on to say:
The initiative of the Chief Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians is a wonderful initiative to listen to young individuals, as Ben Whitehouse has suggested. The round table process is a direct communications avenue between young Territorians and the NT government. It consists of 16 members aged between 15 and 25 years who are representative of the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity in the Northern Territory. The round table is a year-long commitment from all members, and meets four times a year with the Chief Minister or her nominated representatives.
All members are expected to participate in monthly teleconferences and are encouraged to communicate regularly at all times with another member, and the project officer responsible for supporting the round table. The representatives had to consult with young people in their regions to gain opinions on key issues, while also committing to participate in a range of community councils, committees and projects. A consultative process is undertaken at the conclusion of the year so that the issues important to young people in the Northern Territory are tabled, discussed and progressed.
I, like the member for Blain, was particularly pleased to hear also that the Palmerston recreation centre tenders have closed, and the completion of the construction is anticipated late next year. This centre is in my electorate, and it will provide a wonderful recreation outlet for the people of Palmerston, particularly the youth. The building, I am sure, will provide flow-on benefits to the Palmerston CBD but, more importantly, enhance many of the youth programs currently undertaken in the city.
The progress this government is making with youth issues and initiatives is emphatic. We recognise the importance of our future Territorians, and are progressing various initiatives to assist our youth to obtain their full potential. Do not underestimate the possibilities of these young people; given the right grounding and responsible guidance they will make a huge difference to the Territory and our world.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to finish the supporting reference to the minister’s statement by quoting again from young Ben Whitehouse’s speech, words of a man representing the youth of Australia at a world forum. Let us hope his speech receives its aim:
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak to the ministerial statement on young Territorians. There is no doubt that youth are our future. It is an old saying, and probably sounds like a clich, but it is very true. The majority of members of this House have children of their own, or have close family members or friends who have young people in their family that they associate with. Therefore, we are all aware of the importance of young people in our lives, and in the future.
As a parent, my hopes and expectations for my children were that they be well educated, lead healthy lives through sport and recreation, be healthy, happy, have fun, have good friends, keep out of trouble, and participate in the work force in a meaningful way. I always wanted my children to enjoy whatever work that they chose to do, and I believe that, for the most part, they have achieved that.
All of our children are in their 30s and we now have nine grandchildren to guide through the same expectations. Six of them live in the Territory. I have an overall interest in ensuring that young people, and especially young Territorians, are given every opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. It is well known that if young people are not kept physically and mentally stimulated, tempered with some fun, they can be very easily distracted and, in many instances, this can lead to some very undesirable practices and activities. We see this so many times when young people who have nothing meaningful to do end up getting into trouble by doing some destructive things and causing trouble within the community in which they live.
In a lot of instances, these young people have no parental guidance or direction. It is so easy for them to get together in peer groups or gangs and to get into trouble. When this happens, these young people can make a choice of deciding to straighten up their act. The worst case scenario is that they get caught up in gangs and continue being a nuisance and, worse still, they can end up getting into far more serious trouble and beginning a cycle from which it is very hard to escape. It is this situation that we all endeavour to try to prevent in our community. It is a difficult one as there will always be someone who wants to slip through the net. In general, it is important that we do everything possible to have programs and policies aimed at assisting these young people to channel their energies in positive ways.
The biggest challenge is finding out what it is that the young people are looking for in life; be it in education, sport and recreation or employment. There are a lot of pressures on young people today. We want them to achieve well at school, and achieve success at sport, in their training and employment, and socially. Sometimes, the pressures that are placed on them in the fast lane of life become just a bit too much and they try to find an escape. This escape is not always a happy one. We, as legislators, have a great responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to support and promote the wellbeing of all young Territorians.
The challenges which face young Territorians living in regional and remote areas are quite different to those facing young people living in the larger towns such as Darwin and Alice Springs. Resources available are quite different. In regional and remote areas, the availability of resources is limited when compared with the bigger towns.
There are many reasons why some of our young people are choosing to become involved with the taking of drugs and using other harmful substances. The sniffing of petrol by our young people is extremely distressing, not to mention terribly harmful to the sniffer. It is very sad that we have so many young people who are continually abusing their health with volatile substances. It will be an ongoing challenge to get these young people to stop their abuse, to rehabilitate them and to get them to be involved in meaningful activities that will give them a quality of life. One of the most common forms and easily obtainable substances that young people can readily access is alcohol. Unfortunately, we see far too often the abuse of alcohol by young people. This does not only occur in young people. Many more supposedly mature people who should know better also abuse alcohol which, of course, does not send a good example to our young people, and does not present a good role model.
The minister spoke about improving access to education and employment for young people. I am sure that we would all agree that education and employment play a very significant factor in determining the future and directions that our young people take. One of the saddest times in education was when technical schools ceased to operate. They were closed down because, for some reason or another that I still find unfathomable, it was considered by the experts that academic achievements were far more acceptable to society than technical skills. In my experience, that decision to close technical schools and technical education has contributed to the low number of qualified tradespersons that we have and are experiencing right throughout Australia. The closure of this access to technical training effectively cut opportunities for thousands of young people who did not want to further their academic studies. There are thousands of young people who were denied the opportunity to develop their talents and skills in technical areas. I still feel that decision was a very backward one. I am sure, in hindsight, it will be seen as significant in changing the way many of our young people’s futures were changed some 20-odd years ago.
The young people in the Territory have the opportunity to be skilled through apprenticeships and traineeships. Opportunities are open to young people through VET in Schools, which gives students the opportunity to be able to experience an area in the work force that they think they may be interested in. The advantage of that is that the young person may decide, after a bit of work experience, that that particular area is not really what they wanted to spend the rest of their time on in the future. It gives them the opportunity to be able to change to something else. There are many young people who are not sure of what they want to do for the rest of their lives, and should not be pressured into making a hasty decision. This program, along with the Work Ready program, gives young people that opportunity. The incentives that are offered to apprentices and employers make it encouraging for more young people to be offered apprenticeships and traineeships. I hope that, well into the future, the young people of the Northern Territory will take up the opportunity to give them a lifetime skill.
The interests of young people are also high on the list of the federal government. Just today, the federal Minister for Education, Science and Training announced a $143m Australian network of Industry Careers Advisors to increase support for young people aged 13 to 19 years to assist them in achieving a smooth transition through school to further education, training and work. The Australian government also recognises that strong industry leadership and employer involvement at the national, regional and local levels plays a pivotal role in assisting young people to move successfully from education to work. Dr Brendan Nelson today said that the national industry career specialists will raise awareness of emerging industry skills needs, training pathways and occupational and career opportunities in 10 key industry sectors. They are all industries that we have in the Territory: service, transport and logistic; resources and infrastructure; electro-communications and energy utilities; community services and health; agri-food; innovation and business; construction and property service; manufacturing; and government and community industries. The regional Industry Careers Advisors will work with local community partnerships to provide young people, parents, schools, employers and teachers with comprehensive career information that is relevant. That is so very important for young Territorians. It is good to see the federal government’s additional commitment to helping young Australians - and that includes young Territorians - to find and achieve their potential.
The member for Blain spoke about mentors. I believe it is really important for young people to have mentors. I am sure that members in this Assembly can all remember someone who had an impact on their life when they were young. I am one of the more mature members in this Assembly, but I can well remember the leader of our youth group in Port Lincoln in South Australia, a David White, who was my English teacher’s husband. He had a huge impact on my life as a young teenager. He helped a whole group of people in a very positive way. He had such a great affinity with young people, and we always had so much fun at his youth group activities. I could name quite a few people who are out in our Northern Territory communities with whom the young people have the opportunity to mentor with, through sport especially in regional remote areas. I notice some previous speakers also spoke on that area.
These people encourage team participation which, in turn, teaches the young people respect for others as well as themselves. Of the people I know, one I cannot fail to mention is Fred Murphy, who is providing a positive role model to dozens of young people in regional and remote communities in the Northern Territory through what we call AFL. Fred is achieving very positive outcomes from the sporting programs he has personally implemented, because he has such a passion and commitment to young people, their welfare and their future. He is also identifying opportunities for these young people to further their talents as they mature. I have no doubt Fred will continue to support young people whenever and wherever he can.
Another opportunity which is offered to young Territorians is the experience of sailing on the tall ship Leeuwin. This great experience has given the many young people who have been on board sailing for a few days the opportunity to develop team and interpersonal skills with other young people whom they have never met before. In some cases, young people who have made such a trip have enjoyed the experience so much they have returned during following years to volunteer as a crew member on the Leeuwin. My husband, Mike, and I are financial supporters of the Leeuwin Foundation Fund which was set up in Katherine over 12 years ago, which enables disadvantaged young people from the Katherine region the opportunity to participate on a Leeuwin trip each year. I had the opportunity to take another short sail around Darwin Harbour this year with the member for Arafura, which was very nice; I thoroughly enjoyed it. During this trip, it was great to witness, again first-hand, the team work necessary for the running of the Leeuwin. I also had the opportunity to speak to some of those people who had participated in the recent trips. One young lady from Tennant Creek - and I am sorry but I have forgotten her name - said that, despite the fact she had spent the first four days being seasick, she was very glad of the experience and would like to come back for another trip next year - hopefully with sea legs next time.
There are many important factors in how we need to address the issues and concerns of our young Territorians. In the very early days, and long before my time, decisions, rules and regulations were always made by older people, as they were supposed to know what was best. In the majority of instances, I am sure they did do what they considered as best. I also believe it is very important that young people are able to participate in decisions which affect their lives. It is so important to have an open mind to listen to these views. I always find it interesting listening to young people discuss issues of concern to them and watching the way they work through to resolutions. If we want young people to be involved in the future of the Northern Territory, it is very important to listen to what they have to say. I believe that, in most instances, that is happening.
In my electorate of Katherine, a new program called Katherine Youth Service has been implemented, which is to operate outside the normal hours of nine to five. This service will specifically address the young people who are wandering around Katherine at all hours of the night, who will be redirected to youth activities through this program. The intention is to ensure that these young people channel these energies into meaningful activities instead of causing trouble in the community. I, and many residents, will be very relieved if and when this program, hopefully, achieves its outcomes.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Minister for Young Territorians for her statement. The programs for young Territorians she has outlined in it appear to be working well, and I look forward to ongoing assessments and reports.
Ms LAWRIE (Family and Community Services): Mr Deputy Speaker, I offer my support to the Minister for Young Territorians and commend her for the statement. I am in the position of being minister for both Sport and Recreation and the Family and Community Services portfolios. Indeed, there are very natural synergies in this marriage to capitalise on, particularly in the area of support for young Territorians.
Just last week, I delivered statements to the House on sport and recreation in the Territory and Building Healthier Communities. These statements highlighted this government’s commitment to youth and youth development, and both support this statement on young Territorians.
My colleague, minister Scrymgour, touched on several initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of young people. In relation to petrol sniffing, it is clear that this government’s stance against petrol sniffing is the strongest in Australia. I applaud the Minister for Young Territorians on the work she did as the former Minister for Family and Community Services on this issue. I am conscious of the need to continue the fight to ensure that this issue stays firmly on the political agenda at all levels of government. I am also keenly aware that, as the minister responsible for implementing the rehabilitation and support services associated with the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act, that what we do now will set a solid foundation for the prevention and treatment of petrol sniffing in the future. The decision to invest $10m into fighting this problem is pivotal if this legislation is to have any impact in the community and on the lives of young people. My department is working with individual communities to finalise the regulations and protocols associated with this act, which we hope to be up and running very early next year.
This government made a commitment to increase the number of services available to young people right across the Territory and we have followed through. More services exist now for young Territorians than ever before. These include ongoing educational support for young people with disabilities, with some $340 000 annually to expand post school option services in Darwin and Alice Springs. The numbers of available places have increased from nine to 22, five of which are located in Alice Springs. Increases in mental health services have occurred, with two child psychiatrist positions and three additional and new youth mental health workers, with another three positions coming in the coming year. The Tamarind Centre now has a child and youth friendly space to improve access for young people and their families. We have seen the establishment of youth centres and programs across the Territory including Nightcliff, Borroloola, Central Australia, Katherine, Belyuen, Gunbalanya, Nhulunbuy and Willowra. We have instituted an intensive family support service. This service assists children, young people and their families who continue to remain in crisis, by providing an encouraging environment that helps the kids move positively towards adulthood and helps their families stay together.
In the recent budget and election announcements, further services and support were announced for our youth: $100 000 to expand the Darwin and Palmerston Youth Beat program, seeing great success with youth workers out on the streets at night, engaging with young people, working with them to resolve the myriad of problems which has them out in the hours that most kids should be in bed, asleep in their safe family homes. We have $250 000 per annum to enhance suicide prevention activities. This includes the recruitment of a suicide prevention coordinator and the expansion of life promotion activities.
I would also like to pick up on the minister’s comments on the importance of sport and recreation on the lives of young people. Last week was Mental Health Week, and the key theme was ‘Physical and mental health across the life span’. In recent years, there has been more recognition that exercise can also contribute to good mental health. Further, young people who are engaged in positive activities that increase their feelings of self-worth are less likely to be involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.
Much of this evidence has been summarised in a research document from 2003. Sport, Physical Activity and Antisocial Behaviour in Youth was a study commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Criminology Research and Public Policy Series. The study collates studies from Australian and overseas from much of the last century. In summary, the broad findings of the study are:
This government has also made a number of election commitments to improve sporting infrastructure that will directly provide an increase in activities for young Territorians to participate in. These include, but are not limited to: $200 000 for lighting at the Nakara oval; $4.8m for a new outdoor netball centre at Marrara; a skate park at Nightcliff; $9.5m for the Palmerston Recreation Centre; $1m to raise the roof at the Henry Scott building at the Katherine sports ground; $8.1m for an aquatic centre at Alice Springs; and an upgrade of sports facilities at both Elliott and Canteen Creek.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I am, indeed, fortunate to have these two important portfolios, and join with the Minister for Young Territorians in emphasising the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing in the future success of our young Territorians. I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Young Territorians): Mr Deputy Speaker, in summing up I thank all members who contributed to the statement. I thank the member for Blain for his support. Most of his contribution was supporting the statement, and I agree with many of the issues which he recognised. I note his passion for the welfare of our youth and dedication for creating a future for them.
However, I need to touch on a couple of things that he said and just correct that there was no support from government for the youth choir. In fact, the youth choir did get some support from government for their trip to Brunei. When I spoke to them briefly at the Palmerston Business Association, I informed them that, in the future, it would help to make a formal application for a youth grant. We provided them with that information. Their request was informal and at the last minute. When they approached my office it was just over a week before they were due to go which did not leave us much time. I am not making any excuses; however, it did not leave us enough time to be able to assist them. Nevertheless, we continue to support the youth choir.
I met energetic young Zak Menzies man at Community Cabinet at Larrakeyah with the member for Port Darwin. I did express to young Zak that I admired his enthusiasm, his commitment, and his energy. It is admirable and unusual for a boy of his age to be completely engaged in a whole issue of heritage and the value of it. Even though I admire his endeavours to get this flag, that does not mean that I agree with what he is trying to do. The member for Blain spoke passionately in support of giving kids a sense of reality and not giving them a false sense of quality and achievement. In the case of young Zak, I did write to him that my department had a number of discussions between the Australian War Memorial in trying to get some agreement about this flag. As we understand, the flag will be on show at the museum on 17 February 2007 as part of the 65th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. The flag is, without a shadow of doubt, an object of national significance; the most appropriate home is in the War Memorial.
The member for Blain also touched on the issue of obesity and suicide. I do not think any of us in here would disagree that obesity amongst our children is a big issue, as is the suicide rate. I and other members watched the Four Corners program that the member for Blain is talking about. A strong element through that whole program was that there is a huge parental responsibility with obesity. That is something that the member for Blain, if he had watched it, would have seen.
Regarding the education system here, as I understand it, with the extra 100 teachers that our government is putting on throughout the Northern Territory, out of that 100 there will be seven physical education teachers who will be placed in those clusters around the Northern Territory. That is seven physical education teachers that simply were not there under the previous government. For the member for Blain to stand up and say that we are doing absolutely nothing about obesity or working with schools to overcome this problem, he needs to look back on the track record of the government that he represents.
Regarding the suicide rates, suicide and its effects on the community are tragic. There are many programs and services. The Northern Territory Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention, which was released by our government in 2003, looks at the holistic approach for the prevention of suicide in the Northern Territory. Continued support for Beyond Blue was renewed in August 2004 for a further five years. My colleague, the Minister for Family and Community Services, talked about the extra funding for mental health. In 2003 to 2007, an extra $12.7m in additional funding will be provided to the mental health budget. That is certainly quite substantial. The member for Blain said that we have paid no attention to this; he needs to rethink that.
He also talked about another issue with the YMCA and youth funding. Sports and Recreation fund the YMCA, I am advised. They actually receive a confirmed $85 000 in funding. If there is a cut in funding - and this became an issue when the member for Blain asked a question in Question Time some time ago at the last sittings. He had been given a wrong steer that the YMCA’s funding had been cut when, in fact, the funding that the YMCA received from the Northern Territory government had not been cut, it was the Commonwealth component of that. What the member for Blain needs to do is take that up with some of his federal counterparts.
Again, the member for Katherine and I seem to be in agreement about most things. I thank her for her contribution. I certainly agree on substance abuse, career focus, mentoring, sports, and the Leeuwin experience that we both shared.
The member for Blain made it seem like this was just the end of what we are doing. This statement was about reporting progress of what government is doing. We will continue to bring these progress reports. There are a number of things that government is doing and has been doing. We are certainly committed.
The member for Katherine also mentioned Fred Murphy. I believe Fred Murphy is a fantastic young man. He has done a lot of work, particularly with some of the indigenous communities in the Katherine region. There are many young men around the Northern Territory who need to be applauded. Fred and the role that the plays needs to be applauded. The member for Drysdale commented on a young UN rep, Ben Whitehouse. The Office of Youth Affairs provided support to Ben Whitehouse of about $500 to undertake consultations with young people in the Top End before he went to the UN.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I thank all members for their contribution.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
Continued from 13 October 2005.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to join in this debate as the shadow Health minister. Unfortunately, I was unable to be present in parliament last week for reasons people all know. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the parliament’s indulgence to give me time off last week to attend to my very good friend’s funeral and issues with the family who lost him so suddenly.
I turn to the ministerial statement which was also supported by the minister’s colleague, the Minister for Family and Community Services. When I read through the contributions made, I thought, oh dear, what self-congratulatory statements they were. They were obviously written by his CEO who is the one who should really be brought to account.
The minister started by saying that when the Martin Labor government inherited the health system it was on its knees. Let me say that we did not have 1400 to 1600 patients waiting for elective surgery. We did not have patients lying on hospital trolleys for three days or even more waiting to be admitted to a bed in a ward. We did not have those things. That is only in the Alice Springs Hospital. God knows how many patients are on the waiting list at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Tennant Creek Hospital, Katherine Hospital and Nhulunbuy Hospital. We also know that patients have to wait long days to be admitted into a ward bed at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We did not hand over a health system that was on its knees.
Yes, this government has increased the health budget by some 50% in the last four years, and I commend the government for putting that money into the system. What do we have to show for it? - that is the question. First of all, one of the things that the minister was so proud about was NT HealthDirect. NT HealthDirect has many problems, and using a Perth answering service to triage patients calling for help in the Northern Territory is ludicrous. Let me just tell you of one instance that happened recently.
Only about two months ago, a 63-year-old male suffered chest pain. The patient suffers from high blood pressure, but it was chest pain. His wife rang the emergency service using the 1800 number with this story:
The answering service decided that they would rather talk to the patient himself rather than his wife, so the phone call was transferred to him. Here is this man, in pain, dealing on the telephone with somebody in Perth. He had to repeat the story about what happened to him. He was on the telephone for 20 minutes! He than signalled to his wife that he needed a pen and paper and the answering service in Perth proceeded to give him addresses of the Casuarina Day and Night Surgery and the Stuart Park Day and Night Surgery, and told him that he had to get there himself.
This woman had rung her daughter saying her dad had chest pain and was calling the emergency NT HealthDirect number – and what happened? They were told to go to Casuarina or Stuart Park Day and Night Surgery. The daughter then rang the emergency department of the Royal Darwin Hospital and was given the same story – go to the Stuart Park Night and Day. Finally, by their own efforts, they drove to the Stuart Park Night and Day Surgery where they waited for two hours to see the GP whose ECG machine was on the blink. The patient was seen by the GP who said: ‘Go home, here is a pathology request form. Have your blood test taken the next day’. The patient went home in a lot of distress with chest pain, not knowing what to do and hoping that it was nothing too serious. He tried to settle himself as best he could for the night.
First thing in the morning, he went to the pathology service and had some blood taken. He was advised that the results might not come back until late afternoon and they would call him. Fortunately, somebody at the pathology service twigged that there was a problem and rang within a couple of hours and said: ‘You better get to an emergency department ASAP or you are going to be in trouble’. In a panic, the woman drove her husband to the emergency department straightaway. Once there, fortunately the emergency department was clear, there were no patients, and he was seen straightaway. The emergency specialist who saw him was gob-smacked. He asked: ‘You have been waiting all night until now – over 12 hours like this?’ He had a severe heart attack but, because he had waited 12 hours, it was too late for this patient to receive a life-saving injection that could open up the arteries in his heart and prevent extension of the heart attack. It was too late for that. This man then had to go and have a triple bypass operation.
That is how good the NT HealthDirect is: Perth people trying to triage people in the Northern Territory with no idea what it is all about; no idea of the geography of the town or the regions; trying to tell us: ‘It is okay, go and see a Day and Night Surgery for your heart attack and then go home and hope for the best’. That is not a system that is in any way good. The minister has to re-think it.
Let me just go through a litany of issues that have been going on for so long. Remember in May 2004, doctors were saying that hospital money is not enough? The money still keeps being pumped into it, yet it is not enough. The minister has to tell me: what has he spent the money on? Why have the AMA and other bodies been saying that it is not enough?
Issues of recruitment of doctors and nurses continue to be a problem. Staff in hospitals say they are not getting enough staff to man the hospital. That is why you do not have enough beds, because you do not have enough nurses, and the hospital bed numbers are cut back because of that. Also, the waiting lists continue to grow and grow and grow. In Alice Springs, at one stage, the numbers went up to 1600 – 1600 people waiting for elective surgery because they continued to defer surgery because of outbreaks which occur every September of every year. We know that, however, in four years they have not planned for those outbreaks which occur every 12 months. They say: ‘We have had to cancel elective surgery, we have another outbreak’, as if they did not know the outbreak was going to come. They have had this pattern for so long you can almost predict to the day when the outbreak is going to occur. Then they claim they do not have enough anaesthetists, and then when they have enough anaesthetists and surgeons, they are told: ‘Do not do the surgery. Sit down, sit on your backsides. We cannot have you doing the surgery as we do not have the money, the beds or the staff’.
There was a time when the federal President of the AMA, Dr Bill Glasson, came along. In an article in the Centralian Advocate of 26 April 2005:
That is a problem. You have a system which you say is great, yet you have this situation. How can you honestly say you have a health system which is functioning well?
This is a very recent article, Alice Springs News 12 October 2005. The headline is: ‘Alice Springs Hospital: 48 hours on a trolley’. It goes on to say:
I will skip a fair section of the article and read some more:
I have always maintained that. The professionals do a fantastic job, and it is because of their professionalism that our hospitals have continued to function as well as they have. However, no thanks to the support they get from management, no thanks to that all. This patient said:
There you are. You have a minister whose head is in the sand, things start going wrong and, yet, he has the audacity to get up and say: ‘Hey, we are doing a very good job with our hospitals, with our health care’.
Well, health care and the hospitals are in crisis. Every so often, you do a fantastic job with the disasters which occur overseas when they come to Darwin for assistance. You do that very well. However, the day-to-day functioning of a hospital, of acute care, is not there at all. Remember this article? I am sure the minister will recall this article of 4 June 2004:
Hospital crisis - Intensive care closes.
In the caption the minister says:
It’s open.
Was it open, or was it not? I quote from the article written by Gavin King in the Centralian Advocate:
That is the problem I have difficulty with. A minister who is not across his portfolio, does not know what is happening in his hospitals or in his department, so he is misinformed and lives on with that information then gets himself into all sorts of strife. He had to be forced to make a backflip, which he did a couple of weeks later, because staff clambered in their complaints to the media and forced the minister to withdraw. That is quite a significant matter. You will recall there was one stage when the minister was interviewed in the media - this was 10 November 2004, with Matt Conlan on 8HA, talking about how the whole issue of health is poorly managed. I quote from the radio interview:
This is the minister who is not interested in his job; who cannot do it. He wants to get out of it. Well, there you go.
A few days ago, in the eulogy I delivered about my friend, Dr Wilfred Win Law, I talked about the system that needs to care - for its staff, its professionals; all the people who work in the system. The system has to show loyalty to the people from whom they want that loyalty returned. Until you do that, you are going to have a system that continues to be troubled. When we complain about Charles Butcher and David Hamilton being dumped - again, the hospital denies that. How the hospital can deny what it blatantly did is beyond me. Guess what? There was a statement made by Dr Hamilton in an e-mail that he sent around to everybody on 11 December 2004. where he said:
He was dumped, and dumped in such a way that did not allow him to even say farewell to the people that he knew in Alice Springs.
As for his colleague, Dr Charles Butcher, he was similarly treated and, because of the hue and cry that the Alice Springs community made on behalf of Dr Butcher, the hospital did a backflip and provided him with locum work for the rest of this year. Dr Butcher has done work all around the South Pacific and in Western Australia. He went to Kalgoorlie to work and was welcomed with open arms. They appreciated his skills, his dedication, and they welcomed him with open arms. Here we have a hospital, which screams for staff, throwing out the very capable and loyal people that we have.
It is as though, while you continue to do your systemic reform of the systems - you are saying that you are now reviewing this and that - Territorians are being deprived of health services. You might spend 50% more money than you did four years ago, yet Territorians are being deprived of services. It is like Nero playing his fiddle while Rome was burning. Minister, that is what is happening at the moment, and you need to really get your act together.
Alcoholism is rife and, as a result of that, we have street crime, domestic violence, and all sorts of issues associated with alcohol. Petrol sniffing is rife. If it is your health care and your community services working out there, then why are you getting all those things? Surely, if you are running such a good health system, why are these things happening? They are not happening in a small way. You say: ‘Oh, it is only a minor aberration’. It is increasingly troublesome for people living in our communities.
We talked about whether there should be services delivered into communities, and I was accused of saying, ‘we will not deliver any services to communities with less than 100 people’. Let me just quote the words that were said by the minister himself:
The nurses do not trust the system. Why? Because they know that the minister is ill-informed and does not represent the system well enough. The bureaucrats run the system, and they do not particularly care whether the patients are being looked after. They are about consumers and services delivered to consumers or clients.
Ms CARNEY: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the member for Greatorex be granted an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Dr LIM: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. There is the ban on overtime. We are talking about issues about staffing again. The Alice Springs Hospital dispute: ‘Nurses say patients are in danger’. ‘Nurse shortage forces transfers’. This is only a recent thing from the NT News, 29 September 2005: ‘Alice Springs Hospital has been forced to transfer emergency care patients to other hospitals’. The nurses at the hospital had complained about a large workload and a shortage of staff. Minister, if you have such a great system you have been patting yourself on the back about, then why is the system failing so badly? Do not forget, the Alice Springs Hospital has not had a Director of Medical Services for – what - 18 months? No Director of Medical Services. The legality of running a hospital without a DMS - well, I do not know, I have not had any legal advice from the department to tell me whether it is right or wrong. However there is an issue of the doctors having no medical leader in the hospital, going to a general manager who has no medical training whatsoever, and the general manager making medical decisions, based on what? Not on her professional ability, that is for sure.
It is a tragic thing that Dr Jean Collie, who has worked for over 30 years and has become one of the country’s exemplary medical administrators, suddenly came to Alice Springs Hospital and found that she could not manage. Well, it cannot be her. It cannot be her when she has done so well in every other hospital that she has worked in. It has to be something to do with the system in the Northern Territory.
Doctors are now complaining. I have had so many complaints come into my office. I have had letters, faxes, personal representations about doctors who have been exploited by the system in the hospital, and no Director of Medical Services to go to, to complain. This article in The Centralian Advocate of 7 October says it all: ‘Missing medical role sparks row’ is the headline.
Their excuse was that, because the doctor was on workers compensation, they cannot appoint somebody else in her place. You could have at least had somebody in there in a local capacity, but that did not even happen. You might have brought a few specialists from Darwin every so often to try to fill in the role, and they came for a couple of weeks or even less than that at a time. In a chaotic mode, what can they do?
The doctor who has complained said that morale at the hospital had deteriorated over the past 14 months. The article continues:
It is a problem. How the heck the Alice Springs Hospital gets its accreditation beyond me. And of the minister and the man who wrote the speech for him - I assume that is the CEO; well, he has approved the speech for him - is the one who solicited a love letter from the Hospital Board in Alice Springs to bolster the minister’s flagging popularity in Alice Springs. What a disgrace! Then the board’s minutes were leaked. I know for a fact that none of the board members leaked the information - none of them did. What happened? The poor board copped it in the neck from the minister and the department for having leaked it. You appoint the board to help you out, and then you accuse the board of wrong doing.
One of the board members, the Dr Alex Hope, was interviewed on the ABC on 21 February this year talking about how badly doctors have been treated, especially the overseas trained doctors. The interview says this:
He then went on to say:
The reporter then asked:
I personally have received many complaints:
Here is a ray of hope from Dr Hope - excuse the pun:
There is a huge issue with morale. Paul Dyer wrote a long article about morale, emergency, and hospital problems eating away at staff in the NT News on 28 April 2005.
As regards community services, well, you have all seen this annual report called the Community Visitor Program, Northern Territory 2004-05. The report is just absolutely scathing, absolutely scathing. No 1, Cowdy Ward is beginning to look like a prison with all the easy exits from the ward now locked - it is like a prison now and this is a psychiatric unit. The report says that there are concerns regarding how patients are being treated. There is no indication that clients and staff are counselled following a seclusion period for patients. This particular report on page 26 about voluntary admissions and informed consents is an indictment on the department. I will read it in full:
Finally, Alice Springs after hours service with the mental health services is pretty poor and patients complain. I know parents have complained to me. Again in this report it is also stated quite clearly that they are huge issues about after hours services for mental health patients in Alice Springs.
Minister, you can give yourself a big pat on the back any time you like when you do it yourself, but when nobody else does it for you, that is a pretty poor show of how well you have managed your department.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on Building Healthy Communities brought to this House by the very compassionate Minister for Health. The Martin Labor government, in a relatively short period of time, has improved the health system for all Territorians by a large injection of funding to employ 100 extra nurses and 40 more doctors.
However, as we all know, health and wellbeing does not come solely from going to the doctor. Good health is the responsibility of everyone – the individual, the family, the community and government. This is the reason for Building Healthier Communities.
The $2.2m for child health, which I spoke about in the last sittings, is a worthy initiative aimed at preventing the chronic diseases that arises from ill health during the crucial early years. The Child Health initiative will also help improve the educational outcomes for all children. The Strengthening Families and Communities initiative from minister Lawrie’s department is about developing the capacity in families and communities, giving them the strength to make decisions that will improve the health and wellbeing of their families.
One of the most welcome health initiatives of this government has been the decentralisation of renal health. This takes people back to their country and family, thereby improving their wellbeing and that of their families. Renal patients are now able to access treatment at Kintore, Tennant Creek, and soon there will be a dialysis facility at Santa Teresa. However, there is much more to be done.
As a person who has seen many good things this government has done in remote Aboriginal communities with health, it is absolutely appalling to hear the opposition spokesperson condemn this government for taking four years to correct the mistakes of the CLP government - not just at the Alice Springs Hospital but in remote areas as well. All the opposition spokesperson can do in this Chamber is pick up newspaper articles and quote them to the Minister for Health, who actually goes out to remote Aboriginal communities and talks to the nurses and doctors. I visit Alice Springs Hospital on a regular basis and I certainly get a good report on the Minister for Health.
From the statements that have been presented in this House, you can see the vision that this government has; not just to look after certain Territorians, but all Territorians - even those Territorians who live in so-called villages in remote and rural Territory. The vision of the Clare Martin Labor government is to embrace the Territory with all its different nationalities. We are all classified as Territorians. Some of the statements and motions that have been presented to this House include Building Business and Industry, Indigenous Employment and Career Development, Telecommunications Investment, young Territorians and now, Building Healthier Communities. This has taken a holistic approach to all Territorians. This is making sure that economic development, housing infrastructure, telecommunication, health and education is embraced by all Territorians. We are about looking after the whole Territory, not certain sections of the Northern Territory.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, the member for Greatorex said many of the things that I was proposing to say when I looked through this statement last week. As members will recall, I was the shadow Health minister for some time, and it is appropriate that I contribute to this debate.
I accept because it is a ministerial statement that it is going to be a relatively good newsy one. I guess that is the nature of politics. I note that the minister, halfway through the statement, said: ‘Let me turn to the bad bits’. However, what he did not do was to be up-front about the bad bits. If the member for Macdonnell and others want to be critical of the opposition for referring to the ‘bad bits’, then so be it. However, like most things in life, there are invariably two sides to the story and it is important that we put the other side, because that is our job. When anyone - whether it is an official of government or anyone else in the community - starts to peddle a particular line where there are, reasonably, some other matters that should be raised that are of a contrary nature or paint a different picture, then it is appropriate that we, as elected members of parliament and the Territory’s opposition, have a bit to say on it.
The member for Greatorex gave in his contribution a bit of a history about the member for Stuart’s stewardship of his portfolio. I have said publicly before, and I will restate it: my view is that no human being can be the Attorney-General and Health Minister. Both have very significant portfolios, and to do both of them well, I just do not think is possible. There is an expectation - and he is showing me his muscles and I am glad he is in good humour because I am sure he is not going to like some of the things I am going to say. But you get that.
It does require something of a superhuman effort. Maybe that explains why there are what can be described as stuff-ups along the way. Any minister of the Crown knows that he or she needs to be reasonably hands-on in sensitive departments especially but, particularly, Health Departments. I am sure that takes up discussion over drinks at ministerial council meetings interstate.
Going through the minister’s statement - and I know this will not come as a surprise to him – the previous member for Port Darwin constantly had much to say when this government said: ‘We have created more nursing positions’. Yes, that is what the books show, but there are some questions that arise in relation to that claim. One is: where are they? Where are those positions? Nurses who work in hospitals, particularly RDH and Alice Springs Hospital, asked me when I was shadow Health minister where the ward nurses were; there are not enough people on the wards. It is really easy to say they have created all of these positions. There is a view - and I am sure the minister is aware of it - that there has been the creation of top-heavy positions in our hospitals. That is not, in and of itself, a bad thing, but it is not right to say: ‘We have created all of these positions and isn’t it wonderful’. Not when it comes to looking after the health of Territorians.
The other point, of course, is: have all of the positions been filled? Members will recall that that was an issue that the former member for Port Darwin constantly referred to. Have they been filled? It has always been very difficult for us to obtain answers to that question.
Regarding the Alice Springs Hospital, I thought the member for Greatorex dealt very well with the issues that have surfaced in the last 18 months, in particular, at the hospital. However, it continues to remain a mystery to the member for Greatorex and me, as Alice Springs residents, why it is that the vote of no confidence in senior management continues. I note the coincidence that, in the minister’s other department, Attorney-General, there is a vote of no confidence in senior management of Corrections and the Department of Justice. A week or so ago, he said: ‘It is not me, it is not me’. No, it is not you, but you are the boss, they are your departments. Perhaps, minister, it is about the appointment of your senior staff in these very important positions. The troops on the ground in two very important departments are saying: ‘Not happy, minister’. There has been the utmost of reluctance, surprisingly in my view, to deal with that.
Certainly, prior to the election, there was an expectation that something would be done regarding the senior management of the hospital. When I had nurses who rang me, who I had never met, coming in the front door and then slipping out the back after I said: ‘By the way, the minister’s office is across the road’, I noted their paranoia. They were telling me about the most horrendous stories involving senior management. I did have an expectation, and I think they did too, that perhaps the minister, who is generally regarded fairly favourably for his intentions - not so much for his competence, but for his intentions - might look at all of this and say: ‘It is not working, is it? The troops are not happy, I might do something’. Alas, that was not the case, which is why we will expect to see a relatively high turnover of staff. Government might say you get that in the Territory but, when you get senior staff in a place like Alice Springs, some of whom have been working there for 15 or 20 years – when they start coming to me saying that they are not happy - then I would have thought that the minister, his staff and other departmental officials might be very concerned about that.
The minister made reference in his statement to the waiting list and so on. It was appalling in Alice Springs that there has been a waiting list of 1600. I gather that that has come down a little. However, in a small place like Alice Springs to have even - let us say 1400 - people waiting for elective surgery, when one considers the budget, which I believe is up to about $668m, I am not sure that Territorians, and Central Australians in particular, are getting what they would consider is bang for their buck. We know that elective surgery operated sporadically, and that was a cause of great concern. I believe it is important for the people of Alice Springs to have confidence in their health system.
During the term of the last Assembly, when we raised various issues in relation to health, many government ministers and the Health Minister would say: ‘Stop talking down Alice Springs, stop talking down the hospital’. Our response was: ‘Stop running it down’. If you have all this money compliments of the GST then, perhaps, you should consider reallocating some money. Perhaps you should consider also dealing with your senior management. Elective surgery and waiting lists are still a problem.
The red card, of course, I will hold up now. ‘I see red’. This card was sent out by nurses some time prior to the last election. It says: ‘I am worried about my safety and the safety of my patients because I care’. It was inviting the residents of Alice Springs to send it - it was addressed to the Minister for Health, Hon Peter Toyne, etcetera - and it supported the nurses campaign.
It does not matter what sort of job anyone does, when a union or representative body decides to contemplate industrial action regardless of its nature, then I am of the view there may be something in it. Certainly, talking to the nurses, there was. I am not sure I have seen anything like this under the CLP. I stand to be corrected. However, in my time in Alice Springs I have never seen anything like that. That tells me it is not just the opposition saying there are some problems. It is not just one or two people saying there are some problems, Doc, but there are many people who are terribly concerned; people who have invested a lot of time, commitment and emotion over many years to something they believe in and love very much, which is the Alice Springs Hospital. That was not a good chapter and I am not sure matters have been properly resolved.
In relation to the Royal Darwin Hospital, I remind the minister - although I am sure he is mindful of it - of the letter which was written to, I think, the Chief Minister and copied to the minister and me, from a nurse at the Royal Darwin Hospital. I obtained a copy of it somehow. The letter was extremely worrying and she wrote it to highlight what she described as her ‘extreme concerns’ about the emergency department at Royal Darwin Hospital. She wrote:
She went on to say:
Her words not mine:
… would occur unless action was taken.
That is about as serious as you can get, I would have thought, in a hospital anywhere in the Northern Territory or this country. When you have the people working in it expressing levels of concern that are of such a serious nature - and these people know they are public service and it is a big call when they write a letter to the minister - then they are motivated by their commitment and concern to write a letter like that. It is just extraordinary.
At about the same time, there was some controversy over the number of beds in Royal Darwin Hospital. The minister had said publicly that there were 345 beds at RDH; however, the nurses were so utterly doubtful and sceptical about that, that they did their own bed count and came up with 267. Subsequent to that, the minister and/or his department came out and said words to the effect of - and I stress this: ‘Well, if you count the bed out the back and the bed in the cupboard, then you will scratch towards 345’. The nurses knew much better than I, and certainly much better than the Minister for Health, which was a worry. They knew how many beds were at the hospital. Also, even if the minister says, in fact, they did not know how many beds were at the hospital, it speaks volumes that the nurses at Royal Darwin were so irritated by the public utterances of the minister and his copious media releases that they took it upon themselves to do a bed count. I am not sure I have heard of that anywhere else, so it is pretty extraordinary.
I notice from perusing the information I have with me in relation to health that the budget is up to $686m. We know that the health budget, notwithstanding this inflow of revenue, has continued to blow out. Year after year, I recall, it goes out and, of course, many people including me recall that the Chief Minister early on said that if a CEO did not control their budget they would be asked to go somewhere else - or words to that effect. In any case, the CEO, Mr Robert Griew, continues to preside over an ever blowing-out budget. The Health Minister, understandably because it is the game of politics we are in, in his media releases and when he talks to media organisations says: ‘We have all this money and isn’t it wonderful’. Surely, even the Minister for Health would start to get concerned when there is not only all of this money, but it also blows out, and the people working in the sector are not happy.
I do not know how much more information a Minister for Health could possibly want. It is concerning that, with the budget there is now up to $686m which will now blow out in the next financial year, we still have enormous waiting lists, sporadic elective surgery, and unhappy troops. This is not a good situation, minister.
There are a couple of points I want to make in relation to the health of Territorians. The minister will recall in the 2005-06 budget that there was a cut to the Community Health Services area. That budget had been cut by nearly $6m. The outcome of those services - that is Community Health Services - according to Budget Paper No 3 at page 125, is that the burden of ill-health in the community and the need for hospitalisation are reduced. In other words, that is the outcome when you are looking at the budget papers. We all know that there is an outcome next to the numbers; what is the outcome? The government, quite rightly, wants to reduce the burden of ill-health in our community.
We argued at the time that, when you cut funding to Community Health Services by about $6m, then do you admit that you failed to reduce the burden of ill-health and the need for hospitalisation for Territorians? What is the reason for a reduction in health? I referred the minister in my budget reply to the WEIS - that is, the measure for admitted patients in our hospitals. In 2004-05, it was estimated that 43 600 Territorians would be in our hospitals. The estimate for 2005-06 is that it will rise to 44 750. I said at the time, and I say it again, that that is not the measure of a government that is succeeding in preventative health programs. If the outcome is: ‘Let us reduce the burden of ill-health in the community and, therefore, the need for hospitalisation’, we also have in the government’s own books, the budget papers, information by an international or universally accepted measure that the number of patients will go up. This also brings me to something contained on page 21 of my copy of the minister’s statement. It is typical of this government to put the spin on some things that sometimes you really do get very close to falling off your chair. In the minister’s statement he said that this government is putting in:
They gloat:
per 1000-weighted population compared to the national average of 26.
There is so little time, yet so much to say. However, in relation to federal funding which, of course, was notably absent from the minister’s statement, let us have a look at what has been spent. The total program expenditure of the Australian government’s Department Health and Ageing in the Northern Territory for 2004-05 was $319m. Therefore, this nonsense we have heard in and out of parliament in the last week or so that the feds are next to useless is wrong. Of this expenditure, $74m was paid for the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) and $98m through the health care agreement - significant amounts of money.
The department also provided $44m for indigenous health, $41m for targeted health programs for all Territorians, and $40m for aged and community care. I have pages of government figures; there is a lot here. Government said: ‘Look at all this money we have’ and forgets to say: ‘Thanks, John Howard and Peter Costello; this GST is wonderful’. I note with interest it is projected that, in 2005-06 you are going to get $1.83bn. By God! All citizens of the Northern Territory who are thinking about going into a hospital, as well as those people who are working in the hospitals, will want to see some better results when it comes to what will, invariably, be the massive increase in the health budget in the next financial year. That is not even counting all of the money that the federal government pours in. Something is wrong somewhere when, with all of that money, we still have quite poor and very ill population in the Northern Territory.
With about 50 seconds left, I should make a reference to the oncology specialist who has left Darwin. I may say something on that later tonight in an adjournment. However, I ask that the minister do his best to do whatever he can - in fact, leave no stone unturned - in getting an oncologist. He will be aware, no doubt, that the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, not to mention NT Breast Cancer Voice, have written or liaised with him or his staff, urging him in the strongest possible terms to get on with the job.
Minister, I appreciate the statement. It was long and contained some detail for which I was grateful. However, it is not all as good as you would have us believe. It is appropriate that I put the contrary side of the story on the Parliamentary Record.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, today I offer my support to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Family and Community Services in their report on progress in Building Healthier Communities.
To build a better future, Territorians need to be able to have access to health care, including mental health care, housing, education, sport, justice support, and generally feel safe within their community and with their ability to shape and guide their future. As my colleague, the Minister for Health has mentioned, the Building Healthier Communities: A Framework for Health and Community Services 2004 to 2009, identified 10 key themes, one of which is filling service gaps.
Mental health is identified here as requiring particular attention, having been neglected in the past; also where new needs and models of service delivery are emerging. An estimated one in five Australians will suffer from a mental health problem in their lives. Of these, only 30% seek assistance. Although mental health disorders account for approximately 1% of deaths, they account for an estimated 11% of disease burden worldwide. Of the 10 leading causes of disability in 1990, measured in years of life with a disability, five of them were psychiatric conditions.
These are sobering statistics that this government takes seriously. With this in mind, we have doubled the mental health budget: 2001-02, $13.5; and 2005-06, $28.8m. Just as importantly, we are increasing the proportion of our funding that goes to non-government sector. Two years ago, 5% of our budget went to non-government organisations. This year, it will be around 10% and will increase again next year.
The CLP government could see no votes in mental health and was happy to ‘lock ’em up and leave ’em’. I challenge this thinking on the previous statistics. Tragically, an estimated 900 people per electorate could suffer a mental illness at some stage of their lives. This government has grappled with these serious issues and is working in consultation with service providers and consumers to build mental health in our communities.
As many of you are aware, last week was Mental Health Week, and was not a bad time for each of us to reflect on our own mental health and, perhaps, the mental health of those near and dear to us. Australia has 3.8 million people aged between five and 18 years old. In the Northern Territory, 22% of the population is aged between 12 and 25 years.
The Kids Help Line web site have posted some very interesting and saddening figures regarding the state of mind of many young members of our community. Kids Help Line answered 447 367 calls in 2004. Of the callers to Kids Help Line, callers who were contemplating suicide and/or have previously attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts with general or specific plans: ages five to nine, in male callers it was 0.2%, female 0.3%; and ages 10 to 14, 3.8% male, 22.8% female callers. Startling statistics in the age area of 15 to 18-year-olds, 12.1% of males and 60.6% of female callers to Kids Help Line were contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts. The majority of those who telephoned Kids Help Line about suicide - 73% - were aged between 15 and 18 years, and 53% of calls were from rural and remote areas.
This made me think. If 53% of callers were from the rural or remote areas, does this mean that, with the sale of Telstra imminent due to the federal government, and particularly the deciding vote held by the Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, that it could jeopardise these children from rural and remote areas getting the help and assistance that they so desperately need. Will 1800 numbers be too expensive for charity and community organisations to maintain? Will a child have to hang up early in order to find more money to call again on a timed local call? The sale of Telstra certainly has an impact on our Territory community, and I ask you to think how far the wave of repercussions could go.
One member of my own family struggles with a mental illness – a young person who once was leading a fruitful and happy life, full of prospects and future hopes and dreams. This person was struck down with mental illness. This young Territorian is intelligent, has been educated, and was once an accomplished sportsperson. He is kind, compassionate, has had ambitions and plans for the future, has family support and was brought up in a traditional family structure. Now even basic daily functions and events are a significant challenge. His hope for a family and normal life seems a long way away. He is also someone’s grandson, son, brother, uncle or friend. He could be yours. Mental illness does not discriminate. Let us keep this young Territorian in mind, thinking that this could be one of our own family.
Mental Health Week is a fantastic opportunity for government to work together with non-government mental health organisations to address an important issue in our community. The Northern Territory’s theme for Mental Health Week 2005 was ‘Physical and Mental Health Across the Lifespan’, which was also the theme for World Mental Health Day on 10 October. It recognises the interdependence of physical and mental health, and that there is no health without mental health. The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition is funded to coordinate Mental Health Week and, in line with this year’s theme, organised activities including a fun walk and/or run held on 9 October in both Darwin and Alice Springs, and a Family Fun Day held on Friday, 14 October at Lake Alexander.
I would particularly like to note the work of Marilyn Starr from the NT Mental Health Coalition and Sarah Galton from the Department of Health and Community Services in organising Mental Health Week. Judy Clisby, Manager of Community Visitors Program, and Pat King from the Red Shield Hostel have also done the hard yards in organising this week. A sub-theme for Mental Health Week is ‘With Arts in Mind’, recognising the role of art in promoting positive mental health. In line with this sub-theme, Greg Wilson, who is an Australian artist who also suffers from depression, is visiting the Northern Territory. You may have seen a photo of Greg and his art work in the NT News the other day. Greg will be talking to secondary schools and open forums in Darwin and Alice Springs about his experiences of depression and overcoming his illness. Greg also helped judge the Mental Health Week art competition. The winners of the competition were announced in the Mental Health Week launch on Monday, 10 October, with all entries on display at Casuarina Shopping Centre throughout the week.
In a broader sense, Mental Health Week is also about promoting mental health literacy in the community and encouraging us all to consider how we look after our own mental health and that of others. Increasing community awareness is a key factor in promoting mental health. If we can educate the community to be aware of the risk, protective factors and warning signs for mental illness and mental health problems, we are in a better position to either prevent the problems from arising in the first place or intervening early enough to enable timely, effective and appropriate treatment. To this end, last week there were displays in Casuarina Shopping Centre Eatery and, last Wednesday, the Yeperenye Shopping Centre. With various mental health promotion and educational materials, these stalls were being tended by various non-government mental health organisations which were there to provide information on a range of mental health services available and to distribute information aimed at increasing mental health literacy and reducing stigma.
I have already mentioned some of the quite achievers in mental health. There are just a few more who should be acknowledged. Dawn Brown is the coordinator of Top End Mental Health Consumer Organisation. Dawn works in a voluntary capacity and has done so for many years. Patti Farley was with ARAFMI and has just moved to Canberra - a great loss to the Territory. Two long-time GROW workers, Michelle Masters and Julie James, are also recognised throughout the mental health field as having made significant contributions. Claudia Manu Preston in Central Australia is leading a talented and dedicated team at MHACA. All the people I have mentioned today are constantly willing to rethink their practice and adopt new ways of thinking.
Breast cancer is not an individual’s disease; it is a disease that affects the entire community. Every year in Australia, over 50 000 are diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 13 000 of these people every year will lose their lives. This is too many. As this is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we should reflect on these sad statistics and remember that this disease is certainly an issue for all Territorians, both from a health and family prospective.
What I have tried to do today is focus on only two particular areas of Building Healthier Communities, that of mental health and breast cancer. As I went along gathering information for this speech, I discovered that I was actually including other things from Building Healthier Communities, the main one being that of working together with the non-government sector. This government has made a concerted and genuine effort to work more closely with those organisations, small and large, which we rely on to deliver many of the services funded by the NT government. This demonstrates our commitment to a more inclusive approach to solving problems together.
Madam Speaker, I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, Health must be the hardest portfolio that any minister could have. Having Attorney-General and Health is even a bigger burden for the minister. No matter how much you pour into Health, it is like a bottomless pit; there is always more to be done. I know the minister has really tried in this particular statement to set his priorities, and I commend him for many of the initiatives he has shown in this particular statement. It is a hard job; there is no doubt about it. It is certainly not the sort of portfolio that I would ever wish to have.
Saying that, minister, there are a few things that I wish to raise that concern me. Probably the two things that are most important in Health are leadership and morale. If you have good leadership and good staff morale, you are on the way to having success. That has been the continual problem that has been highlighted for the Health Department, not just by the opposition, but in many places throughout the Territory. We mentioned the Director of Health Medical Services for which an appointment has not been made for some time. We have some excellent specialists in Alice Springs Hospital at the moment; there is no doubt about it. We need to give them great support and to give them those people who have had hospital experience, who can guide them, and give them the support that they need. We would not like to lose any of them.
I am hoping the minister continues the push of some of the initiatives that he introduced, particularly his renal services in the bush which have been a great success. I am really hoping that he continues that push because it has considerably helped people in those remote communities being able to stay with their families instead of coming into the centres all the time.
Minister, you put out a tender for a radiation oncology service. Tenders closed on Wednesday, 3 August 2005. Perhaps you could give us an update on that particular tender. It said in the documentation that, in 2001, there were 448 new cases of cancer in the Territory. That is on the increase every year and, obviously, you need that bulk to have an effective, viable, radiation unit in Darwin.
I remind the minister - and I know he has been approached many times by people in Alice Springs - that we would still like to have the flexibility, even if you have this unit in Darwin, to be able to choose to go to either Adelaide or Darwin. The concern is that the PATS travel that people in Alice Springs enjoy at the moment may then become only to Darwin for treatment, whereas we have to admit that the service we get in Adelaide with the back-up support with counsellors and family support, has really been a great bonus to people in Alice Springs who have gone to Adelaide for treatment. I ask the minister if he could give us some reassurance that that will not happen, and they will still have the flexibility of using the interstate services and, also, an update on where this tender is exactly.
I imagine, because you are losing the wonderful oncologist you have in Darwin at the moment, that until you have a unit fully equipped, it is going to be very hard to attract people of that calibre to come to the Territory. We have been very fortunate in the Territory that we did have this particular oncologist who is leaving. If we can get this unit quickly set up, perhaps it may help in the process of trying to find someone to replace him because it is, for us all, a very important service that we want to be able to continue.
On another matter, minister, the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Springs is busy - you have been there. You know how busy it is and how you need to increase it. I sometimes wonder if there is any way we can relieve the pressure on that through utilising Congress more - I am not sure of their services there - rather than them continually sending them to the hospital. We do not have a doctor who bulk bills in Alice Springs. Is there some way we can get someone who will do bulk billing through a private clinic? There used to be one in the office next to me for many years and people still come looking for him, as there are many people who cannot afford the additional $40 or whatever the gap is to go to a private doctor. Instead, they have to go to the outpatients at the hospital. Quite often, waiting there is a very distressing, disturbing experience, as they often do have to wait for many hours. Minister, if you can think of any way of enticing or attracting a doctor to bulk bill in Alice Springs, perhaps by some subsidy or something, that would also help to relieve the pressure on the Accident and Emergency Centre.
I notice the member for Greatorex read out about the person waiting there for a bed. They have expanded their beds into the day surgery area so one half of the day surgery now is filled with the overflow patients from Accident and Emergency. What worries me a little is also the area that is used for the chemotherapy. It is being intruded upon as it gets built up with more and more people from Accident and Emergency. We really need to make sure that it is quarantined and is a comfortable and pleasant place for patients to be treated. You can see what is happening: the overflow has come from A&E and it is intruding on other services.
I raised with the Chief Minister, if you recall, the question of senior positions in Alice Springs moving out, and not keeping those senior positions. I wrote to her concerning the Community Health Service. It is a concern to me that this particular Community Health Service - and this has happened right across the Territory; the member for Blain may be aware there has been a review. We have been fortunate in Alice Springs that Community Health Services runs so very well under pretty dedicated staff. It has been accredited three or four times under these particular people. Now, those two senior positions in Alice Springs have been removed from the management of the Community Health Service. The clinical nurse managers and their teams now have to report direct to Darwin. You have a Nurse 4 - I think that is the level is - who has a team under her, who not only has to keep up her own clinical role and organise her team as well, but also report to Darwin. That is an undermining of an excellence service we have had in Alice Springs. It is an undermining of the work that they have done in the past where they have achieved accreditation. It is an undermining of their confidence that the community has had in the Community Health Service. I believe it is held in high regard, and those teams who specialised in the different area - be it child health or whatever - have done a fantastic job in the past.
Minister, you might like to comment on what could be a possible erosion of the service that has been so successful in Alice Springs for a long time. The fact that it has continually kept up its accreditation probably is a reflection of the good work that they have done. Rather than say: ‘We are going to review all these services across the Territory. We are going to take away all the managers from Community Health Services, and they all have to answer to this person in Darwin’ who, obviously, will have to have to be available when the questions are asked of her. However, I believe that we need a frontline manager in Alice Springs and these clinical nurse managers should not always have to go to Darwin to report and to get advice. It has caused concern over the Community Health Service. That is why I talked about leadership morale. If you take care of those two areas, then you will not have problems such as you have.
It is also happening a little in other areas of the departments where, because decisions are now being made in Darwin and the managers are in Darwin, there is a huge amount of public service travel to Darwin every week by those in Alice Springs. It is happening in Education, Health and other departments. It would be an interesting little audit exercise by our Auditor-General if he could look at the huge amount of travel that is occurring from departments. I believe much of it is unnecessary and, in fact, we could do away with a lot of that by just purely having decision-making people at the right places in the right jobs. I ask the minister to comment on that Community Health Service, because you understand what a great job they have done for a long time. I certainly appreciate all they have done.
I agree with you that Alice Springs is a very busy place; it is a centre for many of the communities in the Centre. There is an increased demand on services and we have to start, instead of just trying to patch them up, to try to provide services for them. We really need to ask ourselves why we are having this great increase; this great need for our health services. It is not because our population has increased significantly. We know that. We have moved at a very slow pace. However, the demand on the health service is quite huge, and it is not just something that has happened in the Territory; it is Australia-wide. Although we need a strong health system to cope with this, we need to address the problems of why there is such a strong demand. I guess some of your programs, such as the Strong Mothers Strong Babies program, are there to assist that. However, I always think we need to put a little more emphasis on preventative measures rather than patching up once it is all done. I guess your Building Healthier Communities is hoping to do that. I hope it is just not rhetoric, but I really think we need to look a bit more carefully at that.
I find, in many cases, that some of our residents go to the hospitals too late; they report too late or when the damage is done and it is much harder to retrieve the situation or to find a quick cure for them. Again, I come back to the fact that I really believe there is a lot to be said for education within our schools, within our communities generally, of warning or encouraging people to go to get assistance earlier rather than wait until the damage is done. Unfortunately, we see that over and over again. Therefore, let us ask what we can do to take the pressure off the health services. What is it that we need to be doing that we have a healthier population? Why do we have this great demand on services? Why do we have what seems to be a pretty unhealthy population at the moment? If there are things that we can, in fact, do to make this a better situation for all of us, then we should be doing them.
There are some queries that I have. One is about the breast care nurse position in Alice Springs which has not been filled yet. I appreciate the fact that you have been supportive of the Bosom Buddies, as we know them in Alice, with lymphoedema and everything like that. There is a workshop on Monday, which is great, and we really appreciate what you have done. However, you also said that you were going to look at the provision of bereavement counselling and the enhancement of palliative care. Where are we at with this strategy of providing that bereavement counselling? I do not believe it has gone very far as yet, but it was something that you said that you had looked at. It is something that the people in Alice Springs would really appreciate. Perhaps you could inform me whether the federal government is still providing funding for the breast care nurse? I think you picked up the tab for it when they did not, and that is great. If you can assist in any way to ensure that position is filled again, particularly as we are in Breast Cancer Month. Perhaps you can give us some advice on the ways that position could be filled, because it is certainly a vital part of our treatment. It is sad that cancer seems to be on the up and up in the Northern Territory, and not just in the non-indigenous population. More and more cases are coming forward that are in the indigenous population and we are not quite sure just how far it will go in the future.
Minister, all in all, you have a difficult task. I do not envy you. I believe you are a very sincere person. I believe you are one of those ministers who tries really hard at your portfolio, regardless of the amount of times you seem to get yourself in trouble ...
Mr Stirling: Another love letter, Richard, another love letter!
Mrs BRAHAM: Yes, yes. To be honest, of all the ministers around, you are probably the best person to do this job because you do have a sensitivity towards people, and I appreciate that. You also seem to be willing to listen and to talk with some of the groups I know who approach you in Alice Springs which is great.
Madam Speaker, I support the minister’s statement but I would appreciate hearing some more feedback from him.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, I say at the outset that I would like to take a different approach to the reply to the debate. First of all, I will take the conventional route of thanking all members for their contribution to the debate, probably some more than others, and for their constructive comments. I would single out our members and the member for Braitling particularly in that they have entered into the spirit of the statement.
What I would like to do is to get the Hansards and give you a written response to the specific issues that have been raised. There are too many of them to deal with in 20 minutes. There are things that I want to say about the Health discourse that we have tried to embody in this statement.
This statement, despite the comments of the Leader of the Opposition, is not a boasting statement. It certainly calls attention to some of our achievements in the first term of government in building up the scope and levels of health service delivery. However, equally, it calls attention to the as yet unmet challenges that exist within our health system. It is not a statement that is saying ‘rah rah, the government is wonderful and everything that we are doing is perfect’. In fact, it is a statement that says that our community and our health community have major challenges ahead of them, and that there are pressures within our health system that we have to collectively think our way through. I would like to recap some of those major dynamics.
To the degree that I want to emphasise our achievements to date, I want to do it in the spirit that the statement presents them; that is, that we have gained some ground. There is no question when I go round to many delivery sites in our health system, week by week, day by day, that you will see health professionals at those sites who are often under pressure. Often, they are down in spirit a bit because of the hard challenges they have had to meet. There is no question that you will see that, and that spills over both in patients who have found the services less than perfect and in health professionals who will go out and say things should be better in their area of the health system.
That does not mean there is no progress being made, that we do not have a good health service, or that it is the end of the world and that we have a crisis here or there. It means that Health is a hard business. That is what we have said very much in the statement; that there are challenges out there, day by day, that are increasing in volume and demand, that our health professionals have to meet. That is why I, for one, am absolutely lost in admiration most of the time that I go around and see the sort of work they are doing. I think they do a great job. That is not to say that there are not major things that we still have to look at to improve the support that we give them. We will deal with those challenges. However, to go around, as the opposition have presented this gloom and doom and nothing that we are doing is right, is simply not borne out when you go around the health community and ask: ‘How are things going?’ You will hear: ‘This has to be fixed’, or ‘that has to be dealt with’, but you will also hear almost every one of them say: ‘It is better now than it was a couple of years ago, or three years ago or four years ago’. Almost to a person, they will acknowledge that we have had some progress made.
The member for Greatorex asked: ‘Where did all the money go?’. ICU high dependency in Alice Springs has expanded; ICU HD in the Royal Darwin expanded; outposted renal services; there are something like 30 additional health professionals in the child maternal health initiatives area; the hospice in Darwin; the additional nursing positions - not all filled, but I am more than happy to say at any given time we are still recruiting into positions and that will be ongoing because that is the nature of nursing employment, at least in the Territory and probably in most places; school dental programs have now been renovated and put back fully together; fully-staffed dental programs through the Territory - the first time in many years that we have had 14 dentists that we recruited; increased hospital beds in both major hospitals with more promised for the next term; HealthDirect which has been referred to; expanded child protection services; expanded mental health services; additional senior clinical positions throughout our acute care sector; and expanded primary health care services out bush. That is undeniable - that is where the money has gone. We have put that into the system, and those areas of health delivery have been enhanced by additional money.
That is all the bragging I am going to do in my response. I want to talk about the actual challenges that we can all address together. In producing a statement, I tried to strike a balance between some of the ground we have gained and all these new or continuing areas where we have big challenges to meet, both as a government as a health profession, a health system, and in the wider community. Much of the advancement, particularly preventative primary health care, is going to require a big buy in from the Territory community as a whole. We cannot do it in an imposed way; it has to be a partnership to make gains in preventative and primary health care.
The demand is increasing. Let us look at the basic dynamics that we are facing. Demand is increasing, there is no question that there is more work coming into the front door of our hospitals, particularly into A&E departments over time. Nationally it is 7%; however, I would say from what I remember from the figures that Alice Springs hospital has about a 10% increase over – what period, about two years? Yes, 10% in two years. Darwin is slightly lower. However, there is no question that our hospitals, day by day, are getting busier and busier.
The Leader of the Opposition said: ‘Oh yes, that means that the programs are not working’. In fact, paradoxically, we believe that the more resources we are putting out into preventative primary health care, the more sickness we are discovering. That is a very predictable effect of extending the health services out into the community; you are going to pick up more illnesses that will be referred to our hospitals as additional load coming into the acute care and other hospital services. That is the dynamic we are facing. We are facing an increasing demand which is relentless; it goes on year by year. We know we are going to have to deal with greater volumes of cases in the tens of thousands that are already going through our system. That then creates some difficult choices that we have to make to balance the effort that we then put into acute care and higher level tertiary care that you have to have in the system to look after what are, often, very seriously sick or injured people.
With the importance the member for Braitling quite rightly pointed out of preventative primary health care, we have to not only deal with the reservoir of sickness and injury, but we have to start working towards generational change if we are going to head off unsustainable levels of demand coming into our health system. The graphs we are looking at, if you extrapolate the escalation of demand, even in one area such as renal or chronic disease in general, we are getting into territory where we wonder where we are going to get all the money for that care out of the Territory budget as a whole, compared to the other priorities that the government quite rightly has to service in the community. Those are real pressures, both in the executive that steers the entire health system in the Territory under Robert Griew, and the very real pressures at each of our delivery points where we have to make judgments about best use of resources and the best program elements that should be there.
We are looking at our remote clinics to see what guaranteed level of core service delivery we can put in place, so that everyone understands what a remote clinic will do and will not do. We are looking at the role definitions of our hospitals - what Tennant Creek Hospital should do compared to Alice Springs, compared to Darwin. We are looking at what the most cost effective areas of care are that we can contain within our health system now with respect to the option of using other larger jurisdictions around us. They are all very difficult choices, because you never forget in this portfolio that you are dealing with people - sick people, injured people, families who are obviously going to be extremely concerned about the family member who is sick or injured. It is not just a case of numbers or statistics; it is about people in a very extreme situation in their lives and their families.
When you take that as a body of work, I can certainly say I agree with the member for Braitling that it is a very difficult portfolio. However, I want to reassure members that I am very touched by all the concern that has been expressed in the debate. However, I am still here and I am still working, so do not worry about it. We just have to find a way through these issues.
How do you make sense out of all that, because there are so many conflicting or competing demands on me as minister, as the face of the health system, and on our health professionals, site by site? How can you organise all that into a system that is rationally based and prioritised so that everyone understands what it is going to do for the community? That is where Building Healthier Communities is so important as a process because, as we pointed out in the statement, it provides a framework to make difficult choices. It puts forward priorities that can be at least defended on the logic and sensibleness of the priorities that are set and the ways in which each of these priorities are going to be progressed.
That is not perfect, because there are going to be groups and individuals in the community who will say: ‘What about me? I am not in there’. They are very difficult choices and that is the nature of the work. What we have tried to do sincerely, with the body of our health professionals fully involved in the process, is to say: where are the best buys in health? Where are we going to make the most progress by putting activities into our health system? How are we going to build towards a generation that is not going to be as sick or as dysfunctional as some areas of our community are at the current time? How can we get the health agenda on an upward trajectory in terms of health rather than ill health? That is a monstrous task. What gives me optimism about it is that we have had such a strong commitment made by health professionals to the process of Building Healthier Communities. It is not just a booklet; it is about applying those priorities, area by area within out health system, to make choices about the types of health programs and how they are going to be progressed. If we can hold the line on being consistent about those priorities, using evidence to make our choices within the health system, we will move forward. We are moving forward because there is a base that gives us traction to move ahead. Otherwise, you are ending up with a merry-go-round of competing, and often demands that are not necessarily the most sensible for a health system to get involved in. That is what this statement is all about.
I welcomed the contributions of members who said: ‘Yes, it is hard and here are some ideas I have on the debate on health’. That is how we are all going to move forward. That is where we will get, eventually, if we keep persisting in this House - beyond the point of holding up newspaper headlines or picking out a case at random out of the experiences people are having in the health system. They are important; I am not downgrading that type of source of information about how our system is working because, often, an individual experience of a patient or of a health professional is very indicative of what is going on in the health system. I am always very attentive when I hear those sorts of examples. However, they do not necessarily represent the broad state of the different areas of our health system and, in many cases, can dishonour the work of a lot of very dedicated people and the trust which our community have in our delivery sites. I certainly point to the Alice Springs Hospital as being a particular target of that type of commentary which can be motivated in the wrong way.
What I welcome, certainly from members of this House and our own health professionals, is constructive criticism and the detail of how our system is working area by area. That is the ultimate intent of the statement we brought forward to this sittings. I continue to invite members of this House to give us information by any means; whether through letters or comments in the House. I am not in any way closed to criticism or information about what is going on in the health system. I am responsible for it and I want to know about it. All I am asking is that you understand that there are priorities we are trying to follow, and priorities that we cannot follow with all the best will in the world. In a small jurisdiction, there are areas of care which we cannot afford or do not have the economies of scale in the Northern Territory system. That is the reality that we are working to, and is a reality I want members to consider when they are talking about the choices that we might make in the Northern Territory health system.
I close by saying, again, just how much I appreciate the work of people working in our health system. They are an amazing bunch of people. I went to the Royal Darwin Hospital last week to thank the staff who looked after the Bali bombing victims. I am not trying to get reflected kudos off it, all I am saying is that it was an incredibly emotive experience for me to see the quality of their response to that quite dire situation. Health is a great profession. When you see remote nurses plugging away at health delivery in the remote communities, often under quite difficult circumstances, there are no easy answers to some of the work that RNs have to do, or Aboriginal Health Workers; they are very complex jobs.
Madam Speaker, while everyone has commented on how difficult this job might be, I am very proud and honoured to be in this job representing the people in our health system. They are a fantastic bunch of people.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Madam Speaker, I was delighted to hear of the recent international accolades awarded to Voyages and, in particular, their Longitude 131 venture. Voyages provide unique, experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations around Australia, including the Red Centre, Top End, Queensland and Tasmania. Their award winning properties include Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge, Odyssey Tours and Safaris, Cradle Mountain Lodge, Ayers Rock Resort, and Longitude 131 .
Last month, Voyages’ Longitude 131 was voted Best Overseas Leisure Hotel, Australia and South Pacific, at an awards ceremony in London. The award was judged by over 20 000 readers of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine of the UK, one of the world’s most influential travel publications. The readers completed a questionnaire encompassing all aspects of travel, and an average mark was calculated to determine an overall satisfaction percentage, identifying the very best in travel and tourism across a range of categories. Voyages’ CEO, Grant Hunt, said:
Voyages’ Regional General Manager NT and Western Australia, Mark Lind, and Longitude 131 General Manager, Michael Ruff, proudly accepted the award at the gala ceremony. It is great to see a Territory tourism operation taking the world stage. I congratulate Voyages on such an outstanding achievement. This international award is a wonderful endorsement of the contribution of Voyages to the Territory’s vibrant tourism industry.
Staying with the area of tourism, we are certainly fortunate to have such a fine variety of accommodation choices available to our visitors to the Territory. One such business is the Quest serviced apartments here in Darwin. Quest has over 77 properties in Australia plus 17 in New Zealand and one in Fiji. They are Australasia’s largest serviced apartments group. Quest Darwin in Cavenagh Street opened just 16 months ago. Operated by Andrew and Janet Greenham and Tricia and Richard Hartshorn, Quest Darwin has 59 apartments, 33 studio rooms, conference facilities and a dedicated staff of 20.
Since opening, Quest Darwin has experienced continued success. Recently, they also received national recognition when they were awarded the Quest Serviced Apartments Franchise of the Year Award. Winning an award such as the Franchise of the Year highlights the great work and ethic of the Quest Darwin team. I hear the team was ecstatic at winning this most prestigious award for Darwin. I congratulate Quest serviced apartments in Darwin for their achievement and wish them well for continued success with their business. I hope we continue to keep that strong tourism growth so that their business can enjoy expansion.
On a subject local to my electorate, I was pleased to attend a Rotary Club of Darwin North meeting in Parap last week. The Rotary Club of Darwin North was the Territory’s secondary Rotary Club and meets weekly. As many members of this House are aware, Rotary strives to encourage and foster the ideal of service including the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace, through a world fellowship of business and professional people united in the idea of service.
Following in that ideal, last week’s meeting included a presentation from Vonnie Brown who was visiting from East Timor. Vonnie has lived and worked for several years now in the East Timorese village of Lolotoi. The Darwin North Rotary Club has close ties with this region of Timor. They worked hard to raise funds to help establish a community library in the village, supporting learning opportunities for our East Timorese neighbours. Vonnie delivered a presentation to show members how the funds had been spent and the difference those funds were making to the community. The club is now working to raise $10 000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
I was also pleased on that same night to be inducted as an honorary member of the Darwin North Rotary Club. Congratulations to the members for their efforts in providing service across a range of areas both for Territorians and our near and far neighbours. I would like particularly to mention the office holders, the President, Geoff James, Secretary, Alastair King, Treasurer, David Pearson and, Monday before last, the Acting Sergeant, Michael Nilon. Of course, I thank my sponsor on the night, John McLaren, who is a past club President and a District Governor of Rotary.
Staying within my electorate, one of the very special things for which the Territory is renowned throughout the world is the fine art produced by Aboriginal Territorians. Among the many individuals and institutions who have contributed for the growth and interest in and understanding of this important art is Framed the Darwin Gallery, and its director, Anne Phelan. Framed, at Stuart Park, is this month celebrating its 20th birthday. With capital of just $5000, Anne started the business in 1985 as a small picture framing service employing one framer. It was originally situated in Garden Hill Crescent, with a small gallery at the back of the shop. Interest in the art for sale grew prompting Anne to leave her position as a teacher to open a gallery at Parap in 1986. Anne treasures memories from the time in Parap. The gallery was near a block of flats that were home to lots of old timers who liked to drop in for a chat. Anne says she met a lot of real characters and learnt about old Darwin as they reminisced. When the current premises in Stuart Park became available in 1987, the two businesses were merged.
Framed has become a Territory icon, visited by art lovers and collectors from interstate and overseas, as well as a significant local clientele. In fact, interstate collectors comprise the biggest client group for Framed. While the gallery is famous for its exhibitions of Aboriginal fine arts from the Arnhem, Kimberley and desert regions, there is much more to Framed. It also offers an eclectic range of art works and fine crafts available in a range of media. Alongside the work of great artists from communities like Utopia, Gunbalanya, Yuendumu, Papunya, Balgo and Bulman, you can find works by Judy Cassab, Geoff Todd, Annie Franklin, John Olsen, Frank Hodgkinson, Michael Leunig and Leon Pericles, just to name a few.
Framed exhibitions can and do include jewellery, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glassware, furniture and handcrafted toys for children of all ages. Each exhibition launch is a special occasion and I have enjoyed my invitations to open a number over the years myself. I have to say that the annual Christmas exhibition is always full of great surprises.
Framed the Darwin Gallery is currently celebrating its 20th birthday. What a magnificent achievement and it is going stronger than ever. Employing eight full-time staff and two part-time staff, Framed has always operated with the underlying philosophy ‘art is for everyone’ and this is evident to anyone who visits. Congratulations to Anne Phelan, the Director and her terrific team: manager, Sharon Yelverton; Aboriginal Art manager, Paul Johnston; financial controller, Gary Lambert; framing manager, Simon Dorman and his team of Robyn Davis and Chan Khotpanya; and gallery assistants, Craig Smith, Elisabeth Abbott and Shana Wolinski. I must also acknowledge the behind the scenes support of Anne’s life partner, John Clark.
In early September I had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Alice. It was a very timely weekend which covered part of the Alice Springs’ Festival and was also the Desert Mob Market Place, the Desert Mob Art Exhibition and, because my timing was extremely good, BassintheDust.
The Alice Spring’s Desert Festival, the fifth since its inception in 2001 and an event for which my government is proudly the major sponsor, continues to grow, prosper and demonstrate what an extraordinary range of talent and vision exists in Central Australia.
On the weekend I spent there over the Alice Festival, I attended the Desert Mob Market Place on the Saturday morning. It is a great opportunity for people to buy quality indigenous art at remarkably reduced costs. Everything is under $200. This year is the second year that the Desert Mob Market Place has been held, and its popularity is unquestionable with over 1000 bargain hunters attending. Even though I was not there for the start at 10 am, I believe there were something like 300 people waiting at the doors to go in and examine the canvas, potteries and ceramics.
The event this year saw the involvement of 16 art centres from throughout Central Australia and a record $78 000 worth of art sold, the proceeds of which go back directly to the artists. I encourage anyone who is interested in Central Desert art to not miss Desert Mob Market Place No 3 next year.
Saturday afternoon, being one of the oldest there, I went along to BassintheDust. It had a new venue at Anzac Oval this year, which was the most appropriate place to hold it. The member for Braitling had suggested some quite original titles for what the youth concert in Alice Springs should be called, as BassintheDust did not quite appear right this year because of it being on a very green and well grassed oval. However, that did not spoil anyone’s delight in it. There were a great number of young Territorians from the Centre who turned up this year. We finally got the formula right for Alice Springs, which is terrific, and found the right venue.
I was delighted to be able to meet two people whom my children were very envious that I did get a change to meet - the Logan Brothers from Big Brother. They were one of the star attractions at BassintheDust this year in Alice Springs. I was a bit surprised they were shorter than I thought they were, as my family were keen watchers of Big Brother. On television they seemed to be larger than life. However, they are two very nice young men from Wagga in New South Wales, who were finding the experience of being the stars of Big Brother had changed their lives quite considerably.
I pay tribute to everyone who was involved in BassintheDust. It was a great concert this year. The local organisers and Major Events had certainly worked hard to make sure that they got the right formula for the Alice Springs concert this year. The numbers were about twice as much as they were the previous year. It was a great success, and I enjoyed my time there.
On Saturday evening, it was off to the lawns of the Araluen Centre to experience Desert Song and Desert Mob Dance Site collaborate in what was a truly inspiring performance. The event involved indigenous choirs from 10 communities throughout Central Australia coming together to sing and dance and entertain the 750 or so people in attendance. Desert Song was jointly coordinated by the Alice Springs Festival, Desart and the Araluen Centre, with further collaboration by CAAMA. I congratulate everyone involved in the organisation of the event which was thoroughly enjoyable.
On Sunday afternoon, I opened the Desert Mob Exhibition at the Araluen Centre, the 15th such exhibition since 1991. Desert Mob is a collaborative exhibition between the Araluen Centre and Desart. All the artists exhibited are associated with Desart. This is an extraordinary collection of magnificent art work that crystallises the talent and creativity of Central Australian artists, and provides a remarkable vehicle for people to share their stories. Desert Mob is a pivotal point of contact for Aboriginal artists in the Centre, playing an important role in the development of individual styles and art practices across the region. The exhibition continues to play a significant role in the promotion and economic development of the indigenous art industry in Central Australia as a whole. This year’s event exhibited over 400 works from 31 communities from the central regions of Western Australia, South Australia and the Territory. To date, 194 of those works have been sold, with total sales reaching $285 000 so far.
The popularity of the Desert Mob Exhibition has seen over 2000 people pass through the door of the Araluen Centre. I would like to congratulate all the artists who exhibited their works in the 2005 Desert Mob Exhibition. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Desart who, once again, has demonstrated its great capacity to support Central Australian artists. Finally, I thank the staff of the Araluen Centre because, really, it would not happen without those staff. I congratulate the Director of the Araluen Centre, Suzette Watkins and Tim Rollason, Curator of the Araluen Galleries, for the magnificent presentation of the 2005 exhibition. The government is a proud supporter of art in the NT, and we look forward to continuing our support for the Desert Mob Exhibition into the future.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Speaker, I pay my respects and acknowledge the hard work of Neighbourhood Watch in the Northern Territory and their new executive council. Neighbourhood Watch Northern Territory Incorporated Board of Management had their annual Neighbourhood Watch Conference and Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 1 October 2005. The conference was held in Alice Springs. This year’s conference theme was ‘Developing Safe Communities’.
Guest speakers at the conference were His Honour, Ted Egan, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Mr Henk John Harberts, Community Safety Promotions Practitioner. His Honour hosted a reception for Neighbourhood Watch Incorporated Northern Territory in Alice Springs, on the evening prior to Neighbourhood Watch AGM and Conference on National Neighbourhood Watch Day. We were quite fortunate, after the formal reception hosted by His Honour, to be able to go to the Todd Tavern and have a good informal gathering of all the delegates. It was a pleasure to sit down and interact informally with them and hear their stories about what went on in the neighbourhoods. They are a great hospitable bunch.
This is the second time that I have attended a Neighbourhood Watch AGM in Alice Springs. When I heard that it was on there, I approached the minister for Police, who I knew was keen to go himself. I put forward my case of the ties I have with Neighbourhood Watch, and I was very pleased that he was able to see the keenness with which I wanted to go. He considered it and said okay and let me take his place. I would like to say thanks for letting me have the pleasure, because I know that he was dead keen to get there himself.
The Neighbourhood Watch NT Board was selected. They were all unopposed. There was Ken Mildred, who was returned as Chair; Jeff Mosel, who is the commissioner’s appointment as Executive Officer; Michael McRostie was returned as Treasurer; and John Emery was the commissioner’s representative. There also are some comings and goings of the regional board members, and I would like to put on record the thanks of parliament for the good work that Peter Hansen and Jeff Thomas did in Alice Springs. They were replaced by Trudy Murray and Brooke Fraser. It was good to see Sharon Kinraid, who has retired, there again, with the new member Erin Biggs. It would be a big job to replace Sharon, but I am sure that Erin will be able to do it quite well. From Katherine, Sharon Hillen was back there, and they are really pleased with the work that Sharon has been doing; she is a wonderful worker for Neighbourhood Watch.
Over at Cox Peninsula, we have Vic Stow. They have come in for the first time, so it was a good one for Vic. At Palmerston we have Malcolm Russell and, in Darwin, Brian Hilder and Leigh Kariko. The associate board members were Paul Wyatt, media and marketing; Ken Hatfield, TIO representative; Alan Mitchell, who is also an alderman for the Waters Ward, is the LGANT representative; Michael Pearson, the Chief Minister’s Round Table representative; and John Lear, membership.
There were police liaison officers present at the conference from Alice Springs, including Acting Sergeant David Corey. In Tennant Creek, we had a first time out Constable, Chee Lane. He is part of that great recruitment drive that has been initiated by this government under the stewardship of the Police minister. Chee came from Perth and did his training here. In Tennant Creek, he has himself right into the community. He is the school-based constable and is doing a fantastic job. He is a great asset. He is going places, that young constable, because you can see his commitment. I wish him luck. I am sure the member for Barkly will be having a lot to do with him in the future. From Katherine, there was Senior Constable Keith Currie and from Darwin, Senior Constable Geoff Pickering.
There must be something in the water at Sanderson because it breeds a great community spirit. We have Geoff Pickering, Paul White, Alan Mitchell, John Lear, Michael McRostie who all hold influential positions on Neighbourhood Watch, and all of whom are from around the Anula and Northlakes area. They are all constituents of Sanderson. I know each an every one of these men personally; they are fantastic people.
Let me just steer off Neighbourhood Watch for a moment. Michael McRostie has Infocus Photography. He set up his business in Anula. They are having their first anniversary shortly. He does a great job with his wife Bronwyn, without whom he could not run the business. They are a great family team. They are the stuff of small business in the Territory. I am pleased to have them in Anula. Also, while we are talking about the good work of Anula residents and Neighbourhood Watch, the highest award that NT Neighbourhood Watch can give anyone is called the Joyce Williamson Award. Joyce has passed on now, but she gave years of service to Neighbourhood Watch in the Anula suburb. It is a fabulous place. What more can I say about that place?
At the Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia Conference, Ken Mildred was elected to be the chair of the Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia Advisory Board. Jeff Mosel was elected to be communication coordinator, and Paul Wyatt’s national marketing plan was virtually a blueprint for Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia’s marketing strategy. Paul will be marketing advisor to the advisory board.
Neighbourhood Watch Northern Territory not only leads the program in Australia, it has now been elected into the top positions to take on a national responsibility to lead Neighbourhood Watch throughout AustralAsia in a positive direction for the future. With over 481 300 Neighbourhood Watch arms Australia-wide and Neighbourhood Support in New Zealand, members and over eight million homes in Neighbourhood Watch areas throughout AustralAsia, it can be ascertained that Neighbourhood Watch will, in future, be a leading force working with police in the community, working together in introducing new initiatives to reduce the incidence of preventable crime and develop safer communities throughout Australia. So, three cheers for our Neighbourhood Watch, in particular for their chair – it is a wonderful effort by Ken Mildred. He deserves far more public recognition that what he has had. He is doing a fabulous job and I commend him for his community spirit.
Madam Speaker, there are also some huge things going on in Anula this year with Tournaments of the Mind. This is a great little contest for students where they all get to show their capabilities. Wulagi went into the Northern Territory finals and - lo and behold! - as a primary school, they got up. I must say, it is one thing for the successful candidates selected to win it, but then they have to represent the schools of the Territory nationally. I was pleased to say that the community got behind them in a great spirit of fundraising – and not only the community. I mentioned the good work that Wulagi were doing in the Tournaments of the Minds to the Minister for Education, Hon Syd Stirling. He chipped into his own pocket, Madam Speaker - $250 from the minister. He said: ‘Len, that is a fantastic effort’, and he chipped in. I thought that was fabulous. I slipped in a few bob myself and we did some other fundraising.
I would also like to say that there were private citizens, members of the community who do not wish to be named as such, from whom contributions of $1000 from was not unheard of. These were from members of the community who do not have kids at that school. That is fabulous. I am not going to acknowledge them with their names. It is enough to say that we know who you are and we thank you and the school certainly thanks you. It was a fantastic effort. I congratulate the principal, Mrs Perrin and all her staff, particularly Cheryl Burnett, for the work that they did.
There are seven students altogether going away for the tournament. Their names are Aimee Capitaine, Year 7; Heather Kerley, Year 6; Nathan Thomas, Year 6 - and he comes from a great family; so many Thomases and hardworking public sector people; Jack Armstrong, Year 5; Taylor Emeny, Year 5; Cassandra Vung, Year 5; and Misha Lay in Year 4 was the youngest one. The team coordinator was Cheryl Burnett, the facilitator Cathy Gibbs. D’elise Keitaanpaa is another one who puts a lot of time an effort into that school. She works at the preschool but is on all the school committees - a tireless worker for the Wulagi School. She also accompanied the team and has been invited to be a national judge.
The team competed with all other states as well as Singapore and New Zealand. It has been about 10 years since Wulagi School won the competition in the local area, and they were chuffed about that. The finals were held on 15 October, during which the kids were locked in a room for three hours with facilitators with all the bits and pieces of the puzzle they had to work out, or the problem they had to solve. They ran, as I understand it - I do not have the final placings, not that they really matter too much as to compete is the best thing - about middle, give or take a position or two. It is a fantastic effort from a fantastic school. They have done it tough over a few years, but are going fabulously. Schools like that set the tone for the future. We have been talking about youth today, and I am confident - really confident - about the Territory’s future with kids like this under these teachers and with the backing of the community they receive.
Madam Speaker, I end my adjournment contribution on a note of personal explanation. I refer members to Daily Hansard of Tuesday, 18 October 2005, where the member for Braitling said:
We were referring to the nuclear dump issue. I replied that I could not recollect even saying that. Let me put it on the record that I did not. There has been a tendency in this place, I have noticed, for people to attribute things to others so that it gets on the Parliamentary Record, to stay, and then there is never any recourse to it. Let me say: I never said that. Let us stop this practice as it does not do anyone any good. It did get me thinking about what the member for Braitling said that the member for Nelson had never said that the nuclear dump should be in the Territory. I had a look at the debate on Thursday, 13 October 2005 and Mr Wood did say – and this also happens to be on Hansard, page 35:
Member for Braitling, you were wrong; he did say it. (1) you were wrong when you tried to attribute comments to me, and (2) you were wrong when you said the member for Nelson had said that he never wanted a nuclear dump in the Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the coach of the Katherine Tennis Club, Steve Merker, was very pleased to be able to report to me of the success of junior tennis players.
I am very happy to be able to talk about the exciting possibilities which are opening up for Katherine tennis players with the latest release of the Australian Junior Rankings. The rankings list ranks all juniors from No 1 to 2000-plus in Australia. It is a true indication of where a junior rates in Australia, as it takes into account all juniors 10 years through to 18 years old, and sometimes younger. Juniors achieve their rankings when competing in official sanctioned events and advancing through rounds.
In 2005, a group of 11 Katherine juniors undertook a training program like never before. The program, which involves a combination of weekly squads, elite squads, and private lessons with the additional of a weekly gym program instructed by Peter Rose, has seen eight of the 11 participants achieve rankings. Lindsay O’Hea heads up the group being ranked 441 in Australia and is 16th in the 55 nationally ranked Territory juniors. Lindsay started the year ranked in the 900s and has had a fantastic year climbing the ranks. With a goal of going to the States for college tennis, he is on track to get into the top 200 in Australia. Lindsay’s main strength is his speed and ability to push opponents side to side before coming in for the kill.
Coming in at 535 in Australia and 20 in the Territory, Daniel Murden has also had an enormous year on court with his last showing in Darwin inspirational when he defeated the No 2 seed to make the semi-finals of a 16 and Under event. Starting the year ranked just outside Australia’s 1000, Daniel’s work ethic is the best in the group. Being selected with Lindsay to train at the exclusive Up2U Squad with the state coach, and working hard on the home front, has seen this slender framed young man maximise his talent.
Allan Girdler, who turns 18 this month, is ranked 848. While 2003 saw Alan ranked in the 700s, it has been a fitting swansong for the big hitter who has an unstoppable serve when on his day. Alan has also been a great role model for the younger generation and will be sadly missed in the up coming year.
Andrew Brummitt, who has just turned 12, has also put in a huge effort to make it inside Australia’s top 1000. Starting the year being ranked in the low 1600s, Andrew often plays outside his age group and often beats older boys, which sees him currently ranked 982 and 33 amongst the Territory boys. He is also one of 10 state-wide juniors selected to undertake a state program involving a computer assisted coaching program.
Donald Boddington and Justin Henschke round out the local boys holding a rank. Donald comes in at 1300 and Justin Henschke is 1260. Whilst Donald was probably the smaller of the hitters out there, he has great fitness and attitude to competing which sees him going places. Justin, who is developing a serve volley game, is gearing up for a big 2006.
Katherine’s two nationally ranked girls are Madison Budarick and Eleanor Hayes. Madison has steadily improved her national ranking to be 509 in Australia. Madison, who is blessed with an enormous amount of natural athletic ability, can hit almost as hard as the boys and can unleash some of the most powerful backhands around. Finally, joining the group is Eleanor Hayes who is not part of the advanced squad, but proves her talent and determination on court with her progression through the opening round of the Katherine Open 12 girl’s event. Eleanor, who recently broke her arm, will be looking to build her ranking in 2006. The results, as with all dedicated sports people have come at a price; however, one in which at the ending of their junior days these players can look back and say: ‘I was part of the bigger picture’.
2006 is looking very promising. Both Lindsay and Daniel are interested in the US college system which will open up numerous opportunities. To think it all started for these young people in Katherine. With tours of Victoria and Tasmania coming up in January, junior tennis in Katherine is not only flourishing in participation, but in development as well.
Before finishing this report, I cannot overlook the support and commitment by the parents of these young players. I know how much these parents put into assisting these young players achieve their dreams, and I know that they are very much appreciated. Not forgetting the valuable assistance and guidance of coach Steve Merker.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I look forward to the future of these young Katherine junior tennis players and coming into this Assembly in the future to report of their ongoing achievements.
Mr STIRLING (Nhulunbuy): Mr Deputy Speaker, I hosted the DEET Training Awards on 10 September 2005, and the event, as usual, was very popular with the training sector. I was pleased to catch up with many of the representatives from local business and industry training organisations, trainers, apprentices, trainees and students.
Congratulations to the participants and the winners. The 2005 category winners will go onto the National Training Awards on 17 November in Perth. I will attend whilst there for ministerial council meetings. Thanks also to the many sponsors and judges of the event, and Teams for Tasks, all of whom put in long hard hours preparing for the occasion. Thanks to Alcan, Chamber of Commerce, Bechtel, Rotary International, the New Apprenticeship Centre, Australia Post, Night and Day Auto Care, Group Training NT, Department of Employment, Education and Training, Teams for Tasks, SKYCITY Darwin, Kate Carter the MC, and to the staff of Employment and Training under the leadership of Mr John Hassad who, over the year, played a critical part in Vocational Education and Training in the Northern Territory.
Another important Vocational Education and Training event was also held in September. I congratulate all those young people who participated in World Skills Australia Northern Territory Regional Competitions held between 12 and 17 September. Thank you to those who sponsor and contributed to the competition through their time, supply of materials and use of venues.
With these events, there are lot of people working behind the scenes. Without their commitment, they would not be so successful. Thanks to Thiess, Group Training NT, North Flinders International House, Taminmin High School, Alcan, Fingers Aluminium, Reece Plumbing, Casuarina Secondary Senior College, Stavri’s Fruit and Vegetable merchants, Lenard’s Poultry Palmerston, Springfield Butchers, Bechtel, Charles Darwin University, Trac, Pivot Point Australia, Casuarina Square, Mr Prawn, Pauls Parmalat, Kosmos Foods and Bidvest. Special mention to Mike Harrison and Group Training NT who have contributed both time and funds, and to Charles Darwin University staff who assist in providing facilities and time. I will table the list of winners and their employers and registered training organisations from across the Territory if that is acceptable to Hansard and the Chamber. Congratulations to all involved.
I also acknowledge the work of Peter Chan from DEET. Peter had a very busy month with many training events including competitions, expos, shows and presentation ceremonies and the DEET Awards. I know that he experienced a few hiccups over this very busy time but, in the end, Peter, all events came off smoothly thanks to your commitment to the job.
Community Cabinet Alice Springs provided me with an opportunity to visit the Alice Springs Campus of the Charles Darwin University to look at some of the Vocational Education and Training delivery on the campus. Thanks to Lyle Mellors, Alice Springs Campus Leader; Bob Nixon, Director, VET Quality and Planning at Charles Darwin University; Morag McGrath, Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality; and Hayley Tobin, Lecturer in Commercial Cookery, for showing me around the campus.
I would like to mention my visit also to Peter Kittle’s where I was given the opportunity to look over a most impressive workshop - the cleanest workshop I have ever been in all my life and an absolute state-of-the-art facility. Thanks to Peter and to Tom Kelly for showing me around. It really is an impressive operation at Kittle’s in Alice Springs.
I had a fruitful meeting with the DEET Central Australia Leaders’ Group who reported on operations in the region. Rita Henry, Executive Director for DEET Central Australia assisted in making sure that my visit was successful.
The 2005 Gove Bush Classic took place earlier this month and was another huge success. My congratulations to Rotary GOCROC (Gove Outback Charter and Recreation Organising Committee) for their organisation and promotion of this four-person Ambrose golf tournament. The 125 km, 9-hole course takes about five hours. The course takes players through pristine scenic areas and historic sights in and around East Arnhem Land. Thirty-three teams competed and around 20 sponsors pledged $17 000. The Gove Bush Classic provides a great opportunity for sporting groups and charities to be involved in a fundraising event by helping with the organisation, presentation and having a lot of fun along the way. This unique tournament is the only one of its kind in Australia. Congratulations to Stephen Castelli, Mosiana Johns, Terry Anstiss, David Hartog, Liz Akapita, Ronan Gillen, Clare Haynes and Ray Niven, who worked so hard to stage this year’s tournament. Locals and visitors had a great day.
Last week, I presented a cheque for $59 000 to the Captain Cook Community Centre from the Northern Territory government to complete a major upgrade of the airconditioning system on the building. The airconditioning is critical in maintaining the life of this building which houses many important user groups such as Gove Arts Theatre and Playgroup - two are the oldest community organisations - Toy Library, Girl Guides and Arafura Lodge. It is part of the original Mt Saunders construction camp, which became a community asset in the mid 1980s. Since that time, past communities have been proactive in improving the building with work carried out in the kitchen, the roof and rewiring the building, and now, the installation of the new system. I wish the new committee all the best. I urge the community to support the great work they are doing in continuing the upkeep of this important building.
The committee and members of the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club acknowledged the accomplishment of one of its own prior to the presentation section of the John James Memorial Billfish Challenge Awards presentation. Kelly Pellenat was awarded the Game Fishing Association of Australia Northern Territory Trophy for the highest point scoring junior for the Fish Capture Division of the national tournament in the 2004-05 season. Kelly, a member of the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club for many years, won the award for his efforts over the past 12 months. Kelly accepted the award from long-time member, keen angler and supporter, Roger Gentle. Congratulations, Kelly Pellenat, local and Territory champion.
I was very happy to add my support for Northern Territory Cancer Council fundraising event held at the Arnhem Club last Saturday night. Eighty women attended the Big Girls Pyjama Party for a fantastic night of entertainment. With cash donations received prior to the night, Northern Territory Cancer Council will receive approximately $3600 from the ladies of Gove. On behalf of the community, I thank all the businesses who added their support for the night. I congratulate Kristy Parish, Sandy Cook and Taryn Hogan-Reid for their efforts in organising this event. I especially thank all those who attended on the night and helped to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
As Minister for Education, I place on the record my thanks and those of the Department of Education to Michelle Nuske who has just retired as chairperson of Berry Springs School Council after a long stint of service. It is a wonderful school, and much credit must go Michelle for her enthusiasm and commitment to the task for the school being in the shape it is in.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You sought leave to incorporate those names, did you, minister?
Mr STIRLING: There are about three pages of names of award winners, Mr Deputy Speaker.
Leave granted.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I speak about a very dear friend of mine who passed away on Tuesday of last week. His name was Wilfred Nyunt Win Law, an eye specialist, ophthalmologist, at the Alice Springs Hospital and for Alice Springs itself, and he was awarded an OAM.
I would like to start with a poem that was written by his two grandchildren, Nicholas Win Law and Shimona Win Law. It is entitled, A Poem for our Po Po, Po Po being grandfather in Burmese.
Wilfred Win Law was cremated in Adelaide on Thursday of last week and his ashes were brought back to Alice Springs. The poem was written by Nicholas and Shimona, 12 and 9 years of age respectively, two loving young kids I have known for a long time and got to know very well over the last week.
Wilfred came to Alice Springs when he was aged 54 in 1984. At 54 years of age, he came into a town that is in the middle of nowhere. For him, having lived in Burma, then in Melbourne for a year back in the 1970s, then working in Hong Kong for some six years where it is literally wall to wall people, coming to live in Alice Springs would have been a huge culture shock. I was told that, in 1983, when he was invited to come, he walked down Todd Mall and encountered the shop, Eger Beavers. People who lived in Alice Springs back then will remember Eger Beavers at the corner of Gregory Terrace and Todd Mall. He went in there, and it was about the only supermarket that really sold anything that you could call exotic, anything close to exotic. The other store was Woolworths and used to sell all the staple food that we could find in Alice Springs.
In Eger Beavers you occasionally found the exotic stuff, and he found rice, noodles and soy sauce. So he went back to the Oasis Motel, where he was staying for the one night to familiarise himself with Alice Springs, and said to Elizabeth, his wife: ‘I found rice, noodles and soy sauce; I think we can survive’. That is the nature and the calibre of the man. He was prepared to rough it any way he could because he believed in his calling which was to help people.
I delivered two eulogies on Wilfred, one at the Alice Springs Catholic church on the Wednesday when we held a memorial service, and again on Monday at the Alice Springs Hospital where another memorial service was conducted. His good friend and colleague, Professor Doug Coster AO, was present for his cremation service in Adelaide where he delivered a eulogy and also did another one at the Alice Springs Catholic church. What I would like to do because there are three eulogies here, Mr Deputy Speaker, is seek leave to have these eulogies incorporated in Hansard. I have electronic copies which I will happily send to Hansard so that they do not retype it.
Leave granted.
Dr LIM: For the first 11 years of the 21 years that he served Alice Springs, Wilfred was there as a full-time senior specialist consultant eye specialist at the Alice Springs Hospital. When he arrived in 1984, we had optometry services in Alice Springs and the occasional locum ophthalmologist, but never a full-time practitioner. When he came, he started off with a two-year contract, but he did his job so well that the health system told him to stay on for as long as he wanted, and he built the whole practice. The whole department then came into being by Wilfred’s energy and dedication to work.
You have to respect this man who was 54 when he started and, for the next 21 years, provided specialist ophthalmology services; the first 11 years of which he did on his own. By the end of the first 11 years he would have been 65 and, at that age, was still providing 24-hour cover. This means he would have to get up at night to the emergency department to see patients who came in with traumatic eye injuries that required urgent specialist care. Wake up in the middle of the night in winter in Alice Springs – it is not a good time! I have done many of those house calls where you wake up at 3 am, freezing cold and have to trudge out of your bed, get dressed and get to work.
As recently as two weeks ago, he was by then 75, he was called by the hospital to attend to an eye emergency. He went there willingly at 11 pm and was there for the next two to three hours before he got home. That is the sort of man who dedicated his whole life to work, to serve people. He treated people the same way he would treat himself. That was the strength that he showed, the care that he gave to people without asking for anything for himself.
It is ironic that, 10 years ago when he turned 65, he was asked to retire. He was told that they could not have him in the hospital anymore because he was 65, and he was compulsorily retired. Once he retired, he opened up his own private practice in the main street of town and - lo and behold! - the hospital asked him to go back and provide them with continuing specialist services because they did not have any eye specialist in Alice Springs to do that. For the life of me, I do not understand why the government of the day, which happened to be the Country Liberal Party, did that sort of thing to anybody, especially to somebody who could provide such great service to the department. He had to retire and he was then invited back to the hospital to provide specialist services on a sessional basis.
For some time, he continued to conduct his private practice. His dedication to patients was such that, even though he was a specialist, he would bulk bill most people who came through his door. He rarely charged people, as he said: ‘They cannot afford it, I can do this and I will do it’. That is why he was so greatly sought after for his services. He was, from a patient’s point of view, cheap to go to. You got good service from him; without a doubt his services were fantastic.
When he was in Burma in his younger days, he became the World Health Organisation’s regional expert in trachoma. He ran, literally, road side surgery doing up to 16 trachoma cases a day on the road side surgical unit. He did a lot of cataracts. The surgery that he performed on patients gave them vision. In one of my eulogies, I told of an old woman sitting at the Alice Springs Hospital, for all intents and purposes blind. All she could see was just a haze of white light and nothing more. She had her eyes operated on by Dr Law and then, with the bandages taken off, could see the Macdonnell Range again. An elderly Aboriginal traditional owner with cataracts could not see anymore, and had cataracts removed by Dr Law and then was able to see the desert environment of his heritage. That brought such joy back to that old fellow.
That is what Dr Law did, and I am told he did about 15 000 cataracts all told. He did it at a time when his colleagues were seeking national and international fame performing trachoma and cataract surgery in remote Australia. Wilfred did that for 21 years, quietly working away without any fanfare.
I nominated him for an Australia Day Medal and I am pleased to say that, after two years of consideration by the Australian Medal Organisation, he was awarded an OAM in 2002. I thought that was probably one of the greatest thrills of his life. He was, growing up as a Burmese and under the British influence, very British himself; of ethnic Chinese racial background brought up in Burma under the British influence. To meet the Queen, he wore his university tie that he got when he went to the UK to study ophthalmology, which is the royal eye hospital that the Queen herself attends. If you get qualifications at that university, you are a top dog eye specialist. The Queen saw him at the Madigans when she was at Alice Springs. Wilfred had his tie on, shook the Queen’s hand and the Queen immediately recognised the tie and spoke to him about it. He thought it was so great. A year later, he received his OAM, and said: ‘The Queen remembered’. It was just coincidental. It was just so great and he was so pleased about that. It was the reward he received for his services to humanity.
Much of the detail I have already included in the eulogies. Wilfred is survived by Elizabeth, his wife, who, in her own capacity, was a specialist paediatrician who did her training both in Burma and the UK, worked in Singapore and Hong Kong and, when she came to live in Alice Springs, started work as a paediatrician at the hospital. One night, she was called out to do an after-hours case at the hospital and, when she came home at 2 am, she found Wilfred sitting there, trying to stay awake, waiting for her to come home. At that moment, she said: ‘No, I am not going to do any more clinical work. I am not going to do this to my husband. I will give up clinical work and spend my time doing 9 am to 5 pm shifts so that I will be home for my husband’. And that is what she did.
She had given up her life for him, and she survives him, just as his son who now lives in Brisbane with his two children, Nicholas and Shimona, and also Maria who now lives at home with Elizabeth. I wish them all well. I will be going home at the weekend and will, hopefully, catch up with them again.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of myself as the member for Goyder, Rob Knight, the member for Daly, Hon Syd Stirling, the Minister for Employment, Education and Training, and all the Berry Springs School community, to acknowledge the dedication of Michelle Nuske, the recently retired Chairperson of the Berry Springs School Council.
Michelle was a backbone of the school council, and held the position for almost six years from 1999 to 2005. During that time, Michelle has been dedicated to the improvement of the school. She led the school council with energy, drive, enthusiasm and professionalism. During her time as school council chairperson, the school expanded with the Stage 4 building and significant playground development completed. A playground consultant was employed to work with the school community to provide a planned approach to developing the school’s playground and extending the learning environment to the outdoors. Michelle played a significant role in this project by utilising as many resources as she could gather from the school and the wider community in general, to get the sandpit, hard court and oval constructed, and an extensive tree planting program carried out for the benefit of the school and the students.
Michelle also showed a very keen interest in every aspect of the school. She initiated information sessions for parents on curriculum, transition to high school, school reports, and so much more. She was a very active member of the school committees including finance, playground development, fundraising, reporting to parents, and curriculum. Michelle also sat on numerous selection panels for many of the school’s senior staff.
The school community holds Michelle’s organisational skills in the highest esteem, and she truly demonstrated this when she organised many very successful school events and celebrations during her long and distinguished term as school chairperson. Some of the most memorable of these events included the school’s 25th birthday celebration, the almost legendary Berry Springs School bush dances, fundraising and working bees.
Michelle was always known to lead from the front when it came to fundraising activities, often working many long and tedious hours to see sufficient funds raised for improvement to her beloved Berry Springs School, including playground and technology equipment. The fact that the school now has funds for a fixed shade structure over the hard court area is attributed, in no short part, to the hardworking and dedicated Michelle. She not only fundraised tirelessly, but she also raised the awareness of this much-needed facility in the wider community and with key members of government.
The construction of the school oval is another success attributed to Michelle’s hard work and persistence. She was very good at perceiving what needed to be done around the school and how to do it, and she would then initiate a working bee for such things as painting, cleaning, weeding and general maintenance.
Michelle was always prepared to raise the profile of the school by inviting high profile Territorians such as His Honour the Administrator of the NT, Ted Egan, and Hon Syd Stirling, Minister for Education, Employment and Training.
The close link between the Territory Wildlife Park and the school has always been fostered by Michelle. This association has been of great benefit for the school’s students and teachers alike, particularly as the Territory Wildlife Park is such a wonderful learning environment and so close to the school.
Michelle has always shown that she respected and valued the school staff for organising such things as special morning teas and messages of thanks, and she has always been keen to assist class teachers throughout the years by supporting reading, maths and sports programs. Michelle is not afraid to speak out about issues that concern parents, and her forthright approach is to be commended. Michelle has always been a vital member of the Berry Springs School community and her contribution to the school has been enormous. In the words of the school principal, Sheila Delahay: ‘Michelle will be remembered most of all by the Berry Springs School community for the exceptional effort she put into everything she did, her hard work, team leadership, and constant drive for improvement’.
Mr Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Berry Springs School community and members of the House, I thank Michelle for a job very well done.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I would like to talk about the role and future of breast care nurses in the Northern Territory. The Minister for Health, in particular, will be aware of a representation made to him by NT Breast Cancer Voice, an organisation that I am sure performs a valuable function in the community and is worthy of great respect from all members of the Assembly. It assists numerous women all around the Northern Territory every year who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It is appropriate that I outline some of the history of breast care nurses in the Northern Territory. The need for a specialist breast care nurse and associated services was documented in 1999 following the first National Breast Cancer Conference for Women in Canberra, which led to the establishment of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, the national voice for those affected by breast cancer. This was in recognition that the psychosocial services provided to women diagnosed with breast cancer are as important as their medical treatment. The specialist breast care nurse is an integral part of the treatment team and plays a key role in improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer.
A number of Territory women who are breast cancer survivors were, and still remain, part of the national movement for consumer advocacy and, in that year, vigorously lobbied the federal and Territory governments for specialist breast care nursing services to be made available. The federal government made available $4.1m over four years in the 1999-2000 budget. An election commitment was made for strengthening support for women with breast cancer in rural and remote areas, and $355 000 was allocated to the Northern Territory. Consumers were strongly of the opinion that the specialist breast care nursing services were the overriding priority in view of the fact that none was available in the Northern Territory.
The Commonwealth sought to implement this initiative through then Territory Health Services. However, the Northern Territory government at that time considered that, given the established networks and expertise in supporting women with breast cancer of the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory, that body - that is, the Cancer Council - would be better positioned to bring the initiative to fruition. NT Breast Cancer Voice sought consumer input Territory-wide to the proposal, and an overwhelming opinion was that the nursing position should be mainstream within the health system. However, that was not the case and the Cancer Council was funded for a full-time equivalent position - 0.8 of a position for Darwin and 0.2 for Alice Springs. That continues to be the situation.
While the Cancer Council undertakes a very valuable function in its overall role, there are a number of drawbacks to its ownership of the specialist breast care services. There is a divergence of views on this matter, but what I am gleaning from the electorate generally - and by electorate I mean the broader Northern Territory electorate - is that there is a view that the breast care position should become mainstream; that is, part of the general health system. There are many reasons for this.
One is that there is a high turnover of staff in the positions in Alice Springs and Darwin. In five years, five nurses have filled the position, all of whom were non-specialist breast care nurses and needed to undertake the specialist training at a cost to the Northern Territory. Since its inception, there have already been two instances where the nurse needed to take unexpected leave of absence, leaving the services vacant. If these positions were within the hospital system, for instance, there would have been a back-up system in place. A further drawback to the system being provided through the Cancer Council is that the specialist breast care nurse is relied upon to be part of the small Cancer Council team, often undertaking administrative and promotional activities for that organisation. There is a view that has been put to me by many people that, as a result, that reduces her ability to focus on the primary role of support for women with breast cancer and, more importantly, detracts from the professional standing of the position.
I am told that a number of medical practitioners in the Territory would also like to see the specialist breast care nurse as a close member of an interdisciplinary team treating breast cancer patients; for example, the availability of specialist breast care nurses in hospitals would allow for the nurses to be utilised for specialist nursing services currently needing to be done by the surgeon. Increasingly, this is accepted as best practice elsewhere in Australia and worldwide.
This is even more important in the Territory where a full range of services is not available to women with breast cancer and other cancer sufferers, and radiotherapy treatment is also a consideration. The important issue regarding this is that there one oncologist only, and he is based in Darwin, and any assistance he can be provided with would be beneficial. I mention this because it is well known that the oncologist - and I know that this is something of a minor digression from the issue of the role in the future of breast care nurses in the Territory - in Darwin will be leaving at the end of the year. To that end, I received, in addition from general lobbying not only from NT Breast Cancer voice and other women, but from Breast Cancer Network Australia, a letter recently which spoke of the concerns they had about the oncologist leaving the Territory. Of course, there is only one. I have been advised by the letter from Breast Cancer Network Australia that this is creating a great deal of stress for women with breast cancer who, of course, need to continue their treatment - in some cases for years.
Women are worried about the delay in the appointment of a replacement for the existing oncologist. I am advised that a timely appointment of a resident oncologist in Darwin will help to alleviate the concerns of many Territory women. I have been asked by Breast Cancer Network Australia to raise this matter with the Minister for Health. I am sure he is aware of it but, by way of this adjournment debate tonight, I encourage him to give this the utmost priority, to make it urgent, and to move heaven and earth, as it were, to recruit and appoint an oncologist and a haematologist as an urgent priority. Also, if that is not successful by the end of the year, to ensure that an oncologist visits from interstate on, perhaps, a fortnightly basis.
Returning to the issue of the breast cancer nurse: there are many reasons why the breast cancer nurse should be part of the mainstream health system. For instance, it is recognised that speciality such as burns nursing and pain nursing are afforded specialist standing in our hospital system. There is a view that it is time now that breast care nurses be afforded the same recognition and status. I make that point, which is not to be underestimated because when you have breast care nurses working in almost in isolation - one in Darwin, one in Alice Springs, both in the Cancer Councils - they are not mixing with other medical practitioners. They can often be distracted by other roles they need to perform in the Cancer Council small offices. It is important, if we are going to get specialist breast care nurses, that they are in a system that lends itself to nurturing them in every way possible and, of course, that then results in better service delivery.
That is not to say, of course, that breast care nurses who work from the Cancer Councils are not professional and do not do their best. I am sure and, in fact, know they do. However, there is a view that, as time has rolled on, these breast care nurses need to become part of the mainstream health system. Of course, that will provide them with some professional development as well.
I understand that the Minister for Health has been contacted by NT Breast Cancer voice about this issue. I also understand that, at present, there does not appear to be much movement as to changing the future positioning of the breast care nurses, which is unfortunate.
The view of NT Breast Cancer voice and, indeed other women around the Territory, is that mainstreaming of breast care services is beneficial to consumers. Consumer advocates consider that this can only improve the overall level of care provided to woman who are diagnosed with breast cancer and improve their ability to cope with their disease. The medical profession - many surgeons and the oncologist - are keen to be supported by a specialist nursing position, and the importance of that cannot be underestimated either. Specialist breast care nurses who would be provided with the necessary administrative and career support to allow them to regard themselves and be regarded, importantly, as professionals undertaking an essential role, is also one of many benefits that would arise if the breast care nurses were mainstreamed. There is also research to the effect that breast care nurses being part of a mainstream health system is not only advantageous for them, but also of benefit to the women who they assist. It is important that they become an integral part of an interdisciplinary team.
I simply make those points not only because NT Breast Cancer voice has spoken to me about this, but I stress a number of other women have as well. What was right in 1999 may not be right now. It is important that the government and the Health Minister in particular have a very good look at this issue. He was talking today about the future of the Health Department and health in the Northern Territory. This is a part of it, and breast care nurses cannot possibly be expected in this day and age to continue to work in isolation.
I note that time is running out, which is unfortunate. I also noted the jibe, I think it was from the Deputy Chief Minister today, in relation to a report of the CPA conference which I attended in Fiji several weeks ago. He noted that I had not given a report. It was my intention to do so tonight. I have a bundle of information here. In fact, much more information is in my office upstairs and I am very happy to share it with all members of the Assembly. We know that CPA conferences are not political in nature. It was my first CPA conference and may well be my last. However, I commend it, especially to new members of the Assembly, as I had heard so much about CPA conferences. It is such an incredibly valuable experience.
At this CPA conference there were about 700 politicians from all around the Commonwealth and the information would take more than five minutes - more than five hours - to go through. There was just so much information. I was joined at the conference by two other Territory politicians, the member for Braitling and Labor Senator Trish Crossin. They also had an interesting time as well.
Before I forget, I would like to thank not only the Clerk, but Jan Sporn in particular who provided me with great assistance to not only get there and make the relevant arrangements, but also has assisted me since the conference because I have spoken to her about a number of things.
I was, essentially, there in my capacity as a member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Group. This is a group of about 12 women from regions all around the Commonwealth. I am the Australian delegate. I am expected to stand down in the next couple of months, although that issue is still being debated by the hierarchy of the CPA. I will spare members the details. However, there seems to have been a couple of mistakes made over the years whereby the Australian delegate’s continued position on this committee is somewhat uncertain. It may well have been my first and last CPA conference in the capacity of being a member of the steering group.
The steering group was nothing short of fascinating. There is not enough time to go through the issues that we talked about or the resolutions that we came up with. However, I would like to advise members that it is likely that, in 2007, we will have a Commonwealth Women’s Conference, the first of its kind in Australia. The President of the Senate, Mr Paul Calvert, who attended the conference, was very receptive to the idea. This came about as a result of the need for women politicians throughout the Commonwealth to not only share their own experiences but to see how the interest and concerns of women throughout Commonwealth could be advanced.
I gave a report which I am happy to provide to members. In my capacity, I gave a report to the committee and told them of some of the things I had done or, more particularly, had tried to do during the term of my appointment.
The Small Countries Conference was also terribly interesting and I have written an article on one part of the Small Countries Conference in particular, which was the effects of natural disasters and global warming. I am running out of time, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I am very happy to share all of the information I have with members. I commend any CPA experience to others; it was certainly very valuable. As I have said, I have close to truckloads of information. It was a very valuable experience, and I look forward to possibly attending another one as the years roll on.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to speak about the former Royal Darwin Hospital security officer, Mr Garry Markwell, who retired on 15 September 2005, after 25 years of distinguished service.
Garry started work at the Royal Darwin Hospital on the 1 May 1980, six days before the first patients were transferred from the old Darwin Hospital on Myilly Terrace. He has worked as a security guard for almost this entire period, apart from the last couple of years as manager. Garry is more commonly and fondly known around the hospital by his nickname ‘Bones’. This title was bestowed on him during his Air Force days, given his slender 6’ build.
Garry was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, on 31 December 1945. He married his wife, Judy, in December 1965 when he was working for the RAAF in Mackay, Queensland. They have raised four children: Tracy, Jodie, Chris, and Mandy, who have all made their homes in Darwin.
The couple relocated to the RAAF Base Darwin in December 1970. Garry finished with the RAAF in 1980 and, because he and Judy loved Darwin so much, they decided to call Darwin home. The Markwells then bought the property at rural Howard Springs and, in 1982, decided to move closer to town and took up residence in the Palmerston suburb of Gray.
Garry believed that his well-honed military background would stand him in a good stead for a position as a security guard officer in the new hospital. He was quickly recruited and started work at the same time as three other officers on the 1 May 1980. Garry now holds the honour of the longest serving security officer at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Garry has seen some key moments in the history of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He can vividly recall the day the Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, opened the Royal Darwin Hospital in September 1980. He saw the temporary arrival of Darwin Private Hospital on the third floor of the Royal Darwin Hospital main ward block and then, later, when it reopened new premises on the Royal Darwin Hospital campus.
He and other security guards played a key role in assisting the hospital during the Bali crisis in October 2002. Security played another key role when some Royal Darwin Hospital houses were used to accommodate East Timorese patients for medical treatment during the evacuation of hundreds of citizens to Darwin in September 1999. In mid-2003, Garry coordinated the ‘key tree’ locking sequences and took possession of keys for over 800 doors in the $43m wing of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He has also played a crucial role in the development of the fire plan and training of hundreds of staff on the new wing.
Garry is well known around the hospital for his ability to quickly diffuse aggressive situations, ensuring the safety of both staff and patients. His knowledge of hospital services and systems is very broad, and attempts have been made to record this key information on paper for future reference.
Garry is known to spin a yarn or three; he also has great wit and lightning fast recall of great jokes.
He has been on the committee of the Palmerston RSL for several years, and has been a great member, offering his time and ideas to ensure the club remains viable in a time when the club is struggling somewhat.
Having retired from the service a couple of years ago, he will put his first love of family to the fore and, in his spare time, tinker with cars and the still-to-be-finished demountable. He will also have more time to spend with his six grandchildren. Although not looking to leave the Territory, Garry and Judy will be planning to join the grey nomads every couple of years to travel by road and see more of Australia in their new Toyota twin cab. Garry Markwell was one of those tireless public servants who gave freely of his time and support. On behalf of the government, I thank Garry for his years of distinguished service.
I mentioned last week that the Kormilda students participated in the Tournament of the Minds in Sydney. They won the Maths and Engineering section of the Northern Territory regional final and went to Sydney last week. Unfortunately, they did not figure in the placings, but were praised by the organisers and the teachers for their good behaviour and cooperation. The students were great ambassadors for the Northern Territory, conducted themselves well and mixed well with other students. Their teacher, Marion Davey, accompanied them to Sydney for the Australian final and she heaped all sorts of praise on the seven of them. I mentioned their names last week, but I would like to do it again: Adam Pulford, Gabrielle Morriss, Haydn Lee, Rebecca Lambert, Thomas Bade, Polly Henry and Yasmine Osborne.
I donated two of the Crusty Demons tickets to them to raise some money for them to go to Sydney, and the two winners were a student at the school, Peter McKay, and a teacher at the school, Jane Anlezark.
The other two tickets I received I gave to the Palmerston High School. They passed them on to their Year 10 Top Achiever, based on the Term 3 marks and reports. I am pleased to say that Melissa Talau was the winner of those tickets. I met Melissa. She is a very bright kid studying science, and wants to be a pharmacist. I wish her well in her endeavours. Unfortunately, she is going to be leaving Darwin at the end of the year as her father is in the Defence Force and they are moving on. All the best to Melissa and her family when they do move.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, if you ask anyone in Palmerston what their major concern is it is the provision of a 24-hour health clinic. The reasons for this are that the ratio of general practitioner to population in the Northern Territory is one GP per 1601. The national urban average is one GP per 1200. That is the national benchmark. In remote, it is one GP to 600. In remote areas in the Territory it is higher than that. The Territory benchmark falls below all national benchmarks. In Darwin, it is one GP per 1343. For Palmerston, it is one GP per 1999. However, when you take in the Palmerston and rural area with a population in excess of 40 000 people, it is one GP per 2949. This population comprises many young families. They are busy; they take the health issues relating to their children very seriously and, if a child suffers an injury late at night, or temperature increases and will not abate, then it is deemed an emergency and that family wants to go somewhere.
The first question they ask is: where? Generally, they inquire around Palmerston, not sure where they should go. They have heard, over time, that there is a health clinic in Palmerston. When they go there they find, unless you get there early, you will not get in, in time. It opens from 6 pm to 10 pm. This process, generally, takes an additional hour or more until they realise that they have to go into town. Most families do not plan for these sorts of emergencies and they presume that there is a place for them to go in the region. At the moment, there is not.
The need has been long recognised that there needs to be a place where families of Palmerston and the rural area can go on a 24-hour continuous basis. So much so that, between February 2002 and April 2003, five separate petitions were presented to this Assembly seeking the reinstatement of a 24-hour medical service at Palmerston. Up until the time of the last Assembly, there were 8620 signatures on these petitions. The member for Nelson and the former member for Goyder participated in that. It is now 2005 and, today in this new Assembly, another petition has been presented with nearly 5000 petitioners signing their names calling, but waiting, upon government to respond.
The memory of many people in the area was that there was a 24-hour health service in Palmerston. I even have photographs of the sign heralding its arrival. It commenced in April 2001 and it was closed six months later after a change of government. The official Labor government position at the time was - and still is I presume, even though many people have registered their request that government pay heed to their concerns - that after six months: ‘The service was too costly and was under utilised when opened by the CLP government in 2001’. That is the line and the position taken by this government in spite of the repeated calls upon them for a response. I plead, on behalf of petitioners, for government to come up with a solution for the families of Palmerston and the rural region.
I now move to a gentleman I have much respect for. This gentleman represents the many small business employers across the Territory who take up the responsibility of addressing our skills shortage by taking on trainees and apprentices. The government can make many statements in here and propose solutions to the problem but, generally, the solution is only delivered by small business operators. These small business operators must be dealt with well. In the case of this gentleman, Glen, he has not been dealt with well. Glen Pearce has written a letter which I consider is important to place on the Parliamentary Record, with a request for this minister to respond. I place this not just as a call from Glen Pearce, but a call from all small business operators who take on the responsibility of training our young people and increasing the skills base.
He took on an apprentice and did what he believed was a good job. Then he found that the young apprentice decided that he did not want to work there any longer, and made representation to other agencies which then took on board his concerns and dealt with them. The problem is that they never brought back their concerns to the employer. I have heard that this has happened on a number of occasions where it is immediately judged that the employer is at fault. I can speak for Glen and many of these employers; that they need to be treated with respect. The department did not come back to Glen to seek his side of the story; it heard only the story of the apprentice. In the follow through of those actions, it resulted in an offence to Glen. I know Glen and he is a good man. I believe that Glen, like any other employer, needs to be treated with respect.
I am not saying for a moment that things cannot occur in the workplace that cause concern, particularly where apprentices are concerned. However, at all times, justice must be seen to be done and respect be shown to the employer. In this case, Glen was not shown appropriate respect. For one, I am disappointed that that has occurred. I ask that the minister respond to the letter from the employer and make the appropriate response to satisfy this one employer, and ensure that the he is valued and respected in this equation.
I now move to another issue which is, in fact, a letter that has been written to the Minister for Housing. Copies have also been sent to the Chief Minister and to other officials in the community:
Which are on the corner of Temple Terrace and Baldwin Drive:
These are their words:
Another issue is related to matters that have been discussed in this parliament about mental illness. A person has written to me and has also written to members in government saying that, due to a bipolar condition, she is having difficulty explaining to officials in Housing her condition, and the problems in Housing have been escalated by the lack of understanding of the condition that this lady has. She has written a very compelling letter asking for help. I will not go much further into this.
However, I have had two accounts in the last week of people who speak of mental conditions that are not properly understood by departmental officials, which compounds their problem. I will bring this to the attention of the Chief Minister, as this letter has been written to her. If the Chief Minister is taking notes at the moment, I ask her to attend to that letter that has been written by Joey Flynn - a compelling letter, indeed.
Also, Kathy Mills – no relation – who is a hardworking and struggling mum, has discovered after a considerable amount of time that her son is autistic. It makes sense now why she has experienced such difficulty. If anyone understands autism, they will know how difficult it is for a parent. What compounded the difficulty is the officials who are working around her in Education, principally, have not acknowledged this condition or responded appropriately. Kathy has written to the minister and to her local member, Dr Burns and, as yet, has not received an appropriate response. I call upon minister Stirling and minister Burns to ensure that the cries of Kathy Mills are taken on board and responded to sensitively, because this lady has been very patient but is in a very difficult position.
Finally, as someone who grew up in Western Australia, I understand Aussie Rules really well. I decided one day to watch the kids play their Rugby League grand final. What a treat it was. I am going to read a little of a screed here that was written. It was one of those magic games that just made me feel so good after seeing this.
This is the Palmerston Raiders, with Gary Naylor the coach; Johnno Johnson, that legend, team manager, assistant coach and runner; and Errol Edwards who was the other runner for the grand final and ran water for the majority of the season. Many parents helped and it was just an honour to be there amongst them. Mr McBean, Grant McKenzie and Dean Gebert from Advanced Air sponsored the team again in 2005, and their support is really valued. The team always had pressure on them because they had won the last four grand finals.
Litchfield did really well, they scored after their first possession, but the Raiders came back. Special mention to Shem Rotumah and Michael Elphick who worked together as a team with Wayne Dowling. They showed great team spirit working together and they fought back after the second half. Even though they have a great cheer squad out there at Litchfield, the Raiders still did it. They are fantastic.
There are a number of team members here I would just love to mention, and if I could please have permission to enter them on the Parliamentary Record. They did a fantastic job and are champions and made us all feel very proud.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Sorry, member for Blain, did you want to table that?
Mr MILLS: I have the names that have been – yes, I will table that.
Leave granted.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I will talk about our Futures Expo which was held at Wadeye this week. Unfortunately, we had sittings and I missed out on it. The Futures Expo was came about as part of the ongoing COAG trial at Port Keats, and with the Thamarrurr Regional School. It involved all our ceremonial groups and members of the priority working group, which included the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, our own NT government DEET, and also the Catholic school.
There were approximately 150 students, parents and friends who attended the Futures Expo. They were given a general orientation and informed of the outline of the plans for the 2006. VET courses will be run and teachers are meeting to discuss initiatives and ideas for the next year. Diagrams of the proposed new secondary facility were also displayed. This is a facility which was promised by the Northern Territory government. A total of around $5m has been committed towards that project to build the secondary school and provide additional teacher accommodation.
Two breezeways have been turned into temporary classrooms and, before 2006, a demountable has also been supplied by the Education Department. This is in recognition of the high class sizes which were experienced early this year when there was a move to get better attendance at schools. That is something that they are looking forward to in 2006, so this will relieve some of the pain that the teachers and students suffered early this year. The new secondary facility should be up and running in 2007 as part of the Stage 1. There should be 582 students starting at the beginning of this school year, and closer to 600 expected in the beginning of 2006. Once the secondary facility is built, it will relieve a lot of pressure on the primary school.
The long-term plan is to create a circle of schooling, starting from preschool up to the end of Year 12. The site will be more streamlined and class rotation is expected for secondary students. It is envisaged that, by 2010, there will be between 400 to 500 secondary students alone. That is absolutely brilliant and I look forward to seeing that happen. Approximately six teachers will leave at the end of this school year and recruitment is under way for the replacement, including a few short-term contracts to cater for the initial influx at the beginning of next year.
Community members were very proud and excited to be treated to demonstrations on the Internet and the recent success of the Year 12 art exhibition at the Charles Darwin University. This art exhibition created much fuss among family members when they visited the web site, which is www.dirrmu.com. Messages have been posted from America asking questions about the girls and their art. They were very proud to know that people from across the world are taking interest in them. An exciting addition to the event was the visit by the Commonwealth Games medallist swimmer, Shane Gould. She conducted ‘hints and tips’ on how to swim properly for all the kids.
These were exciting events. It will certainly get a lot more interest with the school. There will be a push next year, and I will be looking forward to it making sure that everything is covered so that the teachers and students do not experience any difficulty.
I also bring to your attention an inventive constituent of mine who lives in the Edith farms area. The Northern Territory government’s cane toad trap competition attracted attention from all over the country. The $16 000 prize was won by a Mr Paul Baker, who works as a diesel mechanic in Katherine. The competition was aimed at slowing the migration of the toad and attracted more than 100 entries from across Australia and overseas. The poisonous pests are already having a devastating effect on the wildlife in Kakadu National Park and are marching their way to Darwin. I do my bit every time I drive back to Katherine late at night to slow them up.
Mr Baker’s traps consist of an illuminated screen which reflects light out, three ramps which the toad climbs up, and a weight which drops down the flaps. Toads jump up the ramp in search of the insects attracted by the light, onto the weight flap and down into the cage they fall. Traps have had the capacity to catch up to 50 or more toads a week, which will have a great impact on the numbers. The success of the decrease in the number of toads caught, of course, depends on the public’s commitment to purchase the traps, which cost about $30, which really is not a great deal of money.
This is not the first competition Paul has entered. Last year, he made a fairly small mango picking aid, which is quite useful in the mango industry. It is smaller than most picking aids and basically works on gravity whereas others work on a conveyor belt. Paul has utilised gravity to put mangoes into bulk bins.
Mr Baker will be showcasing his cane toad trap tonight on the ABC The New Inventors program. Unfortunately, we would not have been able to watch it tonight, but I encourage all Territorians to log on to the ABC web site and vote for our Territorian who has invented this great cane toad and, hopefully, he can come away with a prize. That web site, if anyone would like to go on and cast their vote, is
Madam Speaker. I congratulate Paul. It is certainly a great trap and it is great to see things coming out of the rural area of Katherine.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, the government has recently brought out its big guns to support its anti-radioactive waste facility, anti-federal government campaign. It has started to put out full-page advertisements and to use Question Time to promote and sell its cause. It has poured scorn on our federal members, accused the Prime Minister of lying, and politicised the public service by asking them to hand out petitions. In other words, it has the money, the ear of some of the media, a publicly-funded propaganda unit, and it is on its way.
As an Independent who has another point of view, who believes that this action by the government is just one big con, is confused by the CLP’s stand on this issue, and feels that he cannot compete when it comes to pushing an alternative view, all I can do is tell it as I see it through this venue, the parliament.
To start, I do not believe the Chief Minister would like us to think her view has the total support of Territorians. I know from the phone calls, e-mails and conversations out there that people do support my approach to this issue. They are not the sort of people who accept the idea: ‘Trust me, I am from the government’. These people believe that Australia needs a place to store its waste. They believe in nuclear technology and do not accept the claims that the waste cannot be stored safely. Many of them have said that they see economic benefits if it was stored in the Territory. I also believe the government has now gone down a path of no return as, no matter what is said, how much noise it made, or if the federal government offers them some alternatives, they will not move one inch as it would be too big a shame job to back down. The embarrassment would be too great, the humble pie would taste awful, and winning at all costs is what this is all about. Put succinctly, it is pure politics and the taxpayer is going to have to pay the bill.
The government first came out last year and said it would oppose a radioactive waste facility, conveniently called ‘the dump’, and passed legislation saying so. All was quiet until the federal government said it would build a waste facility in the Territory. Then all hell broke loose and cries were heard of the awful plague that had beset the land: the feds were overriding our laws. However, when you look at the bigger picture - that is, the feds had no other option as all the Labor Premiers and Chief Ministers opposed a waste facility, and the new Lucas Heights reactor could not get a licence to operate until it had a waste facility - then you see how political all this has become and how the feds had a problem.
The original site for a waste facility was to be at Woomera in South Australia. However, the South Australian government opposed it after originally being part of the federal/state working party which selected the sites. That was politics and the feds did not want to take the issue too far, also because of politics; they faced the risk of losing the South Australian Senators in the federal election. After that, there were statements made and promises broken by various people in the federal government. If you are on one side you call that politics; if you are on the other you call it lies and deceit. The federal and state election may have had something to do with all of that. None of it gives any comfort to those who hope politics may improve one day.
Now, we have the NT government that finds it can take the high moral ground on broken promises, and then uses the issue of the federal government introducing laws to allow radioactive waste facility in the NT as a cover to achieve what it really wants; that is, to stop the construction of a radioactive waste facility.
What this whole issue highlights is the fact that there has been no leadership from our Chief Minister, or her fellow Labor leaders, in finding a solution. They have never come out and said they do not support a radioactive waste facility, they have just said it is the feds problem. Talk about a Pontius Pilate approach to the issue. Yes, we should have a facility, but not in my backyard. Jenny Macklin’s statement takes the cake when she said that we need a place to store the waste, but she knows full well that all her Labor colleagues and the states will not have it. That is a statement comprising all talk and no responsibility.
The government has never said it opposes the Lucas Heights Reactor. It is happy to receive the benefits of the reactor, but will not openly support it as, if it did, it would also have to support a waste facility. It tried to muddy the waters on this issue when, yesterday, the Minister for Health dug out the well-worn view on the Lucas Heights Reactor and said: ‘We could produce the medical isotopes without the reactor’. What he did not say were the real facts. I quote from a letter from Dr Ron Cameron, Acting Chief of Operations at ANSTO, who wrote to me on 6 October:
That comes from Chief of Operations, Dr Ron Cameron at ANSTO. He made a point to me when I rang him regarding some of these issues. He said it is fine for people to say we should import our isotopes from Canada, but he asked how ethical it was to import the isotopes and leave Canada with the waste. That is what we are not prepared to do ourselves. That is a fair summing up of the issue. We are happy to have the isotopes for medicine and industry, but we want another country to look after the waste.
Then the Chief Minister also said yesterday, and I quote from Daily Hansard:
This is not true. I read from A Radioactive Waste Depository for Australia, Site Selection Study, which was issued by the Commonwealth. It says:
These are the eight regions selected. This is the government’s document. The five regions identified by ASSESS - which means A System for Selecting Suitable Sites - were Billa Kalina in South Australia, Bloods Range in Northern Territory, Everard in South Australia, Olary in New South Wales, and Tanami in Northern Territory. There were three other regions identified by consultation: Jackson in Western Australia, Maralinga in South Australia and Mt Isa in Queensland.
I believe some sections in the media are being conned by the government in taking what they say as gospel. What we have here is the government trying its best to convince Territorians that they are squeaky clean; that this is the entire federal government’s fault, and of Nigel Scullion and Dave Tollner. The Northern Territory government had an opportunity to put pressure on South Australia to allow Woomera to be used as a waste site - a site which was the preferred site - but they did nothing - no leadership. They had the opportunity to lobby for a forum of all state, territory and federal leaders in finding a solution. They did nothing – no leadership. They never came up with an alternative site for siting radioactive waste. They have just said it is the Commonwealth’s problem – no leadership. The Northern Territory government has never said they support Lucas Heights, but have come up with some borrowed Green theories that you can import isotopes instead of manufacturing them ourselves. That looks like a dreamt up excuse to argue against Lucas Heights, if you ask me. It shows a lack of commitment to Lucas Heights and its importance to Australia.
This whole saga is a sorry tale of incompetent governments, all scared of losing votes, but not being able to get up and put forward the facts, or sticking with facts and holding the line. It is about populism and emotional fiction, and it could not be more highlighted by some of the statements made in this parliament.
Sadly, also, Aboriginal people are drawn into this debate, after only hearing one side of the argument without an opportunity to hear the other side. Without knowing it, they have become political pawns in this debate. I have seen this many times over many years. I recently heard a comment that their land would be poisoned - an easy comment to make and spread as if gospel; easily spread by those who are against the waste facility. I would say the effects of sugar, petrol, tobacco and alcohol would have consequences infinitely far more poisonous and dangerous than a purpose-built waste facility.
Other lame duck excuses are trundled out such as the effect such a facility would have on tourism or agriculture. If that is the case, how come tourists love to visit France and drink the wine, or visit the USA to export their livestock and grain. When you are looking for a reason, I am sure you will find an excuse to suit. Again, I quote from Dr Ron Cameron’s letter on that very issue. He was replying to a statement from a gentleman who had written a letter in the NT News. He said:
It is no wonder politicians are given little respect. If we really believe that we are worthy of being a state, we need to show more maturity than we do today. If this government is willing to push its political agenda above the truth, then I do not want that kind of government leading us to statehood. I want to belong to a state that is run by mature politicians who have a proper understanding of the issues, not a shallow view of the world based on one-minute interviews they heard on the news, or dramatic headlines they might have read.
This issue is an Australian issue. I have said before: we need to come up with an answer not based on the ‘not in my backyard’ syndrome but, as a nation, we need to find a place where we can safely store this material. We rely on nuclear technology and, as members of the Commonwealth of Australia, we need to take responsibility. This debate has lost sight of that and turned into a political stoush. It is now not about what is best for the nation; it is about what is best for the Labor Party in the NT. Until that changes, millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money will be wasted to save egos, to fight for an outdated and tunnel vision ideology, and to look good at the next election.
As I said before in this parliament when talking about this debate, President John F Kennedy summed it up perfectly when he said in his inaugural speech:
Sadly, the Labor Party has the reverse of that same quote: ‘Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what you can do for the party’.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
PETITIONS
24-Hour Emergency Medical
Service - Palmerston
24-Hour Emergency Medical
Service - Palmerston
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 4842 petitioners praying that a 24-hour emergency medical service be established in Palmerston. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
To the Speaker and members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly, we the undersigned citizens do respectfully
request that a 24-hour emergency medical service be established in Palmerston, so that residents of Palmerston and the
rural area have access to this regional facility instead of relying solely on Royal Darwin Hospital for after hours medical
assistance, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
Noise and Air Pollution –
Ron Goodin Power Station
Ron Goodin Power Station
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 252 petitioners, praying that the Legislative Assembly take the necessary steps to reduce the noise and air pollution from the Ron Goodin Power Station. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
To the Honourable Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, we the undersigned
respectfully showeth our great dissatisfaction with the level of noise and air pollution from the newly installed turbine
generator at the power station. Your petitioners do humbly observe that the turbine noise is audible up to 2.5 km from the
power station and the noise level in the streets around The Fairway, Range Crescent, Berger Court and Kilgariff Crescent
is intolerable.
Your petitioners do further observe that air pollution from fumes emanating from the power station has increased with the
installation of the turbine generator with soot fallout and fumes affecting our enjoyment of our homes and our health. Your
petitioners do humbly pray that the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory urgently take the necessary steps,
reduce the noise and air pollution which has impacted on our lives, and your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Democracy Week
Democracy Week
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, further to information on celebrating Democracy Week, I advise today the Statehood Challenge is being held in the dining room commencing at 9 am. This activity is open to students from Year 8 through to Year 11. Students will be given information about statehood and asked to develop an advertising campaign or strategy to inform young Territorians about the issues surrounding statehood for the Northern Territory. At present, there are two schools participating, Taminmin High School and Sanderson High School, and students will present their ideas from 1 pm. All members are welcome.
The Teachers’ Forum will be held in Members and Guests Lounge today from 3.30 pm. This activity is open to both primary and secondary teachers. Teachers will be given a brief tour of the building, followed by afternoon tea. The education coordinator will also present an overview of the programs offered by the Legislative Assembly and discuss the types of pre-visit and post-visit activities that will further enhance student learning.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Progress Report on the Re-opening of Stage 1 of Darwin’s East Arm Wharf
Progress Report on the Re-opening of Stage 1 of Darwin’s East Arm Wharf
Dr BURNS (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, part of the East Arm Wharf has been closed since mid-June 2005 to investigate the failure of three tie rods. The closure was a precautionary measure until we could better understand why the tie rods had broken and what impact their failure might have on the wharf structure.
Since that time, extensive investigations, testing and engineering modelling have been undertaken utilising the skills and experience of interstate and overseas experts in wharf and marine structures. I am pleased to advise that much of this work has been undertaken cooperatively with the joint venture partners who designed and built Stage 1 of the wharf in the 1990s. The investigation is a complex engineering task which is still not finalised. However, we now have a much clearer idea of the issues and associated risk.
I am pleased to announce that, while these further investigations are being undertaken, it has been decided to reopen the wharf under certain constraints and conditions. The wharf was reopened earlier this week on Monday, 17 October.
The wharf was constructed under a design and construct contract by joint venture partnerships between Barclay Mowlem, Thiess and WestHam Dredging. It was completed and handed over to the Darwin Port Corporation in December 1999. While the defects liability period under the contract expired in December 2004, a final certificate has not yet been issued due to non-completion of defects.
A significant structural component of the wharf is the 400 lower tie rods located several metres below the surface which tie the sheet-piled wall of the wharf to concrete anchors. Three of these tie rods were found to have snapped and, as a precautionary measure, Stage 1 of the wharf was closed so that a detailed investigation into the cause and effect of the failures could be conducted.
Extensive metallurgical tests have been conducted on the three broken tie rods together with ultrasonic tests on the remaining lower tie rods. Regular surveys of the wharf have been done to determine any movement, and regular visual inspections of the rod ends to check that no others have failed. The cause of the tie rod failure appears to be a combination of tack welding with the cathodic protection system which has caused a change in the metallurgical properties of the steel, together with the bending of the bars during backfill settlement when the wharf was built. The tie rods are buried under 5 m of fill and, as part of the design, are subject to water inundation. This certainly adds to the complexity of the investigations and future repairs.
When it became apparent that the final resolution of the problem was likely to be protracted, it was agreed to undertake a two-stage approach. The first stage was to focus on all efforts on reopening the wharf to port users, and the second stage on the long-term fix of the problem so that the joint venture can meet its obligation to provide a wharf with a 50-year design life. Expert analysis of the various tests and engineering modelling has been positive and resulted in a recommendation that the wharf can be partially reopened. A stringent monitoring regime has been put in place and an emergency action plan has been implemented and explained to all port users.
During this initial reopening, there will be some limitations on usage, particularly at the location of the failed tie rods, as the joint venture requires space to work. However, rig tenders, livestock carriers and container ships will be able to tie up for loading and bunkering purposes, and there will be normal road train access to the wharf adjacent to the vessel. The container crane can be used for normal operations between chainage 240 and Stage 2 - which, I should emphasise, has remained open during all this process; so we are really focusing on Stage 1 here - with crawler cranes able to be used on the rest of the available wharf.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure, the joint venture partners, and the engineering experts will now refocus their attention on the reasons for the failures, the possibility of further failures, and the rectification methods. I look forward to being able to inform the House when the full rectification is completed.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for what appears to be a relatively fulsome statement. I am sure a number of other Territorians will be interested to read the Hansard.
I am hopeful that the member for Wanguri, in his capacity as minister for Police, will provide during these ministerial reports an equally detailed report into the review of the investigation into the death of 7-year-old Louisa May Turner. It was observed with a level of concern by me and others that the Police minister did not issue a media release yesterday - it was left to the police - and the findings of this investigation were issued by media release as opposed to providing Territorians and the family, at the very least, with a copy of the findings. We would expect, in those circumstances, at the very least, for the Police minister to provide a report into this investigation because, important though the wharf is, the investigation into the death of this young girl is arguably more important for reasons with are patently obvious.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his statement. It was a detailed statement. However, there may be some other questions that still need to be asked for the sake of the taxpayer because, as you said, the wharf has been closed down for some time. It would be interesting to know what it has cost the government in wharf fees, and what inconveniences it caused with the shipping having to go back to the Darwin wharf. Has that held up, for instance, redevelopment of the Darwin wharf area? How long do you think before it can be fully opened and running as usual? I suppose I am asking the budgetary questions here. What has been the effect and has the government put away some money for repairs? Do they have any estimate of what the repairs will cost?
Dr BURNS (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution. Turning first to the member for Nelson, there have certainly been indirect costs. I give credit to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and the Port Corporation officers who have been working tirelessly to address this issue. The issue of costs will be addressed in due course and, from my perspective, I would like to minimise any cost to the Northern Territory taxpayer. However, this is a matter for further on down the track. The first priority is to get the wharf operational but we have been keeping track of any costs.
I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her comments. If I could just give a little hint to the Leader of the Opposition: she needs to look up the word ‘fulsome’ in the dictionary. I do not think it exactly means what she thinks. Thank you and I will report further on the progress with the port.
Establishing the Environment
Protection Agency
Protection Agency
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I report on government’s progress in establishing the Northern Territory’s first Environment Protection Agency. Last year, government announced that it would respond to emerging environmental challenges by establishing the Territory’s first EPA. Labor reaffirmed this commitment during the recent election campaign. We announced that the EPA would be developed in two stages.
Stage 1 would see the introduction of a three-member, independent EPA board and the reorganisation of the Environment and Heritage Office so that services are re-aligned into an EPA program. The immediate task of the EPA board would be to consult with the Northern Territory community on a final preferred model for the EPA and advise government on new supporting legislation.
Stage 2 of the EPA establishment would see the final EPA model put in place, the new legislation in operation, and significant additional resources provided to improve environmental services.
I am very pleased to report that government is today delivering the first stage of that commitment as promised. I have great pleasure in announcing today that I have appointed an interim EPA board, comprising three eminently-qualified and highly-respected professional people. They are Professor Gordon Duff, who will chair the interim board; Professor Donna Craig; and Ms Judith King. All three have a great list of qualities, experience and other credentials that they bring to this role, and it is hard for me to do justice to them in a few brief paragraphs.
Professor Gordon Duff is currently the CEO of the Tropical Savannas Management Cooperative Research Centre located at Charles Darwin University. Professor Duff brings a wealth of experience in tropical research, the management of complex organisations that require collaboration with a diverse range of partners, and engagement with an even wider range of stakeholders. He is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Professor Donna Craig is Professor of Desert Knowledge at the Alice Springs campus of Charles Darwin University. Her work focuses on how to make resource management law contribute to the better health, wellbeing and ecologically sustainable development of desert communities and arid lands. She is the Co-Convener of the World Conservation Union’s Specialist Group on Indigenous Peoples and Environmental Law. Professor Craig’s knowledge of environmental law and its application to indigenous and regional development will be a vital asset for an EPA board.
Ms Judith King has been a non-executive Director of the Power and Water Corporation’s Board since its establishment. She currently chairs Power and Water’s Environment Committee and is a company director and business advisor with expertise in the growth and export of services. Ms King was formerly a director of Melbourne Water Corporation and Citipower Ltd, being closely involved in the restructuring and reforms of those utilities. In January 2003, Ms King was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal.
We are very privileged to have people of such high calibre willing to contribute their expertise. I am very pleased that the interim board has representation from Central Australia, and members with scientific, business and legal expertise. Just as important as their wealth and range of expertise, they are people who have actively sought out the challenge of integrating new ideas and systems to solve old problems.
As promised, and concurrent with the appointment with the new EPA board, is the reorganisation of the Office of Environment and Heritage into the new EPA program. The EPA program will support the EPA Board and carry out the day-to-day environmental protection activities, including environmental impact assessment, policy development, standard setting, regulation and monitoring. Work has substantially progressed on the comprehensive audit and evaluation of our environmental laws and programs across government to support the development of a draft model for Stage 2 of the EPA establishment. This work will provide the basis for the new EPA Board to undertake further community consultation in early 2006.
Madam Speaker, we are serious about improving the Territory’s environmental performance and doing it in a way that takes into account the views of the community, industry and environmental scientists. The simple definition challenges all Territorians to be involved in the management of our unique environment. Today we have taken the first step in such a journey.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report. The establishment of an independent EPA in the Northern Territory is a very important step. I am very pleased, as I am sure all members on this side are, very pleased to hear the names of the eminent people who will be on that board. I know that those people will take on a serious responsibility of preserving our pristine environment. I trust that our heritage in the Northern Territory will be well protected by this EPA Board.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I also welcome the minister’s statement. It is important we do have an EPA established in the Northern Territory. I hope the government bears in mind one of the themes that all sides of parliament who were on the committee were looking at: to make sure it did not become a big bureaucracy. I know you have done some reorganisation in the department to suit that. I hope it can stay that way and the government keeps that in mind so it does not start to creep towards becoming a big bureaucracy.
I would like to just ask a question which was not clear in your statement: why is it an interim board? Why are we not establishing a board straight off? It is something that you could explain. There are plenty of issues in the Northern Territory that you could get started on straightaway. I might just mention a few: the Glyde Point industrial area; Ord River Stage 2, which we do not seem to be doing much about; the radioactive waste facility, an ideal one; and the new township of Weddell. There are some great opportunities straightaway for them to do some work.
I welcome this statement. Though not all parts of industry have wanted an EPA, it will be up to the government now to prove to those industries that did not support it – like the pastoral and mining industries – that it is beneficial to the Territory; you can run it without big bureaucracy, and it will be to the benefit of all people. If that happens, it will be a great for the Territory.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their response. There was bipartisan agreement in the Environment committee and I acknowledge the member for Karama and other members on that committee for their work. We need to improve our environmental services. That is clear and became clear through that report. In terms of two stages, this is crucial. We do need to get the audit and assessment and pull together all of those laws. There is a major change; it is a major reform. We did say two stages; this is Stage 1. In Stage 2, the public process that we promised will happen. We now need to have this Stage 1 with this interim board to oversee and make sure it is going along the right track so that we get it right. We have to get it right for the future of all Territorians, particularly our children who will live with this.
Progress of Libraries and Knowledge
Centres in the Northern Territory
Centres in the Northern Territory
Mr McADAM (Local Government): Madam Speaker, my predecessor, Mr John Ah Kit, reported to this parliament on indigenous knowledge centres in June 2002. I am pleased to advise of the considerable progress that has been made in the delivery of library services to remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. This government approved a new model for library services in indigenous communities in March 2004. The model, known as Libraries and Knowledge Centres, builds on existing community networks and provides a place where community members can interact socially, gain and share knowledge, and access on-line resources. The key focus of Libraries and Knowledge Centres is on literacy as well as the acquisition and preservation of local knowledge, and brings together the traditional library concept with indigenous knowledge ideals.
The Libraries and Knowledge Centres model incorporates a community knowledge starter base aims to provide: access to knowledge and information through core library services including English literary and information literacy programs; enable the acquisition and preservation of local knowledge; provide training and support to community members; engage in inquiring and preserving knowledge; and provide recreational activities for all groups in the community.
The implementation of the Libraries and Knowledge Centre model is now under way in eight communities. A local community library officer manages each centre. The Northern Territory Library provides ongoing training and support to the Community Library Officers as part of this government’s commitment to work with communities to develop local skills and increased literacy through participation and delivery of library services.
To provide this service, flexibility, appropriate infrastructure and a user friendly knowledge database are the key elements in the delivery of library services to indigenous communities in the Territory. The knowledge database has been developed through the use of Ara Irititja software which was specifically developed for Pitjantjatjara communities in Central Australia. The Northern Territory Library has a licence for the software and is introducing it in community libraries at no cost to the community. The Northern Territory Library has renamed the software ‘Our Story’; however, each community is encouraged to choose a local name for their database. For example, I understand Wadeye’s database is known as Murrinh Nekingime, meaning ‘Our Story’. Each community owns the contents of their database and the data is stored according to rules set by indigenous community leaders.
I am pleased to report that I recently attended the Winnellie offices of the Northern Territory Library to see first-hand the work that is being undertaken in training and support to Community Library Officers who work in library and knowledge centres. I presented 27 Community Library Officers with certificates. These people travelled from 17 communities throughout the Northern Territory and completed the training session over a period of one week.
The annual Community Library Officers’ Forum provides an important opportunity for Community Library Officers to increase their library skills and knowledge, as well as helping overcome the challenge of working in isolation in remote locations. I was encouraged to see some familiar faces amongst the participants, including from my electorate of Barkly, and also from Angurugu, Borroloola, Elliott, Wadeye and Anmatjere.
Today, libraries are not just about books on shelves. Libraries and Knowledge Centres is an important initiative of the Northern Territory Library, and this government is at the forefront in the delivery of library services to indigenous communities. I was able to see the important work that the Northern Territory Library is doing in developing the skills of these Community Library Officers. The level of attendance at the forum was very reassuring. Community Library Officers travelled great distances, many with their young children and babies in tow, and it was encouraging to see the value participants placed on the training being provided, which I believe was reflected in their commitment to attend.
During my visit to the Community Library Officers’ Forum, Northern Territory Library staff demonstrated the use of the ‘Our Story’ database. The database enables community members to connect with their history in a simple and direct manner. It provides a measure of ownership over local, historic and cultural records. It inspires a sense of pride and self-worth in individuals. Young people, in particular, are learning how to use the database and developing the skills needed to manage it. It brings more people into the local library where they can access a range of library services designed to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
The Northern Territory Library has recently prepared a progress report on the implementation of Libraries and Knowledge Centres in the Northern Territory. The work that the Northern Territory Library has undertaken far exceeds expectations we all have about library services. I commend their work to this parliament.
In light of this government’s …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Mr McADAM: I seek leave to table the report that I have just referred to.
Madam SPEAKER: You do not need to seek leave. You can just table it.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the ministerial report and look forward to reading the report he has just tabled. We can respond at another time in an adjournment.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
TERRITORY INSURANCE OFFICE AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 22)
(Serial 22)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The bill represents an important step in this government’s efforts to improve the governance and accountability framework of the Territory Insurance Office. It proposes amendments to the Territory Insurance Office Act that will facilitate better prudential regulation of the office, and also a better management of the guarantee that government offers to TIO’s customers.
As an insurance and financial services company, TIO is exposed to a range of financial and operational risks that require regulation. For private insurance and financial services companies, this regulation is undertaken by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. For TIO, prudential regulation is undertaken by Northern Territory Treasury.
With the collapse of HIH, APRA has moved to strengthen the National Prudential Regulation Framework to guard against such collapses in the future. It is now appropriate that the prudential regulations framework applying to TIO also be updated to reflect the changes in the APRA framework. This bill will repeal the existing prudential regulatory framework, and facilitate a regime of ministerial directions to apply a new updated framework. It is proposed that the new regime embodied in the ministerial directions will apply an APRA-like regime appropriate to TIO’s unique circumstances.
The insurance and financial services industries are dynamic and it is important that the regulatory framework can respond quickly to industry changes. Because of this, the APRA regulatory framework is constantly being updated, and it is desirable that the Territory’s regulatory framework respond quickly and appropriately to any changes in the national regulatory landscape. It is for this reason that the bill provides a framework for prudential regulations to be applied by way of ministerial direction. This will ensure that the Territory can maintain currency in its prudential regulation of TIO. To ensure parity with private sector counterparts, the legislation provides that TIO can also now be charged a fee for the prudential regulation of its commercial businesses.
The second set of amendments relate to the current legislative guarantee of contracts of insurance and deposits held with the TIO. This bill will allow government to charge a fee for the guarantee commensurate with the benefits that TIO receives. This will serve two purposes. First, by charging for the guarantee, government will ensure that TIO receives no nett commercial advantage over its competitors from having a government guarantee. Second, the charging regime that is proposed will be a risk-based regime that will provide government and TIO with a better means of managing the risks that are inherent in providing a government guarantee to a commercial business.
Taken together, the above amendments will significantly improve the government’s supervision framework for TIO, and will facilitate improved corporate performance at TIO.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTRE BILL
(Serial 20)
(Serial 20)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to provide for the formal establishment and operation of the Community Justice Centre. The centre provides and promotes mediation services as a means of resolving disputes to achieve greater harmony in the community. The centre was established within the Department of Justice in June 2003. Initially, from 2003 to November 2004, it operated as a trial service.
A review of the centre undertaken by the Department of Justice in mid-2004 indicated that there was and overwhelmingly positive response to the centre from the stakeholders, community groups and mediation parties surveyed as part of the review; and that there was ongoing active support from the Community Justice Centres’ Consultative Forum for the centre. The review noted the provision of advice on nearly 600 inquiries and mediation for 60 of those in various locations including Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs. It also considered the establishment of contact mechanisms, promotional material and an ongoing outreach program to advertise the centre.
The core aim of the proposed legislation is to facilitate the provision of mediation services for community disputes. Over time, it is anticipated that, for various minor or personal disputes, the legislation will provide an alternate model for dispute resolution. In doing so, the legislation seeks to take pressure off various other government agencies such as police, court and providers of community legal services. The bill does this by creating the Northern Territory Community Justice Centre, the consultative council for the centre, and a statutory office of director of the centre.
The consultative council for the centre is seen as critical to ensure the proper functioning of the centre. Employment and the financial responsibilities for the centre will be performed by the chief executive officer of the Department of Justice. However, the consultative council will have the key role of making the guidelines and establishing the principles regulating how the director is to provide mediation services. The consultative council will also be responsible for dealing with complaints about the provision of services by the director.
The bill sets out, in clear language, the roles and responsibilities of the minister and the chief executive officer in relation to the centre. The minister may give directions about the general nature of the functions to be performed by the consultative council, but is precluded from giving directions on matters for which the council has an independent role. In keeping with standard principles governing Northern Territory public sector bodies, the chief executive officer of the Department of Justice is responsible for the overall operation of the legislation; thus, the chief executive officer is responsible for approving forms, conducting the reviews, appointing the director and providing an annual report.
The details of how the consultative council is to operate are to be largely a matter for the council, subject to regulations that may be made if considered necessary. In line with general principles applied by the Interpretation Act, the terms of membership of the consultative council will be as specified in the instruments of appointment for each member.
The director of the centre is to be a public servant and will operate subject to usual principles applicable to public sector employees. However, in carrying out statutory functions, the director will only be subject to the provisions of the act.
There are a number of other important provisions of the bill in respect of the provision of mediation through the Community Justice Centre. Clause 10(3) provides that mediators must hold qualifications prescribed for the purposes of the act. Initially, it is intended that the current practice will continue to be followed; that is, the director of the Community Justice Centre, subject to any guidelines issued by the consultative council, will have discretion as to the level of qualifications that a mediator requires. However, over time, it is expected that the consultative council or the department may develop formal requirements which could be prescribed by regulation. Secondly, the bill strives to ensure that mediations conducted by the Community Justice Centre are voluntary. The core provisions include: clause 14 which, in essence, permits any relevant person to terminate mediation proceedings; and clause 16 which provides that parties may withdraw from a mediation at any time. The bill does not seek to prescribe how parties to a mediation may reach and enforce any agreement in respect of the outcomes of the mediation. However, clause 16 clearly recognises that parties may reach such agreements and that they will be bound by such agreements.
The bill also provides for confidentiality of proceedings and imposes penalties for such breaches. This accords with the general principle that the information obtained by the Community Justice Centre is private information rather than government information.
The bill also provides for the Director of the Community Justice Centre to facilitate the adjudication of small disputes in accordance with the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004. That act, which commenced operation on 1 July 2005, has the objective of providing a streamlined process for decision making in respect of the adjudication of most building construction disputes occurring under contracts entered into on or after 1 July 2005.
However, industry has signalled that the cost associated with adjudicating disputes may mean that the process is not cost-effective in relation to the resolution of small disputes. Evidence from the operation of similar legislation in New South Wales tends to support that view; that is, for small disputes, the cost of adjudication often represents a significant percentage of the amount that is in dispute. The government has accepted that this is a valid point. Accordingly, this bill provides, in effect, for a limit on the costs payable by parties to disputes where the maximum amount payable, excluding interest, is $10 000. Instead, parties will pay a one-off lodgement fee of $500 to the Director of the Community Justice Centre. The director’s role will be confined to arranging for the appointment and payment of an adjudicator who will then assist the parties in resolving their dispute. In all other respects, the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 will continue to apply to small scale construction industry disputes, in much the same as it applies to all other such disputes. This discrete scheme, including the determination of the size of the lodgement fee payable by the parties, has been developed in direct consultation with Construction Industry Reference Group.
The bill also includes a minor amendment to the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 inserting a new section 53A which will require certain information about the construction industry disputes to be provided to the registrar under that act. This will enable the registrar to provide statistical and other information about how the act is working. This statistical information will greatly assist in ongoing monitoring, and also in relation to the review of the act due following its first five years of operation. It is expected that the information to be provided to the registrar will relate to the acceptance, handling, the cost, duration and outcome of disputes and any other prescribed information the registrar may need to be aware in relation to the operation of the legislation.
Finally, clause 45 of the bill provides that Part 7 expires on the day after it commences operation. This is a conventional housekeeping provision designed to ensure that the statute book does not contain provisions that are spent. It is necessary because the Part 7 provisions will effectively become spent as soon as the Construction Contracts (Security of Payments) Act 2004 is amended by them.
In conclusion, the bill provides the statutory framework for the operation of a Community Justice Centre and for appropriate levels of accountability, direction and independence.
Madam Speaker, that concludes my explanation of the bill. I table the explanatory statement which accompanies this bill. I commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
WEAPONS CONTROL AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 29)
(Serial 29)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr HENDERSON (Police, Fire and Emergency Services): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
This bill seeks to amend the Weapons Control Act in a number of ways. Primarily, the proposed bill will place new restrictions on the sale and purchase of crossbows in the Northern Territory in accordance with resolution to the Australasian Police Ministers’ Council (APMC) made in July 2003. The restrictions are less severe than those imposed in other Australian jurisdictions, and are designed to ensure the APMC resolution is not undermined.
Further minor amendments to the Weapons Control Act relate to a legal uncertainty surrounding police powers of search in cases where a person on school premises is suspected of carrying or using a weapon in contravention of the act.
I now turn to specific components of the bill. In relation to the amendments limiting the sale and purchase of crossbows, in 2003 the APMC resolved that all jurisdictions would take action to prohibit or restrict the availability of these weapons. This followed an incident in New South Wales where two high school students were injured when a 17-year-old male, who had previously been in a relationship with one of the girls, shot them with a crossbow. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have either prohibited or have provided for the sale and purchase of crossbows under the permit system.
The Territory already has a comprehensive regime restricting the use of crossbows. For example, smaller concealable weapons that can be operated with one hand are prohibited under the Northern Territory’s Weapons Control Act and regulations, and cannot be owned without a permit, whilst larger crossbows, the type typically used for hunting, are listed as controlled weapons under the act. This means large crossbows can be used by anyone for legitimate purposes, such as for sport or recreational use. Misuse of these weapons is an offence.
After careful consideration, the Territory government is determined that an outright prohibition on crossbows is neither desirable nor necessary in the Territory, especially since these weapons have been used for legitimate sporting and recreational purposes without incident. However, in order to restrict the unsupervised purchase of crossbows by young Territorians and to address the APMC resolution, it was determined that a ban on the supply of crossbows to a person under the age of 18 years was appropriate.
In order to support the more restricted measures adopted in other states, new offence provisions are proposed to prevent the trafficking of crossbows and crossbow parts into or out of the Territory. For example, clause 4 of the bill inserts new offences in the Territory prohibiting the cross-border:
- receipt of a crossbow or crossbow parts where the person knows, or is reasonably expected to know,
that the sender was acting illegally in accordance with the law of their state;
request knows, or would be reasonably expected to know, that the sender was acting illegally in
accordance with the law of their state; and
the receiver would be acting illegally in accordance with the law of their state.
For all offences, if the offender is a natural person, the penalty is 200 penalty units or imprisonment for 12 months. If the offender is a body corporate, the penalty is 1000 penalty units.
These offences should act as sufficient disincentive for any person in the Territory hoping to profit from the interstate restrictions. A statutory defence is also provided where the person receiving the weapon proves that it was sent to them without their knowledge or approval. The offences are expected to have a minimal impact on the current Territory retailers who deal legitimately in crossbows. Territory retailers are still able to purchase crossbows from licensed dealers interstate, most of whom, if not all, are already operating under restrictions imposed by their respective legislatures.
In relation to police powers of search without a warrant, there is some legal uncertainty as to whether a school is a public place for the purposes of section 7 of the act. Section 7 of the act makes it an offence for a person to possess, carry, or use a controlled weapon in a public place without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes a use associated with employment, sport, recreation and collecting. As it presently stands, it is uncertain as a matter of law whether or not the offence to possess, carry, or use a controlled weapon in a public place without lawful excuse applies in respect of school premises. That is because the definition of public place does not expressly include school premises. In addition, because public access to many Territory schools is restricted, it is arguable whether or not they are a public place as defined by the act. Clause 5 of the bill seeks to remedy this anomaly by making it clear that the misuse of a controlled weapon on school premises is an offence.
Similarly, it is uncertain whether police can use their powers under section 19 of the act to search a person on school premises where they have a reasonable belief that the person is misusing a weapon in contravention of the act. Clause 7 of the bill seeks to amend section 19, clarifying that existing police powers of search without warrant apply when the person in question is on school premises.
Madam Speaker, I table explanatory statements in relation to this bill and commend the bill to honourable members.
Debate adjourned.
Veterinarians Amendment (Fees and Penalties) Bill
(Serial 25)
(Serial 25)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr VATSKALIS (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The main purpose of this bill is to introduce a two-tiered scheme of veterinary registration in the Northern Territory. Up until these changes, only a single form of registration has been available with no distinction made between whether the vet was living and operating locally, or principally located and registered in another jurisdiction, but visited the Territory occasionally for professional purposes. All have been subject to the same application process and annual registration fee. The amendments will usher in primary and secondary registration for vets and vet specialists.
Vets who are registered interstate, in their home jurisdiction, will find secondary registration more convenient, with a streamlined application process, and registration will be cheaper. The offer of secondary registration will be an incentive to attract increased numbers of vets to register in the Territory, especially as the annual fee will be half the cost of a primary registration. One positive result will be the additional availability of vet services that could be on offer and able to respond to areas of potentially unmet needs which may arise from time to time.
The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council proposed in 2002 a model for secondary registration for vets when they are operating away from their home jurisdiction. All jurisdictions endorsed the proposal, and jurisdictions have either amended their veterinarian legislation accordingly or, like the Territory, are in the process of doing so. These changes are consistent with the principles of mutual recognition and are, in a practical sense, an acknowledgement that many professionals such as vets are increasingly expected to operate in the national market. Qualifications, training and interstate registration have, for quite some time now, been recognised, but this change will take it a step further and tailor a registration scheme for the needs of cross-jurisdiction activities of registered vets. These changes will not only affect interstate vets, but will be beneficial to our local members of the veterinarian profession. Our local members will, in turn, enjoy the reciprocal benefits of mutual recognition when they apply for registration to operate professionally in another jurisdiction.
Changes of registration will result in the need for a different fee structure to accommodate the two-tiered registration scheme. The necessary adjustments to accommodate the new differential fee structure will be included in amended Veterinarians Regulations. At this stage, no fee increases are contemplated but it will be a matter kept under review by the Veterinarians Board. Given the need to amend the legislation to accommodate a new registration scheme, the opportunity has been taken to convert the current monetary penalties in the legislation to penalty units in accordance with government policy. At the same time, a review of the current penalty regime in the act was conducted to ensure that the penalty levels are equivalent to similar penalties across Northern Territory legislation. The review resulted in some minor adjustments and modifications, which is to be expected after 10 years of operating the scheme without change. The Department of Justice endorsed the outcomes of the review. The penalty conversion table is at clause 14 of the bill.
Finally, section 53 is to be amended by deleting the power to make regulation to control advertising by vets. This action will be done in the interest of legislation tidiness. The specific regulations that previously existed to regulate advertising by vets were removed from Veterinarians Regulations several years ago, and so no controls continue in force. Removal of this regulation-making power in the act is consistent with the National Competition Principles and was a recommendation of the National Competition Council. These types of regulatory controls over the business activities of professionals are no longer considered necessary, nor are they appropriate in fostering competitive market and are viewed as anti-competitive.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to the House and I table an explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
MOTION
Funding for Telecommunications Infrastructure
Funding for Telecommunications Infrastructure
Dr BURNS (Communications): Madam Speaker, I move – That this Assembly:
- (a) recognise the need for the immediate injection of capital into the telecommunications infrastructure
in the Territory;
telecommunications infrastructure for the Territory;
infrastructure up to an acceptable standard;
economic wellbeing of remote indigenous communities; and
of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister and the Leader of
the Opposition.
This is a very crucial issue for the Territory and, as members of this House are aware, the Martin government has made representation to the Howard Liberal government for the funding of improved telecommunication services for all Territorians. Later, I will be tabling that correspondence from the Chief Minister to the Prime Minister on this very issue.
Whilst this government does not support the sale of Telstra, it is critical, now that the sale of Telstra is inevitable, that telecommunications services in the Territory are brought up to scratch immediately. I would like to elaborate on the proposal put to the Commonwealth and move this motion accordingly.
The funds we are seeking will redress many of the poor telecommunications services found throughout the Territory. The funds will deliver to the Territory the ability to catch up to a level of telecommunication service that is already enjoyed in other parts of Australia. The funds will be targeted at a range of things, and I will outline them now: improved services in remote indigenous communities; establishment of a Northern Territory/South Australia fibre optic link; increasing mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway; filling the gaps in urban broadband availability; providing broadband links for education and research institutions to connect into Australia’s Academic and National Research Network, (AARNET); the provision of remote TeleHealth services; and the Smart Homes project in the new suburb of Lyons.
The $265m we are seeking from the Commonwealth equates to less than 1% of the proceeds expected from the full sale of Telstra, but we believe that it will provide benefits worth considerably more to people living in the Territory. The vast majority of the $265m is for expenditure over three to five years. We believe that this claim is comparatively modest. I have the communications here between the Chief Minister and the Prime Minister and I table those for the benefit of members.
The major focus of the proposal is on improved telecommunication services to remote indigenous communities. The key funding is the first phase targeted at communities with a population of over 100 people and will cost $98m. These communities are right across the Territory and reach into many regions. They include communities from Epenarra down to Finke and Kintore and Kaltukatjara west of Alice Springs across to Lake Nash. In the Top End, the prioritised communities range from Amanbidji to Wadeye in the west, across to Robinson River, Umbakumba and Yirrkala in the east, up to Minjilang and Nguiu in the north. This $98m will provide upgraded telecommunications infrastructure to 60 remote communities, which is approximately 30% of the remote indigenous population in the Territory, at an estimated cost of $68m.
This infrastructure is at the core of the telecommunications network provided by Telstra, and the highway along which the telephone calls and the Internet connections are carried, and needs to be large enough to carry the growing traffic requirements. This is critical infrastructure that is expensive to install and maintain, but the type of service and quality of service that the customer can receive is entirely dependent on it. The upgraded infrastructure will then allow the provision of standard telecommunication services that will include mobile phone services, broadband and videoconferencing capability. These are the telecommunication products that are available to most Territorians today; at least those who live in the major regional towns and Darwin. These are not products that will be particular to remote communities. This is about delivering the telecommunications capacity that will enable these communities to catch up to the level of telecommunications available to the vast bulk of Australians.
The balance of the claim, $30m, will provide supported community on-line access centres for 45 communities. This is an important component of the bid, as it will not only provide an on-line learning environment, but also the means by which people in communities can access on-line electronic services from all levels of government and the private sector. This is much more than a training program. These centres will provide an appropriate and friendly environment, supported by staff who will be knowledgeable about the technology and services available, as well as the issues that communities are confronted with.
Today, electronic access to financial services is becoming more and more popular in communities. Most activity is still centred on electronic funds transfers at the point of sale in the community store. Nevertheless, the next step is to provide the means by which people can manage their accounts electronically. These on-line access centres will not only provide the access points, but also some guidance in how to use the electronic systems and, eventually, with collaboration with the financial sector, guidance on better money management. These centres will also provide the means by which aspiring young students can connect to a world outside of and vastly larger than that of their classrooms. In time, the access to the Internet and broadband services will provide these communities with access to an economy based on information and access through the Internet. This will provide the means by which community members can participate in meaningful work as information and knowledge workers. These centres will ensure that the benefits from telecommunication services provided are maximised.
In support of our claim for funding for this $98m program, the Department of Corporate and Information Services contracted local consultants from ACIL Tasman to assess the economic and social impact of upgraded telecommunication services in remote communities in the Territory. I believe that report has been circulated to the opposition and to Independents ...
Mr Wood: I just saw it today.
Dr BURNS: That is unfortunate, member for Nelson. I did try to ensure that members opposite were supplied. I need to look into that because I did ask for it to happen.
The ACIL Tasman Report suggests that the provision of upgraded and suitable telecommunications would enhance a capacity for communities to reach employment normalisations, and could contribute to an increase in aggregate economic output. This is based on the work done by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) in the Thamarrurr region and applying similar criteria.
The second phase of the proposed funding program is for upgrading telecommunication services into remote indigenous communities with a population of less than 100 people, and that is estimated at approximately $50m. This estimate assumes that services will not necessarily be delivered by terrestrial infrastructure to those communities but would be a mix of terrestrial services, where appropriate, and heavily subsidised satellite services. Where possible, these communities will be associated with larger communities on a regionalised basis for the additional support services required. Of course, this all depends on the Commonwealth attaching the same level of importance to the plight of people in our remote communities as we do.
The other major focus is the installation of a fibre optic cable between the Northern Territory and South Australia, linking us to the world. I should point out this is actually an extra fibre optic cable to the one that exists presently, and I will outline exactly why this extra link is required. I can do it now because it is all about competition and capacity. At this stage, there is a monopoly on the current fibre optic link, and what is required is a bit of competition to reduce price and provide a competitive atmosphere. This is a program estimated to cost $70m and will provide significant competition to the incumbent telecommunication providers. At this time, Telstra is the sole owner/operator of the fibre optic links into the Territory and, whilst Telstra is currently servicing the Territory well, the Territory’s long-term future needs a competition telecommunications infrastructure. The second fibre link would force Telstra to sharpen their pencil and deliver an even more competitive service to the Territory.
Of course, there is considerable concern about the coverage of mobile telephony on our major highways in the Territory, and the proposed funding packing will provide additional coverage of mobile services along the Stuart Highway. I know the member for Solomon certainly gave some pledges, maybe two elections ago or the last term of the federal government, in linking the sale of Telstra to the coverage of mobile services along the Stuart Highway. The estimate for this is that $15m would be required to provide nearly full coverage between Darwin and the South Australian border. This will deliver a level of safety for travellers and the transport industry not previously possible.
There have been a number of representations to my office regarding the lack of available ADSL broadband services in and around Darwin. We estimate that $2m would be required to close those gaps that will not be covered by Telstra’s current programs. This will ensure that all our major centres are fully covered by the more flexible and cheaper broadband services provided by ADSL. When it comes to broadband services, our research and higher education institutions are significant users.
We have found that it is extremely difficult to obtain good pricing for high capacity telecommunication connections into our education and research institutions. In particular, the prices for interstate telecommunication transmission are very expensive and have proven to be an inhibitor for our institutions to connect into Australia’s Academic Research Network. AARNET, as it is known, provides education and research institutions across Australia with very high speed connection between themselves and overseas research and educational organisations. This has had considerable benefits for those institutions which are able to fully participate in AARNET. Currently, Charles Darwin University is restricted by cost in the size of the connection they have to AARNET. This funding proposal will provide $10m over a period of five years to supplement the cost and improve the connection of our research and higher education institution into the high speed AARNET.
The delivery of health services to our remote communities is a difficult task and, often, the distances involved cause considerable inconvenience to remote residents, sometimes needlessly. The advent of TeleHealth is a means of extending health services and expertise to our remote residents which will enhance health care in remote communities. Whilst health care costs can often be unpredictable, our estimate of $15m over five years for services such as remote patient diagnostics will go a long way to improving health services in our remote communities.
The last component of the $265m bid to the Commonwealth is an exciting new program - only the second such program in Australia - delivering ‘Smart Homes’ into the new suburb of Lyons. The Smart Homes program will provide the residents of Lyons with high speed Internet connections and full control of their home from anywhere on the Internet. Smart Homes mean the home environment for security and energy management can be monitored remotely. The possibilities are exciting and will provide the residents of Lyons with the very leading edge of technological homes. To achieve this, each home will need to have telecommunication services delivered via fibre optic link. To successfully complete this project, we have estimated it will cost $5m.
Whilst not a funding component of the bid to the Commonwealth, our telephone exchanges in the Territory have been consistently reported in their network reliability framework performance report. These reports identify exchanges where faults have reached the stipulated threshold. I can inform the Assembly that the Territory has been consistently mentioned in these reports with significant numbers of poor performing exchanges. The Commonwealth government imposed a licence condition on Telstra on 1 January 2003 as part of the Commonwealth’s response to the telecommunication service inquiry in 2000, requiring Telstra to report and fix all faults in these exchanges. Wherever there are faults in exchanges, Telstra is required to ensure that all faults are reported and fixed within reasonable time frames.
I am hoping for bipartisan support and endorsement for this motion. The motion involves a $265m proposal that we have put before the Commonwealth government. I am hopeful that the Assembly will provide all assistance and support to ensure that the Howard government delivers the funding required to provide telecommunication services to which all Territorians have a right.
I have already tabled some documents, and I would just like to table some more. I have one attachment which goes through the communities within the Territory, concerning the populations and their infrastructure requirement. The second attachment outlines the various aspects of the funding proposal to the Commonwealth.
Just to encapsulate what we are asking for:
- $98m to improve telecommunications infrastructure to remote indigenous communities with over 100 people;
$85m for a Northern Territory/South Australia fibre optic link and also to improve mobile phone coverage on the Stuart Highway;
Some might say that this is an excessive ask on the Commonwealth. We believe it represents a small percentage of the total sale of Telstra. It is also a matter of equity; Territorians deserve the same service as other Australians. We have already been discriminated against in relation to this wretched nuclear waste dump, and it is about time the Northern Territory’s needs were recognised by the Commonwealth government.
I will give a personal anecdote here. When I came …
A member interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr BURNS: Thanks, Madam Speaker. When I first came to the Territory some 25 years ago and was living at Maningrida - and there might be other members here who have been through this story too - the only link that we had to the outside world was VJY, which was the radio telephone. I can very well remember that, if you wanted to make a telephone call, it just was not a matter of picking up the phone and dialling the number and talking to Joe Smith or whoever - you had to wait until it was your turn. VJY, at that stage, came out of Katherine. You would have to wait, put your name on a list and, eventually, after two hours, after all the other conversations, the operator would say: ‘Okay, it is your turn now’. It was a system where there was a little button on the phone, and you would have to say ‘over’ and all that sort of stuff. Sometime you would have to say ‘Alpha, lima, bravo’ and use all the radio terminology.
However, the worst thing is that you would ring someone up and say: ‘Can I speak to Mr Gerry Wood, please’, and someone would say: ‘Oh, I am sorry, Gerry is just out of the office. Can you ring back in five minutes?’ You would be waiting hours and hours to make a telephone call. It was very difficult, and you became very expert at leaving fairly complex messages. It was also difficult if the person on the other end was not used to saying ‘over’ and, sometimes, you would talk over one another and lose track of the conversation.
This was the state of telecommunications for remote areas in the Territory some 25 years ago: there was no fax, no television, and hardly any radio. You had to tune into Radio Australia. Some people might say they were the good old days but, basically, you felt very isolated. Some 25 years later, we still have to redress the deficiencies in telecommunications across the Territory.
Those Aboriginal and remote communities are in big need of telecommunications; it is their lifeline to the world and it reflects on education and health. It is time for us in the parliament - and I am hoping we will get bipartisan support - to go to the Commonwealth government and say: ‘These are our needs. They have been identified by the ACIL Report which looked into these funding issues’.
I hope for bipartisan support because telecommunications is an important issue for our remote communities and for our educational institutions. Even in Darwin, there are gaps in our services in telecommunications. Also, we need some money invested along the Stuart Highway. Therefore, $265m over a total of five years represents a relatively small percentage of the full sale of Telstra. Madam Speaker, I ask members in this Assembly to support this motion.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, the opposition sees this motion exactly for what it is: not worthy of support on the basis that it is political and mischievous in nature. It is as simple as that. We have only been back in this, the Tenth Assembly, for a relatively short time, but we have dealt with more Commonwealth matters in that time than I am sure we dealt with in the four years from 2001 to 2005. It speaks volumes as to the level of lethargy or, in the alternative, arrogance of this government.
Only a few months ago, we had an election and government was returned with a massive majority. There was next to nothing, until today, on the Notice Paper. They are trying to stretch things out to such an extent that they are giving us a couple of motions every couple of days. For a government that went to the election saying that there was so much more to do - well, Territorians would be very grateful if government got on with it. Instead, we are seeing this haranguing in relation to the Commonwealth. It is as though members on the other side get together in their strategy meetings, the contents of some which leak, of course - others do not. They get together in their strategy meetings whenever they have them - I think it is in the afternoon - and ask: ‘What are we going to do today?’ They must surely be looking at each other saying: ‘Well, we cannot actually think of anything, so how about we get stuck into the Commonwealth?’ I hope you are not going to play that game for the next four years, because you were elected to represent the interests of the Territory and to govern well for them. There are a number of important issues that are uppermost in Territorians’ minds: health, education, law and order, and we touched upon drunkenness yesterday.
Perhaps it is the case that some of the ministers just continue to be on holidays. I note that the Chief Minister is away a lot. Maybe they are just winding down until Christmas, trying to think of things to say. Well, you are in an extremely privileged position; you have the ability to govern for the people of the Northern Territory. Will you please start getting on with some of the issues that you promised Territorians you would deal with during the election campaign?
Having said that, I have a number of other things to say in relation to Telstra. It would appear to anyone reading Hansard – at least to those of us on this side – and those listening to what the minister has said, one could draw the conclusion that people need to be extremely concerned with the level of service that the communications giant, Telstra, provides. We had a picture painted by the minister, almost hysterical in places, of a network needing serious repairs and that, in essence, the world was about to come to an end unless it happened. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The minister detailed a litany of perceived and alleged weaknesses of Telstra. Territorians could, however, be forgiven for being confused by the minister’s contradictory political gibberish compared to when one looks at this government’s actions in relation to Telstra. This was, after all, the government that has given a vote of support to Telstra. The government, the Chief Minister, saw fit to award all of the government’s communications contracts to Telstra without allowing any other applicants a chance to participate in this lucrative business. I assume that the government is pleased with the service it is receiving from Telstra. If it is not, please tell us, and why. The fact that this government granted the contract to Telstra certainly does not suggest that it has very serious concerns with Telstra. Perhaps, if the Chief Minister and her colleagues are concerned, then they can renegotiate the communications contract to allow for Optus or some other company to have the role. It is somewhat a hypocritical and disingenuous attack that we have seen this morning.
I note with interest that the new Labor Party president and federal politician, Warren Snowdon, was a willing supporter of the sale of a number of Commonwealth assets over the years. When government sold Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the Commonwealth Serum Laboratory, my recollection was that most of those happened under the Labor government, and I am pretty sure that the new Labor Party president was supportive of them. They are all over the place when it comes to selling assets but, as is usually the case, they want a bob each way.
We have seen, in relatively recent times, the Northern Territory Branch of the Australian Labor Party going down this path of selling assets. I would have thought that that was contrary to the left Labor ethos. Only this week, we have seen that this government is considering selling off the Territory Insurance Office. Shame on them, I say. I say again, they are really all over the place when it comes to, what appears to be, philosophical reasons for not selling assets and then: ‘Oh well, yes, we happen to have the TIO. Oh, yes, let us flog it’. It is disingenuous and unbelievable.
The fact is that, when the Commonwealth government negotiated to sell Telstra, the Territory’s federal representatives, like all of the representatives from the states and territories around the country, did their best to ensure that the package contained benefits for the states and territories that they represent. As part of the Telstra sale, the federal government will establish a multi-billion dollar Connect Australia package. This does have benefits for the Northern Territory. Apart from the massive infrastructure commitments which are benefits of themselves, there are specific benefits for regional Australia and throughout many places in the Territory. Included in the Connect Australia initiative is a significant boost to indigenous radio and television broadcasting services. A new $90m Backing Indigenous Ability program includes $51.8m in funds to develop indigenous television and to restore ageing radio infrastructure in remote communities. A recent report identified options for the creation of an indigenous television service, and the Australian government’s response to the report will involve the development of an indigenous television service over four years at a cost of $48m.
I would like to address the repair of faults in remote areas which are as follows. Time frames for repairs in the Territory have been below the national average for the last four quarters. That means that Territorians have been getting quicker service than the average across Australia. However, it is just not remote areas; the same applies for rural and urban areas as well. In addition, the percentage of fault-free services has also increased. That means more services in the Territory are fault-free.
Some of the complaints ventilated by the minister, in light of what I have said so far - and there is plenty more to come - can be seen as nothing more than politicking. The Commonwealth government has assured Territorians and, indeed other Australians, that they can be confident that telecommunication services will continue to improve service, the quality will be maintained at high levels, and existing consumer rights will be protected.
Connect Australia will roll out affordable broadband connections to people living in regional and remote areas. Mobile phone coverage will be extended, new regional communications networks will be built, and vital telecommunications services will be set up for remote indigenous communities. More than $100m will be provided for clever networks to roll out new broadband networks for innovative applications to improve the delivery of health, education and other services. You can imagine how those clever networks will benefit remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Telstra is the Labor government in the Northern Territory’s communications company of choice. Telstra handles all of the government’s business, and we have not heard any reports, as I said earlier, about how things are going or, indeed, whether things are going badly. Of course, we would expect nothing more from the government.
The Connect Australia package is still being finalised, as I understand it. It is, without doubt, the biggest regional telecommunications assistance package in Australian history. Let me detail, once again, what this initiative entails. The package includes $878m for broadband connect. This is a massive amount of money, almost $1bn. This is on top of the government’s $157.8m higher bandwidth incentive scheme, which offers financial incentives to provide broadband for the bush. Connect Australia includes $130m for clever networks which will fund the rollout of broadband networks for the new applications in the delivery of health and eduction. There is also $30m for mobile connect to extend mobile phone coverage and continue satellite phone subsidies. Then there is the $90m I have detailed for indigenous telecommunications, television and radio service. The federal government has already deposited with the Reserve Bank of Australia the $2bn communications fund. The money will stay with the Reserve Bank until the investment mandate is settled. One thing is certain: this $2bn will deliver, on even modest returns of 5%, $100m a year for reinvestment in telecommunication services. This income stream will fund new technology for regional Australia.
The indigenous package will provide community phones, Internet and videoconferencing, and improve television and radio services. This is a great gift for remote indigenous communities. Perhaps one day we will see the finest universities in the world, not to mention, of course, our Charles Darwin University, providing direct classes to everyone in a remote community. What a day that would be! Some would say we are being especially ambitious, but I do not mind being ambitious when we are considering the opportunities that might be available to young Territorians and, in particular, young indigenous Territorians in our remote communities. Can you imagine these young kids interacting with the likes of, say, Harvard University, and obtaining a degree from that august university? Or can you imagine the potential of such technology to help cure something like petrol sniffing? Such investments have the potential to alleviate many of the social problems that exist now in our remote communities. It would be advantageous, in this new era of telecommunications, to not only encourage young indigenous Territorians to aim for the sky, but also to keep them occupied during their young lives.
The Telstra sale will speed up such developments, which will be of an enormous benefit to the Northern Territory and its people. The claim of $265m being needed to bring the Territory up to scratch in communications is ludicrous and clearly politically motivated. The Martin government should be working with the Commonwealth government and Telstra to ensure the best deal for Territorians. Perhaps the Chief Minister would like to address the people who live at The Narrows. These are just the latest Territorians to benefit from Telstra. As of yesterday, the residents of The Narrows were hooked up to ADSL broadband. Perhaps she can also speak, as can the minister, with the people of Karama and Malak, where Telstra recently invested in infrastructure to bring them into the broadband network. Optus and Arafura Connect are also providing a range of high speed Internet services that are expanding across the Northern Territory, and Telstra has established a demand register through which Territorians can register their interest in obtaining services.
My thanks to the minister for providing us with the opportunity of putting the record straight. This is about politicking. I am not sure it was wise for the minister to, inadvertently or otherwise, have a bit of a dig at Telstra. This government, of course, retained Telstra to handle its entire government works. I will be ensuring that the relevant personnel at Telstra receive the minister’s speech as well as my own. I simply ask government members that, if they have a problem with Telstra, firstly deal with Telstra then see how far you get. However, if there is a problem that Territorians should know about that amounts to griping about the terrific services, generally speaking, that Telstra provides, then they should come clean. Bring on a ministerial report about it and come clean with Territorians.
That concludes my comments in relation to this matter, Madam Speaker. I look forward to the contribution from the member for Greatorex who is well known to be the communications whiz on this side of the parliament. In the parliament there is one on each side. The member for Stuart seems to be one and the member for Greatorex seems to be the other. I look forward to both of their contributions.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I am glad the Leader of the Opposition did abandon the field of battle at the end of the speech, and admitted that she does not really know much about the topic at hand. Only someone with no background in the history of telecommunications in the Northern Territory could possibly dismiss this debate as trivial. This is a vital issue for the Northern Territory; it is one that is not a luxury for us in our part of Australia. It is an absolute essential set of issues that we have to get right to the degree that our government and our community can do so. Only someone who has never worked to see the potential impact of these technologies on all communities around the Northern Territory could possibly pick up a federal media release and read it out and say: ‘She will be right, mate’. The whole history of the development of telecommunications infrastructure and its use in the Northern Territory has been a huge battle against centralist decision-making by both the Commonwealth government and the big corporations. It has been a battle to get the specific needs of Territorians in front of people within the industry and government agencies which deal with these issues for the Australian community.
Every step of the way, we have had to remind people in Canberra and in the corporations such as Telstra, Optus and Singtel, that the Territory has a unique set of needs; the greatest need of all being that we cannot advance parts of our community development in the Territory without access to the full range of digital technologies. That is what this is all about. It is an absolutely critical issue to the Territory’s future development. Therefore, to dismiss it as being a trivial time waster in parliament I find absolutely unbelievable. I hope that the member for Greatorex might take it a bit more seriously.
I stand alongside the minister’s contribution in launching this motion. The minister was looking very much at the details of the infrastructure that we are looking to the Commonwealth government to provide to the Territory. Infrastructure is absolutely important, and it is critical that it is there if we are going to do anything else. What I would like to concentrate on is some observations about the impact digital infrastructure - telecommunications, computing, information systems - will have on the future lives and development of Territorians.
Looking at government service delivery as one focus of this, in the high end of digital technologies we have broadcasting, videoconferencing which has a fairly high bandwidth application, high speed Internet, through to e-mail and down into telephony. There is a whole spectrum of technologies, therefore, it is not a case of picking up the appliance and saying: ‘Right, let us give one to every Territorian’. You have to look at a combination of the technologies impacting on the different areas of the Territory and we want to have access to the huge benefits that they can provide. Right around the world, there have been studies - in remote areas, in the large regional centres, and capital cities – regarding the impact these technologies are capable of making. Ultimately, the marketplace generally decides where the technology is going, along with the development of the technologies themselves, because they are converging into a single medium of digital transmission and display, and that is changing the way in which equipment, appliances, and links are put out into the community. They are becoming more and more seamless, interchangeable, and stackable in a package of technologies that we may be able to use.
What does it mean in the Territory? It means that, in a very highly dispersed population with very high levels of need, particularly in areas of government delivery such as health and education, we have a powerful new set of possibilities to extend our government services to every Territorian no matter where they choose to live - unless members of this House conceive of a future for the Northern Territory that, increasingly, tumbles into the Stuart Highway, and we find that into the future Territorians are going to live in a straight line along our main highway. If that is not the future that we conceive, then we have to put out very powerful communication networks to link services, activities, and people together.
In my portfolio area, I immediately think of Health and TeleHealth as being one very good example of the need for this network to be further advanced in the Northern Territory. What digital networks do is create people and professional networks between people who share the same responsibilities to the community and functions in the work that they do. They connect hierarchies within a service delivery agency. We have specialists working with District Medical Officers, remote nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers, and allied health workers. They can combine using these linkages so that, from the patients’ point of view, they are being cared for by a team of professionals drawn from the point at which the expertise is available. When you have a system such as we have in the Northern Territory, where we have chronic shortages of some of the really key areas of expertise, this is like gold to our Health system. If we can draw and mix and match Health expertise at a particular delivery site, we can bring so much more power to our service delivery arrangement. That is the hope of TeleHealth; that we can bring information to service delivery points through our various Health databases and bring in high level expertise if needed; for example, you could bring in a renal specialist in assessing a patient out on a remote community, and psychiatrists to analyse a mental health issue with a patient at, say, Kintore. We have done that. I am not talking about dreams here; I am talking about things that have actually been done on the ground and shown to provide the benefit that has always been the promise of these technologies.
That is where TeleHealth can take our health system. It can take it so that there is real equality of access to services, no matter where Territorians choose to live. It is where we can support our remote communities, both in the sense of geographic remoteness and remoteness from the service. A person who is in a wheelchair is often remote from accessing a service within our health system even if they live in the northern suburbs of Darwin and they find it very difficult to get to a specialised service that they want to access. We have to think of these networks as being a very powerful way of amplifying the outcomes for our service delivery.
The same applies to open learning. We have seen many trials now in the Northern Territory. We have seen a roll-out of open learning networks within our education system. We have not yet assembled a full suite of digital technologies in a place where we are delivering education; that is still ahead of us. We need to be able to support, for example, a remote secondary program in Kalkarindji, Yuendumu, or wherever it might be, with videoconferencing and bringing in specialist subject teachers. You are never going to get a full set of teachers out in a remote community. You have to bring much of the teaching expertise in by remote linkages. We need high speed Internet so that there is a vast improvement in the amount of information that is available to a student and a teacher during the delivery of a program. We have to have all of that assembled side by side, so that we can tutor students, teach them in a classroom aspect, and support them as they do assignments and follow-up work for elements of the course.
Every single element of that has been trialled somewhere in the Northern Territory and found to be workable. We just have to have the infrastructure there to embed it in the way that we deliver our services. This bid to the Commonwealth is absolutely crucial to this. If we do not get a quantum shift in the amount of infrastructure available, we are going to be falling short of these amazing possibilities that are out there that have been trialled and proved to be beneficial for Territorians. That is why it is so gut-wrenchingly important today that we take our case to the Commonwealth in the strongest possible terms.
If you have a person in Darwin High School who wants to study a particular foreign language, there may be only one foreign language teacher in that language available in Darwin; there may be none. We should be using open learning increasingly to bring specific teaching skills into the classrooms in our urban centres so that we can diversify the subject choices that our students often do not have enough of because the scale of our educational systems are smaller than in other parts of Australia. You do not often have the diversity of subject choice, particularly in the senior end of secondary education and in tertiary education.
These networks are just as important in Darwin as they are out at Yuendumu. We have to have the ability to draw expertise that is not available in the Territory. We are a young, small jurisdiction and we need to make maximum use of expertise drawn from other parts of Australia, whether that is on-line course studies using Internet connections, or through a direct presence in the classroom in the form of either a tutoring or teaching function. All of that is available and workable, and is something that we can very much aspire to here in the Northern Territory.
Looking at business development, Darwin has a huge future as a business hub, both for the gas industry and for our relationship to the South-East Asian countries. How do you do that? You do it through telecommunications. Darwin actually has huge access to satellite bandwidth. We also have a fantastic geographical position to provide a base for the gas industry in managing its logistics and its management systems for HR, or for the engineering or biological systems that they have to maintain. When the Chief Minister and I went to Aberdeen to look at the North Shore oil and gas industry and its impact on that community, there were whole sections of their universities which were specialising in engineering, biological, human management, and chemical support for that industry. They were wired up to what is a global industry so that they could provide niche expertise into the global expertise the industry needed, and also draw on gaps in the expertise that was available onshore in the United Kingdom. It is absolutely vital that we offer businesses an environment here in the Territory that is fully connectable to the global form of their particular sector. That will move Darwin on. It is integral to moving Darwin into a role as a hub centre, whether it is the gas industry or service delivery into South-East Asian countries. We are always being approached to provide health and education input into the countries to our north, and that is clearly one very powerful mechanism we could use to do that.
I will talk very quickly about Alice Springs as well, being very loyal to my home town. The Desert Knowledge development is equally a network development because it is not just about Alice Springs, it is about desert living places - whether that be Broken Hill, Mt Isa, Kalgoorlie, or all the other major regional centres that are located in our arid parts of Australia. The technologies, knowledge and projects that are being developed through Desert Knowledge depend very much on bringing expertise in, combining knowledge from the different centres that have parts of the jigsaw puzzle. We are very much seeing Desert Knowledge as a connected network which has a very strong component of telecommunications and computing, as much as the people getting together physically at times when it is appropriate.
Indigenous people have had traditional knowledge networks from time immemorial. Again, they are very quick to identify the benefits of bringing modern telecommunications into the maintenance of their cultural ties. Comparison of culture here in Australia with other indigenous cultures around the world would share many of the same challenges in land tenure, maintaining language and culture in a broader society, and looking at the social evolution and dissolution that is often occurring in those communities. We have had very powerful links from Yuendumu through to Alaska and Yuendumu through to the north of Sweden, so that indigenous people in the Northern Territory can directly compare and contrast their knowledge and life challenges with their counterparts overseas. You can do that sitting in front of a videoconferencing unit. That is how direct the contacts can be using these technologies.
Employment or community services cannot be sustained reliably out there. We are all aware of the difficulties which have occurred in remote councils and stores. Through a management network, you can actually look over the store manager’s shoulder as they do their weekly accounts, or you can bring a lawyer or an accountant directly into a meeting of a store committee so that there is a stabilisation of the prospects of that store remaining viable and serving the community that it stands in. Equally, with specialised businesses here in Darwin or in Alice Springs, often the contact with peers in other parts of Australia provides that impetus to grow that business here. There would be many examples.
I was at Peter Kittle Motors only a couple of weeks, seeing the enormous on-line training effort that they are drawing from. They bring all their training into training rooms, on-line from the manufacturers directly from overseas. Therefore, they can train their workers right up to the minute on the needs of the servicing of the new vehicles.
The last thing I will say before I pass to someone else is that it is not good enough to pick up a Canberra-generated set of initiatives in a media release and say: ‘Do not worry, the Territory needs are all being serviced’. We have to work this into an arrangement that suits our people, our needs, and our environment. We are the only ones who can do that. We have to be very proactive, and that is why I thoroughly approve of the proactive bids that have gone into the Canberra process. We will have to be there every step of the way because, as sure as eggs, if you turn your back for one second, you will find that money is being put into something that is completely irrelevant to the needs of the Territory. We have to have it tailor made to move our needs forward, to cover the gaps in our community, and to deal with the challenges we are all facing in this growing part of Australia. It will be particularly challenging, although rewarding when you get it right. Every part of our community has to express its needs through this dialogue with the Commonwealth government.
I, for one, say that we should not be endorsing the federal sale of Telstra unless we get some strong guarantees that not only will the Territory receive additional improvements to the infrastructure, but also that it is on our terms, and not a case of money being thrown at us and being told to go away and shut up. That is not good enough, and we would fail in our responsibilities to the people we represent if we go along with a federal package on that basis.
Madam Speaker, we may not be able to hold back the sale of Telstra; that is going to be played out in the Commonwealth parliament. However, we will keep reminding Canberra of what our needs are and what they should be doing to help the Territory and Territorians.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I will not talk for very long on this issue. One reason I find it difficult to talk about this, is the short notice. I should say at the outset I support the general thrust of the statement, and I will come to some of my concerns about the way the motion has been structured. We have statements given to us during parliament which we receive the night before. This really is just another statement. As the Leader of the Opposition said, this is filling in time; we have no legislation. I am not saying we should not discuss these issues, although here is a very important motion, and detailed statement, the minister has made. It would have been nice to have that statement given to us, as we had for the young Territorians today, so that I could have looked at that statement to give a better response to what the minister is saying.
I know the minister has apologised that we did not receive the ACIL Tasman report, and my secretary cannot find any record of it being e-mailed. It would have been good to have been given this document and told you were going to bring it on for debate. As it is, I have a lot of good information the minister has given us in supporting his motion. It is difficult to reply to these things in such a short time. As we do not have any legislation on, I cannot really see an excuse for that not being able to have happened a little earlier.
I do not support the sale of Telstra. I believe it should have remained in the hands of the people. As the member for Stuart said, it is probably going to happen and we need to get the best we can out of that. It is always funny coming from a Labor government: ‘We do not want to sell Telstra’. However, I always remember my Dad grinding his teeth and saying: ‘Well, why did you allow the sale of the Commonwealth Bank?’ I reckon if there is anything needed more than anything in Australia, it is a bank owned by the government today in this climate. However, we do not have that. I certainly believe that we should not sell communication. Basic communication, for me, is a little like water and electricity; they are essentials for people living in Australia.
I do not think everything should be controlled by private industry. Certainly, private industry has its place; but the basics should still be under the control of government. I have said that before regarding the issue of building licences, building inspectors, and some of the electrical inspectors. Government had a role to play in maintaining that position of being the protector of the community by keeping that neutral role and being the arbiter.
If you have lived in the Howard Springs area, you would certainly know that you cannot get ADSL. The member for Goyder would also know that there are quite a few parts of his electorate which cannot get ADSL. You can only get ADSL if you are within 4 km of an upgraded telephone exchange ...
Mr Kiely: In the suburbs too, Gerry!
Mr WOOD: Yes. I am just talking about my area at the moment. Places like the industrial area at the 11 Mile cannot get ADSL. The little good news is that, if you look up the Telstra demand register that is on the web site, you will find a little note that says: ‘Telstra is going to upgrade the Howard Springs exchange’. There is no date for when the update is going to occur. There have been many people trying to get ADSL. It looks like, eventually, Telstra is going to do that.
However, that is not going to solve all the problems. People outside the 4 km area are still going to have problems. They will be told they can have HiBIS. As any members of parliament who might have a satellite dish sitting on their roof like I have know, it is not much good when the rains come, because you just do not have any communication at all. If anyone has been to my office when the bright, shining sun is out, they would know that communications at my office are woeful!
Mr Kiely: You are talking about electronics.
Mr WOOD: E-mails are painful. Did you say the type of communication?
We have had people come out and look at our e-mail service and they just shake their head. It certainly makes it hard to operate an office when you have to wait ages for something to be sent or received. I am not sticking up for the service of Telstra; I am concerned that, if it is privatised, people in the rural and remote areas might not get a good service at the moment, but they might get a worse service because there would not be any money in some of these places. The cost of delivering the service even out to Marrakai or down the track somewhere is going to cost a lot of money. Why would you bother putting on something that would appear on the surface not to be commercial? That is a concern I have.
Another concern is the extent of mobile coverage. We have reasonable coverage in parts of the rural area; but we certainly have gaps. I do not know if this is the appropriate forum to say it, but I still think mobile phone companies should be aware of their obligations of putting mobile phone towers in a community. The placement of those is very important. I have said before that you can put a mobile phone tower up against someone’s fence and have all the scientific knowledge to say that it is not going to do them any harm - and I am one of those who believes that it does not do them any harm - but it can actually reduce the value of your land. If you move it 200 m, 500 m away, there is probably no problem at all. The siting of their communications facilities or infrastructure is important. One of the problems of them being such a big company is they sometimes forget who they are dealing with and the issues on-site locally.
The ACIL Tasman Report, I gather, deals with issues relating to indigenous parts of the Northern Territory. It says ‘communications in remote indigenous community’. I would have liked the minister to see - and I could not see it in my brief look through this report – what the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory has been doing over quite a few years. When I was in the Local Government Association there were lots of funds going into LGANT for communication upgrades throughout the Northern Territory. I would be interested to know what has happened to all of those funds. Have they succeeded? It might be good going crook at the Commonwealth government through this statement but, to be fair, has Telstra and the Commonwealth government been putting lots of funds into remote areas through the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory? We need to know that because, if you are putting a case to the government that indigenous communities have not been getting enough funds, they are going to put their hand up and say: ‘We have been doing it for the last 10 years’. I need to know whether that is the case.
Minister, you mentioned the $265m for Lyons - this is the Defence Housing subdivision. In your motion, it does not say what that $265m is all about; you explained that in your speech. I am interested to know whether that $265m is extra on what the developer is required to do. You explained that they are going to have some ‘Smart Houses’. Is this something that the developer or the Commonwealth should be paying? For instance, a sewerage system has to go in; you would expect the developer to put it in. If you were going to put in recycled grey water systems through the new Lyons subdivision, would you be expecting the developer to do that and recover his costs from the sale of the block and the house. I am interested to know why the Commonwealth is being asked to do this when, normally, a developer would be required to do it.
My concern about the motion, although I agree with the statement in general, is that I believe it is too wordy. It has lost the plot, and I will give you a little reason why. I have trouble even understanding the wording of (d):
Ask the Prime Minister to consider that the funding sought is essential …
What does that really mean? You have asked him just ‘to consider’. It is like: ‘Oh, I will consider it. I will sit down here and just have consideration of it’. It is not very good English; it is bureaucratic language. You could be a bit more to the point.
The other thing is, this is slightly different to what I received yesterday …
Dr Burns: Is it?
Mr WOOD: Yes. At least I have (a), (b) and (c). Today I have (a), (b), (c), (d), (e). So I am working on what I am going to say based on (a), (b), (c), and now I have (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e). So I am not sure how that happened …
Mr Kiely: A typo?
Mr WOOD: No, I do not know. It must be a big typing error. On reading this, when you put down we are trying to push for the development of economic wellbeing in remote indigenous communities, I thought that is great, but it needs to be a broader brush. There are people on pastoral properties and mining properties who conduct tourism ventures out bush. The economic wellbeing is for all Territorians. That is what you should be hitting the government with. For sure, when you send off your motion, you send them a copy of this one, which talks about communications in remote and indigenous communities, and a report about the importance of good communications for the tourism industry in remote areas, for the mining industry, and for the pastoral industry. There are families out there on pastoral properties who also require good communications for school, the running of their business, getting the latest cattle prices, finding out when the trucks are going to arrive - all that sort of business is just as important. From a government perspective, when you talk about remote communities, you need to envelop the whole lot. They are all important for the development of the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I would like to move the following amendment:
- Omit all words after ‘Assembly’ to and including paragraphs (d) and insert in their stead:
Do I have to move that?
Madam SPEAKER: You have just moved it, so now you can continue to speak for the rest of your time, or you can sit down.
Members interjecting.
Mr WOOD: I feel I am under duress, but I will take up the option of speaking to the motion.
I raise that because I am supporting the general thrust of what the government is doing. I certainly do not think, especially in the rural area around Darwin, that we get a fair go with communications. I acknowledge that the member for Sanderson has areas in his electorate that are not getting ADSL. I appreciate that Telstra has put out the HiBIS scheme, but that scheme has now run out of its funds because the Commonwealth was subsidising it. As I said, the problem in the Wet Season is you can have all the fancy communications you like on your roof but, as soon as a big storm comes past, you do not hear anything.
I believe that what you are doing is right. I just believe this is too wordy a motion. It tends to pick out certain specifics like the $265m. I do not think the government is going to be too interested in that specific. You could add that on to the motion with the extra documents, but it needs to be far more centred. You need to hit them right on the head with exactly what you are trying to say. Here we have a nice wordy document which had three parts to it and now has five parts to it, which has just become a little out of hand.
My amendment is saying to the Prime Minister: ‘We are concerned that all Territorians will not get a fair share of the sale of Telstra and we believe they should. We especially believe that should be the case for rural and remote areas because, at the present time, the service is not good’. I have a letter sitting on my desk in my office at the moment. Someone has moved out to the rural area and found out they are just outside the perimeter of one of our telephone exchanges. They were hoping to do E-Bay and partly run their business from their house and they cannot. It is so slow that it is just going to drive them up the wall.
Minister, I am putting forward this motion, not objecting to what you are doing, but thinking this motion focuses and tells people clearly what you are trying to do. Give people that document and they will say: ‘We have told the Prime Minister to consider it’. ‘That is very nice’. What I am saying here is that we are calling on the Prime Minister to ensure it actually happens, not just to consider it. We want the Prime Minister to do it, and to get a guarantee that he will do it.
They are the reasons that I am moving the amendment, Madam Speaker. Even though I have more time, I will not avail myself of it.
Debate suspended until after Question Time.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Tabling of Document by Opposition Leader
Tabling of Document by Opposition Leader
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, at the commencement of Question Time yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition, in asking a question of the Chief Minister, produced and sought to table a document relating to her question. This action is recorded in the Daily Hansard record. I am advised that in the course of proceedings the paper was not collected and not recorded in the minutes as having been tabled. Accordingly, I have requested the Clerk to correct the Minutes of Proceedings and related records of the Assembly to reflect the tabling of this document.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the gallery of Vicki O’Halloran and staff from Somerville Community Services; other visitors for Business Month from Darwin and Palmerston; 11 Army personnel from 2nd Cavalry Regiment; Year 8 to Year 11 students from Sanderson High School participating in the Statehood Challenge; interstate visitors; and also Mrs Anna-Maria Sacilotto, the former honorary consul of Italy and the mother-in-law of the member for Port Darwin. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Interjections
Interjections
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, during the current sittings, during Question Time, I have had occasion to ask some members to cease interjecting, sometimes repeatedly. I have had complaints from Hansard and listeners to the parliamentary broadcast about having trouble hearing the proceedings. I also advise that at least two honourable members have hearing impediments making it difficult for them to follow proceedings.
Whilst a level of interjection is part of the parliamentary process, and an important aspect of the democratic process, repeated interjections, particularly when a member has been asked to cease interjecting, is not.
I therefore remind members of Standing Order 51, which says that:
No Member may converse aloud or make any noise or disturbance which in the opinion of the Speaker is designed to
interrupt or has the effect of interrupting a Member speaking.
MOTION
Funding for Telecommunications Infrastructure
Continued from earlier this day.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, I advise you that before we broke for lunch the last speaker was the member for Nelson who has introduced an amendment to the motion. From now on, members are speaking on both the amendment and the motion. Members who have previously spoken in the debate on the motion can only speak again to the amendment and not to the motion. I hope I have that right.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, I support and welcome the minister’s motion. The Northern Territory government does not support the sale of Telstra. However, Telstra will be sold and, because of the Commonwealth government’s decision, we wish to hold both the CLP and the Commonwealth government accountable for the services that Telstra will provide to Territorians into the future.
This is going to be a fire sale. Territorians who live in remote and rural areas, including the urban centres of the Northern Territory, need to be provided with a service that every other Australian citizen deserves at this present time. The funds we are targeting have been outlined in the minister’s motion. I take this opportunity to speak to this motion.
For the Parliamentary Record, there have been a number of issues involving Telstra. I have taken great steps to advocate for the benefit of my constituents not only with the organisation of Telstra but also the Commonwealth government.
The minister moved the motion today:
- That this Assembly:
(a) recognise the need for the immediate injection of capital into the telecommunications infrastructure
in the Territory;
telecommunications infrastructure for the Territory;
infrastructure up to an acceptable standard;
economic wellbeing of remote indigenous communities; and
of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister and the Leader
of the Opposition.
Through doorknocking in my electorate, I became very aware, as did volunteers who worked with me over the last 12 months, that the broadband issue within the RAAF Base in my electorate of Millner is a huge issue for a number of reasons. First of all, it is a constituency where people are working for a professional organisation, the Defence Force. People travel from all over Australia to come to the Northern Territory to serve their country. They have chosen a profession in the Defence Force to benefit not only themselves, but their families and the greater community of Australia. They come from parts of southern Australia, remote Queensland, or remote Western Australia and, often, they arrive as families isolated from the groups of people who are their support structures – families, parents, grandparents, cousins, and friends.
They come to the RAAF Base, on which there are approximately 400 homes for families. There are about 120 or 130 people in single men’s quarters on the base. They travel to the Northern Territory and look to do their job, which is to serve their country in the best possible manner. Two issues arise from that. One of them is their remoteness from family down south, especially those people who are serving their country overseas. What I have become aware of is that there are many Australian families who have members serving in places like Iraq. At present, through lack of broadband access on the RAAF Base, these families and communities cannot easily access or communicate with husbands, wives, etcetera. This is causing great stress for these families. We have people who are Australian citizens serving on behalf of the Commonwealth’s commitment to this war in Iraq. I do not want to get into the fors or againsts of this war. However, in this specific case, many of these people view themselves as purely doing the job that they have been hired, and have volunteered, to do; that is, represent their country. It is not necessarily an issue about whether they are for the war in Iraq or other events that happen overseas, but merely that they wish to serve their country to the best of their ability. They have been asked to do that, therefore, they will do it.
What we are not doing at the moment – and when I say ‘we’ I am talking about the Commonwealth government and Telstra to a lesser extent; but particularly the Commonwealth government – is providing a service to allow them to communicate with their daughters, sons, husbands, or wives who remain in Darwin. What further adds to this burden is that these people are often from other parts of Australia - Canberra, Melbourne, Perth. Therefore, there is a double isolation problem.
Here we are, asking the Defence Force to locate to Darwin over the last 10 years and, often, many defence personnel say that, out of all the places they get posted, this is place that they feel most comfortable in, in terms of being accepted and being made to feel welcome by the wider community. They have issues to do with the heat, of course, during the Wet Season, isolation and the cost of living, but many of the people who love Darwin and the posting are interested in the lifestyle that the Northern Territory provides. However, it is definitely quite clear that the main issue is the ability to communicate with their families, either through travel or through phone, video link-up, broadband access, etcetera.
I would like to read a couple of the letters I wrote to the Prime Minister, and Telstra officials on behalf of my constituents of the RAAF Base. The first one is:
- Senator Hon Robert Hill
Minister for Defence …
Dear Minister,
Re: ADSL Broadband Installation Darwin RAAF Base
In speaking with RAAF Base Darwin residents over recent weeks, it was brought to my attention that the ADSL
broadband service was not available to homes on the base.
Residents have highlighted to me the fact that their families and friends are spread around the country and overseas,
making the need for broadband service an important, if not essential, lifestyle issue. Nearly 40 residents have responded
to me with written requests for this service.
As they became aware that we ran this campaign to actively get support, I think we ended up with over 100 applications filled out for this proposal. I continue with the letter:
Isolation is, without doubt, a key element for families in seeking ADSL services.
I have forwarded a letter to the Defence Housing Authority in Darwin asking for their assistance in this matter by
contacting RAAF Base residents and requesting completion of the ‘expressions of interest form’ as required by Telstra.
I also seek your support by pushing Telstra to act promptly in this matter, both in the interests of Defence personnel as
well as a logical business opportunity for Telstra.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in helping to progress this issue. I would appreciate your
advice on proposed action.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the response that we received shows the effect and influence that the Commonwealth government can have on issues such as this - in particular the sale of Telstra - and providing services to not only people on the RAAF Base, but also throughout the wider remote and rural areas of the Northern Territory.
The response came from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Hon Teresa Gambaro MP:
Dear Mr Bonson,
Thank you for your recent representations to the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Robert Hill, on behalf of your
constituents residing in Defence housing at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin, concerning the
availability of Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) Broadband. As this matter falls within my portfolio
responsibilities, your correspondence has been passed on to me for response.
- I am advised that the availability of ADSL to residents at RAAF Base Darwin is a matter for Telstra, and also depends
on the location of the telephone exchange servicing the base. For technical reasons, the telephone exchange must be
within a 3 km to 4 km range of the base. Currently, the exchange that services residents at the RAAF Base Darwin is
located in Darwin central business district, which is approximately 6 km from the base.
We have issues with broadband in the heart of Darwin. We are talking about issues of providing a service over 3 km. How are we going to provide services, with what the Commonwealth is proposing to happen to Telstra, into the future in places like Daly River, Oenpelli, Port Keats, Kalkarindji, and Lajamanu? I remind the House and those people who have influence in Canberra that the reality is that these people I am talking about are Australian citizens whose family members are representing Australia overseas performing their duty. Do we not have a duty of care to provide this ability to contact them and for them to have easy access to their children and their parents? I call on the CLP to support this motion and to come back strongly against Canberra and what they are proposing.
The letter goes on to say:
Defence staff have discussed this matter informally with Telstra, which has advised that current exchange services would
need to be changed. The quickest way to effect this change would be for interested residents to register on the BigPond
Broadband ADSL demand register ...
This can be done by lodging an ‘expression of interest’ form with Telstra, or registering on-line at www.bigpond.com. I note
from your letter that the Defence Housing Authority has been asked to provide assistance in contacting residents on this matter.
- Telstra has advised that, as at 1 June 2005, seven expressions of interest have been received …
We know this is over 100 now:
Telstra indicated approximately 35 expressions of interest are required for this be considered a viable business opportunity.
In the unlikely event that the required numbers are met, Telstra has advised that it has an existing plan that would see
ADSL made available to the RAAF Base Darwin area within 12 months. I trust this information will clarify the situation for you.
I read that letter out just to highlight the fact the Commonwealth still has influence over Telstra before its sale. However, after its sale its influence will be deteriorated. We need to provide services, so I support the minister’s bid for $265m of extra funds, not only for the residents of the RAAF Base but for those living in rural and remote areas. Telstra and broadband will help them with education, health and general communication throughout the whole of the Northern Territory and Australia. Every other Australian citizen - black, white, green or purple - expects this service to be delivered.
There are two more letters I would like to read. I also wrote to Danny Honan who, as many people here would know, has been a fantastic servant for Territorians and fights very hard to deliver the services that Telstra Country Wide is supposed to deliver. Like everyone, he was restricted by his budget. This extra $265m, I am assured by the minister, will assist in dealing with all our problems in terms of infrastructure.
- Danny Honan
Area General Manager
Telstra Country Wide …
- Dear Dan,
- Re: Broadband ADSL Service RAAF Base Darwin.
I am writing to request an update on the provision of ADSL Broadband connection for residents of Darwin RAAF Base.
In mid-June 2004, I forwarded Telstra Country Wide ADSL expressions of interest forms to your office which contained
some 76 addresses on the base. I have since received a further six requests …
Since then, we have received further requests:
- This brings the number of households who have completed the Telstra demand register to over 80.
You commented to me that this was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, response received by Telstra for ADSL
Broadband connection.
I wrote to the Minister for Defence seeking his support on this matter and have received a response from his
Parliamentary Secretary, Hon Teresa Gambaro MP. The secretary’s letter advised that Telstra had indicated
35 expressions of interest are required in order to be considered a viable business opportunity.
I would like to reiterate my earlier comments that Defence families are also in a unique situation with most having
family and friends in other parts of Australia. Importantly, many have partners who are serving overseas. Up-to-date
broadband service is, therefore, a priority for many on the base who need to keep in touch with family.
Can you advise me of a time frame for this important service?
Basically, what occurred for us to get this large group of people to be heard was a concerted doorknocking campaign, a signing-up of interest forms, and a community response which included barbecues and meetings held at the Darwin RAAF Base. Without volunteers and the footwork that is needed to be done as a local member, you cannot achieve this type of response. It became apparent that the old saying of ‘United you stand, divided you fall’ applied; that when we came together as a group we were able to lift this issue up in the eyes of Telstra. I just would like to read a letter from Telstra in response to our correspondence from this campaign. I have misplaced that letter at the moment. Basically, my understanding is that it has been promised by Telstra for the end of the year in December. I stand corrected if I am wrong, as I do not at present have that particular piece of correspondence. With the ability of the Commonwealth government to have influence over the Telstra sale, as in where funds are going, we have been able to achieve for the benefit of Territorians serving in Darwin and overseas, a connection between their families which has increased their ability to keep in contact.
If the Commonwealth government decides to support this motion and give us the extra $265m that we require, people in remote areas of Australia, mostly of indigenous background, will be able to access health, education and other services that all Australian citizens expect to be able to access. If we have these issues in urban centres such as Darwin, which is classed as a remote area by the rest of Australia, then what hope do we have for access to the technology of the 21st century in our remote areas?
In summary, the motion is called for and well drafted. I hope that the member for Nelson’s amendment will be discussed, and I understand that there are negotiations going on regarding his amendment. I call again on the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to fully understand that we have Australian citizens who come from all over Australia serving in Darwin and serving overseas doing a hard job, who require assistance. I have taken a particular stance in regard to the Australian Defence Force in my area, but I know that this is the case for Australian Defence Force families right across Australia. Most of their issues are affected by the Commonwealth government. I ask the Commonwealth government to consider my contribution and understand that this is not just about providing services into what we consider remote areas, but also Darwin, which they consider a remote area.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I fully support those people in remote Aboriginal communities and the RAAF Base. I look forward to the motion going to Canberra, and the provision and delivery of services that we need.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, I feel that I have to get up and speak on this motion moved by the minister. This government, after having won the last election with a huge majority, should be enthused and energised with all the extra bodies they have in parliament to do business. For the last four months, we have sat here and have had a Question Time that has been dominated by government. This is just an unbelievable exercise by this government in arrogance, confabulation and obfuscation, instead of doing business.
We talk about Telstra and this minister comes out with a wish list – really, that is all it is. This government, regarding other portfolios, says: ‘Oh, we cannot have brain surgeons in every community because it is not possible’. Then the minister says: ‘But we have to have broadband in every community, everywhere in the whole of the Northern Territory. Whether they have 100 people or 50 people does not matter, we have to get it out there, as long as someone pays for it’. That is a sign of irresponsible governance - absolutely irresponsible governance.
That is why I support the member for Nelson’s motion, because I believe it is well worded, it is considerate, and it is asking for the federal government to ensure that there are adequate resources provided to the Northern Territory in the event of a sell-off of Telstra - not this wish list from a government that is not prepared to put in any money of its own.
Let us talk about ADSL quickly. I was at a function not so long ago, when Danny Honan, the Area Manager for the Northern Territory’s Telstra Country Wide, said: ‘Once a person has a taste of ADSL, it is like getting a taste of heroin; once you have tasted it, you cannot do without it’ - because of the broadband, obviously.
ADSL is not available for everybody because of the physical structure of the technology and, therefore, you have to go for other means. The in-principle request that the government should provide broadband to as much of Australia as possible is a reasonable request. To then say: ‘Give us $265m to do this or that’, is absolutely unrealistic.
The member for Stuart said the marketplace ultimately determines where infrastructure will go. Precisely that: the marketplace will ultimately determine where infrastructure will go. If the marketplace cannot support the infrastructure, then it cannot go there. It is unreasonable to expect a multimillion dollar infrastructure to go into a place that supplies 50 to 100 people - it is just unreasonable. You would not do that yourself ...
Members interjecting.
Dr LIM: You would not. You would not build a road or an airstrip in the middle of nowhere for 50 people …
A member: But we do!
Dr LIM: You would not do it! Therefore, in the same light as you would not do that using your own resources, you have no right to ask anybody else to do likewise.
We talk about getting landlines around everywhere. Obviously, you know that your ACIL Tasman Report told us that the cheaper way to go is to use wireless technology. It has to be the cheapest way to do it. Telstra has worked very hard to deliver.
It was only about two years ago that the federal government put out - not so much a tender, but asking for expressions of interests - for a roll out of satellite technology and broadband communications into the bush. The Northern Territory, through DCIS, did very little - did not put anything in. Education did not put anything into the federal government for funding; Health did not do anything about it. They were chased and they did nothing. The only people who got off their backsides and did it were the Police. They got it and that is why we have broadband where the request was made.
LGANT have a contract, a big grant of multimillion dollars, to roll out broadband technology into community governments. They did that because they actually went out there, applied for the funds, and received a lot of money from the Commonwealth government. They tried to negotiate with the Northern Territory government, and said: ‘Let us do this together for the Territory, for our bush communities’. The Northern Territory government, through the departments, did not respond. If the minister does his consultation, he will find out that is definitely true.
Therefore, do not now come along and say: ‘Oh, well, we have to get the Commonwealth government to give us the funds now so we can roll out broadband into every community in the Territory’. It is just not practical; it is not a useful way of spending money. If you can promise me that you will provide a surgeon in every community - and a surgeon only costs $250 000 each; not much - then you have the right to ask for $265m for broadband into nowhere.
In fact, Telstra has done a reasonably good job on CDMA and GSM coverage alone. I am sure the ministers have seen this diagram from Telstra, which continues to provide the services into the areas where there are people and where the technology can be used. There is no point putting up a $30 000 or $50 000 CDMA tower when there is hardly anybody to use it. Ideally speaking, every man, woman and child should have access to every form of technology that is available in Australia. That is the ideal. However, there is also the practicality of it, and you just cannot go along and say: ‘Let us get everything spread out’.
When the minister spoke about the new subdivision of Lyons, he is the Minister for Planning and Lands, you would think he would know the legislation, and he would know that developers have to put down that sort of infrastructure. To recoup that money the developer spends, he sets a practical level of charge for the sale of each allotment. That is the way development goes. You are saying a particular suburb or a new subdivision will now have this technology paid for by the federal government, paid for by my taxpayers’ money. No way in the world can you do that. That is not right. If that is the case, then it should be done to every home, in every suburb, down every street in the whole of the Northern Territory. Again, that is not …
Mr Bonson: In Darwin.
Dr LIM: In Darwin, says the member for Millner. See, there you go, the Darwin central government. That is what it is about. Well, it is not about that. It is about appropriate technology to the appropriate places at appropriate costs. If you cannot do that, then what you are doing is taking cherries and saying: ‘This suburb should be helped, this other suburb does not need to be helped’. Suddenly, you are now saying: ‘We will support a particular group of the community and not another group’. That is discrimination and I was told that a Labor government, in this country, is a socialist government, and is supposed to be fair to everybody. Well, that is …
Mr Henderson: Socialist government! Talk about a dinosaur.
Dr LIM: … definitely not the case. You are communists, aren’t you?
Mr Henderson: You have to get chardonnay in there yet.
Members interjecting.
Dr LIM: I pick up on the minister’s interjection. Yes, you are, you are all chardonnay socialists sitting there with your feet on the desks and watching Rome burn while you are playing your fiddles.
In terms of the member for Nelson’s motion, I propose to move an amendment to that amendment. I move that we insert, after the word ‘on’, the words, ‘all the Northern Territory federal members of parliament and’, and I will read it in total. The motion now reads:
Call on all the Northern Territory federal members of parliament and the Prime Minister to ensure that the sale of Telstra
results in adequate funding for Northern Territory telecommunications infrastructure which is essential for the development
and wellbeing of all Territorians, especially those living in rural and remote areas.
I believe that will be a fair motion that we can send to the federal government saying: ‘When you sell Telstra, you make sure that the Northern Territory gets its fair share’. We should also encourage our four federal members, the two Senators and the two members of the House of Representatives, to ensure that they lobby strongly and support the Northern Territory in this regard. I believe, if the four of them were to work together - it might be the first time ever - as a team from the Northern Territory, saying to the federal government: ‘Do it this way and we will support you’, what will happen is we will get those services delivered. That, in my opinion, is the way to go.
I come back to the issue of this government having fallen flat on its face. There was a time when there was money available from the federal government for the Northern Territory government to apply for a roll out of broadband into communities using a satellite system. While there are flaws with it - as the member for Nelson described earlier; when it rains the satellite falls over – that is better than nothing - seriously. It is a cheap way of delivering broadband into the rural areas where a high band landline is not physically possible. If we do that, then I believe we can get that sort of technology delivered. I agree with the member for Stuart that, when you bring technology into a community, the quantum leap in social change is absolutely tremendous.
Before you go that one step, you have to also make sure that there is the resource available to support the infrastructure that you are going to deliver. If you cannot do that, then you are building something that will fail; no different than if you had a health clinic or a school there without teachers or nurses. What are you building it for? You are building it for nothing. If you build it, you have to support it. To do that, you have to make sure that you find the right technicians to go out bush to service the technology infrastructure. Who is going to be out there fixing up the computers, the modems and the satellite dishes? All those things have to be considered otherwise you are just rolling out all sorts of infrastructure without any care whether they will work for the longer term. If it is not, then what is the point? We know about small communities out in the outstations. They have been built and abandoned by the people who have started them. What do you do with the infrastructure that is already out there? It is expenditure for no long-term gain.
If government believes that by getting the technology out there it is going to ensure that people stay out there, well, you have another think coming. I am not an indigenous person and I am sure that people will agree that I do not understand their culture particularly well. However, having grown up in a third world country, in a little village, my first desire once I was educated was to get the hell out of there into somewhere better, where opportunities and employment opportunities are better, where there are bright lights, where I can see people, I can see things, and I can do things. Why would I want to stay in my little village where my future was going be forever stifled? Of course, I would not. If I am an educated person, I want to go where I can get the best outcomes from my education, and that is not in my little village. Yes, I can return home one day, once I have established myself, or I can go back and create something because I have the wherewithal to create whatever I want to create in my own village. However, that has to come later. It does not mean that I grow up, am educated there and I die there. It means I should be more mobile and can learn and take things back to my village when I eventually grow up, or provide services through my own ability, perhaps by delivering it through my increased income. That is also an issue that I believe that the government needs to consider.
A wish list such as that which has been delivered by the minister I believe is most inappropriate. It will not achieve anything. All the Prime Minister will do, I suggest to you, is reply in a very polite manner saying: ‘Thank you for your communication. We will, obviously, consider the Northern Territory in the greater scheme of things’. You will get a non-specific answer. I believe a motion such as the one I have just moved, or amended, would have just as much impact. If we convince our four members of federal parliament to go there together as a team, it will be an historical moment when the four of them work together for the Northern Territory. That, to me, will be an effective way for the Commonwealth government to then respond and say: ‘These four people are representing the Northern Territory as a team and we will now listen to them very closely and see what we can do to help them deliver for the Northern Territory’.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I ask the Assembly to support the amended motion.
Mr HENDERSON (Business and Economic Development): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, that contribution from the member for Greatorex, as shadow spokesman for communications, has to be the most appalling contribution that I have heard in this House in nearly six years. In regards to the commitments to provide infrastructure for communications throughout the Northern Territory, the cat is out of the bag. If the member for Greatorex’s position on this is the same position as the Commonwealth government’s in regards to their commitment, their safeguards to people who live in rural and remote regions of Australia as a result of the sale of Telstra – well, God help us! This is possibly going to be a national story because the member for Greatorex has said that Australians, wherever they live, if they live in communities of 100 people or less, are not entitled to the same level of communications that other Australians are …
Dr Lim: I never said that.
Mr HENDERSON: This is a radical departure from the commitments that the Prime Minister has given to remote and rural Australia in regard to the infrastructure fund: that people, wherever they live in Australia, are going to be guaranteed an ongoing level of infrastructure that other Australians take for granted. The member for Greatorex has let the cat out of the bag because, if you live in rural and remote Australia in a community of 100 people or less, you get nothing. That is what the member for Greatorex has said and I have his words here. He said: ‘To provide broadband for all communities over 100 people is irresponsible’. You get nothing! Tell that to the communities in western Queensland, western New South Wales, and in the northern parts of Western Australia: as communities of 100 people or less you get nothing under the sale of Telstra and, if you want anything, you have to move to town …
Dr Lim: What are you going to do about a surgeon out there? Let us see you do that.
Mr HENDERSON: Oh, no! This is a radical departure. These are the member for Greatorex’s words: ‘… that the marketplace will determine where the infrastructure will go’. The cat is out of the bag!
This is not what the Prime Minister of Australia has been saying. He set up this infrastructure fund, and we have not yet seen the details, that people in rural and remote Australia - we are not just talking about Aboriginal communities, unlike the member for Greatorex, we are talking about any community in Australia, people who work and live on the pastoral estate and on small mining communities, we have tourism ventures in remote and regional parts of Australia - do not count. You do not get anything. You do not contribute to the community. You do not contribute to the economy. You are not entitled, according to the member for Greatorex, as you do not live in a big community, to a level of infrastructure that other Australians take for granted.
I remind the member for Greatorex, the supposed genius on the other side who is supposed to know all things telecommunications and information technology, that the Telstra Charter did have a universal service obligation which specifically recognised the rights of people in rural and regional Australia; that they are entitled to telecommunication services in particular, as they live in rural and remote regions of Australia. They need desperately to have that level of communication with the outside world. But, oh no, says the member for Greatorex. You go to hell and you do not get anything under the member for Greatorex’s claim. The cat is out of the bag regarding commitment.
I wonder if the member for Greatorex has spoken to the National Party about this? I am sure he is right off the page in that his mate, Senator Scullion, actually sits with the National Party in their party room. I wonder if Senator Scullion has actually said to Ron Boswell, Barnaby Joyce and whoever the others are in the National Party in Canberra: ‘The Country Liberal Party’s position is if it is a community of 100 or less, or just over 100, you do not get anything. It would be irresponsible to spend a cent, and the marketplace will decide’. Do you reckon that that is Senator Scullion’s position in the party room down there with the National Party? I do not think so! Well, maybe it is, because Senator Scullion, the great jelly-back that he is …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I believe that is unparliamentary language about a member of parliament in another place. I do not think that should be said, and should be withdrawn.
Mr HENDERSON: I withdraw, Mr Deputy Speaker.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Minister, yes, I think ‘jelly-back’ is a bit …
Dr LIM: It is Standing Order 62, by the way.
Mr HENDERSON: I will withdraw.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, minister.
Mr HENDERSON: However, the good Senator for the CLP for the Territory certainly does not have any intestinal fortitude or commitment to the Territory, given that he is backing the imposition of the nuclear waste dump on the Territory to serve his political masters in the National Party and in the Coalition.
This same Senator is the Senator who came out with an extraordinarily, if not naive – maybe he is picking up on the member for Greatorex’s policy that what he could guarantee the people of the Northern Territory in regards to additional funding from the sale of Telstra was $14m - $14m! Maybe if you did the sums and got ACIL Tasman to rework these numbers here, if we discount communities of 100 and less, or just over 100, I do not think that even comes close to $14m. We probably still need $100m. Maybe there is a hidden agenda in CLP policy in that people who live in the bush do not get any telecommunications infrastructure at all because it would be totally irresponsible to do so.
I doubt whether the member for Greatorex has actually read this report by ACIL Tasman. This is not government spin or hyperbole. We did commission, through the Department of Corporate and Information Services, ACIL Tasman to conduct an assessment and report on what would be required to upgrade infrastructure in the Northern Territory. I challenge the member for Greatorex: have you read it? Probably not! We have an absolute responsibility when coming into this parliament to inform ourselves, particularly the supposed shadow spokesperson for communications, who knew this debate was coming on. This report has been a public report; we released it around two months ago …
Dr Burns: It was sent to the member for Greatorex.
Mr HENDERSON: It was sent to the member for Greatorex so he could inform himself of the content. If you were to apply a purely economic rationalist approach to this, which is what the member for Greatorex was saying – if you live in a community of 100 or less anywhere in Australia, you are irresponsible if you think that you should be provided with a basic phone service and access to the Internet that all other Australians take for granted. You are being irresponsible; the marketplace should determine and, if you live in remote and rural Australia – well, you might as well depopulate remote and rural Australia. You might as well close down the pastoral estates, all those communities, and anybody who has a tourism enterprise up and running somewhere. Close them down and everybody move to the cities. That is the vision for the member for Greatorex.
If you even take that economic rationalist approach, let us have a look. You only have to go the executive summary; you do not have to go to the detail of the report. The executive summary talks about the aggregated output of the Northern Territory in relation to the economy, by providing this level of investment. It is only talking about the $100m which goes to communities of 100 or more, not the additional $165m which goes to the training in communities …
Dr Lim: Oh, so you are talking about 100 or more in the communities, too.
Mr HENDERSON: Even if you do the sums on $100m, it says:
- In addition, it is a matter of simple arithmetic …
The member for Greatorex should be able to do this:
… that a public investment of $100m equates to 2.4% of the increase in potential aggregate community output over a 10-year
period. It is clear that such an investment would only require a modest associated increase in annual production to
achieve the break-even result from society as a whole.
There it is. Even an economic rationalist would see that there is a return on investment in providing this level of investment. In the summary, it talks about the resultant estimate of a potential annual increase and aggregate output of some $400m, so the economy actually benefits. Not only the economy benefits for the economic rationalists, but social outcomes benefit as well.
Let us look at the potential cost savings that the member for Greatorex will not even contemplate in improved access to service delivery for health, education and corrections, let alone the capacity of people on remote communities in remote regional Australia to be able to offer business or services and make their presence available in the broader community. No, that is all discounted by the member for Greatorex. If you live in a small community, you do not count, you do not get anything! Walk away from the universal service obligation entirely!
You can really see that the Country Liberal Party has been reduced to four members over there, with not one rural seat represented on the opposition benches. Prior to the last election, in the seat of Daly, for example, I wonder if the then member for Daly would have agreed with the member for Greatorex that communities in Daly, 100 or less, should not receive any services at all from the sale of Telstra. I do not think that the then member for Daly, one Tim Baldwin, would agree with the member for Greatorex’s new policy position on behalf of the CLP. As I said before, it is an absolutely outrageous abrogation of responsibility to those Territorians who live in the bush, both black and white. As the executive summary says, the capacity of those additional 60 communities is about 10% of the total Northern Territory population. ‘Well, we do not care about them, they are only Territorians. They are not entitled to telecommunications services. It is only 10% of the population. It is irresponsible to do so and the marketplace should determine’.
We do not accept the member for Greatorex’s amendment. It is an appalling statement from somebody who purports to be the alternative minister for Communications in a future Country Liberal Party government; that he would walk away entirely from the 10%-plus people in the Northern Territory who live in the bush – ‘You do not count. You are not economically viable, therefore it would be irresponsible to spend any money on you whatsoever’. Well, you run that line. That is his assessment of telecommunications, the capacity to be in contact with the outside world and have access to broadband and the Internet like other Australians take for granted. If that is his attitude of such a vital service such as telecommunications, what is his attitude to education and health? That it is irresponsible to provide health and education services to people who live in communities of 100 or less? You can very easily run that economic rationalist line through.
It certainly is a sad day for the Country Liberal Party which was born in Central Australia with a commitment to serve all Territorians. When you look back at the early years of the Country Liberal Party, they proudly stood for all Territorians regardless of where they live. But not now. They are a very sad reflection of their former selves when the shadow minister for Communications says that those 10% plus Territorians, regardless of their race or colour, wherever they live in the Northern Territory, are not entitled to telecommunications services that the rest of us take for granted. It is an absolute outrage, and really does show, if that is a true reflection of conservative politics in the Northern Territory, what the federal government’s intention is for Telstra down the track.
Mr Deputy Speaker, we reject the amendment from the member for Greatorex. If that is their new position on services to people in the bush, then long may they be on the other side of this parliament.
Mr WOOD (Nelson)(by leave): Mr Deputy Speaker, before I start, I should say one thing; I need to apologise to the minister. I said before that I had not received a copy of ACIL Tasman’s report. A little note came to me before lunch that I did not quite catch in time and ended up being stuck to the back of the amendment which told me, yes, I had received a copy. I apologise for that, and reckon someone might be owing me a free lunch, but we will see.
Dr Burns: You are forgiven, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Anyway, I do not have any problems with the member for Greatorex’s amendment per se. I heard the minister giving the reasons why, but his reasons were far broader than that tiny amendment. I do not have a problem with that amendment; it just adds something to what I have put in forward. I am happy to support that amendment, but I say at the same time that I am flagging that I will withdraw my amendment. I have spoken to the minister and he will add my amendment to the original motion. I just thought I would let parliament know that is where it is at the moment.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): On a procedural point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I wish to put the amendment to the amendment as moved by the member for Greatorex.
Amendment negatived.
Ms McCARTHY (Arnhem): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the motion moved by the Minister for Communications. The minister has identified that $265m is needed to bring the Territory’s telecommunication infrastructure up to an acceptable standard. I was going to continue on with some of the thoughts that I had in regards to this motion, but there are a couple of issues that I need to address in light of some of the comments that have been made in the House to date.
Firstly, beginning with the Leader of the Opposition saying this is a hypocritical attack by the Martin government which she would call ‘gibberish’. How could we call calling on the Prime Minister to ensure that our remote areas and the people in our bush receive adequate funding to continue existing and receiving further services in communications ‘gibberish’? It is beyond me. Indeed, I question whether the Opposition Leader is aware of just what is going on in our remote and rural areas, in particular, in the bush. She speaks quite fluently about the money that is going to indigenous communities for an indigenous television news service or television station as something that is going to come about because of the sale of Telstra.
I ask the Leader of the Opposition: why does it have to be the sale of any organisation or, indeed, the sale of Telstra to ensure that Aboriginal people in this country get their own television station? Why is it that public broadcasters like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Special Broadcasting Services have a funding stream entirely dedicated and devoted to them - albeit it seems to be diminishing every year – and we cannot have the same for the Aboriginal and Islander people of Australia? Why does the sale of Telstra have to have a spin-off of indigenous people in this country getting access to any form of communication? Why is it rob Peter to pay Paul? Why is it we cannot get these services directly given as a given, not as something that we compromise? Why must we in the bush have to give up those services to be given something else?
I must add here my absolute disgust at what I see is happening with the Howard government in its agenda with indigenous people of this country. Why is it that a shadow minister of the Northern Territory parliament speaks about his upbringing and asks why he would stay in a little village where there were no opportunities? Why? He moved away to get opportunities. It is an absolute disgrace that the member for Greatorex speaks about his own opportunities and, yet, cannot represent the very people he needs to, who have no access to those opportunities. I say to the member for Greatorex: you do have the education and the responsibility to represent those people who cannot represent themselves. You are here to represent them and to speak for them. Wake up to yourself, member for Greatorex!
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms McCARTHY: Why is it that here in the Northern Territory parliament, the shadow Communications minister cannot even defend the very people in the Northern Territory who need to be defended over the services that they should be receiving as a right when, in the federal parliament we have our own shadow minister, Senator Conroy, who said:
Labor have voted against the sale of Telstra on every occasion that the Howard government has tried to force it through
parliament. We promised the Australian public at the last three federal elections that we would oppose the sale of Telstra,
and we will honour that commitment. The reasons we oppose the sale are well known. We believe that a fully privatised
Telstra would inevitably increase prices, slash services and desert communities where it could not make a profit.
We believe that we need to keep Telstra in public ownership to ensure that the home phone never becomes a luxury item for
the most vulnerable in our society.
Who are the most vulnerable people in our society? I would take a good guess that it is the indigenous people of the Northern Territory who are vulnerable in those remote areas, not to mention the many farmers and pastoralists who live in those regions who are trying to educate their children through the use of telecommunication services - the very people that the member for Greatorex should be representing right here ...
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Visitors
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Arnhem, if I could please seek your indulgence for one moment. I advise honourable members of the presence in the gallery of the following participants of the Civic Citizens Forum: Ms Bianca McCullow, Australian Electoral Commission; Ms Dayna Lister, NT Electoral Commission; Ms Susanne Mazlin, Australian Electoral Commission; Ms Ruth Sheridan, Palmerston High; Ms Cheryl Burnett, Wulagi Primary School; Ms Kate Minahan, Curriculum Services; Ms Jennifer Clue, Curriculum Services; Ms Julie Andrews, Holy Family School; and Ms Margaret Davis, Darwin High School.
On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Ms McCARTHY: Mr Deputy Speaker, further, this is not a dig at Telstra per se as some members of the opposition have said this morning. The Martin government is, indeed, supportive of the Telstra staff and the many hundreds of technicians across the Northern Territory who try to make sure that our people in those remote regions are receiving the services that they should. I met with the National Indigenous Directorate General Manager, Mr Laurie Mortimer, in August to talk about what he is going to do. He is very keen on working with indigenous communities in remote areas to try to maintain some of the services. I commend Mr Mortimer and his staff, and highlight that the Northern Territory government is supportive of the staff within Telstra. It is not about the staff; this is all about the politics of the Howard government.
In the Territory there are still thousands of homes in the bush without access, and this is not a fault of Telstra. People know that the more remote you are the less interested any company will be to service you due to the costs involved to the company. How can the member for Araluen call this motion, as she did, ‘gibberish’? We are talking about regions where access becomes so difficult for close to six months of the year due to heavy rains and flooding. It makes it difficult to drive and, therefore at times, for some planes to land in some on these most remote airstrips, even though the Martin government has fixed many airstrips including Ramingining, Bulman and Minyerri. However, the Wet Season is such that you cannot stop the rain and, if it floods, it floods. Therefore, what do we rely on? To call on the medical services which fly into our remote communities, who do we call? How do we do it? We do it through Telstra.
I would like to recall just how far the Northern Territory has come. I am incredibly proud of it. When I used to go to school in Alice Springs and had to go back home to Borroloola, it would be arranged by radio communication, as the minister outlined in his statement earlier. That is how recent the history is; that we used to coordinate the events of travelling through radio HF frequency ...
Mr Kiely: That is not long ago.
Dr Toyne: Yes, I remember that.
Ms McCARTHY: Yes. Sometimes, we would get the bus from Alice Springs to Daly Waters Highway Inn, where we would have to wait in the hope that someone in Borroloola had received the message that there was a group of school students waiting at the highway. Mind you, it is a four-hour drive from the highway to our homelands. If no one was there to pick us up, we would just have to camp by the side of the road, or if extended family members might be travelling by, we would try to hitch a ride. In most cases the best of form of telecommunication at that time was through the telegram. If the radiophone did not work, we would get it through telegrams.
We are proud of what we have so far. In light of what Senator Conroy said in federal parliament, it is a basic right to have access to a phone. If the pressure is on in our communities and, indeed, on Telstra to chase the dollar, it is without a doubt that the dollar does not speak volumes in our remote communities.
Only a couple of months ago – certainly, earlier this year - there was a particular town in the Northern Territory which lost all communication. It lost phone and Internet, e-mail and fax access - everything went down. It must have taken almost two days before people realised that there was no communication to that particular town. My memory here might waiver a little on whether it was earlier this year or late last year, but it was certainly in the last 12 months. We have a fundamental need for that kind of access that; when it is not there, people cannot do anything. They could not get any money out of EFTPOS, to provide funding to pay for food and drinks; vital necessities of day-to-day living. They also could not get access to fuel. I question - and these are the things that we need to be vigilant about in the sale of Telstra - if these kinds of problems will be gone forever, or are they issues and problems that we need to monitor and be vigilant about? That is why I ask the members of the opposition, when they stand here and represent the people in their electorates – be vigilant.
We have not heard from our two CLP representatives in the federal parliament – not a word. Oh, hang on. Maybe a year ago, or two years ago - let me quote: ‘Stuart Highway mobile coverage – a condition of Telstra sale’ from Senator Nigel Scullion, the CLP Senator in the federal parliament. As a minimum requirement for his support of any further sale of Telstra, he has nominated mobile phone towers along the entire route from Adelaide to Darwin. There you go, the only words. In fact, if you do a search of Hansard, you would be lucky to find any comments by any of the CLP representatives in federal parliament on anything about Telstra. Perhaps that is when you use your imagination and think that, maybe, they are there just putting their hand up in support of the Howard government. In light of one Labor Senator, and her famous words: ‘Does the Northern Territory have boys in Canberra or is it the Prime Minister who has the boys in the Northern Territory?’
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I am very supportive of this motion moved by the minister. Indeed, if anything must be said here today, it is that there must be a constant reminder, a constant vigilance of what is happening right across this country under the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, and what is going on with the communications agenda of this country. I, for one, will be very vigilant about what is happening.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow minister, the member for Greatorex. I certainly will be putting the new CLP policy in my newsletter to my communities. I will be encouraging other northern suburbs members to write to constituents in the northern suburbs who frequent these little communities to go fishing or for holidays, who quite like the idea of having mobile phone coverage, being able to access the Internet, or even just using a public telephone with ease. I am sure they will be delighted with the new policy of the CLP. It is even a worse example of the Berrimah Line than I have ever seen in my life! It is scorched earth policy. I am sure they will be delighted to hear this new policy of the CLP – nothing above Alice Springs and nothing below Palmerston; that is the way it is going to be.
I support this motion to urge the federal government to provide to the residents of the Northern Territory sufficient funds to bring the telecommunications services across the Territory up to an adequate standard which other citizens of Australia enjoy.
I note that the motion targets a number of areas. Several of these targeted areas have particular significance to my electorate. The improved services in remote indigenous communities will be the most pressing. For many people who live in the regional centres or major cities, the lack of basic facilities in many major Aboriginal communities comes as a surprise. It always amuses me to see southern visitors - and they include bureaucrats and politicians who travel out to these communities - bemused about the fact that they cannot get mobile phone access. Their staffers ring up saying: ‘I have been trying to get my boss on the phone and I cannot get hold of him’. They are just beside themselves. We just say: ‘We do not have mobile phones here’. It is a lack of understanding and the inadequacy of those services. Even the telephone services in some of these communities are at a level which was outdated and deemed substandard to other parts of Australia decades ago.
The federal government has made some commitments towards these communities; however, the level of funding is simply not sufficient for the current and future needs of the people of the Northern Territory. Of the $98m identified in the Northern Territory government’s bid for remote indigenous communities of over 100 people, I have several of these communities within my electorate.
The Bulla community is located 60 km west of Timber Creek and has a population of 165 Aboriginal people. This community is in need of the three basic telecommunication upgrades, which is sought in the bid. They need a new tower and other infrastructure which will come at an estimated cost of $1m. This will upgrade the telephone, mobile and broadband access. This community of 165 people has quite significant infrastructure. It has a health clinic, a school, a store but, unfortunately, they only have one public phone for a community that size. They have a CDEP office. Also, the community is quite entrepreneurial. Many of the residents work on stations around that community, so their expectations are growing as their income grows. They expect to have some services to be able to communicate with people.
A community not too far away from that is the Mialuni community, which sits on Amanbidji pastoral land, and has a population of 140 people. Because it is set about 60 km south of the Victoria Highway, it needs about five towers, the cost of which would be $2m. That, again, provides those basic services of upgraded telephone, mobile and broadband. This community is significantly advanced in infrastructure and has some economic development opportunities. The cattle station is going again so there are people working. There is a store, a CDEP office, a health clinic, a school, with only one public phone in a community that size. These people are getting higher incomes and they have an expectation to be able to communicate effectively.
There are other communities in my electorate which have been identified for telecommunications work. A significant one is Wadeye for which some upgrades were announced not so long ago. This goes to show the true cost of what is needed out there. Simply getting an advanced high capacity line for the community is going to cost around $4m to $5m. Senator Scullion’s comments on ABC radio were: ‘Well, $14m was the amount that I worked out …’. I do not know how he worked it out, but the Commonwealth government’s commitment was about $2m to $3m. Almost a quarter of Senator Scullion’s little exercise on what the Territory needs is taken up in one single community.
One of the other target areas is going to be seeking increased mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway. Much has been talked about there. My electorate takes in 600 km of the Stuart Highway. Again …
Dr Toyne: Is that all?
Mr KNIGHT: Yes, I am not too sure how much you have, member for Stuart. I do not think you have much at all, actually.
Dr Toyne: Two hundred and fifty.
Mr KNIGHT: Two hundred and fifty, there you go. The member for Greatorex believes that if you cannot see anything, and if there are not significant numbers of people, it must be an empty country. Yet, if you stand on the side of the Stuart Highway, you get mowed down by the number of trucks and cars, and tourists and caravans, and umpteen other things - motorbikes, everything. That is a living community along some 3000 km, which is constantly being occupied by people travelling in all manner of vehicles. We are trying to promote the Territory, to encourage visitors here. We get a lot of elderly visitors and the reassurance for the elderly and the families who travel in those vehicles, of having mobile coverage right along the Stuart Highway would be a significant attraction for those people to visit here.
When you look at a certain court case that is going on at the moment, there is a little reassurance there for people. It allows, as you are travelling up the highway, to forward book to the next community. Sometimes in the middle of the night on the Stuart Highway, in the middle of nowhere, there are accidents if people run into a buffalo, a cow, or whatever. To be able to pick up your phone and dial for help would be great; and also for breakdowns. For someone who travels up and down that highway constantly, being able to work, make phone calls, and utilise that two to three hours that you have on that road would certainly be an advantage.
The member for Arnhem commented about the promise that the member for Solomon backed away from. He made that commitment in the federal election, like quite a number of these other commitments, that he would not support the full sale unless there was full mobile coverage on the Stuart Highway. His response to a radio interview was: ‘Well, I am going to back away from that promise’. What is the use of making promises? What is the use of him representing the Northern Territory when he cannot even do the right thing and stand up for Territorians? It seems quite a regular occurrence that big, tough Dave actually gets rolled every single time he goes into his meetings with his lovely, friendly, cooperative colleagues from Canberra who represent electorates in other parts of Australia. I am sure that they are going to get a nice little slice of the cake when it comes up, whilst Dave is standing up for us by giving us a piddling little $14m which is going to get us absolutely nowhere.
One of the other key areas of the bid that the Northern Territory government is proposing is provision of remote TeleHealth services. When you are out on some of these remote communities, health is very important. We all know the pressures that are on the department for the delivery of health services in these remote communities. Advanced technologies and communications will address many of these pressures. The ability to videoconference will allow specialist medical professionals into remote communities, and provide economical, timely and a high standard of medical services to these patients. New mobile health services which travel to these remote outstations will also need reliable and effective telecommunication services to allow teleconferencing and remote access to centralised health databases.
The Commonwealth has again referred to this sector; however, they have not allocated any monetary figures against the needs that the Territory really does require. Most members of this House would realise the massive land mass in which the Health Department has to deliver a complex and significant health service. No one would disagree that the cost of such an upgrade of telecommunication services and these health services will come at a significant cost. I do not believe that the federal government realises the true cost of providing this basic upgrade.
This also goes for remote education. It seems as though, over the years, the remote schools have had a bit of an ad hoc process of upgrades. There are all sorts of telecommunications there of differing standards. When you look at the number of remote schools, there is much work that needs to be done and Telstra has the obligation to provide those headworks.
This government has indicated that its focus will be on regional development. That is something that I applaud, and I am delighted that we are heading down the next four years of regional development. Telecommunications is a vital ingredient in economic and social development anywhere. You cannot develop regional Australia, especially the Northern Territory, without this infrastructure. This goes for the rural areas as well.
During my campaigning in the rural areas at Darwin River, Livingstone and Acacia Hills, it was a regular occurrence to come on a property and find a junction box out the front and phone lines running into a property along the ground. When I talked to the residents, or with Telstra staff who were required to do this, it was just about getting it connected and keeping the statistics up so that they could get the company ready for a sale. What is going to happen to those services in the future for those people in the rural area? It is all going to be forgotten. Once Telstra is sold there is no guarantee that they will be receiving any sort of adequate services there.
The Opposition Leader in her reply asked why we were talking about Telstra and this issue which is a federal government issue? Well, hello! I use a phone. Nearly everybody here uses a phone. Nearly everybody uses the computer and Internet access; it is a basic thing in our lives. It is an important tool in education and health systems. If, somehow, that is not important to this House, I do not know what is.
It seems as if this little bit of money that Senator Scullion has dreamt up and the $90m the federal minister is putting into indigenous telecommunications applauded by him, is across Australia. We have identified, in the ACIL Tasman Report, that we require even more than that just for that area in the Northern Territory for communities below 100 people which, apparently, do not mean anything to the opposition.
However, this is an indication that our federal members are not supporting, and have no idea about what the true needs for Territorians are. They seem to get rolled every single time they go down there. They do not represent the Northern Territory or the issues of the Northern Territory. They are patsies to their Canberra colleagues and yes men. They come back here and try to make excuses. You could say that is those federal members, but it seems like the CLP opposition are apologists for the ineptness of the federal members and the arrogance of the federal government. We do not hear: ‘Yes, telecommunications is shocking out bush, in our rural areas, and in the suburbs of Darwin’. No, we get apologies. ‘It is all right, she will be right’. I really do not know whether the opposition moves around the electorate, but they should start to listen a bit.
The simple fact is that Telstra will be sold. If we do not squeeze every possible dollar out of the federal government to upgrade these basic services in the Northern Territory, we will miss the boat; there will be no second chance. Once it is gone, it will be gone. This is why this motion is before the parliament. It is something that our federal CLP colleagues do not seem to be able to do much about.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, I support this motion and urge all members who take the rights to an adequate telecommunication service seriously, to support it also.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Speaker, before I start on my contribution, I must declare an interest because I am a Telstra shareholder. I want to get that on the record. Some of us do make …
Mr Warren: You poor thing.
Mr KIELY: … decisions that we should think about in the future. Oh, well!
Mrs Braham: Don’t know whether you are allowed to speak.
Mr KIELY: That is right. I have declared the interest and, if anyone wishes to object, it is up there.
Madam Speaker, I support the motion moved by the Minister for Communications. The minister is right, this government does not support the sale of Telstra but, with the support of the CLP’s representation in Canberra, that sale was inevitable. That being the case, we in the Territory have to do what we can, with the full support of the opposition, of course, to address the problems we are faced with in the area of telecommunication services.
As Territorians, these services are vital. It is not just a case of being able to make a phone call to family or log on to the Internet to check your e-mail, though a Territorian would reasonably expect to have access to these technologies; it is a case for the wellbeing of Territorians. It is a case for the further strengthening and development of the Territory economy.
We in the Territory should expect to have access to communications. As an example, NT HealthDirect for some of the more isolated communities - communities I am sure the opposition would agree are in greater need of this innovative health service. I thought they would have agreed to that, but you can see from the shadow spokesman for Communications over there that, if you have poor health and you are on a community with less than 100, you do not get access to NT HealthDirect. Some of these communities cannot currently rely on their telecommunication services. A $15m funding plan for services like remote patient diagnostics will improve health services in our remote communities.
All members would agree that, as a government and elected members, one of our most important roles is to do everything we can to help local businesses with, I believe, the exception of the shadow minister for Communications. We want Territory businesses to have a level playing field. We want them to have the same opportunities and access to telecommunication services as their southern counterparts. How many charter services on the Daly will go broke under the CLP’s current communications policy of ‘nothing under 100 gets communication services’? That should go out to the small tour operators on the Daly.
Tourism businesses, for example, bring in business from all over Australia and the world. We have international tourists coming to Australia, not to see Sydney or Melbourne but to see the Territory; to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tourists come to see Kakadu. These Territory businesses are doing a great job and I commend them for that. With improved telecommunications services, these businesses could be doing even greater things. They deserve our support and they should be given that chance. They certainly have the support of the Martin Labor government.
Members interjecting.
Mr KIELY: They do not have the support of the CLP opposition and you stand condemned for that.
Right now, Territorians are playing catch up when it comes to telecommunications services. We are not asking for much from the Commonwealth: as the minister pointed out, less than 1% of the proceeds from the full sale of Telstra - $265m.
Obviously, one of the areas where services are severely lacking is our remote indigenous communities. We heard yesterday about the Northern Territory Public Sector Indigenous Employment Career Development Strategy. We, as a government, want to right some wrongs when it comes to indigenous communities. Improved telecommunications in remote communities will have a flow-on effect for the provision of health, education and training. These are vital to Northern Territory public sector strategy.
We want to improve telecommunication services to remote indigenous communities. These Territorians deserve and should expect improved telecommunication services, and $98m will provide these improved services in the form of upgraded telecommunications infrastructure to 60 of our larger remote communities. These communities are playing catch up. This infrastructure is not giving services above and beyond other Territorians to these remote communities. This infrastructure is for the provision of standard telecommunications services - a point which the member for Arnhem made quite clearly. Mobile phone services, broadband, Internet services, videoconferencing capabilities – Territorians living in these communities are quite reasonable to expect these services and I believe it would be quite reasonable of the Commonwealth to provide them.
This infrastructure will open the gates to better health services, better education and better opportunities. We have these plans in place; we are waiting on the Commonwealth. These plans are good for the Territory and good for Territorians. I am sure that the opposition, the people who brand themselves the Territory party, will be supporting this motion with as much enthusiasm as I do.
The upgrades to infrastructure will be further supported by the provision of on-line access centres in 45 remote communities. In these centres, Territorians will have access to the knowledge and advice they need to get the most out of the improved infrastructure. They will have access to government and private sector electronic services, to on-line financial services and to telecommunications and services that many of us - perhaps not some of my constituents in Northlakes, might I add - might take for granted.
The Territory’s smaller communities should not be left out though. The Martin government is proposing to upgrade telecommunications services in these smaller communities as well. Around $50m is what we are looking at. Your standard Telstra services are landlines, where practical, and satellite services where not. This is the whole point: it does not matter where you are in the Territory we want you to have the same opportunities as everyone else. This all makes a lot of sense - better services, more opportunities, a change for the better. It is not just Territorians in remote communities who stand to gain from the proposed improvements to telecommunications services. Some areas in major centres are also in need of funding.
The Martin government does not support the sale of Telstra, and currently Telstra is the only operator of fibre optic links in the Territory. We want to make sure that, once the sale has gone ahead and other providers move in, Territorians are given a choice and competitive prices and service. $70m for a new fibre optic cable between the Northern Territory and South Australia would ensure that Territorians continue to receive the services they deserve.
There are gaps in services that need to be filled. The Territory’s main road, the Stuart Highway, does not currently have mobile coverage. You just have to go back to member of the House of Representatives for Solomon, Mr David Tollner, who said in 2001: ‘Trust me. I am going to get mobile coverage along the whole length of the highway, or there will be no sale of Telstra’. He has done a backflip. This is so much typical CLP talk, where they come in and say: ‘Yes, we are Territorians, we will stand up for Territorians’ rights’ They are like fillets, which is quite ironic given the history of the Senator for the Northern Territory, Mr Scullion, and his seafood connections. Like fillets, they have no guts and no backbone. They will not stand up for the Territory in Canberra and that is disgusting.
The CLP is not in a position to be a credible alternative government. This government will stand for the rights of Territorians and will look for the best deal for all Territorians. The opposition, the so-called government-in-waiting, will not stand up. They will just kowtow to Canberra. They will get us steamrolled every time. There are many debates going on at the moment. You wonder why we are debating Commonwealth issues in this House. If the CLP representatives would stand up for Territorians and tell it how it is in Canberra, tell them about the need we have, then we would do okay. You cannot have one policy in this House whereby the opposition supports Territorians and they will not direct other members of their party in Canberra to stand up for us. It is about time they did a Barnaby Joyce and a Harradine. It is about time they stood up for Territorians.
Members interjecting.
Mr KIELY: You can laugh at that, Deputy Leader of the Opposition - you can well laugh at that - but the people in the communities, in Northlakes and in Alice Springs are not laughing. You better be prepared for a long hard stay over there because you will not be getting off the opposition benches because people will know about this ...
Ms CARNEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Sanderson well knows that this is a robust place. However, two points: can he direct his comments through the Chair and, secondly, he is almost becoming threatening in his demeanour. I would ask that you rein him in.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, direct your comments through the Chair. Leader of the Opposition, if you are concerned about things like that, then I ask you to perhaps consider your tone.
Mr KIELY: Madam Speaker, I will happily direct my comments through the Chair. I refute that my demeanour is threatening. If it is, why is there laughter coming from the Deputy Leader of the Opposition? Let us get that on Hansard, shall we? The Leader of the Opposition has a habit of getting things on Hansard and referring to it. The laughter is on Hansard too. Let us get it right, Leader of the Opposition.
Mrs Miller: You look and sound like a fool. You can get your point over without all that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KIELY: Can I have that interjection again? That sounded threatening.
Mrs Miller: Oh, you can get your point over without all that.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, please continue.
Mr KIELY: In the interests of safety for travellers and industry alike, the proposal of a funding package for $15m to deliver this coverage would be of great benefit to all Territorians.
Less remote than communities in Central Australia, the Top End, and the Stuart Highway, there are gaps right in the middle of Darwin. Members would be aware of the gaps in the availability of ADSL broadband in Darwin. The main issue when it comes to determining availability of ADSL broadband is network compatibility and transmission loss resulting from large distances between the exchange and the home or business. In Sanderson, the electorate I represent, I receive quite a number of requests from constituents in the Northlakes area for assistance with broadband ADSL. Northlakes is, essentially, divided into two distribution areas: Marrara east and Marrara west. Both areas have provision of optical fibre feed from the Casuarina exchange. In the case of Marrara east, the reason behind the lack of availability is to do with network compatibility and an upgrade of the distribution point will be required to facilitate ADSL broadband. Broadband requires a copper path between the customer and the exchange and current optical fibre is not suitable.
Telstra’s current policy, as I am sure other members would be aware, is that this upgrade can only go ahead after a certain number of requests for a service are made on the company’s web site and through other channels. My constituents in Marrara west are faced with the same limitations in infrastructure and are, again, advised by Telstra to lodge an application. In Marrara west, however, there are a small number of copper paths available for broadband customers. This being the case, Telstra will currently undertake an investigation to identify a compatible copper path between the residents and the exchange. ADSL is only currently effective up to a certain distance from the exchange. This is the issue of transmission loss. I believe that distance to be some 3 km or 4 km. If the resident is lucky enough to be in a suitable location to take advantage of one of the copper path ways, the application will proceed. Otherwise, they are left in the same position as those in Marrara east.
My constituents and all Territorians are entitled to this level of service, enabling them access to on-line electronic services provided by the government and the private sector, and giving them access to educational resources. As the Minister for Communications mentioned earlier, an estimated $2m, in conjunction with Telstra’s current programs, would close these gaps in broadband coverage. Considerable advantages can be provided to our educational and research institutions through the funding of $10m to deliver high speed connections between themselves and overseas and interstate equivalents. Students and researchers at our institutions will be able to connect to Australia’s Academic and Research Network, making them more competitive on a local and global level.
I congratulate the Minister for Communications on moving this motion which, through the framework of improving telecommunication services across the Territory, aims to improve the general wellbeing of the Territory. There are flow-on benefits to be had in the areas of health and community services, business opportunities and the delivery of education. Whilst remaining opposed to the sale of Telstra, the Martin government is looking to the future and has a plan that, when implemented, will help to continue advancing the Territory economy, improving the way of life for all Territorians.
It is a sad, sorry day when all members of this parliament, whether opposition or government, cannot join together to try to make the lot of all Territorians a better one. Once again, I say the opposition has no credibility on this. The opposition has no claim to saying that they are an alternative government for the people. Until the opposition stands up for the Territory’s rights in Canberra, they will be forever forgotten by the people of the Northern Territory.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support this important motion by the Minister for Communications on the telecommunications investment needs of the Territory.
As the minister pointed out in his motion, here in the Territory we are dogged by the tyranny of distance. I applaud this government’s aggressive approach in seeking $265m worth of funding from the federal government to try to ensure our telecommunications services are up to scratch. The minister is quite right when he says that these funds are aimed to redress many of the poor telecommunications services found throughout the Territory. This goes to the very core of the justification the federal government gave for the sale of Telstra. However, I fear the very areas that need it most - the rural electorates like my own, Goyder - may miss out unless the Territory gets the $265m worth of funding.
Telstra was once a public company and we all owned it. Like every other Australian, I owned a share in Telstra. However, I am losing that sense of ownership rapidly because of what the federal government is doing to us. In those days, we had the benefits of a world-class telecommunications network. We were then told by the Howard government that Telstra 1 and Telstra 2 privatisation sales were necessary so that the money generated could be used to improve telecommunications services, so the mums and dads could buy shares in Telstra and share in the wealth generated by partly privatised Telstra. The mums and dads were conned into buying shares in something that they already owned.
It reminds me of stories I was told, purported to come from World War II, of spivs selling shares in the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the American soldiers. The trouble is, the partial sale of Telstra was not an urban myth, it actually happened. The federal government did this to hardworking everyday Australians. Sadly, not only did all of us see a decline in the service levels provided by Telstra after our service partly sold off, but we awoke to find a big slice of the profits had to be returned to shareholders. Improving services seemed to take a back seat. The public was now being referred to as stakeholders or clients and shareholders profits seemed to be paramount. Not only that, but all those long-suffering mums and dads who did buy Telstra 1 and Telstra 2 shares were hit with a double whammy. Both the services they received as clients declined and so did the dollar value of the shares they purchased. This begs the question: who does get the value from the sale of Telstra 1 and 2 other than the federal government - and Telstra 3, of course?
The ruse is on again. The full sale of Telstra 3, so we are told, will not mean a reduction in service delivery to rural Australia. That is partly right as, in some places, it is already so bad that it could not get any worse. On that point, just before the federal parliament voted on the full sale of Telstra, the executive management of Telstra publicly announced that it would be unfair if a fully privatised Telstra had to maintain services at existing levels in the bush; this was something that was forced on them by the federal government.
Our so-called Territory CLP Senate representative, who holds a balance of power in the Senate, could have shown some real fortitude and truly held out for the best possible deal for Territorians. This is the political party that keeps telling us they are a so-called Territory party. Of course, we all know that is a real porky. The CLP Senator clearly owes his allegiance to his political masters in Canberra, so much so that he voted to gag the debate in the Senate where the states and territory rights are supposed to be upheld. He did not even bother to speak on the Territory’s behalf during the debate in the Senate on the sale of Telstra bill.
Unfortunately, the federal government has forced Telstra to under-invest in the network to the tune of $3bn in recent years. Poor performing exchange service areas have recently become very topical. Based on the reports by the Australian Communications Authority over the last 12 months, it is apparent that this under-investment for services and infrastructure is highlighted in the Northern Territory where, per capita, we have the worst telephone exchanges in the country. Specifically, six of the 97 worst telephone exchanges listed Australia-wide over the last 12 months are in the Northern Territory; at Berry Springs, Casuarina, Daly, Galiwinku, Nhulunbuy and Nightcliff. The Northern Territory has more dodgy exchanges in the 97 worst exchanges list than anywhere else in Australia except New South Wales and Victoria, and twice as many as Tasmania or Western Australia. It is worth noting that Telstra has a responsibility to ensure a standard service from the terms of the licence, and the federal government should require Telstra to address these issues.
What particularly angers me is when I hear from my Cox Peninsula constituents and read in the local newspaper that Telstra has been forced by the federal government to publicly advise that it will now renege on a commitment it announced more than a year ago to provide a mobile phone service to the Cox Peninsula. The reasons they give is that it is not commercially viable as there are not enough people there. I guess it comes back to what the member for Greatorex has said: anywhere less than 100 people or anywhere where it is not viable, it should not be considered. They have said there are not enough people out there and it is not commercially viable. Well, let me tell the members of the House, the Cox Peninsula, and Wagait Beach in particular, is clearly growing at an accelerated rate. In fact, I spoke to the Cox Peninsula Community Government Council CEO at Wagait Beach and Belyuen council’s CEO, and the combined permanent population of the Cox Peninsula has grown from about 500 in 2001-02 to about 620 in 2005-06. That does not include people living at Mica Beach and those who commute to work at Cox Peninsula such as medical staff at Belyuen and Radio Australia staff.
Furthermore, according to the Mandorah Beach Hotel licensee, Mr Steve Brown, who keeps his own records of visitor numbers, some 35 000 ferry and road visitors currently travel to Mandorah each year. At the moment, 15% of visitors come to Mandorah by road. Realistically, this coming year we should see that number at least double as the last section of the Cox Peninsula Road is currently being completed to sealed all-weather two-wheel drive road standard. Consequently, next year could see nearly 700 permanent residents and some 40 000 tourists and visitors travel to Mandorah. These are tourists who will not have guaranteed mobile phone coverage; and we all know how important mobile phone coverage is for a tourist.
For it to be said that numbers do not stack up is clearly a fallacious argument. I am glad today to be able to show this mistruth for what it is. The ink is not even dry on the Telstra bill and the government reneges on a basic level of service delivery to the Cox Peninsula, a rapidly growing, beachside tourist community less than 10 km from Darwin.
The CLP member for the federal electorate of Solomon supported the sale, and praised Telstra’s local and remote services. As Labor’s Warren Snowdon stated in a recent press release: ‘It is particularly disappointing for Wagait that they have copped the dubious distinction of being the first cab off the rank for an offer of service to be withdrawn’. Like my federal ALP counterparts, Warren Snowdon and Senator Trish Crossin, and my fellow MLAs, I continue to fight hard to try to get a fair deal for Territorians and my constituents.
Many Australians in the cities take broadband Internet services for granted. However, in rural Australia and the bush, the story is quite different. There are still enormous problems accessing ADSL and broadband in Darwin, rural areas outside Darwin, and also cross large swathes of regional areas of the Northern Territory. It does not leave much, does it? In the main part of my electorate of Goyder, ADSL platform coverage is now only available to a limited number of people from Humpty Doo 8988 exchange, depending on whether they live within 2 km of a suitable distribution point. All of those people who live in Goyder and neighbouring Nelson who are serviced by the Howard Springs 8983 exchange need a full exchange upgrade to be able to receive ADSL platform broadband services.
Many Internet users have turned to satellite provided Internet access. However, it is nowhere as near as fast as ADSL and the cost for downloads is very expensive compared to ADSL. To expand the ADSL broadband network in the rural areas of my electorate of Goyder is generally a factor of demonstrated demand. Telstra require a minimum of 30 identified clients before they will invest $100 000 to $250 000 in necessary infrastructure. In order to help my constituents in Goyder in this regard, I have started collecting expressions of interest and passing them on to Telstra.
Madam Speaker, I applaud the minister for his telecommunications motion. I truly hope the Northern Territory government can provide sufficient pressure on the federal government to at least provide the $265m in funding to try and ensure our Telstra telecommunications services are up to scratch. I call on the Commonwealth government to provide sufficient funds right now so that Telstra can honour its commitment to provide mobile services for Wagait Beach on the Cox Peninsula.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I only have a few comments to make, mainly because most of the comments have already been made by members from both sides of the House. I want to state publicly that I am not a supporter of the federal government selling Telstra. It always concerns me that our Commonwealth government has sold off our assets. As rich a nation as we are, we should always retain certain assets so they belong to the people of Australia. It concerns me that they are doing this, and that is why I support this motion. It is a way you can bring home the ramifications this sale will have on people in remote areas is far greater than the Prime Minister and his colleagues in Canberra understand.
I have to admit that I do not have a conflict of interest. Why would you want to buy Telstra shares? I believe that if you are going to buy shares, buy them when they are on the up and not when they are on the down. They do not look very healthy at the moment, I have to admit. However, in saying that, we do expect Telstra to provide us with a good service. It is rather ironical that, having a unit in Fannie Bay up until a few months ago, I could not get reception within my unit; I had to walk outside. Then I found out that they had put a power pole in the racecourse area, and that was why the reception was so much better.
Let me relate a couple of incidents that have happened to me. I have a son who works as a subcontractor in remote communities. He has a couple of small children, as well as an older daughter. We have, at times, wanted to be able to contact him. Because he has never invested in a satellite phone, it is almost impossible to reach him; yet there are times we should be able to. His daughter is in England at the moment, and I can ring my granddaughter on my mobile and get her easier and clearer than trying to reach someone around the area of Darwin and the rural area. It just seems crazy that we do not have this equality of service throughout Australia.
A couple of years ago, when we were driving between Darwin and Katherine, there was a rather nasty pile-up of cars and a couple of people were killed. We had a satellite phone with us at the time. Of the number of cars that pulled up, we were the only ones who were able to reach the police and ambulance in Katherine fairly quickly. Without that communication, those people may have been on the side of the road until people drove on to Katherine. It is essential and vital that we do have easy access to communications, in particular from Darwin to Katherine. As the member for Katherine knows, it is a beautiful stretch of road, but quite dangerous and, at times, very hard to communicate from. There are instances where it is very important that the service that we are getting from Telstra accommodates all different situations in the Territory, not just the main centres.
You only have to look at the advance of technology in the School of the Air and the way they have grasped it and the benefits for the students in many of the remote pastoral areas and communities. They have grasped it with both hands. I still remember the old pedal radios they used to have in the School of the Air, with the static reception they used to get and how hard it was. Now, communications and Internet access is so much better. It has improved the quality of teaching, the service provision for students in the School of the Air, and given them a different view of life. They do not just live in a remote pastoral community with little communication; they actually get a good grasp of the broader view of life. That has been a tremendous asset in increasing their knowledge of the world and improving their learning outcomes. Therefore, there is a reason for us to always be pushing for the best we can possibly have. We should not be in Australia, of all places, accepting second best. We are a country with an enormous amount of resources and potential, why should we allow the Commonwealth government to give us a service that is second class? I really believe that, in many places, it is second class.
Madam Speaker, I support the motion before us today. The sad part when you get motions like this is that they become political argy-bargy. However, I support the essence and spirit of it. That is what is important for people within this House no matter where we live; that we send this message to Canberra and make them understand that we should not be disadvantaged just because we live in the Territory, and that there is an enormous need for the safety and wellbeing of our people, no matter where they live in the Territory, to have good access to communications. In saying that, I support the motion.
Dr BURNS (Communications): Madam Speaker, this certainly is a very important motion before this House. There was some talk by some members of the opposition that, somehow, there is not enough business before this House and this is a filling, padding exercise. Given the numbers of people who have spoken on this motion, it shows the interest in this issue. It is a vital issue for the Northern Territory and it is appropriate that it was debated at length here today.
I thank all members for their contribution. Everyone here has recognised that telecommunications is very important for the Northern Territory. Although the opposition has its view and one can understand the politics of that, one might have hoped that they might have taken an attitude like the member for Braitling, whose words were that she supports ‘the spirit of this motion’. That is what counts.
The member for Araluen talked about a number of things. She spoke about a number of Commonwealth government initiatives in certain areas. She talked about Connect Australia and some of the funding associated with that. My advice is that that is a program rolled out over three-and-a-half to four years and is probably not a viable option for the large scale programs that are being proposed through the ACIL Report. Whilst Connect Australia is a Commonwealth government initiative, I outlined in my speech for the motion that, basically, that was not an option.
I should also flag before I go too much further, that in the scheme of things, the member for Nelson has withdrawn his amendment. In discussions with the member for Nelson, I agreed to incorporate his amendment in part of the overall motion which I will explain. I move that paragraph (c) of my motion be omitted. The original paragraph (c) read:
- Ask the Prime Minister to consider that the funding sought is essential for the development and economic wellbeing
of remote and indigenous communities …
I move to insert the following words so it now becomes:
(c) call on the Prime Minister to ensure that the sale of Telstra results in adequate funding for Northern Territory
telecommunications infrastructure which is essential for the development and wellbeing of all Territorians,
especially those living in rural and remote areas;
I table that amendment.
Returning to the member for Araluen, she talked about fault improvement through the efforts of the federal government over time. She also said that the $265m …
Dr LIM: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am just asking for guidance. The minister just amended his motion, so does this open up the debate again …
Dr BURNS: Yes, it does ...
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Yes, an amendment has been put, and that means that any member can speak on that amendment.
Dr BURNS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Given the way that the member for Greatorex was whacked the last time he spoke, it will be interesting to see whether he ventures forth again.
The member for Araluen put forward the opinion that she thought the $265m being sought by the Northern Territory and broken up in the proposal that I spoke to earlier today, was politically motivated. I say to the member for Araluen that the ACIL Report went through the telecommunications needs of the Northern Territory and a cost of $265m was ascribed to that. I would also mention to the member for Araluen that this represents about 1% of the sale of Telstra, and we should bear in mind that the Northern Territory represents 1% of the population of Australia. Therefore, it is quite a reasonable ask on the sale of Telstra. It is not as if we are asking manifold of what our population is. In fact, our needs are great as I demonstrated in my speech, as did other speakers, particularly in the rural and remote areas. In the mainstream, there are great gaps within our service and great support needed for our educational institutions, and the cost is $265m.
The member for Araluen also talked about the federal initiative called Building Indigenous Ability. My information is that approximately $50m of that goes towards indigenous television and radio and that does not leave for too much left over for some of the other initiatives that have been flagged here today.
We heard very eloquently from the member for Arnhem about the issue of equity. Why should Aboriginal people, particularly in remote areas of the Northern Territory, have to give something up to gain something that they should rightfully have? Support for some of those services in radio and television should be forthcoming, notwithstanding the sale of Telstra. I agree with the member for Arnhem in relation to that.
I heard the member for Araluen also say that we should send this motion to Telstra, rather than the Prime Minister. I believe this is a political issue and we should be sending it to the Prime Minister and I am standing beside that part of the motion.
The member for Stuart talked about essential issues, and about the Territory having a unique set of needs. He also talked about digital networks. As we are aware, the member for Stuart has a long involvement in this particular area, and has been somewhat of a pioneer in setting up the Tanami Network, and some of the innovations around that. He was well placed to speak about some of the issues around telemedicine and education. He was saying that many of these things have already been trialled; it is not as if they are coming out of left field, there is already some work being done. He was saying it is time to move forward, and to expand these services elsewhere in the Northern Territory.
He also has a vision. I know he was a former minister, both for Corporate and Information Services and Communication. He has a vision for business hubs out of the Territory to the world. That is a great vision that we should be moving towards, as there are unique businesses in the Northern Territory. We have unique knowledge to offer the rest of the world. The member for Stuart mentioned Desert Knowledge amongst others. I thank him for his support.
We resolved the issue over short notice of the motion and the member for Nelson actually receiving a copy. I thank him for clarifying that particular issue, because I did ask my office to send out copies of the ACIL Report to other members in this parliament as soon as I knew that this motion was coming on.
He talked about what LGANT’s role has been in rolling out telecommunication services in the Northern Territory over the past few years. My advice is that they were involved in the NT Connect or the 20/20 Vision, and that this was basically about systems - business systems not infrastructure per se. I compliment LGANT, and Louise Fuller in particular who has given me a briefing on some of the issues and the activities that she has been undertaking through LGANT over the past three years. They have done much fine work. I am advised that, basically, this is about systems, not so much infrastructure.
The member asked some technical questions about why the wording had changed in the motion from one day to the next. I guess that occurred through the Clerk-Assistant on whose advice we rearranged the format; not the content of the motion. It is all about the way that the motion looked, and the presentability of the motion rather than rearranging the content. I am advised by the Clerk that that is quite appropriate. I apologise if that has caused some inconvenience to the member for Nelson. I thought that he gave a good account of his views on this whole issue. He does not support the sale of Telstra, as do most members in this place - certainly government members - and the other Independent member.
The member for Millner focused on the Defence Forces and the deficits there, particularly at the RAAF Base. I know he has been fighting very hard, probably over a couple of years now, to try to get broadband connections into RAAF Base Darwin. As the member for Millner eloquently pointed out, these are people who go overseas to serve our country; they are our armed forces. Their extended families are elsewhere and, if they go overseas, they are removed from their family here. Why should they not have the very best in telecommunications to enable them to converse, contact and communicate with their family members when overseas? I commend the member for Millner for his great work. He is a great local member. I know that he has lobbied Telstra very hard, and through my office also, to try to bring the extension of broadband services into the RAAF Base. We will keep working on that. He has written letters to the Prime Minister and others, and probably received quite inadequate replies. He is working hard.
He also acknowledged the great work of Telstra staff - as did a couple of other speakers here today - in particular, the Manager of Telstra Country Wide in the Northern Territory, Mr Danny Honan, who has taken to the Territory, loves it here and has a great commitment to the Territory. He represents that heart and soul of Telstra; all the people, the technicians, who work in Telstra who do such a great job. This motion here today is not a slap at Telstra, Madam Speaker. We recognise that the people who work at Telstra are hard workers. This is directed towards the Commonwealth government.
The member for Greatorex talked about this being a wish list. He talked about marketplace economies and, basically, why communities of less than 100 should even expect to have this infrastructure. The member of Wanguri addressed many of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex. I just ask the member for Greatorex to consider that the Territory government gives Power and Water CSOs across the Territory to equalise the cost of power. I suppose our government and the previous government gave these things. So, there has been a recognition within previous CLP governments that there needs to be equalisation, and that everything cannot be driven by the marketplace and cost. It is very important that we maintain that, and recognise that there is a unique set of conditions here in the Northern Territory and a whole range of communities that need our support.
The members for Wanguri and Arnhem addressed many of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex so I will not pursue that any further. The member for Wanguri also pointed out to the member for Greatorex that Telstra does have a universal service obligation, and they also have that to communities of less than 100. The member for Wanguri pointed out very well that Telstra is a viable service to the Northern Territory. He sent a message to the opposition that they really should consider their position on this because it is not really a position that is friendly to a lot of communities within the Northern Territory - Aboriginal communities, pastoral properties, tourism areas, and mining areas. All these areas require the support of the Commonwealth government and Telstra to have telecommunications.
The member for Arnhem spoke very passionately on this issue. She raised the issue of indigenous radio and television. I have mentioned that previously. She also highlighted the consistency of the Labor Party, over several elections, in opposing the sale of Telstra and the reasons why the Labor Party federally has opposed the sale of Telstra. This is in stark contrast to our federal Coalition representatives, Senator Scullion and Mr Dave Tollner who, as the record has shown, have said one thing about the sale of Telstra and what they expected to get out of it and, basically, have gone very silent as this as it progressed. This one issue was that there should be mobile phone coverage all the way down the Stuart Highway. Also, what I would say was a very poor ask from Senator Scullion of $14m to cover the pressing needs of telecommunications within the Northern Territory. The member for Arnhem covered those issues very well. She said that these telecommunications were a basic necessity. If they are down, people cannot go about their normal business or communicate with the outside world, and commerce in those communities just grinds to a halt; it is a hopeless situation. Those communities deserve equity, along with every other community in the Northern Territory.
The member for Daly talked about the scorched earth policy of the CLP in relation to telecommunications, or the policy that they seemed to have unveiled today. He also asserted that the CLP representatives in Canberra were ‘yes men’ for Canberra and, unfortunately, that seems to be the case. He also highlighted the telecommunications needs for regional development in his electorate, and they are very important needs, might I say.
The member for Sanderson said that he was a shareholder in Telstra; he declared his interest. He has the wellbeing of Territorians at heart – the importance of telecommunications for health and business. He also talked about access for the people of Sanderson. He is very passionate about Territory rights and I respect the member for Sanderson for that.
The member for Goyder talked about the tyranny of distance. He stated that, with the sale of T1 and T2 improving services took a back seat; that there was a $3bn under-investment in Telstra and that led to poor performing exchanges, and he named a few in his own electorate and beyond. He also commented, as a few speakers have, on the conduct of Senator Scullion in the Senate, in the fact that he did not speak and that he allowed debate to be gagged, which I believe is poor performance. He talked about growing areas in his electorate which will need increased telecommunications infrastructure.
The member for Braitling gave a very good offering that was short. Basically, the member for Braitling placed on the record today that she does not support the full sale of Telstra. She also talked about the ramifications for our rural and remote communities. The member for Braitling certainly has a long experience in the Territory and in Central Australia in particular, and her views must be respected. She talked about her son who is a builder in remote communities and how difficult it can be for him to contact his family, without easy access. She also talked about educational needs, particularly on remote pastoral communities, and how this telecommunication infrastructure is very important for students in those communities. She said there has been some political argy-bargy around this motion but she thought it was simple, and she supported it in essence and also in spirit.
Madam Speaker, I have tried to address the issues that have been raised by honourable members. I will come back to the $265m that is being asked here in the ACIL Tasman Report: $98m for remote indigenous communities of greater than 100; approximately $50m for remote indigenous communities of less than 100; a Northern Territory/South Australia fibre optic link and mobile coverage along the Stuart Highway, $85m; urban broadband gaps, approximately $2m; education AARNET broadband links to help our educational institutions, $10m; remote TeleHealth, $15m; and Smart Homes fibre, $5m, with a total of $265m.
I will say again that this is 1% of the sale of Telstra. We are 1% of the Australian population; this is equity. There is equity in our ask. It is equity in what we expect of the level of telecommunications that is offered to everyone else in Australia. All we are after is equity. I am glad of the support of members here today. I get the feeling the opposition is not supporting this motion. That is unfortunate, but I ask members to support this motion and the amendment that I have put.
Madam SPEAKER: I clarify that members should be aware that now you can speak on the amendment, and only on the amendment, that the minister has just moved.
Dr LIM: Speaking to that direction, Madam Speaker, I seek your advice further. The minister was quite global in his speech now, in drawing all the points together. He travelled across many areas and talked about many issues and included in that was the amendment. The question is: do you stick to the amendment as he just spoke, or do you use all the points that he made?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, the minister was, in fact, summing up the whole comments of the debate and, whilst he was doing that, he also moved an amendment. It is my understanding, but I will seek advice before I make a ruling, that you can just only speak on the part that is the amendment.
Dr LIM: Yes, I seek the indulgence of the Clerk, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It is as I suggested: you can only speak on the amendment. There were two options. One was that you could seek leave to speak but I am going to allow any member to speak on the amendment. That would also mean the minister can reply again.
Dr LIM: Following that advice, Madam Speaker, I would decline to pursue the debate any further, but seek that you allow me to make a personal explanation.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, that has to be done when there is no business before the Chair, once the motion has been put.
Are there any further speakers on the amendment?
Let us just go through what has happened this afternoon. The member for Greatorex put forward an amendment which was negatived. The member for Nelson put forward an amendment which was withdrawn. The minister has put forward an amendment to his motion, and then there will be another motion; either the original motion or the amended motion.
I am now putting the amendment, as moved by the Minister for Communications, to the original motion.
Amendment agreed to.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Member for Greatorex
Member for Greatorex
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, the member for Greatorex has sought my leave to make a personal explanation. I would appreciate you listening in silence to his comments.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, earlier in the debate on Telstra, the member for Wanguri, the Leader of Government Business, attributed words to me, namely that I said: ‘The marketplace ultimately determines where the infrastructure will go’.
Yes, I did say those words in my contribution in the debate. However, they were my quoting of the member for Stuart, who used those words, ‘that the marketplace ultimately determines where the infrastructure will go’. They were his words that have been attributed to me as my words. It is unfortunate that the Leader of Government Business has misrepresented me right throughout his own contribution to this debate. I wish to have that corrected. You can get the rushes out if you would like to check that for yourself.
MAGISTRATES AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 15)
(Serial 15)
Continued from 17 August 2005.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, the opposition supports this bill. The second reading speech was relatively short and to the point. It is a sensible bill and there is no reason to oppose it. In government, the CLP would have done the same thing. If it provides some level of flexibility to the magistracy that, in turn, enables for a more efficient administration of justice in the Northern Territory, then it is a bill worthy of support.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for their support for what is a minor amendment bill. It is to allow our retired magistrates or, indeed, retired magistrates drawn from elsewhere in Australia, to be brought into our courts on a relieving or acting basis after the time when they turn 65. It clarifies the eligibility criteria within the current act by making it clear that reaching the age of 65 does not preclude being taken into those roles.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Dr TOYNE (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.
Madam SPEAKER: Are there any ministerial statements?
Ms Lawrie: Madam Speaker, I believe we are to continue with the ministerial statement on Building Healthier Communities.
Dr Lim: I thought Young Territorians was going to come on first. Hang on a moment. The Whip and I talked about this and Young Territorians was coming on first.
Ms Lawrie: I am no longer Whip, but that was the advice I was given.
Madam Speaker, may I propose that the minister is happy to go with the Young Territorians statement if the opposition prefers it.
Mrs Braham: We were told the health one was going to be completed. Sorry, Madam Speaker, we were informed by the government Whip that we were going to finalise the health statement before they went on with sport and recreation.
Ms Carney: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the opposition, it is a worry. I believe there was bit of a muck-up last week in relation to the Government Whip as well. Can I simply ask in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation that the Government Whip communicate with the Opposition Whip effectively so that my colleagues and I know what we are doing in the parliament in terms of the government’s agenda.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Could I have some clarification? Were you advised which statement is coming on now?
Dr Lim: I was advised, Madam Speaker, that Youth would come on first and then we would complete the Health one later on today.
Madam SPEAKER: All right. Is the Minister for Young Territorians available to deliver her speech?
Dr Toyne: I am quite happy with reversing it if that is what you want. I am not going to die in a ditch over that.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
Young Territorians
Young Territorians
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Young Territorians): Madam Speaker, I speak about a topic that is important to the future of the Northern Territory - young Territorians. In the Northern Territory, perhaps more than anywhere in Australia, it is important to be aware of the complex challenges facing our young people. The Northern Territory government is committed to providing programs and policies aimed at assisting them to meet these challenges.
The Territory has the most youthful population of any state or territory in Australia, and the lowest median age. Twenty-two percent of the Territory’s population is aged 12 to 25 years old. This population is spread across the Territory, with 30% of young people living in what is classified as rural and remote areas. Young people in the Territory contribute to the cultural diversity of our society, with about 30% of young people stating that they speak another language other than English at home.
Young Territorians are an asset we need to support and develop to ensure that the Territory keeps moving ahead. That is the underlying rationale for Building a Better Future for Young Territorians, the Northern Territory government’s youth policy framework. This framework was written after extensive Territory-wide consultation with young people, their families, and those who work with and support young people. The framework outlines a whole-of-government approach to the delivery of services and programs for young Territorians, and was launched in April 2003.
The youth policy framework promotes five interrelated objectives for and on behalf of young Territorians. These are: improving young people’s health and wellbeing; improving access to education and employment for young people; providing more opportunities for young people to have fun and develop new skills; making sure that young people are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives; and creating communities where young people can feel safe and secure. Key issues and priority actions were identified in respect of each of these objectives to guide service and program delivery to young Territorians.
When the youth policy framework was released in 2003, government made a commitment to report on the progress towards the achievement of each of the objectives, as well as on new initiatives that were developed in response to emerging needs of young Territorians. The Office of Youth Affairs in the Department of Chief Minister coordinates this reporting process. The inaugural progress report was released in early 2004, and it is with pleasure today that I table the second progress report for members.
The second progress report shows what further progress has been achieved in respect of the different objectives, and illuminates the range of programs and services available to young Territorians. I will highlight some of them here today. Today’s ministerial statement is an opportunity for us to focus on the positive programs and initiatives available that have been established to engage our young people and acknowledge the positive contributions that young Territorians make to the community.
First, young people’s health and wellbeing. As young people move through adolescence and into adult independence, the lifestyle and behaviour patterns they establish for themselves have the potential to shape their future health and wellbeing. Government, therefore, supports health programs that focus on prevention and intervention strategies.
Government acknowledges that one of the most significant health burdens carried by young people is in the area of mental health. Positive mental health amongst young people empowers them to provide the impetus to work through issues. Throughout their journey through adolescence, young people need our understanding, support and guidance. Making sure that young people are informed about mental health issues and giving them the skills to build their capacity to cope with issues is an important step in maintaining positive mental health.
The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with the Department of the Chief Minister, developed a resource kit to give young people the skills to cope with emotional distress. The kit provides a series of fact sheets that cover topical issues relevant to young Territorians such as stress and coping, positive relationships, positive image, and what to do if someone is having trouble. The kit is a valuable resource for young Territorians and addresses the key priority areas for reducing mental health problems and issues amongst young people identified at the Northern Territory government’s youth policy framework and the Building Healthier Communities framework.
The Northern Territory government is now leading the way with our efforts to combat petrol sniffing in the community. It has committed $10m over the next five years for this cause. Members will be aware that the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly in May this year. This legislation provides long-term rehabilitation strategies for people with volatile substance misuse problems or those at risk of such problems. For the first time anywhere in Australia, it will grant to law enforcement officers the legal authority and power to seize petrol and other petrol sniffing equipment from the unfortunate individual who is in the grip of this life-wrecking addiction. The legislation will not come into effect until new treatment and rehabilitation services are developed, and systems and protocols are put in place. Consultation with key stakeholders is under way to develop a service network of treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for people with volatile substance misuse problems.
The Gunbalanya Youth Service is developing a youth and wellbeing program that builds young people’s self-esteem and provides the skills to make positive decisions. The program will also provide cultural education to reduce domestic violence, and will offer referrals to other health-related services such as counselling. The Family and Children’s Services Program has developed a family support framework to facilitate future planning and redevelopment of services in the Northern Territory. The framework will be used to provide a consistent approach and guide the development and provision of an improved system of services across the care continuum.
This work is one of the many projects that have been undertaken as part of the Caring for Our Children Reform Agenda and a key initiative of the Building Healthier Communities framework. With this framework, it is anticipated that service provision to young people will be consistent and accessible. There is an ongoing commitment to funding family support services across the Territory to ensure that services are effective, innovative and accountable. The family support framework has been distributed to non-government sector forums across the Territory.
The Alternative Family Care Program is a new Territory-wide service of government. This service will provide family-based care services to young people who have disabilities and other special needs but, for these reasons, are unable to live with their birth family on a full-time basis. This service is aimed at providing a therapeutic and supportive environment for young people with disabilities and/or challenging behaviour. The service provider Life Without Barriers has extensive experience in providing out of home care services to young people. Service development and planning has commenced, and it is anticipated that the service will commence work with young people and their carers and families towards the end of the year.
The Office of Children and Families and the Department of Health and Community Services has continued to grow and develop a range of services to young families. Service mapping activities are being undertaken to ascertain what services exists which support young teenage mothers in the community. The department has also been working closely with the Parenting Puzzle Group and the Darwin Toy Library on how to engage with vulnerable parents, including unsupported young mothers. Parentline is also being reviewed to ascertain how best to market the service to young people.
The Tennant Creek Family Support Service is a new and exciting initiative. This early intervention service will support young families struggling to care for children. Tennant Creek has a very young population, with 60% being under the age of 18 years of age. This new service is directed at families and is focused on providing relevant and effective services to this population.
Improving access to education and employment for young people: the Northern Territory government is committed to ensuring that young Territorians are able to obtain the skills and experience needed to enhance their career prospects and opportunities. Strategies for achieving that objective include scholarships and increased support for trainees and apprentices. We have an environment scholarship worth $3000, which is given annually to a young Territorian to study Environmental Science, Management or a related courses at Charles Darwin University. The tertiary studies Earth Science Cadetship provides a Territory student interested in a career in earth sciences or geology with $12 000 annually for three years. The successful student is also guaranteed paid work experience during long holiday periods in a relevant Northern Territory public sector agency or a major mining company in the Northern Territory. The Department of Employment, Education and Training offers higher education scholarships worth $3500 annually to young Territorians accepted into tertiary study, as well as teacher bursaries worth $12 000 annually to Territorians starting a teaching degree in the Northern Territory.
The Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development provides services and programs to the Territory business community. Our concept of the Territory business community includes young people at school and who are already in business and young people who consider business as a career option, and backs up that encouragement with business skills, training and advice. The department’s emphasis on youth has been demonstrated in its contribution to the Futures Expo, and in the presentations it has conducted in Territory high schools of starting a business and the basics of running a business.
The display at the Futures Expo was themed ‘Dreams to Reality’ and generated considerable interest with students. About 1000 students attending the expo across all regions completed a survey which reflected the business aspirations of the respondents. Equipping young Territorians with marketable skills is a high priority for this government and we acknowledge that particular skills and qualifications are needed for most trades and occupations. We are increasing apprentice and training numbers right across the Territory, in both the private and public sector, as well as providing training opportunities to upskill our existing work force. To ensure that the Territory has a skilled work force into the future, we have introduced a range for incentives to encourage both employers and apprentices.
As a result of these initiates, there has been a growth in apprentice and trainee commencement numbers. The initiatives include the following:
- a Workwear/Workgear Bonus one-off grant of $300 will be paid to registered apprentices and trainees who
meet eligibility requirements, and a grant of $1000 will be paid to apprentices undertaking trainee in an identified
skill shortage area;
Funding of $200 000 is available.
Under the Northern Territory public sector new apprenticeship program, young Territorians will be given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience whilst studying for a nationally accredited qualification at the Certificate II or III level. The program is now offered to all Territorians with school leavers being the main applicants. There are currently 125 apprentices employed in the public sector, the majority of whom are young people.
Much has already been said publicly about the Building Better Schools package which is part of the response to our review of secondary education in the Northern Territory. The implementation phase has begun with community consultations held last month to look at improving educational outcomes for those young people in the middle years of their education.
Providing an education service for many of our indigenous students requires positive partnership across government with communities and families to enhance opportunities for students to achieve successes at school and beyond. Over the next four years, government will work with the Northern Territory communities to provide effective education from preschools to senior secondary, including improved access to vocational education and training. Increasing the focus on supporting indigenous students in this regard is essential if students are to have meaningful opportunities and choices for their future. Priority action to significantly improve outcomes and education and training for indigenous students over the next four years has been identified and form the basis for the Northern Territory Indigenous Education Strategic Plan 2005-08. We will continue to focus on building a better skilled and responsive work force.
Providing more opportunities for young people to have fun and develop new skills: rounded human beings have skills and capacities both in the work environment and in the family and community environments. It is in the interest of both government and the community to assist young people to reach their full potential in developing life skills which will support them through adolescence and adult life. The process of youth development should involve opportunities for active citizenship, the building of self-esteem and self-confidence, the development and enhancement of social skills, and the acceptance of differing views and ways of doing things.
Young people need more than structured programs in this area; they need good role models in their lives and a sense of belonging to a community. Mentoring can play a crucial role in young people’s lives by offering social and emotional support and by nurturing and developing relevant social skills and understanding. Most of us here today can identify a person who, at some time in their life, had a significant and positive impact on them. A mentor can be a friend, relative, co-worker or teacher; mentors offer knowledge, insight, wisdom and perspective. It is, therefore, important that the community acknowledges its responsibility in nurturing young people and providing positive role models. The Athletes as Role Models program is a good example of a program that is built on strong mentoring principles. This program uses high profile athletes to connect with young people and encourage their participation in sporting activities. This program is really popular with our young indigenous Territorians and is yielding positive outcomes.
The Department of Employment, Education and Training supports the indigenous student leadership and mentorship programs. Government secondary schools across the Territory have responded to this program with almost 70 applications received. Preparations are under way for an induction day for the successful first round of students. An exciting program is being developed including a series of interactive workshops that explore in a practical way the concepts of leadership and mentorship. The day will also involve an award ceremony at Parliament House when the inaugural students will have their place in the program officially recognised.
The Office of Sports and Recreation has established the Club Guru Leadership Program open to young people aged 16 to 22 years living in the Darwin and Palmerston areas. The program targets potential future leaders of sport and active recreation organisations. Club Guru aims to develop youth leaders in each sport by equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute at club and association levels. Accredited training is offered to participants to provide them with a range of coaching, officiating and administrative skills. Youth development offers mutual benefit to young people in their community, not just in the future, but here and now.
Young people need skills for life such as the ability to communicate, work effectively as a member of a team, and accept and discharge responsibilities. There are many other examples of diverse youth specific programs and initiatives available to all young Territorians that build on the individual’s capacity. Government will continue to support the Leeuwin Youth Development Program. This program provides young Territorians with a positive and unique life experience and the opportunity to develop important interpersonal skills. Each year, 40 young Territorians sail aboard the tall ship STS Leeuwin for 11 days. This program aims to provide learning experiences that promote personal development and targets those young Territorians who may be disadvantaged in some way or at risk of leaving school.
The Junior Police Rangers Scheme is an initiative of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services. The three-year program provides positive role models and develops the leadership skills of Year 8 to Year 10 students by providing activities that build self-esteem, enabling them to pass these skills on to their peers. Students get to participate in outdoor adventure-based activities such as abseiling, archery, bush survival skills, first air, canoeing and bike riding.
The Parks and Wildlife Junior Ranger Program is a free environmental-based program for children aged nine to 14 years. The program is part of the Parks and Wildlife approach to building community support for the environment and protected area system. The program is available to children in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, as well as many children in remote areas and Aboriginal communities. It is also delivered by the Katherine and Alice Springs School of the Air Program to reach children living in isolated areas. Up to 2005, the Darwin Junior Ranger Program has provided over 500 activities to more than 1750 children. On the weekend, I had the privilege of handing out graduation certificates to 50 of the Darwin children in this year’s program.
The Palmerston Recreation Centre, once completed, will deliver a new and much needed recreation centre for the youth of Palmerston and surrounding rural community.
Leanyer Recreation Park is a popular recreational park for our young people. Government has committed additional funding to expand facilities at Lake Leanyer to include waterslides, a kiosk, upgraded skateboard facilities, a BMX track, tennis facilities and further shade protection.
Engaging our young people in remote communities is a priority for government. The following initiatives funded by the Department of Health and Community Services highlight government commitment to our remote communities:
- the Belyuen community is benefiting from the transport service and youth activity program which aims to
increase youth self-esteem and confidence, and to nurture leadership capabilities. Young people living in
Belyuen also have access to youth-related development program through Guides Australia and AFLNT;
community is developing an appropriate youth development program based on the specific needs of young
people living in Willowra and the surrounding outstations; and
are examples of innovative intergenerational programs that pass on cultural knowledge to our young people.
These programs target young males from 10 to 18 years, and also provide information on education and health,
using a holistic and preventative approach. As part of the program, participants will build a canoe with community
elders as a symbol to promote positive health and instil strong cultural values amongst young indigenous males.
Making sure that young people are able to participate in decisions that affect their lives: because the Territory has a small but substantially dispersed population spread across some of Australia’s most remote and isolated regions, there are logistical difficulties to be tackled in engaging with our young people. We need to listen to them and to involve them on matters of importance. We want to bring young people together to talk about issues that ensure that they play a role in developing the Territory.
Government has a number of strategies and initiatives that are designed to create or enhance opportunities for young people to get involved in their communities and in the public life of the Territory generally. A special mention needs to be made of the worthwhile programs and initiatives that are available to young Territorians through community organisations.
One such development program that comes to mind is Youth Parliament which is run by the YMCA in partnership with government. This program provides the opportunity for young Territorians to gain public speaking and debating skills, and develop an interest in their parliamentary system by being actively involved in the process. Youth Parliament also provides a forum for young people to express their views on matters of concern to them. Talented and energetic young people from secondary schools across the Northern Territory contribute to rigorous debate on topical issues that are important to them. Youth Parliament gives young Territorians a taste of what it is like to participate in the formal process of government decision making.
National Youth Week is an annual event and the single largest event on Australia’s youth calendar. Youth Week celebrates our diverse youth culture and showcases the talent, creativity and commitment of young people. National Youth Week 2006 will be held from 1 to 9 April. The Office of Youth Affairs has begun promoting Youth Week to encourage young Territorians and the community to get involved.
Government also provides grants to young people and community organisations for the funding of projects that benefit the broader youth community. These grants are available for projects that promote personal development and activities that are drug and alcohol free. The Youth Grant Program benefits young Territorians from all backgrounds. For example, a youth grant was awarded to the Melaleuca Refugee Centre to provide skills development to young refugees who have entered the Northern Territory under a humanitarian program, to learn how to swim.
Many young people prefer to use the Internet to access information. The Internet enables young people to seek information at any time of the day. An important engagement tool is the Territory’s youth web site. The web site provides information about government programs and services for young people, as well as links to a range of community-based youth services. Community organisations also use the web site to promote youth-related activities and events.
Sports LinkUp is Australia’s only junior sport web site. It was launched in September by my parliamentary colleague, the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Twenty-seven sports have come on board to be part of this all inclusive web site that provides a smorgasbord of information for young people, families and teachers, including club information, training times and competitions.
Members will be interested to know that there are mechanisms in place to ascertain the views of young people. Through its Regional Consultations Program, the Office of Youth Affairs facilitates forums with young people and service providers to talk about the issues affecting their lives and to seek their views on possible solutions. The Regional Consultations Program also identifies those gaps in youth service delivery that exist in the Northern Territory and enables government to consider options to address these gaps. The Office of Youth Affairs plays a key role in engaging young people and, essentially, acts as a conduit in conveying information on key youth issues to government, its agencies, and to the community and youth sectors.
There are many initiatives that government has implemented in response to listening to the views and ideas of young people. One such example is the successful BassintheGrass and BassintheDust concerts. These concerts are now part of the Territory’s annual youth entertainment calendar and will continue to get bigger and better each year. It should be noted that free bus services are continuing to be expanded to major events such as these, giving more opportunities for young Territorians to attend.
Government was also responsive to the Katherine community’s needs and suggestions for an appropriate youth service. For example, a commitment was made by government as part of the Katherine by-election to provide $200 000 in funding towards the establishment of a youth service in Katherine. The outcome of consultations with the Katherine community was the establishment of services that are really needed and, importantly, wanted. The Katherine Youth Service operates two nights a week and during daytime hours on Monday to Thursday, with the option for weekend activities. The service is a central service point for youth service providers, and improves coordination between young people and service providers in Katherine.
Government also provides funding for the operation of a number of youth drop-in centres. There is a culturally appropriate youth drop-in and activity zone in Nhulunbuy. This service meets the needs of young indigenous and non-indigenous people in the communities of Nhulunbuy, Ski Beach and Yirrkala. Services are provided most afternoons and evenings, with special events occurring on weekends and extended operating hours during school holidays.
The After Hours Youth Drop-in Centre reopened at Alice Springs on 1 July 2005. The service operates three nights a week from Thursday onwards. This service is a good example of a holistic approach to service delivery to young people as six youth services are involved in the drop-in centre and work in partnership to alleviate youth homelessness.
The Round Table of Young Territorians will continue to ensure that young people have a voice in government decision-making through this forum. The Youth Round Table is an advisory body to government, consisting of 16 young members aged 15 to 25 years. Members come from all over the Northern Territory and reflect the Territory’s cultural diversity. I had the pleasure of meeting the members of the 2005 Youth Round Table. Their enthusiasm and determination to make a difference for the benefit of all young Territorians and the community is impressive. This program has real credibility as an exceptional development program for young people, and delivers positive outcomes for the community.
Young people who are achievers in their field of interest deserve community recognition. Some people may feel that the awards programs are elitist and exclude those young people who are disadvantaged in some way. This government is of the view that awards programs inspire and encourage other young Territorians to reach their full potential and realise their dreams and hopes for their future. The Northern Territory government, therefore, supports a range of awards which recognise these achievements.
In August this year, I was pleased to launch the 2006 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards. The Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards is a way of recognising those young Territorians who have contributed positively to the Northern Territory through their achievements. There are eight categories to this award, which is sponsored by government and the business community. At the 2005 Northern Territory Young Achiever Awards, Jessica Mauboy, Richard Tambling, George Philbey, David Janmaat, Jacinta Thorbjornsen, Janelle Fisher, Judith Trezise and Daniel Bourchier were all recognised for their contribution to the arts, sports, science and engineering, regional and rural initiatives, community services, environment, career achievement and youth leadership. With the right support and encouragement, all young Territorians can achieve their goals and aspirations.
The Rural Young Achievers Award encourages young people from rural areas to develop skills particular to rural life, as well as public speaking skills. The award is sponsored by this government and is presented at the Freds Pass Rural Show.
The Student Citizen Award aims to recognise positive contributions to community life by young students across the Territory. The award is sponsored by the Department of Employment, Education and Planning and coordinated by the Australia Day Council.
Creating communities where young people can feel safe and secure: it is essential that our young people be protected from crime, and by this I mean both protected from becoming a victim and from criminal influence. To achieve this, we must first recognise and tackle the causes of crime in our community.
The Northern Territory government provides $400 000 annually through the NT Crime Prevention Grant Scheme to support community efforts to tackle the causes of crime. In the 2004-05 round of funding, 56% of the applications funded targeted young Territorians. Some examples of the funded initiatives include: a graffiti and anti-vandalism project in Tennant Creek; and the School Supporting Families with Young Children, an early intervention project in the Sadadeen area of Alice Springs. The Crime Prevention Grant Scheme is a proactive initiative to reduce the level of crime young Territorians are exposed to. It provides young people with the tools to realise that criminal behaviour is the least viable of the many paths available to them.
The Office of Crime Prevention’s support of the Crime Prevention Councils is another example of how government is working with the community to implement youth initiatives with a crime prevention focus. Initiatives include strategies to reduce juvenile crime across the Territory. Protecting young people and showing that they have the best possible start in life is fundamental to preventing crime. The Northern Territory government’s Building Safer Communities framework released in October 2004 outlines a number of priority areas towards achieving this goal.
The Katherine West Health Board’s Young People Keeping Strong project delivers a series of workshops aimed at young people aged 10 to 18 years that promote resilience and personal safety. This program assists young people to develop coping strategies to deal with violent and abusive situations. The workshops will be delivered in Timber Creek, Bulla and Mialuni.
Making sure our young people are safe on the road is a priority area for government. In partnership with Northern Territory Police and the Territory Insurance Office, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure manages a road safety awareness program aimed at young people. Through high school visits, young people gain an understanding of the issues and responsibilities confronting young drivers.
Government continues to develop strategies and programs to accommodate the emerging needs of young people. The Office of Youth Affairs is developing a youth engagement strategy to create more opportunities for active participation by young people. The strategy will provide an important focus for efforts in relation to youth engagement and development, particularly in the program and policy level. Youth development initiatives are characterised by effective partnership and recognition of the multiple stakeholders most likely to achieve sustained success and community support.
Finally, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work being undertaken by all Northern Territory government agencies in building a better future for young Territorians. I particularly thank the Office of Youth Affairs for the work it does as a central coordination unit for young people across government. Before I finish this statement, I would like to share a quote from Franklin D Roosevelt who said: ‘We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build a youth for the future’.
With that sentiment in mind, Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the minister for the statement. The opposition supports the statement and recognises the importance of our youth. To finish with a quote, minister, is very appropriate in recognising the importance of youth. It brings to mind a reference in an ancient text about young people or children being referred to as arrows. An arrow is an appropriate analogy because an arrow is a weapon that goes way beyond the reach of the person who uses that weapon or spear; a sword is within the hand of the user. An arrow goes way beyond and over the horizon, out of reach of the warrior, and young children are like that. They go to places we will never be able to go. They will go into a future that we can only imagine and it is our responsibility today to prepare them to go to a place where we will not be able to go. That is why these sorts of statements are so important.
However, these sorts of statements which list activities are fine, but we need to see the principles upon which all these activities are based. I listened carefully for that, to see that we are actually constructing something enduring based upon solid principles. There is nothing worse than to have a whole litany of activity with everyone moving to and fro and a lot happening, if we cannot assess what principles it is based upon, and what the purpose of all this activity is. That is always the focus we must bring to bear on all of our activities. What are all these activities endeavouring to do? Reference is made to the purpose of this; preparing our young people for the future. That is the role of opposition to assess. I am sure the minister also has similar concerns, as we all do.
I was interested to hear the reference to how government supports awards. There is a culture in modern times that speaks against the value of awarding recognition for achievement. The underlying philosophy that argues against recognition is that it is elitist, and the minister referred to that. For too long, we have dwelt upon issues of equality and not wanting to allow kids to feel they have failed in any sense, so much so, that we give them these activities that give them a false sense of achievement, when deep within they are hungering for reality. They want to know whether they are actually going okay or not, without constructed systems that conceal that from them. They are not gaining a sense of whether they are doing okay or not.
It starts at school and continues in our education system today. I will start with outcomes-based education. Our kids, generally, do not get a sense of whether they are succeeding or failing. They get a sense of activity, vague references to their achievement in abstract terms that neither parents nor teachers can really understand, and so they leave our education system not knowing whether they actually have done well or not. They know darn well that they cannot read very well but the reports do not tell them that; they tell them that they are progressing in some general abstract way.
That is where it starts. I am pleased to hear that the minister supports the notion of awards and recognition. Recognition must be there; it allows us to establish standards, values and principles upon which all of our activities are based. I encourage the minister to continue fighting that very important point; that when kids genuinely achieve something they are recognised, although it is much more than recognition to make a kid feel good, it is reinforcing the underlying principles upon which everything we do is based. If they are not there, it is chaos and we end up with a problem that is all too evident. I will touch on some of those problems. The problems that we have are obesity, suicide, mental problem, substance abuse and the like. They are the result, I assert, from not having a clear understanding of the principles and values upon which all our activities are based. Keep going with this argument that awards and recognition of achievement are important, but make sure we are recognising genuine achievement for principled reason, not just to give kids a false sense of achievement and security which dismays them and compounds confusion.
We hear much about the government’s achievements with young Territorians. The opposition welcomes good news about our youth. However, early on in my reply, I would like to bring to the attention of the parliament just how much support the government has given one of our most innovative young Territorians. Twelve-year-old Zak Menzies is a young man on a mission. I thought most members would know young Zak. This youngster, who has inspired many, has taken it upon himself to gather 3500 signatures in a petition to the Australian federal parliament calling on them to return the World War II flag that was flown in Darwin just across the road from here. That is right: a 12-year-old is working to have our flag returned to the Territory.
For your information, the flag is currently in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, having been given by the wife of an Administrator who was evacuated from Darwin. This flag is the only Australian flag that was damaged by enemy fire on Australian soil. It is displayed in Canberra. The mission of young Zak, with the support of many Territorians, is that it be returned to the Territory. This young man, Zak, has not only gathered those signatures, he has organised for the Returned Services League here in Darwin to back him 100%. Even the Darwin City Council is flying this young man to Canberra so he can present his petition.
Now comes the interesting part. What has the minister done to him? Well, young Zak and his parents simply wanted a letter from the NT government giving him their 100% support. What did he get? He received a letter telling him the flag is too important for the federal government to give back, and that we are going to borrow it for a while and display it at our museum. That is a practice that has existed in the past. His achievement is unrecognised - no letter of support. A young person does not receive the appropriate support. That must be put on the record. I, along with others who have supported this young lad in gathering some of these signatures, have been inspired by his actions. He represents something very special in our community. It is very sad that he did not receive the level of support that I believe he deserves.
Further to that, the Darwin Youth Choir spent a lot of time gathering support to fund their own trip - upon invitation, in fact - to Brunei. I met them on a couple of occasions and I was surprised to learn that they assert they also receive no assistance from this government. They are not strident, militant, or greedy kids who are inappropriately requesting help because they have not helped themselves; they have helped themselves. They have worked very hard and funded their own activities, and they received no support. Even small support would have been of great encouragement ...
A member: Not true, they have that.
Mr MILLS: As the member interjects, it may well be the case in the last stages that they did get support but, at the time when I spoke to them not long before they left, they were discouraged because they had received no support or recognition ...
A member: Did they write to the minister?
Mr MILLS: I assisted in directing them to a minister who, hopefully, did return their request with some support.
We talk about recognition of achievement and the principles upon which we consider that recognition. That is the core aspect to all these activities. When we assess the range of youth activity, it is no different than any assessment we make of a group. We have, in any bell curve, kids who have outstanding ability and they seem to achieve and excel. They might be strong in this area and not so strong in that area. However, there are generally kids who are high achievers, and those down the other end who cause us concern. As a father of two kids, I know they are markedly different. In a group of children, there is great different in ability - some are artistic; some are very physical in supporting; some have a mixture of two and have been blessed; and some seem to have no sense of what their ability is. That is a reality.
The challenge is to allow the kid - no matter whether they have particular skills or abilities or are not sure what they are - a sense of reality so that they know where they are at and they have the capacity to overcome whatever challenges they have. They are all equally challenged in one way. If they have ability they have challenges to overcome; that is, how they utilise their ability to the benefit of others. For those who cannot work out what their ability is, they are equally challenged to find out what their ability is. Everyone has some kind of gift or ability. That is one level of this.
The temptation, however, in dealing with youth programs, is to be attracted to the top end, the elite group, because everyone is looking at them; everyone wants to see the achievers. We spend a fair bit of time there. Of course, we are compassionate and are concerned about some of the disturbing trends we see, and we spend a lot of time at the tail end with those who are in real need. The symptoms are clearly there, and we are responsible to respond to those symptoms.
The suicide rate in the Northern Territory is staggering, and I do not think that there would be a member in here who has ever faced this issue and gone away unchanged. Sadly, we can easily allow the impact of a suicide to wane in our own assessment of where we are as a community. When one looks at the figures and we see that, in the Northern Territory, the suicide rate, particularly among young Territorians, is 77% above the national average - 77%. I do not wish to dwell too long on this subject, but that is a symptom of something that requires our concerted effort to raise ourselves above politics and assess all of our actions to ensure that we are actually digging deep to make a real difference. That is a symptom of something that is wrong, and we must assess that problem because it affects all of us - families and communities and every Territorian, directly or indirectly. It is a symptom that must be honestly assessed, lessons learnt, policy implemented, and genuine actions following through. It will take a long time to turn that around. Many of the discussions we have in here relate, in some way, to that awful symptom of having such a high rate of suicide, particularly among young people, and particularly among young males.
You may have seen the Four Corners program on obesity. It is a topic that has been talked about for some time. However, if you saw the Four Corners program on Monday, I believe you would have been shocked to see what is happening to our young people. Step back and you will see we are all caught up in this. We hear politicians put on the spot; they are asked to respond to this, and they respond to it as far as they possibly can. You can see the effects of politics and difference interest groups and how that shapes the message they give; whether they are in the consumer game themselves or they are representing the industry. You hear what they have to say, and that is influenced by their own agenda. It is the same with politicians. Too often, when you see something starkly presented like this, their response is governed by the agenda. There is only so far we can go, but it is that must allow us not to loiter too far from what is a very serious problem and, once again, another symptom that we all must buy into.
How could we buy into that? Can I just stand up here and talk about it? I feel a bit better because I have talked about it, or I saw it on TV? No, there is something that we can do. I thought carefully about this; there is something that we can do, and I will continue with this. It is time to provide a sound assessment of the state of youth health, assessing levels of obesity, fitness and hearing, particularly. We need to do an assessment of our young people’s health right now. We need to be able to communicate that to parents so that they know whether their child is actually seriously overweight or, in fact, obese. Many of these things are concealed from parents; they do not want to know. If they knew that their kid was quite overweight, it is ultimately the parent who has the greatest power. However, as that program on Monday night showed, the parent needs support. For industry to assert that advertising makes no difference, is a joke. Why would they spend so much money if it makes no difference? The parents do need some support. However, first, we need an assessment. We need to know what the state of health is of our young Territorians - an honest assessment, so that we know exactly what we are dealing with – so that we can move from there. That information must go to parents and it must inform policy.
Out of that would come a policy, I suggest, to assess the quality of food that is served at school canteens and in public venues, so that there is a reference point: we have some goal that we want to achieve. Why? Because we want to feel good because we feel healthy? No, because it is something that would concern a Treasurer or whoever sits in the Treasurer’s spot in years to come. This is an issue for the future that is dealt with now. We cannot put it off. I am sure there are issues with obesity - overweight kids, unhealthy kids – where we need to know exactly where we are going.
The suicide rate has already been measured; it is 77% above the national rate. That is a symptom upon which we must focus our energies.
There are trends that are developing and moving across our country that are bringing forces to bear upon how we deliver education, which has an impact upon the senior end of school. We talk much of skills shortage and kids being engaged and being supplied with real skills to be able to get involved. To be engaged, given real skills and an ability, gives a kid some purpose and meaning.
There is a change emerging in education and it is starting at Years 10, 11 and 12. This issue will not go away and it is going to come back to this minister for Education. The decision to hold back on the proposed secondary facility at Palmerston must be immediately re-assessed and advanced in the interests of addressing the skills shortage, responding to the current trends in education and connecting the Years 10, 11 and 12 enterprise in education, and changing it. We must lead the way and show that we can connect that end of the school sector more appropriately to the higher education sector and direct our attention to addressing the skills shortage.
They are the sorts of things that need to occur, particularly for our young lads, who need to be given greater technical skill and greater connection to careers beyond school. As our young lads go into the middle years of education - it is no surprise that the indicators show us that it is the boys who are principally being affected here – they do not quite know what it is about. Education is subtly focused on academic achievement and boys are having trouble reading. They are subtly required to stay at school to Year 12. They are having difficulty finding any level of success and they feel that they might be better with their hands. They do not know what this all means, so they run amok. They sometimes leave school and try to get attention elsewhere. We then set up a whole range of programs to try to catch those kids, to either occupy them or to give them some skills. The minister has a great opportunity to get on with the job of redefining the way that we do Years 10, 11 and 12, starting with the pilot program in Palmerston and show the way, and give a lot of those young lads – I do not want to over emphasise the young lads, but we are fully aware that this is a core problem – and our young ladies, an opportunity to develop technical ability.
That is the way education is going. If you watch carefully, you will see it in other places in the world. There is a re-assessment in the way that we do Years 10, 11 and 12. We need skilled workers. We need young people who feel that they have some sense of connection and meaning to what is going on around them, and education must move to provide that. There is an opportunity going for the minister to lead the way there.
Another important subject that was raised by the minister is mentorship programs. They are critical. In a time when there are fewer real role models in our community, relationships have been placed under a lot of threat. You only have to go through our community and be involved as local members to discover that a lot of the kids, the young people, the youth, are causing concern. It does not take too much of an analysis to find that there is a breakdown of significant mentors in their lives. That is why mentorship programs are so important. We can describe these programs, put money into them, pay someone to establish mentorship programs; however, it takes real grit to make these programs work on a genuine basis.
There is nothing sadder than to have government embark on a program which sounds good but the guts of it is missing. It takes deep commitment to make these things really work and we should always dig deep. I only have to mention the suicide rate which is a symptom of a problem. It is not just the ones who commit suicide, or those who have profound health problems at an early age – that is just a symptom of many others who are also affected to one degree or another with a malaise, a lack of meaning and connection. That is why mentorship programs are important. However, we must ensure that we dig deeper and that those programs do actually work.
There are many good people out there in small business who want to make a contribution. However, small businesses are hard for bureaucrats to engage, as small business operators do not understand how government systems work. They do not have the time to learn, and they do not work the same hours as someone who is a public servant. They also want to make a contribution. Therefore, it needs commitment from the public sector to find that resource within the small business sector, as they are the ones that need to build an understanding of our young people to employ them. You can funnel rivers of money into programs which sound good in statements, but do not make the level of difference required. That is why we need to attend to the terrible symptoms we see around us and ensure we make these programs actually work in a measurable way.
Before I close, I must mention a couple of issues in Palmerston. It is good to see the indoor recreation facility is progressing. That will be an important asset for Palmerston and I look forward to its opening. It has been long awaited. Local members will feel a sense of pride. However, it is the community who will feel that sense of pride as there are many community members who have worked long and hard in the Palmerston community, before I entered parliament. We need to put these things into perspective, not just pats on the back to the government. It does meet a need in the community, and an important one at that. Our responsibility, whatever side of parliament we are on, or whatever role we play, is to make sure it works, and works well.
The YMCA Youth Centre does need to be brought to the attention of the minister. The staff are doing a good job. It has existed for some time; it has a patchy history. However, it has only survived by the quality of the people who have worked there, particularly in recent times. The level of funding needs to be considered so the scope of service can be enlarged. We talk about mental health issues and the capacity needs to be built into the programs which are offered at YMCA. It is going very well as a facility providing recreation. You only have to go there on a Friday night and you will see all my old students there have a great old time with all their mates – they love it, and it is doing a good job. However, there is an opportunity to enlarge the scope of service and to increase the hours of operation.
The Palmerston community is growing - 24 000 people plus – along with the wider area. We see the importance of sport and physical fitness, kids and young people working together and providing leadership in a sporting context. There needs to be a home for Palmerston soccer. We need to make an assessment today, not wait until we have a crisis. There has been an emerging problem for sometime as the population increases, particularly in the newer suburbs, that there needs to be a reassessment of our recreation facilities.
I moved to Palmerston when there were about 5500 people. We, effectively, had the same level of recreation facility then, which was excellent. The infrastructure is excellent. Population has grown considerably and the recreation infrastructure has not. There needs to be a reassessment and an audit of where we are now, not so that we can catch up, but so that we know where we are going to be in 10 to 15 years time.
Which brings me to Archer. It is going to take some courage from government - whichever government it be; maybe it is this one - to deal with Archer. There are lots of groups now using Archer but there are problems, as anyone who has assessed the issues with Archer would know. These are best demonstrated by this little story. A few years ago, there was an opportunity for sporting groups to nominate a project for funding. I spoke to the Raiders then and said: ‘Here is an opportunity for you; fill this out and see whether you can get some money. It is in the order of $1500 or $2000. What do you really need?’ They actually wrote that they would like a grant to allow them to buy RID in bulk. I said: ‘Are you joking?’ They said: ‘No, one of our greatest expenditures is the cost of RID’. They wanted to buy, as a club, RID in bulk because of the serious sand fly problem at Archer. It is being reasonably well used in spite of that problem - and it is a serious problem. Council is looking at ways of trying to solve it.
However, we do need some aggressive solution for Archer such as, perhaps turning it over to a housing estate and using that money to invest in infrastructure somewhere else in Palmerston. People can live more comfortably in that area because you have a lower concentration of people. However, when you have large groups of people such as sporting groups trying to play sport there, particularly in the Wet Season or on high tide, it is intolerable. In the Wet Season also, the ground is subject, because of the way it has been developed, to some flooding and it becomes a quagmire. That needs attention. Our new local members probably are aware of it, and need to use your abilities to persuade government to bring some attention to bear on solving that problem. It needs very significant attention in order to come up with an appropriate solution; not a bandaid solution.
I cannot help but mention the skate park. I know the Minister for Sport and Recreation has the appropriate answer to this, but it is not one that really satisfies Palmerston kids who are using the skate park. The skate park has been there for some time. You often see kids there, even in the evening, doing quite amazing things that make me shudder to think how on earth they learned to backflip a BMX bike. I have no idea. They spend a lot of time in the evenings there in the skate park. If you go around sometimes and talk to kids and ask what the issues are they say shade would be good. The kid I asked had a bit of sunburn that time. ‘What do you mean – shade?’ He said: ‘We would really like to use that skate park a bit more, but there is no shade’ …
Mr Burke: Palmerston City Council will not build it.
Mr MILLS: Yes, Palmerston City Council would build it but they do need some additional subsidy …
Mr Burke: They would not. I was at the meeting where they said they would not. They refused.
Mr MILLS: Have your argument later, buggerlugs!
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Blain, please withdraw that.
Mr MILLS: What ‘buggerlugs’?
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Buggerlugs.
Mr MILLS: I withdraw buggerlugs.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you. Member for Blain, you have run out of time.
Mr MILLS: You are kidding! Is it?
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Deputy Speaker, it gives me pleasure tonight to support the minister’s statement on young Territorians.
Young Territorians are our future society and they need support to reach their full potential. Opportunities must be made available to develop their life skills through their adolescence and early adult years. Self-esteem and self-confidence are two elements of their lives that need to be built and nurtured. I am particularly pleased to see a number of programs have been structured to give them an opportunity to build on these two basic life traits.
Having come from a sporting administration, coaching and playing background, I know what value sport plays in young people’s lives and how it can shape their future, especially in the areas of confidence and esteem. I was particularly interested to read about a couple of programs that have been structured to not only assist sports target future administrators, coaches, trainers and the like, but also offer skill-based training in leadership and a mentoring support program which will have benefits in their future lives.
The Club Guru Leadership program is a pilot leadership program targeting potential future leaders of sport and active recreation organisations, coordinated by Participation and Development’s Junior Sports Coordinator. This 12-month program aims to develop youth leaders in sport by equipping them with the necessary skills to be sound contributors at both club and administration level.
Participants undertake a range of coaching, officiating, and administrative skills, coordinated by the Office of Sport and Recreation. Some of the courses undertaken include: General Principles Level I in Coaching and Officiating; the Senior First Aid Certificate; the Australian Sports Commission Club Association Management Program; a disability inclusion training subject, and a program based on working with indigenous athletes. The inaugural program commenced in April this year, with 14 participants from Darwin and Palmerston representing a wide cross-section of sports. I understand there has been some fantastic feedback from both the participants and the sports. The program, I believe, will continue in 2006.
As there has been considerable interest from both remote and regional areas, the department is currently investigating the possibility of expanding the program in 2006 across the Northern Territory. The free accreditation training and support is worth about $500 per participant, and the benefits of this course to them are many and varied. They will become a part of a select group of leaders within their sport who will have the opportunity to liaise and network with other sports and organisations. We are, obviously, hopeful that this program will create employment opportunities for the participants, because participating in such a course has the capacity to show employers that these young participants are committed to improving their skills and have the capacity to be future leaders.
The second program I am extremely interested in is the Indigenous Students Leadership and Mentoring Program. The reason I have an interest in this program is due to the fact that I, too, have undertaken a similar program at the Gray Primary School just this week. Many young people do have unfortunate family situations and are desperately in need of guidance and support as their lives progress. The ISLMP is an initiative of the $42m Building Better Schools package of initiatives. Its objective is to expand the educational experiences and leadership opportunities for indigenous secondary students in the Northern Territory. The program aims to achieve this by matching students with a mentor who will provide structured support and guidance, funding activities or resources to develop the student’s skills and interests, as well as engaging students in workshops and camps that will build their leadership capacity. The program targets to improve leadership opportunities by engaging local organisations and the broader community in supporting leadership opportunities focused on improving educational outcomes and pathways.
Twenty-five students have been awarded a position on the program in 2005, after an overwhelming number of applicants from schools across the Northern Territory applied. An additional 25 students will be selected each year from 2007-09 so that, at the beginning 2009, there will have been 100 indigenous secondary students supported and maintained by the program each year. A coordinator’s position has been funded to develop and manage the project.
The program includes an induction in Darwin, where they come together to meet other students undertaking the course and are advised on the structure of the leadership and mentoring components of the module. A leadership camp will be organised in the Litchfield National Park where several tasks will be intertwined with practical leadership skill courses. Many enjoyable educational experiences will be developed throughout the program to embellish the individual’s interest. They could be music, sport, reading, computer education or job interest. I guess above all, the crux of the program will be the mentoring opportunities available to the students.
In between all of the exciting opportunities I have mentioned, the students will be meeting regularly with a mentor of their choice. The mentor will be a person who can talk to the students about how they are progressing at school, discuss any worries or concerns they may have from time to time, and assist them in their goal setting and plans for the future. Mentors, of course, offer support and guidance and the benefit of their wisdom and experience.
The 2005 students have already come together in Darwin in September for the induction workshop, where they learned more about the concepts of leadership and mentorship and spent some time in getting to know each other. Many of the students flew in from remote parts of the Northern Territory to take part, and found the experience particularly rewarding. The students were recognised for their participation by the Minister for Employment, Education, and Training at a ceremony held in Parliament House while they were all here.
Communication and consultation with youth is a vital link to assist the people who hold positions of authority, to understand the concerns, ideas and needs of the younger generation. I would like to quote a few words from a speech Ben Whitehouse, Australia’s youth representative made to an assembly of the United Nations. He stated:
One vital way to create communities that support and nurture young people is to include young people in the
decision-making process.
He went on to say:
Young Australians want to not only be kept informed of what decisions are being made on their behalf, but also be involved
in those decisions that effect their lives
The initiative of the Chief Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians is a wonderful initiative to listen to young individuals, as Ben Whitehouse has suggested. The round table process is a direct communications avenue between young Territorians and the NT government. It consists of 16 members aged between 15 and 25 years who are representative of the geographic, cultural and ethnic diversity in the Northern Territory. The round table is a year-long commitment from all members, and meets four times a year with the Chief Minister or her nominated representatives.
All members are expected to participate in monthly teleconferences and are encouraged to communicate regularly at all times with another member, and the project officer responsible for supporting the round table. The representatives had to consult with young people in their regions to gain opinions on key issues, while also committing to participate in a range of community councils, committees and projects. A consultative process is undertaken at the conclusion of the year so that the issues important to young people in the Northern Territory are tabled, discussed and progressed.
I, like the member for Blain, was particularly pleased to hear also that the Palmerston recreation centre tenders have closed, and the completion of the construction is anticipated late next year. This centre is in my electorate, and it will provide a wonderful recreation outlet for the people of Palmerston, particularly the youth. The building, I am sure, will provide flow-on benefits to the Palmerston CBD but, more importantly, enhance many of the youth programs currently undertaken in the city.
The progress this government is making with youth issues and initiatives is emphatic. We recognise the importance of our future Territorians, and are progressing various initiatives to assist our youth to obtain their full potential. Do not underestimate the possibilities of these young people; given the right grounding and responsible guidance they will make a huge difference to the Territory and our world.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to finish the supporting reference to the minister’s statement by quoting again from young Ben Whitehouse’s speech, words of a man representing the youth of Australia at a world forum. Let us hope his speech receives its aim:
Listening to young people, and providing services that cater to their needs for purpose and security, is of central importance
to the future of communities of all sizes, anywhere in the world.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak to the ministerial statement on young Territorians. There is no doubt that youth are our future. It is an old saying, and probably sounds like a clich, but it is very true. The majority of members of this House have children of their own, or have close family members or friends who have young people in their family that they associate with. Therefore, we are all aware of the importance of young people in our lives, and in the future.
As a parent, my hopes and expectations for my children were that they be well educated, lead healthy lives through sport and recreation, be healthy, happy, have fun, have good friends, keep out of trouble, and participate in the work force in a meaningful way. I always wanted my children to enjoy whatever work that they chose to do, and I believe that, for the most part, they have achieved that.
All of our children are in their 30s and we now have nine grandchildren to guide through the same expectations. Six of them live in the Territory. I have an overall interest in ensuring that young people, and especially young Territorians, are given every opportunity to achieve their maximum potential. It is well known that if young people are not kept physically and mentally stimulated, tempered with some fun, they can be very easily distracted and, in many instances, this can lead to some very undesirable practices and activities. We see this so many times when young people who have nothing meaningful to do end up getting into trouble by doing some destructive things and causing trouble within the community in which they live.
In a lot of instances, these young people have no parental guidance or direction. It is so easy for them to get together in peer groups or gangs and to get into trouble. When this happens, these young people can make a choice of deciding to straighten up their act. The worst case scenario is that they get caught up in gangs and continue being a nuisance and, worse still, they can end up getting into far more serious trouble and beginning a cycle from which it is very hard to escape. It is this situation that we all endeavour to try to prevent in our community. It is a difficult one as there will always be someone who wants to slip through the net. In general, it is important that we do everything possible to have programs and policies aimed at assisting these young people to channel their energies in positive ways.
The biggest challenge is finding out what it is that the young people are looking for in life; be it in education, sport and recreation or employment. There are a lot of pressures on young people today. We want them to achieve well at school, and achieve success at sport, in their training and employment, and socially. Sometimes, the pressures that are placed on them in the fast lane of life become just a bit too much and they try to find an escape. This escape is not always a happy one. We, as legislators, have a great responsibility to ensure that we do everything we can to support and promote the wellbeing of all young Territorians.
The challenges which face young Territorians living in regional and remote areas are quite different to those facing young people living in the larger towns such as Darwin and Alice Springs. Resources available are quite different. In regional and remote areas, the availability of resources is limited when compared with the bigger towns.
There are many reasons why some of our young people are choosing to become involved with the taking of drugs and using other harmful substances. The sniffing of petrol by our young people is extremely distressing, not to mention terribly harmful to the sniffer. It is very sad that we have so many young people who are continually abusing their health with volatile substances. It will be an ongoing challenge to get these young people to stop their abuse, to rehabilitate them and to get them to be involved in meaningful activities that will give them a quality of life. One of the most common forms and easily obtainable substances that young people can readily access is alcohol. Unfortunately, we see far too often the abuse of alcohol by young people. This does not only occur in young people. Many more supposedly mature people who should know better also abuse alcohol which, of course, does not send a good example to our young people, and does not present a good role model.
The minister spoke about improving access to education and employment for young people. I am sure that we would all agree that education and employment play a very significant factor in determining the future and directions that our young people take. One of the saddest times in education was when technical schools ceased to operate. They were closed down because, for some reason or another that I still find unfathomable, it was considered by the experts that academic achievements were far more acceptable to society than technical skills. In my experience, that decision to close technical schools and technical education has contributed to the low number of qualified tradespersons that we have and are experiencing right throughout Australia. The closure of this access to technical training effectively cut opportunities for thousands of young people who did not want to further their academic studies. There are thousands of young people who were denied the opportunity to develop their talents and skills in technical areas. I still feel that decision was a very backward one. I am sure, in hindsight, it will be seen as significant in changing the way many of our young people’s futures were changed some 20-odd years ago.
The young people in the Territory have the opportunity to be skilled through apprenticeships and traineeships. Opportunities are open to young people through VET in Schools, which gives students the opportunity to be able to experience an area in the work force that they think they may be interested in. The advantage of that is that the young person may decide, after a bit of work experience, that that particular area is not really what they wanted to spend the rest of their time on in the future. It gives them the opportunity to be able to change to something else. There are many young people who are not sure of what they want to do for the rest of their lives, and should not be pressured into making a hasty decision. This program, along with the Work Ready program, gives young people that opportunity. The incentives that are offered to apprentices and employers make it encouraging for more young people to be offered apprenticeships and traineeships. I hope that, well into the future, the young people of the Northern Territory will take up the opportunity to give them a lifetime skill.
The interests of young people are also high on the list of the federal government. Just today, the federal Minister for Education, Science and Training announced a $143m Australian network of Industry Careers Advisors to increase support for young people aged 13 to 19 years to assist them in achieving a smooth transition through school to further education, training and work. The Australian government also recognises that strong industry leadership and employer involvement at the national, regional and local levels plays a pivotal role in assisting young people to move successfully from education to work. Dr Brendan Nelson today said that the national industry career specialists will raise awareness of emerging industry skills needs, training pathways and occupational and career opportunities in 10 key industry sectors. They are all industries that we have in the Territory: service, transport and logistic; resources and infrastructure; electro-communications and energy utilities; community services and health; agri-food; innovation and business; construction and property service; manufacturing; and government and community industries. The regional Industry Careers Advisors will work with local community partnerships to provide young people, parents, schools, employers and teachers with comprehensive career information that is relevant. That is so very important for young Territorians. It is good to see the federal government’s additional commitment to helping young Australians - and that includes young Territorians - to find and achieve their potential.
The member for Blain spoke about mentors. I believe it is really important for young people to have mentors. I am sure that members in this Assembly can all remember someone who had an impact on their life when they were young. I am one of the more mature members in this Assembly, but I can well remember the leader of our youth group in Port Lincoln in South Australia, a David White, who was my English teacher’s husband. He had a huge impact on my life as a young teenager. He helped a whole group of people in a very positive way. He had such a great affinity with young people, and we always had so much fun at his youth group activities. I could name quite a few people who are out in our Northern Territory communities with whom the young people have the opportunity to mentor with, through sport especially in regional remote areas. I notice some previous speakers also spoke on that area.
These people encourage team participation which, in turn, teaches the young people respect for others as well as themselves. Of the people I know, one I cannot fail to mention is Fred Murphy, who is providing a positive role model to dozens of young people in regional and remote communities in the Northern Territory through what we call AFL. Fred is achieving very positive outcomes from the sporting programs he has personally implemented, because he has such a passion and commitment to young people, their welfare and their future. He is also identifying opportunities for these young people to further their talents as they mature. I have no doubt Fred will continue to support young people whenever and wherever he can.
Another opportunity which is offered to young Territorians is the experience of sailing on the tall ship Leeuwin. This great experience has given the many young people who have been on board sailing for a few days the opportunity to develop team and interpersonal skills with other young people whom they have never met before. In some cases, young people who have made such a trip have enjoyed the experience so much they have returned during following years to volunteer as a crew member on the Leeuwin. My husband, Mike, and I are financial supporters of the Leeuwin Foundation Fund which was set up in Katherine over 12 years ago, which enables disadvantaged young people from the Katherine region the opportunity to participate on a Leeuwin trip each year. I had the opportunity to take another short sail around Darwin Harbour this year with the member for Arafura, which was very nice; I thoroughly enjoyed it. During this trip, it was great to witness, again first-hand, the team work necessary for the running of the Leeuwin. I also had the opportunity to speak to some of those people who had participated in the recent trips. One young lady from Tennant Creek - and I am sorry but I have forgotten her name - said that, despite the fact she had spent the first four days being seasick, she was very glad of the experience and would like to come back for another trip next year - hopefully with sea legs next time.
There are many important factors in how we need to address the issues and concerns of our young Territorians. In the very early days, and long before my time, decisions, rules and regulations were always made by older people, as they were supposed to know what was best. In the majority of instances, I am sure they did do what they considered as best. I also believe it is very important that young people are able to participate in decisions which affect their lives. It is so important to have an open mind to listen to these views. I always find it interesting listening to young people discuss issues of concern to them and watching the way they work through to resolutions. If we want young people to be involved in the future of the Northern Territory, it is very important to listen to what they have to say. I believe that, in most instances, that is happening.
In my electorate of Katherine, a new program called Katherine Youth Service has been implemented, which is to operate outside the normal hours of nine to five. This service will specifically address the young people who are wandering around Katherine at all hours of the night, who will be redirected to youth activities through this program. The intention is to ensure that these young people channel these energies into meaningful activities instead of causing trouble in the community. I, and many residents, will be very relieved if and when this program, hopefully, achieves its outcomes.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Minister for Young Territorians for her statement. The programs for young Territorians she has outlined in it appear to be working well, and I look forward to ongoing assessments and reports.
Ms LAWRIE (Family and Community Services): Mr Deputy Speaker, I offer my support to the Minister for Young Territorians and commend her for the statement. I am in the position of being minister for both Sport and Recreation and the Family and Community Services portfolios. Indeed, there are very natural synergies in this marriage to capitalise on, particularly in the area of support for young Territorians.
Just last week, I delivered statements to the House on sport and recreation in the Territory and Building Healthier Communities. These statements highlighted this government’s commitment to youth and youth development, and both support this statement on young Territorians.
My colleague, minister Scrymgour, touched on several initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of young people. In relation to petrol sniffing, it is clear that this government’s stance against petrol sniffing is the strongest in Australia. I applaud the Minister for Young Territorians on the work she did as the former Minister for Family and Community Services on this issue. I am conscious of the need to continue the fight to ensure that this issue stays firmly on the political agenda at all levels of government. I am also keenly aware that, as the minister responsible for implementing the rehabilitation and support services associated with the Volatile Substance Abuse Prevention Act, that what we do now will set a solid foundation for the prevention and treatment of petrol sniffing in the future. The decision to invest $10m into fighting this problem is pivotal if this legislation is to have any impact in the community and on the lives of young people. My department is working with individual communities to finalise the regulations and protocols associated with this act, which we hope to be up and running very early next year.
This government made a commitment to increase the number of services available to young people right across the Territory and we have followed through. More services exist now for young Territorians than ever before. These include ongoing educational support for young people with disabilities, with some $340 000 annually to expand post school option services in Darwin and Alice Springs. The numbers of available places have increased from nine to 22, five of which are located in Alice Springs. Increases in mental health services have occurred, with two child psychiatrist positions and three additional and new youth mental health workers, with another three positions coming in the coming year. The Tamarind Centre now has a child and youth friendly space to improve access for young people and their families. We have seen the establishment of youth centres and programs across the Territory including Nightcliff, Borroloola, Central Australia, Katherine, Belyuen, Gunbalanya, Nhulunbuy and Willowra. We have instituted an intensive family support service. This service assists children, young people and their families who continue to remain in crisis, by providing an encouraging environment that helps the kids move positively towards adulthood and helps their families stay together.
In the recent budget and election announcements, further services and support were announced for our youth: $100 000 to expand the Darwin and Palmerston Youth Beat program, seeing great success with youth workers out on the streets at night, engaging with young people, working with them to resolve the myriad of problems which has them out in the hours that most kids should be in bed, asleep in their safe family homes. We have $250 000 per annum to enhance suicide prevention activities. This includes the recruitment of a suicide prevention coordinator and the expansion of life promotion activities.
I would also like to pick up on the minister’s comments on the importance of sport and recreation on the lives of young people. Last week was Mental Health Week, and the key theme was ‘Physical and mental health across the life span’. In recent years, there has been more recognition that exercise can also contribute to good mental health. Further, young people who are engaged in positive activities that increase their feelings of self-worth are less likely to be involved in crime and antisocial behaviour.
Much of this evidence has been summarised in a research document from 2003. Sport, Physical Activity and Antisocial Behaviour in Youth was a study commissioned by the Australian Sports Commission in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Criminology Research and Public Policy Series. The study collates studies from Australian and overseas from much of the last century. In summary, the broad findings of the study are:
- 1. sport and recreation activities, while not the be all and end all, are indeed linked to improvements in social
behaviour and declines in contact with the criminal justice system;
depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal behaviour - they have been found to increase self-esteem,
self-confidence and overall wellbeing;
in juvenile crime rates, especially when held after hours and on weekends, by providing adolescents with
alternative leisure pursuits;
in violence and properties offences. As well, sporting competitions and activities in such communities had
been beneficial in reducing crime rates and drug use; and
This government has also made a number of election commitments to improve sporting infrastructure that will directly provide an increase in activities for young Territorians to participate in. These include, but are not limited to: $200 000 for lighting at the Nakara oval; $4.8m for a new outdoor netball centre at Marrara; a skate park at Nightcliff; $9.5m for the Palmerston Recreation Centre; $1m to raise the roof at the Henry Scott building at the Katherine sports ground; $8.1m for an aquatic centre at Alice Springs; and an upgrade of sports facilities at both Elliott and Canteen Creek.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I am, indeed, fortunate to have these two important portfolios, and join with the Minister for Young Territorians in emphasising the importance of emotional and physical wellbeing in the future success of our young Territorians. I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Young Territorians): Mr Deputy Speaker, in summing up I thank all members who contributed to the statement. I thank the member for Blain for his support. Most of his contribution was supporting the statement, and I agree with many of the issues which he recognised. I note his passion for the welfare of our youth and dedication for creating a future for them.
However, I need to touch on a couple of things that he said and just correct that there was no support from government for the youth choir. In fact, the youth choir did get some support from government for their trip to Brunei. When I spoke to them briefly at the Palmerston Business Association, I informed them that, in the future, it would help to make a formal application for a youth grant. We provided them with that information. Their request was informal and at the last minute. When they approached my office it was just over a week before they were due to go which did not leave us much time. I am not making any excuses; however, it did not leave us enough time to be able to assist them. Nevertheless, we continue to support the youth choir.
I met energetic young Zak Menzies man at Community Cabinet at Larrakeyah with the member for Port Darwin. I did express to young Zak that I admired his enthusiasm, his commitment, and his energy. It is admirable and unusual for a boy of his age to be completely engaged in a whole issue of heritage and the value of it. Even though I admire his endeavours to get this flag, that does not mean that I agree with what he is trying to do. The member for Blain spoke passionately in support of giving kids a sense of reality and not giving them a false sense of quality and achievement. In the case of young Zak, I did write to him that my department had a number of discussions between the Australian War Memorial in trying to get some agreement about this flag. As we understand, the flag will be on show at the museum on 17 February 2007 as part of the 65th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin. The flag is, without a shadow of doubt, an object of national significance; the most appropriate home is in the War Memorial.
The member for Blain also touched on the issue of obesity and suicide. I do not think any of us in here would disagree that obesity amongst our children is a big issue, as is the suicide rate. I and other members watched the Four Corners program that the member for Blain is talking about. A strong element through that whole program was that there is a huge parental responsibility with obesity. That is something that the member for Blain, if he had watched it, would have seen.
Regarding the education system here, as I understand it, with the extra 100 teachers that our government is putting on throughout the Northern Territory, out of that 100 there will be seven physical education teachers who will be placed in those clusters around the Northern Territory. That is seven physical education teachers that simply were not there under the previous government. For the member for Blain to stand up and say that we are doing absolutely nothing about obesity or working with schools to overcome this problem, he needs to look back on the track record of the government that he represents.
Regarding the suicide rates, suicide and its effects on the community are tragic. There are many programs and services. The Northern Territory Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention, which was released by our government in 2003, looks at the holistic approach for the prevention of suicide in the Northern Territory. Continued support for Beyond Blue was renewed in August 2004 for a further five years. My colleague, the Minister for Family and Community Services, talked about the extra funding for mental health. In 2003 to 2007, an extra $12.7m in additional funding will be provided to the mental health budget. That is certainly quite substantial. The member for Blain said that we have paid no attention to this; he needs to rethink that.
He also talked about another issue with the YMCA and youth funding. Sports and Recreation fund the YMCA, I am advised. They actually receive a confirmed $85 000 in funding. If there is a cut in funding - and this became an issue when the member for Blain asked a question in Question Time some time ago at the last sittings. He had been given a wrong steer that the YMCA’s funding had been cut when, in fact, the funding that the YMCA received from the Northern Territory government had not been cut, it was the Commonwealth component of that. What the member for Blain needs to do is take that up with some of his federal counterparts.
Again, the member for Katherine and I seem to be in agreement about most things. I thank her for her contribution. I certainly agree on substance abuse, career focus, mentoring, sports, and the Leeuwin experience that we both shared.
The member for Blain made it seem like this was just the end of what we are doing. This statement was about reporting progress of what government is doing. We will continue to bring these progress reports. There are a number of things that government is doing and has been doing. We are certainly committed.
The member for Katherine also mentioned Fred Murphy. I believe Fred Murphy is a fantastic young man. He has done a lot of work, particularly with some of the indigenous communities in the Katherine region. There are many young men around the Northern Territory who need to be applauded. Fred and the role that the plays needs to be applauded. The member for Drysdale commented on a young UN rep, Ben Whitehouse. The Office of Youth Affairs provided support to Ben Whitehouse of about $500 to undertake consultations with young people in the Top End before he went to the UN.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I thank all members for their contribution.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MOTION
Note Statement – Turning Government Priorities into Action - Building Healthier Communities
Note Statement – Turning Government Priorities into Action - Building Healthier Communities
Continued from 13 October 2005.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to join in this debate as the shadow Health minister. Unfortunately, I was unable to be present in parliament last week for reasons people all know. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the parliament’s indulgence to give me time off last week to attend to my very good friend’s funeral and issues with the family who lost him so suddenly.
I turn to the ministerial statement which was also supported by the minister’s colleague, the Minister for Family and Community Services. When I read through the contributions made, I thought, oh dear, what self-congratulatory statements they were. They were obviously written by his CEO who is the one who should really be brought to account.
The minister started by saying that when the Martin Labor government inherited the health system it was on its knees. Let me say that we did not have 1400 to 1600 patients waiting for elective surgery. We did not have patients lying on hospital trolleys for three days or even more waiting to be admitted to a bed in a ward. We did not have those things. That is only in the Alice Springs Hospital. God knows how many patients are on the waiting list at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Tennant Creek Hospital, Katherine Hospital and Nhulunbuy Hospital. We also know that patients have to wait long days to be admitted into a ward bed at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We did not hand over a health system that was on its knees.
Yes, this government has increased the health budget by some 50% in the last four years, and I commend the government for putting that money into the system. What do we have to show for it? - that is the question. First of all, one of the things that the minister was so proud about was NT HealthDirect. NT HealthDirect has many problems, and using a Perth answering service to triage patients calling for help in the Northern Territory is ludicrous. Let me just tell you of one instance that happened recently.
Only about two months ago, a 63-year-old male suffered chest pain. The patient suffers from high blood pressure, but it was chest pain. His wife rang the emergency service using the 1800 number with this story:
My husband is 63 years of age, has chest pain and we would like to go for assistance.
The answering service decided that they would rather talk to the patient himself rather than his wife, so the phone call was transferred to him. Here is this man, in pain, dealing on the telephone with somebody in Perth. He had to repeat the story about what happened to him. He was on the telephone for 20 minutes! He than signalled to his wife that he needed a pen and paper and the answering service in Perth proceeded to give him addresses of the Casuarina Day and Night Surgery and the Stuart Park Day and Night Surgery, and told him that he had to get there himself.
This woman had rung her daughter saying her dad had chest pain and was calling the emergency NT HealthDirect number – and what happened? They were told to go to Casuarina or Stuart Park Day and Night Surgery. The daughter then rang the emergency department of the Royal Darwin Hospital and was given the same story – go to the Stuart Park Night and Day. Finally, by their own efforts, they drove to the Stuart Park Night and Day Surgery where they waited for two hours to see the GP whose ECG machine was on the blink. The patient was seen by the GP who said: ‘Go home, here is a pathology request form. Have your blood test taken the next day’. The patient went home in a lot of distress with chest pain, not knowing what to do and hoping that it was nothing too serious. He tried to settle himself as best he could for the night.
First thing in the morning, he went to the pathology service and had some blood taken. He was advised that the results might not come back until late afternoon and they would call him. Fortunately, somebody at the pathology service twigged that there was a problem and rang within a couple of hours and said: ‘You better get to an emergency department ASAP or you are going to be in trouble’. In a panic, the woman drove her husband to the emergency department straightaway. Once there, fortunately the emergency department was clear, there were no patients, and he was seen straightaway. The emergency specialist who saw him was gob-smacked. He asked: ‘You have been waiting all night until now – over 12 hours like this?’ He had a severe heart attack but, because he had waited 12 hours, it was too late for this patient to receive a life-saving injection that could open up the arteries in his heart and prevent extension of the heart attack. It was too late for that. This man then had to go and have a triple bypass operation.
That is how good the NT HealthDirect is: Perth people trying to triage people in the Northern Territory with no idea what it is all about; no idea of the geography of the town or the regions; trying to tell us: ‘It is okay, go and see a Day and Night Surgery for your heart attack and then go home and hope for the best’. That is not a system that is in any way good. The minister has to re-think it.
Let me just go through a litany of issues that have been going on for so long. Remember in May 2004, doctors were saying that hospital money is not enough? The money still keeps being pumped into it, yet it is not enough. The minister has to tell me: what has he spent the money on? Why have the AMA and other bodies been saying that it is not enough?
Issues of recruitment of doctors and nurses continue to be a problem. Staff in hospitals say they are not getting enough staff to man the hospital. That is why you do not have enough beds, because you do not have enough nurses, and the hospital bed numbers are cut back because of that. Also, the waiting lists continue to grow and grow and grow. In Alice Springs, at one stage, the numbers went up to 1600 – 1600 people waiting for elective surgery because they continued to defer surgery because of outbreaks which occur every September of every year. We know that, however, in four years they have not planned for those outbreaks which occur every 12 months. They say: ‘We have had to cancel elective surgery, we have another outbreak’, as if they did not know the outbreak was going to come. They have had this pattern for so long you can almost predict to the day when the outbreak is going to occur. Then they claim they do not have enough anaesthetists, and then when they have enough anaesthetists and surgeons, they are told: ‘Do not do the surgery. Sit down, sit on your backsides. We cannot have you doing the surgery as we do not have the money, the beds or the staff’.
There was a time when the federal President of the AMA, Dr Bill Glasson, came along. In an article in the Centralian Advocate of 26 April 2005:
- Hospital surgeons are sitting idle in theatre room as patients queue for operations, Australian Medical Association President,
Bill Glasson said yesterday.
That is a problem. You have a system which you say is great, yet you have this situation. How can you honestly say you have a health system which is functioning well?
This is a very recent article, Alice Springs News 12 October 2005. The headline is: ‘Alice Springs Hospital: 48 hours on a trolley’. It goes on to say:
A woman with a suspected heart attack was kept on a trolley in the emergency department of the Alice Springs Hospital
for 48 hours - because of a shortage of beds …
I will skip a fair section of the article and read some more:
‘The attention I got from the doctors and nurses was absolutely fantastic ...
I have always maintained that. The professionals do a fantastic job, and it is because of their professionalism that our hospitals have continued to function as well as they have. However, no thanks to the support they get from management, no thanks to that all. This patient said:
‘But staying in the emergency department for 48 hours on a trolley was horrific. The emergency department is being
treated like another ward, not a place for people to be assessed and then moved on’.
- ‘I spoke to a gentleman who said he'd been in there for 32 hours. It's absolutely ridiculous. I think the Alice community
deserves better than that this. The Labor government needs to look at things seriously and stop putting their head in
the sand’.
According to a spokesman, Health Minister Peter Toyne declined to be interviewed about these and related issues. General
Manger of the hospital, Vicki Taylor, did not respond to an invitation to comment.
There you are. You have a minister whose head is in the sand, things start going wrong and, yet, he has the audacity to get up and say: ‘Hey, we are doing a very good job with our hospitals, with our health care’.
Well, health care and the hospitals are in crisis. Every so often, you do a fantastic job with the disasters which occur overseas when they come to Darwin for assistance. You do that very well. However, the day-to-day functioning of a hospital, of acute care, is not there at all. Remember this article? I am sure the minister will recall this article of 4 June 2004:
Hospital crisis - Intensive care closes.
In the caption the minister says:
It’s open.
Was it open, or was it not? I quote from the article written by Gavin King in the Centralian Advocate:
Alice Springs Intensive Care Unit has been closed for want of an ICU specialist to run it, a hospital insider said last night.
Closed from last Monday, it will remain shut for a further two weeks …
But Health Minister Peter Toyne last night categorically denied the claim.
That is the problem I have difficulty with. A minister who is not across his portfolio, does not know what is happening in his hospitals or in his department, so he is misinformed and lives on with that information then gets himself into all sorts of strife. He had to be forced to make a backflip, which he did a couple of weeks later, because staff clambered in their complaints to the media and forced the minister to withdraw. That is quite a significant matter. You will recall there was one stage when the minister was interviewed in the media - this was 10 November 2004, with Matt Conlan on 8HA, talking about how the whole issue of health is poorly managed. I quote from the radio interview:
- Toyne: How I yearn for opposition where simple solutions seem to prevail.
This is the minister who is not interested in his job; who cannot do it. He wants to get out of it. Well, there you go.
A few days ago, in the eulogy I delivered about my friend, Dr Wilfred Win Law, I talked about the system that needs to care - for its staff, its professionals; all the people who work in the system. The system has to show loyalty to the people from whom they want that loyalty returned. Until you do that, you are going to have a system that continues to be troubled. When we complain about Charles Butcher and David Hamilton being dumped - again, the hospital denies that. How the hospital can deny what it blatantly did is beyond me. Guess what? There was a statement made by Dr Hamilton in an e-mail that he sent around to everybody on 11 December 2004. where he said:
Dear Everyone,
Re my sudden departure from Alice Springs Hospital
I have had an interesting last few weeks living in Alice Springs and occasionally visiting the hospital. In reply to the question
‘Are you back?’, I have replied ‘No, I have been dumped’.
He was dumped, and dumped in such a way that did not allow him to even say farewell to the people that he knew in Alice Springs.
As for his colleague, Dr Charles Butcher, he was similarly treated and, because of the hue and cry that the Alice Springs community made on behalf of Dr Butcher, the hospital did a backflip and provided him with locum work for the rest of this year. Dr Butcher has done work all around the South Pacific and in Western Australia. He went to Kalgoorlie to work and was welcomed with open arms. They appreciated his skills, his dedication, and they welcomed him with open arms. Here we have a hospital, which screams for staff, throwing out the very capable and loyal people that we have.
It is as though, while you continue to do your systemic reform of the systems - you are saying that you are now reviewing this and that - Territorians are being deprived of health services. You might spend 50% more money than you did four years ago, yet Territorians are being deprived of services. It is like Nero playing his fiddle while Rome was burning. Minister, that is what is happening at the moment, and you need to really get your act together.
Alcoholism is rife and, as a result of that, we have street crime, domestic violence, and all sorts of issues associated with alcohol. Petrol sniffing is rife. If it is your health care and your community services working out there, then why are you getting all those things? Surely, if you are running such a good health system, why are these things happening? They are not happening in a small way. You say: ‘Oh, it is only a minor aberration’. It is increasingly troublesome for people living in our communities.
We talked about whether there should be services delivered into communities, and I was accused of saying, ‘we will not deliver any services to communities with less than 100 people’. Let me just quote the words that were said by the minister himself:
The reality is not that it is not possible to provide all specialist medical services within the Territory. Government, our
specialists, surgeons, doctors and nurses would dearly love to treat Territorians on Territory soil. But as everyone
knows, we still do not have the critical mass ...
The nurses do not trust the system. Why? Because they know that the minister is ill-informed and does not represent the system well enough. The bureaucrats run the system, and they do not particularly care whether the patients are being looked after. They are about consumers and services delivered to consumers or clients.
Ms CARNEY: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the member for Greatorex be granted an extension of time.
Motion agreed to.
Dr LIM: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. There is the ban on overtime. We are talking about issues about staffing again. The Alice Springs Hospital dispute: ‘Nurses say patients are in danger’. ‘Nurse shortage forces transfers’. This is only a recent thing from the NT News, 29 September 2005: ‘Alice Springs Hospital has been forced to transfer emergency care patients to other hospitals’. The nurses at the hospital had complained about a large workload and a shortage of staff. Minister, if you have such a great system you have been patting yourself on the back about, then why is the system failing so badly? Do not forget, the Alice Springs Hospital has not had a Director of Medical Services for – what - 18 months? No Director of Medical Services. The legality of running a hospital without a DMS - well, I do not know, I have not had any legal advice from the department to tell me whether it is right or wrong. However there is an issue of the doctors having no medical leader in the hospital, going to a general manager who has no medical training whatsoever, and the general manager making medical decisions, based on what? Not on her professional ability, that is for sure.
It is a tragic thing that Dr Jean Collie, who has worked for over 30 years and has become one of the country’s exemplary medical administrators, suddenly came to Alice Springs Hospital and found that she could not manage. Well, it cannot be her. It cannot be her when she has done so well in every other hospital that she has worked in. It has to be something to do with the system in the Northern Territory.
Doctors are now complaining. I have had so many complaints come into my office. I have had letters, faxes, personal representations about doctors who have been exploited by the system in the hospital, and no Director of Medical Services to go to, to complain. This article in The Centralian Advocate of 7 October says it all: ‘Missing medical role sparks row’ is the headline.
- Doctors at Alice Springs Hospital have hit out at the failure to hire a medical superintendent for the past 14 months.
- The Director of Medical Services position is a crucial liaison between doctors and management. And doctors say
‘dictatorial’ hospital management acting in the role continues to erode staff morale.
Their excuse was that, because the doctor was on workers compensation, they cannot appoint somebody else in her place. You could have at least had somebody in there in a local capacity, but that did not even happen. You might have brought a few specialists from Darwin every so often to try to fill in the role, and they came for a couple of weeks or even less than that at a time. In a chaotic mode, what can they do?
The doctor who has complained said that morale at the hospital had deteriorated over the past 14 months. The article continues:
- The doctor said: ‘Hospital management is running the hospital like a dictatorship and support for doctors is generally very,
very poor. Recruitment and retention is a joke and the tight-fisted approach of management and the lack of a Director
of Medical Services is having a demoralising effect on many doctors. Management is assuming roles that they are not
qualified for’.
It is a problem. How the heck the Alice Springs Hospital gets its accreditation beyond me. And of the minister and the man who wrote the speech for him - I assume that is the CEO; well, he has approved the speech for him - is the one who solicited a love letter from the Hospital Board in Alice Springs to bolster the minister’s flagging popularity in Alice Springs. What a disgrace! Then the board’s minutes were leaked. I know for a fact that none of the board members leaked the information - none of them did. What happened? The poor board copped it in the neck from the minister and the department for having leaked it. You appoint the board to help you out, and then you accuse the board of wrong doing.
One of the board members, the Dr Alex Hope, was interviewed on the ABC on 21 February this year talking about how badly doctors have been treated, especially the overseas trained doctors. The interview says this:
- Reporter: What are some of the complaints that you hear from doctors of the hospital?
- Dr Hope: I do know that an audit of the hours worked by doctors at the hospital was done last year and, according to
national standards, the practices at the hospital are unsafe.
He then went on to say:
Overseas trained doctors, many of them would probably be very willing to become long-term Territorians. But I know that
many of them feel that they are being used up, chewed up, and spat out by the system and feel very unsupported and
treated as cannon fodder.
The reporter then asked:
- So you’re saying that the overseas trained doctors are being treated as second-class citizens within the hospital arrangements?
- Dr Hope: I think there is evidence that a number of them are treated like that.
I personally have received many complaints:
- Reporter: You wrote a letter in the newspapers saying that the hospital has lost heart. Is there any way that you can get it back?
Here is a ray of hope from Dr Hope - excuse the pun:
- Yes, I believe there is. I think that the bean counters have taken over within the senior echelons of the Health Department.
There’s a lack of people with long-term experience in the Northern Territory and a deep understanding of local issues.
There is a huge issue with morale. Paul Dyer wrote a long article about morale, emergency, and hospital problems eating away at staff in the NT News on 28 April 2005.
As regards community services, well, you have all seen this annual report called the Community Visitor Program, Northern Territory 2004-05. The report is just absolutely scathing, absolutely scathing. No 1, Cowdy Ward is beginning to look like a prison with all the easy exits from the ward now locked - it is like a prison now and this is a psychiatric unit. The report says that there are concerns regarding how patients are being treated. There is no indication that clients and staff are counselled following a seclusion period for patients. This particular report on page 26 about voluntary admissions and informed consents is an indictment on the department. I will read it in full:
During the course of the interviews with staff the panel became concerned about an apparent blurring of the line
between the voluntary admission of consumers and the voluntary detaining of consumers ...
- This seems to arise in situations where consumers are advised by staff that if they refuse admission and treatment,
there may be grounds to detain them on an involuntarily basis and an order to that effect can be obtained from
the Mental Health Tribunal. The panel was informed that when confronted with the choice between signing an
informed consent form and submitting to treatment or facing a possible involuntarily treatment order, consumers
usually agreed to sign the consent.
The act states that a person gives informed consent ‘… when the person’s consent is freely and voluntarily given
without any inducement being offered’. (section 7(2)(a). The panel is of the view that where consent to treatment
is only given following an explanation to the consumer that they will be detained involuntarily if they do not agree
to treatment, the explanation amounts to an inducement and therefore the consent obtained is not ‘informed
consent’ within the meaning of the act. If a consumer cannot or does not give informed consent to treatment,
in order to continue treating that consumer, the requirements of the act with respect to involuntarily admissions
must be observed by the unit. Failure to do so offends both the act and National Standards for Mental Health
Services, Standard 1.1 which states that ‘staff of the MHS [are to] comply with relevant legislation … protecting
the rights of people affected by mental disorders and/or mental health problems’.
The panel is further of the view that it is not appropriate for staff to raise the possibility of involuntarily detention of a
consumer during the course of that consumer exercising their right to consent to or refuse treatment. Involuntarily
detention should only be raised after a consumer has refused treatment … in the context of informing the consumer
of the course of action determined by the unit.
judgment is clearly impaired and when they are not really able to give informed consent. The common practice
in such cases has been to use [voluntarily] admission, to be less intrusive and not raise the ‘threat’ of involuntarily
admission, but then if the consumer wants to leave to make them involuntarily. This practice has a number of
implications. One is that they were not really voluntarily to start with, as the intention from the beginning is that
should they decide to leave, then they would be made involuntarily. Such practice contravenes the requirements
of the act. The second is that as it does not give clear guidance to nursing staff as to the way these patients need
to be managed, at least in one case, this led to a patient that should have been detained to leave the ward and up
in ICU after self-harm.
Finally, Alice Springs after hours service with the mental health services is pretty poor and patients complain. I know parents have complained to me. Again in this report it is also stated quite clearly that they are huge issues about after hours services for mental health patients in Alice Springs.
Minister, you can give yourself a big pat on the back any time you like when you do it yourself, but when nobody else does it for you, that is a pretty poor show of how well you have managed your department.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on Building Healthy Communities brought to this House by the very compassionate Minister for Health. The Martin Labor government, in a relatively short period of time, has improved the health system for all Territorians by a large injection of funding to employ 100 extra nurses and 40 more doctors.
However, as we all know, health and wellbeing does not come solely from going to the doctor. Good health is the responsibility of everyone – the individual, the family, the community and government. This is the reason for Building Healthier Communities.
The $2.2m for child health, which I spoke about in the last sittings, is a worthy initiative aimed at preventing the chronic diseases that arises from ill health during the crucial early years. The Child Health initiative will also help improve the educational outcomes for all children. The Strengthening Families and Communities initiative from minister Lawrie’s department is about developing the capacity in families and communities, giving them the strength to make decisions that will improve the health and wellbeing of their families.
One of the most welcome health initiatives of this government has been the decentralisation of renal health. This takes people back to their country and family, thereby improving their wellbeing and that of their families. Renal patients are now able to access treatment at Kintore, Tennant Creek, and soon there will be a dialysis facility at Santa Teresa. However, there is much more to be done.
As a person who has seen many good things this government has done in remote Aboriginal communities with health, it is absolutely appalling to hear the opposition spokesperson condemn this government for taking four years to correct the mistakes of the CLP government - not just at the Alice Springs Hospital but in remote areas as well. All the opposition spokesperson can do in this Chamber is pick up newspaper articles and quote them to the Minister for Health, who actually goes out to remote Aboriginal communities and talks to the nurses and doctors. I visit Alice Springs Hospital on a regular basis and I certainly get a good report on the Minister for Health.
From the statements that have been presented in this House, you can see the vision that this government has; not just to look after certain Territorians, but all Territorians - even those Territorians who live in so-called villages in remote and rural Territory. The vision of the Clare Martin Labor government is to embrace the Territory with all its different nationalities. We are all classified as Territorians. Some of the statements and motions that have been presented to this House include Building Business and Industry, Indigenous Employment and Career Development, Telecommunications Investment, young Territorians and now, Building Healthier Communities. This has taken a holistic approach to all Territorians. This is making sure that economic development, housing infrastructure, telecommunication, health and education is embraced by all Territorians. We are about looking after the whole Territory, not certain sections of the Northern Territory.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, the member for Greatorex said many of the things that I was proposing to say when I looked through this statement last week. As members will recall, I was the shadow Health minister for some time, and it is appropriate that I contribute to this debate.
I accept because it is a ministerial statement that it is going to be a relatively good newsy one. I guess that is the nature of politics. I note that the minister, halfway through the statement, said: ‘Let me turn to the bad bits’. However, what he did not do was to be up-front about the bad bits. If the member for Macdonnell and others want to be critical of the opposition for referring to the ‘bad bits’, then so be it. However, like most things in life, there are invariably two sides to the story and it is important that we put the other side, because that is our job. When anyone - whether it is an official of government or anyone else in the community - starts to peddle a particular line where there are, reasonably, some other matters that should be raised that are of a contrary nature or paint a different picture, then it is appropriate that we, as elected members of parliament and the Territory’s opposition, have a bit to say on it.
The member for Greatorex gave in his contribution a bit of a history about the member for Stuart’s stewardship of his portfolio. I have said publicly before, and I will restate it: my view is that no human being can be the Attorney-General and Health Minister. Both have very significant portfolios, and to do both of them well, I just do not think is possible. There is an expectation - and he is showing me his muscles and I am glad he is in good humour because I am sure he is not going to like some of the things I am going to say. But you get that.
It does require something of a superhuman effort. Maybe that explains why there are what can be described as stuff-ups along the way. Any minister of the Crown knows that he or she needs to be reasonably hands-on in sensitive departments especially but, particularly, Health Departments. I am sure that takes up discussion over drinks at ministerial council meetings interstate.
Going through the minister’s statement - and I know this will not come as a surprise to him – the previous member for Port Darwin constantly had much to say when this government said: ‘We have created more nursing positions’. Yes, that is what the books show, but there are some questions that arise in relation to that claim. One is: where are they? Where are those positions? Nurses who work in hospitals, particularly RDH and Alice Springs Hospital, asked me when I was shadow Health minister where the ward nurses were; there are not enough people on the wards. It is really easy to say they have created all of these positions. There is a view - and I am sure the minister is aware of it - that there has been the creation of top-heavy positions in our hospitals. That is not, in and of itself, a bad thing, but it is not right to say: ‘We have created all of these positions and isn’t it wonderful’. Not when it comes to looking after the health of Territorians.
The other point, of course, is: have all of the positions been filled? Members will recall that that was an issue that the former member for Port Darwin constantly referred to. Have they been filled? It has always been very difficult for us to obtain answers to that question.
Regarding the Alice Springs Hospital, I thought the member for Greatorex dealt very well with the issues that have surfaced in the last 18 months, in particular, at the hospital. However, it continues to remain a mystery to the member for Greatorex and me, as Alice Springs residents, why it is that the vote of no confidence in senior management continues. I note the coincidence that, in the minister’s other department, Attorney-General, there is a vote of no confidence in senior management of Corrections and the Department of Justice. A week or so ago, he said: ‘It is not me, it is not me’. No, it is not you, but you are the boss, they are your departments. Perhaps, minister, it is about the appointment of your senior staff in these very important positions. The troops on the ground in two very important departments are saying: ‘Not happy, minister’. There has been the utmost of reluctance, surprisingly in my view, to deal with that.
Certainly, prior to the election, there was an expectation that something would be done regarding the senior management of the hospital. When I had nurses who rang me, who I had never met, coming in the front door and then slipping out the back after I said: ‘By the way, the minister’s office is across the road’, I noted their paranoia. They were telling me about the most horrendous stories involving senior management. I did have an expectation, and I think they did too, that perhaps the minister, who is generally regarded fairly favourably for his intentions - not so much for his competence, but for his intentions - might look at all of this and say: ‘It is not working, is it? The troops are not happy, I might do something’. Alas, that was not the case, which is why we will expect to see a relatively high turnover of staff. Government might say you get that in the Territory but, when you get senior staff in a place like Alice Springs, some of whom have been working there for 15 or 20 years – when they start coming to me saying that they are not happy - then I would have thought that the minister, his staff and other departmental officials might be very concerned about that.
The minister made reference in his statement to the waiting list and so on. It was appalling in Alice Springs that there has been a waiting list of 1600. I gather that that has come down a little. However, in a small place like Alice Springs to have even - let us say 1400 - people waiting for elective surgery, when one considers the budget, which I believe is up to about $668m, I am not sure that Territorians, and Central Australians in particular, are getting what they would consider is bang for their buck. We know that elective surgery operated sporadically, and that was a cause of great concern. I believe it is important for the people of Alice Springs to have confidence in their health system.
During the term of the last Assembly, when we raised various issues in relation to health, many government ministers and the Health Minister would say: ‘Stop talking down Alice Springs, stop talking down the hospital’. Our response was: ‘Stop running it down’. If you have all this money compliments of the GST then, perhaps, you should consider reallocating some money. Perhaps you should consider also dealing with your senior management. Elective surgery and waiting lists are still a problem.
The red card, of course, I will hold up now. ‘I see red’. This card was sent out by nurses some time prior to the last election. It says: ‘I am worried about my safety and the safety of my patients because I care’. It was inviting the residents of Alice Springs to send it - it was addressed to the Minister for Health, Hon Peter Toyne, etcetera - and it supported the nurses campaign.
It does not matter what sort of job anyone does, when a union or representative body decides to contemplate industrial action regardless of its nature, then I am of the view there may be something in it. Certainly, talking to the nurses, there was. I am not sure I have seen anything like this under the CLP. I stand to be corrected. However, in my time in Alice Springs I have never seen anything like that. That tells me it is not just the opposition saying there are some problems. It is not just one or two people saying there are some problems, Doc, but there are many people who are terribly concerned; people who have invested a lot of time, commitment and emotion over many years to something they believe in and love very much, which is the Alice Springs Hospital. That was not a good chapter and I am not sure matters have been properly resolved.
In relation to the Royal Darwin Hospital, I remind the minister - although I am sure he is mindful of it - of the letter which was written to, I think, the Chief Minister and copied to the minister and me, from a nurse at the Royal Darwin Hospital. I obtained a copy of it somehow. The letter was extremely worrying and she wrote it to highlight what she described as her ‘extreme concerns’ about the emergency department at Royal Darwin Hospital. She wrote:
What is really needed is an urgent increase in funding for the entire hospital and that increasing bed numbers needs
to occur now.
She went on to say:
Nurses are concerned that an unavoidable death …
Her words not mine:
… would occur unless action was taken.
That is about as serious as you can get, I would have thought, in a hospital anywhere in the Northern Territory or this country. When you have the people working in it expressing levels of concern that are of such a serious nature - and these people know they are public service and it is a big call when they write a letter to the minister - then they are motivated by their commitment and concern to write a letter like that. It is just extraordinary.
At about the same time, there was some controversy over the number of beds in Royal Darwin Hospital. The minister had said publicly that there were 345 beds at RDH; however, the nurses were so utterly doubtful and sceptical about that, that they did their own bed count and came up with 267. Subsequent to that, the minister and/or his department came out and said words to the effect of - and I stress this: ‘Well, if you count the bed out the back and the bed in the cupboard, then you will scratch towards 345’. The nurses knew much better than I, and certainly much better than the Minister for Health, which was a worry. They knew how many beds were at the hospital. Also, even if the minister says, in fact, they did not know how many beds were at the hospital, it speaks volumes that the nurses at Royal Darwin were so irritated by the public utterances of the minister and his copious media releases that they took it upon themselves to do a bed count. I am not sure I have heard of that anywhere else, so it is pretty extraordinary.
I notice from perusing the information I have with me in relation to health that the budget is up to $686m. We know that the health budget, notwithstanding this inflow of revenue, has continued to blow out. Year after year, I recall, it goes out and, of course, many people including me recall that the Chief Minister early on said that if a CEO did not control their budget they would be asked to go somewhere else - or words to that effect. In any case, the CEO, Mr Robert Griew, continues to preside over an ever blowing-out budget. The Health Minister, understandably because it is the game of politics we are in, in his media releases and when he talks to media organisations says: ‘We have all this money and isn’t it wonderful’. Surely, even the Minister for Health would start to get concerned when there is not only all of this money, but it also blows out, and the people working in the sector are not happy.
I do not know how much more information a Minister for Health could possibly want. It is concerning that, with the budget there is now up to $686m which will now blow out in the next financial year, we still have enormous waiting lists, sporadic elective surgery, and unhappy troops. This is not a good situation, minister.
There are a couple of points I want to make in relation to the health of Territorians. The minister will recall in the 2005-06 budget that there was a cut to the Community Health Services area. That budget had been cut by nearly $6m. The outcome of those services - that is Community Health Services - according to Budget Paper No 3 at page 125, is that the burden of ill-health in the community and the need for hospitalisation are reduced. In other words, that is the outcome when you are looking at the budget papers. We all know that there is an outcome next to the numbers; what is the outcome? The government, quite rightly, wants to reduce the burden of ill-health in our community.
We argued at the time that, when you cut funding to Community Health Services by about $6m, then do you admit that you failed to reduce the burden of ill-health and the need for hospitalisation for Territorians? What is the reason for a reduction in health? I referred the minister in my budget reply to the WEIS - that is, the measure for admitted patients in our hospitals. In 2004-05, it was estimated that 43 600 Territorians would be in our hospitals. The estimate for 2005-06 is that it will rise to 44 750. I said at the time, and I say it again, that that is not the measure of a government that is succeeding in preventative health programs. If the outcome is: ‘Let us reduce the burden of ill-health in the community and, therefore, the need for hospitalisation’, we also have in the government’s own books, the budget papers, information by an international or universally accepted measure that the number of patients will go up. This also brings me to something contained on page 21 of my copy of the minister’s statement. It is typical of this government to put the spin on some things that sometimes you really do get very close to falling off your chair. In the minister’s statement he said that this government is putting in:
… significant funding into caring for Territorians.
In 2003-04, the NT had:
the highest public hospital recurrent expenditure per person in Australia ...
They gloat:
- … we spent $1223 per person, more than double the Australian average of $552 and an increase of
58% from 1998-99.
the highest number of hospital beds per capita in Australia; 3.8 beds per 1000-weighted population,
compared to the national average of 2.47 …
- ... 628 presentations per 1000-weighted population, more than three times the national average ...
per 1000-weighted population compared to the national average of 26.
There is so little time, yet so much to say. However, in relation to federal funding which, of course, was notably absent from the minister’s statement, let us have a look at what has been spent. The total program expenditure of the Australian government’s Department Health and Ageing in the Northern Territory for 2004-05 was $319m. Therefore, this nonsense we have heard in and out of parliament in the last week or so that the feds are next to useless is wrong. Of this expenditure, $74m was paid for the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) and $98m through the health care agreement - significant amounts of money.
The department also provided $44m for indigenous health, $41m for targeted health programs for all Territorians, and $40m for aged and community care. I have pages of government figures; there is a lot here. Government said: ‘Look at all this money we have’ and forgets to say: ‘Thanks, John Howard and Peter Costello; this GST is wonderful’. I note with interest it is projected that, in 2005-06 you are going to get $1.83bn. By God! All citizens of the Northern Territory who are thinking about going into a hospital, as well as those people who are working in the hospitals, will want to see some better results when it comes to what will, invariably, be the massive increase in the health budget in the next financial year. That is not even counting all of the money that the federal government pours in. Something is wrong somewhere when, with all of that money, we still have quite poor and very ill population in the Northern Territory.
With about 50 seconds left, I should make a reference to the oncology specialist who has left Darwin. I may say something on that later tonight in an adjournment. However, I ask that the minister do his best to do whatever he can - in fact, leave no stone unturned - in getting an oncologist. He will be aware, no doubt, that the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, not to mention NT Breast Cancer Voice, have written or liaised with him or his staff, urging him in the strongest possible terms to get on with the job.
Minister, I appreciate the statement. It was long and contained some detail for which I was grateful. However, it is not all as good as you would have us believe. It is appropriate that I put the contrary side of the story on the Parliamentary Record.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, today I offer my support to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Family and Community Services in their report on progress in Building Healthier Communities.
To build a better future, Territorians need to be able to have access to health care, including mental health care, housing, education, sport, justice support, and generally feel safe within their community and with their ability to shape and guide their future. As my colleague, the Minister for Health has mentioned, the Building Healthier Communities: A Framework for Health and Community Services 2004 to 2009, identified 10 key themes, one of which is filling service gaps.
Mental health is identified here as requiring particular attention, having been neglected in the past; also where new needs and models of service delivery are emerging. An estimated one in five Australians will suffer from a mental health problem in their lives. Of these, only 30% seek assistance. Although mental health disorders account for approximately 1% of deaths, they account for an estimated 11% of disease burden worldwide. Of the 10 leading causes of disability in 1990, measured in years of life with a disability, five of them were psychiatric conditions.
These are sobering statistics that this government takes seriously. With this in mind, we have doubled the mental health budget: 2001-02, $13.5; and 2005-06, $28.8m. Just as importantly, we are increasing the proportion of our funding that goes to non-government sector. Two years ago, 5% of our budget went to non-government organisations. This year, it will be around 10% and will increase again next year.
The CLP government could see no votes in mental health and was happy to ‘lock ’em up and leave ’em’. I challenge this thinking on the previous statistics. Tragically, an estimated 900 people per electorate could suffer a mental illness at some stage of their lives. This government has grappled with these serious issues and is working in consultation with service providers and consumers to build mental health in our communities.
As many of you are aware, last week was Mental Health Week, and was not a bad time for each of us to reflect on our own mental health and, perhaps, the mental health of those near and dear to us. Australia has 3.8 million people aged between five and 18 years old. In the Northern Territory, 22% of the population is aged between 12 and 25 years.
The Kids Help Line web site have posted some very interesting and saddening figures regarding the state of mind of many young members of our community. Kids Help Line answered 447 367 calls in 2004. Of the callers to Kids Help Line, callers who were contemplating suicide and/or have previously attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts with general or specific plans: ages five to nine, in male callers it was 0.2%, female 0.3%; and ages 10 to 14, 3.8% male, 22.8% female callers. Startling statistics in the age area of 15 to 18-year-olds, 12.1% of males and 60.6% of female callers to Kids Help Line were contemplating suicide or having suicidal thoughts. The majority of those who telephoned Kids Help Line about suicide - 73% - were aged between 15 and 18 years, and 53% of calls were from rural and remote areas.
This made me think. If 53% of callers were from the rural or remote areas, does this mean that, with the sale of Telstra imminent due to the federal government, and particularly the deciding vote held by the Territory Senator, Nigel Scullion, that it could jeopardise these children from rural and remote areas getting the help and assistance that they so desperately need. Will 1800 numbers be too expensive for charity and community organisations to maintain? Will a child have to hang up early in order to find more money to call again on a timed local call? The sale of Telstra certainly has an impact on our Territory community, and I ask you to think how far the wave of repercussions could go.
One member of my own family struggles with a mental illness – a young person who once was leading a fruitful and happy life, full of prospects and future hopes and dreams. This person was struck down with mental illness. This young Territorian is intelligent, has been educated, and was once an accomplished sportsperson. He is kind, compassionate, has had ambitions and plans for the future, has family support and was brought up in a traditional family structure. Now even basic daily functions and events are a significant challenge. His hope for a family and normal life seems a long way away. He is also someone’s grandson, son, brother, uncle or friend. He could be yours. Mental illness does not discriminate. Let us keep this young Territorian in mind, thinking that this could be one of our own family.
Mental Health Week is a fantastic opportunity for government to work together with non-government mental health organisations to address an important issue in our community. The Northern Territory’s theme for Mental Health Week 2005 was ‘Physical and Mental Health Across the Lifespan’, which was also the theme for World Mental Health Day on 10 October. It recognises the interdependence of physical and mental health, and that there is no health without mental health. The Northern Territory Mental Health Coalition is funded to coordinate Mental Health Week and, in line with this year’s theme, organised activities including a fun walk and/or run held on 9 October in both Darwin and Alice Springs, and a Family Fun Day held on Friday, 14 October at Lake Alexander.
I would particularly like to note the work of Marilyn Starr from the NT Mental Health Coalition and Sarah Galton from the Department of Health and Community Services in organising Mental Health Week. Judy Clisby, Manager of Community Visitors Program, and Pat King from the Red Shield Hostel have also done the hard yards in organising this week. A sub-theme for Mental Health Week is ‘With Arts in Mind’, recognising the role of art in promoting positive mental health. In line with this sub-theme, Greg Wilson, who is an Australian artist who also suffers from depression, is visiting the Northern Territory. You may have seen a photo of Greg and his art work in the NT News the other day. Greg will be talking to secondary schools and open forums in Darwin and Alice Springs about his experiences of depression and overcoming his illness. Greg also helped judge the Mental Health Week art competition. The winners of the competition were announced in the Mental Health Week launch on Monday, 10 October, with all entries on display at Casuarina Shopping Centre throughout the week.
In a broader sense, Mental Health Week is also about promoting mental health literacy in the community and encouraging us all to consider how we look after our own mental health and that of others. Increasing community awareness is a key factor in promoting mental health. If we can educate the community to be aware of the risk, protective factors and warning signs for mental illness and mental health problems, we are in a better position to either prevent the problems from arising in the first place or intervening early enough to enable timely, effective and appropriate treatment. To this end, last week there were displays in Casuarina Shopping Centre Eatery and, last Wednesday, the Yeperenye Shopping Centre. With various mental health promotion and educational materials, these stalls were being tended by various non-government mental health organisations which were there to provide information on a range of mental health services available and to distribute information aimed at increasing mental health literacy and reducing stigma.
I have already mentioned some of the quite achievers in mental health. There are just a few more who should be acknowledged. Dawn Brown is the coordinator of Top End Mental Health Consumer Organisation. Dawn works in a voluntary capacity and has done so for many years. Patti Farley was with ARAFMI and has just moved to Canberra - a great loss to the Territory. Two long-time GROW workers, Michelle Masters and Julie James, are also recognised throughout the mental health field as having made significant contributions. Claudia Manu Preston in Central Australia is leading a talented and dedicated team at MHACA. All the people I have mentioned today are constantly willing to rethink their practice and adopt new ways of thinking.
Breast cancer is not an individual’s disease; it is a disease that affects the entire community. Every year in Australia, over 50 000 are diagnosed with breast cancer, and around 13 000 of these people every year will lose their lives. This is too many. As this is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, we should reflect on these sad statistics and remember that this disease is certainly an issue for all Territorians, both from a health and family prospective.
What I have tried to do today is focus on only two particular areas of Building Healthier Communities, that of mental health and breast cancer. As I went along gathering information for this speech, I discovered that I was actually including other things from Building Healthier Communities, the main one being that of working together with the non-government sector. This government has made a concerted and genuine effort to work more closely with those organisations, small and large, which we rely on to deliver many of the services funded by the NT government. This demonstrates our commitment to a more inclusive approach to solving problems together.
Madam Speaker, I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, Health must be the hardest portfolio that any minister could have. Having Attorney-General and Health is even a bigger burden for the minister. No matter how much you pour into Health, it is like a bottomless pit; there is always more to be done. I know the minister has really tried in this particular statement to set his priorities, and I commend him for many of the initiatives he has shown in this particular statement. It is a hard job; there is no doubt about it. It is certainly not the sort of portfolio that I would ever wish to have.
Saying that, minister, there are a few things that I wish to raise that concern me. Probably the two things that are most important in Health are leadership and morale. If you have good leadership and good staff morale, you are on the way to having success. That has been the continual problem that has been highlighted for the Health Department, not just by the opposition, but in many places throughout the Territory. We mentioned the Director of Health Medical Services for which an appointment has not been made for some time. We have some excellent specialists in Alice Springs Hospital at the moment; there is no doubt about it. We need to give them great support and to give them those people who have had hospital experience, who can guide them, and give them the support that they need. We would not like to lose any of them.
I am hoping the minister continues the push of some of the initiatives that he introduced, particularly his renal services in the bush which have been a great success. I am really hoping that he continues that push because it has considerably helped people in those remote communities being able to stay with their families instead of coming into the centres all the time.
Minister, you put out a tender for a radiation oncology service. Tenders closed on Wednesday, 3 August 2005. Perhaps you could give us an update on that particular tender. It said in the documentation that, in 2001, there were 448 new cases of cancer in the Territory. That is on the increase every year and, obviously, you need that bulk to have an effective, viable, radiation unit in Darwin.
I remind the minister - and I know he has been approached many times by people in Alice Springs - that we would still like to have the flexibility, even if you have this unit in Darwin, to be able to choose to go to either Adelaide or Darwin. The concern is that the PATS travel that people in Alice Springs enjoy at the moment may then become only to Darwin for treatment, whereas we have to admit that the service we get in Adelaide with the back-up support with counsellors and family support, has really been a great bonus to people in Alice Springs who have gone to Adelaide for treatment. I ask the minister if he could give us some reassurance that that will not happen, and they will still have the flexibility of using the interstate services and, also, an update on where this tender is exactly.
I imagine, because you are losing the wonderful oncologist you have in Darwin at the moment, that until you have a unit fully equipped, it is going to be very hard to attract people of that calibre to come to the Territory. We have been very fortunate in the Territory that we did have this particular oncologist who is leaving. If we can get this unit quickly set up, perhaps it may help in the process of trying to find someone to replace him because it is, for us all, a very important service that we want to be able to continue.
On another matter, minister, the Accident and Emergency Department of Alice Springs is busy - you have been there. You know how busy it is and how you need to increase it. I sometimes wonder if there is any way we can relieve the pressure on that through utilising Congress more - I am not sure of their services there - rather than them continually sending them to the hospital. We do not have a doctor who bulk bills in Alice Springs. Is there some way we can get someone who will do bulk billing through a private clinic? There used to be one in the office next to me for many years and people still come looking for him, as there are many people who cannot afford the additional $40 or whatever the gap is to go to a private doctor. Instead, they have to go to the outpatients at the hospital. Quite often, waiting there is a very distressing, disturbing experience, as they often do have to wait for many hours. Minister, if you can think of any way of enticing or attracting a doctor to bulk bill in Alice Springs, perhaps by some subsidy or something, that would also help to relieve the pressure on the Accident and Emergency Centre.
I notice the member for Greatorex read out about the person waiting there for a bed. They have expanded their beds into the day surgery area so one half of the day surgery now is filled with the overflow patients from Accident and Emergency. What worries me a little is also the area that is used for the chemotherapy. It is being intruded upon as it gets built up with more and more people from Accident and Emergency. We really need to make sure that it is quarantined and is a comfortable and pleasant place for patients to be treated. You can see what is happening: the overflow has come from A&E and it is intruding on other services.
I raised with the Chief Minister, if you recall, the question of senior positions in Alice Springs moving out, and not keeping those senior positions. I wrote to her concerning the Community Health Service. It is a concern to me that this particular Community Health Service - and this has happened right across the Territory; the member for Blain may be aware there has been a review. We have been fortunate in Alice Springs that Community Health Services runs so very well under pretty dedicated staff. It has been accredited three or four times under these particular people. Now, those two senior positions in Alice Springs have been removed from the management of the Community Health Service. The clinical nurse managers and their teams now have to report direct to Darwin. You have a Nurse 4 - I think that is the level is - who has a team under her, who not only has to keep up her own clinical role and organise her team as well, but also report to Darwin. That is an undermining of an excellence service we have had in Alice Springs. It is an undermining of the work that they have done in the past where they have achieved accreditation. It is an undermining of their confidence that the community has had in the Community Health Service. I believe it is held in high regard, and those teams who specialised in the different area - be it child health or whatever - have done a fantastic job in the past.
Minister, you might like to comment on what could be a possible erosion of the service that has been so successful in Alice Springs for a long time. The fact that it has continually kept up its accreditation probably is a reflection of the good work that they have done. Rather than say: ‘We are going to review all these services across the Territory. We are going to take away all the managers from Community Health Services, and they all have to answer to this person in Darwin’ who, obviously, will have to have to be available when the questions are asked of her. However, I believe that we need a frontline manager in Alice Springs and these clinical nurse managers should not always have to go to Darwin to report and to get advice. It has caused concern over the Community Health Service. That is why I talked about leadership morale. If you take care of those two areas, then you will not have problems such as you have.
It is also happening a little in other areas of the departments where, because decisions are now being made in Darwin and the managers are in Darwin, there is a huge amount of public service travel to Darwin every week by those in Alice Springs. It is happening in Education, Health and other departments. It would be an interesting little audit exercise by our Auditor-General if he could look at the huge amount of travel that is occurring from departments. I believe much of it is unnecessary and, in fact, we could do away with a lot of that by just purely having decision-making people at the right places in the right jobs. I ask the minister to comment on that Community Health Service, because you understand what a great job they have done for a long time. I certainly appreciate all they have done.
I agree with you that Alice Springs is a very busy place; it is a centre for many of the communities in the Centre. There is an increased demand on services and we have to start, instead of just trying to patch them up, to try to provide services for them. We really need to ask ourselves why we are having this great increase; this great need for our health services. It is not because our population has increased significantly. We know that. We have moved at a very slow pace. However, the demand on the health service is quite huge, and it is not just something that has happened in the Territory; it is Australia-wide. Although we need a strong health system to cope with this, we need to address the problems of why there is such a strong demand. I guess some of your programs, such as the Strong Mothers Strong Babies program, are there to assist that. However, I always think we need to put a little more emphasis on preventative measures rather than patching up once it is all done. I guess your Building Healthier Communities is hoping to do that. I hope it is just not rhetoric, but I really think we need to look a bit more carefully at that.
I find, in many cases, that some of our residents go to the hospitals too late; they report too late or when the damage is done and it is much harder to retrieve the situation or to find a quick cure for them. Again, I come back to the fact that I really believe there is a lot to be said for education within our schools, within our communities generally, of warning or encouraging people to go to get assistance earlier rather than wait until the damage is done. Unfortunately, we see that over and over again. Therefore, let us ask what we can do to take the pressure off the health services. What is it that we need to be doing that we have a healthier population? Why do we have this great demand on services? Why do we have what seems to be a pretty unhealthy population at the moment? If there are things that we can, in fact, do to make this a better situation for all of us, then we should be doing them.
There are some queries that I have. One is about the breast care nurse position in Alice Springs which has not been filled yet. I appreciate the fact that you have been supportive of the Bosom Buddies, as we know them in Alice, with lymphoedema and everything like that. There is a workshop on Monday, which is great, and we really appreciate what you have done. However, you also said that you were going to look at the provision of bereavement counselling and the enhancement of palliative care. Where are we at with this strategy of providing that bereavement counselling? I do not believe it has gone very far as yet, but it was something that you said that you had looked at. It is something that the people in Alice Springs would really appreciate. Perhaps you could inform me whether the federal government is still providing funding for the breast care nurse? I think you picked up the tab for it when they did not, and that is great. If you can assist in any way to ensure that position is filled again, particularly as we are in Breast Cancer Month. Perhaps you can give us some advice on the ways that position could be filled, because it is certainly a vital part of our treatment. It is sad that cancer seems to be on the up and up in the Northern Territory, and not just in the non-indigenous population. More and more cases are coming forward that are in the indigenous population and we are not quite sure just how far it will go in the future.
Minister, all in all, you have a difficult task. I do not envy you. I believe you are a very sincere person. I believe you are one of those ministers who tries really hard at your portfolio, regardless of the amount of times you seem to get yourself in trouble ...
Mr Stirling: Another love letter, Richard, another love letter!
Mrs BRAHAM: Yes, yes. To be honest, of all the ministers around, you are probably the best person to do this job because you do have a sensitivity towards people, and I appreciate that. You also seem to be willing to listen and to talk with some of the groups I know who approach you in Alice Springs which is great.
Madam Speaker, I support the minister’s statement but I would appreciate hearing some more feedback from him.
Dr TOYNE (Health): Madam Speaker, I say at the outset that I would like to take a different approach to the reply to the debate. First of all, I will take the conventional route of thanking all members for their contribution to the debate, probably some more than others, and for their constructive comments. I would single out our members and the member for Braitling particularly in that they have entered into the spirit of the statement.
What I would like to do is to get the Hansards and give you a written response to the specific issues that have been raised. There are too many of them to deal with in 20 minutes. There are things that I want to say about the Health discourse that we have tried to embody in this statement.
This statement, despite the comments of the Leader of the Opposition, is not a boasting statement. It certainly calls attention to some of our achievements in the first term of government in building up the scope and levels of health service delivery. However, equally, it calls attention to the as yet unmet challenges that exist within our health system. It is not a statement that is saying ‘rah rah, the government is wonderful and everything that we are doing is perfect’. In fact, it is a statement that says that our community and our health community have major challenges ahead of them, and that there are pressures within our health system that we have to collectively think our way through. I would like to recap some of those major dynamics.
To the degree that I want to emphasise our achievements to date, I want to do it in the spirit that the statement presents them; that is, that we have gained some ground. There is no question when I go round to many delivery sites in our health system, week by week, day by day, that you will see health professionals at those sites who are often under pressure. Often, they are down in spirit a bit because of the hard challenges they have had to meet. There is no question that you will see that, and that spills over both in patients who have found the services less than perfect and in health professionals who will go out and say things should be better in their area of the health system.
That does not mean there is no progress being made, that we do not have a good health service, or that it is the end of the world and that we have a crisis here or there. It means that Health is a hard business. That is what we have said very much in the statement; that there are challenges out there, day by day, that are increasing in volume and demand, that our health professionals have to meet. That is why I, for one, am absolutely lost in admiration most of the time that I go around and see the sort of work they are doing. I think they do a great job. That is not to say that there are not major things that we still have to look at to improve the support that we give them. We will deal with those challenges. However, to go around, as the opposition have presented this gloom and doom and nothing that we are doing is right, is simply not borne out when you go around the health community and ask: ‘How are things going?’ You will hear: ‘This has to be fixed’, or ‘that has to be dealt with’, but you will also hear almost every one of them say: ‘It is better now than it was a couple of years ago, or three years ago or four years ago’. Almost to a person, they will acknowledge that we have had some progress made.
The member for Greatorex asked: ‘Where did all the money go?’. ICU high dependency in Alice Springs has expanded; ICU HD in the Royal Darwin expanded; outposted renal services; there are something like 30 additional health professionals in the child maternal health initiatives area; the hospice in Darwin; the additional nursing positions - not all filled, but I am more than happy to say at any given time we are still recruiting into positions and that will be ongoing because that is the nature of nursing employment, at least in the Territory and probably in most places; school dental programs have now been renovated and put back fully together; fully-staffed dental programs through the Territory - the first time in many years that we have had 14 dentists that we recruited; increased hospital beds in both major hospitals with more promised for the next term; HealthDirect which has been referred to; expanded child protection services; expanded mental health services; additional senior clinical positions throughout our acute care sector; and expanded primary health care services out bush. That is undeniable - that is where the money has gone. We have put that into the system, and those areas of health delivery have been enhanced by additional money.
That is all the bragging I am going to do in my response. I want to talk about the actual challenges that we can all address together. In producing a statement, I tried to strike a balance between some of the ground we have gained and all these new or continuing areas where we have big challenges to meet, both as a government as a health profession, a health system, and in the wider community. Much of the advancement, particularly preventative primary health care, is going to require a big buy in from the Territory community as a whole. We cannot do it in an imposed way; it has to be a partnership to make gains in preventative and primary health care.
The demand is increasing. Let us look at the basic dynamics that we are facing. Demand is increasing, there is no question that there is more work coming into the front door of our hospitals, particularly into A&E departments over time. Nationally it is 7%; however, I would say from what I remember from the figures that Alice Springs hospital has about a 10% increase over – what period, about two years? Yes, 10% in two years. Darwin is slightly lower. However, there is no question that our hospitals, day by day, are getting busier and busier.
The Leader of the Opposition said: ‘Oh yes, that means that the programs are not working’. In fact, paradoxically, we believe that the more resources we are putting out into preventative primary health care, the more sickness we are discovering. That is a very predictable effect of extending the health services out into the community; you are going to pick up more illnesses that will be referred to our hospitals as additional load coming into the acute care and other hospital services. That is the dynamic we are facing. We are facing an increasing demand which is relentless; it goes on year by year. We know we are going to have to deal with greater volumes of cases in the tens of thousands that are already going through our system. That then creates some difficult choices that we have to make to balance the effort that we then put into acute care and higher level tertiary care that you have to have in the system to look after what are, often, very seriously sick or injured people.
With the importance the member for Braitling quite rightly pointed out of preventative primary health care, we have to not only deal with the reservoir of sickness and injury, but we have to start working towards generational change if we are going to head off unsustainable levels of demand coming into our health system. The graphs we are looking at, if you extrapolate the escalation of demand, even in one area such as renal or chronic disease in general, we are getting into territory where we wonder where we are going to get all the money for that care out of the Territory budget as a whole, compared to the other priorities that the government quite rightly has to service in the community. Those are real pressures, both in the executive that steers the entire health system in the Territory under Robert Griew, and the very real pressures at each of our delivery points where we have to make judgments about best use of resources and the best program elements that should be there.
We are looking at our remote clinics to see what guaranteed level of core service delivery we can put in place, so that everyone understands what a remote clinic will do and will not do. We are looking at the role definitions of our hospitals - what Tennant Creek Hospital should do compared to Alice Springs, compared to Darwin. We are looking at what the most cost effective areas of care are that we can contain within our health system now with respect to the option of using other larger jurisdictions around us. They are all very difficult choices, because you never forget in this portfolio that you are dealing with people - sick people, injured people, families who are obviously going to be extremely concerned about the family member who is sick or injured. It is not just a case of numbers or statistics; it is about people in a very extreme situation in their lives and their families.
When you take that as a body of work, I can certainly say I agree with the member for Braitling that it is a very difficult portfolio. However, I want to reassure members that I am very touched by all the concern that has been expressed in the debate. However, I am still here and I am still working, so do not worry about it. We just have to find a way through these issues.
How do you make sense out of all that, because there are so many conflicting or competing demands on me as minister, as the face of the health system, and on our health professionals, site by site? How can you organise all that into a system that is rationally based and prioritised so that everyone understands what it is going to do for the community? That is where Building Healthier Communities is so important as a process because, as we pointed out in the statement, it provides a framework to make difficult choices. It puts forward priorities that can be at least defended on the logic and sensibleness of the priorities that are set and the ways in which each of these priorities are going to be progressed.
That is not perfect, because there are going to be groups and individuals in the community who will say: ‘What about me? I am not in there’. They are very difficult choices and that is the nature of the work. What we have tried to do sincerely, with the body of our health professionals fully involved in the process, is to say: where are the best buys in health? Where are we going to make the most progress by putting activities into our health system? How are we going to build towards a generation that is not going to be as sick or as dysfunctional as some areas of our community are at the current time? How can we get the health agenda on an upward trajectory in terms of health rather than ill health? That is a monstrous task. What gives me optimism about it is that we have had such a strong commitment made by health professionals to the process of Building Healthier Communities. It is not just a booklet; it is about applying those priorities, area by area within out health system, to make choices about the types of health programs and how they are going to be progressed. If we can hold the line on being consistent about those priorities, using evidence to make our choices within the health system, we will move forward. We are moving forward because there is a base that gives us traction to move ahead. Otherwise, you are ending up with a merry-go-round of competing, and often demands that are not necessarily the most sensible for a health system to get involved in. That is what this statement is all about.
I welcomed the contributions of members who said: ‘Yes, it is hard and here are some ideas I have on the debate on health’. That is how we are all going to move forward. That is where we will get, eventually, if we keep persisting in this House - beyond the point of holding up newspaper headlines or picking out a case at random out of the experiences people are having in the health system. They are important; I am not downgrading that type of source of information about how our system is working because, often, an individual experience of a patient or of a health professional is very indicative of what is going on in the health system. I am always very attentive when I hear those sorts of examples. However, they do not necessarily represent the broad state of the different areas of our health system and, in many cases, can dishonour the work of a lot of very dedicated people and the trust which our community have in our delivery sites. I certainly point to the Alice Springs Hospital as being a particular target of that type of commentary which can be motivated in the wrong way.
What I welcome, certainly from members of this House and our own health professionals, is constructive criticism and the detail of how our system is working area by area. That is the ultimate intent of the statement we brought forward to this sittings. I continue to invite members of this House to give us information by any means; whether through letters or comments in the House. I am not in any way closed to criticism or information about what is going on in the health system. I am responsible for it and I want to know about it. All I am asking is that you understand that there are priorities we are trying to follow, and priorities that we cannot follow with all the best will in the world. In a small jurisdiction, there are areas of care which we cannot afford or do not have the economies of scale in the Northern Territory system. That is the reality that we are working to, and is a reality I want members to consider when they are talking about the choices that we might make in the Northern Territory health system.
I close by saying, again, just how much I appreciate the work of people working in our health system. They are an amazing bunch of people. I went to the Royal Darwin Hospital last week to thank the staff who looked after the Bali bombing victims. I am not trying to get reflected kudos off it, all I am saying is that it was an incredibly emotive experience for me to see the quality of their response to that quite dire situation. Health is a great profession. When you see remote nurses plugging away at health delivery in the remote communities, often under quite difficult circumstances, there are no easy answers to some of the work that RNs have to do, or Aboriginal Health Workers; they are very complex jobs.
Madam Speaker, while everyone has commented on how difficult this job might be, I am very proud and honoured to be in this job representing the people in our health system. They are a fantastic bunch of people.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Madam Speaker, I was delighted to hear of the recent international accolades awarded to Voyages and, in particular, their Longitude 131 venture. Voyages provide unique, experience-based holidays in spectacular wilderness locations around Australia, including the Red Centre, Top End, Queensland and Tasmania. Their award winning properties include Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge, Odyssey Tours and Safaris, Cradle Mountain Lodge, Ayers Rock Resort, and Longitude 131 .
Last month, Voyages’ Longitude 131 was voted Best Overseas Leisure Hotel, Australia and South Pacific, at an awards ceremony in London. The award was judged by over 20 000 readers of Conde Nast Traveller Magazine of the UK, one of the world’s most influential travel publications. The readers completed a questionnaire encompassing all aspects of travel, and an average mark was calculated to determine an overall satisfaction percentage, identifying the very best in travel and tourism across a range of categories. Voyages’ CEO, Grant Hunt, said:
- This award recognises the esteem in which Longitude 131 is held the world over. It also caps off Longitude’s regeneration
after the wildfire which devastated the property in late 2003.
Voyages’ Regional General Manager NT and Western Australia, Mark Lind, and Longitude 131 General Manager, Michael Ruff, proudly accepted the award at the gala ceremony. It is great to see a Territory tourism operation taking the world stage. I congratulate Voyages on such an outstanding achievement. This international award is a wonderful endorsement of the contribution of Voyages to the Territory’s vibrant tourism industry.
Staying with the area of tourism, we are certainly fortunate to have such a fine variety of accommodation choices available to our visitors to the Territory. One such business is the Quest serviced apartments here in Darwin. Quest has over 77 properties in Australia plus 17 in New Zealand and one in Fiji. They are Australasia’s largest serviced apartments group. Quest Darwin in Cavenagh Street opened just 16 months ago. Operated by Andrew and Janet Greenham and Tricia and Richard Hartshorn, Quest Darwin has 59 apartments, 33 studio rooms, conference facilities and a dedicated staff of 20.
Since opening, Quest Darwin has experienced continued success. Recently, they also received national recognition when they were awarded the Quest Serviced Apartments Franchise of the Year Award. Winning an award such as the Franchise of the Year highlights the great work and ethic of the Quest Darwin team. I hear the team was ecstatic at winning this most prestigious award for Darwin. I congratulate Quest serviced apartments in Darwin for their achievement and wish them well for continued success with their business. I hope we continue to keep that strong tourism growth so that their business can enjoy expansion.
On a subject local to my electorate, I was pleased to attend a Rotary Club of Darwin North meeting in Parap last week. The Rotary Club of Darwin North was the Territory’s secondary Rotary Club and meets weekly. As many members of this House are aware, Rotary strives to encourage and foster the ideal of service including the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace, through a world fellowship of business and professional people united in the idea of service.
Following in that ideal, last week’s meeting included a presentation from Vonnie Brown who was visiting from East Timor. Vonnie has lived and worked for several years now in the East Timorese village of Lolotoi. The Darwin North Rotary Club has close ties with this region of Timor. They worked hard to raise funds to help establish a community library in the village, supporting learning opportunities for our East Timorese neighbours. Vonnie delivered a presentation to show members how the funds had been spent and the difference those funds were making to the community. The club is now working to raise $10 000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
I was also pleased on that same night to be inducted as an honorary member of the Darwin North Rotary Club. Congratulations to the members for their efforts in providing service across a range of areas both for Territorians and our near and far neighbours. I would like particularly to mention the office holders, the President, Geoff James, Secretary, Alastair King, Treasurer, David Pearson and, Monday before last, the Acting Sergeant, Michael Nilon. Of course, I thank my sponsor on the night, John McLaren, who is a past club President and a District Governor of Rotary.
Staying within my electorate, one of the very special things for which the Territory is renowned throughout the world is the fine art produced by Aboriginal Territorians. Among the many individuals and institutions who have contributed for the growth and interest in and understanding of this important art is Framed the Darwin Gallery, and its director, Anne Phelan. Framed, at Stuart Park, is this month celebrating its 20th birthday. With capital of just $5000, Anne started the business in 1985 as a small picture framing service employing one framer. It was originally situated in Garden Hill Crescent, with a small gallery at the back of the shop. Interest in the art for sale grew prompting Anne to leave her position as a teacher to open a gallery at Parap in 1986. Anne treasures memories from the time in Parap. The gallery was near a block of flats that were home to lots of old timers who liked to drop in for a chat. Anne says she met a lot of real characters and learnt about old Darwin as they reminisced. When the current premises in Stuart Park became available in 1987, the two businesses were merged.
Framed has become a Territory icon, visited by art lovers and collectors from interstate and overseas, as well as a significant local clientele. In fact, interstate collectors comprise the biggest client group for Framed. While the gallery is famous for its exhibitions of Aboriginal fine arts from the Arnhem, Kimberley and desert regions, there is much more to Framed. It also offers an eclectic range of art works and fine crafts available in a range of media. Alongside the work of great artists from communities like Utopia, Gunbalanya, Yuendumu, Papunya, Balgo and Bulman, you can find works by Judy Cassab, Geoff Todd, Annie Franklin, John Olsen, Frank Hodgkinson, Michael Leunig and Leon Pericles, just to name a few.
Framed exhibitions can and do include jewellery, prints, sculpture, ceramics, glassware, furniture and handcrafted toys for children of all ages. Each exhibition launch is a special occasion and I have enjoyed my invitations to open a number over the years myself. I have to say that the annual Christmas exhibition is always full of great surprises.
Framed the Darwin Gallery is currently celebrating its 20th birthday. What a magnificent achievement and it is going stronger than ever. Employing eight full-time staff and two part-time staff, Framed has always operated with the underlying philosophy ‘art is for everyone’ and this is evident to anyone who visits. Congratulations to Anne Phelan, the Director and her terrific team: manager, Sharon Yelverton; Aboriginal Art manager, Paul Johnston; financial controller, Gary Lambert; framing manager, Simon Dorman and his team of Robyn Davis and Chan Khotpanya; and gallery assistants, Craig Smith, Elisabeth Abbott and Shana Wolinski. I must also acknowledge the behind the scenes support of Anne’s life partner, John Clark.
In early September I had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Alice. It was a very timely weekend which covered part of the Alice Springs’ Festival and was also the Desert Mob Market Place, the Desert Mob Art Exhibition and, because my timing was extremely good, BassintheDust.
The Alice Spring’s Desert Festival, the fifth since its inception in 2001 and an event for which my government is proudly the major sponsor, continues to grow, prosper and demonstrate what an extraordinary range of talent and vision exists in Central Australia.
On the weekend I spent there over the Alice Festival, I attended the Desert Mob Market Place on the Saturday morning. It is a great opportunity for people to buy quality indigenous art at remarkably reduced costs. Everything is under $200. This year is the second year that the Desert Mob Market Place has been held, and its popularity is unquestionable with over 1000 bargain hunters attending. Even though I was not there for the start at 10 am, I believe there were something like 300 people waiting at the doors to go in and examine the canvas, potteries and ceramics.
The event this year saw the involvement of 16 art centres from throughout Central Australia and a record $78 000 worth of art sold, the proceeds of which go back directly to the artists. I encourage anyone who is interested in Central Desert art to not miss Desert Mob Market Place No 3 next year.
Saturday afternoon, being one of the oldest there, I went along to BassintheDust. It had a new venue at Anzac Oval this year, which was the most appropriate place to hold it. The member for Braitling had suggested some quite original titles for what the youth concert in Alice Springs should be called, as BassintheDust did not quite appear right this year because of it being on a very green and well grassed oval. However, that did not spoil anyone’s delight in it. There were a great number of young Territorians from the Centre who turned up this year. We finally got the formula right for Alice Springs, which is terrific, and found the right venue.
I was delighted to be able to meet two people whom my children were very envious that I did get a change to meet - the Logan Brothers from Big Brother. They were one of the star attractions at BassintheDust this year in Alice Springs. I was a bit surprised they were shorter than I thought they were, as my family were keen watchers of Big Brother. On television they seemed to be larger than life. However, they are two very nice young men from Wagga in New South Wales, who were finding the experience of being the stars of Big Brother had changed their lives quite considerably.
I pay tribute to everyone who was involved in BassintheDust. It was a great concert this year. The local organisers and Major Events had certainly worked hard to make sure that they got the right formula for the Alice Springs concert this year. The numbers were about twice as much as they were the previous year. It was a great success, and I enjoyed my time there.
On Saturday evening, it was off to the lawns of the Araluen Centre to experience Desert Song and Desert Mob Dance Site collaborate in what was a truly inspiring performance. The event involved indigenous choirs from 10 communities throughout Central Australia coming together to sing and dance and entertain the 750 or so people in attendance. Desert Song was jointly coordinated by the Alice Springs Festival, Desart and the Araluen Centre, with further collaboration by CAAMA. I congratulate everyone involved in the organisation of the event which was thoroughly enjoyable.
On Sunday afternoon, I opened the Desert Mob Exhibition at the Araluen Centre, the 15th such exhibition since 1991. Desert Mob is a collaborative exhibition between the Araluen Centre and Desart. All the artists exhibited are associated with Desart. This is an extraordinary collection of magnificent art work that crystallises the talent and creativity of Central Australian artists, and provides a remarkable vehicle for people to share their stories. Desert Mob is a pivotal point of contact for Aboriginal artists in the Centre, playing an important role in the development of individual styles and art practices across the region. The exhibition continues to play a significant role in the promotion and economic development of the indigenous art industry in Central Australia as a whole. This year’s event exhibited over 400 works from 31 communities from the central regions of Western Australia, South Australia and the Territory. To date, 194 of those works have been sold, with total sales reaching $285 000 so far.
The popularity of the Desert Mob Exhibition has seen over 2000 people pass through the door of the Araluen Centre. I would like to congratulate all the artists who exhibited their works in the 2005 Desert Mob Exhibition. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Desart who, once again, has demonstrated its great capacity to support Central Australian artists. Finally, I thank the staff of the Araluen Centre because, really, it would not happen without those staff. I congratulate the Director of the Araluen Centre, Suzette Watkins and Tim Rollason, Curator of the Araluen Galleries, for the magnificent presentation of the 2005 exhibition. The government is a proud supporter of art in the NT, and we look forward to continuing our support for the Desert Mob Exhibition into the future.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Speaker, I pay my respects and acknowledge the hard work of Neighbourhood Watch in the Northern Territory and their new executive council. Neighbourhood Watch Northern Territory Incorporated Board of Management had their annual Neighbourhood Watch Conference and Annual General Meeting on Saturday, 1 October 2005. The conference was held in Alice Springs. This year’s conference theme was ‘Developing Safe Communities’.
Guest speakers at the conference were His Honour, Ted Egan, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and Mr Henk John Harberts, Community Safety Promotions Practitioner. His Honour hosted a reception for Neighbourhood Watch Incorporated Northern Territory in Alice Springs, on the evening prior to Neighbourhood Watch AGM and Conference on National Neighbourhood Watch Day. We were quite fortunate, after the formal reception hosted by His Honour, to be able to go to the Todd Tavern and have a good informal gathering of all the delegates. It was a pleasure to sit down and interact informally with them and hear their stories about what went on in the neighbourhoods. They are a great hospitable bunch.
This is the second time that I have attended a Neighbourhood Watch AGM in Alice Springs. When I heard that it was on there, I approached the minister for Police, who I knew was keen to go himself. I put forward my case of the ties I have with Neighbourhood Watch, and I was very pleased that he was able to see the keenness with which I wanted to go. He considered it and said okay and let me take his place. I would like to say thanks for letting me have the pleasure, because I know that he was dead keen to get there himself.
The Neighbourhood Watch NT Board was selected. They were all unopposed. There was Ken Mildred, who was returned as Chair; Jeff Mosel, who is the commissioner’s appointment as Executive Officer; Michael McRostie was returned as Treasurer; and John Emery was the commissioner’s representative. There also are some comings and goings of the regional board members, and I would like to put on record the thanks of parliament for the good work that Peter Hansen and Jeff Thomas did in Alice Springs. They were replaced by Trudy Murray and Brooke Fraser. It was good to see Sharon Kinraid, who has retired, there again, with the new member Erin Biggs. It would be a big job to replace Sharon, but I am sure that Erin will be able to do it quite well. From Katherine, Sharon Hillen was back there, and they are really pleased with the work that Sharon has been doing; she is a wonderful worker for Neighbourhood Watch.
Over at Cox Peninsula, we have Vic Stow. They have come in for the first time, so it was a good one for Vic. At Palmerston we have Malcolm Russell and, in Darwin, Brian Hilder and Leigh Kariko. The associate board members were Paul Wyatt, media and marketing; Ken Hatfield, TIO representative; Alan Mitchell, who is also an alderman for the Waters Ward, is the LGANT representative; Michael Pearson, the Chief Minister’s Round Table representative; and John Lear, membership.
There were police liaison officers present at the conference from Alice Springs, including Acting Sergeant David Corey. In Tennant Creek, we had a first time out Constable, Chee Lane. He is part of that great recruitment drive that has been initiated by this government under the stewardship of the Police minister. Chee came from Perth and did his training here. In Tennant Creek, he has himself right into the community. He is the school-based constable and is doing a fantastic job. He is a great asset. He is going places, that young constable, because you can see his commitment. I wish him luck. I am sure the member for Barkly will be having a lot to do with him in the future. From Katherine, there was Senior Constable Keith Currie and from Darwin, Senior Constable Geoff Pickering.
There must be something in the water at Sanderson because it breeds a great community spirit. We have Geoff Pickering, Paul White, Alan Mitchell, John Lear, Michael McRostie who all hold influential positions on Neighbourhood Watch, and all of whom are from around the Anula and Northlakes area. They are all constituents of Sanderson. I know each an every one of these men personally; they are fantastic people.
Let me just steer off Neighbourhood Watch for a moment. Michael McRostie has Infocus Photography. He set up his business in Anula. They are having their first anniversary shortly. He does a great job with his wife Bronwyn, without whom he could not run the business. They are a great family team. They are the stuff of small business in the Territory. I am pleased to have them in Anula. Also, while we are talking about the good work of Anula residents and Neighbourhood Watch, the highest award that NT Neighbourhood Watch can give anyone is called the Joyce Williamson Award. Joyce has passed on now, but she gave years of service to Neighbourhood Watch in the Anula suburb. It is a fabulous place. What more can I say about that place?
At the Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia Conference, Ken Mildred was elected to be the chair of the Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia Advisory Board. Jeff Mosel was elected to be communication coordinator, and Paul Wyatt’s national marketing plan was virtually a blueprint for Neighbourhood Watch AustralAsia’s marketing strategy. Paul will be marketing advisor to the advisory board.
Neighbourhood Watch Northern Territory not only leads the program in Australia, it has now been elected into the top positions to take on a national responsibility to lead Neighbourhood Watch throughout AustralAsia in a positive direction for the future. With over 481 300 Neighbourhood Watch arms Australia-wide and Neighbourhood Support in New Zealand, members and over eight million homes in Neighbourhood Watch areas throughout AustralAsia, it can be ascertained that Neighbourhood Watch will, in future, be a leading force working with police in the community, working together in introducing new initiatives to reduce the incidence of preventable crime and develop safer communities throughout Australia. So, three cheers for our Neighbourhood Watch, in particular for their chair – it is a wonderful effort by Ken Mildred. He deserves far more public recognition that what he has had. He is doing a fabulous job and I commend him for his community spirit.
Madam Speaker, there are also some huge things going on in Anula this year with Tournaments of the Mind. This is a great little contest for students where they all get to show their capabilities. Wulagi went into the Northern Territory finals and - lo and behold! - as a primary school, they got up. I must say, it is one thing for the successful candidates selected to win it, but then they have to represent the schools of the Territory nationally. I was pleased to say that the community got behind them in a great spirit of fundraising – and not only the community. I mentioned the good work that Wulagi were doing in the Tournaments of the Minds to the Minister for Education, Hon Syd Stirling. He chipped into his own pocket, Madam Speaker - $250 from the minister. He said: ‘Len, that is a fantastic effort’, and he chipped in. I thought that was fabulous. I slipped in a few bob myself and we did some other fundraising.
I would also like to say that there were private citizens, members of the community who do not wish to be named as such, from whom contributions of $1000 from was not unheard of. These were from members of the community who do not have kids at that school. That is fabulous. I am not going to acknowledge them with their names. It is enough to say that we know who you are and we thank you and the school certainly thanks you. It was a fantastic effort. I congratulate the principal, Mrs Perrin and all her staff, particularly Cheryl Burnett, for the work that they did.
There are seven students altogether going away for the tournament. Their names are Aimee Capitaine, Year 7; Heather Kerley, Year 6; Nathan Thomas, Year 6 - and he comes from a great family; so many Thomases and hardworking public sector people; Jack Armstrong, Year 5; Taylor Emeny, Year 5; Cassandra Vung, Year 5; and Misha Lay in Year 4 was the youngest one. The team coordinator was Cheryl Burnett, the facilitator Cathy Gibbs. D’elise Keitaanpaa is another one who puts a lot of time an effort into that school. She works at the preschool but is on all the school committees - a tireless worker for the Wulagi School. She also accompanied the team and has been invited to be a national judge.
The team competed with all other states as well as Singapore and New Zealand. It has been about 10 years since Wulagi School won the competition in the local area, and they were chuffed about that. The finals were held on 15 October, during which the kids were locked in a room for three hours with facilitators with all the bits and pieces of the puzzle they had to work out, or the problem they had to solve. They ran, as I understand it - I do not have the final placings, not that they really matter too much as to compete is the best thing - about middle, give or take a position or two. It is a fantastic effort from a fantastic school. They have done it tough over a few years, but are going fabulously. Schools like that set the tone for the future. We have been talking about youth today, and I am confident - really confident - about the Territory’s future with kids like this under these teachers and with the backing of the community they receive.
Madam Speaker, I end my adjournment contribution on a note of personal explanation. I refer members to Daily Hansard of Tuesday, 18 October 2005, where the member for Braitling said:
- A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Sanderson is misleading the House with the statement that he is making
about the member for Nelson’s comment. The member for Nelson has never said in the Northern Territory, he has always
said in Australia.
We were referring to the nuclear dump issue. I replied that I could not recollect even saying that. Let me put it on the record that I did not. There has been a tendency in this place, I have noticed, for people to attribute things to others so that it gets on the Parliamentary Record, to stay, and then there is never any recourse to it. Let me say: I never said that. Let us stop this practice as it does not do anyone any good. It did get me thinking about what the member for Braitling said that the member for Nelson had never said that the nuclear dump should be in the Territory. I had a look at the debate on Thursday, 13 October 2005 and Mr Wood did say – and this also happens to be on Hansard, page 35:
- If the case is that we are going to fight it just for the sake of the hand on the heart, well, I say, let us try and use that
possibility to our benefit and find a place in the Territory where it could be stored.
Member for Braitling, you were wrong; he did say it. (1) you were wrong when you tried to attribute comments to me, and (2) you were wrong when you said the member for Nelson had said that he never wanted a nuclear dump in the Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the coach of the Katherine Tennis Club, Steve Merker, was very pleased to be able to report to me of the success of junior tennis players.
I am very happy to be able to talk about the exciting possibilities which are opening up for Katherine tennis players with the latest release of the Australian Junior Rankings. The rankings list ranks all juniors from No 1 to 2000-plus in Australia. It is a true indication of where a junior rates in Australia, as it takes into account all juniors 10 years through to 18 years old, and sometimes younger. Juniors achieve their rankings when competing in official sanctioned events and advancing through rounds.
In 2005, a group of 11 Katherine juniors undertook a training program like never before. The program, which involves a combination of weekly squads, elite squads, and private lessons with the additional of a weekly gym program instructed by Peter Rose, has seen eight of the 11 participants achieve rankings. Lindsay O’Hea heads up the group being ranked 441 in Australia and is 16th in the 55 nationally ranked Territory juniors. Lindsay started the year ranked in the 900s and has had a fantastic year climbing the ranks. With a goal of going to the States for college tennis, he is on track to get into the top 200 in Australia. Lindsay’s main strength is his speed and ability to push opponents side to side before coming in for the kill.
Coming in at 535 in Australia and 20 in the Territory, Daniel Murden has also had an enormous year on court with his last showing in Darwin inspirational when he defeated the No 2 seed to make the semi-finals of a 16 and Under event. Starting the year ranked just outside Australia’s 1000, Daniel’s work ethic is the best in the group. Being selected with Lindsay to train at the exclusive Up2U Squad with the state coach, and working hard on the home front, has seen this slender framed young man maximise his talent.
Allan Girdler, who turns 18 this month, is ranked 848. While 2003 saw Alan ranked in the 700s, it has been a fitting swansong for the big hitter who has an unstoppable serve when on his day. Alan has also been a great role model for the younger generation and will be sadly missed in the up coming year.
Andrew Brummitt, who has just turned 12, has also put in a huge effort to make it inside Australia’s top 1000. Starting the year being ranked in the low 1600s, Andrew often plays outside his age group and often beats older boys, which sees him currently ranked 982 and 33 amongst the Territory boys. He is also one of 10 state-wide juniors selected to undertake a state program involving a computer assisted coaching program.
Donald Boddington and Justin Henschke round out the local boys holding a rank. Donald comes in at 1300 and Justin Henschke is 1260. Whilst Donald was probably the smaller of the hitters out there, he has great fitness and attitude to competing which sees him going places. Justin, who is developing a serve volley game, is gearing up for a big 2006.
Katherine’s two nationally ranked girls are Madison Budarick and Eleanor Hayes. Madison has steadily improved her national ranking to be 509 in Australia. Madison, who is blessed with an enormous amount of natural athletic ability, can hit almost as hard as the boys and can unleash some of the most powerful backhands around. Finally, joining the group is Eleanor Hayes who is not part of the advanced squad, but proves her talent and determination on court with her progression through the opening round of the Katherine Open 12 girl’s event. Eleanor, who recently broke her arm, will be looking to build her ranking in 2006. The results, as with all dedicated sports people have come at a price; however, one in which at the ending of their junior days these players can look back and say: ‘I was part of the bigger picture’.
2006 is looking very promising. Both Lindsay and Daniel are interested in the US college system which will open up numerous opportunities. To think it all started for these young people in Katherine. With tours of Victoria and Tasmania coming up in January, junior tennis in Katherine is not only flourishing in participation, but in development as well.
Before finishing this report, I cannot overlook the support and commitment by the parents of these young players. I know how much these parents put into assisting these young players achieve their dreams, and I know that they are very much appreciated. Not forgetting the valuable assistance and guidance of coach Steve Merker.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I look forward to the future of these young Katherine junior tennis players and coming into this Assembly in the future to report of their ongoing achievements.
Mr STIRLING (Nhulunbuy): Mr Deputy Speaker, I hosted the DEET Training Awards on 10 September 2005, and the event, as usual, was very popular with the training sector. I was pleased to catch up with many of the representatives from local business and industry training organisations, trainers, apprentices, trainees and students.
Congratulations to the participants and the winners. The 2005 category winners will go onto the National Training Awards on 17 November in Perth. I will attend whilst there for ministerial council meetings. Thanks also to the many sponsors and judges of the event, and Teams for Tasks, all of whom put in long hard hours preparing for the occasion. Thanks to Alcan, Chamber of Commerce, Bechtel, Rotary International, the New Apprenticeship Centre, Australia Post, Night and Day Auto Care, Group Training NT, Department of Employment, Education and Training, Teams for Tasks, SKYCITY Darwin, Kate Carter the MC, and to the staff of Employment and Training under the leadership of Mr John Hassad who, over the year, played a critical part in Vocational Education and Training in the Northern Territory.
Another important Vocational Education and Training event was also held in September. I congratulate all those young people who participated in World Skills Australia Northern Territory Regional Competitions held between 12 and 17 September. Thank you to those who sponsor and contributed to the competition through their time, supply of materials and use of venues.
With these events, there are lot of people working behind the scenes. Without their commitment, they would not be so successful. Thanks to Thiess, Group Training NT, North Flinders International House, Taminmin High School, Alcan, Fingers Aluminium, Reece Plumbing, Casuarina Secondary Senior College, Stavri’s Fruit and Vegetable merchants, Lenard’s Poultry Palmerston, Springfield Butchers, Bechtel, Charles Darwin University, Trac, Pivot Point Australia, Casuarina Square, Mr Prawn, Pauls Parmalat, Kosmos Foods and Bidvest. Special mention to Mike Harrison and Group Training NT who have contributed both time and funds, and to Charles Darwin University staff who assist in providing facilities and time. I will table the list of winners and their employers and registered training organisations from across the Territory if that is acceptable to Hansard and the Chamber. Congratulations to all involved.
I also acknowledge the work of Peter Chan from DEET. Peter had a very busy month with many training events including competitions, expos, shows and presentation ceremonies and the DEET Awards. I know that he experienced a few hiccups over this very busy time but, in the end, Peter, all events came off smoothly thanks to your commitment to the job.
Community Cabinet Alice Springs provided me with an opportunity to visit the Alice Springs Campus of the Charles Darwin University to look at some of the Vocational Education and Training delivery on the campus. Thanks to Lyle Mellors, Alice Springs Campus Leader; Bob Nixon, Director, VET Quality and Planning at Charles Darwin University; Morag McGrath, Head of School of Tourism and Hospitality; and Hayley Tobin, Lecturer in Commercial Cookery, for showing me around the campus.
I would like to mention my visit also to Peter Kittle’s where I was given the opportunity to look over a most impressive workshop - the cleanest workshop I have ever been in all my life and an absolute state-of-the-art facility. Thanks to Peter and to Tom Kelly for showing me around. It really is an impressive operation at Kittle’s in Alice Springs.
I had a fruitful meeting with the DEET Central Australia Leaders’ Group who reported on operations in the region. Rita Henry, Executive Director for DEET Central Australia assisted in making sure that my visit was successful.
The 2005 Gove Bush Classic took place earlier this month and was another huge success. My congratulations to Rotary GOCROC (Gove Outback Charter and Recreation Organising Committee) for their organisation and promotion of this four-person Ambrose golf tournament. The 125 km, 9-hole course takes about five hours. The course takes players through pristine scenic areas and historic sights in and around East Arnhem Land. Thirty-three teams competed and around 20 sponsors pledged $17 000. The Gove Bush Classic provides a great opportunity for sporting groups and charities to be involved in a fundraising event by helping with the organisation, presentation and having a lot of fun along the way. This unique tournament is the only one of its kind in Australia. Congratulations to Stephen Castelli, Mosiana Johns, Terry Anstiss, David Hartog, Liz Akapita, Ronan Gillen, Clare Haynes and Ray Niven, who worked so hard to stage this year’s tournament. Locals and visitors had a great day.
Last week, I presented a cheque for $59 000 to the Captain Cook Community Centre from the Northern Territory government to complete a major upgrade of the airconditioning system on the building. The airconditioning is critical in maintaining the life of this building which houses many important user groups such as Gove Arts Theatre and Playgroup - two are the oldest community organisations - Toy Library, Girl Guides and Arafura Lodge. It is part of the original Mt Saunders construction camp, which became a community asset in the mid 1980s. Since that time, past communities have been proactive in improving the building with work carried out in the kitchen, the roof and rewiring the building, and now, the installation of the new system. I wish the new committee all the best. I urge the community to support the great work they are doing in continuing the upkeep of this important building.
The committee and members of the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club acknowledged the accomplishment of one of its own prior to the presentation section of the John James Memorial Billfish Challenge Awards presentation. Kelly Pellenat was awarded the Game Fishing Association of Australia Northern Territory Trophy for the highest point scoring junior for the Fish Capture Division of the national tournament in the 2004-05 season. Kelly, a member of the Nhulunbuy Regional Sports Fishing Club for many years, won the award for his efforts over the past 12 months. Kelly accepted the award from long-time member, keen angler and supporter, Roger Gentle. Congratulations, Kelly Pellenat, local and Territory champion.
I was very happy to add my support for Northern Territory Cancer Council fundraising event held at the Arnhem Club last Saturday night. Eighty women attended the Big Girls Pyjama Party for a fantastic night of entertainment. With cash donations received prior to the night, Northern Territory Cancer Council will receive approximately $3600 from the ladies of Gove. On behalf of the community, I thank all the businesses who added their support for the night. I congratulate Kristy Parish, Sandy Cook and Taryn Hogan-Reid for their efforts in organising this event. I especially thank all those who attended on the night and helped to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
As Minister for Education, I place on the record my thanks and those of the Department of Education to Michelle Nuske who has just retired as chairperson of Berry Springs School Council after a long stint of service. It is a wonderful school, and much credit must go Michelle for her enthusiasm and commitment to the task for the school being in the shape it is in.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: You sought leave to incorporate those names, did you, minister?
Mr STIRLING: There are about three pages of names of award winners, Mr Deputy Speaker.
Leave granted.
- VETiS Competition Winners
Food and beverage service
Gold: Amy Leimandt, Charles Darwin University (CDU), Alice Springs
Silver: Jessica Briant, TRAC
Bronze: Cassidy Le Rossignol, CDU, Alice Springs
Metals and engineering
Gold: Todd Rhodes, Nhulunbuy High School (NHS)
Silver: Luke Tobone, NHS
Bronze: Shane Gould – NHS
Business administration
Gold: Kamila Taufalele, NHS
Silver: Zoe Wild, NHS
Bronze: Carrieann Arnold, NHS
Construction
Gold: Jaymon Nowland, CDU
Silver: Steven Philip, CDU
Bronze: Clinton Housley, CDU
Electrotechnology
Gold: Sam Wilson, Casuarina Senior College (CSU)
Silver: Mia Peck (CSC)
Bronze: Bradley Thomas (CSC)
Information technology
Gold: Matthew Todd, NHS
Silver: Emily Williams, Taminmin High School (THS)
Bronze: Shannon Morgan, THS
Primary industry – general agriculture
Gold: Paul Darcy, THS
Silver: Cameron Abbott, THS
Bronze: Damien Roebuck, THS
Retail
Gold: Phuong Lan Dang, TRAC
Silver: Katie Hinds, TRAC
Bronze: Corina De Araujo, TRAC
Open winners
Electrical installation systems
Gold: Nathan Drummond, Lightning Electrical
Silver: Troy Watson, Top End R.A.C.E
Bronze: William Trott, ISAS
Plumbing
Gold: Mathew Letts, Araluen Plumbing
Silver: Rowan Clark, S & K Plumbing
Bronze: Robert Hodgetts, G J Wigg Plumbing
Business services
Gold: Isabella Dittlbacher, Territory Construction Assoc
Silver: Stevie Wordsworth, Department of Justice
Bronze: Renee Manley, Legislative Assembly
Hairdressing
Gold: Despina Sisois, Vanilla Hair Studio
Silver: Aleece Cawood, Zen Hairdressing
Bronze: Elyce O'Doherty, Cutterz and Minx Hair & Beauty
Hospitality cookery
Gold: Daniel Walton, Cafe Tonic
Silver: Lauren Jacobsen, Speakers Corner
Bronze: N/A
Welding
Gold: Michael Carey, Fingers Aluminium
Silver: Brendon Buntine, Mick Murray Welding
Bronze: Allan McLeod, Group Training NT
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I speak about a very dear friend of mine who passed away on Tuesday of last week. His name was Wilfred Nyunt Win Law, an eye specialist, ophthalmologist, at the Alice Springs Hospital and for Alice Springs itself, and he was awarded an OAM.
I would like to start with a poem that was written by his two grandchildren, Nicholas Win Law and Shimona Win Law. It is entitled, A Poem for our Po Po, Po Po being grandfather in Burmese.
- This is a short little poem
That is yet to be told
It is about a loving man
With a heart of gold.
He is a respected man,
Top of his class
Though he is gone,
His loyalty will always last.
He was always there for others
And now we are gathered for him.
We thought he could make it through,
Even though the chances was slim.
But he passed away on Tuesday
At the time of nine forty five.
Even though he has gone physically,
His spirit will stay alive.
He helped a lot of people
In their desperate time of need.
Though some people stayed doubtful,
He was always there to succeed.
He gave people courage and hope
When they were feeling down.
He gave everyone a smile
When they wore a frown.
He never had enemies.
His heart was clean and pure.
He helped a lot of people
To get themselves a cure.
Every time we were with him
He made us happy and glad.
He had faith in what was right,
And he was never mad.
Even though he has gone away
Far into the breeze,
There is one thing that is sure
His heart will never cease.
He has now gone for a well deserved rest, In a holy far better place.
And his legacy of ophthalmology
He will always be an ace.
He is a caring man.
He is the best father.
And when his grandchildren needed something
For us, he worked much harder.
This man’s name is Wilfred Win Law
He has now gone to heaven above.
But with him we will always
Keep our remembrance and our love.
No matter what happens,
He can hear us and he is here.
In happy times or troubled times
Or when it is time for a tear.
He is a righteous man who we will never forget.
His love and spirit will always live in me. This is the end of our short little poem
It’s time to let the ashes fly free.
Wilfred Win Law was cremated in Adelaide on Thursday of last week and his ashes were brought back to Alice Springs. The poem was written by Nicholas and Shimona, 12 and 9 years of age respectively, two loving young kids I have known for a long time and got to know very well over the last week.
Wilfred came to Alice Springs when he was aged 54 in 1984. At 54 years of age, he came into a town that is in the middle of nowhere. For him, having lived in Burma, then in Melbourne for a year back in the 1970s, then working in Hong Kong for some six years where it is literally wall to wall people, coming to live in Alice Springs would have been a huge culture shock. I was told that, in 1983, when he was invited to come, he walked down Todd Mall and encountered the shop, Eger Beavers. People who lived in Alice Springs back then will remember Eger Beavers at the corner of Gregory Terrace and Todd Mall. He went in there, and it was about the only supermarket that really sold anything that you could call exotic, anything close to exotic. The other store was Woolworths and used to sell all the staple food that we could find in Alice Springs.
In Eger Beavers you occasionally found the exotic stuff, and he found rice, noodles and soy sauce. So he went back to the Oasis Motel, where he was staying for the one night to familiarise himself with Alice Springs, and said to Elizabeth, his wife: ‘I found rice, noodles and soy sauce; I think we can survive’. That is the nature and the calibre of the man. He was prepared to rough it any way he could because he believed in his calling which was to help people.
I delivered two eulogies on Wilfred, one at the Alice Springs Catholic church on the Wednesday when we held a memorial service, and again on Monday at the Alice Springs Hospital where another memorial service was conducted. His good friend and colleague, Professor Doug Coster AO, was present for his cremation service in Adelaide where he delivered a eulogy and also did another one at the Alice Springs Catholic church. What I would like to do because there are three eulogies here, Mr Deputy Speaker, is seek leave to have these eulogies incorporated in Hansard. I have electronic copies which I will happily send to Hansard so that they do not retype it.
Leave granted.
Dr Wilfred Win Law OAM – Alice Springs 15 October 2005 (Dr Richard Lim MLA)
- On behalf of the Win Law Family, Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas and Shimona, I want to thank everyone for being here
at this memorial service for Dr Wilfred Nyunt Win Law OAM. Many of you have come from interstate, making your passage
here to pay your respects to a most loved man.
- It is truly a reflection of the stature of this man, short as he may be, but with a heart as large as any you can find, that this
church is full to the rafters, with people of Alice Springs, and people from interstate
- Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas and Shimona, I feel so privileged that you have given me this opportunity to say some
words at Wilfred’s memorial service. I have been very honoured to have spent time with you all this past week at Wilfred’s bedside.
It has been a very sad and difficult time for all. I wish there was something that I can say or do that will make your pain go away.
- Elizabeth, when you rang me on Sunday morning to tell me that you were at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Intensive Care Unit with
Wilfred, my heart sank. When you told me that he was evacuated by the RFDS from the Alice Springs Hospital the previous
evening, I hoped that there was something that the Royal Adelaide Hospital could do for him.
- When you then told me that he was unconscious and that his CT scan showed a massive bleed, I felt terrified.
- I only know that I had to be with you and Wilfred. If only I could turn the clock back.
We have had long talks over the years, Wilfred and I wish we had had a lot more. He was so much looking forward to his retirement
in January next year. Retirement from work, that is. He was not going to retire from life. He had two lovely grandchildren to see grow
up into wonderful young adults. He wanted so much to be there for them.
We have had many long talks in the 21 years we have known each other. I wish we had a lot more. Isn’t it always the case, that you
don’t know what you will miss until it is too late?
- During those long talks, we spoke about his work in Burma and his work in Central Australia. We spoke about his skills and his
capacity to work. He constantly asked me to remind him if ever I saw any tremor in his hands.
- ‘Hey Richard, my hands are still steady man. No tremors at all, man!’ And that was true.
- We spoke about his aspirations for the Alice Springs Hospital Ophthalmology Department, his love of teaching his young trainees,
his victories over the illnesses that he discovered in his patients and his frustrations with the department and the uncaring
decision makers.
- We spoke about his life with Elizabeth, with Justus and Maria, and his wish to see his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Shimona grow
to be beautiful people.
- Let me say here that I have spent the past week with the family, and I tell you all, these two young people, Nicholas and Shimona,
are two of the finest 11 and 9-year-olds I have ever met. Wilfred, I am sure you are looking at us now, watching over them, and
glowing with pride.
- Later in the service I will be reading a poem written by these two young people about their grandfather whom they call Po Po.
- Today, as we pay tribute to Wilfred, I want to celebrate his life, celebrate how he lived, how he worked and how he loved and served
his fellow man. I want to celebrate this honest man. He broached no lies. Whatever you do, take responsibility for your own actions.
- Justus told me a story about a time when he was at school in Burma. He found a pencil sharpener - you know, the little red plastic
cube with a steel blade on one side - he found it and put it in his school bag. At home, Wilfred noticed the pencil sharpener. He
asked Justus how he came to be in possession of it.
- Unfortunately for Justus, he hesitated in his explanation and Wilfred assumed he was thinking up a little lie. According to Justus,
he was kicked from one end of the bedroom to the other. Obviously, Wilfred made an impression on Justus about being honest.
Justus is now a banker and he still has the bruises to show for it.
- No matter who it was, Wilfred respected his fellow man. The Asian way, respect your elders, respect your seniors, respect your
fellow man. These were the mottos he lived by. He led by example. Those who did not understand or saw that as weakness
ended up the losers.
- Wilfred’s brother and Elizabeth’s uncle were contemporaries in Burma. They lived in the same town, and so did Wilfred and Elizabeth.
It was post war Burma. Wilfred was already a doctor working in pathology when he noticed Elizabeth and discovered that she
was a medical student.
- On the pretext of wanting to help Elizabeth study, Wilfred came visiting regularly with pathology specimens and tuition on offer.
However, Elizabeth’s family, being Buddhists, did not approve of this young Baptist Christian doctor. Look at the photo of him
at the back of the Order of Service. That’s a spunk; young, single and eligible. I am sure all the nurses in Rangoon thought
he’d be a good catch.
- Of course, that only compounded the problem for Elizabeth’s rellies. How could you trust a Christian spunk, swooned over by all
these young nurses. And unwittingly, the very polite and obliging Wilfred, generous to a fault, got himself into more trouble in the
eyes of the rellies. Wilfred was always there to help out a damsel in distress - all very innocent, mind you - but imagine what
Elizabeth’s rellies thought. They would have thought Wilfred was a flirt and back in those days in Asia, you could never trust
a flirt to be an honourable husband.
- Eventually, I think it was by dint of tenacity and perseverance on Wilfred’s part, and the friendship between Elizabeth’s uncle and
Wilfred’s brother, the relationship was blessed by the rellies.
- I first met this most gentle of men in 1984 when he was being shown by Dr Kerry Kirk around the Alice Springs Hospital from
which he was to work. I was then a general medical practitioner in Alice Springs.
- I think I was the first Chinese face he saw. I think it probably did help him consider that Alice Springs was not the end of the
earth when he saw a friendly Chinese face, and a fellow doctor to boot. When you hear Professor Coster’s story later, you will
understand why.
- At a time when there were only optometry services and the occasional visiting ophthalmologist in Alice Springs, the Northern
Territory government recruited Wilfred from the United Christian Hospital, Kowloon. I remember the discussions I had with
Dr Keith Fleming, the then Secretary for Health, what we now call the Chief Executive Office.
- Like all things with the public service, there was some very aggressive maneuverings to recruit Wilfred. In my opinion, he was one
of the most significant finds that the Northern Territory has ever made in terms of human resource recruitment – not only in the
quality of the professional that we got, but the longevity of his services for Territorians is matched by a mere handful.
- Wilfred was then the sole specialist ophthalmologist at the United Christian Hospital, Kowloon. He had given up his private
practice in Hong Kong and taken a public hospital post as he felt he was needed more there.
- Prior to his Hong Kong practice, Wilfred worked in Burma, and was appointed by the World Health Organisation as one of its
regional experts in trachoma. His treatment of people with trachoma and cataracts was legendary in Burma. How
many ophthalmologists can boast having done over 15 000 cataract surgery? Imagine doing 16 trachoma operations a
day in a make-shift ‘road side’ operating theatre.
- During his work in Burma, as was his work here in Alice Springs, he always treated his patients with the greatest of respect and
kindness. There’s the story about time he bought apples for one of his patients in Burma.
- Every evening after completing his clinics, he would return to hospital to do a ward round before retiring for the night. One evening,
as he was finishing off, an elderly patient commented casually, while Wilfred was peering into his eyes, ‘I would love to be able to
bite into an apple, to just eat an apple. What a delight that would be’. I suppose it’d be like any one of us saying, ‘Gee, it would be
nice to have an ice-cream or a bar of chocolate’.
- Now, you know apples don’t grow in the tropics, so to buy apples in Burma was expensive.
- After the ward round, Wilfred went off to do his own thing, then came back to the hospital that night with five apples for the elderly
man.
- Imagine the old fellow’s surprise and embarrassment when the doctor came back with not one but five apples. ‘Oh no, I didn’t mean
for anyone to bring me apples. It was just a comment’.
- Anyway, the elderly gentleman went off with his five apples, ever grateful to the young doctor. Wilfred did not even know who he was.
- Next morning, Wilfred received a call from the Burmese Minister for Health. If you know about politics in Burma, when you get
a call from a minister in the military junta it could mean shortly being lined up in front of the firing squad.
- I imagine the call could have gone something like this.
- ‘Dr Win Law’, the minister said. ‘I have something to say to you’.
- ‘Oh, oh’, thought Wilfred. ‘What have I done?’
- ‘Doctor, I understand you gave five apples to an elderly patient of yours’.
- Imagine Wilfred thinking, ‘What have I done? Did the patient get sick from the apples? Did the patient complain? Were the apples
rotten and the patient complained to the health authorities? ‘Was it wrong for a hospital doctor to give apples to patients?’
- ‘Doctor, I want to thank you for bringing those apples for your elderly patient last night. He was so very happy that you treated him
with so much thought and kindness. I want to personally thank you also’.
- Won’t you all get suspicious when you get a pollie ringing you and thanking you for what you thought was nothing much. ‘Hmmm,
what does he want from me now’, you’d think.
- Of course, Wilfred was puzzled how the Minister for Health knew he bought apples for a patient.
‘Well, Doctor’, said the minister, ‘I want to thank you for your kind act to your patient. I wanted to thank you for making my uncle
so very happy, not so much for the apples but for the kindness and generosity you showed’.
- This was the calibre of the man, the generosity of the man, one who treated everyone as his equal, who came to be in our midst and
lived and cared for us for over 20 years. Every day, he practiced his generosity and his humility. He worked his hardest. Nothing
was too difficult. He made you believe you were better than you are. Anyone who thought he had the better of Wilfred, should
think again. He was a man who, quietly and unbeknownst to you, built you, developed you, created the confidence you have in
yourself.
- It was early in his career, after working in Burma, he went off to the UK to do some postgraduate work. He met Professor Gerald
Crock, a man who was to feature in his life in a major way.
- It was during the early military regime when life for most people took a significant and serious downturn in Burma. In 1975, Wilfred
and Elizabeth sent Justus to Canberra to school. Then in 1976 Elizabeth went to Singapore to work as a paediatrician, while
Wilfred remained in Burma to continue his work. Leaving Burma was not going to be easy for a much needed specialist.
- However, through a series of events which started with Justus going for a stroll in Canberra and a chance meeting with a former
diplomat, Wilfred got a visa to come to Australia.
- In 1977, through Professor Gerald Crock, Wilfred was given a scholarship to be a Retinal Fellow at the University of Melbourne,
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He brought his mother and Maria with him to Melbourne, and after finishing his scholarship
in Melbourne, he went to work in Hong Kong, taking his mother and Maria with him. Elizabeth joined Wilfred a year later.
- It was through the connection with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Northern Territory found out about Dr Wilfred Win
Law, and the rest is history.
- But the Win Law history in Alice Springs will not be complete if I don’t include the many sumptuous, over the 21 years in town,
dinner parties hosted at home by Wilfred with Elizabeth and Maria’s cooking which have become legendary. Wilfred, dining without
you will not be the same ever again.
In the past 21 years that he lived and worked in Central Australia, Wilfred had for a long time single-handedly provided
specialist ophthalmology services for urban and remote communities. It was not until the last nine years that he secured the
assistance of a rotating Ophthalmology Registrars from Adelaide and of specialist colleagues.
- Wilfred also provided extension services into centres such as Tennant Creek and other more remote Aboriginal communities,
through light aircraft or motor vehicle access. There was a period during which Darwin did not have the services of a
specialist ophthalmologist. Wilfred had to cover emergencies there on top of his normal duties in Central Australia.
- At a time when his more politically prominent colleagues were getting national and international recognition for their high profile work
in cataract surgery and trachoma in remote Australia, Wilfred was quietly working away doing the same thing without seeking any
publicity or recognition. That is the measure of the man who achieved successes without fanfare, while others strived for media
and political recognition.
- Many of us can learn from such dedication and humility.
- Wilfred did not have to tell us how good he was. We all knew. As patients of his, we knew. As medical colleagues, we knew.
- In spite of this busy life, Wilfred still had time to foster many a young doctor working in Alice Springs. There were the Burmese doctors
of the 1990s, who have all left to go to work in an environment where they are welcomed by the system. They called him ‘See Ah’
or ‘Master’, the Burmese equivalent of ‘Sensei’.
Then there was the parade of ophthalmology registrars who have come to Alice Springs over the last nine years. At the
Adelaide service, they took time off to attend the service to pay their last respect for their ‘See Ah’.
- Wilfred relinquished his full-time practice at the Alice Springs Hospital 10 years ago when he turned 65. He moved into private practice
in the central business district of the town, in fact moving into the medical rooms that I had recently vacated in 1995. He continued
to provide specialist services for the hospital, at the same time providing specialist supervision for rotating ophthalmology registrars.
- For the last 10 years, while officially retired from hospital practice, he was still the senior specialist consultant at the hospital,
quietly providing guidance and support where necessary.
- How many 70-year-olds among the gathering here today would still be putting himself for emergency calls for a week at a time,
on alternate weeks, getting up at odd hours in the night, even in the middle of winter? Even as recent as last week, Wilfred was
called to an emergency case at the hospital at around 11 o’clock one night, and did not return till some two to three hours later.
He had turned 75 last June.
- The Alice Springs and Central Australian community, Territorians all, are indebted to Wilfred for his dedicated services which
he has provided unstintingly and unselfishly for the past 16 years.
- For that he was awarded the Centenary Medal and in 2002, the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his dedication to the
people in the region.
- To Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas and Shimona, on behalf of myself, Sharon, my family and everyone here at this service,
and on behalf of all Territorians, our greatest gratitude to you all for giving us a wonderful, loving and great man and his gift to
us all.
- Wilfred, our lives are richer just simply by having known you.
- Neil Diamond - He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother - Sung at Wilfred’s Service:
- The road is long with many a winding turn,
That leads us to who knows where, who knows where.
But I'm strong, strong enough to carry him.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
So on we go,
His welfare is my concern.
No burden is he to bear, we'll get there.
For I know, he would not encumber me.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
If I’m laden at all,
I am laden with sadness
that everyone's heart isn't filled
with the gladness of love for one another.
It's a long, long road,
From which there is no return
While we're on our way to there, why not share.
And the load, it doesn't weigh me down at all.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.
- Dr Wilfred Win Law OAM – Alice Springs Hospital 17 October 2005
(Dr Richard Lim MLA)
- On behalf of the Win Law Family, Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas and Shimona, I want to thank everyone for being here at this
Alice Springs Hospital memorial service for Dr Wilfred Nyunt Win Law OAM.
- I have been very privileged to have spent time with the family in the past week at Wilfred’s bedside. It has been a very sad and
difficult time for all.
- When Elizabeth rang me on Sunday morning to tell me that she was at the Royal Adelaide Hospital Intensive Care Unit with Wilfred,
my heart sank. When she told me that he was evacuated by the RFDS from the Alice Springs Hospital the previous evening, I
hoped that there was something that the Royal Adelaide Hospital could do for him.
- When she then told me that he was unconscious and that his CT scan showed a massive bleed, I was terrified. I knew I just had to be
in Adelaide by his bedside also.
- Wilfred and I, we have had long talks over the years. He was so much looking forward to his retirement in January next
year. Retirement from work, that is. He was not going to retire from life. He had two lovely grandchildren to see grow up into
wonderful young adults. He wanted so much to be there for them.
- During those long talks, we spoke about his work in Burma and his work in Central Australia. We spoke about his skills and his
capacity to work. He constantly asked me to remind him if ever I saw any tremor in his hands.
- We spoke about his aspirations for the Alice Springs Hospital Ophthalmology Department, his love of teaching his young trainees,
his victories over the illnesses that he discovered in his patients and his frustrations with the department and the uncaring
decision makers.
- We spoke about his life with Elizabeth, with Justus and Maria, and his wish to see his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Shimona grow
to be beautiful people.
- Having spent the past week so closely with the family, I have had the opportunity to watch these two young people, Nicholas and
Shimona, totally wonderful 12 and 9-year-olds. Wherever Wilfred is now I am sure he is watching over them and glowing with pride.
- Nicholas and Shimona wrote a poem which they want me to read out later, a poem dedicated to their grandfather whom they call
Po Po.
- If I were asked to list Wilfred’s qualities, the first thing that springs to mind was his respect and care for people. He never
discriminated. He treated everyone as his equal. He cared.
- I want to dwell on this for a moment. As I look around the room, I see many health professionals, from lab technicians to the
kitchen staff, from cleaners to PSAs, from doctors to nurses. Why are we here in health care? We are in health care because
we care for people.
- And this may sound political, and there are politicians and bureaucrats here with us. If it does, then so be it. I know Wilfred would
want me to say this.
- We chose to work as health professionals because we care. People come to see us health professionals because they know we
care. We are not selling services to clients. We are not providing a commodity to consumers. We are health professionals
providing care for our patients. And that is why Wilfred had patients, not clients.
- And cared, he did. Professor Doug Coster told about his casual walks down the mall with Wilfred, and the many people who’d stop
to greet Wilfred and to express their gratitude for his care.
We know about the thousands of cataracts that he had removed. How many times have we heard of the patient who spoke
in wonderment that she could see the Macdonnell Ranges after surgery. Or hear the awe in voice of an elderly Aboriginal
man who had lost his sight, suddenly being able to see the desert landscape of his heritage from his hospital bed?
- Wilfred showed respect to everyone, even those who misinterpreted his humbleness. Many did not understand or saw that as
weakness. He was strong. He listened. He enabled. He allowed opinions other than his own, and encouraged them to flourish,
and many times flourished to his own detriment.
- It was the Burmese way, the Chinese way, the Asian way - respect your elders, respect your seniors, respect your fellow man. He
lived by that.
- Wilfred was honest, honest to a fault. I told a story yesterday about Justus when he found a pencil sharpener. Wilfred thought he
had stolen the sharpener. Through that incident, Justus learned about the value of honesty, and it is obvious it remained
with him. Today, Justus is a respected banker.
- I first met this most gentle of men in 1984 when he was being shown by Dr Kerry Kirk, around the Alice Springs Hospital from
which he was to work. I was then a general medical practitioner in Alice Springs.
- At a time when there were only optometry services and the occasional locum ophthalmologist in Alice Springs, the Northern
Territory government recruited Wilfred from the United Christian Hospital, Kowloon. I remember the discussions I had with
Dr Keith Fleming, the then Secretary for Health, what we now call the Chief Executive Office. There was some very
aggressive maneuverings to recruit Wilfred.
- Elizabeth told us about the one day visit that she and Wilfred made to Alice Springs in 1983. The visit was to check out Alice
Springs, that it was not the frontier town in the Australian Outback, with dirt roads and tin sheds for houses and where people
had to cart water.
- Wilfred went down the mall, and came across Eger Beavers. Back those days, it was the only shop where we could by food that
came anywhere close to being exotic.
- Wilfred then came back to the motel – they stayed at the Oasis Motel across the road here, and told Elizabeth, ‘I found rice. I
found noodles. I found soya sauce. We can survive’. And they decided that they could come to live and work in Alice Springs.
- In my opinion, he was one of the most significant finds that the Northern Territory has ever made in terms of human resource
recruitment – not only in the quality of the professional that we got, but the longevity of his services for Territorians is matched
by a less than a couple of handfuls, people like John Hawkins, Charles Campbell, John Erlich and Charles Butcher. There are
several others who are in this room today, who have contributed a lifetime for this hospital. You know who you are, and on behalf
of the community, I thank you for your dedication.
- Wilfred was then the sole specialist ophthalmologist at the United Christian Hospital, Kowloon. He had given up his private practice
in Hong Kong and taken a public hospital post as he felt he was needed more there.
- Prior to his Hong Kong practice, Wilfred worked in Burma, and was appointed by the World Health Organisation as one of its
regional experts in trachoma. His treatment of people with trachoma and cataracts was legendary in Burma.
- Some of you have heard of how Wilfred courted Elizabeth, on the pretext that he was only providing tuition for Elizabeth. Wilfred
was already a qualified doctor when Elizabeth was a medical student. Elizabeth’s Buddhist family initially disapproved of a
relationship with a Christian.
- And look at the photo of Wilfred. The impish good looks, obliging and helpful to any damsel in distress, would make him very popular with the nurses in Rangoon.
But through a strong friendship between Elizabeth’s uncle and Wilfred’s brother, the relationship was approved.
I am told Wilfred took up ophthalmology rather late in his medical life. Elizabeth had won a Colombo Plan scholarship to study in the
UK in paediatrics. Wilfred, determined to follow, decided then that he will take up ophthalmology in order to get a scholarship to study
in the UK also. After their studies, Wilfred and Elizabeth went back to Burma.
It was there in the UK that Wilfred met Professor Gerald Crock, a man who was to feature in his life in a major way.
This was during the early military regime when life for most people took a significant and serious downturn in Burma. In 1975, Wilfred
and Elizabeth sent Justus to Canberra to school. Then in 1976 Elizabeth was able to get out of the country, went to Singapore to work
as a paediatrician. Wilfred remained in Burma to continue his work. Leaving Burma was not going to be easy for a much
needed specialist.
- However, through a series of incidental events which started with Justus going for a stroll in Canberra and a chance meeting with a
former diplomat, Wilfred got a visa to come to Australia.
- In 1977, through Professor Gerald Crock, Wilfred was given a scholarship to be a Retinal Fellow at the University of Melbourne,
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. He brought his mother and Maria with him to Melbourne, and after finishing his scholarship
in Melbourne, he went to work in Hong Kong, taking his mother and Maria with him. Elizabeth joined Wilfred a year later.
- By then, Wilfred’s fate in Alice Springs was written in the heavens. Through the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Dr Keith
Fleming found out about Dr Wilfred Win Law, and the rest is history.
- Wilfred, Elizabeth and Maria came to Alice Springs in 1984. Justus finished his studies in Canberra and came home to be with
the family. And here in Alice Springs, the two grandchildren were born.
- When Wilfred brought Maria, he brought with him someone who has developed to be one of the best cook in Alice Springs. Anyone
who had been a guest at one of Wilfred’s dinner parties will attest to the best food ever. By word of mouth, Maria’s culinary reputation
has spread all over Australia.
- In the past 21 years that he lived and worked in Central Australia, Wilfred had for a long time single-handedly provided
specialist ophthalmology services for urban and remote communities. It was not until the last nine years that he secured
the assistance of rotating ophthalmology registrars from Adelaide and of specialist colleagues.
- Wilfred also provided extension services into centres such as Tennant Creek and other more remote Aboriginal communities,
through light aircraft or motor vehicle access. There was a period during which Darwin did not have the services of a
specialist ophthalmologist. Wilfred had to cover emergencies there on top of his normal duties in Central Australia.
- At a time when his more politically prominent colleagues were getting national and international recognition for their high profile
work in cataract and trachoma surgery in remote Australia, Wilfred was quietly working away doing the same thing without
seeking any publicity or recognition. That is the measure of the man who achieved successes without fanfare, while others
strived for media and political recognition.
- This was the calibre of the man, a man who cared. A dedicated man. A generous man. A respectful man. A humble man. A man
who treated everyone as his equal, who came to be in our midst and lived and cared for us for over 20 years. He worked his
hardest. Nothing was too difficult.
- A loyal man. He was loyal to those who served with him, and showed respect in return. He made you believe you were better than
you are. Anyone who thought he had the better of Wilfred, should think again. He was a man who, quietly and unbeknownst to you,
built you, developed you, created the confidence you have in yourself.
- In spite of this busy life, Wilfred still had time to foster many a young doctor working in Alice Springs. There were the Burmese doctors
of the 1990s, who have all left to go to work in an environment where they are welcomed by the system. They called him ‘See Ah’
or ‘Master’, the Burmese equivalent of ‘Sensei’. They were loyal to him as he was to them.
- Then there was the parade of ophthalmology registrars who have come to Alice Springs over the last nine years. At the
Adelaide service, they took time off to attend the service to pay their last respect for their ‘See Ah’.
- Wilfred was forced to relinquished his full-time practice at the Alice Springs Hospital when he turned 65. Why that had to happen was
and is beyond me. He moved into private practice in the central business district of the town. Ironically, while he had to relinquish
his hospital practice, he was then asked by the hospital to return as a visiting specialist to provide ophthalmology services, at the
same time providing specialist supervision for rotating ophthalmology registrars.
- For the last 10 years, while officially retired from hospital practice, he was sought to come back as the senior specialist consultant
at the hospital. And so he did, quietly providing guidance and support where necessary.
- He stayed loyal to his patients. He stayed loyal to the Hospital, in spite of being told he was too old to work.
- Perhaps from Wilfred, we can learn about loyalty, loyalty for the hardworking staff we have, whose selfless efforts keep this
institution going. We cannot ask for loyalty when we offer none. Wilfred offered loyalty and asked for none in return,
yet received many-fold from his friends, colleagues and patients.
- Let’s learn a lesson from Wilfred and show loyalty to our staff, especially those long-serving ones who still remain, keeping this
place going because of their dedication to our community.
- How many senior specialists would provide a 24-hour service, week after week? For many years, Wilfred was the only
ophthalmologist, and yet he provided 24-hour service to the hospital. Remember, he came to Alice Springs when he was 54.
Until he had rotating registrars, and that occurred only during the last nine years, and recently another specialist, he not only
provided services single-handedly but also built the Ophthalmology Department from nothing.
- How many 60-year-old, 65-year-old or 70-year-old do you know who would still be putting himself for emergency calls for a week
at a time? Even as recent as last week, Wilfred was called to an emergency case at the hospital at around 11 o’clock one night,
and did not return home till some two to three hours later. He turned 75 last June.
- The Alice Springs and Central Australian community, Territorians all, are indebted to Wilfred for his dedicated services which he
has provided unstintingly and unselfishly for the past 21 years.
- For that he was awarded the Centenary Medal and in 2002, the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his dedication to the people
in the region.
- To Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas and Shimona, on behalf of myself, Sharon, my family and everyone here at this service,
and on behalf of all Territorians, our greatest gratitude to you all for giving us a wonderful, loving and great man and his gift to us all.
- Wilfred, our lives are richer just simply by having known you.
- On behalf of the Win Law family, I thank the Hospital for this memorial service and the minister for agreeing to form the
Dr Wilfred Nyunt Win Law OAM Memorial Ophthalmology Library.
- Dr Wilfred Win Law (Alice Springs)
(Doug Coster AO)
On behalf of the ophthalmology profession I would like to pass on our condolences to Wilfred’s family, Elizabeth, Justus, Maria,
Nicholas and Shimona. My association with Wilfred had professional origins. Wilfred was a particularly impressive ophthalmologist
held in high regard by his colleagues everywhere. It was, however, the humanity of the man which was so impressive. In his quiet
way he was an inspirational person.
- His profession was important to him, he loved everything about it but he had a great capacity for life, enough to ensure that his
large professional public life did not interfere with his private life. His family was always his priority. An examination of the intertwined
path of his career and his private life confirmed this.
- Wilfred grew up in Burma, went to school and to medical school there and he came to ophthalmology quite late. He had a lot of
trouble making up his mind what he wanted to do with his profession but he was forced to make a snap decision. Elizabeth was
awarded a Colombo Plan Scholarship for Postgraduate Study in Paediatrics in London. Determined to keep a close eye on her,
he quickly decided to take up ophthalmology and head off to London with her.
- Wilfred arrived at Moorfields Eye Hospital completely inexperienced in ophthalmology. On his first morning was asked a simple
question on aqueous humour. He had no idea of the correct answer but the confidence to make up something which, he admitted
to me many years later, was complete nonsense. This small event had a powerful effect on him because it made him uncomfortable
and he resolved to take his professional responsibilities seriously from that day and to put all of his energy into his profession from
that day on – and he did. He was always up to date with the latest ideas in ophthalmology.
- Wilfred and Elizabeth were in London from 1960 to 1962 and then returned to Burma where Wilfred held various senior appointments.
He was at the top of his profession. At this period, the political environment in Burma was difficult and deteriorating and Wilfred
and Elizabeth were concerned about the future for their son Justus. They took the very difficult decision to send him out of Burma
to Canberra and, when he left, there was no guarantee that either Wilfred or Elizabeth would be allowed to leave and follow him.
As it turned out Elizabeth left the next year and later Wilfred was able to leave.
- He spent 1997 in Melbourne. His old friend from London days, Professor Gerard Crock, offered him a position as Vitreoretinal Fellow
in the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital.
- Wilfred’s friendship with Gerard Crock was typical of the very large number of friendships he had. Wilfred’s friendships were long
with unwavering loyalty – he asked for nothing from his friends but he never forgot them and he never ever let them down.
- From 1978 to 1984 Wilfred and Elizabeth worked in Hong Kong – preparing for the work of his life which was to come in Alice Springs.
- Alice Springs needed Wilfred Win Law. There were many problems there of a medical, organisational, and political nature at that
time, not the least of which was that the hospital was unable to recruit an ophthalmologist and could only retain locums for short periods.
Keith Fleming, the Secretary for Health, knew of Wilfred Win Law, probably alerted to his capabilities by Wilfred’s old friend Gerard
Crock, and sought to recruit him to work in Alice Springs. Wilfred was initially quite wary of the prospect, believing the stories
from Melbourne that Alice Springs was a frontier town and not much more than a collection of corrugated iron huts. Keith was
sufficiently persuasive for Wilfred and Elizabeth to seriously consider the move. In 1983, Wilfred and Elizabeth made a brief one
night visit to Alice Springs to assess whether they could survive here. In order to assess the liveability of the frontier town they visited
the local supermarket. Wilfred walked up and down the aisles and came back to Elizabeth. ‘They have rice, noodles, soy sauce.
We can survive here’, and they did. They moved permanently to Alice Springs in September 1984 and Central Australia soon
became Wilfred’s spiritual home. He absolutely loved Central Australia.
The first 10 or 12 years were difficult. The medicine was challenging enough with taxing clinical problems and limited resources, but
there was also a lot of politics and any number of experts in the Australian cities who thought they knew how to improve things in
rural Australia.
- Unquestionably he felt a lot of pressure dealing with this situation but his commitment was unwavering. He would always let anyone
who had an opinion express their view, would not interfere with their attempts to change the way things were done, even if they
were to inconvenience him considerably, as some did, and he was never judgmental. At the same time, he was always there to
pick up the pieces and to continue on when they left.
- Wilfred’s professional achievements in Alice Springs are remarkable. He was able to establish a vibrant and sustainable eye
care service, something which Alice Springs didn’t have before his arrival and has now. There are many reasons for his success
where so many other people have failed, but two aspects of his approach are particularly important. Firstly, he persisted and
created stability, secondly he invested in the future through teaching.
- He obeyed the primary requirement for effectiveness – he turned up. He lived in Alice Springs and enjoyed working there and was
not tempted by offers to move to Darwin, Adelaide and other places. He also recognised the importance of achieving stability.
The stability of the arrangements he made encouraged other groups to support the Alice Springs operation. Other groups, including
our group from Flinders, were able to contribute to what was going on in Alice Springs because there was stability and resources
deployed there were going to be effective in the long term. The stability of the arrangements he made also facilitated the recruitment
of other staff.
- Another important reason for the sustainability of the Alice Springs operation was that Wilfred was a keen and able teacher who
had a profound influence on a stream of young people who rotated to Alice Springs for six months early in their career. Wilfred
has nurtured a generation of emerging ophthalmologists who have first-hand experience of the Alice Springs/Central
Australia ophthalmology. This will ensure that the region is supported, either indirectly or directly, in the years to come. He
materialised the view that teaching was an investment in the future.
- Many prominent people, and some not so prominent, have had their say about the way eye care in rural and remote Australia
should be dispensed. None of them have had the impact of Wilfred Win Law. He has established an effective service which
is sustainable - and which he selflessly handed on to the next generation. Nobody else has been able to do this.
- Wilfred’s success in his professional activities comes not only from his undoubted technical prowess. It comes from his humanity
and, in particular, his generosity and his lack of prejudice of any kind.
- His generosity is seen in all respects of his life but particularly in his teaching. All good teachers are generous – prepared to pass
on in a few moments what they have taken decades to learn. In Wilfred’s case teaching was an outlet for his unbounded generosity.
- He was, however, more than a teacher. He was a mentor and a sage. The young registrars who went to Alice Springs were in the
first years of formal training in a newly chosen medical specialty. They were keen to learn the technicalities of their new profession
but from Wilfred they learned much more. Almost in passing, from his direct example, for Wilfred was never pedantic and never
a proselytiser, they learned about life. The respect that these young people have for Wilfred has been evident over the last few
days. There was a continuous stream of them coming by to see Wilfred as he lay in hospital.
- Another aspect of Wilfred that made him so effective both professionally and socially was the complete absence of prejudice. This
made him inclusive. He was quite blind to race, socioeconomic class, or religion. A walk around Alice Springs with Wilfred
demonstrated this. He seemed to know virtually everybody and they were all pleased to see him. His equal acceptance of everyone
and his inclusiveness underpinned the widespread support he had in the community and this enabled him to get things done that
others of us would find impossible.
- As effective and expansive as his professional and public life was, it never interfered adversely with his family private life. His
priority was always the family. He went to England from Burma to follow and support Elizabeth. He left Burma for Australia to find
a better future for Justus. Not surprisingly, there is great strength and kindness in the Win Law family and Wilfred’s friends
and professional colleagues shared in its strength and benefited from the hospitality. There is nothing like dinner at the Win Laws.
- Maria’s cooking is legendary. Wilfred entertained so many visitors from so many places around the country that Maria has established
a national reputation as a cook without ever being in the popular media, and Justus has always been there for his parents.
- Elizabeth’s contribution to Wilfred and the family can never be overestimated. She gave Wilfred unwavering support, pruned her
own successful career to support Wilfred’s work and provided a loving home which was the most precious thing to him.
- Wilfred may have left the physical world but his spirit will stay with us undiminished – in a professional sense in the large number
of people he taught, encouraged and inspired, and in the stable sustainable eye care program he established here in Alice Springs.
- In a more personal sense he will live on in the family. Elizabeth, Justus, Maria, Nicholas, and Shimona will take forward his spirit and
his aspirations.
- Wilfred Win Law was a beautiful human being and the world is a better place for him having been here. We will miss him, but we can
be thankful that his path and ours have crossed.
Dr LIM: For the first 11 years of the 21 years that he served Alice Springs, Wilfred was there as a full-time senior specialist consultant eye specialist at the Alice Springs Hospital. When he arrived in 1984, we had optometry services in Alice Springs and the occasional locum ophthalmologist, but never a full-time practitioner. When he came, he started off with a two-year contract, but he did his job so well that the health system told him to stay on for as long as he wanted, and he built the whole practice. The whole department then came into being by Wilfred’s energy and dedication to work.
You have to respect this man who was 54 when he started and, for the next 21 years, provided specialist ophthalmology services; the first 11 years of which he did on his own. By the end of the first 11 years he would have been 65 and, at that age, was still providing 24-hour cover. This means he would have to get up at night to the emergency department to see patients who came in with traumatic eye injuries that required urgent specialist care. Wake up in the middle of the night in winter in Alice Springs – it is not a good time! I have done many of those house calls where you wake up at 3 am, freezing cold and have to trudge out of your bed, get dressed and get to work.
As recently as two weeks ago, he was by then 75, he was called by the hospital to attend to an eye emergency. He went there willingly at 11 pm and was there for the next two to three hours before he got home. That is the sort of man who dedicated his whole life to work, to serve people. He treated people the same way he would treat himself. That was the strength that he showed, the care that he gave to people without asking for anything for himself.
It is ironic that, 10 years ago when he turned 65, he was asked to retire. He was told that they could not have him in the hospital anymore because he was 65, and he was compulsorily retired. Once he retired, he opened up his own private practice in the main street of town and - lo and behold! - the hospital asked him to go back and provide them with continuing specialist services because they did not have any eye specialist in Alice Springs to do that. For the life of me, I do not understand why the government of the day, which happened to be the Country Liberal Party, did that sort of thing to anybody, especially to somebody who could provide such great service to the department. He had to retire and he was then invited back to the hospital to provide specialist services on a sessional basis.
For some time, he continued to conduct his private practice. His dedication to patients was such that, even though he was a specialist, he would bulk bill most people who came through his door. He rarely charged people, as he said: ‘They cannot afford it, I can do this and I will do it’. That is why he was so greatly sought after for his services. He was, from a patient’s point of view, cheap to go to. You got good service from him; without a doubt his services were fantastic.
When he was in Burma in his younger days, he became the World Health Organisation’s regional expert in trachoma. He ran, literally, road side surgery doing up to 16 trachoma cases a day on the road side surgical unit. He did a lot of cataracts. The surgery that he performed on patients gave them vision. In one of my eulogies, I told of an old woman sitting at the Alice Springs Hospital, for all intents and purposes blind. All she could see was just a haze of white light and nothing more. She had her eyes operated on by Dr Law and then, with the bandages taken off, could see the Macdonnell Range again. An elderly Aboriginal traditional owner with cataracts could not see anymore, and had cataracts removed by Dr Law and then was able to see the desert environment of his heritage. That brought such joy back to that old fellow.
That is what Dr Law did, and I am told he did about 15 000 cataracts all told. He did it at a time when his colleagues were seeking national and international fame performing trachoma and cataract surgery in remote Australia. Wilfred did that for 21 years, quietly working away without any fanfare.
I nominated him for an Australia Day Medal and I am pleased to say that, after two years of consideration by the Australian Medal Organisation, he was awarded an OAM in 2002. I thought that was probably one of the greatest thrills of his life. He was, growing up as a Burmese and under the British influence, very British himself; of ethnic Chinese racial background brought up in Burma under the British influence. To meet the Queen, he wore his university tie that he got when he went to the UK to study ophthalmology, which is the royal eye hospital that the Queen herself attends. If you get qualifications at that university, you are a top dog eye specialist. The Queen saw him at the Madigans when she was at Alice Springs. Wilfred had his tie on, shook the Queen’s hand and the Queen immediately recognised the tie and spoke to him about it. He thought it was so great. A year later, he received his OAM, and said: ‘The Queen remembered’. It was just coincidental. It was just so great and he was so pleased about that. It was the reward he received for his services to humanity.
Much of the detail I have already included in the eulogies. Wilfred is survived by Elizabeth, his wife, who, in her own capacity, was a specialist paediatrician who did her training both in Burma and the UK, worked in Singapore and Hong Kong and, when she came to live in Alice Springs, started work as a paediatrician at the hospital. One night, she was called out to do an after-hours case at the hospital and, when she came home at 2 am, she found Wilfred sitting there, trying to stay awake, waiting for her to come home. At that moment, she said: ‘No, I am not going to do any more clinical work. I am not going to do this to my husband. I will give up clinical work and spend my time doing 9 am to 5 pm shifts so that I will be home for my husband’. And that is what she did.
She had given up her life for him, and she survives him, just as his son who now lives in Brisbane with his two children, Nicholas and Shimona, and also Maria who now lives at home with Elizabeth. I wish them all well. I will be going home at the weekend and will, hopefully, catch up with them again.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity on behalf of myself as the member for Goyder, Rob Knight, the member for Daly, Hon Syd Stirling, the Minister for Employment, Education and Training, and all the Berry Springs School community, to acknowledge the dedication of Michelle Nuske, the recently retired Chairperson of the Berry Springs School Council.
Michelle was a backbone of the school council, and held the position for almost six years from 1999 to 2005. During that time, Michelle has been dedicated to the improvement of the school. She led the school council with energy, drive, enthusiasm and professionalism. During her time as school council chairperson, the school expanded with the Stage 4 building and significant playground development completed. A playground consultant was employed to work with the school community to provide a planned approach to developing the school’s playground and extending the learning environment to the outdoors. Michelle played a significant role in this project by utilising as many resources as she could gather from the school and the wider community in general, to get the sandpit, hard court and oval constructed, and an extensive tree planting program carried out for the benefit of the school and the students.
Michelle also showed a very keen interest in every aspect of the school. She initiated information sessions for parents on curriculum, transition to high school, school reports, and so much more. She was a very active member of the school committees including finance, playground development, fundraising, reporting to parents, and curriculum. Michelle also sat on numerous selection panels for many of the school’s senior staff.
The school community holds Michelle’s organisational skills in the highest esteem, and she truly demonstrated this when she organised many very successful school events and celebrations during her long and distinguished term as school chairperson. Some of the most memorable of these events included the school’s 25th birthday celebration, the almost legendary Berry Springs School bush dances, fundraising and working bees.
Michelle was always known to lead from the front when it came to fundraising activities, often working many long and tedious hours to see sufficient funds raised for improvement to her beloved Berry Springs School, including playground and technology equipment. The fact that the school now has funds for a fixed shade structure over the hard court area is attributed, in no short part, to the hardworking and dedicated Michelle. She not only fundraised tirelessly, but she also raised the awareness of this much-needed facility in the wider community and with key members of government.
The construction of the school oval is another success attributed to Michelle’s hard work and persistence. She was very good at perceiving what needed to be done around the school and how to do it, and she would then initiate a working bee for such things as painting, cleaning, weeding and general maintenance.
Michelle was always prepared to raise the profile of the school by inviting high profile Territorians such as His Honour the Administrator of the NT, Ted Egan, and Hon Syd Stirling, Minister for Education, Employment and Training.
The close link between the Territory Wildlife Park and the school has always been fostered by Michelle. This association has been of great benefit for the school’s students and teachers alike, particularly as the Territory Wildlife Park is such a wonderful learning environment and so close to the school.
Michelle has always shown that she respected and valued the school staff for organising such things as special morning teas and messages of thanks, and she has always been keen to assist class teachers throughout the years by supporting reading, maths and sports programs. Michelle is not afraid to speak out about issues that concern parents, and her forthright approach is to be commended. Michelle has always been a vital member of the Berry Springs School community and her contribution to the school has been enormous. In the words of the school principal, Sheila Delahay: ‘Michelle will be remembered most of all by the Berry Springs School community for the exceptional effort she put into everything she did, her hard work, team leadership, and constant drive for improvement’.
Mr Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Berry Springs School community and members of the House, I thank Michelle for a job very well done.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Deputy Speaker, tonight I would like to talk about the role and future of breast care nurses in the Northern Territory. The Minister for Health, in particular, will be aware of a representation made to him by NT Breast Cancer Voice, an organisation that I am sure performs a valuable function in the community and is worthy of great respect from all members of the Assembly. It assists numerous women all around the Northern Territory every year who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
It is appropriate that I outline some of the history of breast care nurses in the Northern Territory. The need for a specialist breast care nurse and associated services was documented in 1999 following the first National Breast Cancer Conference for Women in Canberra, which led to the establishment of the Breast Cancer Network of Australia, the national voice for those affected by breast cancer. This was in recognition that the psychosocial services provided to women diagnosed with breast cancer are as important as their medical treatment. The specialist breast care nurse is an integral part of the treatment team and plays a key role in improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer.
A number of Territory women who are breast cancer survivors were, and still remain, part of the national movement for consumer advocacy and, in that year, vigorously lobbied the federal and Territory governments for specialist breast care nursing services to be made available. The federal government made available $4.1m over four years in the 1999-2000 budget. An election commitment was made for strengthening support for women with breast cancer in rural and remote areas, and $355 000 was allocated to the Northern Territory. Consumers were strongly of the opinion that the specialist breast care nursing services were the overriding priority in view of the fact that none was available in the Northern Territory.
The Commonwealth sought to implement this initiative through then Territory Health Services. However, the Northern Territory government at that time considered that, given the established networks and expertise in supporting women with breast cancer of the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory, that body - that is, the Cancer Council - would be better positioned to bring the initiative to fruition. NT Breast Cancer Voice sought consumer input Territory-wide to the proposal, and an overwhelming opinion was that the nursing position should be mainstream within the health system. However, that was not the case and the Cancer Council was funded for a full-time equivalent position - 0.8 of a position for Darwin and 0.2 for Alice Springs. That continues to be the situation.
While the Cancer Council undertakes a very valuable function in its overall role, there are a number of drawbacks to its ownership of the specialist breast care services. There is a divergence of views on this matter, but what I am gleaning from the electorate generally - and by electorate I mean the broader Northern Territory electorate - is that there is a view that the breast care position should become mainstream; that is, part of the general health system. There are many reasons for this.
One is that there is a high turnover of staff in the positions in Alice Springs and Darwin. In five years, five nurses have filled the position, all of whom were non-specialist breast care nurses and needed to undertake the specialist training at a cost to the Northern Territory. Since its inception, there have already been two instances where the nurse needed to take unexpected leave of absence, leaving the services vacant. If these positions were within the hospital system, for instance, there would have been a back-up system in place. A further drawback to the system being provided through the Cancer Council is that the specialist breast care nurse is relied upon to be part of the small Cancer Council team, often undertaking administrative and promotional activities for that organisation. There is a view that has been put to me by many people that, as a result, that reduces her ability to focus on the primary role of support for women with breast cancer and, more importantly, detracts from the professional standing of the position.
I am told that a number of medical practitioners in the Territory would also like to see the specialist breast care nurse as a close member of an interdisciplinary team treating breast cancer patients; for example, the availability of specialist breast care nurses in hospitals would allow for the nurses to be utilised for specialist nursing services currently needing to be done by the surgeon. Increasingly, this is accepted as best practice elsewhere in Australia and worldwide.
This is even more important in the Territory where a full range of services is not available to women with breast cancer and other cancer sufferers, and radiotherapy treatment is also a consideration. The important issue regarding this is that there one oncologist only, and he is based in Darwin, and any assistance he can be provided with would be beneficial. I mention this because it is well known that the oncologist - and I know that this is something of a minor digression from the issue of the role in the future of breast care nurses in the Territory - in Darwin will be leaving at the end of the year. To that end, I received, in addition from general lobbying not only from NT Breast Cancer voice and other women, but from Breast Cancer Network Australia, a letter recently which spoke of the concerns they had about the oncologist leaving the Territory. Of course, there is only one. I have been advised by the letter from Breast Cancer Network Australia that this is creating a great deal of stress for women with breast cancer who, of course, need to continue their treatment - in some cases for years.
Women are worried about the delay in the appointment of a replacement for the existing oncologist. I am advised that a timely appointment of a resident oncologist in Darwin will help to alleviate the concerns of many Territory women. I have been asked by Breast Cancer Network Australia to raise this matter with the Minister for Health. I am sure he is aware of it but, by way of this adjournment debate tonight, I encourage him to give this the utmost priority, to make it urgent, and to move heaven and earth, as it were, to recruit and appoint an oncologist and a haematologist as an urgent priority. Also, if that is not successful by the end of the year, to ensure that an oncologist visits from interstate on, perhaps, a fortnightly basis.
Returning to the issue of the breast cancer nurse: there are many reasons why the breast cancer nurse should be part of the mainstream health system. For instance, it is recognised that speciality such as burns nursing and pain nursing are afforded specialist standing in our hospital system. There is a view that it is time now that breast care nurses be afforded the same recognition and status. I make that point, which is not to be underestimated because when you have breast care nurses working in almost in isolation - one in Darwin, one in Alice Springs, both in the Cancer Councils - they are not mixing with other medical practitioners. They can often be distracted by other roles they need to perform in the Cancer Council small offices. It is important, if we are going to get specialist breast care nurses, that they are in a system that lends itself to nurturing them in every way possible and, of course, that then results in better service delivery.
That is not to say, of course, that breast care nurses who work from the Cancer Councils are not professional and do not do their best. I am sure and, in fact, know they do. However, there is a view that, as time has rolled on, these breast care nurses need to become part of the mainstream health system. Of course, that will provide them with some professional development as well.
I understand that the Minister for Health has been contacted by NT Breast Cancer voice about this issue. I also understand that, at present, there does not appear to be much movement as to changing the future positioning of the breast care nurses, which is unfortunate.
The view of NT Breast Cancer voice and, indeed other women around the Territory, is that mainstreaming of breast care services is beneficial to consumers. Consumer advocates consider that this can only improve the overall level of care provided to woman who are diagnosed with breast cancer and improve their ability to cope with their disease. The medical profession - many surgeons and the oncologist - are keen to be supported by a specialist nursing position, and the importance of that cannot be underestimated either. Specialist breast care nurses who would be provided with the necessary administrative and career support to allow them to regard themselves and be regarded, importantly, as professionals undertaking an essential role, is also one of many benefits that would arise if the breast care nurses were mainstreamed. There is also research to the effect that breast care nurses being part of a mainstream health system is not only advantageous for them, but also of benefit to the women who they assist. It is important that they become an integral part of an interdisciplinary team.
I simply make those points not only because NT Breast Cancer voice has spoken to me about this, but I stress a number of other women have as well. What was right in 1999 may not be right now. It is important that the government and the Health Minister in particular have a very good look at this issue. He was talking today about the future of the Health Department and health in the Northern Territory. This is a part of it, and breast care nurses cannot possibly be expected in this day and age to continue to work in isolation.
I note that time is running out, which is unfortunate. I also noted the jibe, I think it was from the Deputy Chief Minister today, in relation to a report of the CPA conference which I attended in Fiji several weeks ago. He noted that I had not given a report. It was my intention to do so tonight. I have a bundle of information here. In fact, much more information is in my office upstairs and I am very happy to share it with all members of the Assembly. We know that CPA conferences are not political in nature. It was my first CPA conference and may well be my last. However, I commend it, especially to new members of the Assembly, as I had heard so much about CPA conferences. It is such an incredibly valuable experience.
At this CPA conference there were about 700 politicians from all around the Commonwealth and the information would take more than five minutes - more than five hours - to go through. There was just so much information. I was joined at the conference by two other Territory politicians, the member for Braitling and Labor Senator Trish Crossin. They also had an interesting time as well.
Before I forget, I would like to thank not only the Clerk, but Jan Sporn in particular who provided me with great assistance to not only get there and make the relevant arrangements, but also has assisted me since the conference because I have spoken to her about a number of things.
I was, essentially, there in my capacity as a member of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Group. This is a group of about 12 women from regions all around the Commonwealth. I am the Australian delegate. I am expected to stand down in the next couple of months, although that issue is still being debated by the hierarchy of the CPA. I will spare members the details. However, there seems to have been a couple of mistakes made over the years whereby the Australian delegate’s continued position on this committee is somewhat uncertain. It may well have been my first and last CPA conference in the capacity of being a member of the steering group.
The steering group was nothing short of fascinating. There is not enough time to go through the issues that we talked about or the resolutions that we came up with. However, I would like to advise members that it is likely that, in 2007, we will have a Commonwealth Women’s Conference, the first of its kind in Australia. The President of the Senate, Mr Paul Calvert, who attended the conference, was very receptive to the idea. This came about as a result of the need for women politicians throughout the Commonwealth to not only share their own experiences but to see how the interest and concerns of women throughout Commonwealth could be advanced.
I gave a report which I am happy to provide to members. In my capacity, I gave a report to the committee and told them of some of the things I had done or, more particularly, had tried to do during the term of my appointment.
The Small Countries Conference was also terribly interesting and I have written an article on one part of the Small Countries Conference in particular, which was the effects of natural disasters and global warming. I am running out of time, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I am very happy to share all of the information I have with members. I commend any CPA experience to others; it was certainly very valuable. As I have said, I have close to truckloads of information. It was a very valuable experience, and I look forward to possibly attending another one as the years roll on.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to speak about the former Royal Darwin Hospital security officer, Mr Garry Markwell, who retired on 15 September 2005, after 25 years of distinguished service.
Garry started work at the Royal Darwin Hospital on the 1 May 1980, six days before the first patients were transferred from the old Darwin Hospital on Myilly Terrace. He has worked as a security guard for almost this entire period, apart from the last couple of years as manager. Garry is more commonly and fondly known around the hospital by his nickname ‘Bones’. This title was bestowed on him during his Air Force days, given his slender 6’ build.
Garry was born in Dubbo, New South Wales, on 31 December 1945. He married his wife, Judy, in December 1965 when he was working for the RAAF in Mackay, Queensland. They have raised four children: Tracy, Jodie, Chris, and Mandy, who have all made their homes in Darwin.
The couple relocated to the RAAF Base Darwin in December 1970. Garry finished with the RAAF in 1980 and, because he and Judy loved Darwin so much, they decided to call Darwin home. The Markwells then bought the property at rural Howard Springs and, in 1982, decided to move closer to town and took up residence in the Palmerston suburb of Gray.
Garry believed that his well-honed military background would stand him in a good stead for a position as a security guard officer in the new hospital. He was quickly recruited and started work at the same time as three other officers on the 1 May 1980. Garry now holds the honour of the longest serving security officer at the Royal Darwin Hospital.
Garry has seen some key moments in the history of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He can vividly recall the day the Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, opened the Royal Darwin Hospital in September 1980. He saw the temporary arrival of Darwin Private Hospital on the third floor of the Royal Darwin Hospital main ward block and then, later, when it reopened new premises on the Royal Darwin Hospital campus.
He and other security guards played a key role in assisting the hospital during the Bali crisis in October 2002. Security played another key role when some Royal Darwin Hospital houses were used to accommodate East Timorese patients for medical treatment during the evacuation of hundreds of citizens to Darwin in September 1999. In mid-2003, Garry coordinated the ‘key tree’ locking sequences and took possession of keys for over 800 doors in the $43m wing of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He has also played a crucial role in the development of the fire plan and training of hundreds of staff on the new wing.
Garry is well known around the hospital for his ability to quickly diffuse aggressive situations, ensuring the safety of both staff and patients. His knowledge of hospital services and systems is very broad, and attempts have been made to record this key information on paper for future reference.
Garry is known to spin a yarn or three; he also has great wit and lightning fast recall of great jokes.
He has been on the committee of the Palmerston RSL for several years, and has been a great member, offering his time and ideas to ensure the club remains viable in a time when the club is struggling somewhat.
Having retired from the service a couple of years ago, he will put his first love of family to the fore and, in his spare time, tinker with cars and the still-to-be-finished demountable. He will also have more time to spend with his six grandchildren. Although not looking to leave the Territory, Garry and Judy will be planning to join the grey nomads every couple of years to travel by road and see more of Australia in their new Toyota twin cab. Garry Markwell was one of those tireless public servants who gave freely of his time and support. On behalf of the government, I thank Garry for his years of distinguished service.
I mentioned last week that the Kormilda students participated in the Tournament of the Minds in Sydney. They won the Maths and Engineering section of the Northern Territory regional final and went to Sydney last week. Unfortunately, they did not figure in the placings, but were praised by the organisers and the teachers for their good behaviour and cooperation. The students were great ambassadors for the Northern Territory, conducted themselves well and mixed well with other students. Their teacher, Marion Davey, accompanied them to Sydney for the Australian final and she heaped all sorts of praise on the seven of them. I mentioned their names last week, but I would like to do it again: Adam Pulford, Gabrielle Morriss, Haydn Lee, Rebecca Lambert, Thomas Bade, Polly Henry and Yasmine Osborne.
I donated two of the Crusty Demons tickets to them to raise some money for them to go to Sydney, and the two winners were a student at the school, Peter McKay, and a teacher at the school, Jane Anlezark.
The other two tickets I received I gave to the Palmerston High School. They passed them on to their Year 10 Top Achiever, based on the Term 3 marks and reports. I am pleased to say that Melissa Talau was the winner of those tickets. I met Melissa. She is a very bright kid studying science, and wants to be a pharmacist. I wish her well in her endeavours. Unfortunately, she is going to be leaving Darwin at the end of the year as her father is in the Defence Force and they are moving on. All the best to Melissa and her family when they do move.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, if you ask anyone in Palmerston what their major concern is it is the provision of a 24-hour health clinic. The reasons for this are that the ratio of general practitioner to population in the Northern Territory is one GP per 1601. The national urban average is one GP per 1200. That is the national benchmark. In remote, it is one GP to 600. In remote areas in the Territory it is higher than that. The Territory benchmark falls below all national benchmarks. In Darwin, it is one GP per 1343. For Palmerston, it is one GP per 1999. However, when you take in the Palmerston and rural area with a population in excess of 40 000 people, it is one GP per 2949. This population comprises many young families. They are busy; they take the health issues relating to their children very seriously and, if a child suffers an injury late at night, or temperature increases and will not abate, then it is deemed an emergency and that family wants to go somewhere.
The first question they ask is: where? Generally, they inquire around Palmerston, not sure where they should go. They have heard, over time, that there is a health clinic in Palmerston. When they go there they find, unless you get there early, you will not get in, in time. It opens from 6 pm to 10 pm. This process, generally, takes an additional hour or more until they realise that they have to go into town. Most families do not plan for these sorts of emergencies and they presume that there is a place for them to go in the region. At the moment, there is not.
The need has been long recognised that there needs to be a place where families of Palmerston and the rural area can go on a 24-hour continuous basis. So much so that, between February 2002 and April 2003, five separate petitions were presented to this Assembly seeking the reinstatement of a 24-hour medical service at Palmerston. Up until the time of the last Assembly, there were 8620 signatures on these petitions. The member for Nelson and the former member for Goyder participated in that. It is now 2005 and, today in this new Assembly, another petition has been presented with nearly 5000 petitioners signing their names calling, but waiting, upon government to respond.
The memory of many people in the area was that there was a 24-hour health service in Palmerston. I even have photographs of the sign heralding its arrival. It commenced in April 2001 and it was closed six months later after a change of government. The official Labor government position at the time was - and still is I presume, even though many people have registered their request that government pay heed to their concerns - that after six months: ‘The service was too costly and was under utilised when opened by the CLP government in 2001’. That is the line and the position taken by this government in spite of the repeated calls upon them for a response. I plead, on behalf of petitioners, for government to come up with a solution for the families of Palmerston and the rural region.
I now move to a gentleman I have much respect for. This gentleman represents the many small business employers across the Territory who take up the responsibility of addressing our skills shortage by taking on trainees and apprentices. The government can make many statements in here and propose solutions to the problem but, generally, the solution is only delivered by small business operators. These small business operators must be dealt with well. In the case of this gentleman, Glen, he has not been dealt with well. Glen Pearce has written a letter which I consider is important to place on the Parliamentary Record, with a request for this minister to respond. I place this not just as a call from Glen Pearce, but a call from all small business operators who take on the responsibility of training our young people and increasing the skills base.
He took on an apprentice and did what he believed was a good job. Then he found that the young apprentice decided that he did not want to work there any longer, and made representation to other agencies which then took on board his concerns and dealt with them. The problem is that they never brought back their concerns to the employer. I have heard that this has happened on a number of occasions where it is immediately judged that the employer is at fault. I can speak for Glen and many of these employers; that they need to be treated with respect. The department did not come back to Glen to seek his side of the story; it heard only the story of the apprentice. In the follow through of those actions, it resulted in an offence to Glen. I know Glen and he is a good man. I believe that Glen, like any other employer, needs to be treated with respect.
I am not saying for a moment that things cannot occur in the workplace that cause concern, particularly where apprentices are concerned. However, at all times, justice must be seen to be done and respect be shown to the employer. In this case, Glen was not shown appropriate respect. For one, I am disappointed that that has occurred. I ask that the minister respond to the letter from the employer and make the appropriate response to satisfy this one employer, and ensure that the he is valued and respected in this equation.
I now move to another issue which is, in fact, a letter that has been written to the Minister for Housing. Copies have also been sent to the Chief Minister and to other officials in the community:
- … the occupants of the above units …
Which are on the corner of Temple Terrace and Baldwin Drive:
- … wish to protest very strongly at the lack of security at the units on the corner of Temple Terrace and Baldwin Drive, Woodroffe.
It is a disgrace …
These are their words:
- … that the elderly are subjected to drunks day and night … taking shortcuts through out front garden. Not only taking shortcuts,
but continue to harass … residents peeping through the windows and flyscreens on the pretence of asking for directions
etcetera. Children from nearby schools riding bicycles fast across our front lawns, narrowly missing the elderly going about
their business.
Then the juveniles come back after midnight, running riot on the front lawns, stealing pot plants, artificial flowers and anything else
that is not bolted down. We try … to keep our units neat, tidy and presentable, but with drunken louts, juvenile delinquents invading
our lives, we find it an almost impossible task.
… that all Territory Housing properties have fences, and even the units on the corner of Emery Avenue and Temple Terrace
are fenced and we hope that the minister will respond.
Another issue is related to matters that have been discussed in this parliament about mental illness. A person has written to me and has also written to members in government saying that, due to a bipolar condition, she is having difficulty explaining to officials in Housing her condition, and the problems in Housing have been escalated by the lack of understanding of the condition that this lady has. She has written a very compelling letter asking for help. I will not go much further into this.
However, I have had two accounts in the last week of people who speak of mental conditions that are not properly understood by departmental officials, which compounds their problem. I will bring this to the attention of the Chief Minister, as this letter has been written to her. If the Chief Minister is taking notes at the moment, I ask her to attend to that letter that has been written by Joey Flynn - a compelling letter, indeed.
Also, Kathy Mills – no relation – who is a hardworking and struggling mum, has discovered after a considerable amount of time that her son is autistic. It makes sense now why she has experienced such difficulty. If anyone understands autism, they will know how difficult it is for a parent. What compounded the difficulty is the officials who are working around her in Education, principally, have not acknowledged this condition or responded appropriately. Kathy has written to the minister and to her local member, Dr Burns and, as yet, has not received an appropriate response. I call upon minister Stirling and minister Burns to ensure that the cries of Kathy Mills are taken on board and responded to sensitively, because this lady has been very patient but is in a very difficult position.
Finally, as someone who grew up in Western Australia, I understand Aussie Rules really well. I decided one day to watch the kids play their Rugby League grand final. What a treat it was. I am going to read a little of a screed here that was written. It was one of those magic games that just made me feel so good after seeing this.
This is the Palmerston Raiders, with Gary Naylor the coach; Johnno Johnson, that legend, team manager, assistant coach and runner; and Errol Edwards who was the other runner for the grand final and ran water for the majority of the season. Many parents helped and it was just an honour to be there amongst them. Mr McBean, Grant McKenzie and Dean Gebert from Advanced Air sponsored the team again in 2005, and their support is really valued. The team always had pressure on them because they had won the last four grand finals.
Litchfield did really well, they scored after their first possession, but the Raiders came back. Special mention to Shem Rotumah and Michael Elphick who worked together as a team with Wayne Dowling. They showed great team spirit working together and they fought back after the second half. Even though they have a great cheer squad out there at Litchfield, the Raiders still did it. They are fantastic.
There are a number of team members here I would just love to mention, and if I could please have permission to enter them on the Parliamentary Record. They did a fantastic job and are champions and made us all feel very proud.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Sorry, member for Blain, did you want to table that?
Mr MILLS: I have the names that have been – yes, I will table that.
Leave granted.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I will talk about our Futures Expo which was held at Wadeye this week. Unfortunately, we had sittings and I missed out on it. The Futures Expo was came about as part of the ongoing COAG trial at Port Keats, and with the Thamarrurr Regional School. It involved all our ceremonial groups and members of the priority working group, which included the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, our own NT government DEET, and also the Catholic school.
There were approximately 150 students, parents and friends who attended the Futures Expo. They were given a general orientation and informed of the outline of the plans for the 2006. VET courses will be run and teachers are meeting to discuss initiatives and ideas for the next year. Diagrams of the proposed new secondary facility were also displayed. This is a facility which was promised by the Northern Territory government. A total of around $5m has been committed towards that project to build the secondary school and provide additional teacher accommodation.
Two breezeways have been turned into temporary classrooms and, before 2006, a demountable has also been supplied by the Education Department. This is in recognition of the high class sizes which were experienced early this year when there was a move to get better attendance at schools. That is something that they are looking forward to in 2006, so this will relieve some of the pain that the teachers and students suffered early this year. The new secondary facility should be up and running in 2007 as part of the Stage 1. There should be 582 students starting at the beginning of this school year, and closer to 600 expected in the beginning of 2006. Once the secondary facility is built, it will relieve a lot of pressure on the primary school.
The long-term plan is to create a circle of schooling, starting from preschool up to the end of Year 12. The site will be more streamlined and class rotation is expected for secondary students. It is envisaged that, by 2010, there will be between 400 to 500 secondary students alone. That is absolutely brilliant and I look forward to seeing that happen. Approximately six teachers will leave at the end of this school year and recruitment is under way for the replacement, including a few short-term contracts to cater for the initial influx at the beginning of next year.
Community members were very proud and excited to be treated to demonstrations on the Internet and the recent success of the Year 12 art exhibition at the Charles Darwin University. This art exhibition created much fuss among family members when they visited the web site, which is www.dirrmu.com. Messages have been posted from America asking questions about the girls and their art. They were very proud to know that people from across the world are taking interest in them. An exciting addition to the event was the visit by the Commonwealth Games medallist swimmer, Shane Gould. She conducted ‘hints and tips’ on how to swim properly for all the kids.
These were exciting events. It will certainly get a lot more interest with the school. There will be a push next year, and I will be looking forward to it making sure that everything is covered so that the teachers and students do not experience any difficulty.
I also bring to your attention an inventive constituent of mine who lives in the Edith farms area. The Northern Territory government’s cane toad trap competition attracted attention from all over the country. The $16 000 prize was won by a Mr Paul Baker, who works as a diesel mechanic in Katherine. The competition was aimed at slowing the migration of the toad and attracted more than 100 entries from across Australia and overseas. The poisonous pests are already having a devastating effect on the wildlife in Kakadu National Park and are marching their way to Darwin. I do my bit every time I drive back to Katherine late at night to slow them up.
Mr Baker’s traps consist of an illuminated screen which reflects light out, three ramps which the toad climbs up, and a weight which drops down the flaps. Toads jump up the ramp in search of the insects attracted by the light, onto the weight flap and down into the cage they fall. Traps have had the capacity to catch up to 50 or more toads a week, which will have a great impact on the numbers. The success of the decrease in the number of toads caught, of course, depends on the public’s commitment to purchase the traps, which cost about $30, which really is not a great deal of money.
This is not the first competition Paul has entered. Last year, he made a fairly small mango picking aid, which is quite useful in the mango industry. It is smaller than most picking aids and basically works on gravity whereas others work on a conveyor belt. Paul has utilised gravity to put mangoes into bulk bins.
Mr Baker will be showcasing his cane toad trap tonight on the ABC The New Inventors program. Unfortunately, we would not have been able to watch it tonight, but I encourage all Territorians to log on to the ABC web site and vote for our Territorian who has invented this great cane toad and, hopefully, he can come away with a prize. That web site, if anyone would like to go on and cast their vote, is
Madam Speaker. I congratulate Paul. It is certainly a great trap and it is great to see things coming out of the rural area of Katherine.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, the government has recently brought out its big guns to support its anti-radioactive waste facility, anti-federal government campaign. It has started to put out full-page advertisements and to use Question Time to promote and sell its cause. It has poured scorn on our federal members, accused the Prime Minister of lying, and politicised the public service by asking them to hand out petitions. In other words, it has the money, the ear of some of the media, a publicly-funded propaganda unit, and it is on its way.
As an Independent who has another point of view, who believes that this action by the government is just one big con, is confused by the CLP’s stand on this issue, and feels that he cannot compete when it comes to pushing an alternative view, all I can do is tell it as I see it through this venue, the parliament.
To start, I do not believe the Chief Minister would like us to think her view has the total support of Territorians. I know from the phone calls, e-mails and conversations out there that people do support my approach to this issue. They are not the sort of people who accept the idea: ‘Trust me, I am from the government’. These people believe that Australia needs a place to store its waste. They believe in nuclear technology and do not accept the claims that the waste cannot be stored safely. Many of them have said that they see economic benefits if it was stored in the Territory. I also believe the government has now gone down a path of no return as, no matter what is said, how much noise it made, or if the federal government offers them some alternatives, they will not move one inch as it would be too big a shame job to back down. The embarrassment would be too great, the humble pie would taste awful, and winning at all costs is what this is all about. Put succinctly, it is pure politics and the taxpayer is going to have to pay the bill.
The government first came out last year and said it would oppose a radioactive waste facility, conveniently called ‘the dump’, and passed legislation saying so. All was quiet until the federal government said it would build a waste facility in the Territory. Then all hell broke loose and cries were heard of the awful plague that had beset the land: the feds were overriding our laws. However, when you look at the bigger picture - that is, the feds had no other option as all the Labor Premiers and Chief Ministers opposed a waste facility, and the new Lucas Heights reactor could not get a licence to operate until it had a waste facility - then you see how political all this has become and how the feds had a problem.
The original site for a waste facility was to be at Woomera in South Australia. However, the South Australian government opposed it after originally being part of the federal/state working party which selected the sites. That was politics and the feds did not want to take the issue too far, also because of politics; they faced the risk of losing the South Australian Senators in the federal election. After that, there were statements made and promises broken by various people in the federal government. If you are on one side you call that politics; if you are on the other you call it lies and deceit. The federal and state election may have had something to do with all of that. None of it gives any comfort to those who hope politics may improve one day.
Now, we have the NT government that finds it can take the high moral ground on broken promises, and then uses the issue of the federal government introducing laws to allow radioactive waste facility in the NT as a cover to achieve what it really wants; that is, to stop the construction of a radioactive waste facility.
What this whole issue highlights is the fact that there has been no leadership from our Chief Minister, or her fellow Labor leaders, in finding a solution. They have never come out and said they do not support a radioactive waste facility, they have just said it is the feds problem. Talk about a Pontius Pilate approach to the issue. Yes, we should have a facility, but not in my backyard. Jenny Macklin’s statement takes the cake when she said that we need a place to store the waste, but she knows full well that all her Labor colleagues and the states will not have it. That is a statement comprising all talk and no responsibility.
The government has never said it opposes the Lucas Heights Reactor. It is happy to receive the benefits of the reactor, but will not openly support it as, if it did, it would also have to support a waste facility. It tried to muddy the waters on this issue when, yesterday, the Minister for Health dug out the well-worn view on the Lucas Heights Reactor and said: ‘We could produce the medical isotopes without the reactor’. What he did not say were the real facts. I quote from a letter from Dr Ron Cameron, Acting Chief of Operations at ANSTO, who wrote to me on 6 October:
- From our experiences in importing nuclear medicines when the reactor is not operating, we are very aware that the importation
of radiopharmaceuticals is difficult and expensive. Due to the short half-lives of radiopharmaceuticals, much more product
must be purchased than is needed to allow for the decay in transit. Hence it is much more expensive, simply because much
more product must be purchased. Air transportation is also an area of difficulty. Radiopharmaceutical products can ‘miss’ flights
or not be transhipped because international transport regulations prohibit radioactive materials of any type being carried in the
same hold as live animals or food, and also because of weather conditions. On occasion, back-up supplies have not been
delivered on time to ANSTO because strong headwinds prevented a full load of freight being carried on some flights. The air
transport regulations also place safety limits on how much radioactive material can actually be carried on flights. The transport
index is a measure of radiation emission from a package, and determines how much material can be carried on a plane. There
are also strict guidelines on the separation distance of passengers from radioactive materials, including nuclear medicines, which
can limit the amount of radioactive material that is carried. Pilots can also refuse to carry radioactive materials on their flights, and
some airlines no longer carry radioactive materials at all. In essence, the reality of the situation is that relying on imports
for radiopharmaceuticals would jeopardise Australia’s supply of these medicines, meaning that, ultimately, patient care is at risk.
That comes from Chief of Operations, Dr Ron Cameron at ANSTO. He made a point to me when I rang him regarding some of these issues. He said it is fine for people to say we should import our isotopes from Canada, but he asked how ethical it was to import the isotopes and leave Canada with the waste. That is what we are not prepared to do ourselves. That is a fair summing up of the issue. We are happy to have the isotopes for medicine and industry, but we want another country to look after the waste.
Then the Chief Minister also said yesterday, and I quote from Daily Hansard:
What we had was 12 years of scientific research and discussion. Sites were identified and none of them, I say again,
were in the Northern Territory.
This is not true. I read from A Radioactive Waste Depository for Australia, Site Selection Study, which was issued by the Commonwealth. It says:
- The Phase 1 public discussion paper, released in October 1992, explained the proposed site selection process and the
methodology. The paper was widely circulated for comment by the public and interest groups, and a follow-up report, published
in August 1993, summarised and responded to comment received on the Phase 1 study.
In Phase 2, the Phase 1 methodology was reapplied, taking into account public comment on the Phase 1 report. Based on
public comment and new analysis, the Phase 2 study identified eight broad regions in Australia that are likely to contain
suitable sites. The Phase 2 public discussion paper was released in July 1994. A report responding to public comment
on this discussion paper was published in November 1995.
These are the eight regions selected. This is the government’s document. The five regions identified by ASSESS - which means A System for Selecting Suitable Sites - were Billa Kalina in South Australia, Bloods Range in Northern Territory, Everard in South Australia, Olary in New South Wales, and Tanami in Northern Territory. There were three other regions identified by consultation: Jackson in Western Australia, Maralinga in South Australia and Mt Isa in Queensland.
I believe some sections in the media are being conned by the government in taking what they say as gospel. What we have here is the government trying its best to convince Territorians that they are squeaky clean; that this is the entire federal government’s fault, and of Nigel Scullion and Dave Tollner. The Northern Territory government had an opportunity to put pressure on South Australia to allow Woomera to be used as a waste site - a site which was the preferred site - but they did nothing - no leadership. They had the opportunity to lobby for a forum of all state, territory and federal leaders in finding a solution. They did nothing – no leadership. They never came up with an alternative site for siting radioactive waste. They have just said it is the Commonwealth’s problem – no leadership. The Northern Territory government has never said they support Lucas Heights, but have come up with some borrowed Green theories that you can import isotopes instead of manufacturing them ourselves. That looks like a dreamt up excuse to argue against Lucas Heights, if you ask me. It shows a lack of commitment to Lucas Heights and its importance to Australia.
This whole saga is a sorry tale of incompetent governments, all scared of losing votes, but not being able to get up and put forward the facts, or sticking with facts and holding the line. It is about populism and emotional fiction, and it could not be more highlighted by some of the statements made in this parliament.
Sadly, also, Aboriginal people are drawn into this debate, after only hearing one side of the argument without an opportunity to hear the other side. Without knowing it, they have become political pawns in this debate. I have seen this many times over many years. I recently heard a comment that their land would be poisoned - an easy comment to make and spread as if gospel; easily spread by those who are against the waste facility. I would say the effects of sugar, petrol, tobacco and alcohol would have consequences infinitely far more poisonous and dangerous than a purpose-built waste facility.
Other lame duck excuses are trundled out such as the effect such a facility would have on tourism or agriculture. If that is the case, how come tourists love to visit France and drink the wine, or visit the USA to export their livestock and grain. When you are looking for a reason, I am sure you will find an excuse to suit. Again, I quote from Dr Ron Cameron’s letter on that very issue. He was replying to a statement from a gentleman who had written a letter in the NT News. He said:
- The second point I addressed in my letter was in relation to Mr Keogh’s assertion that tourism may suffer. As I stated, the
examples of the existing repositories such as those in France’s Champagne and Brittany regions, clearly refute this
argument. The same goes for arguments regarding alleged damage to agricultural exports.
It is no wonder politicians are given little respect. If we really believe that we are worthy of being a state, we need to show more maturity than we do today. If this government is willing to push its political agenda above the truth, then I do not want that kind of government leading us to statehood. I want to belong to a state that is run by mature politicians who have a proper understanding of the issues, not a shallow view of the world based on one-minute interviews they heard on the news, or dramatic headlines they might have read.
This issue is an Australian issue. I have said before: we need to come up with an answer not based on the ‘not in my backyard’ syndrome but, as a nation, we need to find a place where we can safely store this material. We rely on nuclear technology and, as members of the Commonwealth of Australia, we need to take responsibility. This debate has lost sight of that and turned into a political stoush. It is now not about what is best for the nation; it is about what is best for the Labor Party in the NT. Until that changes, millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money will be wasted to save egos, to fight for an outdated and tunnel vision ideology, and to look good at the next election.
As I said before in this parliament when talking about this debate, President John F Kennedy summed it up perfectly when he said in his inaugural speech:
- Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.
Sadly, the Labor Party has the reverse of that same quote: ‘Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what you can do for the party’.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016