2007-06-19
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received from His Honour the Administrator message Nos 18, 19 and 20 notifying assent to bills passed in the April and May sittings of the Assembly.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, it is with deep regret that I advise of the death on 10 June 2007 of Mr Burarrawanga of Galiwinku, the lead singer of The Warumpi Band for 20 years.
Honourable members, on the completion of the condolence motion, I will be asking members to stand in silence for a minute as a mark of respect.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly express its deep regret at the passing of Mr Burarrawanga, a man who contributed much to the musical life of the Northern Territory, and indeed the nation, and tender its profound sympathy to his family.
I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr Burarrawanga.
Mr Burarrawanga was a man of vision and immense energy, and one who died too young and with far too much left to do. He will be missed by many: those in the music industry, his many fans, and countless Australians whose lives he touched. Of course, his loss will be felt most profoundly by his family and friends, and by his people, to whom he was so committed.
In his 50 years, Burarrawanga left a legacy that will not be forgotten. He believed in sharing his culture and knowledge with others, and he felt that this act of sharing, of selflessness, was the key to the happiness and wellbeing of our society.
Twenty-four years ago, he burst into our consciousness as the dynamic lead singer of The Warumpi Band and his songs, Jailanguru Pakarnu (Out of Jail), Blackfella/Whitefella, and My Island Home will be heard long into the future. Indeed, Jailanguru Pakarnu became our first national hit song in an Aboriginal language.
Burarrawanga certainly made a splash. He was tagged the black Mick Jagger. Ex-Midnight Oil front man and now shadow federal environment minister, Peter Garrett, described him as a combination of Mick Jagger and James Brown - high praise, indeed.
First and foremost, though, Burarrawanga was his own man. He was a proud and passionate man, but he had his weaknesses and he fought the demons that gripped him throughout his life. He was also a true Territorian and a man of his people. This was no more in evidence than the period he spent in Germany earlier this decade. In a series of lectures and performances, he adopted the role of an ambassador for the Territory and for his people. He was able to explain, in ways few others could, how Yolngu cosmology worked and why the land was so important to his people and his ancestors. By all accounts, he enthralled his German audiences. That is what Burarrawanga was very good at: enthralling audiences. He also did it right around Australia in his distinguished career as the lead singer for Warumpi, and as a solo artist.
Few Territory musicians can boast of playing at so many leading Australian music festivals: the Melbourne International, WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Stompem Ground, as well as the Garma and Yeperenye Festivals here in the Territory.
Burarrawanga never forgot the Territory and Territorians, whether it was with groups such as Midnight Oil on the Blackfella/Whitefella tour in 1986, or Warumpi’s own Too Much Humbug tour a decade later. Burarrawanga and the rest of the band, the Butcher Brothers and Neil Murray, understood how important it was to reach out to all Territorians from all backgrounds.
In August 2004, Burarrawanga was recognised for his lifetime achievement at the inaugural NT Indigenous Music Awards. Two years later, he accepted a similar award on behalf of his fellow musicians in The Warumpi Band at the 2006 awards. That, sadly, turned out to be the last time I saw him. On stage at the Amphitheatre that night, he was, as ever, full of great energy and humour, more than happy to take the mickey out of me as Chief Minister, more than happy to include us all in the recognition the industry was giving to The Warumpi Band.
At the same time, I was well aware of the voluntary work he was doing in encouraging kids to go to school and stay at school, and his involvement in campaigns such as Living in a House.
You could never say there was anything one-dimensional about the man. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious and it is these memories of him at the last music awards that I will carry away with me.
Madam Speaker, to Burarrawanga’s friends and family, our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for moving this condolence motion. The opposition shares the government’s sadness at Mr Burarrawanga’s passing.
Mr Burarrawanga was indeed a great man and someone to whom we should be forever thankful for his contribution to the Territory and the Australian music industry. He was born at Galiwinku and was the proud son of a Gumatj leader. Mr Burarrawanga, somewhat unusually as a Salt Water man, worked in Central Australia as a linguist at Yuendumu, a Warlpiri language stronghold, which no doubt presented some difficulties. During that period, Mr Burarrawanga’s talents emerged when he joined a band called The Warumpi Band, which I saw in Alice Springs in either the late 1980s or early 1990s. I am a Warumpi Band fan.
The Warumpi Band started life in Papunya and for a long time was simply known as ‘that Papunya band’. Like most fledgling rock and roll outfits, they were a cover band, performing songs by Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, and their influences are evident in the band’s later recordings as are other Aboriginal influences.
The band’s name derives from the honey-ant dreaming site located near the settlement of Papunya, 260 km west of Alice Springs. Original founding members were Sammy and Gordon Butcher and Neil Murray, assisted by other young fellows in that community. The Warumpi Band toured the Northern Territory and Kimberley region early on, playing to communities, outback stations and isolated townships, developing their unique sound and writing much of their material when on the road.
The Warumpi Band introduced indigenous language in its rock songs and used the didgeridoo and clap sticks as rock instruments. Their first single, Jailanguru Pakarnu, translated as ‘Out of Jail’, released through Hot Records in October 1983, was the first contemporary rock song to be sung in an Australian indigenous language, Luritja. In 1984, the debut album Big Name No Blankets was released and the tracks Blackfella/Whitefella, Breadline and Fitzroy Crossing received, for the first time, national air play for an indigenous group.
In 1985, The Warumpi Band toured Australia and overseas, something of which they and all Territorians should be very proud. They toured Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to promote the album which was, at that time, gaining much critical acclaim. In 1995, The Warumpi Band was back on the road, and they completed a highly successful tour of Germany, France, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom. Who would have thought of an indigenous band from the Northern Territory taking its rightful place on the world music stage?
Later, The Warumpi Band signed with CAAMA Music based in Alice Springs and released Too Much Humbug. Neil Murray wrote My Island Home about Mr Burarrawanga, and it is probably his best known legacy. Other songs included Blackfella/Whitefella, which was also the name of the tour with Midnight Oil through remote indigenous communities in 1986, and Stompin’ Ground, which gave its name to the major music and cultural festival.
For more than 15 years, The Warumpi Band toured extensively in Australia and overseas. Mr Burarrawanga was renowned for his flamboyant stage presence which I am advised has been likened to Mick Jagger and an Aboriginal Bon Scott. As the Chief Minister said, high praise, indeed. Mr Burarrawanga’s 25-year career emphasised the importance of sharing Aboriginal knowledge in a quest to unite, not divide, and to bring happiness, not conflict. His life and his music should be celebrated.
I would like to quote from an obituary written for the Sydney Morning Herald by Chips Mackinolty, and I commend it to everyone. I will quote just one extract.
Madam Speaker, Mr Burarrawanga was an indigenous rock pioneer, and in the current climate, it is appropriate to place what might arguably be described as his most famous lyrics on the Parliamentary Record. I quote them as follows:
Madam Speaker, the opposition, together with all members of the Assembly, extends our sincere condolences to Mr Burarrawanga’s friends, some of whom work in Parliament House. We also extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Burarrawanga at Galiwinku last week. I had the pleasure of knowing him for very many years as a friend and, of course, as a well respected member of the electorate, as a leader right across the community of Arnhem Land, and he was an outstanding and influential musician.
He performed in collaboration with Neil Murray with The Warumpi Band for the last 20 years plus, spreading very important messages about his people, his life and the pride that he had in his culture and country. He will be remembered best for the song My Island Home. It has left a deep impact on very many Australians and it resonates very strongly indeed with any indigenous community located on an island because they claim it as their own. Whether that is Milingimbi, whether that is Elcho Island, his actual home island, it has a very deep impact on people.
The Leader of the Opposition spoke about his time in the Centre. It was a difficult time for Mr Burarrawanga and it is reflected beautifully, I think, in a couple of lines in My Island Home when he says:
The line that kills me every time I hear it:
He played a very important role in educating younger generations across Top End bush communities and was an impressive role model for them. A number of years ago, I visited an industry training council associated with health, and they showed the DVD Living in a House, which was an educative tool designed to help indigenous people moving into a more formal housing situation than they may have been used to, and it contains very strong messages about how you needed to care for and look after that house. It was very colourful and very entertaining. In fact, the staff I had with me were all taken with it. It became the theme song of the office for many months. We thought: how can we tie the message here about looking after your house with getting children to school? So we worked with Mr Burarrawanga and the department to contract him to bring about a similar piece of work and he came up with Gotta Go To School. Again, it was colourful, individual and absolutely unique piece of work.
It was a tremendous pleasure and privilege for me to accompany him, late in my time as minister for Education, to Gunbalanya School in August last year. I remember when we arrived. He looked tremendously slight to me. I had a question, and he was reflective and somewhat pensive, and it was not the Mr Burarrawanga I knew as a colourful, flamboyant, full-of-life type personality, and it crossed my mind about his health at that time. We got to the assembly hall with a sea of expectant faces from the students looking up at Mr Burarrawanga. We got the sound system set up and put a microphone in his hand, and it was like someone had flicked a switch. He just went crazy, Madam Speaker, in the dance and the professionalism, and the effort and the energy. I suspect he was not well at that time, but the microphone in his hand was the signal ‘Show’s on’, and nothing stops the show going on. He gave it every bit of energy he had, and I sensed that, in fact, when we left the community, he had spent every bit that he had within him in order to get that story about the importance of going to school across to that audience. The school went on to teach them that song, Gotta Go To School and it was sung at the school for a long, long time after. You could see and, most importantly, feel the profound impact that a performance like that and Mr Burarrawanga had on the children.
He was a great leader, a tremendous performer and an important role model. He will be missed by all. My condolences go to his family. My heart and prayers are with the family and the community at this sad time in their lives.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is with considerable sadness that I speak to this motion.
That sorrow is not just as the minister for Arts as we mark the passing of one of the Territory’s great contemporary musicians, but also more broadly as a Territorian. We have lost someone who was committed to his people and who achieved much in that field in such a short life. It was particularly sad that Mr Burarrawanga passed away only three days short of his 51st birthday. It is the destiny of too many Aboriginal Territorians, especially men, to die before their time, living fewer years than members of the wider community.
The story of Burarrawanga’s life has been recounted in recent media reports and the aspects of that life will also be covered by other members of this Assembly from whom we have heard, so I will briefly touch on three areas of his life that are often overlooked by those who did not know him so well.
The first was in Burarrawanga’s skill as a linguist and as a lover of language. When he graduated from Batchelor, it was as a language worker. As a speaker of his mother’s tongue, the Gumatj dialect of Yolngu-Matha, he broke the mould by taking on desert languages. I cannot say what sparked it, but the idea of using Aboriginal languages in contemporary music became the bedrock of his work. Certainly, a major inspiration came from his elders, as he explicitly acknowledged at last year’s Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards when he paid heartfelt tribute to Soft Sands, a long running Galiwinku-based Yolngu band singing in language.
But the desert - that is harder to know. As an unabashed rock’n’roller, he certainly found a perfect home with the Luritja musicians, Sammy and Gordon Butcher, Neil Murray and The Warumpi Band. To coin a phrase, which everyone has talked about here this morning, in Warlpiri, his first desert language, singing in language became Junga yimi - the true story - of what he, the Butcher brothers and Murray achieved as they exploded on the scene with Jailanguru Pakarnu (Out of Jail). The first Australian hit in an Aboriginal language began an explosion in the recording and acceptance of Aboriginal languages in contemporary Australian music in northern and Central Australia and beyond, and it continues to this day.
The second aspect of Burarrawanga’s life I would mention was his battle with grog. He came to realise he could not live with the grog in his life; for what it was doing to him and his people. As he told George Negus on ABC TV in 2003:
The third aspect of his life I will mention was his passion for the future of the kids of the Northern Territory, especially kids out bush. He took this on at home on Elcho Island in his re-engagement in ceremonial life, such as with initiations, but he also took this passion to all the kids out there. He argued strongly of the need for kids to learn both sides, two ways, and the critical importance of school attendance. Largely at his instigation, but with strong support from the then minister for Education, the member for Nhulunbuy, he created the song Gotta Go! and an accompanying DVD to encourage the kids to go and stay at school.
I vividly remember, as I am sure the member for Nhulunbuy does, the eyes of the kids at Gunbalanya in my electorate when he came to the school to launch the DVD. These kids, who face so many problems in their lives but who have so much potential, could look up to a proud, strong Aboriginal man and listen to a proud, strong message about the importance of school attendance.
The Warumpi song My Island Home has become something of an anthem for many Australians. It is a song of yearning and love and of wanting to return home; to go back to country and family and friends. It is a song which he sang very proudly and who, indeed, returned to his island home where he passed away amongst his friends and family. Indeed, it was a privilege for me to visit him a couple of months ago and, in a quiet way, to bid him farewell on the lands of his ancestors.
Although in recent years, he sang this song only in Gumatj, it is worth remembering the words in English for they sum up his love for his land and his family
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and privilege that I speak to this condolence motion. This morning in this Assembly, we fittingly pay tribute to a naturally talented and inspiring artist and Territorian, Mr Burarrawanga, who recently passed away.
First, I acknowledge and extend my condolences to his children, Marion, Cecilia, Loretta, Carlos and Lance, and his wife, Suzina Macdonell, from Papunya. I also extend condolences from my colleague, the member for Macdonnell, to Mr Burarrawanga’s children, family, extended families and friends throughout the Northern Territory and the nation.
To many of us, Mr Burarrawanga will be greatly remembered as the front man of the great Australian band, The Warumpi Band. I will always class Mr Burarrawanga up there with legendary front men like Bon Scott of AC/DC, Michael Hutchence of INXS, and Peter Garrett in his days with Midnight Oil. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Burarrawanga and I had the great privilege of watching him strut his stuff live in concert on several occasions. His performances on stage were electrifying. His inspiration and ability on stage is something, as the member for Arafura mentioned, that came from his elders and the Yolngu culture in salt water country.
Mr Burarrawanga travelled extensively throughout Western Desert communities such as Walungurru, Watiyawanu, Ikuntji, and Yuendumu. His passion to teach and ability to lead through music will be long remembered by many of the young men through the Western Desert communities for whom he was a great role model. His days of living in the desert amongst the magnificent landscape that surrounds communities like Papunya and strong language and culture of its people provided much inspiration to Mr Burarrawanga.
On behalf of my colleague, the member for Macdonnell, I wish to add that Papunya will always be grateful for the time he spent there. There is no doubt that the music that was written and performed during his time in the bush, particularly with the Luritja and Warlpiri people, will be a lasting legacy.
His respect for other indigenous language groups and willingness to learn their language and culture whilst sharing his music talents with them is a true indication of who Mr Burarrawanga was, and demonstrated his unique ability to combine both worlds so successfully.
Personally, as a young man growing up, I was and still am a big fan of The Warumpi Band. Warumpi Band albums such as Big Name No Blankets, Go Bush and Too Much Humbug are amongst my CD collection. These unforgettably titled albums contain truly Australian songs like Blackfella/Whitefella, From the Bush and the classic My Island Home which was sung at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The Warumpi Band with Mr Burarrawanga at the front along with other members, Neil Murray and Gordon and Sammy Butcher, will long be remembered for the strong messages their songs produced. An example of the strong messages throughout The Warumpi Band music and the powerful voice of Mr Burarrawanga was the song Stand Up, which was used to promote and encourage indigenous Australians to vote in ATSIC elections in the early 1990s. These songs and their messages will continue to provide much inspiration and enjoyment across the desert communities of Central Australia. As we have heard this morning, Mr Burarrawanga was a man who achieved much, and in August 2004 he was recognised for his lifetime achievement at the inaugural Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards, which was followed by a similar honour for Warumpi at the 2006 awards.
Finally, to Mr Burarrawanga, thank you for sharing your life and music with the people of the Western Desert. You will always be remembered.
Madam SPEAKER: I, too, extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Burarrawanga. I thank honourable members for their contribution to this motion.
Motion agreed to.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
The CLERK: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, I inform honourable members that responses to petition Nos 58 and 60 have been received and circulated to honourable members.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I update the House on the introduction of middle years schooling, one of the most significant reforms to education seen in the Northern Territory. Most members will have seen the middle years feature in the Sunday Territorian on the weekend showcasing outstanding things that are happening in Territory schools, and the great job that is being done by teachers, principals and school communities to make sure that this major educational change happens as smoothly and as successfully as possible.
I really would like to take the time this morning to congratulate teachers, principals, and broader school communities. As I get across the Northern Territory and visit schools and continue to work through the professional associations around education, the commitment, enthusiasm and extraordinary hard work that is going into the implementation of the new stage of middle schooling, the refocusing of effort on senior schooling, everyone putting their shoulder to the wheel, the commitment is fantastic.
The government’s $88.7m Building Better Schools program is improving outcomes for our students on two fronts: a $42m investment in improving resources and curriculum in the classroom supported by a $46.7m capital works program to upgrade school infrastructure. Some of the infrastructure programs under way or completed include:
the $19.9m middle school at Bullocky Point. I was pleased to inspect this site recently with the member for Port Darwin. The Territory’s first purpose-built middle school is now about half complete and on track to welcome students for the 2008 school year;
Additional and recurrent funding has been allocated to student transport as well, with funding for an additional 11 school buses in Darwin, two in Alice Springs this year, to be supported by funding for another 12 buses next year. It never ceases to amaze me how many buses we need across the Northern Territory to get our kids to school.
Of course, investment in middle schools is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about making a real difference in the classroom to give Territory students improved educational outcomes, and more opportunities in the future. Last week, I was pleased to launch the Guide to Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Learning in the middle years of schooling, developed specifically to assist Territory teachers to develop classroom plans that will deliver the best results for their students in the middle years. It is a fantastic resource kit for all teachers in middle years. Staff from the Curriculum Services Branch will be supporting the implementation of this new guide in our schools next year. It is a very practical guide that is going to support teachers in our classrooms.
In all of our middle schools and primary schools, principals, teachers and other staff are working to finalise middle years teaching programs, look after student wellbeing, conduct orientation programs and significant professional development, and keeping parents informed.
Many primary schools are running transition programs, including conducting some classes in their nearby senior schools to expose students to life in a middle school. For example, Anula Primary students in Years 6 and 7 head over to Sanderson High for extension classes in maths and English. That is happening across the Territory. In Alice Springs, the Clontarf Academy is providing real results in engaging at-risk indigenous students, resulting in improved attendance rates and better outcomes in the classroom.
Madam Speaker, middle years schooling is all about providing the very best learning opportunities for our students. We are building better schools that will give young Territorians the skills they need to enter the workforce and access the many opportunities the Northern Territory has to offer.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I apologise on behalf of the member for Blain, who is taken ill. He anticipates he will back into the Chamber sometime later today.
In taking the opportunity to respond to the minister’s comments, I congratulate the government for finally getting its facilities together. It has taken a long while for the government to implement this middle schools program, which has been variously dubbed as ‘muddle schools’.
The minister spoke about school buses. Obviously, we are glad to see there are more school buses available. It was a shame that the government allowed students from Palmerston to be stranded by the road side, leaving them to fend for themselves. That was a disgrace, and it took a long time for the government to respond.
To echo some of the comments that the member for Blain, the shadow minister for Education, would make: to have good student outcomes, you need to concentrate on curriculum. Bricks and mortar are essential, but it is good curriculum that delivers good education. Yet I have not heard from this minister what he is doing about it. Yes, he has provided some professional development for the teachers and staff, but again, a curriculum, which is the core of all education, is something on which this government has lost focus. They believe that if they build a few new buildings, put a few bricks together, a few demountables together and a few school buses together, it will make things better. Without good core curriculum development, you do not achieve results; you do not have the quality education that you need. I echo the sentiments of the member for Blain: get your curriculum in order and things will be better.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, surely a five minute report on the introduction of middle schooling is a little scant. There are many more things you could have mentioned. For instance, you did not mentioned what is happening in the bush. Have you made any inroads in providing education out there?
I am pleased with Alice Springs. ASHS and ANZAC have adjusted well to the middle school program. With Centralian, I have to comment on the Gateways Program. I hope some of the local members get down to see the Gateways Program, which is for Years 11 and 12. It is about 70% indigenous students, and about 35 of those are going to get their NTCE this year. It is a great program and they are making great strides because they are able to focus purely on these students who attend. They even have an autistic child who is doing brilliant work, and it is because he is so comfortable in this environment. There have been some good spin-offs from the middle schools. Minister, have a look at Gateways because you will be pleased with it. They are the students who did the big mural that was launched last week because there has been a lot of graffiti in Alice Springs. I am getting a bit off the track there, I know.
It is an amazing thing about the policy and governments, no matter what we do, at grassroots level, schools still operate well. Schools still do a good job and we bluster on about all sorts of things, but down there, kids are still being educated and teachers are still doing good things. What you do need to do with middle schooling is come back and tell us: have we lost any students with this transition? Have many of the students dropped out, or are they still attending school? That is one of the things we were worried about with the transfer of Year 10s to the senior secondary colleges. Tell us your future plans for providing middle school opportunities for students in the bush.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I thank members for their contribution. The member for Braitling said that this has been the only opportunity to debate middle schools. In the last sitting of parliament there was an extensive statement on education across the Northern Territory that focused a lot on middle schooling.
It is great to see that the CLP has finally come on board and is supporting the introduction of middle schools. I was really heartened by the member for Greatorex saying it is great that we are finally getting this together because the official shadow minister’s position has been that we are going too fast. The criticism had been that we are going too fast, that we are rushing this, and to hear support for the introduction of middle schooling from the member for Greatorex was very heartening.
Member for Braitling, in a future visit to Alice Springs, I will visit the Gateways Program. I will be very pleased to have a look at that.
I commend all of our teachers, principals and school communities across the Territory as they are implementing middle schooling.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, the Northern Land Council and the Australian government recently announced that the traditional owners had agreed to nominate land on Muckaty Station as a potential site for the proposed Commonwealth radioactive waste management facility.
The nomination of Muckaty was made possible by amendments to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, prompted by the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner. These changes mean a land council could directly nominate a site for the facility not originally proposed by the Commonwealth. The amended legislation means the nomination can go forward provided that the Northern Land Council says the traditional owners were consulted and informed about the nomination, and they consented.
However, the legislation undermines this very modest requirement by saying that the Commonwealth can accept the nomination from the NLC even if these requirements have not been followed. The rules for consulting Aboriginal people whose land is directly affected can be simply ignored. This means that a proposal affecting all Territorians can occur without transparency of process, without achieving consent of traditional owners, and bypassing the Territory parliament.
If the Commonwealth accepts the Northern Land Council’s nomination, Muckaty would be stripped of protections under Territory law, along with other potential sites near Alice Springs and Katherine. No existing or future laws of the Territory dealing with environmental impact assessment or pollution control will apply to either the assessment or operation of the Commonwealth’s dump on any site in the Territory. This applies to any state or territory laws that would regulate an off-site activity such as transport of the radioactive waste across Australia. Any legislation in any jurisdiction that prohibits or regulates the transport of radioactive waste material through their jurisdiction will not have force if it hinders the operation of the Commonwealth’s radioactive waste management facility.
In early 2006, the Commonwealth engaged consultants to undertake a technical assessment of the original three sites. The original timetable indicated the consultants’ work would take about a year. The nomination of Muckaty occurred in May 2007. Whether the consultant has undertaken or will undertake proper site investigations at Muckaty remains unclear. The Commonwealth has given no assurances that it will make public any information concerning the site selection. The outcome of the consultancy will allow the Australian government to select one or more sites, which will then undergo environmental impact assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and a parallel process to develop a site licence.
The original timetable for the construction of the facility showed the environmental and site licence processes to be separate, with separate consultation opportunities. Rolling up these two processes deprives Territorians of an opportunity to properly examine the proposal. If more than one site is to be considered, the resources of Territorians will be stretched. Alternative sites could lead to us being asked to consider which site is the most suitable from a limited list derived from politics rather than science. The question should have always been: which is the best site for the whole of Australia based on the science?
Territorians will be able to make comments on the proposal, which the Commonwealth expects to take about two years. Our government will be closely examining the way in which the Commonwealth proposes to address containment of water to protect groundwater, land and air quality; how it proposes to deal with the risk of accident, both at the facility and during transport; and the levels of monitoring and public disclosure that are proposed when the facility is operational. It is through these assessment processes that Territorians will have the best, indeed the only, opportunity to assure themselves of the safety of the facility.
The act makes it clear that the final decision on where the facility will be located is one for the federal minister in his or her ‘absolute discretion’. To put this beyond doubt, the legislation provides that this decision is not capable of being reviewed judicially. It says:
in respect of a decision. These are extraordinary steps to take in legislation. They are not actions that would be justified on sound science. Since there is no capacity for the Territory to directly assess or regulate the Commonwealth’s facility through legal means, the possibilities for influencing the outcomes, both and before and after construction, are limited.
Madam Speaker, we will be keeping a close watch on activities and will be ready to act when the Commonwealth presents us with its preferred site. We can assure Territorians that there is the best possible community understanding of the proposal …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report this morning. There is no doubt that any talk of this nuclear waste facility certainly stirs up a lot of emotion in this House.
The minister referred to the decision about the location of this facility being based on science. If it was based on science, there have been 10 years of ascertaining the best location in Australia for this facility. As the minister knows, it was a bipartisan federal government decision that it was to be based on a contaminated site in South Australia. As she very well knows, the Labor government in South Australia refused to have it there, which brought it back to the federal government for an alternative site. The decision was successfully challenged in court by the South Australian government, but it was a site that would have been suitable. Naturally, the federal government has to look elsewhere.
The Northern Land Council is acting on behalf of its constituents. There is no doubt that you will never get 100% approval for anything anywhere, as we are all well aware. My belief is that they are acting in the best interests of the majority of the elders of Muckaty Station. There will be much more discussion on the environmental impact statement of that decision before it happens at Muckaty. It is not going to be forced on anyone. The offer has been made by Muckaty to put the facility on that property.
Two minutes is hardly fair to be discussing an environmental impact statement on Muckaty Station.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Kiely: Here is a good contribution coming up.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I am glad to see the member for Sanderson pre-empting the debate.
Naturally, when you discuss this issue, there is an awful lot of politics involved and just as much comes from the Northern Territory government in this debate. I have a media release from the traditional owner of Muckaty Station saying that she supports the nomination of this site.
I disagree with you, minister, when you say the site should be based on scientific grounds. There were two sites in the Northern Territory that were selected, as much as the Chief Minister avoids the issue. One was the Tanami Desert and the other was Mt Everard. They were picked on scientific grounds, Chief Minister …
Ms Martin: They were removed. They did not make the second cut at all.
Mr WOOD: The documentation is there that they had a scientific basis. They had a scientific basis, Chief Minister, and you avoided that in all the media statements you made.
The reason that we are where we are is the same reason I have stated before, which is that we cannot act as Australians on this issue. You complain about the transport of radioactive waste, we have radioactive material flying once a week on an aeroplane over our airspace from Sydney to Darwin for the benefit of the people of the Northern Territory. We will continue to transport radioactive material with the development of the Oncology Unit, which you support. Are you saying the transport of radioactive material by plane over the Northern Territory is dangerous? The reason that it can be transported by air is the same reason the waste can be transported safely. Read the international requirements for the transportation of radioactive waste. No waste will be transported unless it is transported according to those international regulations.
Dr Burns: Is that including the stuff from France?
Mr WOOD: The problem we have with this debate - it can be transported from France safely. It is transported around the world on a regular basis …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr WOOD: On a regular basis. The trouble with this debate is not only is there a motion, there is a lot of politics, ideology …
Members interjecting.
Mr WOOD: … and a government that brought in the three mine policy – hypocritical!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson, your time has expired. Member for Nelson! Resume your seat.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, picking up on the member for Nelson - political, emotional, not scientific. I accuse the member for Nelson of this: what a hypocrite this member is.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: If we talk about …
Mr STIRLING: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He used the same term in relation to the government not 40 seconds ago. What a hypocrite!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Deputy Chief Minister, I ask you to withdraw those words, please. Member for Nelson, I would like you to withdraw as well.
Mr WOOD: May I speak to the point of order, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I ask you to withdraw those words, please ...
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, I am not sure what I had to with …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I am asking you to withdraw the words, or I will be asking you to withdraw from the Chamber.
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, I am not sure as to what …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, pursuant to Standing Order 240A, I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber for one hour, please.
Dr LIM: Madam Speaker, may I speak to the point of order?
Madam SPEAKER: Please! I am finished with that. Minister, please continue. Deputy Chief Minister, resume your seat.
Mr STIRLING: I was withdrawing, Madam Speaker.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have a responsibility in this House as government to demand that the facility is assessed at the highest international standards and that the project conforms to best international practice. There are many furphies that go around, and the member for Nelson is part of it. There is high level waste; it is not about medical waste. We continue to have this debate. It is a dump to receive the high level waste that is coming from France. The member for Nelson very well knows this and the hypocrisy …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: The shadow minister, who has this information as well - the Northern Territory was never …
Dr Lim interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: In terms of that report, the Northern Territory was never on the radar if we look at the scientific and geological assessment of the site.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Ms LAWRIE (Multicultural Affairs): Madam Speaker, the Territory prides itself on its history of having a very strong and vibrant multicultural society, and the contributions from our communities that play a key role in our social, cultural and economic development. In recognition of this contribution, the government continues to support the multicultural community to further enhance our great lifestyle and our cultural diversity. Today I would like to talk about some recent initiatives for our Thai, Chinese, Greek and Indian communities.
Just over a week ago, on Friday, 8 June, an historic event occurred. On behalf of the Territory government, I had the honour of handing over the title of a hectare of land off Batten Road in Marrara to the Thai Ambassador to Australia, who accepted the title on behalf of the Thai Theravada Association of the Northern Territory. The Thai Theravada Association plans to build a community hall, a temple, monks’ residences, and male and female retreat houses on that land.
It is the first time in Australia that land has been granted by a government to a Theravada Buddhist organisation. The Thai government and the Supreme Buddhist Council in Thailand, the Sangha, valued this gesture so highly that they sent 14 senior monks from Thailand, New Zealand and throughout Australia. Close to 1000 members of the Thai, Burmese, Laotion, Cambodian and Vietnamese communities attended the ceremonies, which were conducted throughout the day and into the evening.
This was the culmination of many years of planning and fund raising, particularly by the Thai and Laotion communities. To date, they have raised about $170 000. I would especially like to mention and thank four founding members who continue to be the force behind the project: Jiraphorn Crowell, Somsong Albert, Jaroon Rattatom, and Saeng Yodkemarkul.
Members may recall the Chung Wah Society recently received $245 000 through the Ethnic Community Facilities Development Fund for their Chinese Cultural Centre project. Work on refurbishment of the Chinese Museum is set to start soon and the whole project is expected to be completed by August of this year. The rising cost of building materials led to a funding shortfall, and the society approached me as Minister for Multicultural Affairs with a plan for their fund raising efforts to reduce the shortfall and a request for assistance.
I congratulate Tina Griffiths, daughter of Dick and Rosemary Griffiths, who organised a very successful fund raising dinner for 150 guests here at Parliament House. I thank Madam Speaker for making the venue available. It was at this dinner that my colleague, minister Burns, was able to present a cheque for a further $20 000 on behalf of the Territory government to ensure this worthwhile project is completed. Congratulations to the Chung Wah Society, especially their President, Adam Lowe, for their ongoing effort.
It has been a big few weeks for the Greek community, with the annual Greek Glenti and, importantly, the visit of the Prime Minister of Greece, Konstandinos Karamanlis. Mr Karamanlis made a special trip to Darwin during his Australian visit and met with the Chief Minister, ministers and local community members.
The Glenti this year was expanded to incorporate a week of festival activities. It was wonderful to meet the Mayor of Kalymnos, His Worship George Roussos, and his Deputy, Philippos Christodoulou, at the launch at the Darwin Entertainment Centre. They were very impressed with the incredible efforts of Lilliane Gomatos and the organising committee, and the Territory government’s contribution of $60 000 towards this year’s Glenti festival.
This weekend marks a special event for the Indian community, with the 11th India@Mindil. The Indian community showcases their music, culture, dance and cuisine down at Mindil Beach from 5 pm on Saturday. We expect about 114 performers in total. There will be 12 dancers from the city of Hyderabad in India who are also conducting workshops at four primary schools in Darwin and holding a special show at the Darwin Entertainment Centre this week. The Martin government has committed $22 000 to support this fantastic event.
Funding for other community festivals includes the Cyprus Community Cultural Festival, the Filipino Barrio Fiestas in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, the Persatuan Indonesian Festival and the Multicultural Community Services to Central Australia participation in the Desert Festival, the Bangtail Muster, Harmony Week and May Day. In total, there has been some $737 000 spent from the Multicultural Sponsorship Program to our multicultural communities right across the Territory.
This government is committed to supporting and progressing our cultural diversity in the Territory, and I thank all of the volunteers in those community-based organisations for their incredible efforts in promoting and enhancing our multicultural diversity.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I congratulate the government for heeding the request of our multicultural communities across the Territory seeking government assistance. I have been very much aware of what the Thai Theravada Buddhist community have been doing in past years, working very hard to fund raise to ensure that they have some capital to put towards their new project.
I find it interesting, though, for the minister to say that this is the first time the Northern Territory government has given land to the Thai Theravada. You provide land to ethnic communities, and the Thai Theravada was formed in the Territory less than five years ago. They have made a request to government. It has taken them many years to finally come to this, and I congratulate the government for providing them with land where they can develop their centre. Buddhism is probably one of the fastest growing – call it a religion or way of life in Australia. Likewise in Darwin, Buddhism has had a huge impact on our community, and more power to them that they can bring a good sensible lifestyle to Territorians.
The Chung Wah Society, the Glenti and India@Mindil are examples of how our ethnic communities have significantly contributed to our varied social fabric. I was at the Chung Wah Society function upstairs on the fourth floor. It was a very good night, indeed. The funds raised, including monies donated by private enterprise across Darwin, and the government’s contribution will go a long way to helping the Chung Wah to complete its project, which started many months ago. The minister said ‘about to be started’, but it was started many months ago.
I congratulate the Greeks and the Indians for their celebrations and I wish them many years of good fortune to come.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Minister, great, I am glad you support multiculturalism. We all do.
Now I have one more favour to ask of you. As you are aware, government gave land to the Afghan Muslims in Alice Springs some time ago and they have a great mosque. Anna Kenny decided that she would do an exhibition on the contribution of the Afghans to Central Australia in particular. She approached Araluen and the NT Museum, which both knocked back supporting this exhibition. It was launched in June by the South Australian Museum. It is a travelling exhibition.
We want it to come to Alice Springs because it is a great history of the contribution made by the Afghans. It is going to Broken Hill. It is booked to go to Port Augusta. It would be a great gesture on the part of this government, whose department unfortunately knocked it back in the first place, if they would bring it to Alice Springs. It should also travel to Darwin because there is a huge history to be told.
It is interesting that the government named one of the schools in Alice Springs after Charlie Sadadeen. That school is going to celebrate 25 years next year, the anniversary of when I opened it. Where has 25 years of my life gone, Madam Speaker? The town council has also named a meeting place after the Afghans. It was the area outside the town council lawns where the Afghans met. They had market gardens; they were part of the community. It would be a great gesture on your part, minister, if you would support bringing this travelling exhibition to Alice Springs and to Darwin.
Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table this brochure so that the minister can see what I am talking about.
Leave granted.
Ms LAWRIE (Multicultural Affairs): Madam Speaker, I thank the members for their contributions. Yes, the Territory government does provide land to a range of communities, but what was of note is that we are the first government in Australia to donate land to a Theravada Buddhist organisation. That is what the government of Thailand were incredibly impressed by; and why they sent so many monks from Thailand and throughout Australia and New Zealand to attend the ceremony.
On the issue raised by the member for Braitling, I will be delighted to talk to our minister for the Arts in relation to the Cameleer’s exhibition. I have spoken to Eric Sultan about the exhibition, as well as to the young lady who was involved in putting it together. I already have the cameleer’s brochure. I was very disappointed not to be able to get to the launch of that because it is a fantastic exhibition which showcases the importance of the Afghans and their contribution to Central Australia. I am happy to talk to the minister for the Arts about any potential for it travelling into our museums in the Territory.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
Continued from 3 May 2007.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Madam Speaker, I commend the budget introduced by the Treasurer. The 2007-08 Territory budget backs business and sets an excellent course for continued strong and sustainable Territory economic development. It builds on our economic development framework and delivers jobs, growth and a stronger Territory. It will improve business competiveness, regional development and indigenous economic development. This budget ticks all the right boxes. Industry has welcomed this budget and the government’s plan for the future for the Northern Territory economy.
Growing competitive Territory businesses strengthens our economy. The government, through the Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development will continue to invest in the services needed to expand the economy, grow business, and create ongoing job opportunities for the Northern Territory. This side of the House knows that a stable, competitive Territory business environment allows business to grow and new business to develop. As I have stated previously in this House, it is paramount to retain and expand local business, as current businesses represent the foundation on which new economic development can be built.
I am delighted the 2007-08 Budget builds on our business strategies to reduce taxes on business, open more opportunities for Territorians to access the skills and training needed in our economy, to provide the capital needed for a strong capital works and infrastructure program, and support continued business and economic development throughout the Territory. This budget locks in the gains and, importantly, it will help create new businesses. Our economy is strong and there is evidence to support this: employment growth, sales and profitability for small businesses have doubled according to the latest Sensis Business Index. The Territory again had the highest approval rating of all state or territory governments.
The business community backs the Martin government’s sound economic management. We have a strong economy and a plan for the future, and business groups have responded to that. While our economy is bucking national trends, we know there is more to be done to make sure all businesses benefit from our growing economy. Working with business has led to a series of sound and sensible initiatives: tax cuts, building critical infrastructure and training new workers. In 2005, we set an ambitious target of commencing 10 000 apprentices and trainees over four years, and we are on track.
It is no accident that the Sensis Business Index shows that employment growth has doubled; the Australian Bureau of Statics shows a growth in jobs by 5% in the year to March; and ANZ job ads have a 6.6% increase in the year to March. We have a Jobs Plan and it is working. The confidence of business in the Martin government’s policies is encouragement to work and plan even harder for the future.
As part of our plan for the future, we are undertaking the largest Power and Water infrastructure upgrade ever in the Northern Territory - $840m over the next five years. This investment is necessary to support our growing economy and underpin future development and population growth. We must continue to consolidate our strong economy. This budget does so.
The 2007-08 Budget is good news for business and for business competiveness. The action announced by the Treasurer to lower business taxes further is very good news. Business tax savings of $94.2m have been locked in since 2002. In 2007-08, stamp duty applying to hire arrangements will be abolished, saving business $5.3m a year. From July 2009, stamp duty on business property conveyancing other than land will also be abolished. Further annual savings for business of $11.3m will result from this change. These and our earlier tax changes reinforce that the Territory is the leading low-tax jurisdiction in Australia.
As a result, the competitiveness of our business operating environment has been strengthened. This will bring new investments and employers to our Territory and our communities. In partnership with industry, the $310m secured in the budget for skills and jobs will develop our workforce, provide new opportunities for Territorians, especially those in regional and remote areas, and Budget 2007-08 delivers a cash infrastructure spend of $645m. That brings to $3.3bn the amount of cash dedicated to infrastructure since 2001. This year, $180m was provided for the total roads program, with a massive injection of an extra $35m over four years into maintenance programs.
We have announced a massive $814m in investment in Power and Water infrastructure over the next five years, almost double the previous period. The works are part of our plan for the future and it is the largest investment in essential services ever in the Territory. This plan for the future will ensure capacity to meet emerging demand, renew our assets and improve service reliability. The repairs and maintenance budget increased by $222m over this five year period.
Our population is growing, our economy is growing, and now is the time to be planning for the long-term growth of the Territory. We need to ensure that Territory infrastructure grows fast enough to keep up with economic and population growth while improving service and reliability for existing customers. Major projects in the plan include $126m for a new power station at Weddell to service Darwin and Palmerston; $25m for the Darwin Sewage Strategy closing the Larrakeyah Outfall; $10m to upgrade the Ludmilla Waste Treatment Plant; $41.7m for a new power station at Brewer and a transmission line to Alice Springs; $12.5m for undergrounding power in Darwin suburbs; $12.2m for a new power sub-station in Archer for Palmerston; $11.5m for power upgrades in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Yulara; and $8.5m to raise Darwin River Dam by 1.3 m, increasing capacity of the dam by 20%.
We are a young vibrant Territory. It is important that we plan ahead so we do not make the same mistakes we are now seeing coming home to roost down south. We only have to look at New Zealand after privatisation of the power utility and the lack of any upgrade or maintenance by the private companies. The plan will create local jobs and work for a local contractors, with millions injected into the Territory economy both now and into the future. It lays a foundation not just for this year, but the years ahead.
Budget 2007-08 also includes $7m to prepare land in Bellamack for public release. This land will contain lots aimed at first homebuyers. Ongoing planning of $1.3m is provided for services to Mt Johns Valley land in Alice Springs.
HomeNorth has been revamped to make it family focused. The HomeNorth Xtra revamp announced will help maintain the momentum in our construction sector and make the scheme more accessible for Territorians to buy their first home.
The additional $56m for indigenous community housing and related essential services addresses the vital needs that open more opportunities for indigenous economic development and skills development.
We support business throughout the Territory, through our ongoing Business Development and Support programs. We develop business through our Territory Business Centres, Business Information and Licensing Assistance Services, the Business Growth and Upskills programs and, of course, October Business Month.
We are backing regional indigenous economic development with a range of initiatives, such as regional economic development fund, $0.5m, and continued implementation of the Building Stronger Regions, Stronger Futures strategy implementation.
In addition, we have: the Indigenous Business Development Grant program - $300 000; our Economic Development Committees; the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy, $530 000; McArthur River Mining Community Benefit Fund development; the Red Centre Way development support, and Overarching Agreement Schedule implementation.
We are supporting industry development and investment in the Northern Territory through the Industry Development Support grants, $135 000; the Defence Support program and Industry Development Support program for peak industry associations, $1.149m.
We listen to business and understand the importance of reducing red tape. We continue to implement the Economic Development Framework, we had a review of the Industry Participation Policy, and further action on red tape and regulation reduction initiatives.
The Land Development Corporation has funding of $2.6m in 2007-08 to continue environmental and design investigations for the release of further strategic industrial land at East Arm and Wickham Estates. We are backing knowledge and innovation with the $350 000 Northern Territory Research and Innovation Fund.
Skilling Territorians is a key priority for government and is reflected in this year’s budget. To ensure the Territory workforce is skilled and work-ready, Budget 2007-08 funds a new Jobs Plan, with $21.3m over four years. The plan continues the government’s training effort and supports both employers and employees in improving skills in the workplace. We are helping address skill shortages with our Business and Skilled Migration program targeted at filling strategic skills shortage areas in the workforce.
This year’s tourism budget totals a significant $38.3m. These funds are delivering more visitors and improved airline capacity into the Territory. You only have to walk down Mitchell Street during the day or night to see the number of tourists. Yesterday, I was having a coffee at Salvatores and I was talking to the manager. He predicted that this is going to be the best season for the past 10 years. He predicted a very bright future for tourism. I walked into Char and we could not find a table on Thursday. They are fully booked from Thursday to Sunday. If you go to Caf Uno, you find the same. Chiantis is the same. The whole town is rocking and the number of international and national tourists is incredible. Once again, you see more southern state number plates on cars than you see Territory plates. It is a great opportunity for Territorians, and tourism is booming.
In the mining sector, the Bringing Forward Discovery program will receive an ongoing $3m per year for four years to assist exploration for mining across the Territory. We are working with industry to develop mine supply and support services, including Alice Springs as a supply and service hub, Indonesia mining industry supply and services support and an industry participation plant management. Getting these building blocks in place now gives business the confidence to continue investing in the Territory’s future.
Madam Speaker, this budget backs businesses. It strengthens our economy, builds on our infrastructure, addresses our regional needs, develops Territory skills, improves our competitiveness and, finally, enhances the job linking capacity of the communities. I congratulate the Treasurer for introducing a strong and responsible budget, as it strengthens our place in the world as good fiscal managers, plans for the future, and gives surety to business for economic planning and employment in the future.
Budget 2007-08 is about jobs, growth and lifestyle today and into the future. It backs Territory business and delivers their major needs. The Martin government is a business-friendly government and this year’s budget continues that approach. Under the Martin government, the Territory has an economy and lifestyle that is the best in Australia.
The Martin Labor government supports sport. It is part of the great Territory lifestyle. The priority of sports was clear after the Martin Labor government was first elected in 2001. Our priority was to address areas of chronic neglect left by the previous CLP government. There were three areas we targeted: fixing existing great facilities, building new facilities, and bringing elite sport to the Territory. In Budget 2007-08, we continue to back sport. Under the Sport and Recreation portfolio, we continue to deliver opportunities for all Territorians to participate in sport and recreational activities, both in urban and remote areas of the Territory.
The creation and maintenance of sporting facilities in the Territory remains a cornerstone of government’s commitment by ensuring Territorians are provided with opportunities to participate in sport at all levels. In 2006-07, government delivered on its commitments and saw the opening of the Palmerston Recreation Centre. This state-of-the-art centre provides a recreational facility for the benefit of all residents and sporting organisations in the Palmerston and rural region.
The Darwin Football Stadium is also nearing completion, with $78 000 being provided in this budget for the staging of a pre-season A-League game in July to mark the opening of the new home of football in the Territory. What a football stadium it is! During the recent Arafura Games, I heard comments by the Macau team. They said that Macau receives all these royalties from their casinos, but they do not have facilities like that. How come a place like Darwin with 150 000 people can have a facility like that? All the seats are now in place, so everyone can sit on very comfortable seats, and we are working to install an electronic scoreboard.
Of course, it gets better. As a football fan, and originally from Western Australia, I am very much looking forward to seeing Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory on Territory soil. That will be the opportunity to open the new football stadium on 28 July.
Budget 2007-08 delivers $4.8m worth of construction of an outdoor netball centre at Marrara, which will bring the code side-by-side with an A-grade competition already being played at the Darwin Indoor Basketball Stadium.
Some $500 000 was also provided for Stage 3 of the continued upgrade of the Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex and $300 000 for the construction of a skate park and amenities in Nightcliff. Of course, there is the $400 000 election promise for the Nakara lights. If the Darwin City Council comes to the party, we might see both of them constructed very quickly instead of playing games about who allocates the money and where the facilities will be installed.
Unlike the CLP, this government is committed to ensuring all existing facilities owned by government are maintained to a high level. Funding has been provided in 2007-08 for the repairs and maintenance of government-owned sporting facilities, and that is reflected by the comments we received during the Arafura Games 2007, the best Arafura Games ever, that saw 2800 athletes from 42 countries, as far away as Venezuela, Lichtenstein and Brazil, come to take part in these fantastic facilities that we have in Darwin. The comments were enthusiastic; people keep coming back. Of course, the best comment was from the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven, who admired the facilities. He said how user-friendly they were and how, now, Paralympic Games will be part of the Arafura Games every time they are held in Darwin.
Madam Speaker, the benefits we derive from encouraging participation in sport and recreation amongst all Territorians are well known. Nationwide concerns regarding high levels of obesity within Australia and the role of regular exercise in addressing these trends has been well documented. The Northern Territory government is working with the sporting sector and the broader community to optimise these benefits through relevant programs and services, the most efficient and effective use of resources, increasing access to facilities and the promotion of sport and recreation.
A total of $3.5m has been allocated in 2007-08 for direct grants to sport and recreation peak and local governing bodies, as well as grassroots organisations to increase their capacity to provide regular activity. You only have to go to Alice Springs, to Ross Park or even Bagot Oval here on Sunday to see how many kids play soccer or participate in other sporting activities. I am very pleased to see parents assisting coaches and other administrators in providing this fantastic opportunity for the kids to get away from television and computers and be physically active.
Our funding assists with development of sports, establishment of best practice management and increased opportunity for Territorians to participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities. We are committed more than ever to increase the opportunity for Territorians to participate in physical activity and developing the level of interest in sport. As a specific policy initiative, we are contributing to the outcome by providing opportunities to see performances by elite athletes through attracting national and international sporting events to the Territory.
This weekend, the Western Bulldogs played against the Dockers in front of 14 000 people at Marrara Stadium, and it was a fantastic example of how this government brings elite sport to Territorians. We are far away from the major centres and not all Territorians can travel south to watch some of these fantastic events. We are prepared to bring these teams to the Territory to show Territorians a real quality game - not only in Darwin, but in Alice Springs where recently the Adelaide Crows played the West Coast Eagles at Traeger Park in front of a capacity crowd of 11 000 people. At the same time, the Gold Coast, which has a much bigger population, could only attract 7000 or 8000 people. Territorians go crazy and we see it every time we bring a quality match here.
Madam Speaker, $610 000 will be provided in 2007-08 to continue financial and administrative support for national and international sporting fixtures in the Territory. These include the staging of three AFL matches in Darwin and Alice Springs; staging of another national basketball fixture, with the Perth Wildcats at Marrara Indoor Stadium in 2008; staging of an Australian Rugby League game in February 2008 at Traeger Park in Alice Springs; staging a pre-season A-League game to open the Darwin Football Stadium in July 2007.
Output funding of $3.9m has been allocated in 2007-08 for the Northern Territory Institute of Sport, which is a key partner in the sport and recreation sector through its identification, development and support of the Territory’s talented and elite athletes. Its primary role is to provide high quality services and support to those aspiring athletes and their coaches, to optimise opportunities to achieve the highest level in sport and in life.
The Northern Territory Institute of Sport offers support to athletes through its individual scholarship program and through the following sport programs: Australian Football League, cricket, hockey, Australian Rugby League, Australian Rugby Union, netball, tennis, weightlifting, cycling and tenpin balling. In summary, the 2007-08 budget continues to allow us to increase the Territory’s growing catalogue of high quality sporting infrastructure and continues our support for local sporting bodies and athletes.
It highlights our commitment and investment in Territory sports and recreation and ultimately contributes to reducing the burden on our health system and builds on our great Territory lifestyle. Much has been achieved by our investment of time and money in sport, but there is more to be done. We understand sport’s importance to the Territory’s great lifestyle. After fixing areas of chronic neglect and getting sports back to where it should have been, the job is now to look around and work out where we want to be in 10 years’ time, and we are doing that.
We are discussing with all our participating members for the Arafura Games. We are talking about expanding the competition in soccer. We are talking about having competitions between different countries that are unable to attend the Arafura Games from as far away as America and South Africa. Sport for Territorians is very important. The other face of sports is that people who come here to participate in a sporting event either as athletes, administrators or even partners, discover that the Territory is a unique place and they want to come back as tourists, or they extend their stay.
I am well aware that many Western Bulldogs supporters stayed for an extra five days. Yesterday, I saw some of them ready to board the Orion that left Darwin to go to Broome and return to Darwin later. Every person who comes here for sport, or to participate in sport, and stays on, contributes an average of $100 to $150 a person a night. It is significant income for the Territory.
As I said before, we need a long-term vision. We are developing a comprehensive sports and recreation policy that will encompass every aspect of sport across the Territory. Work in this area has already been done by the Sessional Committee on Sport and Youth, chaired by the member for Port Darwin, Kerry Sacilotto. Their work will influence where the Martin Labor government’s significant investment in sport will be directed in the future. We will work with the great Territorians who love their sport, dedicated volunteers who devote their time to their chosen sport, professional administrators, past players and administrators, to develop a comprehensive sport policy that will ensure that the Territory lifestyle remains the best in Australia.
Madam Speaker, Budget 2007-08 delivers jobs, growth and a stronger Territory. I commend the Treasurer for delivering this budget to Territorians.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, Budget 2007-08 contains fantastic news right across my portfolios. As Infrastructure minister, we have a record infrastructure budget. In Family and Community Services, we also see record budgets across the board, and in Multicultural Affairs, our extremely generous grants programs continue.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure is the Northern Territory government’s agency that provides a coordinated approach to infrastructure provision, transport services and land development planning. This department plays a major role in the economic and social development of the Territory, providing wide ranging essential services, implementing major infrastructure projects, land planning and development, managing the national and major arterial road network, and keeping transport moving and safe. The department also has responsibility for regulating land use and the building and transport sectors.
This year’s budget highlights the Northern Territory government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and developing new infrastructure across all regions and sectors of the Territory, and building on the facilities that we already have in place. The budget allocations are designed to further stimulate the Territory’s economic growth, and enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of Territorians.
Budget highlights for new infrastructure include a commitment for infrastructure spending allocated to the department in 2007-08 of some $302m out of a total government infrastructure budget of $645m. This is the highest allocation ever made to infrastructure. This budget will help the Territory economy grow, enhance opportunities for both the business and industry sectors, and further add to our lifestyle across the regions.
A major focus of the budget this year is on our roads. The 2007-08 Budget reflects the critical need to build, upgrade and maintain the Territory’s vast road network, including major tourist highways, arterial roads and strategic outback roads that support rural industry and remote communities. The government has allocated a record $180m package for our roads.
Budget capital funding under the Commonwealth-funded AusLink program, including new and continuing works for the Territory, this year totals $74.2m and includes $10m allocated as the first part of the $32m the Territory government has committed to the Tiger Brennan Drive extension. This first instalment of $10m is for the duplication of the intersections connecting the current Tiger Brennan Drive with Wishart Road in Palmerston. This will significantly improve traffic flow between Darwin and Palmerston. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth government, in their budget, refused to include any additional funding and their contribution remains at just $13.7m. Fortunately, the federal Labor Party recognises the importance of this road and has already announced that they will match the Territory government’s $32m if elected later this year.
The roads budget also includes total capital funding of $46m to continue upgrading flood immunity of the Victoria Highway. This will include six new high-level bridges through the Victoria River floodplain. As part of the national highway network, a total of $5m for the pavement, strengthening and widening of selected sections of the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways is included. A total of $1.74m under the Strategic Regional Roads program will be spent on the Outback Way project for the continued upgrading of selected pavement sections. There is $700 000 under the Black Spot program for projects to improve the safety of targeted Northern Territory government and local government roads. A total of $15.64m has been allocated for the maintenance of AusLink Network Corridors. This includes an additional $1.5m from the Territory government as a result of reduced funding allocations from the Australian government.
The Territory government has allocated capital funding of $43.2m for ongoing upgrading of Territory-managed roads. The highlights include new and continuing works: work will continue on the $16.5m Red Centre Way with some $11.5m expenditure expected in 2007-08, and a further $15m programmed for 2008-09; work will also continue on the share-funded $14.95m upgrading of the Port Keats Road which commenced last Dry Season, spending about $2.8m last financial year; additional funding has been provided to upgrade, maintain and seal priority sections of the Tanami Road with $24m allocated to this important road over the next six years; a further $800 000 is allocated under the Rural Arterials to address pavement reconstruction of poor sections of road that have reached the end of their economic life. This will, importantly, include selected sections of the Buntine Highway; $750 000 is allocated for Urban Arterials to address pavement reconstruction of poor sections of our urban arterial network which also have reached the end of their economic life. Selected sections on Bagot and McMillans Roads and the Stuart Highway in Darwin will be addressed in the 2007-08 financial year; $500 000 is allocated to upgrade sections of the Sandover Highway, including re-sheeting and drainage upgrades to help enhance the local pastoral sector, and other economic development.
The Territory government will deliver $57m on repairs and maintenance of roads infrastructure right across the Territory, including $14.4m of Commonwealth funding on the AusLink network. The allocation provides an increase in maintenance funding of $7.5m, a significant commitment by the government to preserve our vital road network. It recognises the importance the Northern Territory government places on the road network in achieving both economic and social outcomes for our communities.
The government has a number of strategic land use planning projects on its agenda for 2007-08. The most significant of the long-term planning projects is the development of a strategic plan for the Darwin region that will provide options for the release of Crown land for residential, commercial, community and industrial uses to meet our needs for the next 15 years. A strategic plan will also be developed for residential and industrial land for Alice Springs, which will be informed by broad public consultation with the local community by my department during the year.
Planning will also be undertaken for the new Darwin suburb of Muirhead at Lee Point. Importantly in August, the government will be calling for expressions of interest for the development of residential land for the new Palmerston suburb of Bellamack. The suburb will provide for affordable housing through the allocation of lots for first homebuyers, and will incorporate best practice guidelines for subdivision development. $7m has been allocated in the capital works program for headworks for this new subdivision. The budget includes water and sewer reticulation, a sewer pump station, power reticulation, road works, and trunk stormwater drainage. Work will commence this Dry Season. Work will also progress on amending the Planning Scheme to incorporate improved building design requirements flowing from the CBD Urban Planning forum hosted by my department earlier this year. The department will be working with Darwin City Council under the auspices of the Capital City Committee to progress recommendations from the forum relating to the greening of Darwin and its city streets.
Two initiatives the government has funded in this budget will complement the outcomes of the forum. They are two entry statements to the CBD at the Daly Street bridge and Bennett Street to create a sense of an arrival to our capital city, and the creation of a new park on the headland at Myilly Point. $600 000 will be spent on the Myilly Point park redevelopment. This beautiful area was zoned as public open space following extensive community consultation in 2004. The work will include landscaping, pathways, seating and shade, and access down the escarpment to Mindil Beach and the restaurants at Cullen Bay. It will enable both locals and tourists to take full advantage of the spectacular views of our harbour.
It is over a decade since the Territory reviewed fees and charges for development applications. During that time, the complexity and value of development proposals has greatly increased, exposing some inequities in the pricing. For example, a duplex development in Palmerston attracts the same fee as a $100m development in the Darwin CBD. The increase of fees now proposed has been structured to provide relativity as measured by the value of the development proposed. The increases will position the Territory approximately mid-way in the range of comparable fees charged in other states. The proposed fees will recover less than half the cost of providing development assessment services.
Madam Speaker, $5m is allocated to continue headworks associated with the Darwin city waterfront development. This year’s funding will include further site decontamination works, the upgrade of McMinn Street at the intersection with Bennett Street. A total of $60m will have been spent by the end of the 2006-07 financial year and a further $35m will go to community infrastructure in 2007-08.
This will see the community infrastructure virtually complete when the convention centre is handed over in mid-2008. The sea walls and major earthworks are almost complete, as are most of the road works and services. The wave lagoon has been excavated and construction will begin shortly. The area where the multi-storey car park will be built has been fenced off, and a $12m contract was signed last week, with construction scheduled to commence in the Dry Season, along with the cruise ship terminal. Excavation of the basements of the residential buildings has been completed, and Toga will soon commence work on the hotels.
Other major works will see Darwin middle schools road works being allocated $2.5m. A new middle school has been constructed at Bullocky Point, adjacent to the Darwin High School. The existing intersection at Goyder Road, Gilruth Avenue and East Point Road is to be upgraded to address existing traffic management and safety problems, and provide enhanced access to Bullocky Point, including the new middle school. These works will provide for the projected traffic distribution and pedestrian and cyclist movement and will be complete in time for the opening of middle school.
A new boat ramp will be built at East Arm, at a cost of $2.8m, to replace the existing ramp. Work will include an access road, boat ramp, car and trailer parking, lighting, disabled access ramp and loading facility. Pontoons will be built adjacent to the ramp to allow easy access to boats. Power and water will also be provided to the site. It will be the only ramp in Darwin that will allow vessels to be launched at a 1.8 m tide, which means it will be accessible for 90% of our tidal range.
The continuing program of upgrading aerodromes in remote communities will see $1.2m spent on the upgrading of Goulburn Island aerodrome which services the Warrawi community. This upgrade will also assist the evacuation and recovery process in this cyclone prone area.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has a minor new works program for works under $300 000. Some of the items for the 2007-08 financial year include: new and replacement bus shelters in the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield areas at some $250 000; $250 000 for the landscaping of medians and verges along the Stuart Highway in Stuart Park; lighting at the Wishart and Tivendale Road intersection, $200 000; $300 000 to replace the pontoon at Nhulunbuy; $300 000 for an upgraded water supply facility at Dundee Beach; $300 000 on the Lasseter Highway to upgrade Curtin Springs access; $230 000 at Coolalinga to construct a new bus stop; and a $250 000 upgrade to Papunya aerodrome.
The government has contributed $898 000 via a capital grant for the planning, design and construction of power to Dundee Beach, a jointly funded project by the Northern Territory government and the Power and Water Corporation. My department, through the Infrastructure Services Division, will provide more than $14m in capital grants to the Power and Water Corporation for new projects under our Indigenous Essential Services, which include: Maningrida will receive a $1.4m upgrade for power generation and the sewer rising main; Milingimbi will get an additional sewerage pond at $1.2m; Jilkminggan will get a connection of power to the Darwin-Katherine grid at $1.05m; Wutunugurra will receive an upgraded water production capacity at $700 000; and in Titjikala, replacement of the community water tank at some $630 000.
In addition, the department continues to provide $53.6m for operation and maintenance of essential services right across our indigenous communities. This year, the department will look at demand management strategies to reduce power and water consumption, which will reduce operating costs, conserve natural resources and increase the efficiency of our current infrastructure.
With regard to other budget highlights in my portfolio, I will now elaborate on some other items. Budget allocations have been provided this year for the express purpose of streamlining government services to the business sector and the general public. You will be pleased to hear that the Motor Vehicle Registry’s electronic service delivery options for commercial customers and the community will be further enhanced and promoted in the financial year. During last financial year, MVR expanded its online Quick Pay Internet services to include a telephone MVR system. Further e-government initiatives are being explored, and MVR is currently trialling an authorised inspection by fax project in Alice Springs, which enables customers who have had their vehicles inspected by a private authorised inspector to pay online within 24 hours. The department is monitoring the uptake of this initiative.
It is important that the department’s staff have the right tools to do their jobs well. The department’s asset information and management systems, of which there are seven, will be replaced with a single contemporary system. The current systems have been developed in-house and have evolved over the years. They are not user-friendly and are cumbersome. Government has approved the replacement and tenders will be called for a suitable system during the year. This will greatly assist with the efficiency and productivity in both the programming areas and, importantly, the construction division.
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme will be implemented. This is a voluntary scheme aimed at improving efficiency and productivity in the heavy transport industry, protecting infrastructure and improving road safety outcomes through increase compliance and the adoption of good management practices, and reducing the impact of heavy vehicle transport on the environment. The scheme will initially incorporate modules in mass and maintenance management, and be later expanded to include driver fatigue and compliance and enforcement legislation.
This government continues to support its commitment to road safety, with total funding of $2.95m to support road safety programs and initiatives in the 2007-08 year. These funds include about $1m for the installation of red light cameras; $960 000 for the introduction of a demerit point system; and $500 000 for road safety education.
This year, it is planned to spend $2.29m on 13 new school buses. This will enable the number of school bus routes to increase to serve the middle school initiative, and Alice Springs and Darwin’s rural areas. An additional $460 000 will be spent on three additional school buses, two in Darwin and one in Alice Springs, specifically for children with special needs. There will be ongoing funding of $2m to deliver the Urban Enhancement Program supporting Our Heritage, Our Future strategy. The program will see the Northern Territory government further strengthening its relationships with local councils throughout the Territory to upgrade infrastructure which is owned and managed by our local government councils under a partnership agreement between the relevant council and DPI. Projects programmed for this year include $250 000 each for beautification of the main streets in Tennant Creek and Katherine; $200 000 for the Nightcliff foreshore exercise and history market program; $100 000 for the railway beautification project at Adelaide River.
The government has contributed some $500 000 to the Katherine Town Council for pavement strengthening works on Bicentennial roads over the last two years and will complete its commitment to this project in 2007-08 with a further allocation of $75 000, which will be given to the council as a contribution to the upgrading of Bullet Creek Crossing to improve flood immunity as required under the Katherine Flooding Counter Disaster Plan.
The Territory economy is moving ahead. The department needs to invest in building strategic capacity to plan and manage for current and future growth. $2m will be spent to engage additional strategic capacity and implement a staff development strategy to assist the department to grow to meet future needs. In the transport area, additional strategic positions are required to manage land clearances, to facilitate the future roads program and to assist the Territory to keep pace with a national transport reform, as agreed by Australian Transport Ministers and COAG.
In the lands area, additional resources are provided for the major strategic planning agenda and for development assessment teams, which are bearing the brunt of the economic boom in the construction industry. Funding also allows for an additional 19 graduates and trainees to be employed, bringing the total number in the department to 28. This is a vital component of the department’s succession strategy, given its ageing workforce.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has the responsibility of two government business divisions: the Construction Division and the Darwin Bus Service. The Construction Division is responsible for the design, procurement and supervision of the construction and maintenance of built assets for government client agencies. The division has no construction workforce of its own, and arranges private contractors for all construction work on behalf of its clients. Its key functional responsibility is to deliver the government’s infrastructure program comprising capital works, minor new works, and repairs and maintenance. It also delivers significant recoverable works programs, including projects for Territory Housing and the Darwin Port Corporation.
I am pleased to say that the Construction Division has improved its financial performance since 2004. In 2007-08, it is planned to make a profit of $1.4m. This will be achieved by addressing the following strategic issues: development of a strategic plan to map processes, streamline actions, identify best practice, risk management, and increased uniformity, development and implementation of contract training focusing on procedures and concepts to support existing new contract conditions, further progressing an efficiency focus for the delivery of the infrastructure program including the defining of roles and responsibilities, and conducting business in a commercial manner as a government business division.
The Construction Division delivers a total general government capital works program of $312m and a repairs and maintenance program of $118m. It plays an integral role in the following activities during the 2007-08 financial year: the continued development of major projects such as the Desert Knowledge Precinct; facilitation and delivery of complementary infrastructure for Port of Darwin user initiatives including bulk materials handling and oil transfer functions; delivery of significant roads capital and maintenance programs; and completion of the middle school projects in Darwin and Palmerston.
Increasing the volume of government works that result in employment and training opportunities for indigenous people is a key priority of the Construction Division. This year, the division will engage two additional staff whose sole task will be to review the opportunities to involve indigenous people in construction projects, develop contract models and intervention strategies as appropriate, and monitor and report on achievements during the year. I am confident that this initiative will provide successful social and economic outcomes right across our regions.
Recent examples of government contracts that have been awarded to capable local work crews or community councils include: major subdivision works worth $2.4m at Wadeye; general repairs and maintenance and school extensions on Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island, Numbulwar and Gunbalanya; a contract of over $4m for gravel supplied for road works on the Red Centre Way; and remote housing construction.
The Darwin Bus Service’s primary function is to provide an efficient, safe and reliable urban public transport service to meet the needs of the Darwin and Palmerston communities in line with the Service Level Agreement with the Public Transport Branch of my department. Bus services are also provided for special events and school travel in Darwin and Palmerston. Darwin Bus Service will continue to improve customer service and safety.
Budget 2007-08 puts the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in a strong position to enhance services it provides Territorians across the board and to undertake the strategic issues highlighted in order to keep the Territory moving ahead.
I now turn to my agency of Family and Community Services. Budget 2007-08 will make a real difference for families across the Territory, and will continue our government’s strong record in the field of community services. I am extremely pleased that Disability Services was made such a serious priority in this year’s budget. Last year, I commissioned KPMG to complete an independent and comprehensive review of disability services across the Territory. The review left no stone unturned. It held consultations right across the Territory with families, service providers and people with disabilities. KPMG came back with the clear message that disability services needed new funding and a new approach to service delivery. There were clear recommendations that we needed to fund additional services, including introducing specialist disability services to many remote communities for the first time.
KPMG’s recommendations have all been accepted, and work has begun to reform our services so that they do better for people with disabilities right across the Territory, not just our urban centres.
This budget includes an extra $2.3m for Disability Services which will rise to almost $26m over the next five years. These funds will guarantee the growth of the Territory Independent Mobility Equipment Scheme, called TIMES, providing much needed equipment to assist people to live independently. We will also be increasing the value of the taxi subsidy scheme by 5% to maintain the real value of the scheme in the coming year. New funding will also allow us to continue to work with the Australian government to create new accommodation places, to get young people with disabilities living in nursing homes back out into the community in more appropriate accommodation. It will continue the annual growth of funds under the Home and Community Care Program, commonly known as HACC.
This budget represents the greatest injection of funds into Disability Services in the history of the Territory. In this budget, the Territory government has stepped up to the plate and fully funded those services that are our responsibility alone. The budget does not cover those services that are shared responsibility with the Australian government, particularly those that are under the Commonwealth/State/Territory Disability Agreement. The CSTDA, as we call it, is currently being renegotiated between the Australian government and the states and territories. It is painfully clear that when we renew the CSTDA, both governments must provide additional funding to establish new services in much needed areas such as respite for families, community care and accommodation, and post-school options for young people.
The Territory government is prepared to provide further funds over and above what has been included in the budget for our CSTDA services. I call on the Australian government to match our effort and share our commitment to doing better for people with a disability. The Northern Territory government is prepared to do its fair share in addressing unmet demand for disability services. We need the Australian government to do the same.
Many of the programs that have been expanded for people with disabilities will also support increasing numbers of senior Territorians. This government is extremely pleased that more and more seniors are choosing to make the Territory their home during their retirement. We will continue to support seniors through the most generous concession scheme in the country. We will spend more than $10m under the Territory Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, supporting some 19 000 seniors, carers and other pensioners. The scheme will provide assistance with the cost of rates, power and water, and motor vehicle registration. This is practical assistance to reduce the cost of living for seniors and those on low incomes.
This budget continues the government’s commitment to the children and families of the Territory. In 2007-08, the Family and Children’s Services Program will be $65.4m, an increase of $6.7m on previous years. When we came to government in 2001, the child protection budget was $7.8m. With our continued investment into this vital area, our child protection budget is now $35.7m, a 356% increase.
This is the fourth budget in a row to make additional funds available for the growth and development of child protection services, including those children who are at serious risk. The government has allocated an additional $1.4m to implement the Caring for Our Children reforms. These reforms are all about having a mix of services in place to support families in crisis and to look after the children. Additional funds will support foster carers in their vital caring role and develop the specialist care programs that some of our most troubled young people absolutely require.
Family violence is also a major priority for this budget. Violence is a blight on our communities that, together, we must address, and family and domestic violence is among the worst. Today’s budget includes an additional $700 000 to implement an integrated family violence program for indigenous Territorians. These funds will support local projects with additional resources to bring services such as patrols, safe houses and men’s programs into one strategy to fight family violence.
We have committed an additional $1.1m for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program. SAAP provides the core accommodation support outreach and case management services for people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. Many of the clients of SAAP services are women and children who need accommodation to escape family violence. In 2007-08, $770 000 will be available as innovation and investment funds to establish new and more effective SAAP programs, and $300 000 will be available for the core elements of this program. That is real growth within the SAAP funding.
This budget also includes an additional $480 000 for the expansion of sexual assault services across the Territory. Sexual assault services are facing increases in demand and work hard to provide the best frontline response to both children and adults who have survived sexual assault. New funds will allow us to expand services in both Alice Springs and Darwin, including establishing new positions for Aboriginal people to work within this service. The Alice Springs service is currently relocating to new and far more suitable premises and these funds will radically improve our service capacity in this area.
Of course, it is not possible to respond to violence in our community without also taking action on alcohol. We all know that alcohol is behind many of the health and social problems we have in the Territory. The Family and Community Services portfolio has an important role to play in giving people access to treatment to remove the impact of alcohol and other drugs in their lives.
The budget for the Alcohol and Other Drugs program in 2007-08 is in excess of $22.7m. I am pleased to announce that $4m has been allocated for major capital works on Banyan House. Banyan is one of the many valuable non-government treatment services that are critical if we are to break the back of drug dependence in the Territory. These funds will provide Banyan with a far better facility in which to do its work. I am pleased that we have been able to make this substantial improvement to our treatment services and capacity.
Alcohol misuse is clearly recognised as a contributor to safety on our roads. Alongside this government’s many other initiatives to improve road safety, in 2007-08 the Alcohol and Other Drugs program will spend $100 000 to review the effectiveness of current mandatory drink driver education courses.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time so that the minister may conclude her speech.
Motion agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for the extension of time.
This budget also includes good news for mental health services. Mental health services have expanded markedly. In 2007-08, the mental health budget will be $33.8m. That is $18m more per annum than when we came to government. During that time, we have expanded our work in the community to turn the mental health system around and work closely with primary health care providers.
In 2007-08, we expect to see almost 5000 people through our community-based services in locations right across the Territory. This budget contains an additional $200 000 to expand services to reach into prisons. These positions will work within prisons in Alice and Darwin to provide better mental health management for prisoners.
In the area of mental health, how well we manage information determines how well we provide our care. This budget includes $480 000 to improve our management of clinical information and increase the use of clinical outcome measures. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that our services are of the highest quality as we support people with mental health problems in the Territory.
This budget continues with the government’s commitment to provide the resources in the Family and Community Services portfolio to make a difference in the Territory. We are investing in our communities and in the social infrastructure that keeps our communities strong. It sends a message to Territorians that we will stand by them in providing the services that they truly need.
Finally, I turn to my portfolio of Multicultural Affairs. Support for our multicultural community remains strong in this year’s budget. In Budget 2007-08, the government will provide a new Ethnic Community Facilities Development Program of $250 000 per year over the next three years for repairs and renovations to existing community facilities. Members will recall the previous three year allocation, which has been fully committed. Renewal of this program has provided great relief to the Chung Wah Society in Darwin and, in addition to its $245 000, we are able to provide a further $20 000 to help them meet the shortfall in their building construction project.
We also have $740 000 allocated to the Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship program. These funds are earmarked for projects that promote cultural and linguistic diversity in the Territory. They include the Cultural and Linguistic Awards totalling $150 000. These awards are available for individuals in ethnic community groups to undertake research, study or specialised training in languages or other cultural activities.
The Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship Program also includes operational assistance to migrant and ethnic community organisations, including the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory and the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia. They also include the Charles See Kee Awards, which recognise and celebrate people, organisations and initiatives that make an outstanding contribution towards advancing multiculturalism in the Territory.
There will be continued provision of interpreter and translation services to assist agencies to communicate and deliver their services across cultural awareness training and assistance to overseas trained professionals, para-professionals, technical, trade and other skilled workers in obtaining recognition of their qualification and skills.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I am happy with the reaction to the budget. As minister, it is gratifying to receive positive reactions from such a wide variety of sectors, from cattlemen to the disability sector. I am extremely proud of Budget 2007-08. It builds plans for the future, grows the Territory and supports Territorians in greatest need of assistance. It is exactly what being a good, responsible government is all about. I commend the Treasurer for his budget.
Debate suspended.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I move - That this Assembly censure the Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy for repeatedly lying to Territorians and Australians about her knowledge of the allegations of child sexual abuse in the community of Mutitjulu; particularly lying about what information was and was not given to her by Greg Andrews; for sitting on the Board of Inquiry’s report into Protection of Aboriginal Children From Sexual Abuse 2007 for six weeks; for failing to deal with this issue now, but allowing it to drag out until August before this House will debate the report’s contents; and further, for failing victims of child sexual abuse.
Madam Speaker, last night’s interview on Lateline was, as I understand it, Lateline’s first opportunity to speak with the Chief Minister after pretty much ducking and weaving for the better part of 12 months. Territorians and, for that matter Australians, remember the two Lateline interviews, the first in May with Dr Nanette Rogers and the second in June with a number of people, one of whom was Greg Andrews.
In relation to the Nanette Rogers interview, what did the Chief Minister do the next day? She said that Nanette Rogers said that things were getting better. No, she was wrong. The Chief Minister did not see the program, she was not even briefed on it, and could not even be bothered to stay up late and watch it. She subsequently, in this place and elsewhere, represented that Dr Rogers had given misleading information.
Ms Martin: Rubbish.
Ms CARNEY: Wrong, wrong, wrong. You are the Chief Minister.
This is just one file of relevant information. The pile is growing. Indeed, I recall when you were getting dangerously close to telling a whopper - probably up around nine on the Richter scale of 10 - in this Chamber. I urged you to be very careful about what you said Dr Rogers said on the Lateline program. After you were cautioned, you pulled just a little, but you are damned by the comments you have made in relation to that interview. As Tony Jones said last night, you should give an apology to Dr Nanette Rogers but because you are the coward you are, you will not do so.
In any event, everyone else in Australia was appalled by the first Lateline interview. Not you, Chief Minister. You were prepared to bat through it in the hope that this little problem would go away. Alas, it did not. It got worse, as did your position in your own party. Of course, I can refer to the memo of the member for Millner, dated 1 June 2006, in which he says, and I quote:
He went on to suggest that someone else should take over your portfolio of Indigenous Policy. You arrogantly refused to do so and you still, unfortunately for indigenous Territorians, hold that portfolio, although I, perhaps, am a little more hopeful than you that your parliamentary colleagues will find the courage to do you over in a political sense so that you are no longer the Minister for Indigenous Policy because indigenous Territorians, and for that matter all Territorians, are not being well served by you in that position.
In relation to the second Lateline interview, I think it was 21 June, the very moving interview, the Chief Minister’s performance was nothing short of disgraceful in the aftermath of that interview. The history was revisited, I thought, very well in Tony Jones’ interview last night because he went over some of the things that the Chief Minister and her colleagues had said in relation to pretty much everyone who appeared on that program, one of whom, Jane Lloyd, was I think, at that time, a government advisor on the Domestic Violence Advisory Council. You attacked pretty much everyone. The little bovver boy over there, your Deputy Chief Minister, was scathing and offensive and pernicious in this place about everyone, the Lateline crew, everyone, presumably, everyone from cameramen to producers, to Tony Jones himself, including the people who were on that program. From what the Deputy Chief Minister was saying, he was having a go at everyone for daring to air that interview. I will come to the interview in a little more detail shortly. However, you are stuck, Chief Minister because you, your Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers of your government have had a great deal to say and it has all come back to bite you. Most of the comments are on the public record.
Last night on Lateline, you were asked about Greg Andrews. After the Lateline interview, the famous Mutitjulu memo was obtained, I think it was by Ashleigh Wilson of The Australian under a Freedom of Information request. Good on him! I don’t think, Chief Minister, that you would have declared because you are naturally dishonest when it comes to these issues, you are a naturally dishonest person the way you conduct yourself politically, you would not have said …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, please pause. I remind you that while this is a censure motion, it does not mean that all rules relating to the parliament are not maintained. Where you are allowed to deviate in relation to rules are those things which are specifically mentioned in the censure motion. There are things which are in your censure motion which are not normally parliamentary, but things which continue to denigrate a member, in this case the Chief Minister, are not acceptable. I caution you. I will not ask to withdraw at this stage, but I caution you that while you are able to comment on things that appear in the censure motion, that is fine, but continuous personal remarks relating to a member or, in this case the Chief Minister, are not acceptable.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Chief Minister would not have declared that she knew about the allegations raised on the Lateline program had she not been caught out, and caught out she was.
Because she was under a great deal of political, national and media pressure, on 22 June – I am pretty sure that was the date the inquiry was announced – she had nowhere to go and announced an inquiry. I will come back to how the announcement of the inquiry fits with some of the comments made by her ministerial colleagues about the need for inquiries shortly.
In any event, the Chief Minister was at pains to attack almost everyone who appeared on that program. So desperate was she after Ashleigh Wilson obtained the Mutitjulu memo dated 20 November 2004, she attacked with vengeance Greg Andrews, a man who had worked for her. Last night on the Lateline program, Tony Jones asked the Chief Minister what she knew. The Chief Minister said:
Then, of course, the Chief Minister goes through her usual hand on heart: ‘I’m so disappointed. I was really disappointed in this man. He had a direct line to me. But the first time I heard about it, Tony, was on your program.’ No, Chief Minister. We do accuse you of lying. We accuse you of lying because you said in this parliament on the Greg Andrew issue on 11 October 2006 in answer to a question from me:
Etcetera. This is the memo in which, presumably on the basis of the scoping paper or other advice that Greg Andrews had clearly given to her, the Chief Minister says:
But the Chief Minister, a desperate political fighter and a street fighter when things get bad, says: ‘No, no, no. The allegations of Greg Andrews were not substantiated.’ That does not represent the situation given the report that was announced last week. The authors of the sexual abuse inquiry report know of the problems at Mutitjulu. They did not go out of their way to change the facts. They did not go out of their way to attack anyone who spoke out, in stark contrast to the Chief Minister.
I was interested in an answer the Chief Minister gave, I think it was to my first question today in Question Time. She said that one of the difficulties was that Aboriginal people have not been forthcoming in relation to child sexual abuse. Well, after the Lateline interview in June, they were certainly forthcoming. Matjara Wilson was forthcoming. She wept as she talked about what was happening at Mutitjulu. I doubt that the Chief Minister did. I did. It was one of the most moving interviews and programs that I have ever seen on a news and current affairs program.
In any event, the Chief Minister attacks, attacks, attacks. She says that Matjara Wilson was not involved in the community, she left town, cannot rely on her, cannot on rely on Greg Andrews, and so she went on. I refer the Chief Minister - she was not there, but no doubt some of her staff were - to the speech Tony Jones made on 21 October last year when he spoke at the Darwin Press Club. He talked about Matjara Wilson. He said:
This is to you, Chief Minister, which may surprise you:
It goes on. We know that representatives from NPY wrote to The Australian newspaper because they were so angry, they were frustrated with what the Chief Minister was saying. For the Chief Minister to suggest, I think as the authors of that letter suggested, that she lied, was bad and mad, was outrageous in the extreme and utterly, utterly offensive. The Chief Minister has repeatedly lied.
Something I forgot to mention in relation to what the Chief Minister had to say after the Nanette Rogers interview was that when the Chief Minister gets desperate, she makes it up. She asserted, I believe it was once on the John Laws program and in subsequent interviews, that Nanette Rogers gave everyone the impression that nothing was done in relation to the cases that she spoke of in her media interview in May, whereas the Chief Minister would have Territorians and other Australians believe that she needs to correct the record, and you cannot really believe everything Dr Rogers said, because these people were prosecuted, they did go to court.
Nanette Rogers is a prosecutor. I think she prosecuted all of the cases that she referred to. If she did not prosecute all of them, she would have prosecuted certainly some of them. For the Chief Minister to try to spin and change it and say: ‘No, I am only correcting the record’, the inference clearly being you cannot trust what Dr Rogers says, is to sink to unspeakable depths when the fact is Dr Rogers is a prosecutor. Why was she talking about these cases? Because they had been prosecuted. Sinking to unspeakably low depths is one thing, but scrambling around and making a fool of yourself is quite another. I stand by what I said after the Nanette Rogers interview: the Chief Minister embarrassed herself, her party and the Northern Territory with her handling of the issue after that interview and, indeed, the next Lateline interview in June.
What is also interesting is that notwithstanding that the Chief Minister has atrocious form when it comes to saying something for the cameras and not actually delivering outcomes was her performance in Question Time today. It borders on being delusional. She even got it wrong in relation to the Child Protection and Young People Reform Bill. She said we have been working on that for a couple of months. No, you have not. It has been circulating since 2004. Don’t you even talk to your Cabinet colleagues? Don’t you even read the stuff that comes across your desk? You must have known that this has been circulating since 2004. You have been in this Chamber when the current minister and the former minister have been talking about it. Again, your form is unspeakably bad. It is no wonder the Chief Minister’s colleagues are very unhappy with her and why it was that Ashleigh Wilson wrote that article in The Australian late last year and incurred what I understand to be the ongoing wrath of the Chief Minister and many of her colleagues.
If you go back to what this government said it has done, the standard line is: ‘We have put more money in’. Of course, with an extra, I think it is about $1.1bn a year, in GST revenue, you would, would you not? You would. Any government would. What does a government do when they have a bit of money? They put it into areas where it should properly go. You can say: ‘The CLP this and the CLP that’, but never before in the Territory’s history has it had the sort of money that it has under the GST regime, one which the government so stridently opposed when in opposition.
In any event, if you scratch below the surface, again the Chief Minister fails when it comes to sexual abuse. I note with interest the first three recommendations - perhaps it was number one from the sexual abuse report – are that leadership is required. Yes, Chief Minister, leadership is required. You consistently get it wrong because under your leadership, your Cabinet colleagues have had a bit to say, not always as much as they should, about the area of child protection.
In August 2004, the former Minister for Family and Community Services, the member for Arafura, made a statement in parliament. It was then put on a glossy and circulated, presumably, to all and sundry. The then minister said:
What does the Chief Minister do after being slammed by all and sundry after her astonishingly poor performance after the Rogers interview? She scrambles, she embarrasses everyone, she goes on until after the next Lateline interview, then she says: ‘Oh, I will have a review’. It is not what your minister said a couple of years beforehand, but I suppose politically desperate times call for creative measures. That, Chief Minister, was about the only thing you had left open to you.
Also in the ministerial statement in 2004, the former minister said at page 9 of the published report:
Ninety-six percent! You would have thought, given that this was a document presumably endorsed by Cabinet, certainly from the fifth floor, one of your ministerial colleagues, you would have thought: ‘Oh, I wonder if we should do a bit more on child protection’ Even a lazy Chief Minister would say: ‘Gee, it has increased by 96%. We should do something about that’. You would have thought that when one minister said: ‘We are going to introduce a new child protection bill’ the Chief Minister might even have a passing interest in relation to it.
2004 passes, 2005 passes; ministers say: ‘Oh, it will definitely be done by this parliamentary term’. We get into 2006. The current minister said last year: ‘Yes, it will be passed’. Well, it is still hanging around. In fact, when I wrote to the current minister in March of this year, the current minister thanked me for my letter in relation to the Care and Protection of Children Bill. She said it was still being considered by Cabinet and she is expecting it to be introduced in parliament later this year. Another reference to ‘later this year’. That is about year number three that that has been happening. By the way, we were actually waiting for the Sex Abuse Inquiry report. There was no mention of it ever before, not even in a letter as recent as March, until last night, the Chief Minister in her excruciating interview said: ‘Oh, no, no, no, the only reason we haven’t produced our Child Protection Bill is we are waiting on the report’.
I suspect that was news to your Cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister. It was certainly news to me and I have been pretty much on top of most of the public comments you have made in relation to this.
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Ms CARNEY: I bet the member for Karama might have been sitting in her lounge room thinking: ‘Oh, I didn’t know that!’ I am sure she did not. I am sure she did not; similarly in relation to the children’s commissioner. I thought it was very interesting indeed that Tony Jones referred to child protection legislation and the children’s commissioner. The Chief Minister last night pretty much indicated that: ‘Oh, yeah, we are going to do a children’s commissioner.’ Well, your former minister and your current minister have been saying since 2004: ‘Yes, we are going to have a children’s commissioner because that is going to be really good.’ Where is the leadership, Chief Minister? No wonder that part of this censure charges you with failing the victims of child sexual abuse because you have.
You cannot publish glossy documents and say we are going to do things without delivering. You have form on this. You perform for cameras, although last night, badly. You perform for the cameras and you walk away and you spin as hard as you can and you get yourself in trouble when you are on the ropes. For a politician who is not bad when it comes to playing pure politics – she is actually quite good at it – why it is that you consistently muck up when it comes to anything related to child sexual abuse is a mystery to me. I just do not get it.
The only thing I can assume, Chief Minister, is that you do not have your head around the issue of child sexual abuse. Perhaps that is illustrated by the fact that after being forced to call an inquiry because politically it was about the only thing left for you to do, after announcing Mick Palmer as a co-chair and getting all muddled up in that, and then a couple of months later saying: ‘Oh, no, I’ll go somewhere else and I’ll find another person’, then extending the time of the review, you get the report six to eight weeks ago and sit on it.
No one knows what has been happening to it. You have been sitting on it. Many people were waiting for that report. When the whole country, after the two Lateline interviews, was demanding urgent and immediate action, what does the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory do? She does an inquiry so she does not have to talk about sexual abuse for 12 months. Then when she gets the report, she sits on it for six weeks so she does not have to talk about it then. Now she says she is going to wait until August before this parliament and others can debate the report’s contents. Not so much as an indication as to what recommendations she is going to take on, although a couple of hints were provided on Lateline last night. One was there is going to be new child protection legislation, three years in the making, but I reckon we might get it. The other one was, by jingoes, we are going to get a Commissioner of Children - again, three years in the making. I will bet London to a brick that they are a couple of the recommendations that the Chief Minister in August is going to say that she is going to adopt. Poor form indeed.
In relation to the censure motion, the Chief Minister has repeatedly lied to Territorians and Australians, noting Lateline has a national audience. She has lied about the information she obtained, from whom she received it. She has spun in a way that is getting close to unprecedented under the stewardship of this Chief Minister, exercised political spin in relation to both interviews, the Rogers interview and the Mutitjulu one. She has attacked in the most pernicious and despicable ways people involved in the program. Her little bovver boy, the Deputy Chief Minister, acts in a way – I know we are used to seeing his veins pop, but we really did think that his veins were going to pop when he had a bit to say about Lateline.
The Chief Minister is complicit when it comes to her government and her colleagues being slow to move when it comes to child sexual abuse. I do make this exception: the exception is the former minister. I mean that because the former minister, and my hunch is, to a lesser extent, the current minister were serious when they talked about changes to child protection legislation as early as 2003, but certainly in 2004. I can only wonder how they must be feeling as a result of the last few years, the delay and prevarication exercised by their boss.
The Chief Minister has repeatedly lied and she has been disgraceful in the way she has conducted herself after the two Lateline interviews. She should be condemned for sitting on the Board of Inquiry report for six weeks. Six weeks! Even if the Chief Minister does not read it, and I reckon she will never read it, she might have an Executive Summary, and she will have those notes every media …
Mr Henderson: Have you read it?
Ms CARNEY: Absolutely! Front to back.
Mr Henderson: That’s good.
Ms CARNEY: What do you think? What do you think? It has been read, all right. It has been read and we will debate it another time, and that is going to be a fairly interesting debate in itself, but we will let that one cook for a bit, Paul.
In any event, she was sitting on it for six weeks and last Friday saying: ‘No, no, no. We know it is urgent. We know that it is immediate. We know little kids are being abused, but we would rather wait until August, thank you very much’. It follows from that, naturally enough, that in terms of implementation of whatever recommendations the Chief Minister accepts, there will be an implementation period so delay, delay, delay. For the little kids living in those communities, I do not think that is satisfactory. I do not think the bar is very high for a Chief Minister when it comes to this issue, but this Chief Minister has failed when it comes to demonstrating commitment but, more importantly, action.
She has failed to deal with this issue. I do not know why she cannot get her head around the importance of the issue. Politics is politics, but the Chief Minister would rather play politics than actually getting on with the job. I do implore her parliamentary colleagues to do whatever it takes to ensure that the position and presentation of the current Northern Territory government changes so that kids being sexually abused can be better served.
The Chief Minister has certainly failed and continues to fail the victims of child abuse to her eternal and enduring shame.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I reject thoroughly this censure motion. The Opposition Leader can make up anything she likes. Probably the best bit she has in here is fantasy. Because the Opposition Leader puts together a number of things that she says are facts and then draws conclusions from them does not mean she is right. I listened for half-an-hour, and that is all she did.
On Friday, we had the release of a most significant report. Either you welcome this report or you do not, but what you have is the Opposition Leader saying that two years ago, the former Minister for Family and Children’s Services said I have no report; we do not want to do any more inquiries so why does this Chief Minister have a report? You have to get some lines straight, Opposition Leader, when you are dealing with a censure debate because we are listening to you.
You cannot run two contradictory lines and you did it all the way through this debate. To claim that this government is doing nothing about the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children - do you know what it is, Madam Speaker? It is wrong. It is wrong, wrong, wrong because when the Opposition Leader says that she is actually read this report - good on you if you have - she would have seen all the way through it references to what government is doing, to the initiatives that government has put in place that meet the focus that the recommendations say we should be having.
To say that because I received an early copy of this report, government is doing nothing and I as Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy did nothing is wrong. If the Opposition Leader wants to say that black is white on this, it does not mean she is right.
I hate to harp back to the past, but this government is in stark contrast with the CLP in government. It is in stark contrast with the Country Liberal Party who, for 27 years, did very little in the bush. The Opposition Leader cannot escape that fact. She cannot escape the fact that there was significant under-resourcing to the bush. We saw decades when Aboriginal kids were never asked to go to school. In fact, I think it was basically policy that an Aboriginal child over 12 did not have to go to school. If you were in Darwin, yes, go to school. Under the CLP, if you were over 12, do not bother. We do not have secondary education for you in the bush anyway, so do not bother.
What was done about alcohol in those years, really tackling the growing consumption and the damage we have seen right across the Territory from alcohol? There was very little by the CLP; very, very little. To have the Opposition Leader condemn this government for our lack of action simply shows her - I was going to say stupidity, but that is not fair. It shows that she just does not understand and that she is the one playing politics over this issue. You have a report that says: please adopt these recommendations in a bipartisan way, work with the federal government. This parliament should be championing the recommendations of this report.
As far as this government sitting on its hands about this report, I received an early copy. I set up an independent inquiry for very specific purposes. It was not that we all did not know about some of the allegations of child sexual abuse. Yes, they are documented in this report. Also documented is the frustration of government services not being able to get evidence to prosecute perpetrators. That is all through this report and it really is highlighted. So we have known, or we have heard, we have allegations, we have stories told over years that this is happening. Yet, for those who are in the position, like the police, like child protection, they could not get the evidence.
I set up the inquiry to be able to tackle that, and I do not back off it. It is a very important report to tell government where to put our resources, where to put our energy and we have been doing that. The initiatives that we have taken with alcohol management are extensive. In respect of the work we have put into education in the bush, we have much more to do. The current and previous Education ministers would certainly agree with that. We have a lot more to do, but we have started that work. We have started our commitment to getting kids in the bush educated, starkly compared to the CLP’s policy, which was if you are over 12, do not bother, do not even bother going to school mainly because there was no secondary education in the bush anyway. That is an absolute disgrace.
It was interesting to see that in this censure debate, the Opposition Leader concentrated on being an advocate for Lateline for at least 18 minutes of the time she was on her feet. How did that address the recommendations of the inquiry? It did not do anything. There she is protesting that she is concerned about Aboriginal children. Did she tackle the report of the inquiry? No. She did not even refer to it. She hardly referred to it at all, a couple of references to legislation. But did she actually look at what those recommendations were and what we were doing? She could not have looked at them because she said we are doing nothing. That is what the Opposition Leader said. That is the basis of this censure, that we are doing nothing. It is rubbish. It is wrong. There are many actions under way that are specifically referred to in this report.
One recommendation is that Family and Children’s Services should work more closely with police. The report talks about the Child Abuse Task Force we set up, the importance of it and the mechanism of working those two areas together. We set it up to see if it would work. It does work. That task force has done some most successful work. We will be continuing with that. It is a recommendation of the report to continue with it. So an initiative that we put in place is working. The report recommends making it permanent, and the Opposition Leader says we are doing nothing! That is the Opposition Leader’s best response: the government is doing nothing and we should be censured. Just on that one point, the Opposition Leader is wrong. She is wrong.
The two key areas of the report, as I said, are tackling alcohol abuse and getting Aboriginal kids educated. I could go through the significant work that we are doing with alcohol. In the Opposition Leader’s home town of Alice Springs - not that she has been interested; that is what has disheartened me so much - I put together at the beginning of last year an Alcohol Task Force made up of the business community, Aboriginal leadership and the town council. We really looked at the problems of alcohol abuse in Alice Springs. We developed an Alcohol Management Plan with strong community support. There was never a mention from any of the members in Alice Springs. Never a: ‘We would like to be briefed on what you are doing’. Not a mention! It was really important work in tackling the extraordinarily high consumption of alcohol in Alice Springs. We introduced that Alcohol Management Plan with many different areas last October, particularly the change in which alcohol products could be bought and when in Alice Springs. We have taken complementary measures over that time, particularly the dry areas legislation for public places. There are many initiatives in place.
During Question Time I said we actually have seen some reduction in the consumption of alcohol and the associated damage happening in Alice Springs. The inquiry says keep doing that. That particular work for Alice Springs – the Opposition Leader’s home town – has been in place now for 18 months. There was a lot of work done, but no interest from the Opposition Leader. The best she can say is: ‘You are doing nothing. Government is doing nothing’.
We have started the steps of change, but there is much more to do. We have started those steps of change and, I believe, in the right direction. We have had some hiccups in Alice Springs. We had trouble with litter, broken glass, and it was unacceptable. We have now banned long-neck bottles. We cannot have takeaways of long-neck beer. When I was in Alice Springs last week, the reports were that it is getting a lot better, with less litter around the place. That is good. We will keep working with Alice Springs, and keep making those changes to the supply and the demand. Hopefully, we will see some real change.
We saw what happened on Groote Eylandt when we worked with the community to see significant changes in alcohol management. They have been in place now for about two years. There are excellent results on Groote, as there are in Nhulunbuy. Tennant Creek has long been involved in alcohol management. There is still a lot of work to do but, again, it is in place and we are working on it. There is certainly a lot more that has to be done in Katherine with that early management plan. We now really need to talk to the Katherine community about it. There have been early discussions held in the Timber Creek area, and we will continue to work through on alcohol.
For the Opposition Leader to say this government is doing nothing about the fundamental issues that have been identified with the incidence of child sexual abuse is wrong; it is simply wrong. She said that when I received an early draft from the inquiry of this report that I sat there for six weeks because I did not want to talk about the issue. She may not know that a lot of work is going on, continuing the focus that we have had.
The Education minister could talk at length about the issues that have been discussed about getting kids to school. A fundamental here is education. Unless we get kids to school, get them there more often and engaged in the classroom, provide the broader education to which the report referred, we are not going to fundamentally tackle the problem of child sexual abuse.
It is all very well for the Opposition Leader to say: ‘You are doing nothing. You sat on this report’. That is not the case. There are recommendations in the report that move us forward, and we have to look at those. We have to look at the funding implications and we have to do it sensibly. That will take until August. It does not mean that the Education minister does not continue to advocate and work with the bush communities to get children to school.
Just a week ago, I was in Wadeye sitting down with the council. They raised the issue, which they raised with the Education minister, of fining parents who do not send their kids to school. One of the problems with that is that parents who did not pay the fines could then possibly end up in gaol for not sending their children to school. I said to them, as the Education minister said to the council, what is a much more constructive thing to do is what we have raised with the federal government 12 months ago, which is to link Family Assistance payments to going to school. If you do not have your child at school for a certain period of one of those payment periods of two weeks, then your payment is reduced. It clearly links a Family Assistance payment, so it is not the entire benefit, to getting children to school. Wadeye community is strongly supportive of that. Again, we will go back to the federal government. We have talked to them …
Mr Henderson: Written to them.
Ms MARTIN: Yes, written to them. I have talked personally, but we do not have any traction. We will go back with a greater determination to get the federal government to engage with us and make this proposal work; to link Family Assistance payments to attendance at school. That is a constructive way to move ahead and communities right around the Territory have raised the issue of how we can link payments to attendance at school.
That is another key initiative from this government about already tackling one of the issues that is core in making a change to the incidence of child sexual abuse in the Territory, and that is education and getting more of our young Aboriginal children to school and keeping them at school, keeping them better informed about the myriad of issues that go towards having a greater awareness of what is right and what is wrong when it comes to abuse.
Just on those two areas, there is significant work is happening by government. Again I say that we are not doing enough. This report says clearly: we are not doing enough to tackle child sexual abuse in our Aboriginal communities and we must do more. Government is working on the specifics of that response, not starting from ground zero, not at all. We are working on how we do more, how we fund more and where that funding is going. Already we have people talking to the federal government to look at how they can assist us. As the report says, this is an issue that they feel is beyond the financial capacity of the Territory and there must be federal involvement. Many of the recommendations refer to the non-government sector. We have to talk to the non-government sector about where they feel they fit in and where the split of responsibility and service delivery is. We will have those discussions over the next couple of months.
This is not wasted time, Opposition Leader. This is moving ahead with the focus we already have, but looking at how we lift the energy and commitment, and we will do it. We will do it because we are determined as a government to make a change. You do not commission a report like this and put it on a back shelf and say we won’t action it. This is a very important report for the Territory’s future.
If we do go back to 12 months to the debate that was triggered by Lateline, I said the federal government could really assist in the broad area of abuse with housing. The Opposition Leader came into this House and, with her usual style, lambasted me for even suggesting if you had fewer people living in a house as one of the components of tackling child sexual abuse, you would start to reduce it. She went on a treat, in her real Opposition Leader’s style. Well, surprise, surprise! Housing is one of the key elements that we need to tackle, and was recommended by this inquiry.
I suspect the Opposition Leader probably thinks they got it wrong, going by her performance 12 months ago. So if the Opposition Leader says we are doing nothing, again she is wrong. We have committed significant extra funds to housing in the bush. The federal government has committed those significant extra funds. We have difficulties right now with the $60m that was initially allocated to the upgrade of town camps in Alice Springs. I am not sure at this stage what the future of those funds are, but we are not giving up because on this issue, whether it comes to upgrade of housing, changing the circumstances in which Aboriginal people are living, or in tackling the issue that has been so long veiled in silence, child sexual abuse, Aboriginal people have to stride forward with government.
This might be uncomfortable. This might really challenge communities, and I am sure it will in many circumstances. I believe that bush members would probably agree that Aboriginal people have to make that step forward, too. We are not going to see change unless they do. Unless they accept that this issue of sexual abuse of children in communities is a real and damaging one, and unless they accept that those who are the perpetrators and the circumstances that lead to that have to change, then we are not going to change this issue. We are not going to see the steps forward that we want to see. This is going to be a really challenging time for our Aboriginal communities.
What the inquiry did was open the door on this issue. It went to 45 communities and had very open discussions about the issue of sexual abuse of children - for the first time, probably, in many of those communities. There were many people who contributed to that discussion. What we need to do as government, and the important focus for us in this report, is to keep that door open. The door has to stay open. We must continue to engage and keep the issue out of that veil of silence and really air it. We need to do that because we are not going to get the change unless we do. That is what I need to have every single member in this House commit to: we will continue to talk about this issue, we will continue to engage with our communities about it, and we will not let the silence that surrounded it, that wall of silence, happen again. That is really at the heart of what we are dealing with.
That, more than working out how agencies will look at funds and new services, how the federal government will contribute, how the non-government sector will contribute, Aboriginal people accepting that this happens and that changes have to be made is probably the most challenging part of what we have to deal with.
To return to the example of the funds that are available for town camps, what we need is for Aboriginal people to accept that change has to happen on both sides. That is the way we are going to see some steps forward. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes it is challenging. Sometimes it is getting out of your comfort zone, but it has to happen now.
There are many challenges in this report. The Opposition Leader has simply got it wrong when she says that we are doing nothing and that we do not care about the abuse of Aboriginal children. Yes, we do. We care very deeply. This government will continue to take action and put resources where they are going to make a difference. We will continue to keep the focus on bringing Aboriginal Territorians, and Aboriginal communities, with us in this process. It is not going to be easy, but for the future of our Territory and for the future of our kids, it is absolutely critical.
Madam Speaker, I reject, absolutely and fundamentally, what the Opposition Leader has said. Because she creates facts and spins stories does not mean they are right. I say to her: look at the report, look at what has been recommended, look at what we have done, are doing, and work with us. End the politics over this very important issue for the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of students visiting from Texas, United States of America, on the People to People program. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, the Chief Minister spoke for 25 minutes, telling us what she is going to do. The core of this censure motion is about the Chief Minister lying repeatedly to Territorians and Australians. That is what it is about. It is about the Chief Minister lying. The Chief Minister, without one word of defence, tried to demonstrate that the Leader of the Opposition is the one who should be attacked. The Chief Minister could not defend herself, that she had lied to Territorians. That is the problem and that is what gets people angry. A Chief Minister, the first citizen of this Territory, lies to Territorians. It is not acceptable.
Before I go to the specifics of the censure, let me go to one general point that I believe should be made. This government bangs on endlessly, as the Chief Minister did just now, about how poor the track record was for the CLP on child protection. Never was that more of a lie. This government came into office six years ago, and they said they were going to protect children as a matter of priority, and for six years they failed and they continue to fail.
In 2000 and 2001, income for the Territory was $2.2bn each year, not much to the Americans here listening, but $2.2bn was significant for the Northern Territory. However, this year, the income is projected to be $3.3bn, and from now on. This government’s income is far beyond anything that any previous government has ever received, beyond the dreams of any Territory government. This government’s position therefore is better than it was 10 years ago or when they first came to government six years ago. You would expect, when you have $1.1bn, that you are able to provide more services for Territorians. However, let us not worry about the money so much; let us talk about what this Chief Minister has done.
We saw in Lateline last year, and again last night, that she blatantly lied to Territorians about the issue of child sexual abuse. Very clearly, she knew about it when Greg Andrews, working for her, sent her information about what is happening at Mutitjulu. She did very little apart from writing a memo saying: ‘Let us get on with it, let us do something’, and then promptly forgot all about it. Then, when she was confronted with the memo, she said: ‘Oh, well, I do not know anything about it. The first thing I knew about it was when Greg Andrews fronted up anonymously on Lateline last year’. She repeated that lie last night. That is why we are censuring this Chief Minister. She lied. She lied again and again.
How can Territorians have any trust in this government when the first citizen lies to them? It is important that the government recognises that it has to do many things to ensure that Territorians get the best care they possibly can. I applaud the government for dealing with the alcohol issue. I applaud the government for putting money into Family and Children’s Services, but we are not getting value for that money. What is happening? What is happening to all the money that is pouring in when aspirational standards for the department are slipping? I will come to that in a little while.
Last year, the Chief Executive Officer of the Health department, in reference to a question I asked of the minister about STIs, sexually transmitted infections, amongst underage children, said:
Fourteen, 15 and, indeed, older:
who is usually a GP or community nurse:
Jump a line and I continue with the quote:
Remember Dr Geoff Stewart? He tried, and said he banged his head against a brick wall. He tried. He informed FACS and he got nowhere. This is a government …
Ms Lawrie: Not true; FACS investigated.
Dr LIM: You see? Here is a minister who interjects and says: ‘Not true’ when, in fact the Chief Minister has been …
Ms Lawrie: Come on, do not make it up. Police investigated and FACS investigated!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Miller: They didn’t do a very good job, then.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr LIM: He reported cases and he was frustrated by the response that he received. When it was put to the Chief Minister, she claimed that Dr Stewart was wrong. When we talk about Greg Andrews, the Chief Minister said he was wrong and, in fact, she never received any information from him. Again, that is a lie.
When the traditional elder, Matjara Wilson, complained, she dismissed the information saying that it was not relevant and that she had been out of the community for a long time. These were real people who provided real information and the Chief Minister not only denied it, but lied to Territorians about when and how she got the information. That is the problem the opposition has with this government: when the Chief Minister is prepared to tell a bare-faced lie about the information she has and what she does and does not know.
Then, when the government compounds those lies with dropping of standards, we are going to be faced with a calamity that has now been exposed by this inquiry by Rex Wild and Pat Anderson. With the extra money that this government has received, it could build 100 new schools, 1100 bush police stations. It is enough money to build a waterfront, to build a railway line, to build eight of this Parliament House. That is the sort of money this government has received through GST and other avenues. We do not see the government providing real care. You can put up as much money as you want but, if the money is being misspent and frittered away, then people are not achieving the outcomes that they should.
I said earlier that standards had dropped. Last year, category one cases of child harm notifications, which are the most urgent ones, were to be investigated within 24 hours and every one would be investigated. That is a 100% response and, thankfully, this has remained. This year compared to the previous five years, category two notifications, while they have been investigated within 72 hours or three days, instead of having a 100% response to that, this government is allowing it to degrade to an 80% response. I ask: what is happening to the other 20% of children who have been notified as suffering harm? This government is saying: ‘Okay, the 20%, we will draw a line there, and they have to fend for themselves’.
Category three, which has to be investigated within five days, that aspirational standard has dropped from 100% for the last five years under this government to 70%. I ask you: is that a government that is serious about doing the right thing by our children? This is the problem when a Chief Minister and her ministers do not have the aspiration to achieve the best result they possibly can with all this volume of money they have for our children. It is no wonder the opposition gets so frustrated and angry. We all want to care for our children. We expect the government to provide the leadership, the resources to do that. When the government does not do that, and when the Chief Minister lies and tries to excuse her government from doing that, then Territorians have every right to be angry, and have every right to censure the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister knew back in 2004 what was happening in Mutitjulu and in particular the problems that were reported to her by Greg Andrews. She did nothing more than write to the Police minister. So the Chief Minister cannot say she did not know about Mutitjulu. She has to accept the fact that she did lie. She should apologise to all Territorians, number one, for having done that, and to Nanette Rogers, to Dr Geoff Stewart, to Matjara Wilson, and to Greg Andrews. The Deputy Chief Minister should also be apologising to Greg Andrews. I do not think it is worth repeating because I do not believe that the man should be labelled what the Deputy Chief Minister called him.
I know Greg Andrews personally. He lived only two doors down from me for the two years he was working in Mutitjulu. He lived in Alice Springs. He had a wife and child, and he would commute to Mutitjulu usually through the week and then stay home on the weekend. Greg Andrews tried very hard to do the right thing at Mutitjulu and told the stories to the Chief Minister. She told blatant lies because either she forgot, or she was caught ignoring the advice that she had received, and there you are. In Lateline’s program last night when she was quizzed in great detail, she did not respond at all to that.
This is what happens when you cross the government, this government: you get slandered, attacked by ministers in this place. I said that the Deputy Chief Minister was the worst in labelling Greg Andrews the way he did. A public servant is accused of lying and then harshly labelled by a minister of the Crown. What is the difference between the public servant and what this Chief Minister has done? She lied on national television that she knew nothing about the matter until she saw the man anonymously on the Lateline program. That is a crock. If the Deputy Chief Minister can label Greg Andrews in the most despicable manner possible, then we have every right to label the Chief Minister the same.
This issue is centred on the Chief Minister’s credibility. I will tell you what: she has been found wanting, seriously wanting. She sought to confuse, obfuscate, side step and try to make it go away by lying about it. Well, the lies have caught up. We had the story broken and then she had the Palmer inquiry, and then there is the Wild-Anderson inquiry. It took a substantial time for the Wild-Anderson inquiry to come back with the report, and it was necessary that they had the time to do it properly and to develop the rapport with the communities so that they could get the information and, thankfully, they were able to do that. But once she received it, six weeks ago, she told people that she could not put it out because she has a printing problem. How convincing is that? Was it another lie?
The government’s immediate response was to do nothing. For six weeks, while the Chief Minister has the document in her hands, children are being sexually assaulted almost every night, watching pornography in the most inappropriate circumstances. As adults and as parents, should we countenance that? The answer is: no, we should not. The Chief Minister should be the very first person to act quickly based on the report.
Six weeks, and we still have very little government response to the report. Yes, the Chief Minister talked about alcohol and all sorts of issues like that. That is by-the-by. There are 97 recommendations and the government has not made one mention of response to any one of those, nor have the ministers. Are they all so captive of the bureaucracy that they cannot do anything without bureaucrats telling them what to do? In the meantime, every night, a child is being sexually assaulted – 365 in a year. We will come back in August, six weeks from now, 42 days, 42 nights and 42 more children abused.
I agree with the Chief Minister when she said the federal government has to help. Undoubtedly the federal government has to help, but having watched the federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, he has acted with a sense of urgency. He has provided funding for the Mutitjulu Police Station and we are still waiting for police to man it. You cannot blame anyone else but the Chief Minister and her Police minister for not fulfilling the obligation. The federal government has contributed significant funds to the Territory. Let me not go on to the town camps and the $60m that Alice Springs has lost. That is another story.
Today, predictably the CLP is going to attack the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has lied and lied. If there were more of us in this Chamber, the Chief Minister would be sent to the Privileges Committee, as she should, for lying to Territorians. To quote the minister for Transport, who said we will have demerit points today, we will announce the demerit points policy to try to distract from this issue where the Chief Minister has lied to Territorians. This is the biggest issue there is.
Ms Lawrie: What? You are ridiculous.
Dr LIM: To try to distract. This is about a government trying to manage the media rather than manage serious business in the Territory, which is protecting our children. This Chief Minister deserves every censure strike that we can possibly launch at her.
Ms LAWRIE (Family and Community Services): Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly reject the most ridiculous censure motion I have heard in years. I came into the Chamber today looking forward to a debate on an incredibly important report, Little Children are Sacred, because I was absolutely convinced we would have a debate today about this report. It has been tabled in the Chamber …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: It has been tabled in the Chamber so I knew the Leader of the Opposition would either use the tabling statement for debate or choose a censure motion off the back of Question Time for debate, which, predictably, she did. What do we get instead? From the Leader of the Opposition, we got a debate on Lateline interviews, not a debate on the causes of child sexual abuse, not a debate on the comprehensive response required to prevent child sexual abuse and to deal with the insidious perpetrators. Instead, we had a ridiculous debate about Lateline interviews.
It is incredibly disheartening that we witnessed a bizarre obsession the Leader of the Opposition has with the Chief Minister. Instead of dealing with the true substance of the incredibly important report Little Children are Sacred, we get this unleashing of personal bile, none of which will protect children one iota. The Leader of the Opposition went to the example of Mutitjulu, went to the example of a time when there were allegations of an active paedophile. The member for Greatorex joined her in talking about the Mutitjulu example. I absolutely reject the misleading comments by the member for Greatorex who said that FACS did not respond to Dr Stewart’s notifications. It is on the record: FACS did respond; police did respond. What they failed to achieve was the evidence required for a prosecution. The alleged paedophile had fled, but they pursued the evidence for a prosecution. What we were confronted with, in terms of what our authorities found, was this insidious problem of a veil of silence that descends over a community through the issues of horror and shame, dealt with comprehensively in detail in the report Little Children are Sacred. It is very wrong to say there was no response to Mutitjulu. It is very wrong to say the Chief Minister did not respond. She did, quite appropriately, alert the Police minister to the allegations at the time.
Let us take this a step back, because the whole view of the Leader of the Opposition is that this government has been sitting on its hands and has not been pursuing the protection of children. I want to point out that, fundamentally, it was a pathway that started in 2003, the Caring for Our Children reform agenda, that significantly changed government and its agencies’ abilities to respond to notifications. Part of that change is a review of the Welfare Act, which is leading to the Care and Protection of Children legislation. Significantly, a part of that reform was an increase in the number of child protection workers, which enables a response to notifications. Significant in those reforms is the introduction of Family Crisis Intervention Services because, let us not kid ourselves, children are abused sexually, physically, emotionally when they are living in circumstances of crisis, when they are living in families in crisis. Now ‘families’ I use in a very broad sense. Families can be a single mother or a single father with children, or children with extended families, so I use ‘families’ in the broadest sense when I refer to families in crisis.
Out of the reforms are quite clear and targeted programs, which I will talk about. Critically important in the reform process has been the formation of CAT Force, and you heard the Chief Minister talk about the Child Abuse Task Force. We now have in the Territory, and have had for a year, police workers who are senior crime investigators, not just low level constables out of training, but experienced crime investigators, working alongside our most experienced FACS workers and investigators to quite specifically respond to notifications of child abuse. The intake calls come into CAT Force and they are assessed. If they are in that category of child abuse, then it is CAT Force that is equipped to respond. We had some early successes out of CAT Force. Prosecutions of people from Maningrida arose from a CAT Force investigation. Charges and prosecution of a perpetrator in Borroloola arose from CAT Force investigations. I am aware of CAT Force investigations continuing across a series of communities in the Territory.
Quite clearly, there has been a significant, focused response to the issue of notification, the issue of attacking and dealing with the perpetrators of child sexual abuse and, more broadly, child abuse. There have also been system-wide reforms of how our child protection workers work within the system. Critically important was the introduction of the Specialist Care Team, which deals with children who are most at risk, and are dealing with the children with the most complex cases.
We heard from the member for Greatorex the most pathetic excuse I have head to date as to why successive CLP governments failed to adequately resource a child protection system in the Territory. The pathetic excuse was that they were basically incapable financial managers. It is extraordinary to say that because the Territory government under the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, has extraordinarily sound financial management and we have strong economy as a result, our income has increased as a result, that we are able to increase our child protection. That is absurd. The reality is, as we all in this Chamber know, for every dollar you have, there are a million ways of spending it. Everywhere you look right across the Territory there is significant unmet need, whether that is in housing, education or roads so people can get in and out of communities. Everywhere you look, we have massive unmet need. Government is confronted with a range of choices as to which budgets it dramatically increases. It is the Martin Labor government that has increased the child protection budget by 356%.
I find it extraordinary that the member for Greatorex believes that Family and Children’s Services are, in his words, squandering their budget, frittering it away. I have absolutely every confidence in the staff of Family and Children’s Services. I know how much work goes into defining exactly how every single dollar within that budget will be spent because we have enormously competing needs for that budget, from the non-government organisations that we fund for Family Crisis Intervention Services to the need for staff and the child protection intake and care teams. To say that they have been frittering it away is one of the worst statements I have heard in this House. You have absolutely no idea, member for Greatorex, how incredibly skilled, deliberate and focused the government reform process in child protection has been.
Then you bring up the age-old furphy that you have brought up time and time again here: the decisions made by professionals in STI notifications, quoting again the comments of the former CEO of the department of how clinicians deal with STI notifications. We have always said, and the former CEO said, we accept mandatory reporting, we will continue with mandatory reporting in child protection notifications. However, we put into that mix decisions made by commissions for the 14- and 15-year-olds who present with STIs because they may not, indeed, be victims of child sexual abuse. They may be, as much as we do not condone it, consenting teenagers having sex with each other. It might not be to the liking of any member of this parliament, but you treat that situation differently in a statutory sense from non-consensual sex, which is sexual abuse.
There was a comment by the member for Greatorex that he does not see funding in Family and Children’s Services as providing real care. I am going to make sure that that gets out to the child protection workers in the system. I am going to make sure that gets out to the foster carers who are providing real care today and yesterday and the day before for the children in our system whom we have brought in to protect from abuse. It has to be one of the most extremely negative statements I have heard come from a shadow minister’ mouth and I find it abhorrent.
Tackling child abuse for the Martin government is fundamentally a priority. The reform process from 2003 made it a priority. This followed years of neglect. There is a big lesson that comes out of the Little Children Are Sacred report, and that is endemic dysfunction of years of neglect, what I personally refer to as the mountain. We have to chip away at the mountain. We have to climb the mountain, we have to get through and change. It is detailed in the report. You do not do this by continuing with the rate of child protection funding that the CLP had. You could not remotely do it. You had a system on its knees. It was the Martin Labor government that brought that funding from just under $8m in 2001 to the $35m-plus it is today.
What does this actually deliver? The opposition might not think this delivers anything because that is the tone of what they said today. All they wanted to do was debate Lateline interviews. In fact, in a very real sense, we have 71 new positions in child protection right across the Territory. This makes a difference. If you call FACS to notify of a case, there is someone to respond. There is someone there to investigate it. There is someone there to follow it up and there is certainly someone there to make sure that if a child needs to be removed, they are removed, and they are placed with the appropriate foster carer.
These are child protection workers who do an extremely difficult job in incredibly emotional circumstances, and this government absolutely values their work. The government’s effort in raising awareness of child abuse in communities is slowly working. I congratulate the former minister, the member for Arafura, because the Shout it Out Loud DVD was a very powerful message to communities right across Central Australia which spread the message that abuse is not acceptable. She went to the communities, she put the resources and information directly to indigenous Territorians about how abuse is not acceptable. The number of reports of indigenous child abuse under this reform has doubled; so has the number of indigenous kids who are taken into care. The message is starting to work. The message is starting to get out there.
I am absolutely confident that the debate the Little Children Are Sacred report has sparked will help us get the messages across the Territory to all Territorians that we are not going to accept abuse of our children and that the full weight of the law will come down on perpetrators. We will resource the investigators, both police and FACS, to pursue perpetrators.
We are not resiling from the fact that this report identifies that there is so much more to do in terms of child protection reforms continuing, getting our children into safe environments, be they safe at home or safe at school. In removing and minimising the horrible harm of alcohol and drug addiction across our communities, I am not just saying remote communities; these issues exist in town, they exist in the suburbs. They exist right across Australia. We are a government that is standing up and saying we wanted to know the extent of it by arranging an independent inquiry because we certainly want to be able to tackle that in any way that a new set of eyes on the issue could provide. We have improved our service. We have put more workers on the ground, but we need our communities to work with us to help to make children safe.
I have talked about the CAT Force and how they work together to get the results to arrest offenders. Prior to the Martin government, there were no properly funded after hours’ child abuse services. It was the Labor government that introduced a Territory-wide after-hours service. It provides a consistent approach to child protection notifications outside normal business hours. Before then, bad luck if it happened at night. You could not call FACS. I take my hat off to the member for Nightcliff, the first minister in this area, who pursued that commitment by the Martin Labor government and introduced, as difficult as it was, reform of the critically important after hours service.
I will talk us through the improved intake. By centralising the FACS intake processes, co-locating it into the CAT Force, it really has shared intelligence regarding serious child sexual abuse cases. These are highly skilled professionals who are there to assess every report of child abuse from the public and decide the appropriate action. Calls to the 1800 700 250 child abuse hotline will be answered by the central intake team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are making improvements to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre. We are providing an extra $480 000 to expand staff services to meet our increasing demand. This includes three extra staff, new premises in Alice Springs, increases in budget operational costs such as extra staff doctors, training of staff doctors and counsellors and additional travel costs. We have not been sitting on our hands. This is work that has been undertaken while the member for Greatorex says we have sat on the report. Actually, no, member for Greatorex; we have been out recruiting to these positions during the six week period that it took to publish the report. It is the most absurd argument I have ever heard that a government waits for a report to be published before doing anything. It is incredibly absurd.
Peace at Home is a joint police and FACS initiative in Katherine, again co-locating police and FACS child protection workers to work together to reduce family violence and decrease child abuse, especially in our indigenous families. It is another example of how we are working in partnership across government to respond to child abuse.
Home Strength is a new, intensive family preservation service operating in Darwin to assist families whose children are at risk of abuse or neglect. This type of service simply did not exist previously. This service aims to provide assistance to families in crisis, about 75 families a year, and this is the sort of work, dealing with families in crisis, providing services to assist them, that is laid out in the report and very clearly, as the Chief Minister said, lets our government know that we are on the right path. More work needs to be done and more resources need to be put into family crisis intervention.
Safe Families is a fantastic program developed with elders at Tangentyere Council in Alice Springs working to prevent family breakdown, identifying safe family placements for children who have been taken into care. This is a critically important area of work to prevent child abuse. I know that the opposition walked in here today not wanting to debate the substance of child sexual abuse, but we should be far more mature in our approach and ensure that we deal with this.
Dr Lim interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: I invite you to debate this and the worthiness of family crisis intervention services versus additional child protection staff versus co-location of police and FACS workers in an investigative sense. Bring on that debate. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about that.
As for the member for Greatorex saying that we have watered down and weakened our child protection response by his interpretation of Budget Paper No 3 Child Protection statistics, he is very wrong. We have introduced improved performance measures that appear in Budget Paper No 3, and the table includes very detailed notes that explain these new performance measures. The new measures are in line with national reporting standards. Every notification is looked into and responded to. Every notification will have been assessed by professional FACS staff working in the specialist intake unit. Where there is any suspicion whatsoever that child abuse may have occurred, full investigations take place. We estimate that some 1250 investigations of this nature will occur in the 2006-07 year, the highest number of investigations that have occurred in any year in the Territory’s history.
The performance measures outline the number of notifications where an assessment of a notification results in alternative action being taken. For example, there are some 15 notifications dealt with by other means such as, typically, referring the family in crisis to our Family Support Service as required.
Over the last three years, the percentage of notifications that led to an investigation is around 50%. The member for Greatorex says this is a failure! Similarly, in 2001 about 51% proceeded to investigation. Removing children from their families is the last resort. The intervention is justified, but only to protect the safety of the children. We have families in crisis. There are a variety of ways in which to tackle this. There are 280 children who have entered into our care system in the last financial year, and over the course of the year, some 480 children required care. All of these statistics show us that we are dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg is described in the report Little Children Are Sacred.
We are a government that stands on our record of quadrupling our child protection services, but not just stopping there, tackling alcohol, tackling substance abuse, tackling education and tackling health. It is generational change that we are attempting to achieve within just a few years reform after decades of neglect under previous CLP governments to their shame.
Motion negatived.
Continued from earlier this day.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I speak to the 2007-08 Budget for the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, and the Territory Wildlife Park. In addition, I will speak on my responsibilities in the areas of Young Territorians, Senior Territorians and Women’s Policy.
At the outset, I take the opportunity to thank and congratulate the Treasurer and his team for constructing a budget which continues to consolidate and sustain economic growth for the people of the Northern Territory.
The Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, NRETA, was established in July 2005. Its creation was an explicit recognition by this government of the significant shift in the national focus towards the vital importance of environmental and natural resource management issues, and a critically important role that governments must have in conservation and management of our resources. Continued economic development must be based on sustainable use. We also created the department in recognition of the unique value of the Territory’s natural and cultural heritage. At its heart is a vision of enabling our communities to flourish in healthy and productive environments, to be inspired through understanding of our culture and history, and to participate in creative endeavours across the whole of the Northern Territory.
As outlined in Budget Paper No 3, the department is responsible for conserving, enhancing and ensuring best possible access to and enjoyment of the Territory’s natural and cultural assets. These assets include our native wildlife and their habitats, renewable natural resources, including water and natural landscapes, many of which form the basis of our parks and reserves system, and our creative communities, buildings and places important in our every day life.
The department’s goals are directed to six key outcomes.
protecting the Territory’s natural and cultural assets;
protecting the community’s interest in those assets;
supporting the community in creating new understandings and expressions of Territory identity;
predicting and assisting in mitigating threats from both natural processes and human activity;
helping the community care for and make best use of natural and cultural assets; and
creating commercial, educational and recreational opportunities based on those assets.
Madam Speaker, these outcomes are provided by seven output groups: Parks and Reserves; Biological Parks; Natural Resources; Environment Protection; Heritage Conservation; Scientific and Cultural Collections; and, Art and Screen Industry Support.
Whilst these groups are consistent with the 2006-07 Budget, there are a number of key initiatives in Budget 2007-08: (1) a refinement of the parks output; (2) an expansion of the Territory’s flood forecasting capability; and (3) a restructure of the natural resources output to increase focus on water management issues. I will now go through all output groups in turn and outline these initiatives in more detail.
A total of $34.9m will be spent on parks and reserves. The visitor management programs funded by this budget provide enjoyment to Territorians and visitors and are fundamental to the Territory’s economy, especially in regional areas. The conservation management program protects the biodiversity and cultural richness of our parks estate for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
We recognise the contribution that is made to the maintenance of biodiversity and protection of the environmental assets by indigenous communities. Aboriginal lands comprise almost half of the Northern Territory and support important biological values, including nationally and internationally significant wetlands, migratory sea bird and shore bird habitats, marine turtle nesting sites, and species which are not found anywhere else. The Parks and Conservation Master Plan reflects the significance of these lands and identifies the importance of a coordinated approach to management and support for indigenous ranger groups in the Territory. Budget 2007-08 incorporates an initiative to develop this capacity. The indigenous ranger group development program will develop a network of community-based ranger programs over the next four years, commencing with an additional $100 000 in 2007-08, ramping up to $400 000 in 2010-11 and beyond.
The program is modelled on the extremely successful relationship Parks and Wildlife have established at Nhulunbuy with Dhimurru land management, involving stationing a senior ranger at Dhimurru and providing support, training and mentoring to the Dhimurru rangers in land and sea management. Experienced park rangers working within community-based ranger groups will improve the skill level and effectiveness of these rangers in contemporary land management activity, as well as enhancing cross-cultural expertise of park rangers. This will further enhance joint management activity. The indigenous ranger group development program will commence in Top End communities that have committed to conservation, land management outcomes through the formal establishment of indigenous protected areas, and the development of indigenous ranger programs. It is envisaged this will extend in future to indigenous protected areas throughout the Territory. This initiative reinforces this government’s significant investment and commitment to joint management of our parks and reserves, enabling us to successfully manage the parks estate in partnership with traditional owners.
I draw honourable members’ attention to the substantial benefits of joint management in the recent success of the first group of indigenous trainee rangers to come to the Territory’s new joint park management arrangements. I congratulate rangers, Donald Turner and Jeremy Dawson, who have started work in Central Australia.
Budget 2007-08 will also ensure the Parks and Wildlife Service continues to deliver its core park management functions such as visitor programs and weed, fire and feral animal control.
$10.6m has been allocated to fund the Territory’s biological parks. It includes support for the Desert Park in Alice Springs, the Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, and the George Brown Botanic Gardens in Darwin. A biological park is one which provides displays of native plants and animals within natural habitats and botanic gardens. In addition to commercial, educational and recreation benefits, these parks provide visitors and Territorians with opportunities to experience and learn about the Territory’s flora, fauna, landscape, and cultures.
The Visitor and Education Facility output creates commercial and educational opportunities by funding Windows on the Wetland and community service obligations of $7.9m to the two wildlife parks. This funding enables the parks to operate successful threatened species breeding programs, with the program at the Territory Wildlife Park now including an extensive Northern Quoll breeding program. This investment will enable these key facilities to continue to operate as high standard, premier tourist attractions.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens will also benefit from Budget 2007-08 with further developments at the Geranium Street entrance to eliminate vehicles from the pedestrian entrance and enhance the visitor centre. A style guide will be developed to enhance and unify the gardens’ presentation, including seating, signage and colour schemes. The revitalised children’s garden will also be completed.
A further $45.4m has been provided to fund Natural Resources. This contributes to key outcomes in protecting the community’s interest in, and helping the community to care for and make best use of our precious natural asset. It also allows the creation of commercial, educational and recreational opportunities based on these assets, and plays a crucial role in predicting and mitigating threats from both natural processes and human activity. This funding will enable sustainable use of the renewable natural resources of the Northern Territory, including water and native plants and animals.
Budget 2007-08 establishes a new output for Water Resources in the Northern Territory. In recognition of the ongoing crisis in water resource management through Australia, this government has established a management branch to oversee water allocation planning in line with the Northern Territory Water Act, working alongside the well respected and long established Water Resource Investigation Team in NRETA. This initiative has resulted in significant progress with priority water allocation planning. In close consultation with the community and stakeholders in Alice Springs, Ti Tree and Katherine, planning processes in Mataranka, the Darwin rural area, and the Daly Basin will commence in coming months.
We are committed to the work which needs to be undertaken now to ensure the availability of water resources for Territorians into the future. This clear focus on water management has enabled the levering of significant support from the Australian government’s Water Fund, and Natural Heritage Trust to undertake research in water allocation planning in the Territory. This will result in more concentrated future efforts to ensure that the resource is being used in the most efficient and effective manner.
A component of water resource management is the Living Rivers initiative which was established by this government in 2005-06, funded through to 2008-09. Our spend of $3.5m over four years has enabled the Territory to lever significant Australian government funding. Living Rivers has seen substantial progress this financial year in developing an integrated ground and surface water model and a comprehensive water monitoring plan for the Daly. This will be used to better plan water allocations and assess proposed water extractions in the region. The $1m allocated to Living Rivers in 2007-08 enables upgraded construction of new water monitoring stations, and to trialling of a new water metering scheme.
Our natural resources are threatened not just by human activities, but also by invasive plants and animal species. Some of these can have a major impact on our ecosystems such as the weed, cabomba, which was found in the Darwin River in 2004, threatening the Darwin water supply. I am very pleased to announce funding of $253 000 per annum for a further two years to complete the eradication of the cabomba infestation in the Darwin River. To date, infestation levels at the end of the 2006 Dry Season were around 95% less than levels found at the commencement of operation in 2004. Eradication operations including the use of herbicides on the aquatic weed via an underwater boom spray together with the use of shade cloth over the water of the infested area has resulted in the prevention of seed production at all sites, along with the removal of all physical growth and subsequent infestation. Herbicide use levels have now been significantly reduced as a result of our successes, with very low levels being required to treat remaining infestations. An environmental monitoring program implemented in conjunction with control operations has indicated no detrimental impacts to the aquatic and marine plants and organisms in the area.
This budget continues to fund strategic fire mitigation, prevention and wildfire suppression activities across the Northern Territory. These efforts are in support of the activities of the Bushfires Council and regional committees, and the dedicated work of the members of our 21 volunteer Bushfire Brigades.
The activities of most landholders are targeted at protecting the values of their land from which they derive economic and social values. However, reductions in widespread bushfires also have benefit for biodiversity and in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. A major outcome has been achieved in this regard in 2006-07, with immense benefits in terms of improved environmental outcomes for all Territorians.
I had the privilege of signing the West Arnhem Fire Management Agreement on 24 August 2006. This initiative is a world first, nurtured by bushfire scientists in my department working in collaboration with traditional owners in Western Arnhem Land. The project aims at reducing greenhouse gas production from late Dry Season wildfires over 28 000 km of land adjoining Kakadu National Park. Over $1m per year is now available to Aboriginal ranger groups to conduct early Dry Season controlled burns. Cooler early fires have been demonstrated to produce significantly less greenhouse gas than late Dry Season wildfires. The early fires have the effect of reducing fuel loads and creating firebreaks that diminish total greenhouse gas emissions from the region by 100 000 tonnes per year.
In addition to abating greenhouse emissions, the project will assist in the protection of crucial habitats, such as monsoon rainforests and sandstone health communities endemic to Western Arnhem Land, and provide long-term economic benefits through employment.
ConocoPhillips, now Darwin LNG, which operates Darwin’s liquid natural gas plant, signed a 17-year agreement to fund this abatement program, which will fulfil their obligations to reduce emissions under their development permit. It is independently audited by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre and the methodology approved by the Australian Greenhouse Office. This agreement is a clear reflection of the importance that not only government and the community places on the sustainability of our natural resources, but recognition of the importance by industry and developers that we need to ensure we carefully manage these resources.
Budget 2007-08 encompasses the final year of the current Natural Heritage Trust Bilateral Agreement Triennium Funding, which levers $19.6m for Territory-based natural resource management and conservation activities and would not be achieved without this government’s investment in funding natural resource activities.
The Mary River Wetlands Salt Water Intrusion Management Program will receive capital works funding of $500 000. This will allow for the continued development of infrastructure to limit further intrusion of sea water into the fresh water ecosystems of the Mary River. This program has rehabilitated thousands of hectares of wetlands. It is also recognised as the Northern Territory’s contribution to the Australian government’s National Action Plan for Water Quality and Salinity, with a matching investment of $500 000.
I am also pleased to announce that Budget 2007-08 will see the opening of the Rapid Creek Environment Hub for community environmental groups, including No Waste Alliance, the Planning Action Network Incorporated, the Environment Centre NT and the Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance. The hub provides these groups with office facilities and a shopfront in a key location in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
We all know the risks and dangers posed to lives and livelihoods by flooding in the Wet Season. Over the last few years, we have seen the impact of climate change on the extent of an increase in flooding in the Territory. I am also pleased to announce that this budget delivers additional funding of $444 000 a year for the next four years to upgrade flood forecasting capabilities across the Territory, with ongoing maintenance funding provided after that. The Northern Territory Counter-Disaster Council recommended that flood forecasting capabilities be improved following serious flooding that affected Katherine, Wugularr, Daly River and numerous smaller communities.
This government recognised the importance of this and responded with this significant increase in funding on top of the $1.2m already invested in providing this service. A reliable flood forecasting service will significantly reduce the risk of flood damage and loss of life. Progressive improvement of the flood forecasting network will occur over the next four years, including installation of new monitoring stations and upgrading existing stations, as well as developing and improving flood forecasting models in catchments with communities most at risk of flooding. Community-based monitoring of gauges at specific locations along flood prone rivers and creeks to maximise downstream flood warnings will be a key part of the program.
This government remains committed to protecting our environment in accordance with our election commitment to establish a permanent environment protection agency. This budget outlines an additional $248 000 included in the environment protection funding of $5.3m for this purpose. This funding increases to $876 000 in the outer years. This budget provides $466 000 funding to the EnvironmeNT Grant program, which this year is focusing on assisting industry to become more efficient and sustainable. In accordance with election commitments, we are providing $100 000 funding for Cool Mobs in Darwin and Alice Springs to work with householders to reduce energy and water use and waste output.
Heritage conservation, which provides for conservation of the Northern Territory’s heritage assets, will receive $2.6m. This includes continuation of the government’s significant investment in the maintenance of heritage assets commenced in 2005-06 of $1m per annum for 10 years for repairs and maintenance of government-owned heritage properties throughout the Territory. Ongoing annual Heritage Grants of $200 000 will assist private owners of heritage properties to conserve and promote these important assets.
Mr VATSKALIS: Mr Deputy Speaker, I move an extension of time for the minister pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I thank my colleague.
As well as providing $114 000 annually to the National Trust, heritage conservation in the Territory will also be enhanced in 2007-08 with the launch of the online Heritage Register, facilitating Internet heritage inquiries.
A total of $14.7m has been allocated to provide funding in support of the scientific and cultural collections, aimed at preserving and enabling access to the Territory’s historic buildings and permanent Museum and Art Gallery collections held by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Museum of Central Australia, the Strehlow Research Centre, and the Herbarium. This recognises the importance of protecting the natural scientific and cultural assets entrusted to the Territory and helping the community to care for and make best use of these assets.
Budget 2007-08 provides funding for the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory to ensure their high standard of public programs continue, and I am sure members will agree with me when I say that this institution provides a valuable resource to all Territorians.
Arts and Screen Industry Support will receive $12.9m to provide support for the performing and visual arts, cinema and film industry for the benefit of local communities and visitors, creating commercial, educational and recreational opportunities in art, film and tourism. Provision of ongoing funding of $300 000 in capital grants annually for the Public Art Strategy launched earlier this year is a key feature of this budget.
Public Art provides partnership opportunities for artists and community groups, local government and private developers. The budget provides a $105 000 investment in Public Art for establishing a public art precinct at Darwin International Airport.
Budget 2007-08 provides opportunities to showcase the cream of the Territory’s art at regional festivals, as well as in the larger centres of Darwin and Alice Springs through outgoing festival funding. More than $0.9m is allocated for remote and regional festivals and major festivals.
The Territory’s unique arts and cultural sectors have grown and developed extensively over the past financial year. Budget 2007-08 continues the Martin government’s backing of the arts community with $4.35m in arts grants for art development across the Territory; continuation of the $250 000 grants for initiatives in film, new media and the television industry; and $1.1m for the Indigenous Arts Strategy. The Martin government has increased spending on arts grants programs by 35.3% since 2003-04.
An increase of $200 000 in 2006-07 for Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia is also incorporated in Budget Paper No 3. The grant is conditional on a local industry participation plan which will provide opportunities for Territory screen technicians to gain experience in a large and complex production. This in addition to $243 000 support provided in the same year to the children’s television series Double Trouble produced by the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association. If there can be any doubt in the value of supporting such projects, let me point out that 40 Territorians were employed on Double Trouble, including 31 on the production team. Almost half of them were Aboriginal, including the Executive Producer,Priscilla Collins; writer, Danielle MacLean; Director of Photography, Allan Collins; and sound recordist, David Tranter. When final costings of the production are available in a couple of months, I will report to the House on the Territory’s spend on this production and, at a later date, the Territory spend on Australia.
The budget also provides for infrastructure in our parks, with $1m being set aside for capital works, including upgrading ablution facilities for Nitmiluk National Park which, along with the Mary River saltwater intrusion program I spoke about earlier, complement a $2.3m minor new works program for the department, resulting in a total capital investment of $5.16m in 2007-08.
In summary, the budget provides NRETA the capacity to protect and conserve our natural cultural assets. Of the total $126m of the department’s budgeted expenditure, output appropriation provides $98m, with around $12m being levered by the department through external funding which would not be possible without the significant contribution of the Territory government to these programs.
The Territory Wildlife Park’s government business division is also supported in this budget, with the assistance of the community service obligation funding I spoke of earlier, and improving visitor numbers. Territory Wildlife Park and Alice Springs Desert Park continue to provide unique valuable recreational and educational experiences for visitors and the local community. Those parks have created new experiences targeted at domestic and international visitors over the past year, which have resulted in increased visitor numbers. These initiatives include a new art market at Alice Springs Desert Park and a revamp of the main station, and new woodland aviary and barramundi feeding at Territory Wildlife Park. 2007-08 will bring even more new exciting attractions, such as evening experiences at both parks, including spotlight walks to see local animals in natural habitats.
I now turn to my other portfolio responsibilities of Women, Youth and Senior Territorians. The Office of Women’s Policy is an important element in this government’s community engagement strategy. Its chief task is to listen to the concerns of women throughout the Territory and develop strategic responses to those concerns on a whole-of-government basis. A key to this process of listening is the OWP’s role in the Community Cabinet women’s forums. Since 2003, over 800 women, leaders of our communities, have attended these forums from the city to the bush. OWP has a continuing $68 000 commitment to this process. An important outcome of this process will be realised in the coming year with a $40 000 commitment to an Indigenous Women’s Leadership program. This initiative is designed to improve the capacity and leadership skill of indigenous women in remote communities and is currently examining ways in which indigenous women can increase their networking abilities and foster effective ways of working well within their group and other communities in the Northern Territory.
OWP will also continue to support activities that contribute to Territory women: White Ribbon Day and the Alicia Johnson Memorial Lecture, as well as the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Awards. In 2007, recipients were Michelle Clarke for the $6000 vocational award, and Barbara Morgan for the $14 000 tertiary award. Critically, OWP has an ongoing commitment to domestic violence community education. Ongoing funding will be available for television and radio advertising such as the Indigenous All Stars’ Stop the Violence campaign featuring Richard Tambling, Aaron Davey, Daniel Motlop and Matt Campbell. At the research and policy level, further work will be carried out in evaluating the Northern Territory government’s domestic violence initiatives in partnership with Charles Darwin University, with a report to be issued by the end of this financial year.
The Office of Senior Territorians has a vital role to play within the Territory. Gone are the days when it was pretty much expected that a large slice of our population would leave the Territory at retirement, taking with them both social and financial capital on the way. This government actively pursues strategies which encourage Territorians to continue to enjoy our lifestyle after old age and into retirement.
The Northern Territory’s Advisory Council on Ageing has been established to identify issues of concern to older Territorians and advise government on changes needed to existing policies and legislation. A great program fostered by OST is the government’s Senior Card Scheme which continues to promote NT businesses and provide the service of both Territory and visiting interstate seniors. With over 600 businesses, which is more than in most states, and over 1500 seniors joining each year, this $82 000 program is an important scheme for this government to support.
A highlight of OST activities is Seniors Month which supports a $40 000 program of grants over that period. A strong community that supports its members and values their experience, knowledge and wisdom helps to ensure older Territorians remain a vital part of families and communities. Seniors Month celebrates and reflects on the contribution that older people have made to society, and is being increasingly supported by Territory businesses and organisations. We are working hard to keep senior Territorians here in the Territory, but we also recognise we have the youngest population of any jurisdiction in the nation.
The Office of Youth Affairs plays a fundamental role in engaging with young Territorians to ensure that issues of importance to them are heard and acted on by government. The Youth Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians, a $64 000 program, links young Territorians to government and enables young people to have input to decision-making. I was pleased to announce the 2007 round table members earlier this year, and they will present their project findings to ministers and chief executives towards the end of the year.
National Youth Week is an annual event and the single largest event on the Australian youth calendar. Youth Week celebrates our diverse youth culture. There is $60 000 for National Youth Week, which was a huge success with over 100 events held in the Territory. We will continue to support this important initiative in 2008.
Office of Youth Affairs Youth Engagement Grants Program will fund $40 000 towards Youth Holiday Vibe grants, and will engage young Territorians aged 12 to 25 years through a variety of drug and alcohol free recreational events, and youth development and leadership programs.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to support the Treasurer’s 2007-08 Budget.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Treasurer’s statement on Budget 2007-08.
Of my various portfolio, areas one can see how the social and economic aspects of this budget are geared towards improving the lot of ordinary Territorians. Fundamental to this budget is the creation of employment and, in particular, employment opportunities and strategies that are critical in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory. The budget is also about continuing the excellent economic performance of the Martin government and establishing a sound fiscal future for the Northern Territory. The reaction of the business community to this budget would indicate a consensus that this aim has been achieved.
What better starting point than Central Australia to consider the ways in which this budget benefits Territorians? I am pleased to announce that Central Australia is a big winner in the 2007-08 Budget. As members are aware, there are a number of significant industries operating in Central Australia such as tourism, mining, pastoralism, indigenous arts and culture, horticulture and agriculture. All of these have generated substantial employment and economic activities over a great many years. It is important for the Martin government to foster the environment to engage entrepreneurial sprits in these industries that will continue for a great many years into the future.
In this budget, tourism has received ongoing support from government in the form of $3m funding for a call centre. Territory Discoveries is a government business division that was established to increase the exposure of Northern Territory tourism across Australia and around the world. Territory Discoveries provides a vital role for the tourism industry and, in particular, small tourism businesses. Small tourism operators may not have the purchasing power or economies of scale to effectively use commercial operators for promotions and bookings. Small innovative tourism operators are able to take advantage of this service and provide the launching pad for future economic activity in respect of their industry.
This is important for the future of tourism for two reasons: first, it enables small business, as I said, to develop economies of scale and grow; and second and equally as important, it allows niche operators to continue to operate on a smaller scale.
In contrast to the many small tourism operators, the capital intensive mining industry is also a critical part of the Central Australia economy. Mining production for the Territory equated to a total value of $1.9bn in 2005-06 and employs in excess of 4000 people. A total of $1.5m in Alice and $550 000 in the Barkly has been allocated to generating geoscience data under Bringing Forward Discovery. I am very excited by the mining prospects that are emerging. Northern Territory Geological Survey has assisted in marketing the Territory as a prime exploration and mining destination. In October 2006, DPIFM reported that two new mines had been opened in Central Australia in the past 12 months: Bootu Creek; and the Peko Tailings project. Several more mines are expected in the near future.
In terms of oil and petroleum exploration in 2007, there will be six wells drilled in Central Australia alone, compared with just two in the past 15 years. The economic future of Central Australia will be bolstered by a healthy and prosperous mining sector.
The pastoral industry is yet another significant industry in Central Australia that is iconic to the Territory and our history. In this budget, Animal Health Services has been allocated $1.02m in Central Australia. Animal Health Services include the inspection, treatment and certification of livestock to ensure the continued domestic and export standards necessary for the industry to continue to grow and develop. $0.52m is provided for weed management control in Alice Springs, and $0.4m in the Barkly region.
To progress industries such as tourism, mining and pastoralism, improved infrastructure is fundamentally important to Central Australia as well. The infrastructure highlights for Central Australia include: $10.5m for the Red Centre Way; $8.09m for the Desert Peoples Centre; $2m to upgrade the Tanami Road; $1.96m to continue the Outback Way improvements; $1.4m to continue the Maryvale Road upgrade; $1.95m for repairs and maintenance along the Stuart Highway in the Barkly; $1.52m for repairs and maintenance along the Barkly Highway; $0.46m for repairs and maintenance along the Tablelands Highway; $0.4m for the Ranken Road; and $0.3m for repairs and maintenance along the Sandover Highway.
The announcement of an $814m infrastructure program for power and essential services is also a major boost for Central Australia. The establishment of a new power station at Brewer Estate and the shifting of some of the generators from the Ron Goodin Power Station will provide a quieter and more effective service for Alice Springs residents.
Hermannsburg will benefit with a $450 000 power upgrade to borefield equipment, as will Roe Creek bore field in Alice Springs, where $800 000 will be spent in the coming year to support new bores. There will be new generation capacity put into Tennant Creek over the next five years, as well as an $800 000 upgrade to the pump station this year; and a $700 000 upgrade for water production at the Epenarra community south-east of Tennant Creek. In Borroloola, $5m is being spent on increasing sewage treatment capacity.
This infrastructure in Central Australia is the economic life blood and essential to continuing our prosperity into the future. Even more important than our physical infrastructure is our human capital. The Territory, like the rest of Australia, is facing skills shortages. This government is committed to turning this trend around. $11.4m in Alice Springs and $2.2m in the Barkly has been allocated to the Charles Darwin University, the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and other providers to deliver vocational education and training. Flexible Response funding for training leading to employment for indigenous people will receive $0.96m in Alice Springs and $1.05m in the Barkly.
Jobs Plan 3 incorporates an increased focus on employment opportunities for indigenous Territorians, people in remote locations and Territorians from disadvantaged backgrounds. This funding is focused at increasing participants’ workplace literacy and numeracy skills, workplace orientation skills and implementation of employment support programs. In addition, 100 disadvantaged group incentives, valued at $2000 each, will be made available for employers to employ an indigenous apprentice or trainee in a remote or regional community, an apprentice or trainee with a disability, or a resident or overseas born apprentice or trainee.
For its part, the Northern Territory government has made a substantial investment in the skills base of Central Australia. On 7 March this year, I was able to announce a group of 17 new apprentices starting the Northern Territory Public Sector program in Alice Springs, and three in Tennant Creek out of a Territory-wide intake of 60 apprentices. The apprentices from Central Australia are working in a range of fields, including horticulture, agriculture, business, zoology, dental nursing and tourism. It is very pleasing to note that at least 30% of this year’s new starters are indigenous. I also note that in my electorate, there is $40 000 available to employ an indigenous park ranger at Borroloola.
Our economic future is important, but government also has the responsibility to ensure that the service it provides enables maximum participation for Territorians. To that end, all areas of Northern Territory government policies have received increases in funding in Central Australia.
Substantial investment has been made in the health of Central Australians, not only in the provision of health services, but also in health infrastructure: $6m has been allocated for the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department; $4.41m has been allocated to Alice Springs Hospital for fire protection and remedial works; $3m for power and electrical systems; and $5m has been set aside for a major upgrade of the Borroloola Primary School in 2007-08. This is a fulfilment of a Martin government election commitment. I am particularly pleased, as the local member, to see that this facility is being brought into fruition.
In Budget 2007-08, employment, education and training in the Barkly will include $5.8m for the Tennant Creek High School; $4.2m for Tennant Creek Primary School; and $5.3m for early childhood, primary and secondary education in 15 remote Barkly schools.
There has been considerable discussion concerning public safety in recent times. $37.5m has been allocated in Alice Springs to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services, including 10 new police officers. This figure of $37.5m represents an increase of 12.9% over the already substantial investment in community safety in Alice Springs.
As I have previously told this House, major reforms are under way in both portfolios of Local Government and Housing. The present system of local government, particularly in remote and rural areas, is not working and is in need of change. The reform of local government is fundamental to the future of the Territory. This reform will determine how basic services are delivered to some of the most disadvantaged Territorians in remote and rural areas. $2.3m has been allocated in the 2007-08 Budget to progress the reform process, which will culminate in the establishment of a new local government structure in July 2008.
The key principles underpinning the reform process are: a focus on delivering a fair standard of local government services to all communities; integrated planning between the three levels of government to ensure the delivery of better services in regional and remote parts of the Northern Territory; consultation across communities throughout the transition and implementation process, allowing for flexibility; existing municipals and new shires working together in respect of sharing resources through regional agreements; and an ongoing cooperative partnership between the Northern Territory government, the Australian government and the local government sector to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements.
During 2006-07, the Northern Territory Local Government Advisory Board was established to provide advice on key aspects of the reform process. Transitional committees have been established and will guide the planning for new shires assisted by development coordinators. The Australian government will provide $4.9m in respect of the employment of development coordinators until 2009. The Northern Territory government will provide a further $4.95m in funding, in each of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to meet specific one-off transitional and establishment costs of the new shire councils.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr McADAM: Sorry, Gerry?
Mr Wood: I said it was not much.
Mr McADAM: It was not much.
Mr Wood: The amount of money you are going to give to the new shires.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Nelson and member for Barkly, please.
Mr McADAM: If you just wait and be patient, as I have said to you before, instead of running hysterically around the country side, what you will find over time is ...
Mr Wood: I knew you were going to say that. Guess what!
Mr McADAM: What you will find over time ...
Mr Kiely: It has already got you into strife once today, Gerry.
Mr Wood: Your local government is not being amalgamated.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: What you will find over time is that we will be able to move towards a new model which, effectively, is going to enhance opportunities and certainty for people right across the Northern Territory. I understand fully the concerns that might relate in certain parts in respect of the proposed shires, but they have to be a little more patient.
The department is working very hard to try to put in place business plans. We have a whole range of consultations occurring next week right across the Northern Territory, particularly in respect of the concerns you have raised about Litchfield, Cox Peninsula, Marrakai, Girraween, a whole host right across the Litchfield Shire.
I am saying that $4.9m this year and $4.9m next year is a very significant start in the context of ensuring that, at the very least, we put in very strong administrative management schedules which you agree with, going back many years. We have to do something in the Northern Territory, and that is what we are going to do.
Mr Wood: I didn’t have a say in the number of shires.
Mr McADAM: I beg your pardon?
Mr Wood: No say in the number of shires.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson!
Mr McADAM: We can have this debate, or if you would like to ask me a question tomorrow, I will be happy to answer it.
Mr Wood: I will.
Mr McADAM: Whatever turns you on, Gerry.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: If you would cease interjecting, member for Nelson. Member for Barkly, please direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr McADAM: I am sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker. He is so good looking, I could not resist.
Mr Wood: I will agree with that.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Do you guys want to get a room, or something?
Mr McADAM: The budget also provides $3.04m for Water Safety and Animal Welfare. A key component of the Water Safety Branch function relates to the administration of the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Since the act came into force on 1 January 2003, the branch has undertaken over 11 000 pool inspections across all major centres in the Territory. There have been over 5000 pool fencing grants processed to the value of $7.5m.
In June 2002, the Chief Minister introduced the five point water safety plan, as you know, to help curb the Northern Territory’s high rate of drowning. Included in the five point water safety plan was a Water Safety Awareness Program. This program entitled parents of children aged six months to five years to five water safety sessions including a resuscitation session and four practical water awareness sessions. Over 4000 children have completed all elements of the program. Since its introduction the Water Safety Awareness Program has received many accolades including being named National Best Practice by the Australian Water Safety Council.
Together with the pool fencing legislation, the increased water safety education has led to the Northern Territory going from the worst to the best record of any jurisdiction in Australia for drowning deaths of children under five. I am pleased to report that a further $78 000 has been committed to continue the Water Safety Awareness Program until December 2007.
The Northern Territory Libraries and Knowledge Centres program continues to gain momentum with Our Story databases now operating in 10 community libraries across the Northern Territory. This program provides ongoing support to indigenous communities to preserve and provides appropriate access to their cultural heritage. In 2007-08, implementation of the Our Story database into a further four communities is being planned. $730 000 was distributed in grants funding for the libraries and knowledge centres in indigenous communities throughout 2007-08.
Funding of $1.6m in 2007-08 will be provided for the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, which continues to promote the use of interpreters by both government and non-government agencies. Whereas historic use was predominantly limited to the legal and health sectors, 2006-07 has seen increased use by other Australian government and human service agencies. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service continues to explore a number of strategies to assist in the recruitment of Aboriginal language interpreters to meet increased demand. In 2007-08, we have given priority to developing employment strategies in gaining national accreditation for interpreters.
Mr NATT: Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent the minister from completing his speech.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McADAM: Publicly-funded housing is an integral component of the Territory’s social and economic fabric. As such, it is fundamental to the future of the Territory that housing should not be seen as just meeting basic human need, but also improve the wellbeing and living standards of our fellow Territorians.
Under the Martin Labor government, substantial work has been undertaken to ensure that Territory Housing operates through four commercial lines, and to clarify the contributions of each of its business lines to its financial performance. I emphasise this work because it has seen Territory Housing’s financial performance improve considerably against budget over each of the last five financial years. Most importantly, this has been achieved along with enhanced services and/or a strong focus on delivery of the government’s key housing objectives.
In September 2006, Indigenous Housing functions transferred to Territory Housing. Territory Housing is responsible for the provision of construction, maintenance, funding, administrative support and policy advice for the Indigenous Housing Program. These changes are aimed at substantially increasing housing delivery and improving housing management in the bush. The Remote Area Housing Framework will create opportunity and provide certainty for people living in the bush, which is a bit like local government, member for Nelson.
Budget 2007-08 includes $55m for indigenous housing, and an initial $5m for land servicing in remote communities. This will pave the way for governments to invest $100m over the next five years in housing indigenous Territorians who live in the bush.
As I previously said, the first year of this program will be geared towards developing essential infrastructure on land servicing and priority communities. It is envisaged that this accelerated housing program will have significant benefits in training and development opportunities, and indigenous employment outcomes.
Further, an expression of interest for innovative remote housing to the value of $2m was announced in February 2007. The EOI was geared to attract builders, designers and durable housing options for a housing pilot project that will provide new approaches to delivering appropriate low-cost housing.
The 2007-08 Budget provides also for $103.6m in grants contribution to Territory Housing comprising: $33.5m transfer of appropriation sourced from the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement; $22m for the National Aboriginal Health Strategy; $17.3m for the Community Housing and Infrastructure Program; $4.7m for the Healthy Indigenous Housing Initiative from the Australian government; $15.5m Community Service Obligation payment for the purchase of housing and related services; and $10.5m in other grants.
As well, Territory Housing raised its own revenue through the charging of rebated rentals totalling some $42m, and $13m in interest has been received on loans provided through the successful HomeNorth Xtra scheme. Again, all revenue raised by Territory Housing is reinvested in social housing programs. Total revenues are budgeted this year at $167m. Expenses continue to be budgeted at $1.71m in the coming financial year, on par with the current year.
The Territory building industry will receive valuable support through the Territory’s housing infrastructure and repairs and maintenance programs. Our investment of $130m in housing infrastructure is a record spend and will directly boost this sector.
Budget highlights for Territory Housing in the coming financial year include: capital funding of $41m towards expanding the delivery of public housing to remote regions of the Territory; investing over $22m in repairs and maintenance and minor new works for public housing and government employee housing; investing over $2m dedicated to the continuation of tailored upgrades to raise the standard of existing public housing; investing over $50m to new construction, replacement and upgrading of government employee housing across the Territory; investing over $5m in land servicing in remote communities; investing over $3m to redevelop older style public housing unit complexes in urban areas to improve amenity levels and address security and antisocial behaviour.
We have also revamped the highly successful HomeNorth scheme. Government equity shares will increase to $70 000 per household where households need the extra purchasing power and we will continue with the 2% deposit and a $10 000 interest-free assistance loan. The HomeNorth scheme has also been tailored to better support families with dependents through a $10 000 increase in the income cap. The scheme will correspond better with residential markets across the Territory. These changes to HomeNorth go hand-in-hand with the Treasurer’s announcements that the stamp duty concessions for first homebuyers will increase by 55% from $225 000 to $350 000. This means that 85% of first homebuyers will not pay stamp duty.
The HomeNorth scheme is a tested and effective scheme, an economically sound scheme, and it is about giving Territorians a hand up to the residential property market. This government has been careful not to distort the market to the detriment of existing homeowners. We have put in place regional price caps set at 85% of the REINT average median house price, and these will be reset annually. This will tailor the loan scheme to local property markets and limit any flow-on effect to property prices. The new price caps are $310 000 for Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield; $240 000 for Alice Springs; $85 000 for Tennant Creek; and $180 000 for Katherine. The price caps will not apply to public tenants who want to purchase their own homes from Territory Housing. We will increase support for home ownership through the HomeNorth scheme with an additional $34m allocated to the loan scheme.
The future prosperity of the nation is very much dependent on our telecommunications infrastructure. In this regard, I was heartened by the announcement made by the federal opposition in March this year titled New Directions for Communications: a Broadband Future for Australia – Building a National Broadband Network. I am in total agreement with the alternative government of the need to spend and spend now on telecommunication infrastructure.
As Minister for Communications, I am also aware of the need to plan for our high technology future. For the Northern Territory information communications technology industry, from 2007-08 will be a time for the promotion of the NTICT industry strategic plan. The NT branch of the industry’s leading business group, the Australian Information Industry Association, has confirmed their intention to progress four strategic priority areas for the ICT industry’s strategic plan. These include: export and clustering; ICT skills development; commercialisation of intellectual property, IP; and greater localised ICT industry involvement in NT major developments. The focus on NTICT exports will be enhanced with an export office being established in Singapore during the coming year. This office will be supported by whole-of-government ICT contracts. This export office will be led by an award-winning local business and will be available to NT-based ICT companies looking to export their products or services into the South-East Asian markets.
Recently, a fibre optic connection to Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Palumpa was installed. The fibre optic connection will provide enhanced communications and services when it becomes operational within the next few months. Broadband services will also be available at metropolitan prices, and mobile telephone services will be installed at Wadeye in the near future. Remote areas of the Territory are experiencing improvements in their connections to the rest of Australia. In the past four years, over 35 communities have obtained access to mobile phone services and there has been a staggering take-up rate of the technology within the communities.
Over the last 12 months, the Territory’s remote communities have also benefited from the Northern Territory government’s Desktop contract. Part of the contractors’ service delivery requirement is improved support for government agencies in remote areas of the Northern Territory. To achieve this, contractors Fujitsu and local company CSG have instituted a schedule of visits to remote communities for preventative maintenance of ICT equipment. Whilst in the communities, CSG also provides free ICT support to members of the communities visited. From July 2006 through to March 2007, a total of 93 separate communities have been visited, with over 300 visits being made in total. As an aside, I take this opportunity to congratulate CSG on becoming a public company. This demonstrates the successful level of development and sophistication of out local ICT industry.
The efficient running of government is also essential to creating the proper economic environment. The Department of Corporate and Information Services has provided continual dividends to government by improving efficiencies. DCIS maintains an identity and access management system called ePass. This system provides a unique identifier for each officer within the NT government to manage employees’ access to information systems and services in an effective and secure manner. This is currently being replaced with a system considered as industry best practice, which will be known as ePass 2. The updated system will extend central management capability security and provide improved features. ePass 2 will manage an increased number of ICT services.
On 1 November 2006, the government increased the threshold for which public tenders needed to be sought from $10 000 to $50 000. This change will result in a projected 47% reduction in the number of tenders issued each year. Given the significant changes to workload, this has provided DCIS with an opportunity to scale down staffing and reduce costs, and this is reflected in the budget papers.
The Leader of the Opposition has suggested that government will be able to save $1m per annum on its fuel bill by converting 33% of its fleet to liquified petroleum gas or LPG in the next 12 months and a further 33% to hybrid in the following 12 months. The government has 2455 light passenger vehicles of which 39% are diesel and approximately 60% are petrol. There are currently five LP-engined vehicles. If the government was to convert all of its petrol-driven motors to LPG, fuel costs would be reduced by up $1.24m per annum. This saving is based on the Darwin average LPG cost of 0.3 litres over the average 15.6 km per annum travelled by each light passenger vehicle.
LPG fuel consumption is approximately 30% higher than petrol. For example, in the estimated saving previously referred to, a four-cylinder vehicle using LPG was calculated at 11.7 litres per 100 km and a six-cylinder was calculated at a conservative 15 litres per 100 km. Petrol-driven light passenger vehicles are disposed of on average every two years, as this represents an optimal resale value to government.
The average capital cost to retrofit LPG to a light passenger vehicle is approximately $3000 and the federal government subsidy as it now stands is not available to convert government fleet vehicles. Based on the retrofitting of one-third of our fleet, the capital outlay would be $1.46m. The capital cost offset against the expected fuel savings of $826 000 on one-third of the petrol fleet would result in a loss of $634 000. Since the introduction of the federal government subsidy, state operators have reported a significant decrease in the sale price of LPG vehicles at disposal so retrofitting of LPG to the existing fleet is not a commercially viable option.
Another issue that I want to raise quickly is this government has over the last year built on the strengths of previous good economic management. It is a government that has been able to provide a fair distribution of dollars right across the Northern Territory. Certainly, there is much more to be achieved. Most importantly, we have now made the economy much more sustainable, and not subject to the cyclical troughs which have occurred over the last few years where governments in the past have been required to spend money that was not there; in effect to put money into programs where the money did not exist at that point in time. What we have had over the last few years is an economy that is more sustainable, growing and not subject to the artificial injections of previous governments.
I commend the Treasurer's 2007-08 Budget to the House.
Mr NATT (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Mr Deputy Speaker, we have heard from the Treasurer about this year’s budget, a budget which continues this government’s record of growing the Territory’s economy, creating employment and improving the lifestyle of all Territorians.
Our economy grew by 7.5% in the last financial year, the highest of all Australian jurisdictions, and it is against this background I frame this statement about my Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines’ contribution.
It is not an exaggeration to say that industries falling within my portfolios underpin the entire Territory economy. In fact, the mineral and energy sector accounts for about 30% of GSP, while our pastoral industry accounts for 1.5%. Horticulture is now worth over $90m to our economy, and field crops account for $12.5m. The Territory’s wild harvest fisheries account for around $33m, and the fledging aquaculture industry accounts for $26m a year and is on-track to possibly exceed $120m by 2010.
Speaking about the contribution of the mineral and energy sector to the economy, I am pleased to report that our major investment and exploration attraction program Bringing Forward Discovery has been funded to the tune of $2.75m for geoscientific data, and $0.25m for promotion of the Territory as part of the government’s long-term investment strategy for each of the next four years. That is a total of $12m invested in Bringing Forward Discovery.
Bringing Forward Discovery is the successor of the highly successful Building the Territory’s Resource Base which has run over the last four years. Under Building the Territory’s Resource Base, the Top End Secret Road Show visited most Australian capital cities as well as Britain, Canada and China, spreading the message about how prospective and well placed the Territory is in terms of mineral and energy exploration and investment.
The success of this program is obvious to all. A number of Chinese companies are now in partnership with Territory mines and back in April, a powerful Chinese delegation came to Darwin to sign a memorandum of understanding with Compass Resources to allow the Browns Oxide project, which is located about 65 km south of Darwin, to proceed. I had the pleasure of hosting this significant event in Parliament House. The invitation was extended to the management of Hunan Non-Ferrous Metals, and of course Compass Resources, during my visit to Hunan Province last November on my way to the China Mining Expo in Beijing.
A party of nearly 25 company officials and province delegates visited Darwin for the signing, a significant event for the future of the mining industry in the Territory. This project will see around 150 staff and contractors working on the Browns Oxide site, a considerable injection of employment and money into the local economy. Add to this the projected production of the site, copper, nickel and cobalt, to say nothing of the projected $83m in infrastructure, and the government’s investing in Building the Territory’s Resource Base looks very good indeed. With Bringing Forward Discovery, we will continue the momentum generated by Building the Territory’s Resource Base.
A dedicated China strategy has been developed to reinforce and build on the existing connections and outcomes already achieved with Chinese investors. A technical team has recently returned from China. It was made up of department experts accompanied by representatives from industry partners Arafura Resources and Sandfly Resources. This team renewed contracts made last November when I visited and opened new doors. So successful was this delegation that high level talks are now under way between these two companies and Chinese investors. Much of the intelligence gained from this technical visit will inform my proposed visit later in the year when I will again attend China Mining, a huge mining expo held in November each year.
Mining and petroleum are major drivers of our economy and account for more than 50% of the Territory’s growth. The mining and petroleum sectors account for 26% of the Territory economy, and that goes up to a massive 40% if we include alumina and LNG.
Mining and exploration are booming in the Territory, with five new mining and processing operations started this financial year, and four or five more commencing next financial year, including the Compass Browns Oxide project I mentioned earlier, Territory Iron at Frances Creek and Thor Mining’s tungsten and molybdenumoperations in the Harts Range area. In addition, all of the existing mines – Alcan Gove, GEMCO, Ranger, McArthur River Mine and Newmont Kelly – had expansion programs under way or in the planning phase.
It was not always like this. Mr Deputy Speaker, you will recall the environmental disaster we inherited from the previous government, namely Mt Todd. Over the last year, we have stabilised and cleaned up this site prior to handing it over to Vista Gold for day-to-day management. The priority works have allowed the site to be managed within the discharge licences. Over the last Wet Season, there were no unplanned spills into the Edith River system, a huge change from the previous situation. We also entered into an agreement with Vista Gold under which it will commence exploration on the site and, if Vista Gold decides to proceed, it will take over the rehabilitation of that site. I am pleased to report that we will spend $630 000 next financial year preparing for that rehabilitation. This will involve funding to develop a more extensive monitoring program for the site. As you can see quite clearly from this, we are actively encouraging the mining industry for the good of all Territorians, but we are also taking firm action to ensure that mistakes of the past are responsibly managed.
Mr Deputy Speaker, you are no doubt aware that Alice Springs has been successful in its Solar City bid. This is great news for Alice Springs and will allow the city access to $8.3m to implement solar power initiatives through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program my department administers on behalf of the Commonwealth. Moreover, the Territory government has committed $4.511m and nearly $549 000 in in-kind support to the project over 2006-07 to 2013-14.
Other projects involving renewable energy include the establishment of the three solar power stations at Ti Tree, Kalkarindji and Ali Curung with a total rebate of $5.4m, a very tangible commitment to alternative energy by this government.
My department is also involved in facilitating the solar technology demonstration facility at the Desert Knowledge Australia Precinct in Alice Springs. This will see $2.3m dedicated to this unique and innovative facility. In addition, my department and the NT Cattlemen’s Association will fund a feasibility study on 18 pastoral stations to determine the best renewable energy options for the future, a practical and forward-looking innovation for the pastoral industry.
We hear much about the Territory’s unique lifestyle, and now we are working to preserve it. My department is also charged with overseeing one very important component that has been talked about, and that is fishing. I am pleased to say that our fisheries management is well recognised while research and development achieved in the aquaculture arena are internationally acknowledged.
In the department, we have continued our commitment to buy back coastal fishing licences. In February 2006, a voluntary buy-back of coastal net fishery licences commenced. It had the aim of closing Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay to commercial coastal net fishing. This will reduce the competition between commercial and recreation fishers, and fishing tour operators, and enhance the long-term quality of recreational fishing in the area. I am pleased to say that $350 000 has been committed for the buyback of commercial fishing effort in order to ensure sustainable management and utilisation of the Territory’s marine resources. The buyback process is progressing. To date, agreement has been reached with three licence holders and the process is currently under way to settle the purchase of these licences.
Another highly successful undertaking Fisheries looks after is the Indigenous Marine Ranger Program. Eighty-four per cent of the Territory’s coastline, or 13 000 km, is land owned by indigenous people. That is a lot of coastline to look after. My department provides funding assistance to six Indigenous Marine Ranger groups located at Melville and Bathurst Islands, Borroloola, Elcho Island, Maningrida, Port Keats and Goulburn Island. The primary focus of rangers is on caring for the coastline and sees them involved in surveillance and monitoring, marine debris cleanup, animal rescue and cultural and contemporary educational activities. Government has directed $179 000 for the expansion of the program in 2007-08.
The Fisheries Division is also involved in supporting indigenous economic development through pilot aquaculture projects such as the mud crab farms at Maningrida and Kulaluk. Research conducted at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre has allowed these projects to proceed, and the Darwin Aquaculture Centre is now assisting investigations into the feasibility of commercially producing trepang or sea cucumbers.
It is not only through fisheries that my department is assisting indigenous communities, as within the pastoral sector there is a wonderful program called the Indigenous Pastoral Program. My department is one of several organisations funding the Indigenous Pastoral Program while delivering the employment outcomes sought. One of the goals of the Indigenous Pastoral Program is to increase indigenous participation in the pastoral industry. Indigenous employment is an absolute necessity for the Northern Territory. I am sure we are all aware of the challenges of the changing demographics within the Territory. We are faced with a growing and increasingly younger indigenous population combined with an increasing difficulty of finding and retaining workers on stations. This fact has been identified as one of the most significant issues facing the pastoral industry and it is an issue that the Indigenous Pastoral Program is tackling.
The Indigenous Pastoral Program is implementing a strategy to attract and retain young indigenous people in jobs available within the pastoral industry. The strategy includes pre-employment training to ensure a base level of skills required for entry into the pastoral workforce, followed by the on-job training. Mentoring is also provided, and will include mentors for the indigenous trainees and, additionally, an employment liaison officer to mentor employers of indigenous Territorians in the cattle industry.
Whilst the more senior managers within the pastoral industry have worked with indigenous people and understand some of the cultural issues, today’s young managers have not had that exposure and hence have a lesser understanding of some of the cultural issues that have to be considered when working with indigenous people. The employment liaison officer will be working with the industry to provide operational advice and assistance in resolving day-to-day issues as they arise and providing strategic advice to the Indigenous Pastoral Program on areas that can be improved on while delivering the employment outcomes sought. $150 000 has been allocated for these programs.
My department is also involved in supporting existing indigenous cattle enterprises, and employment and training initiatives of indigenous people within the wider pastoral industry to the tune of $980 000. We continue to support the multi-agency approach to increasing cattle numbers on indigenous land and increasing indigenous participation in the Territory’s pastoral industry.
In line with the government’s priority of regional economic development, we are dedicating research towards maximising the potential sustainable use of our native pasture resources by the pastoral industry. $170 000 has been dedicated to this project. This research is addressing the perceived conflict in increasing regional economic performance, whilst maintaining or increasing rangeland conditions. This conflict arises because regional economic development is crucial to the future of the Northern Territory, but not at the expense of its environmental sustainability.
In this regard, we are currently researching the sustainable commercial utilisation rates of native pasture for pastoral purposes; that is, how much grass can a cow eat of the available pasture at a given time without affecting the sustainability of that pasture or the conditions of the land on which it grows? This program is looking at both current industry practices and resultant land conditions and biodiversity, and a range of scenarios of increased utilisation of native pasture using infrastructure and management processes to achieve utilisation increases. These scenarios are then assessed against a range of parameters of land conditions, biodiversity and production. Results to date show that there is potential to collectively increase production, land condition and biodiversity through better pasture management and uniform utilisation. Over time, this will allow for improved productivity throughout the rangelands whilst maintaining and improving our rangeland conditions.
Also tied to productivity and accountability of Northern Territory rangelands is the $220 000 dedicated to assessing the carrying capacity of various land types for pastoral use. In other words, to be able to reliably evaluate how much grass is available at the beginning of the season for cattle to eat. This project looks at all the climatic and seasonal parameters that affect pasture growth and, through modelling, predicts the amount of pasture available for cattle to eat against a given set of climatic conditions. This is, obviously, beneficial in enabling pastoralists to reliably estimate the grass available for use at the end of the Wet Season, and then reasonably manage towards that grass availability. In conjunction with the utilisation project previously mentioned, this provides a range of objective management tools for sustainable and productive management within the pastoral industry.
Mr Deputy Speaker, as you can see, my department is contributing to the Territory’s economy and lifestyle in many and diverse ways. Another of these is the horticulture industry. My department expects to invest about $190 000 for a farm-ready training program that is being developed by the Anmatjere Community Council, the Ti Tree table grape industry and the staff of my department. Its aim is to introduce the Anmatjere people to horticulture and train them in the basic skills required to obtain employment in the industry. Skills gained include pruning, irrigation maintenance and machinery operations. The Ti Tree Research Farm is used for training purposes, and as a base for the community and industry interaction. The program has been attended by 20 local indigenous men, and has recently resulted in work on commercial table grapes and melon properties. It is expected that the program will provide the foundation for Centrefarm training activities and will, ultimately, be provided by a registered training organisation.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the community garden project. My department will spend around about $100 000 teaching indigenous people how to plan, plant and care for the community vegetable garden. This aims to increase indigenous communities’ and individuals’ involvement and participation in horticultural enterprise, and is seen as an early step in horticultural economic development for indigenous communities. Community gardens have been developed with the assistance of my department’s horticulture staff at Six Mile at Ti Tree, and at Emu Point in the Top End. A range of easy-to-grow vegetables are planted and tended by the individuals at Six Mile or by groups, which is undertaken by the Emu Point women, and has resulted in fresh fruit and vegetables being available for local consumption, as well as a sense of achievement for the growers.
My department has also assisted Centrefarm to develop environmental management guidelines for use on horticultural enterprises on indigenous country. The objective is for landowners and commercial proponents to have a set of protocols. By following these protocols, they can reasonably expect to have sustainable production from the land into the future, an admiral project I am sure you will agree and one on which my department will spend $50 000 initiating.
My department has also spent $881 000 in long-term innovative plant production development. High value tropical timber, fodder, biofuels, mango, bush food and ornamental products are all at various stages of development and commercialisation for the benefit of the Territory’s farmers and horticulturalists. Driven by market demand and seasonal production opportunities, plant breeding and evaluation programs will result in new products suitable for existing industry and indigenous based enterprise development.
My department also plays a lead role in this government’s responsibilities in animal and plant bio-security. To support bio-security outcomes $3.6m has been allocated. This will be used towards fulfilling our legal obligations to national animal and plant bio-security agreements and to further develop our plant and animal response plans.
Targeted surveillance and monitoring programs for emergency animal and plant pests and diseases are in place across the Territory. These programs are supported by an effective and efficient diagnostic capacity that covers both plant and animal industries. The capacity ensures that the department can react promptly in the event of a plant or animal disease outbreak being detected. $3.8m has been earmarked to further underpin consumer and market confidence. As part of this commitment, a system of livestock identification and tracing is being implemented across the Territory. Strongly backed by the industry, the National Livestock Identification System uses funds supplied jointly by the Commonwealth and Territory governments and will ensure the traceability of 500 000 cattle annually to both domestic and export markets.
My department also has in place appropriate regulations and pest and disease screening programs. Certification, inspection and treatment are provided to allow the confident trading of livestock with some 600 Property of Origin certificates certifying freedom from disease being issued every year. There are also some 400 grower-based quality management programs for post-harvest treatment of fresh fruit and vegetables to allow Territory producers to meet the quarantine requirements of southern markets.
Another service vital for the maintenance of the Territory’s ‘clean green’ image is quality control of fresh fruit and vegetables. $400 000 is allocated to chemical services next year. This will allow the continuation of chemical residue testing which seeks to ensure that all agricultural and veterinary chemical use is as per the label. Correct chemical use means that Territory produce meets consumer expectations and health standards set by our national and international markets.
I am proud of the contribution my department is making to economic development and job creation in the Territory and the role it is playing in enhancing the Territory’s lifestyle. I am pleased that support has been given to DPIFM through this year’s budget.
I am also pleased with the support that this year’s budget provides to my electorate of Drysdale and the wider Palmerston community. Strong population growth and active property markets will continue to shape Palmerston in the future. The area is a unique and inspiring hub of development and population diversity. It has a significant young population with around about 45% aged 24 years or under and only 3% aged 65 or over. Approximately 10% of the 42 600 people of the region in 2006 were indigenous. Significant industry in and around Palmerston is supported by Defence Force projects, the construction industry, the East Arm Wharf and the Darwin Business Park. They are all located in this area. It is pleasing to see that the youth health services of the region have been supported with an injection of $120 000, and the Mental Health team of Palmerston has received $100 000 to assist their efforts.
The young population of the area has to be supported in order to enhance their bright futures in the Northern Territory. The Palmerston High School is an integral cog in that development. As part of the middle schools process, $18m has been committed to Palmerston High School and Taminmin High School to assist the students’ education. Construction has already commenced at Palmerston High School on the new middle school facility and is on target to be completed before the commencement of the first school term in 2008. I look forward to the completion of the construction and the progress of the school’s curriculum starting next year.
Construction of the new public library in Palmerston was completed late last year and it is a wonderful facility in the heart of the business hub of the community. It is pleasing to see that $430 000 has been allocated to enhance the library’s resources and services this financial year.
One of the most significant benefits to the Palmerston community will be the Tiger Brennan-Berrimah Road duplication from Wishart Road. Traffic travelling to and from Darwin in the mornings and evenings is quite prolific, and it is not uncommon to see streams of vehicles on the opposite site of the road as I am travelling to and from Palmerston. The $10m committed to assist the public with easier access to and from Palmerston and ease congestion through the busy times of travel will be greatly appreciated. Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer’s budget.
Mrs AAGAARD (Nightcliff): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak in response to the 2007-08 Budget as both the Speaker of the House and the member for Nightcliff.
In my role as Speaker, I am, as members will be aware, responsible for the administration of the Department of the Legislative Assembly. The Department of the Legislative Assembly is a small agency with a significant proportion of its budget managed as non-discretionary expenditure under the provisions of the Remuneration Tribunal Act and Determination. The balance of the allocation is therefore the discretionary component, which is used to cover the operation of the parliamentary committees system, the conduct of the sittings, the running of the Clerk’s office and my own office, and the management and maintenance of Parliament House in general.
Parliament House was completed and occupied 13 years ago, however, its construction commenced in 1990. I am sure that all members will agree it is a magnificent building and, in the past decade, has been maintained to a very high standard. We have now reached a critical period in the life of the building, where major building components and systems are reaching the end of their expected life cycle, as is the case with all buildings of a similar nature. These areas focus on many of the technical, electrical, mechanical and structural areas, which deteriorate over time with use and exposure to the elements. In addition, advances in technology and design now necessitate major upgrades and refurbishment to existing infrastructure to ensure ongoing operational supportability for the next 10 to 15 years.
The existing information technology and communication cabling structure in Parliament House was installed over 12 years ago. This ageing cabling and associated technology is now inadequate to support the advances in ICT and communications networking is becoming increasingly difficult to support with a lack of replacement parts and maintenance experience.
Similarly, the infrastructure which supports other essential building systems and services such as sound and vision, airconditioning and security also require updating before being improved and more efficient systems can be installed. As such, through asset planning, we sought funding to progress these important projects to ensure the core functions of the building are sustained well into the future. $3.75m has been allocated in the 2007-08 Budget to cover the costs of these key infrastructure projects. We will use an economy of scale in upgrading all cabling as a single capital works project. I am therefore pleased to recognise the first major upgrade project for Parliament House since its opening and one that will serve us well in the coming years for the operation of the building.
The 2007-08 Budget has also recognised the need for ongoing and sustained maintenance of other areas of Parliament House. This includes the building fabric, which is now subject to an asset management plan covering programmed works over the next five years. For 2007-08, the budget for repairs and maintenance has increased from $923 000 to $1.44m. This is a $521 000 or 56% increase, which will enable important and programmed maintenance to be undertaken, and to retain the building in its appropriate and iconic state for the people of the Northern Territory.
The budget contains $823 000 for minor new works. This is an additional $403 000 or 96% increase over the 2006-07 Budget. The monies allocated will permit the ongoing implementation of the energy efficiency measures as part of the National Greenhouse Challenge, improve security arrangements for tenants and visitors, and upgrades to the sound and vision systems to support the effective operation of the Chamber.
As previously stated, the 2007-08 Budget provides an important milestone in the 100 year life of the building and the planned projects will provide a major management challenge for officers of the department in keeping the building fully operational during these important works.
The variation between the final 2006-07 estimate and the 2007-08 Budget is an additional $768 000. The difference is made up by the $521 000 increase in repairs and maintenance and Treasury budget parameter increases for members and electorate offices.
Like all other agencies, the Department of the Legislative Assembly has had efficiency dividends applied in the 2007-08 Budget as part of fiscal restraint by the government. In a small agency with a large component of its budget consisting of non-discretionary expenditure, such reductions have a significant effect. My department will respond to this challenge by a program of cost-saving initiatives, further development of improved administrative processes, a continued program of implementing energy savings, and a reduction in staffing costs where this is possible.
An additional $250 000 has been provided for the continuation of the activities of the Statehood Steering Committee, and a key focus of the committee will be its community education program. A further focus of the committee will be the exploration of partnership opportunities with a range of organisations to promote awareness of statehood issues.
Planning has already commenced for the conduct of the next regional sittings in 2009. The conduct of the recent Alice Springs sittings has been declared to be a great success by all concerned. Key aspects were the success of the Educational Outreach Program and Youth Parliament, an increased awareness in the region of the role of parliament, and increased community involvement through the art award and the community concert. Such programs ensure that the people of the Territory have an enhanced understanding of the role of the parliament and of parliamentary democracy. These will continue through 2007-08 in the form of school and public tours, activities which encourage the public to visit Parliament House, particularly during the conduct of the sittings, and our ongoing educational and public awareness programs.
Funding has been transferred to the Department of the Legislative Assembly from the Department of the Chief Minister for the conduct of the Senior Territorian Art Award. I am proud to have the responsibility for this award as I believe it provides a valuable means of supporting arts in the community and developing a sense of Territory history and the people who have played a role in that history. There has been much interest in the award and I look forward to seeing the entries during Seniors Month this August.
I place on the record my thanks to the Clerk of the parliament and all parliamentary officers for their superior effort in relation to working for the Assembly and for all members.
I now move to matters relating to my electorate of Nightcliff and the budget. I was delighted to be part of a pre-budget announcement with the Minister for Essential Services of a further $6m to advance underground power in Rapid Creek, one of the government’s most significant election commitments for my electorate. The project to underground power in the Nightcliff electorate has been a particularly exciting and rewarding one. I am very pleased to see this election commitment delivered. The residents of Nightcliff and Rapid Creek will benefit from this project, with increased reliability of power, added value to their homes, greater life expectancy of power networks and protection from things such as falling tree limbs and debris in cyclonic and stormy weather. The removal of power poles from Nightcliff streets is aesthetically very pleasing and I, like other residents, look forward to the completion of the project expected in late 2008.
The latest information on this project is that, in Nightcliff, all final interface works have been completed and the overhead power lines decommissioned, that is, de-energised or turned off. Demolition of the remaining power poles and power lines is due to commence on 2 July and will take approximately two weeks. In the first half of the project in Rapid Creek, which involves 341 properties, there are about five properties left to be bored. Electrical works are due to begin around August-September this year and will take approximately six months to complete.
In addition, a second feeder will be installed along Trower Road from the Casuarina Zone Substation at the corner of Rothdale Road. This will provide supply to Rapid Creek properties. Tenders are currently being finalised for the commencement of civil works for the second half of Rapid Creek, which involves 330 properties, with work there expected to begin around August-September this year. I am very pleased, as it was a significant election commitment both in 2001 and in 2005, to see this being finalised in Nightcliff and Rapid Creek. It is terrific for me as the member for Nightcliff.
Greater security during cyclones will also be offered to Nightcliff residents through a further $1.5m announced in this year’s budget for the upgrading of three school gymnasiums, including the Nightcliff Middle School gymnasium, as a cyclone shelter. This building has the capacity to shelter up to 1000 people. Work on these shelters will include new roof cladding and the installation of debris screening on windows. Those of us living in the Top End understand that cyclones are part of our lifestyle. People will be pleased to know that the cyclone shelter to which they may have to shelter at some point has been upgraded. I commend the Treasurer for inclusion of this in the budget.
Nightcliff Primary School Council, staff, students and parents welcomed the announcement of $20 000 in the budget for the provision of a diversion fence to separate a public walkway from the adjacent school oval. At a school assembly recently, I was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for my work in gaining this asset for the school, and I thank the school for this. It was a big surprise. Being at the assembly, I thought I was presenting awards and I was not expecting to get one at all. However, I was delighted to receive it.
A school council subcommittee is working with the Department of Employment, Education and Training on the fencing design and its placement to gain the greatest benefit for the security of students at the school without impeding pedestrian traffic from Bauhinia Street through to Cunjevoi Crescent.
I have had positive feedback from the budget announcement of $250 000 for a skate park in Nightcliff. The Nightcliff middle school council has agreed in principle to the skate park being located within the school grounds, and there is general agreement that it would be a positive thing for the school and the community. The concept of a skate park was first proposed in 2004 when I was approached by students from Nightcliff Primary School, Nightcliff High School, St Paul’s Primary School and the Essington School. These students wanted a skate park which was close to home and easily accessible, and the middle school grounds certainly meet those criteria. Needless to say, the recent budget announcement is well supported by students. I will be working with them, the school, the community and the appropriate departments to bring this project to fruition. I have spoken to some of the students who are keen skaters at Nightcliff middle school, and they are looking forward to being involved in the design of the project.
Nightcliff electorate residents and visitors can look forward to greater opportunities for recreation and fitness in electorate parks and along the foreshore. $120 000 has been allocated for providing new facilities for parks, including along the Rapid Creek foreshore, which will enhance these areas as community meeting places, places for greater social connection between residents, and great places to develop and encourage children in healthy outdoor activity. In addition, an allocation of $100 000 was made for a self-cleaning toilet which will be placed on the Nightcliff foreshore near the jetty. This is a well frequented area, particularly on the weekends, and I know it will be welcomed by all constituents who regularly use the foreshore.
A budget allocation of $200 000 has been made for developing the Nightcliff foreshore. The focus will be on developing outdoor exercise stations along the foreshore path at various intervals, with some interpretive signage at locations which have historic merit. This is an important election commitment for the area. The exercise stations, which I have often referred to as the ‘outdoor gymnasium’, will be well used by the hundreds of people who take advantage of this most scenic location to carry out their regular - or perhaps irregular, as the case may be - exercise routines. It will provide an extra attraction for people to use the foreshore, and will provide a free gym for those who may not be able to afford a gym membership. I have seen a similar project on the Cairns foreshore, which was very well frequented, and I think this will be very popular in Nightcliff. As it is also located so close to schools in my electorate, I am hopeful that schools will also take advantage of it and combine their use with normal physical education activities. Bicycle NT, the Departments of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Local Government, Housing and Sport, and the Darwin City Council will work together to ensure the most appropriate equipment and locations are chosen for this project.
With regard to the interpretive historical markers, my periodic historical tours of the Nightcliff area for constituents, which began several years ago, confirmed my belief in the genuine interest people have in learning the history of the area in which they live. The signage will reflect the historical material gathered from a number of resources including Leith Barter who wrote a very interesting history of Nightcliff for the Historical Society; a history of Nightcliff by Brother George Cusack MSC, whom I knew and who died several years ago; the Parliamentary Library; the NT Reference Library; and Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory.
Nightcliff foreshore, where the new markers will be placed, boast such things as the Ichthius or apostle site. I take people down onto the foreshore at Rapid Creek to show where this is. Sometimes, I wonder if I have the right site; however, no one else knows, so I just say: ‘It is this area here’. It does create a lot of interest. There are sites of Chinese market gardens and a World War II dump. Signage to mark historic places and events will provide residents and visitors with a greater knowledge and understanding of this area.
I am also hopeful that there will be a marker for Anna Dolan, the first female in the Northern Territory to enrol to vote, and the first female landholder in the Territory. She owned land from along the Nightcliff foreshore area to what is now Coconut Grove. It was quite controversial at the time, with some believing it should have been her husband who was the landholder. I should say that historian, the late Barbara James, brought it to my attention. Barbara wrote a particularly interesting article about Anna in the year prior to her death.
Whilst speaking of the Nightcliff foreshore, I must also thank the government for its continuing support of the very popular and ever growing Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival with an allocation of $10 000 for the festival and for the allocation of $20 000 towards Nightcliff bus shelters in the coming year.
I thank the government for the ongoing initiative to develop and to deliver new treatment places for people subject to an order from the alcohol court. The allocation of a further $560 000 in the coming year’s budget and a commitment to continue to fund this project over the next three years sits alongside the pending applications for Dry Areas in the Nightcliff, Sunset Cove and Rapid Creek areas of my electorate, which I am supporting.
The Northern Territory is a great place to live and the Nightcliff electorate is a most beautiful location. I thank the government for the funding of election commitments in my electorate and look forward to their development over the next year.
Debate adjourned.
Continued from 19 April 2007.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, the Remuneration Tribunal Report dated 23 March 2007 was tabled in the Assembly on 19 April and the period for disallowance expires on 21 August 2007. When I tabled the report in April, I made a few comments and now I would like to expand further.
The Remuneration Tribunal in its report deals with a range of issues including salary levels, travelling allowance rates, conference travel, motor vehicles, mobile phones and removal expenses. The accompanying Determination No 2 of 2007 dated 23 March 2007, whilst it is to take effect from 1 December 2006, adjusted some rates whilst generally continuing the entitlements previously determined. Those are salary, conference travel, allowances for additional duties, travel allowance and relocation allowance. The new salary rates for the various offices of magistrates were set, reflecting an increase of 4.4% and the rates for travel and relocation allowance were also adjusted.
The Remuneration Tribunal has also made an allowance for additional duties such as a magistrate being appointed as the President of the Mental Health Review, an allowance for special administrative duties for a magistrate based in Alice Springs, and one relevant overseas conference has been included.
I now turn to matters raised by the Tribunal in the report in regard to accommodation for magistrates during their circuits. Some magistrates stay in accommodation attached to court houses. If this is the case, the intention has been that magistrates are entitled to meals and the incidental component of the travelling allowance rate only. In the course of this inquiry, the Tribunal received from the Department of Justice a copy of a 2005 legal opinion that concluded that
Acceptance of this opinion has meant that some magistrates have become entitled to a substantial back pay equivalent to the accommodation part of travelling allowance, even though they have incurred no expenditure for accommodation. The Tribunal was not aware of this legal opinion during last year’s inquiry so the 2006 Determination had no regard for it. The 2007 Determination removes the accommodation element entitlement where accommodation is provided rather than paid for, but only for magistrates appointed from now on.
I thank the Tribunal for its work, noting that each year the Tribunal looks at those rates and the conditions applying to magistrates, reviews and presents them to this House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Deputy Speaker, I, too, congratulate the Tribunal. I know that the determinations are often hard fought and it is often difficult for a number of reasons, but the opposition is supportive of the determination and supports the comments of the Chief Minister.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
TABLED PAPER
Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, I table the report of the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse.
This report has many key action areas and specific recommendations for the Northern Territory and Australian governments to consider. It makes sad and compelling reading, and exposes great pain and unhappiness for many Territorians.
I established the Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse on 8 August 2006. The inquiry was headed by Rex Wild QC, a former Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions, and Pat Anderson, an Alyawarrawoman with a long experience in indigenous health and education.
The inquiry was asked to study how and why Aboriginal children were being abused, focusing on unreported cases; identify problems with the way government responds to child abuse and attempts to protect children; look at how government departments and other agencies can better work together to protect and help children; and look at how the government can better support and educate Aboriginal communities to prevent child sexual abuse.
The inquiry provided me with an advance copy of their report on 30 April. The board then arranged for final preparation, editing, layout and printing of the report. The report was publicly released by the inquiry co-chairs last Friday, 15 June.
Despite years of increased focus and effort by government on the issues of Aboriginal child sexual abuse, the report makes it clearly apparent that the extent and depth of the issues goes further than any government had realised. The inquiry’s report confirms not only the depth of the issue, but its complexity. Overwhelmingly, it confirms the deep sadness and pain of generations of Territorians.
The inquiry co-chairs, Rex Wild QC and Pat Anderson and their staff, approached the difficult task facing them with determination. From the outset, the board determined the basis of their investigations would be with communities themselves, the people working with those communities, and relevant government agency staff at a wide range of levels. The inquiry visited 45 communities, received 65 written submissions and had 262 meetings with individuals. It had the full support of government departments.
While the inquiry did not focus on measuring or counting individual incidents of child sexual abuse, it found that in each community visited, some level of child abuse was acknowledged. There are a number of main points the board was keen to make in its report. Child sexual abuse is serious, widespread and often unreported. There is a strong culture of silence existing around the issue. Aboriginal people are not the only victims, and not the only perpetrators of sexual abuse. There is a lack of knowledge in communities about what child sexual abuse is. The relationship between Aboriginal communities and the government is characterised by various degrees of mistrust. The violence and sexual abuse occurring is a reflection of historical, present and continuing social dysfunction and the breakdown of Aboriginal culture and society.
Wherever in the world you have a breakdown in society with the cumulative effects of poor health, alcohol, drug abuse, gambling, pornography, unemployment, poor education and housing and general disempowerment, you will find high rates of violence, including against children.
However, despite this grim view, I am heartened that the inquiry also found in general Aboriginal people want to help their children and are committed to resolving these issues. The level of confusion, sadness and despair evidenced in the report makes for difficult reading, and I accept the government will, in part, be measured by our response to this report.
Responding to these issues requires concerted effort across a wide range of activity. For some issues, this will require sustained effort over the next generation and beyond. The government will provide a detailed and comprehensive response to the report and its key action areas and recommendations in the August sitting of this Assembly.
Today, I want to provide the government’s interim response, outlining our position. It is vital everyone understands government alone cannot effect the changes that are needed. These changes will need to be implemented in strong partnerships. There needs to be a genuine partnership not only with the Australian government and non-government agencies, but especially with Aboriginal people themselves, both individually and as a community.
Many of the recommendations of the inquiry build on and reinforce the direction government is taking. In particular, the government’s continuing focus on education and alcohol is recognised and supported. Whilst I acknowledge members of the opposition and the Independents may have issue with the government on many matters, I urge all here today to press for change across the board in this area. Together, we must all recognise as long as the abuse of children continues to occur, it diminishes us all.
Yes, we need to do more. Clearly, successive Territory governments have not done enough. The report shines a strong light on this unpalatable fact.
Over the past weeks, the report has been considered within government by the chief executives of the departments most involved in the issue of child sexual abuse. Government agencies are all now working up further responses in depth, and are working towards an achievable response across all layers of government. Nonetheless, after initial consideration, the chief executives established the Territory cannot do this alone and simply cannot afford to implement the range and extent of action this report recommends. We acknowledge the Australian government is an important partner in this, and without its support, the Territory will be limited in what we can achieve. In view of this recognition, two senior officers from my department will immediately travel to Canberra for important discussions with the Australian government about the implications of the report. These will be important talks aimed at establishing a genuine partnership and commitment to further tackling the issues of child sexual abuse and community dysfunction.
In addition, I will work with indigenous organisations to identify indigenous leaders who can form a group that will formally advise the government across the issues affecting indigenous Territorians. One of the first tasks for this group will be to work with the outcomes of this report. As I have already said, the government will not be successful in tackling the complex issues raised by the inquiry without the commitment of Aboriginal people and the wider community. This will require innovative ways of working and the building of a strong partnership and trust between communities and the government. The Indigenous Advisory Group will be an important base for developing better relations between indigenous and non-indigenous Territorians.
Two of the main issues from the report the co-chairs were keen to emphasise include dealing strongly with alcohol abuse and improving education. Both are areas where this government has concentrated significant time, effort and resources and we will continue to do so.
With regards to alcohol abuse, we have introduced tough alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt, and will continue to focus on bold action where it is needed. We will continue to develop practical alcohol management plans across the Territory.
This government has always been aware of how important a good school education is for indigenous children. This is why we are steadily rolling out secondary education to so many remote communities. We have started to see more indigenous children receiving their Northern Territory Certificate of Education. Yes, the numbers are small, but they continue to increase every year. We can predict that within 15 years, significant Year 12 achievement will have become the norm for all young Territorians.
We are also well under way in establishing education partnerships with five major communities to ensure children go to school and get the best possible education. We have committed to improving education for indigenous Territorians in remote communities and we will continue to do so.
I also fully support the call by the inquiry for more extensive education and information campaigns about sexual abuse and other issues. These campaigns will help Aboriginal Territorians understand the risk and impact on the future lives of children from child sexual abuse and its antecedents, such as alcohol and drug abuse, widely available pornography and gambling.
While this is only the beginning, we have also begun putting together the complex education campaign required around the negative effects of pornography in remote communities. It is apparent from the report that the child abuse notification system needs to operate more effectively for Aboriginal people. In particular, Aboriginal people need to feel they can trust the system much more than they currently do.
Particular recommendations raised by the inquiry include the need for police and Family and Community Services to work more closely together and with communities to build an effective and trusted child protection system. Work has started on this with the establishment of the Child Abuse Task Force and greater coordination between the two departments. Nevertheless, more needs to be done and this work will continue.
In addition, following the recommendations from the report and in conjunction with the work the government is already doing, the following legislative changes will occur over these sittings and the next: amendments to the Bail Act and the introduction of the Evidence of Children Amendment Bill, and, importantly, the introduction of the Care and Protection of Children Bill.
As I have mentioned previously, despite government’s efforts now and into the future, everyone has a part of play. I urge all Territorians to work to lift the veil of silence that surrounds child sexual abuse. We want all children to have a strong future and a happy childhood that supports and enables them to take advantage of the opportunities in their lives. This government is committed to this work, but we cannot do it alone. Although we acknowledge that it will take many years of sustained effort from the whole community, I believe it must be done. We can make a change.
I have outlined some of the issues facing the Territory as presented in the inquiry’s report. This is a brave and bold report, one all Territorians should take very seriously. I thank the board’s co-chairs, Rex Wild QC and Pat Anderson, for their passion and focus in compiling and presenting this report. I also acknowledge the work done by the staff of the inquiry, in particular Julie Nicholson as Executive Officer. In addition, I also acknowledge the contributions of the reference group, which I understand were of significant support to the inquiry board: Professor Paul Torzillo AM, Professor Dorothy Scott, Ms Barbara Cummins, Mr John Ah Kit, Ms Stephanie Bell and Mr Charlie King.
As I said, I will provide the government’s further response to the report and its recommendations in the August sitting of this Assembly. We are focused on making things change, and change for the better. To all Territorians, I say this: without actively seeking a strong future for ourselves and our children, all our efforts will have been in vain. To Aboriginal Territorians in particular, I urge you to work together with the government, with your representative organisations, and with each other to bring about the changes that are needed. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of our children.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the report.
Debate adjourned.
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Deputy Speaker, it has been a big month for our Greek community in the Territory.
It kicked off with the historic visit last month of the Prime Minister of Greece, His Excellency Kostas Karamanlis and his wife, Natasa. It was the first time a Greek Prime Minister has visited Darwin and we were very honoured to be part of his hectic five-day schedule in Australia. I met the Prime Minister for a private meeting here at Parliament House, and took the opportunity to congratulate him on the two-way deal he reached on pensions with the Australian government, a decision that will be welcome news for many people, both here and in Kalymnos. I affirmed the Territory’s support for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to their homeland. It was a gesture the Prime Minister greatly appreciated.
I then had the great pleasure of joining the Prime Minister and his wife at the Kalymnian Brotherhood for a special community reception. Our Greek community turned out in force, and the reception they gave our guests was quite incredible. The guard of honour formed by children from the Greek School really set the tone for the event. They waved flags and greeted the Prime Minister and his delegation with great enthusiasm. Congratulations to the students, staff and the School President, Sam Hatzivalsamis.
I know that both Kostas and Natasa were overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality they received, and it guaranteed their short Darwin visit will live long in their memories. To everyone involved in organising the reception, in particular, John Nicolakis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community, George Kalidonis, President of the Kalymnian Community, Tony Miaoudis, and the members of our Greek community who made the day so special, thank you. You certainly did us proud.
Talking about continuing a very big Greek month, our famous Glenti Festival was once again an outstanding success, with thousands of Territorians, as well as our interstate and overseas visitors, enjoying a healthy dose of Greek culture. It was a privilege to have the Mayor of Kalymnos, His Worship, Georgios Rousos and his Deputy Mayor, Philippos Christodoulou, here with us as Glenti guests of honour. Included in their delegation was Bishop Aravantinos Paisos, and it was a privilege to have him with us as well. It was great to catch up with Georgios again after seeing him on his home turf in 2003.
On the Thursday before the Glenti, I co-hosted a lunch with our first-ever Greek-born member of parliament, the member for Casuarina, for the Mayor and his delegation. The luncheon was organised to recognise and celebrate the Territory’s long and close friendship with the people of Kalymnos. The Mayor expressed his profound thanks for the wonderful support he and his delegation had received from the Greek community during their visit. He also acknowledged the contribution of John Halikos to the success of the visit. I personally thank John for his support for the Kalymnian visit.
Later that day, the Mayor joined me at the Darwin Entertainment Centre to officially open the 2007 Glenti Festival, and what a Glenti it was! I got along on the Sunday and the atmosphere was second to none. As usual, the food and entertainment were top notch and our wonderful Glenti hosts, Jim Hatzivalsamis and Evan Papadonakis, kept things moving. I congratulate them both on a great effort and just have to make the point: good legs for the occasion, Evan!
Many people contribute to the success of the Glenti each year. I cannot name them all, but I take this opportunity of acknowledging the president of the Greek community, John Nicolakis, who always works so hard behind the scenes, and Lilliane Gomatos and her Glenti committee, who do a terrific job. To everyone else, the stallholders and the countless volunteers who do all kinds of things to make the festival the success it is, many thanks.
As the past month has shown, the ties between Greece and the people of the Northern Territory are closer than ever. It is a friendship we treasure and one that can only strengthen in the future.
The Saturday before last, I had the pleasure of joining many Territorians at the Barunga Festival. The festival has been running now for 22 years and is well known for its focus on sport, dance, visual arts and craft. This year, over 700 sporting people came to compete from across the region. It was a great day. Highlights included a major upset in the football with the Numbulwar Eagles winning the Anthony James Lee Memorial Trophy; and an exciting basketball competition, the men’s title going to the Daguragu Eagles and the women’s to St John’s College. The competition was just as intense on the track. Dwayne Murrungun from Numbulwar and Yvonne Wurramurra from Gapuwiyak won the men’s and women’s Barunga Sprint, and the Barunga Mile was won by an Englishman, Lee Martindale. Kath Boyd from Darwin took out the women’s Mile. To everyone who competed, congratulations.
Another highlight was seeing Techy Masero’s community art works. Many, including schoolchildren, contributed to these creations and I was delighted to present a cheque for $9000 to Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk-Ngadberre Regional Council CEO, Michael Berto, to support the community’s efforts. I make special mention of DPI’s Road Safety Branch which staged the Best Road Safety Song competition. There were 11 entries and the winner was a ripper, sung by the Borroloola-based Sandridge Band. The runner-up was well-known Warren H Williams. A DVD featuring all 11 songs will be released shortly.
The success of the festival is down to the hard work of many people and organisations. My congratulations and thanks go to the Barunga Board of Management and the Barunga Festival organising committee, particularly President Shaun Brown and traditional owners, Sybil Ranch and Esther Bulumbarra. Special thanks also to Michael Berto and the support provided by the Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk-Ngadberre Regional Council, and Chairman, Lisa Mumbin and Preston Lee from the Jawoyn Aboriginal Corporation. Wayne Buckley and the team at council did a great job as did Nick di Candilo from the Fred Hollows Foundation and Allen Murphy who was responsible for the music. To Kit Moore, Tony Berto and the CDEP crew, the NT Mounted Police, Fiona Hayes, Alan Mole and all the Territory government employees who were on those displays during the festival, many thanks. It was a great day, and one, the late Bangardi Lee, would have been very, very proud.
Last month I helped open a gay and lesbian community event, the Darwin Pride Festival at Darwin’s Brown’s Mart. Pride began 22 years ago and has really grown into something special. The Dry Season is a great time of year in the Top End with many Australians heading here to escape the cold of the southern winter. Events like Pride give people even more reason to take their mid-year break in the Territory and the number of interstate visitors coming to the festival is increasing every year. The bottom line is, of course, it is good for tourism, good for business and great for our gay and lesbian community.
The range of events and activities during the Pride fortnight is quite substantial: everything from car rallies and boat cruises to writers’ workshops and the now-famous Superheroes Lawn Bowls and Karaoke Night. The Best Camp Dog competition was a particular highlight. I joined Stephan Wood from the RSPCA in judging the event and, while there always has to be a winner, I can say that all the canines were dressed beautifully.
The Pride committee has done a great job. Congratulations to Mark Halton and the team for another great festival, and to Barry Horwood and his people at the NT AIDS and Hepatitis Council. It could not happen without you as well. Congratulations! It is the hard work and vision of these people and the many others who contributed to the festival that will ensure Pride continues to grow in to the future.
Finally, I want to talk about one of Alice Springs’ many business success stories. Bellette Media first began in 1997 as an idea dreamed up by Brad Bellette and Kate Merry. It started trading in early 1998 and was a part-time business run out of Brad’s car. One of Brad’s early clients was Peter Kittle who offered his old service department as a permanent home for Bellette Media. Shortly after, Kate came to work with Brad on a full-time basis.’
In 2001, the company grew from two to four staff and moved to their current premises in the cinema complex. They now employ nine people with an annual turnover of nearly $1m. Bellette Media’s graphic design, website and video expertise has helped many Alice Springs and Territory businesses grow their brands.
Recently, Bellette Media expanded into the United States where they boast six clients in Reno, Nevada. Brad and Kate have met with Reno City Council to discuss starting a permanent Bellette office there. As the Bellette Media motto says: ‘We’ll make you famous’, and they have done just that for themselves. I take this opportunity to congratulate Brad and Kate on their success and wish them both the best of luck in the future, both here and in the United States.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about the 9th Arafura Games and the outstanding contribution athletes from Alice Springs played in the success of the games.
The concept of the Arafura Sports Festival was an initiative of the CLP government, and was developed in the late 1980s to provide Northern Territory athletes with opportunities to gain experience in competition with regional neighbours at a level that provides a springboard for success in the Australian national arena, and beyond in the Asia Pacific region. The first Arafura Sports Festival was held in 1991 and is now one of the leading sporting events in the Asia Pacific calendar; a week-long celebration of sporting competition, cultural diversity and friendship.
Twenty-nine athletes from Alice Springs brought home a collective haul of 28 medals including 12 gold, 11 silver and five bronze. Fourteen-year-old Zac Dalby was one of the premier junior swimmers at the Arafura Games, finishing with seven gold and two silvers, breaking two Arafura records along the way. In the 13 to 14 year-old boys, Zac Dalby won gold in the 200m individual medley, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and both the 50m and 100m butterfly. Young Zac Dalby broke Arafura records in the 50m and 100 m freestyle, destroying the previous 100m mark by 0.3 second. Congratulations, Zac; you have done us proud.
In athletics, long distance running teenager Matt Forbes won gold medals in the 1500m for 15 to 19-years-olds, and the men’s 3000m. Matt also won silver medals in the men’s 500m: no mean feat and very hard work. He deserves his achievements.
Alderman Murray Stewart, well-known in Alice Springs, claimed silver in both the men’s 1500m and 800m ambulant runs and says that following the Arafura Games, he is newly invigorated in running and keen to continue his pursuit in other competitions. Congratulations, Murray.
Emma Kraft was awarded two silver medals; one in the women’s 1500m and another in the 3000m. Emma also won gold in the women’s 800m, and sprinter Amanda McLean came in third in the women’s 100m run.
In tenpin bowling, Alice Springs pair, Scott Richards and Darren Burton, won bronze in the men’s open couples, and Darren won gold in the trios with Ronald Voukolos and Robert Kennedy. Well done, you two!
Also in tenpin bowling, Daniel York won silver in the men’s open singles and the men’s open masters, and a bronze in the men’s trios. Sandra Mueller won bronze in the women’s trios. They both did very well.
In hockey, in both the men’s and women’s competitions, the Territory teams featuring Alice Springs athletes, Leshay Maidment, Manekha Byerley and Stevie Tonkiss, claimed gold.
In basketball, another Alice Springs person, Braedon Abala, and his team won a silver medal after the Territory team lost their gold medal playoff to the United States 63 to 67.
Finally in golf, Alice Springs golfers, Kerryn Heaver and Leigh Shacklady, each picked up a silver and bronze medal at the Arafura Games. Kerryn and Leigh played fours and won their silver in the men’s team gross event and their bronzes in the men’s team net event. Well done to both of them.
As always, athletes from Alice Springs have done an extraordinary job and achieved a great level of success at this year’s Arafura Games. I, with all members of this parliament, congratulate all athletes who won a medal. I particularly congratulate those who succeeded in their own personal bests, and congratulate those athletes who challenged themselves and participated so strongly. A final congratulations to all those athletes from Alice Springs who did Alice Springs so proud at the Arafura Games.
Mr Acting Speaker, I would like to talk tonight about the 2007 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival. This year’s carnival is being touted from every quarter as an unqualified success. Pioneer Park came alive during the four days of the racing carnival, and every indicator - crowd numbers, horse numbers, on and off course turnover, race book and merchandise sales, bar returns, general hospitality and so on - was up on the carnival in the preceding year. The weather could not have been better right throughout the carnival and in the lead-up. The track was in first class order throughout the months of March, April and May and the racing was of the highest order.
In racing terms, there were track records, unbeaten streaks which continued and unbeaten streaks which were broken. On the final day of the carnival, the Alice Springs Cup day, Catechism and Le Niska were worthy winners of the carnival’s two feature events, the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup and the Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint.
On the first day of the carnival, Young Guns Day, more than 1000 people, many younger people getting their first taste of racing in Alice Springs, attended the turf club to watch 62 starters on the seven race card.
On the second day of the carnival, Ladies Day had more than 650 people attend at the track, 200 of whom were finely attired women attending the Ladies Day function in The Pavilion hosted by local identity, Matt Conlan. All women who attended were treated to great lunch and a range of games and laughs, a successful punters club with well known identity, Bernie Joyner, and, of course, fashions on the field.
On the third day of the carnival, 900 people attended the track to celebrate Families Day. There was a jumping castle, face painting, pony rides and show bags for the children, and 63 starters on the seven race card.
On the final day of the carnival, the glamour of racing came to Alice Springs Cup day, with more than 2000 people attending the track to enjoy the hospitality of the turf club and its partners and sponsors. Sixty-seven horses started in the eight race card, and more than $140 000 was bet on the TAB. Off course TAB figures, which include Unitab, Victorian TAB and NSW TAB, for all carnival races totalled close to $1.6m, and total off course TAB figures on the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup totalled in excess of $500 000. That is a significant amount of money and demonstrates, in terms of money spent at the carnival and in Alice Springs during the carnival season, the significance of it to the town of Alice Springs.
This year’s cup carnival also saw the significant debut of a woman bookmaker, Gemma Wright, and well done, Gemma. Gemma obtained her licence as a bookmaker and started taking bets on Young Guns Day. However, Gemma is no newcomer to the track. As the daughter of long time bookie, Terry Lillis, well known to every one in the Northern Territory and, indeed, beyond, you would be forgiven for thinking that punting is in her blood. Punting is in her blood. I hope she does as well as her father. I certainly contributed to her income on that day, but happily gave over my money.
In addition to television footage through TAB outlets, Alice Springs races were also broadcast throughout New Zealand and on Foxtel’s TNV, Australia’s premium thoroughbred racing channel. To complement the great race day events at the Turf Club, there were a number of other social activities. The XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Luncheon, Racing Minister’s Cocktail Party and the Red Centre Yearling Sale, Alice Springs Cup Ball, XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Calcutta and the inaugural Cup Day Breakfast. I had the pleasure of attending most of these events and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. The carnival in Alice Springs is all about fun and social interaction, and everything over and above what was happening at the track certainly complemented what was happening at Pioneer Park and was enjoyed by everyone.
Now that the dust has settled, the staff and committee of the Alice Springs Turf Club are determined to build on the success of the 2007 carnival and are committed to making the 2008 carnival even better. I understand that planning is already well under way for next year when the carnival will be extended a week earlier to include a fifth day, which is a significant achievement in itself.
The dates for the 2008 carnival are Saturday, 12 April, Food and Wine Festival Race Day; Saturday, 19 April, Young Guns Day; Saturday, 26 April, Ladies Day; Saturday, 3 May, Family Fun Day; and Monday, 5 May is XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Day. I hope that members of the Northern Territory parliament have already pencilled those dates into their diaries, and that we see members of parliament from all over the Northern Territory. Unfortunately, we did not see too many this carnival. I sincerely hope that changes next year.
It is abundantly clear that in order to run a successful racing carnival it requires all facets of the industry working together to achieve the desired outcomes. One of the keys to this year’s success was the support of a large number of generous partners and sponsors. The assistance of these partners and sponsors is much appreciated by the committee, members and staff of the Turf Club and, indeed, I can say with a great deal of confidence, everyone in Alice Springs - a universal thank you to them all.
In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to the Alice Springs Turf Club committee chaired by the urbane Paul Bain; the Chief Executive Officer of the Alice Springs Turf Club, the likeable and very funny man, Andrew O’Toole; and Office Administrator, Carley Plume who can do almost anything. She seems to me to be one of the most impressive young women I have met who, in so many ways, held the busy cup period together by her competence. I also congratulate the maintenance and groundsman, Terry Huish. They all worked together to ensure that Pioneer Park was functioning and that it was well organised and looked its very best for this flagship event for Alice Springs.
Unfortunately, I do not have the names of all the committee members with me tonight. I know who many of them are, but will not list them for fear of missing someone out. I congratulate them as well. There are times in Alice Springs when the organisers and the community come together to pull off something that is terrific for the town. To all of those people, and very sincere thank you, not only from me but I am sure on behalf of all members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
Of course, there seems to be an ever-increasing number of interstate visitors as the years roll on. Thank you for your attendance and we look forward to seeing you at another fantastic XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival in 2008.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to share some of the events that have been occurring in my wonderful electorate and, more particularly, the Palmerston region.
The Palmerston City Council has held two great events in the last month, the first being The Beat Gravity, a youth arts project. It is a successful innovative program targeted to the youth of Palmerston in an environment where creativity and ideas are expressed in the mediums of video and music. This has so much relevance for our youth of today. I congratulate Project Manager, Georgia Glen, and the Palmerston City Council for their initiatives and for their input and organisation of the event.
The second event, occurring just a week or two ago, was the Palmerston Festival. It was a great success and the council and its staff are to be congratulated for the efforts they put in. The festival was well attended, was family orientated and offered a little something for everyone. This year, it was held in Goyder Square. They have taken it away from the Driver Primary School oval where it was held in the past. However, this year it was brought together in a closer environment and it seemed to work a treat. Congratulations are extended to all the stall holders and local vendors, and the organisations for setting up their stalls and displays to ensure the visitors had an enjoyable stay at the festival. There was plenty of fun for all the kids and obviously events of interest for the adults. Well done to everyone involved for their organisation.
A couple of our sports clubs have really shone in the last month or so. The Australian Hotels Association’s Aristocrat Technologies Awards dinner was held on 31 May 2007. Our two sports clubs in Palmerston have figured well in the prize gathering. The Palmerston Sports Club collected four prizes: the best club overall, the best club bistro dining; and the best Northern Territory Keno venue. The General Manager, Andrew Hay, is to be congratulated because he was also named the Manager of the Year. I know Andrew puts a lot of time and effort into the club to ensure that it runs at its best and he is to be congratulated on his efforts. Receiving this award goes to show that his efforts have been rewarded.
The other club that was recognised is Cazalys All Sports Club. They won the community service and support award for a club in the Northern Territory. The two clubs are to be congratulated. They do some wonderful community work in and around Palmerston. I congratulate everyone involved, especially the managers, for the wonderful work they do.
Speaking of awards, a women’s hair salon in the shopping centre precinct where I am located, Hair Art, has taken the lion’s share of awards in the Northern Territory International Hairdressing Society Championships, which were held in May. The owner, Sonia Kinna, and her staff deserve congratulations as they claimed gold in seven of the 11 categories. It was an outstanding success for the little salon. Just sitting in my office at times looking across, they do have a number of clients in and out of that door, so they do a very good trade. Obviously that has been supported by the rewards they have received in the categories they entered. The big three categories were the Salon of the Year, the Senior Hairdresser of the Year, who was Bonnie Snell, and the Junior Hairdresser of the Year, Kirsty Bulluss. They are all to be congratulated at the salon. It is just great to see Sonia running a great little business.
The Palmerston Golf Club recently held two big events, the first being the Northern Territory Open. It was great to see the return of Aaron Pike to the Northern Territory to take out the Northern Territory Open in front of a very strong interstate field. Aaron played some good golf over the four days and ended up blistering the field and winning by about six or seven strokes in the end. He is to be congratulated. I understand now he has moved on to America to try to get his card so that he can play there. We wish Aaron all the best and congratulate him on his win in the Northern Territory Open.
The other big event was the Australian Veterans Titles. There were well over 200 veterans who competed in the Australian titles. The organisational skills to complement those 200 people teeing off at various times had to be really well honed. I congratulate the organising committee for their efforts. I understand that everything went swimmingly and it was enjoyed by all the locals who competed and by the many interstate visitors. I know that many interstate visitors got in early to get their names down and many did miss out because the field was capped. I know there were many disappointed interstate visitors who could not get into it, so obviously it is a very popular event.
Congratulations must go to the Palmerston Golf Club for staging these two big events and congratulations to the committee and all the volunteers who put in the time and effort to ensure that these two great tournaments were the success that they were.
More on sport, Kormilda College will be hosting two international cricket teams from the United World College of Singapore. The first game will be held tomorrow, 20 June, when Kormilda’s Under 13 and 14 team takes on the Singaporean junior team. Next Monday and Tuesday, the Kormilda senior team takes on the Singaporean senior team in a two-day match. We wish them all the best in their efforts against the Singapore visitors.
Last evening, I had the pleasure of hosting a function on behalf of the Minister for Sport and Recreation for the organisers and volunteers of the 2007 Palmlesstonnes program. This program has been run by the Palmerston City Council with support from the Top End Division of General Practice for interested Palmerston residents who wish to enhance their lifestyle with a healthy outlook and fitness program.
Palmlesstonnes is a community lifestyle challenge first run last year. Through lessons learnt in 2006 and greater community involvement in planning, Palmlesstonnes 2007 evolved into a healthy lifestyle challenge run over 10 weeks, with the aim of supporting participants to set and achieve personal goals. The Palmlesstonnes 2007 program focused on the key lifestyle risk factors, being smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, eating a healthier diet, reducing weight and drinking alcohol safely. The community members of the Palmlesstonnes 2007 organising committee liked the concept of the collective weight and centimetres lost target, so the overall goal of striving towards a collective weight loss goal of a tonne was maintained.
The program included over 10 exercise sessions each week, family activity days on weekends, motivation and education sessions, as well as regular health checks for participants to monitor their progress and receive educational material. In all, 159 local residents registered for the program over the 10 weeks and achieved a collective weight loss of 225.5 kg, with a 540 cm reduction in waist circumference. Sixteen participants reduced their starting weight by over 5%, achieving significant health outcomes. Evening exercise sessions and pram walks continue following the cessation of the program. The program is fun, informative and supportive of all participants with a huge selection of programs tailored for the diverse needs of the people participating.
I congratulate the organising committee for carrying on the great work set up last year by Justine Glover and her committee. The program was enhanced and diversified, and the committee has done a fantastic job. A big thank you to all the sponsors and stakeholders, in particular MBF, the Palmerston City Council, the Northern Territory government, and Darwin Freshwater Pearls. Thanks to the 30 volunteers who donated much of their time to ensure the program was an outstanding success, and, of course, the many community organisations that supported the program.
A special thank you must go to Brooke Kimberley and Sandi Smiles. Brooke is from the Top End Division of General Practice and Sandi works with the Palmerston City Council. They were the guiding lights and driving force behind the program. I congratulate them on a job well done. I look forward to working with them again next year on the program.
The member for Brennan and I organised some Walks with Pollies, which were very successful and finished with a healthy breakfast. We would like to continue that next year.
Congratulations to everyone involved, to all the participants and, of course, all of those who worked in organisation and support. Congratulations all round.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about TACK. I wonder whether the member for Stuart realises what TACK is.
TACK is The Alice Community Kitchen, which takes place every week on Friday at 6 o’clock on the town council lawns. It is run by a volunteer group that provides a meal to homeless people in Alice Springs. They are feeding around 60 to 70 people each Friday. The majority of them are indigenous people, but they also have other homeless people and even some tourists who walk by and join in because it is a wonderful way of sharing food and communication.
It is one of those community activities that has sprung out of someone’s dream of trying to do something for other people. The volunteers turn up at the Salvation Army, because they allow them to use their kitchen to prepare the meals. I have to say thank you to Claire Meeney, the onion lady. No one likes chopping up hundreds and hundreds of onions, so she does that, but she also coerces many other people to come in. There have been many people: doctors, nurses, professionals, and now a group of students from OLSH who go there to prepare the meal. It is a not-for-profit organisation, so they have to seek donations.
I thank Red Centre Produce and the Afghan Traders who provide weekly donations of fresh produce. As I said, the Salvation Army allow them to use their registered kitchen and they are always looking for donations. Someone gave them $500 recently, and that lasted them two to three weeks, because it does not take a lot of money, with the donations of food they receive, to prepare meals. It is a great feeling of having people sit down together to have a meal and to communicate. It is not just about putting food in bellies, which is important, but is a link, people communicating.
Some of the young students from OLSH who turned up to assist were pleased and surprised that they were able to communicate with many of the homeless people in Alice Springs and it certainly opened their eyes. They now have a roster every week of four students who help with the preparation. It came about because of a gentleman by the name of Carl, who found himself in Alice Springs and felt that he should be doing something. He had a dusty old trailer that needed fixing up and he had this idea of a kitchen. It is not a new thing; it happens in many of our major cities. You see community groups provide food for homeless people.
The response he got from Alice Springs was particularly overwhelming and this small idea has grown so that we are saying to people in the community: ‘Support it a lot more. We need donations’. Members, if you are in Alice Springs at six o’clock on a Friday, have a look for yourself, join in the meal. You are more than welcome. There is a donation box, which has been a bit contentious. Should we ask people to pay? The donation box is there and people are encouraged to put whatever they have in their pockets for their meal, but it is not compulsory. If any members visit, we would love you to put your donation into that box.
I thank the town council for the use of the area to run TACK. TACK needs money to pay for the insurance necessary when you are running a program such as this. I do not think many people realise that it is happening. Even in the kitchen, when people are chopping up food, you have police officers, church goers, protesters, travellers, you name it. After it has all been prepared, the food has been served to river dwellers. All of them wait in the same way. There is no exclusion or separation. If you happen to be passing by in the street, you are welcome to join in. This little dream of Carl’s has become a reality. They only need an income of about $200 a week to serve this one meal on Friday evenings. They would obviously like to do it on other days, but because it relies so heavily on donations and volunteers, they feel as though that is about all they can cope with at the moment.
TACK, The Alice Community Kitchen, is a great thing. It is one of the good things happening in our community that we never hear about. I reiterate to members: next time you are there, please come along and have a look, get behind them and support them. I congratulate all the people behind TACK because they are doing a tremendous service for the people in Alice.
I want to mention the Cameleer’s Exhibition about which I spoke during ministerial reports. It was opened in Adelaide on 8 June. Eric Sultan, President of the Central Australian Afghan Cameleers Heritage Society, launched it. Anna Kenny has done much of the groundwork to put this exhibition together. It is one way of us retaining the history of the Afghan cameleers in Alice Springs. We are all well aware of the mosque in Alice and how great the support of the town of Alice Springs has been for that mosque. Alec Sherrin is a local historian who has been planning for a long time a return to the stockyards at the Sadadeen Primary School. Because the school had been named after an Afghan cameleer, he thought it appropriate that someone of Afghan descent should dress as a cameleer and ride into the schoolyard with a string of camels to open the proceedings. He thought it was a good idea for the students to learn more about the history of the Afghan cameleers.
He was also involved in planning the Last Camel Train re-enactment, and that went down very well. It travelled from Oodnadatta to Alice Springs and the event took place, as you will remember, in the Year of the Outback in 2002. It created great national interest and put into peoples’ minds the Afghan cameleers and their history. In 2001, the world was rocked by events of 11 September and this put a lot of pressure on the organisers of the Last Camel Train to reach a wider audience. They did it very well. They broke down barriers that some media had built about the Afghans. Not only did they have the ride, but they had a school resource kit and produced an album of songs, which is great.
Eric Sultan, when opening the exhibition, told a bit about the Afghan cameleers and I will read a little. He said:
The NT government and the Alice Springs Town Council have been most supportive of it. The Alice Springs Town Council, as a sign of respect, have honoured the Afghans individually by naming streets after them. A school was named after them and a suburb, some flats and apartments. They have even renamed the site the Alice Springs Town Council was built on. That was prominent in 1921 when Charlie Sadadeen took out a lease, built his house, a mosque, and grew a wide variety of vegetables. It became the meeting place. Now it is commemorated to remember that that was where the cameleers met. The NT Lands Department gave the Alice Springs society a perpetual lease on a block of land and I thank the NT government for that, and it is named Afghan Mosque. The NT government also provided funds to build the community centre on the site.
Once again, it was an opportunity for everyone and the cameleer descendants to learn about their forefathers, their religion, and to encourage Afghan ceremony. Alice Springs has been afforded this opportunity because of the accomplishments of Sallay Mahomet and Ali John Satour, who have been encouraging their families and friends to keep their religion and heritage strong. If you are in Alice Springs and you go to the mosque and meet the congregation, you will realise that this is very strong.
Anna Kenny was the lady who helped do a lot of this. She has done much of the history and research and donated her time and expertise. We know that the camels were first brought to Australia in the early 1840s, but it was not until the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860 they were seriously considered for use in the arid interior of Australia. In 1865 a shipment of camels was unloaded in Port Augusta. Maree and Port Augusta are also meccas of the Afghans and the cameleers. Broken Hill and Port Augusta have already booked this travelling exhibition.
Eric Sultan’s grandfather, Sultan Mohamed, who was born in Kandahar, was one of the very first cameleers to partake in such transportation into the harsh outback, with his main base at Maree. They often say that Maree is the mecca for many of the cameleers. He married Eric’s grandmother, Mabel Shaw, the young daughter of Amelia.
Afghans and their camels also took part in explorations, such as those of Burke and Wills and the Calvert expedition. Eric’s great grandmother, Amelia Shaw, had a son, Jack, with her second husband and he became involved. The Afghan cameleers built their houses at various rail heads and major depots along the way.
Eric has been a great supporter of retaining and recording the history of the Afghans in Alice Springs. Their legacy is important for us to preserve. The history is important, and you can see it in many ways. The Afghan cameleers planted date palms along the way. If you go along that outback stretch, you know that there are many date farms, many of which are now commercial enterprises.
This is a great exhibition. It was probably a little unfortunate that it was not launched in Alice Springs, but I hope the minister will listen to what I have said and help bring it to Alice Springs. I believe there is even interest in having it in Darwin because it is part of the heritage of the Territory. No matter who you are or where you have come from, the Afghan cameleers’ heritage is relatively unknown to many Australians and it should be better known to Territorians because they were certainly there when they were needed most of all.
Eric had a rather nice line at the end of his speech. He said:
He is quite right. They have been a part of our history that we should not forget. I urge the minister to make sure that Territorians see this exhibition as much as the rest of Australia does.
Mr McADAM (Barkly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a public servant who has served the Northern Territory for 42 years. I have said before that it is very important that this House recognises public servants who have made a significant contribution.
It is with pleasure that I acknowledge 42 years of meritorious service to the Territory by the Director of NT Fleet, Mr Frank May. Frank, who has recently turned 65, is retiring from the public service on 31 August 2007. I am sure all parliamentarians will join me in acknowledging what a tremendous achievement this is and what a tremendous example he is to all Territorians.
Frank arrived in Darwin at Easter in 1965 for what was planned as a three-month stay as part of a working holiday around Australia. After a short stint with Coyle Engineering in McMinn Street, Frank started with the Department of Works Base Workshop at the 2 Mile on 11 May 1965. The Base Workshop operated by the Plant Branch of the Department of Works employed 100 tradespeople, which included plant fitters, motor mechanics, engine re-conditioners, auto electricians, machine shop welders, panel beaters and had an upholstery shop.
After commencing in the heavy vehicle section tractor shop, Frank took on the role of Field Fitter, maintaining a fleet of earthmoving and ancillary equipment on the various road building and maintenance projects throughout the Top End. This included a six-month stint at Gove with the construction of the ELDO Tracking Station during the 1965-66 Wet Season. Accommodation at the site was in a tent.
After the stint as a Field fitter, Frank was promoted to Plant Inspector where he served in both the workshop and field positions for many years. After Cyclone Tracy, Frank was involved at the plant pool in the distribution of vehicles, plant and equipment to the many crews involved in the cleanup and reconstruction of Darwin.
He was promoted to Senior Plant Inspector for the northern region in 1976 and was a compulsory transferee to that position within the Department of Transport and Works at self-government in 1978. In 1979, Frank was promoted to the Northern Territory Electricity Commission as Transport Officer and was tasked with setting up the NT Electricity Commission fleet. This included setting up the Transport Workshop at Ben Hammond and the development of Fleet Management systems for the Northern Territory Electricity Commission throughout the Northern Territory. During that time, Frank was involved with the National Electricity Supply Association of Australia Transport Committee and developed a network of other electricity suppliers and transport industries throughout Australia. He was promoted to the position of Manager, Stores and Transport in 1982.
In 1985, Frank was enticed to take over the position of Fleet and Workshop Manager in the Department of Transport and Works. This was the forerunner to the NT Fleet as we know it today. At this time, Frank was tasked with the job of rationalising workshop operations and to create a partnership with the motor industry through identifying those functions that could be outsourced. This required the creation of many contracts, especially covering the important repair and maintenance of both small and heavy vehicles.
In 1991, the Estimates Review Committee recommended the creation of a government fleet which would cover the centralisation of fleet management under a single authority which would be tasked to operate on a commercial basis. Frank was involved in the Steering Committee that implemented the centralised fleet management function and, indeed, he came up with the name of NT Fleet, which is now an icon in the Territory’s motor industry.
Frank has been in charge of NT Fleet since its inception on 1 July 1992 and has led this very successful government business division for the past 15 years. Frank’s involvement in the Territory motor industry is highly regarded and he has built tremendous links with both industry and government agencies. Frank is always available to provide advice and assistance not only to his clients, but also to industry. Frank’s face is well known at government auctions in Darwin and at all regional centres.
Frank is a foundation member of the National Public Sector Fleet Managers Group, which was established in 1991 and is the only one of the original members still participating. Once again, this is evidence of Frank’s persistence and longevity.
Whilst I am talking about Frank as an important employee in the NT government, I must also refer to Frank’s magnificent involvement in the community. Frank May and Waratah’s Sports Association are almost synonymous and he has been a tireless worker for that organisation. Frank has a long-term involvement with rugby league in Darwin where he made a significant contribution as a player for the Waratah Rugby League and served many years on their committee, including nine years as President and a term as Director of the Darwin Rugby League Board.
The pinnacle of Frank May’s illustrious career in the public service in the Northern Territory is undoubtedly as Director of NT Fleet. The success of NT Fleet as a government business division is equal to the best of any other government fleet in Australia. Frank’s 42 years of service coincided with his 65th birthday, so there is a double celebration for him, his family and work colleagues. Frank has advised that he intends to retire in the Territory with his wife, Desley, together with his four children and many grandchildren. Frank says that he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his grandchildren and finishing some of his longer term projects - that is between his intentions to travel extensively around Australia in a caravan, mainly during the build up to the Wet Season, and his plans for travel overseas in future years.
Frank’s 42 years of public service to the people of the Northern Territory is a huge testament. Congratulations. All members of this House and the government join with me in thanking you for your outstanding service. To Frank and Desley, we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to spend a few minutes dwelling on the issue of housing and town camp facilities in Alice Springs. The decision made by the Tangentyere Council executive body on behalf of all town camp residents is, in my opinion, a great mistake which will leave some 3000 people living in hopeless conditions in our town camps.
I will paraphrase the history of the town camps. As I understand it, before white men came to Australia, indigenous people would pass through Alice Springs, which I believe was then called Mbantua, a name to describe a meeting place, a hub I suppose you would call it in modern terms, in Central Australia where they walked through. People from various parts of Australia would come through Alice Springs and would camp in respective areas around the centre of the town and deem those as though they were traditional areas. I assume that Pitjantjatjara people would live south of the town centre while Warlpiri would probably come along to the north-west, and so forth.
When the Commonwealth government took over jurisdiction from the Northern Territory, I understand those camping areas were formalised into town camps and the Commonwealth government of the day decided that they would provide those areas as leases in perpetuity. In other words, the people who were traditionally linked to an area of land would have that land for ever, while not in full ownership but in leases in perpetuity. In other words, nobody could take the land away from them - ever.
The Commonwealth government of the day then recognised there was a need to have an organisation or bureaucracy to help manage, for want of better words, the municipal-type services for those camping areas. For instance, bitumen roads, street lighting - there is no sewage at the moment; only septics - housing and general hygiene management. Thus was formed the Tangentyere Council. The Tangentyere Council was designed as the housing area management body.
Over the last 30 years or so of the Tangentyere Council’s existence, it has had funding from both the federal and Northern Territory governments. Whether it is enough or not is something I do not have full figures for to argue in detail, however I know the services provided by Tangentyere Council have expanded from housing area management to include other social and welfare services. They receive extra funding from the federal and Northern Territory governments for that.
Over the years, management of the town camps has been unable to keep apace with the demands within town camps, so much so that in some town camps there has been significant overcrowding, significant deterioration of the homes, the bitumen services of roads have deteriorated and are breaking up and street lights are not working properly. The town camps are, as they are described, camps within the municipality boundaries of Alice Springs and still do not have sewage services. Running water, while available in many of the town camps, is not well maintained. There are dripping taps, and not every water point is working properly. As regards the toilet system, as I said, they still use septic systems. Within the boundaries of the municipality of Alice Springs, that is beyond any acceptable level.
The federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs made a significant offer to the people of the town camps, providing some $60m to refurbish, redevelop, enhance and improve the facilities that are in the town camps. This would include new homes, refurbish the ones that are still habitable, demolish the ones that are not, and provide town council-type facilities. It was a very generous offer - $60m offered to Alice Springs. No other single community in the whole of Australia has been made this offer. Black, white and brindle in Alice Springs thought this was a real offer of hope for the town. People were hopeful that this injection of funds into Alice Springs over a period of two, three or four years, would be so significant that it would make a huge impact and be a massive positive change for the town.
I believe that people who live in town camps were hopeful that, at long last, they could have decent homes to live in, proper streets to drive on, and proper sewage systems for their homes; that their children could sleep in homes that are conducive to a good life, and that they could be living in Alice Springs in a way no different from any other person living in the suburbs, whether they be white people or, in fact, their fellow indigenous people.
The proviso that the federal minister put on that money was that the town camp boards sublease their land. I remind members: that land is held as leases in perpetuity by themselves. The federal minister made the proviso that to receive this money the town camp boards must sublease the land to the Northern Territory government. Obviously, I have to make the assumption that there was a significant level of distrust by the Tangentyere Executive Council of Territory Housing or the Northern Territory government. If that is the case, the Northern Territory government has a major task on its hands to convince the Tangentyere Executive Council and the people living in town camps that they can manage better than the Tangentyere Council can manage.
For the Tangentyere Executive Council to say no to the money beggars belief. Cynically, I have to say if you are there earning a six-figure income, driving a nice car and living in a nice home, maybe you are not too focused on the destitute situation, the destitute conditions in which others are living in the town camps. Now the money has gone. The federal minister gave an extension to Tangentyere Council to reconsider its initial decision to reject the money and the second time around, they still rejected the money. I was disappointed that the Chief Minister was not involved in trying to convince Tangentyere Council to consider the money that has been so generously offered to Alice Springs.
Mr McAdam: The Chief Minister met with the council. Tell the truth.
Dr LIM: The Chief Minister should have been involved right at the very beginning, personally involved. Instead, she went down pretty well within the last 12 hours of the death knell. Of course, she was not able to deliver. I am sure that negotiations with the Tangentyere Council were difficult, but if she had spent more time, she would have made a significant difference to the outcome of the decision. We do not have the money now. The money has gone and gone for good. Whatever decision or new proposal comes forward from negotiations of the Northern Territory government with the town camp dwellers, it will have to be re-presented to the federal government and, cap in hand, we will have to ask the federal government to reconsider its proposal and then hopefully secure some funding. What the funding will be is another guess. We just do not know.
Having said that, I was recently made aware of comments made by the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, and the member for Lingiari during the time when the Tangentyere Council was debating whether to accept the $60m offer from the Commonwealth government. I understand the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory advised the Tangentyere Executive Council not to sign until after the federal election. At the same time, you hear the federal Labor spokesman for Indigenous Affairs say: ‘We must come to a sensible conclusion. We need to proceed with this’, and really said no more than that, was not going to deviate from what the federal minister himself said.
The worst was the federal member for Lingiari. As recently as Monday this week, he is quoted as saying that the money is still available. The $60m is still on the table. That is absolutely wrong. I will quote from an item taken from the ABC on Monday, 18 June:
This is what the member for Lingiari said. He is misleading the people of Alice Springs. He is creating an unreal expectation, a false expectation amongst the people of Alice Springs. For the member for Lingiari to do that is absolutely despicable. He should not be doing that. He knows very well that the money is gone. He should not be perpetrating comments such as these, which only confuse the issue and deny the very people that we all want to help to rightful access to the money. The member should be condemned for that.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, every year since 1984, the Northern Territory Irish Association has given the opportunity to young Territory women to participate in the Darwin Rose Pageant, offering all participants the opportunity for personal development and fun. Participants learn the art of public speaking, personal grooming, fundraising skills and the opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery of themselves and their heritage. The winner each year goes on to represent Darwin at the Rose of Tralee National Festival in Ireland.
The Rose of Tralee draws its inspiration from the story of an ill-fated love between a servant girl and the son of a wealthy merchant, as told in a love song The Rose of Tralee. The festival attracts young ladies of Irish ancestry from all around the world for an incredible week of dancing, story telling, functions, dinners, television appearances and photo sessions. It is a marvellous opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory through our Darwin Rose representative.
Local dignitaries, entrant supporters, pageant sponsors, Northern Territory Irish Association members and friends, and an audience in the region of 200 people gathered at SKYCITY Casino on Saturday, 26 May to witness and celebrate the crowning of the new Darwin Rose of Tralee. The Darwin Rose pageant has enjoyed the support of government, local business and the broader Darwin community through the years of its operation. Without this support, it would not be possible for the Northern Territory Irish Association to send a Darwin representative to Tralee every year.
I especially recognise and thank the pageant sponsors for 2007. They were DBH Contracting, Infocus Photography, and How to Be A Honey, and that’s the deportment and makeup classes. The corporate sponsors for this year’s entrants were Australian Financial Advisers, DBH Contracting, Creative Jewellers, Shenannigans Irish Bar, NAC Pty Ltd and Kitty O’Sheas Irish Bar and Caf.
The Rose of Tralee is not a beauty pageant. To win a place in the international final requires the entrant to be poised, mature, vivacious and intelligent as well as having a flair for dress and good manners and the intangible quality celebrated in the words of the song The Rose of Tralee:
The 2007 Rose of Tralee pageant attracted a wonderful group of young women, all of whom I feel are worthy in their own right be crowned the 23rd Darwin Rose. However, as with any pageant, there can be only one winner. What a daunting task the volunteer judges had before them this year. I am sure that members of the Assembly would have had a very difficult time trying to select who shone strongest in this stellar group of Darwin young ladies.
I was at the gala ball, listening to the accomplishments of each entrant as they graced the stage. I would like to share with the Assembly the very pleasant dilemma the audience and I had in trying to second guess the outcome. There were six entrants in this year’s Rose of Tralee Pageant. The first was Cassandra Bray who was born in Dublin, Ireland. She is 26 years of age and was educated at St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie, Western Australia and went to the University of Notre Dame in Western Australia from where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws. Her academic achievements included the Irish Parliamentary Internship. Her current occupation is a Legal Officer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. She writes for the Northern Territory lifestyle magazine Resident, and describes herself as hard-working, but she likes having fun, too. She has a good sense of humour and enjoys exploring other cultures through travel.
The second entrant was Angela Brayton who was born in Darwin. She is 18 years of age and educated at Howard Springs Primary and Taminmin High School. Her favourite subjects are Multimedia and English. She is currently a Receptionist and describes herself as a happy-go-lucky sort of person who loves meeting people and sees herself as easy to get along with; a very loyal person who loves a good laugh.
Then there was Erin O’Connell, also born in Darwin, aged 23. She was educated at Berry Springs Primary School and attended Taminmin High School. There must be a fair old Irish clique out there. She undertook further education at Charles Darwin University and the Moreton Institute of TAFE. She has a Certificate IV in Fashion Design. When she was in Year 7, she was Young Australian of the Year and on the Year 7 Student Representative Council. Right now, she is a Help Desk Operator. She describes herself as being a creative person, easy going and friendly. She likes to help people. She is a good listener and event organiser who enjoys being involved in the community.
Then there was Katherine O’Fathartaigh. Katherine was born in Dublin, Ireland, a true rose, aged 27. She was educated at Mercedes College in Adelaide and went on to study Sports Science at Adelaide University. She has a Bachelor or Arts and Law Degree from Adelaide University. She was a school leader in 1997, and had a scholarship to Ceran Lingual in Belgium, and was South Australian schools triathlon winner. She achieved automatic honours for a Bachelor of Law. She is a lawyer with the local firm of Cridlands, and describes herself as open, warm, friendly, a genuine and outgoing person. Kate enjoys meeting new people and social events. She thrives on outdoor activities and challenges.
Emily Kuhn, too, is a Darwin born and bred girl, aged 26. She was educated at Nightcliff and Essington Schools and Kormilda College. She studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of South Australia, Bachelor of Education at Charles Darwin University. A special achievement was the Year 12 History Award. She works in drug and health education at Life Education Top End. She describes herself as a courageous, considerate and loyal, values excellence in all opportunities presented, happy and friendly, loves to discuss social issues, sharing and listening to opinions, strives to help others who are not as fortunate and loves life and tries to be cheerful in all pursuits.
Last but not least was Cassarndra Hackett. She was born in Adelaide and is aged 28. She was educated at Coorara Primary and Wirreandra High schools. She went to further education and picked up a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science with Honours. Her special achievements were being top student in Biology in Year 12 at Mathematics in Year 12. Cassarndra is enthusiastic and caring, has good organisational skills and a willingness to help wherever possible. She is determined, has a strong love of people, has networking skills and the ability to laugh at herself. What wonderful traits in any person, but more so in a Rose of Tralee entrant.
To the delight of everyone, guests and participants alike, Kate O’Fathartaigh, a wonderful and accomplished young lady, was crowned the 23rd Darwin Rose by the Irish Ambassador to Australia who made a special trip to the north for this occasion. I am sure that he will be back.
Kate will go on to represent Darwin and promote the Northern Territory at the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I know that Kate will do the Northern Territory Irish community, and indeed all Territorians, proud on the international stage in Ireland in August this year, as have our 22 previous Darwin Roses.
The Darwin Rose of Tralee pageant would not be possible except for the hard work of the volunteer committee who put it all together tirelessly year after year. In over 20 years, of course, the committee has changed in its complexion and makeup, although there are people who have been involved with the Rose of Tralee pageant for many years. The 2007 committee is comprised of President Julia Baxter, Vice-President Mary McAlpine, Treasurer Bridie Kuskey, Secretary Kay Gargett and the Committee of Pat Murray, Sean Byrne and Jo Byrne. They put in so much, to not only the Rose of Tralee Pageant, but also St Patrick’s Day. They are a hard-working committee, all volunteers, doing the NT Irish community and the Territory proud. I would like to give them a pat on the back and congratulate them for the hard work that they have done.
I would also like to make special mention of the 2006 outgoing Rose, Brigid Killen, who did a wonderful job last year. I heard only good stories about her when I attended the function. Brigid is a wonderful person. She is the daughter of Captain John Killen, who is well known as a hard-working individual at NORFORCE. He has done well in the raising of his girl to be the Rose of Tralee in 2006, and she handed over her crown to the incoming 2007 Rose with a few words of wisdom.
Finally, 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee International pageant in Ireland. Members, if you are around then and you really want to see how the Northern Territory is showcased overseas by a volunteer group - and this is but one because we have Kalymnian dance troupes visiting Kalymnos and so on – this is your opportunity. The NT Irish Association, through the Darwin Rose of Tralee pageant did a great job showcasing the Northern Territory in Ireland. If you get the opportunity to go in 2009, the offer is extended by the association to all members of the Assembly who might want to go. Take them up on that offer; it will be a great time.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it sounds like a great idea, but I do not know if I can fit it in. It would be very nice to go to Ireland.
On Saturday, 5 May 2007, the Kriol Bible was launched at the Katherine Christian Convention. The Christian Convention is held annually over the May Day long weekend at Bruce and Janine Morrow’s farm near Katherine.
The translation of the Bible to Kriol has been a labour of love over 30-odd years for many dedicated people, and it was a truly special occasion for the hundreds of people present at the convention to be part of this launch. The Anglican Bishop of Melbourne, Philip Freier, who was Bishop of Christchurch Cathedral in Darwin for many years, attended the launch and delivered his speech in Kriol. I was surprised and very pleased that I could understand what the Bishop was saying but, when it came to reading the Kriol Bible, I certainly had some difficulty.
Following the launch, which was attended by Senator Nigel Scullion who delivered a message from Prime Minister John Howard, copies of the Kriol Bible were presented to team members who had worked tirelessly over many years on this translation. The Reverend Canon Gumbuli Wurramara presented Kriol Bibles to translators Esther Wilfred, Tom Hume, Michael Millar, Julie Millar, Rory Farrar, Estelle Farrar, Irene Andrews, Miliwanga Sandy, Rachel Willika, Margaret Mickan, Lance Tremblett and Gwen Tremblett. Translation checkers were Jocelyn McCartney, Beverley Rankin, Judy Galmur, James Garadji, William Hall, Marjorie Hall, Andrew Robertson, Agnes Wilfred, Gilliam Limmen and Maureen Thompson. Back translators of the Bible were Marlene Andrews, Carol Robertson, Francis Garadji, Josephine Rogers, Sophie Turner and Freda John Forrest.
In addition, a Bible was presented to Senator Scullion for the Prime Minister John Howard, and I received a Bible on behalf of the people of the Northern Territory. I have had the pleasure of passing this Kriol Bible to Madam Speaker, and hope that members of this Assembly take the opportunity to have a look at it through Madam Speaker’s office. It is a wonderful achievement that has resulted from such a long-term commitment.
The 2007 Katherine Debutante Ball was held at the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum on Saturday, 19 May. The outdoor venue was transformed with coloured and fairy lights and created a magical atmosphere for the presentation of the 24 beautifully gowned young ladies and their partners. For several weeks, the girls and their partners have been training under the guidance of Jodie Locke. They received expert dance instruction from Graham and Sue Newhouse, who are to be congratulated in achieving such a great outcome. It is not a very easy task teaching so many young people so many dance steps in such a short space of time, especially when most of them find it a little difficult being serious during training.
However, on the night and when they needed to, they performed their best steps and they sure did themselves proud. Graham and Sue taught them the formal Lucille Waltz, Progressive Evening Three-Step and Progressive Disco Barn Dance. The debs and their partners danced the Progressive Disco Barn Dance together before breaking up and partnering with their parents to continue the dance. This was a real highlight for them all and, of course, it is lots of fun for everyone.
During the evening we were entertained by a dance demonstration from three junior ballroom dance couples from Darwin called Neon Moon, with commentary by Stephen Farrawell. They were a delight to watch and the debs, their partners, and all who attended were very impressed by the standard of these young ballroom dancers who are competing nationally.
For the second year in a row, with the support of my husband Mike, I was absolutely delighted to receive the debutantes and their partners. I sashed each debutante and presented their partners with a scroll commemorating the evening. It is such a pleasure to see these gorgeous young people still celebrate and participate in what is considered a very old and formal tradition. I can assure you that the tradition is alive and well in Katherine and has been for some time. I hope it will continue well into the future.
Those taking part in this year’s celebrations were: flower girl, Asha Locke; and Maids of Honour, Brett Marie Johnston, Rhianna Smith and Ricci Colvin, who are all previous debutantes. The debutantes and their partners were: Emily Balmer and Warwick Newton; Kelsey Canning and Durand Connop; Shannon Coutts and Cameran Kossack; Colleen Crowley and Kyle Hartley; Yasmin Daw and Jarred Hawke; Dannii David and Jack Wright; Karly Deveraux and Kieran Carter; Carly Duncan and Matthew Joll; Casey Elliott and Philip Morrow; Tiyarn Garland and Brodie Bean; Jayde Gibson and Tim Mathas; Alicia Heyworth and Nick Westra Van Holthe; Amy Hopkins and Brian Harris; Mitsuyo Ito and Stevie Tapp; Sharon Jennings and Darwin Flores; Candice Lamb and Keiran Duggan; Christina Noyce and Craig Russell; Rachel Pond and Jake Dawson; Hayley Sims and Peter Miller; Dani Stanley and Rankin Garland; Rene Turner and Paul Mark; Toni Vale and Ashley Jennison; Toni Ann Walker and Magnus Fejo; Zoe Walker and Sam Kruger.
The Master of Ceremonies again this year was John Jansen who did a great job, as usual. Playing lively dance music was local band Fusion and the food was catered by Steve Laurie from Kumbidgee Lodge.
As with many functions in Katherine, there are many people who need to be thanked for the success of the evening and they include Jodie Locke for training the debutantes and their partners, and the support of her husband, Ian; the staff of the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum who prepared the grounds so beautifully; Mac’s Hire; Katherine Country Music Muster Committee, which included Henry and Vicki Higgins; Jacqui and Paul Balmer, who not only supplied the fairy lights, but installed them; and the volunteer bar staff and RHADS Security.
There were many others who contributed to the evening’s success, but without a doubt the 24 couples wearing formal gowns and dress suits were the highlight of an evening they will always remember.
On Saturday afternoon, 19 May, Katherine’s Number 4 cricket oval was renamed the Dr Peter Short Oval in honour and memory of the services that Dr Short gave to the Katherine community over many years beginning in 1966, especially through his involvements with cricket.
It was a wonderful occasion for his wife, Kathleen, their children, Rohan and his wife, Margot; Lachlan, and his wife, Cindy; Merran and Susan, and grandchildren, Josie, Teagan, Jack and D’Arcy, who all attended the renaming of the oval, along with dozens of people who came to pay their respects. Kathleen gave a wonderful speech and talked of the time when she first met Peter. She said she was left in no doubt that if she wanted to spend more time with him she would have to enjoy cricket, his favourite past time. So Kathleen, being the resourceful lady she is, decided she would learn to score cricket so she could better understand the game and be with Peter.
Their partnership was a special one through their involvement with cricket and through the Kintore Clinic medical practice. Dr Peter Short loved his cricket passionately, and all the people present enjoyed listening to the stories told about many experiences with Peter.
Dr Short and his partner in practice, Dr Jim Scattini gave many years of dedicated professional service to the Katherine community until Dr Short retired through ill health. Dr Scattini is still kept very busy in the same practice at Kintore Clinic.
Dr David Brummitt who also worked with Dr Peter Short for five years, gave the main speech for the afternoon which was very entertaining. I would like to read it into the Hansard:
Mayor Anne Shepherd, who worked as a nurse at Katherine Hospital during Dr Short’s time, also spoke of the wonderful memories she had of his devotion to medicine, his family and his wonderful sense of humour.
Saturday, 19 May, was the beginning of the 2007 cricket season and a very appropriate day for the renaming of the cricket oval. A plaque bearing Dr Short’s name was unveiled by Kathleen and all the members of the family before the opening game. Following the unveiling, family and friends spent quite some time sharing memories of Peter’s life and experiences in Katherine. It really was a fitting occasion for such a dedicated country doctor to the Katherine community.
From the time I arrived in Katherine until his retirement in 1996, Dr Peter Short was also my doctor and he was always a pleasure to visit. Dr Short retired owing to ill health and, unfortunately, died in Darwin last year. It is such a shame that doctors with his commitment to practising in the country are so few and far between today.
Katherine has been so very fortunate to have had the long-term services of Dr Peter Short for which we are all so very grateful. His memory will always be respected in Katherine and especially through the cricket fraternity with the renaming of the Number 4 Oval the Dr Peter Short Oval. It is a wonderful honour for Kathleen and all his family to enjoy.
I will finish by saying that it really was a pleasure to see so many long-term Katherine people who attended that special occasion. I know that Kathleen and all of her family were deeply moved by the honour of having that plaque dedicated. It certainly is not going to move very far; it is on the top of a huge lump of granite that would take a crane-and-a-half to lift. It is a wonderful lasting memorial to a man whom I will remember always had a lovely smile on his face and never, ever seemed to be too tired despite being a very, very busy country doctor.
Ms McCARTHY (Arnhem): Madam Deputy Speaker, two weeks ago I attended the 23rd Barunga Cultural and Sports Festival south-east of Katherine. It is a festival where communities in the region such as Numbulwar, Ngukurr, Hodgson Downs, Jilkminggan, Manyallaluk, Wugularr and Bulman come together to compete in sports such as football, basketball and softball. So, too, teams from Katherine such as the Kalano Bombers and the Daly River softballers from even further north.
I had the pleasure to travel the region, along with the Statehood team, Michael Tatham and Nora Kempster, and this Assembly’s Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, Steve Stokes, and cook a barbeque for the Wugularr footballers and basketballers on the eve of the festival. Such is the excitement in preparation for this year’s sports events.
This year, the Numbulwar Eagles were the grand finalists. There were over 15 teams in the competition and because of the large number of teams, the games were very short to allow all the teams to play against one another in the three days of the event. Daguragu won the men’s basketball and St John’s the women’s basketball. The Borroloola Allstars won the softball.
As the festival name suggests, it also is a time for cultural events, such as the gathering and cooking of bush tucker and displays of artefacts. Spear throwing was an event many tourists were keen to observe, as well as the didgeridoo making and performance by artists from the region. The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is filled with many events across the Territory, but for communities in the Katherine region and as far south as Alice Springs, it is known as a special weekend at Barunga. The numbers were perhaps not as high as organisers would like in the event’s 23 year history, but still the music concerts at night attracted large crowds despite the very, very cold nights.
On the Saturday night, a special tribute was held on the newly-installed second stage at Barunga, where Blekbala Mujik reunited for a one-off performance. I am a big fan of Blekbala Mujik, so I was pretty thrilled to see them. In fact, it has probably been about 10 years since they performed around the Territory and since their international tour. Lazarus Murray and Peter Millar, who both reside at Bulman, came together with other band members to perform only for the festival after almost 10 years in retirement. They dedicated their performance to a fellow band member who had passed away. For the audience - not just me, but for everyone else there at Barunga - the return of Blekbala Mujik to the stage was simply sensational.
Allan Murphy, a well known musician, who has played with many Aboriginal bands across the Territory, continued in his supporting role as drummer for most of the bands on the weekend. I take this opportunity to congratulate Allan and his team of workers in coordinating the music at the Barunga Festival and for the construction of the second stage. It is the first time in the festival’s history that this stage was set up and that is testament to the overwhelming support that music had on this weekend.
Bands such as Lonely Boys from Ngukurr, The Springwater Band from Barunga, Black Cockatoos from Jilkminggan, Tableland Drifters from Tennant Creek, Broken Vision from Numbulwar and the Sandridge Band from Borroloola and, of course, singer/songwriter Warren H Williams, were some of the many performers at the festival.
The Northern Territory government’s road safety competition was a big hit in its second year at the festival, with the Barunga School winning $500, Warren H Williams winning $1000 and the Sandridge Band winning $2000 as part of the road safety competition. A DVD will be released featuring the bands which performed. The winning band, the Sandridge Band, will also be on television commercials for road safety and radio commercials with their winning song.
I make mention of singer Shelley Morris who spent time with the Barunga students in helping them with their performance for the big night. Well done, goodie Shelley, and also well done to the school principal, Anita Camfoo for rounding up all the children late on Saturday afternoon and preparing them for the performance.
The concerts were heard right across the Top End and, indeed, Australia as the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association, TEABBA, broadcast the events live throughout the weekend. A very special thank you to EllaGeyer and her team of broadcasters. Your continued support of the Barunga Festival is certainly welcomed and appreciated. It was great to see Francesca Cubillo from the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, who was also involved with the arts section of the festival.
Next year will be a special one for organisers as they gear up for the 20th anniversary of the Barunga Statement. It will be 20 years since former Prime Minister Bob Hawke attended the festival. It will be an opportunity to reflect on what the Barunga Statement signified then, and its significance now. I take this opportunity to invite all members of this parliament to keep the Queen’s Birthday weekend next year free to travel to Barunga, because I am sure the committee and organisers will be having a very special event next year.
I congratulate the Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk- Ngadberre Regional Council staff, under the guidance of CEO Michael Berto, for the coordination of the festival, and the Fred Hollows Foundation for their continued support in the region, with a special mention of Nick di Candilo. Special thanks also to the teams from the Maranboy Police Station who kept a close eye to ensure the event went smoothly, and Jeff Lohemeyer and the Emergency Services crew on standby over the weekend.
Of course, a very special thank you to the Jawoyn Association, in particular Lisa Mumbin and Preston Lee, and the residents and elders of Barunga, especially Sybil Ranch, for welcoming all people to the festival. I look forward to next year.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to highlight a few events which have occurred over the past couple of months in my electorate and in Alice Springs.
The first is a great initiative from the people living at the Willowra community, some 350 km north-west of Alice Springs. The initiative, which the community calls Scabies Day, on 30 April basically dedicated a whole day towards educating about and treating scabies within the community. Health clinic staff such as Tom Landers, the Health Centre Manager, Robina Fox, the Remote Area Nurse, and Frankie Kitson, the trainee Aboriginal Health Worker led the way, along with Dr Russell Thompson, the District Medical Officer, and Selina Williams, the Community Health Worker.
WYN Health staff from Yuendumu also made a special trip across to Willowra to help out for the day. I must mention Scott Campbell-Smith, and my uncles, Alan Dickson and Crocodile Johnson, all from WYN Health at Yuendumu, who provided much support on the day.
Alison Gillies, the Youth Worker at Willowra, backed up by some young women, also worked hard on the day, along with Malcolm Wall, the Community Development Manager, and the new teacher at the school, Emma, who also chipped in.
Scabies Day started off with all the children at the school showering and having Lyclear cream applied. Health staff then made presentations to senior, junior, and transitional classes on what scabies is, how it is caught, what it can lead to, and how to prevent and treat it. The children were then put to work cleaning their classrooms and, subsequently, making posters from the information they had been given, with the junior classes making headbands inspired by the personal style of the scabies mites.
The initiative wisely used both traditional and western medicines for treating scabies, with the school collecting young leaves of the local white gums and then cooking them. The finished bush medicine is now stored at the health centre for future use.
Once the school and the children had been treated, the group of workers, like ants, moved onto the community houses. The community was geographically divided amongst the work teams with brooms, mops, buckets, floor cleaning detergents, packs of bug bombs and sufficient Lyclear being delivered to all residents. There was enough equipment for 35 houses, and I acknowledge the following organisations for their support in donating the equipment and materials: WYN Health, the Wirliyayjarri Store, and G & R Wills who all donated for Scabies Day. Thank you and congratulations for doing so.
Once residents received their equipment and detergents, they were encouraged to clean their houses, wash their clothes and bedding, and hang them out in the sun. Once the house and bedding was clean, residents then showered and applied Lyclear before wandering down to the school for a barbecue lunch.
Dr Thompson took the opportunity of providing some treatment to the local dogs on the day. The need to treat the mangy dogs and euthanise unwanted dogs came from the Yapa and through their worries about scabies. As a result, Dr Thompson treated about 85 dogs and euthanized nine dogs with the consent of their owners.
One of the real strengths of the project was the fact that the entire community got behind it and worked together. There were even residents sharing their washing machines with those who did not have one.
I congratulate everyone involved with Scabies Day at Willowra and look forward to visiting the community soon to see firsthand the results of this great initiative.
On 4 May, I attended the official opening of the new kitchen and staffrooms at the Yipirinya School in Alice Springs.
Yipirinya School has a long history of providing two-way education to many town camp and outstation in my electorate. I am a regular visitor to Yipirinya School and on this occasion I, along with the member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, was invited to see the new kitchen, student dining room and staff room. The new facilities were officially opened by Rosie Kunoth-Monks who is well known to all of us here. It was good to see many other guests and parents in attendance.
Being a regular visitor over a long period of time to the Yipirinya School, it was pleasing to see these facilities upgraded. They were certainly needed. The kitchen is most impressive with new cool rooms and pantry area and, with the new student dining room next door, students can now sit down inside and have decent meal whereas in the past, they would sit outside. Students are provided with breakfast, morning recess, and lunch, which includes meat and vegetables as part of the menu. Since the meals have been provided for students, canteen sales have come down and kids are now eating fewer unhealthy foods.
I trust these new facilities will greatly assist in improving students’ learning and attendance and thank Mr Davey Inkamala and the council for the invitation.
On 25 May, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the site office for the Tangentyere Job Shop in my electorate at Ti Tree. As from 1 July 2006, the Job Shop, under a subcontract from JOB futures, took on a challenge of delivering Job Network and other federal government-related employment services in Central Australia. The Ti Tree site services the Anmatjere region and has over 250 people commenced on the case load living in Ti Tree township itself, the Six Mile community, Ti Tree Station, Willora, Aileron and Ailyuen communities, as well as Laramba, Napperby Station and Adelaide Bore. The Job Shop also has a second site in my electorate at Utopia and it has three other sites in the electorate of Macdonnell at Hart’s Range, Santa Teresa and Titjikala. All up, the Job Shop has 41 people working to get indigenous people into jobs, education or training and 85% of the staff are indigenous.
The major role of the two bush workers based at Ti Tree includes delivery of pre-employment services including identifying young people who can benefit from the JPET program, training preparation, referral to any job vacancies, and educational services. There is no doubt that in the Ti Tree region, there are many opportunities coming up in the near future, with horticulture and mining two of the key industries that are investing and developing in the region.
Feedback from Centrefarm and the Job Shop to bush workers indicates there are a reasonable number of clients who are interested in horticulture, from people who just want basic gardening, through to farm hands. Some of these have previous experience and some are keen as they hear about opportunities such as the flow-on from the indigenous land use agreement at Pine Hill which I attended along with minister Natt.
In the Anmatjere region, there are opportunities through Arafura Resources near Aileron, Nolans Bore, and the Job Shop is aware of new projects likely to be started at Molly Hill in the Bonya area. Obviously with my background in mining, I am very keen to support both Centrefarm and Tangentyere Job Shop in maximising these opportunities that are going to be in the region very soon.
The Job Shop continues to work closely the CLC Mining Employment Unit to coordinate training that will directly flow on to jobs. The Job Shop is well aware that the Anmatjere region has enormous economic potential. In the past 15 years, governments, local businesses and the CLC have been keen to get more indigenous people into jobs rather than relying on backpackers or other visitors. Now that there is local access to employment and training services delivered by local indigenous people, the chances of long-term employment opportunities are improved big time. The Job Shop was delighted to formally open its office and welcomes any ideas on how it can be a productive part of the future development of the region.
I acknowledge Anita Randall and Bill Redfern who are the remote services bush workers at Ti Tree, and Bill Kunoth-Monks, the remote services bush worker in Utopia.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to speak of the achievements and milestones that have been occurring in Port Darwin since my last adjournment.
The city is booming and looking a picture now that the Dry Season is here. It is wonderful to see the locals and tourists enjoying the great weather and what the city has to offer.
I begin with a thank you to Darwin City Council officer Sam Kolpndinos, who came to my rescue on 24 May in Raintree Park. I was hosting a Biggest Morning Tea when the power box needed some urgent attention. Darwin City Council’s quick response to our issues ensured that no one was disappointed.
The Biggest Morning Tea was a success, and I send a special thank you to my mum, Sandra, who provided the home-made scones and biscuits. She rose at 5 am to bake fresh for the morning tea. As you will appreciate, the goodies were a very big hit with the guests.
Also this week, I had another opportunity to be in the mall talking to locals and tourists while helping to sell the school sports raffle for Larrakeyah Primary School. Business confidence in the CBD is strong and vibrant, and congratulations are extended to three new traders who have instigated new ventures in the mall. They have recognised that this location is a great place to do business.
They are Infidelity Clothing and Homewares store owned by Kerry Collins. She opened her new store in January this year. She is extremely happy with the way the business is going, and pleased with her move to the mall. Number One, a store specialising in pearls and semiprecious jewellery, opened in April in Knuckey Street and is owned by Lucy Zhao. Her manager, Kelly, said they are also very happy with the store’s success. Another very new store is The Bungalow, owned and operated by Karen McLean. This lovely store opened on 1 May and has a mix of fashion accessories and interesting curios. Karen is very pleased with her location on the mall in the Vic Complex. Congratulations to you all, and I wish you every success.
It is also encouraging to see most of the stores in the mall getting into the V8s by decorating their windows. It adds to the great atmosphere of a great weekend for locals and visitors alike.
Business confidence is alive and well. Property owners are spending significant sums on redeveloping and revamping their premises. One of these success stories is the Kabuki Hair Salon. Owner, Teresa Anderson, opened her new premises in Smith Street, and was nominated as one of the four national finalists in the Best New Salon Design category. This is a great achievement and wonderful recognition for Ms Anderson and her partner, structural engineer, Vladimir Boskovski, who was responsible for the salon design. It is the first time a Territory salon has been nominated, and I understand these awards are extremely prestigious. Well done, Teresa and Vladimir – Territory excellence at its best.
Strong business confidence is again behind the redevelopment of the old Rorkes Drift site in Mitchell Street. Rorkes Drift was a pioneer in the bar and restaurant trade in Darwin, and will reopen as Monsoons on 26 June. The site was purchased in December 2004 by Tropics Holdings Pty Ltd, whose Directors are David and Noellene Williams. They are on record as stating that they see a big future in the Territory. This multimillion dollar revamp has given work to about 100 Territorians through the Territory company, GRB Building, which has control of this project.
I thank the Chief Minister for including me in her visits to the waterfront. These site visits have enabled me to keep abreast of progress and pass it on to Port Darwin constituents. I cannot believe the pace of the construction work; the project is progressing at a rapid rate of knots. This massive project will not only enhance Darwin city; it is providing employment opportunities and training for local people. I congratulate MacMahon for working with the Larrakia people to develop their construction skills. They have produced a policy and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations whereby they will train as many indigenous people as possible, which will be an investment in a skilled workforce for the Northern Territory.
It also gives indigenous people opportunities to expand their horizons and travel, using these learnt skills along the way. A year ago, Mr Bill Risk Junior was the first indigenous person employed by MacMahon Contractors specifically for the waterfront project. His father, Mr Bill Risk Senior, a Larrakia custodian and Traditional Owner, has now joined him and is working on the water truck, tipper and dump truck. Congratulations to MacMahon and the Messrs Risk, Junior and Senior, on your commitment to the Territory and its people.
Still recognising achievements, the Research and Innovation Awards 2007 were held on 10 May. The awards acknowledge NT innovators who are essential to the success of our business community in the wider arena. These people have exceptional skills in research and development, and their innovations will promote strong competition within industry, which ultimately creates jobs and opportunities. I congratulate all the winners and extend special congratulations to Roger Leach, a Port Darwin constituent. Roger was awarded the Chair’s Special Commendation Award for his invention of Propeller Protective Coatings technology.
Speaking of awards, the Northern Territory Seafood Industry Awards were held in Darwin on 9 June at the International Terminal and were attended by approximately 200 industry and business representatives. This industry is very important as it is worth around $260m to the Territory economy. La Beach restaurant in Cullen Bay was sponsored by the NT Seafood Council and took out the top prize of Best Seafood Restaurant. The judges’ comments were:
Congratulations to owner, Ray Parry, and his manager, Mal Fisher. Head Chef, Matt Almond, Apprentice Chef, Tye Penrose, and Winita Fisher all have been with La Beach a long time contributing to their success.
Over the weekend, the Seafood Festival was held. Judging by the crowds attending, it was a huge success. Congratulations to all of the people who contribute to this very successful industry, and here’s hoping for a bigger and better festival next year.
As we know, our schools can be great places to achieve good things, academically and in sport. First, I congratulate Stuart Park Primary School Year 6 student, Rebecca Smith, who has been selected to represent the Darwin Basketball Association as a member of the Association’s Youth Tour of China and Singapore in June. Congratulations, Rebecca. I hope she enjoys the experience.
More news from Stuart Park Primary is that more congratulations are in order for Lucas Jones, Chloe Hetman and Jessica Couch who received the Principal’s Award for earning five merit points. Congratulations to you all on an exceptional effort.
A milestone has been reached at Larrakeyah Primary School, with janitor, Doug Gammon, retiring after 30 years of service. Mr Gammon commenced service with the Northern Territory Public Sector on 10 April 1977. During his 30 years of service, Doug has predominantly worked at Larrakeyah Primary School. I have been given a wonderful task by my colleague, the Minister for Employment, Education and Training, to present Mr Gammon with a token of appreciation for his long and committed service to Larrakeyah Primary. He will be honoured with a function at the Darwin Sailing Club on Wednesday, 20 June, at 5.30 pm where his family, friends and colleagues can celebrate this milestone in Mr Gammon’s life.
Larrakeyah Primary School held its school concert on 12 June, and it was good to see parents, grandparents, children and friends enjoying a lovely Dry Season evening. The food stalls were very enticing, and I congratulate the Larrakeyah school community for coming together and supporting their children and school. I thank the sponsors, which included Buzz Caf.
Farewell to Loretta Woolley who is leaving the school at the end of the term and welcome to Annette Matthews who is coming from Casuarina Street School in Katherine.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
MESSAGES FROM ADMINISTRATOR
Messages Nos 18, 19 and 20
Messages Nos 18, 19 and 20
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I have received from His Honour the Administrator message Nos 18, 19 and 20 notifying assent to bills passed in the April and May sittings of the Assembly.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Mr Burarrawanga
Mr Burarrawanga
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, it is with deep regret that I advise of the death on 10 June 2007 of Mr Burarrawanga of Galiwinku, the lead singer of The Warumpi Band for 20 years.
Honourable members, on the completion of the condolence motion, I will be asking members to stand in silence for a minute as a mark of respect.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly express its deep regret at the passing of Mr Burarrawanga, a man who contributed much to the musical life of the Northern Territory, and indeed the nation, and tender its profound sympathy to his family.
I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the late Mr Burarrawanga.
Mr Burarrawanga was a man of vision and immense energy, and one who died too young and with far too much left to do. He will be missed by many: those in the music industry, his many fans, and countless Australians whose lives he touched. Of course, his loss will be felt most profoundly by his family and friends, and by his people, to whom he was so committed.
In his 50 years, Burarrawanga left a legacy that will not be forgotten. He believed in sharing his culture and knowledge with others, and he felt that this act of sharing, of selflessness, was the key to the happiness and wellbeing of our society.
Twenty-four years ago, he burst into our consciousness as the dynamic lead singer of The Warumpi Band and his songs, Jailanguru Pakarnu (Out of Jail), Blackfella/Whitefella, and My Island Home will be heard long into the future. Indeed, Jailanguru Pakarnu became our first national hit song in an Aboriginal language.
Burarrawanga certainly made a splash. He was tagged the black Mick Jagger. Ex-Midnight Oil front man and now shadow federal environment minister, Peter Garrett, described him as a combination of Mick Jagger and James Brown - high praise, indeed.
First and foremost, though, Burarrawanga was his own man. He was a proud and passionate man, but he had his weaknesses and he fought the demons that gripped him throughout his life. He was also a true Territorian and a man of his people. This was no more in evidence than the period he spent in Germany earlier this decade. In a series of lectures and performances, he adopted the role of an ambassador for the Territory and for his people. He was able to explain, in ways few others could, how Yolngu cosmology worked and why the land was so important to his people and his ancestors. By all accounts, he enthralled his German audiences. That is what Burarrawanga was very good at: enthralling audiences. He also did it right around Australia in his distinguished career as the lead singer for Warumpi, and as a solo artist.
Few Territory musicians can boast of playing at so many leading Australian music festivals: the Melbourne International, WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Stompem Ground, as well as the Garma and Yeperenye Festivals here in the Territory.
Burarrawanga never forgot the Territory and Territorians, whether it was with groups such as Midnight Oil on the Blackfella/Whitefella tour in 1986, or Warumpi’s own Too Much Humbug tour a decade later. Burarrawanga and the rest of the band, the Butcher Brothers and Neil Murray, understood how important it was to reach out to all Territorians from all backgrounds.
In August 2004, Burarrawanga was recognised for his lifetime achievement at the inaugural NT Indigenous Music Awards. Two years later, he accepted a similar award on behalf of his fellow musicians in The Warumpi Band at the 2006 awards. That, sadly, turned out to be the last time I saw him. On stage at the Amphitheatre that night, he was, as ever, full of great energy and humour, more than happy to take the mickey out of me as Chief Minister, more than happy to include us all in the recognition the industry was giving to The Warumpi Band.
At the same time, I was well aware of the voluntary work he was doing in encouraging kids to go to school and stay at school, and his involvement in campaigns such as Living in a House.
You could never say there was anything one-dimensional about the man. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious and it is these memories of him at the last music awards that I will carry away with me.
Madam Speaker, to Burarrawanga’s friends and family, our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for moving this condolence motion. The opposition shares the government’s sadness at Mr Burarrawanga’s passing.
Mr Burarrawanga was indeed a great man and someone to whom we should be forever thankful for his contribution to the Territory and the Australian music industry. He was born at Galiwinku and was the proud son of a Gumatj leader. Mr Burarrawanga, somewhat unusually as a Salt Water man, worked in Central Australia as a linguist at Yuendumu, a Warlpiri language stronghold, which no doubt presented some difficulties. During that period, Mr Burarrawanga’s talents emerged when he joined a band called The Warumpi Band, which I saw in Alice Springs in either the late 1980s or early 1990s. I am a Warumpi Band fan.
The Warumpi Band started life in Papunya and for a long time was simply known as ‘that Papunya band’. Like most fledgling rock and roll outfits, they were a cover band, performing songs by Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones, and their influences are evident in the band’s later recordings as are other Aboriginal influences.
The band’s name derives from the honey-ant dreaming site located near the settlement of Papunya, 260 km west of Alice Springs. Original founding members were Sammy and Gordon Butcher and Neil Murray, assisted by other young fellows in that community. The Warumpi Band toured the Northern Territory and Kimberley region early on, playing to communities, outback stations and isolated townships, developing their unique sound and writing much of their material when on the road.
The Warumpi Band introduced indigenous language in its rock songs and used the didgeridoo and clap sticks as rock instruments. Their first single, Jailanguru Pakarnu, translated as ‘Out of Jail’, released through Hot Records in October 1983, was the first contemporary rock song to be sung in an Australian indigenous language, Luritja. In 1984, the debut album Big Name No Blankets was released and the tracks Blackfella/Whitefella, Breadline and Fitzroy Crossing received, for the first time, national air play for an indigenous group.
In 1985, The Warumpi Band toured Australia and overseas, something of which they and all Territorians should be very proud. They toured Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to promote the album which was, at that time, gaining much critical acclaim. In 1995, The Warumpi Band was back on the road, and they completed a highly successful tour of Germany, France, Poland, Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom. Who would have thought of an indigenous band from the Northern Territory taking its rightful place on the world music stage?
Later, The Warumpi Band signed with CAAMA Music based in Alice Springs and released Too Much Humbug. Neil Murray wrote My Island Home about Mr Burarrawanga, and it is probably his best known legacy. Other songs included Blackfella/Whitefella, which was also the name of the tour with Midnight Oil through remote indigenous communities in 1986, and Stompin’ Ground, which gave its name to the major music and cultural festival.
For more than 15 years, The Warumpi Band toured extensively in Australia and overseas. Mr Burarrawanga was renowned for his flamboyant stage presence which I am advised has been likened to Mick Jagger and an Aboriginal Bon Scott. As the Chief Minister said, high praise, indeed. Mr Burarrawanga’s 25-year career emphasised the importance of sharing Aboriginal knowledge in a quest to unite, not divide, and to bring happiness, not conflict. His life and his music should be celebrated.
I would like to quote from an obituary written for the Sydney Morning Herald by Chips Mackinolty, and I commend it to everyone. I will quote just one extract.
- After Warumpi’s last concert in Darwin in 2000, he promised his people that he would never stop. ‘The only way to stop me singing is to throw a microphone in my coffin’.
His music will not be contained in such a way; it will live on in the myriad languages he sang, and the thousands of fans whose lives he touched through those songs.
Madam Speaker, Mr Burarrawanga was an indigenous rock pioneer, and in the current climate, it is appropriate to place what might arguably be described as his most famous lyrics on the Parliamentary Record. I quote them as follows:
- Blackfella, whitefella
Yellafella, any fella
It doesn't matter what your colour
As long as you are true fella
- He’ll leave a great hole in the heart for many. He was in many respects a great leader and advocate for indigenous people in this country, and not only by his music, but his character, by his attitude and just by the way in which he dealt with other Australians. We will miss him sadly.
Madam Speaker, the opposition, together with all members of the Assembly, extends our sincere condolences to Mr Burarrawanga’s friends, some of whom work in Parliament House. We also extend our sincere condolences to his family.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Burarrawanga at Galiwinku last week. I had the pleasure of knowing him for very many years as a friend and, of course, as a well respected member of the electorate, as a leader right across the community of Arnhem Land, and he was an outstanding and influential musician.
He performed in collaboration with Neil Murray with The Warumpi Band for the last 20 years plus, spreading very important messages about his people, his life and the pride that he had in his culture and country. He will be remembered best for the song My Island Home. It has left a deep impact on very many Australians and it resonates very strongly indeed with any indigenous community located on an island because they claim it as their own. Whether that is Milingimbi, whether that is Elcho Island, his actual home island, it has a very deep impact on people.
The Leader of the Opposition spoke about his time in the Centre. It was a difficult time for Mr Burarrawanga and it is reflected beautifully, I think, in a couple of lines in My Island Home when he says:
- Six years I've been in the desert
and every night I dream of the sea
The line that kills me every time I hear it:
- For I come from the salt water people
we always lived by the sea
He played a very important role in educating younger generations across Top End bush communities and was an impressive role model for them. A number of years ago, I visited an industry training council associated with health, and they showed the DVD Living in a House, which was an educative tool designed to help indigenous people moving into a more formal housing situation than they may have been used to, and it contains very strong messages about how you needed to care for and look after that house. It was very colourful and very entertaining. In fact, the staff I had with me were all taken with it. It became the theme song of the office for many months. We thought: how can we tie the message here about looking after your house with getting children to school? So we worked with Mr Burarrawanga and the department to contract him to bring about a similar piece of work and he came up with Gotta Go To School. Again, it was colourful, individual and absolutely unique piece of work.
It was a tremendous pleasure and privilege for me to accompany him, late in my time as minister for Education, to Gunbalanya School in August last year. I remember when we arrived. He looked tremendously slight to me. I had a question, and he was reflective and somewhat pensive, and it was not the Mr Burarrawanga I knew as a colourful, flamboyant, full-of-life type personality, and it crossed my mind about his health at that time. We got to the assembly hall with a sea of expectant faces from the students looking up at Mr Burarrawanga. We got the sound system set up and put a microphone in his hand, and it was like someone had flicked a switch. He just went crazy, Madam Speaker, in the dance and the professionalism, and the effort and the energy. I suspect he was not well at that time, but the microphone in his hand was the signal ‘Show’s on’, and nothing stops the show going on. He gave it every bit of energy he had, and I sensed that, in fact, when we left the community, he had spent every bit that he had within him in order to get that story about the importance of going to school across to that audience. The school went on to teach them that song, Gotta Go To School and it was sung at the school for a long, long time after. You could see and, most importantly, feel the profound impact that a performance like that and Mr Burarrawanga had on the children.
He was a great leader, a tremendous performer and an important role model. He will be missed by all. My condolences go to his family. My heart and prayers are with the family and the community at this sad time in their lives.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is with considerable sadness that I speak to this motion.
That sorrow is not just as the minister for Arts as we mark the passing of one of the Territory’s great contemporary musicians, but also more broadly as a Territorian. We have lost someone who was committed to his people and who achieved much in that field in such a short life. It was particularly sad that Mr Burarrawanga passed away only three days short of his 51st birthday. It is the destiny of too many Aboriginal Territorians, especially men, to die before their time, living fewer years than members of the wider community.
The story of Burarrawanga’s life has been recounted in recent media reports and the aspects of that life will also be covered by other members of this Assembly from whom we have heard, so I will briefly touch on three areas of his life that are often overlooked by those who did not know him so well.
The first was in Burarrawanga’s skill as a linguist and as a lover of language. When he graduated from Batchelor, it was as a language worker. As a speaker of his mother’s tongue, the Gumatj dialect of Yolngu-Matha, he broke the mould by taking on desert languages. I cannot say what sparked it, but the idea of using Aboriginal languages in contemporary music became the bedrock of his work. Certainly, a major inspiration came from his elders, as he explicitly acknowledged at last year’s Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards when he paid heartfelt tribute to Soft Sands, a long running Galiwinku-based Yolngu band singing in language.
But the desert - that is harder to know. As an unabashed rock’n’roller, he certainly found a perfect home with the Luritja musicians, Sammy and Gordon Butcher, Neil Murray and The Warumpi Band. To coin a phrase, which everyone has talked about here this morning, in Warlpiri, his first desert language, singing in language became Junga yimi - the true story - of what he, the Butcher brothers and Murray achieved as they exploded on the scene with Jailanguru Pakarnu (Out of Jail). The first Australian hit in an Aboriginal language began an explosion in the recording and acceptance of Aboriginal languages in contemporary Australian music in northern and Central Australia and beyond, and it continues to this day.
The second aspect of Burarrawanga’s life I would mention was his battle with grog. He came to realise he could not live with the grog in his life; for what it was doing to him and his people. As he told George Negus on ABC TV in 2003:
I was a drinker … About 15 years ago, 20 years ago, I started off singing ... with the alcohol on my hand. And I was ... and I was singing about ‘When are you going to stop drinking?’ And I was singing that song, and I was falling all over the place, you know, and the next minute, I realised that I was cheating them. I was cheating my own people, saying, ‘You stop drinking so I can drink it myself.’ That's another way I was looking at this ...
And then I said: ‘I'm doing the wrong. I'm singing “Stop drinking,” and I'm still drinking and they're looking at me’.
The third aspect of his life I will mention was his passion for the future of the kids of the Northern Territory, especially kids out bush. He took this on at home on Elcho Island in his re-engagement in ceremonial life, such as with initiations, but he also took this passion to all the kids out there. He argued strongly of the need for kids to learn both sides, two ways, and the critical importance of school attendance. Largely at his instigation, but with strong support from the then minister for Education, the member for Nhulunbuy, he created the song Gotta Go! and an accompanying DVD to encourage the kids to go and stay at school.
I vividly remember, as I am sure the member for Nhulunbuy does, the eyes of the kids at Gunbalanya in my electorate when he came to the school to launch the DVD. These kids, who face so many problems in their lives but who have so much potential, could look up to a proud, strong Aboriginal man and listen to a proud, strong message about the importance of school attendance.
The Warumpi song My Island Home has become something of an anthem for many Australians. It is a song of yearning and love and of wanting to return home; to go back to country and family and friends. It is a song which he sang very proudly and who, indeed, returned to his island home where he passed away amongst his friends and family. Indeed, it was a privilege for me to visit him a couple of months ago and, in a quiet way, to bid him farewell on the lands of his ancestors.
Although in recent years, he sang this song only in Gumatj, it is worth remembering the words in English for they sum up his love for his land and his family
- For I come from the salt water people
we always lived by the sea
…
and my island home, my island home
my island home is a waiting for me.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and privilege that I speak to this condolence motion. This morning in this Assembly, we fittingly pay tribute to a naturally talented and inspiring artist and Territorian, Mr Burarrawanga, who recently passed away.
First, I acknowledge and extend my condolences to his children, Marion, Cecilia, Loretta, Carlos and Lance, and his wife, Suzina Macdonell, from Papunya. I also extend condolences from my colleague, the member for Macdonnell, to Mr Burarrawanga’s children, family, extended families and friends throughout the Northern Territory and the nation.
To many of us, Mr Burarrawanga will be greatly remembered as the front man of the great Australian band, The Warumpi Band. I will always class Mr Burarrawanga up there with legendary front men like Bon Scott of AC/DC, Michael Hutchence of INXS, and Peter Garrett in his days with Midnight Oil. I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Burarrawanga and I had the great privilege of watching him strut his stuff live in concert on several occasions. His performances on stage were electrifying. His inspiration and ability on stage is something, as the member for Arafura mentioned, that came from his elders and the Yolngu culture in salt water country.
Mr Burarrawanga travelled extensively throughout Western Desert communities such as Walungurru, Watiyawanu, Ikuntji, and Yuendumu. His passion to teach and ability to lead through music will be long remembered by many of the young men through the Western Desert communities for whom he was a great role model. His days of living in the desert amongst the magnificent landscape that surrounds communities like Papunya and strong language and culture of its people provided much inspiration to Mr Burarrawanga.
On behalf of my colleague, the member for Macdonnell, I wish to add that Papunya will always be grateful for the time he spent there. There is no doubt that the music that was written and performed during his time in the bush, particularly with the Luritja and Warlpiri people, will be a lasting legacy.
His respect for other indigenous language groups and willingness to learn their language and culture whilst sharing his music talents with them is a true indication of who Mr Burarrawanga was, and demonstrated his unique ability to combine both worlds so successfully.
Personally, as a young man growing up, I was and still am a big fan of The Warumpi Band. Warumpi Band albums such as Big Name No Blankets, Go Bush and Too Much Humbug are amongst my CD collection. These unforgettably titled albums contain truly Australian songs like Blackfella/Whitefella, From the Bush and the classic My Island Home which was sung at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
The Warumpi Band with Mr Burarrawanga at the front along with other members, Neil Murray and Gordon and Sammy Butcher, will long be remembered for the strong messages their songs produced. An example of the strong messages throughout The Warumpi Band music and the powerful voice of Mr Burarrawanga was the song Stand Up, which was used to promote and encourage indigenous Australians to vote in ATSIC elections in the early 1990s. These songs and their messages will continue to provide much inspiration and enjoyment across the desert communities of Central Australia. As we have heard this morning, Mr Burarrawanga was a man who achieved much, and in August 2004 he was recognised for his lifetime achievement at the inaugural Northern Territory Indigenous Music Awards, which was followed by a similar honour for Warumpi at the 2006 awards.
Finally, to Mr Burarrawanga, thank you for sharing your life and music with the people of the Western Desert. You will always be remembered.
Madam SPEAKER: I, too, extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Burarrawanga. I thank honourable members for their contribution to this motion.
Motion agreed to.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
RESPONSES TO PETITIONS
The CLERK: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 100A, I inform honourable members that responses to petition Nos 58 and 60 have been received and circulated to honourable members.
- Petition No 58
Move power generation to Brewer Estate
Date Presented: 18 April 2007
Presented by: Dr Lim
Referred to: Minister for Essential Services
Date response due: 29 August 2007
Date response received: 21 May 2007
Date response presented: 19 June 2007
Response
Following a decision by the Power and Water Board, a new power station will be developed for Alice Springs at the Brewer Estate. The station will house the two mobile power units currently located at Ron Goodin Power Station, as well as a new unit that is required by the end of 2008. General Capital works forecasts include an estimated $13.4M for this project.
Additionally a further $17.3M will be spent connecting the Transmission Line from Brewer Estate to a new substation at Norris Bell Avenue.
- Petition No 60
Operation investigation into the running of Batchelor Area School
Date Presented: 1 May 2007
Presented by: Mr Henderson
Referred to: Minister for Employment, Education and Training
Date response due: 30 August 2007
Date response received: 17 May 2007
Date response presented: 19 June 2007
Response
I wish to assure the Assembly that the Department of Employment, Education and Training considers the concerns raised by the community to be of high importance. The General Manager of the Palmerston and Rural Cluster and the Capability Development Unit in the department have responded to community perceptions of these issues by conducting and completing a thorough audit of Batchelor Area School processes.
A significant amount of community consultation has taken place including discussions with many of the people who are signatories to the petition, along with staff of the school and interested parties from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.
There will be an ongoing focus on school improvement. Mr Kevin Gillan, General Manager Palmerston and Rural Cluster has arranged to meet with the school community at Batchelor Area School to discuss the findings of the Capability Development Unit’s audit and negotiate the best way forward for all concerned parties.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Middle Years Progress
Middle Years Progress
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I update the House on the introduction of middle years schooling, one of the most significant reforms to education seen in the Northern Territory. Most members will have seen the middle years feature in the Sunday Territorian on the weekend showcasing outstanding things that are happening in Territory schools, and the great job that is being done by teachers, principals and school communities to make sure that this major educational change happens as smoothly and as successfully as possible.
I really would like to take the time this morning to congratulate teachers, principals, and broader school communities. As I get across the Northern Territory and visit schools and continue to work through the professional associations around education, the commitment, enthusiasm and extraordinary hard work that is going into the implementation of the new stage of middle schooling, the refocusing of effort on senior schooling, everyone putting their shoulder to the wheel, the commitment is fantastic.
The government’s $88.7m Building Better Schools program is improving outcomes for our students on two fronts: a $42m investment in improving resources and curriculum in the classroom supported by a $46.7m capital works program to upgrade school infrastructure. Some of the infrastructure programs under way or completed include:
the $19.9m middle school at Bullocky Point. I was pleased to inspect this site recently with the member for Port Darwin. The Territory’s first purpose-built middle school is now about half complete and on track to welcome students for the 2008 school year;
Additional and recurrent funding has been allocated to student transport as well, with funding for an additional 11 school buses in Darwin, two in Alice Springs this year, to be supported by funding for another 12 buses next year. It never ceases to amaze me how many buses we need across the Northern Territory to get our kids to school.
Of course, investment in middle schools is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about making a real difference in the classroom to give Territory students improved educational outcomes, and more opportunities in the future. Last week, I was pleased to launch the Guide to Planning, Teaching, Assessing and Reporting Learning in the middle years of schooling, developed specifically to assist Territory teachers to develop classroom plans that will deliver the best results for their students in the middle years. It is a fantastic resource kit for all teachers in middle years. Staff from the Curriculum Services Branch will be supporting the implementation of this new guide in our schools next year. It is a very practical guide that is going to support teachers in our classrooms.
In all of our middle schools and primary schools, principals, teachers and other staff are working to finalise middle years teaching programs, look after student wellbeing, conduct orientation programs and significant professional development, and keeping parents informed.
Many primary schools are running transition programs, including conducting some classes in their nearby senior schools to expose students to life in a middle school. For example, Anula Primary students in Years 6 and 7 head over to Sanderson High for extension classes in maths and English. That is happening across the Territory. In Alice Springs, the Clontarf Academy is providing real results in engaging at-risk indigenous students, resulting in improved attendance rates and better outcomes in the classroom.
Madam Speaker, middle years schooling is all about providing the very best learning opportunities for our students. We are building better schools that will give young Territorians the skills they need to enter the workforce and access the many opportunities the Northern Territory has to offer.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I apologise on behalf of the member for Blain, who is taken ill. He anticipates he will back into the Chamber sometime later today.
In taking the opportunity to respond to the minister’s comments, I congratulate the government for finally getting its facilities together. It has taken a long while for the government to implement this middle schools program, which has been variously dubbed as ‘muddle schools’.
The minister spoke about school buses. Obviously, we are glad to see there are more school buses available. It was a shame that the government allowed students from Palmerston to be stranded by the road side, leaving them to fend for themselves. That was a disgrace, and it took a long time for the government to respond.
To echo some of the comments that the member for Blain, the shadow minister for Education, would make: to have good student outcomes, you need to concentrate on curriculum. Bricks and mortar are essential, but it is good curriculum that delivers good education. Yet I have not heard from this minister what he is doing about it. Yes, he has provided some professional development for the teachers and staff, but again, a curriculum, which is the core of all education, is something on which this government has lost focus. They believe that if they build a few new buildings, put a few bricks together, a few demountables together and a few school buses together, it will make things better. Without good core curriculum development, you do not achieve results; you do not have the quality education that you need. I echo the sentiments of the member for Blain: get your curriculum in order and things will be better.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, surely a five minute report on the introduction of middle schooling is a little scant. There are many more things you could have mentioned. For instance, you did not mentioned what is happening in the bush. Have you made any inroads in providing education out there?
I am pleased with Alice Springs. ASHS and ANZAC have adjusted well to the middle school program. With Centralian, I have to comment on the Gateways Program. I hope some of the local members get down to see the Gateways Program, which is for Years 11 and 12. It is about 70% indigenous students, and about 35 of those are going to get their NTCE this year. It is a great program and they are making great strides because they are able to focus purely on these students who attend. They even have an autistic child who is doing brilliant work, and it is because he is so comfortable in this environment. There have been some good spin-offs from the middle schools. Minister, have a look at Gateways because you will be pleased with it. They are the students who did the big mural that was launched last week because there has been a lot of graffiti in Alice Springs. I am getting a bit off the track there, I know.
It is an amazing thing about the policy and governments, no matter what we do, at grassroots level, schools still operate well. Schools still do a good job and we bluster on about all sorts of things, but down there, kids are still being educated and teachers are still doing good things. What you do need to do with middle schooling is come back and tell us: have we lost any students with this transition? Have many of the students dropped out, or are they still attending school? That is one of the things we were worried about with the transfer of Year 10s to the senior secondary colleges. Tell us your future plans for providing middle school opportunities for students in the bush.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I thank members for their contribution. The member for Braitling said that this has been the only opportunity to debate middle schools. In the last sitting of parliament there was an extensive statement on education across the Northern Territory that focused a lot on middle schooling.
It is great to see that the CLP has finally come on board and is supporting the introduction of middle schools. I was really heartened by the member for Greatorex saying it is great that we are finally getting this together because the official shadow minister’s position has been that we are going too fast. The criticism had been that we are going too fast, that we are rushing this, and to hear support for the introduction of middle schooling from the member for Greatorex was very heartening.
Member for Braitling, in a future visit to Alice Springs, I will visit the Gateways Program. I will be very pleased to have a look at that.
I commend all of our teachers, principals and school communities across the Territory as they are implementing middle schooling.
Opposition to Nuclear Waste Dump
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, the Northern Land Council and the Australian government recently announced that the traditional owners had agreed to nominate land on Muckaty Station as a potential site for the proposed Commonwealth radioactive waste management facility.
The nomination of Muckaty was made possible by amendments to the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act, prompted by the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner. These changes mean a land council could directly nominate a site for the facility not originally proposed by the Commonwealth. The amended legislation means the nomination can go forward provided that the Northern Land Council says the traditional owners were consulted and informed about the nomination, and they consented.
However, the legislation undermines this very modest requirement by saying that the Commonwealth can accept the nomination from the NLC even if these requirements have not been followed. The rules for consulting Aboriginal people whose land is directly affected can be simply ignored. This means that a proposal affecting all Territorians can occur without transparency of process, without achieving consent of traditional owners, and bypassing the Territory parliament.
If the Commonwealth accepts the Northern Land Council’s nomination, Muckaty would be stripped of protections under Territory law, along with other potential sites near Alice Springs and Katherine. No existing or future laws of the Territory dealing with environmental impact assessment or pollution control will apply to either the assessment or operation of the Commonwealth’s dump on any site in the Territory. This applies to any state or territory laws that would regulate an off-site activity such as transport of the radioactive waste across Australia. Any legislation in any jurisdiction that prohibits or regulates the transport of radioactive waste material through their jurisdiction will not have force if it hinders the operation of the Commonwealth’s radioactive waste management facility.
In early 2006, the Commonwealth engaged consultants to undertake a technical assessment of the original three sites. The original timetable indicated the consultants’ work would take about a year. The nomination of Muckaty occurred in May 2007. Whether the consultant has undertaken or will undertake proper site investigations at Muckaty remains unclear. The Commonwealth has given no assurances that it will make public any information concerning the site selection. The outcome of the consultancy will allow the Australian government to select one or more sites, which will then undergo environmental impact assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and a parallel process to develop a site licence.
The original timetable for the construction of the facility showed the environmental and site licence processes to be separate, with separate consultation opportunities. Rolling up these two processes deprives Territorians of an opportunity to properly examine the proposal. If more than one site is to be considered, the resources of Territorians will be stretched. Alternative sites could lead to us being asked to consider which site is the most suitable from a limited list derived from politics rather than science. The question should have always been: which is the best site for the whole of Australia based on the science?
Territorians will be able to make comments on the proposal, which the Commonwealth expects to take about two years. Our government will be closely examining the way in which the Commonwealth proposes to address containment of water to protect groundwater, land and air quality; how it proposes to deal with the risk of accident, both at the facility and during transport; and the levels of monitoring and public disclosure that are proposed when the facility is operational. It is through these assessment processes that Territorians will have the best, indeed the only, opportunity to assure themselves of the safety of the facility.
The act makes it clear that the final decision on where the facility will be located is one for the federal minister in his or her ‘absolute discretion’. To put this beyond doubt, the legislation provides that this decision is not capable of being reviewed judicially. It says:
- No person is entitled to procedural fairness in relation to the Minister's making of a declaration.
in respect of a decision. These are extraordinary steps to take in legislation. They are not actions that would be justified on sound science. Since there is no capacity for the Territory to directly assess or regulate the Commonwealth’s facility through legal means, the possibilities for influencing the outcomes, both and before and after construction, are limited.
Madam Speaker, we will be keeping a close watch on activities and will be ready to act when the Commonwealth presents us with its preferred site. We can assure Territorians that there is the best possible community understanding of the proposal …
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report this morning. There is no doubt that any talk of this nuclear waste facility certainly stirs up a lot of emotion in this House.
The minister referred to the decision about the location of this facility being based on science. If it was based on science, there have been 10 years of ascertaining the best location in Australia for this facility. As the minister knows, it was a bipartisan federal government decision that it was to be based on a contaminated site in South Australia. As she very well knows, the Labor government in South Australia refused to have it there, which brought it back to the federal government for an alternative site. The decision was successfully challenged in court by the South Australian government, but it was a site that would have been suitable. Naturally, the federal government has to look elsewhere.
The Northern Land Council is acting on behalf of its constituents. There is no doubt that you will never get 100% approval for anything anywhere, as we are all well aware. My belief is that they are acting in the best interests of the majority of the elders of Muckaty Station. There will be much more discussion on the environmental impact statement of that decision before it happens at Muckaty. It is not going to be forced on anyone. The offer has been made by Muckaty to put the facility on that property.
Two minutes is hardly fair to be discussing an environmental impact statement on Muckaty Station.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Kiely: Here is a good contribution coming up.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I am glad to see the member for Sanderson pre-empting the debate.
Naturally, when you discuss this issue, there is an awful lot of politics involved and just as much comes from the Northern Territory government in this debate. I have a media release from the traditional owner of Muckaty Station saying that she supports the nomination of this site.
I disagree with you, minister, when you say the site should be based on scientific grounds. There were two sites in the Northern Territory that were selected, as much as the Chief Minister avoids the issue. One was the Tanami Desert and the other was Mt Everard. They were picked on scientific grounds, Chief Minister …
Ms Martin: They were removed. They did not make the second cut at all.
Mr WOOD: The documentation is there that they had a scientific basis. They had a scientific basis, Chief Minister, and you avoided that in all the media statements you made.
The reason that we are where we are is the same reason I have stated before, which is that we cannot act as Australians on this issue. You complain about the transport of radioactive waste, we have radioactive material flying once a week on an aeroplane over our airspace from Sydney to Darwin for the benefit of the people of the Northern Territory. We will continue to transport radioactive material with the development of the Oncology Unit, which you support. Are you saying the transport of radioactive material by plane over the Northern Territory is dangerous? The reason that it can be transported by air is the same reason the waste can be transported safely. Read the international requirements for the transportation of radioactive waste. No waste will be transported unless it is transported according to those international regulations.
Dr Burns: Is that including the stuff from France?
Mr WOOD: The problem we have with this debate - it can be transported from France safely. It is transported around the world on a regular basis …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr WOOD: On a regular basis. The trouble with this debate is not only is there a motion, there is a lot of politics, ideology …
Members interjecting.
Mr WOOD: … and a government that brought in the three mine policy – hypocritical!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson, your time has expired. Member for Nelson! Resume your seat.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, picking up on the member for Nelson - political, emotional, not scientific. I accuse the member for Nelson of this: what a hypocrite this member is.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: If we talk about …
Mr STIRLING: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He used the same term in relation to the government not 40 seconds ago. What a hypocrite!
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Deputy Chief Minister, I ask you to withdraw those words, please. Member for Nelson, I would like you to withdraw as well.
Mr WOOD: May I speak to the point of order, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I ask you to withdraw those words, please ...
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, I am not sure what I had to with …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, I am asking you to withdraw the words, or I will be asking you to withdraw from the Chamber.
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, I am not sure as to what …
____________________________
Member Suspended
Member for Nelson
Member for Nelson
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, pursuant to Standing Order 240A, I ask you to withdraw from the Chamber for one hour, please.
_________________________
Dr LIM: Madam Speaker, may I speak to the point of order?
Madam SPEAKER: Please! I am finished with that. Minister, please continue. Deputy Chief Minister, resume your seat.
Mr STIRLING: I was withdrawing, Madam Speaker.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have a responsibility in this House as government to demand that the facility is assessed at the highest international standards and that the project conforms to best international practice. There are many furphies that go around, and the member for Nelson is part of it. There is high level waste; it is not about medical waste. We continue to have this debate. It is a dump to receive the high level waste that is coming from France. The member for Nelson very well knows this and the hypocrisy …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: The shadow minister, who has this information as well - the Northern Territory was never …
Dr Lim interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: In terms of that report, the Northern Territory was never on the radar if we look at the scientific and geological assessment of the site.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Support for Multicultural Organisations
Ms LAWRIE (Multicultural Affairs): Madam Speaker, the Territory prides itself on its history of having a very strong and vibrant multicultural society, and the contributions from our communities that play a key role in our social, cultural and economic development. In recognition of this contribution, the government continues to support the multicultural community to further enhance our great lifestyle and our cultural diversity. Today I would like to talk about some recent initiatives for our Thai, Chinese, Greek and Indian communities.
Just over a week ago, on Friday, 8 June, an historic event occurred. On behalf of the Territory government, I had the honour of handing over the title of a hectare of land off Batten Road in Marrara to the Thai Ambassador to Australia, who accepted the title on behalf of the Thai Theravada Association of the Northern Territory. The Thai Theravada Association plans to build a community hall, a temple, monks’ residences, and male and female retreat houses on that land.
It is the first time in Australia that land has been granted by a government to a Theravada Buddhist organisation. The Thai government and the Supreme Buddhist Council in Thailand, the Sangha, valued this gesture so highly that they sent 14 senior monks from Thailand, New Zealand and throughout Australia. Close to 1000 members of the Thai, Burmese, Laotion, Cambodian and Vietnamese communities attended the ceremonies, which were conducted throughout the day and into the evening.
This was the culmination of many years of planning and fund raising, particularly by the Thai and Laotion communities. To date, they have raised about $170 000. I would especially like to mention and thank four founding members who continue to be the force behind the project: Jiraphorn Crowell, Somsong Albert, Jaroon Rattatom, and Saeng Yodkemarkul.
Members may recall the Chung Wah Society recently received $245 000 through the Ethnic Community Facilities Development Fund for their Chinese Cultural Centre project. Work on refurbishment of the Chinese Museum is set to start soon and the whole project is expected to be completed by August of this year. The rising cost of building materials led to a funding shortfall, and the society approached me as Minister for Multicultural Affairs with a plan for their fund raising efforts to reduce the shortfall and a request for assistance.
I congratulate Tina Griffiths, daughter of Dick and Rosemary Griffiths, who organised a very successful fund raising dinner for 150 guests here at Parliament House. I thank Madam Speaker for making the venue available. It was at this dinner that my colleague, minister Burns, was able to present a cheque for a further $20 000 on behalf of the Territory government to ensure this worthwhile project is completed. Congratulations to the Chung Wah Society, especially their President, Adam Lowe, for their ongoing effort.
It has been a big few weeks for the Greek community, with the annual Greek Glenti and, importantly, the visit of the Prime Minister of Greece, Konstandinos Karamanlis. Mr Karamanlis made a special trip to Darwin during his Australian visit and met with the Chief Minister, ministers and local community members.
The Glenti this year was expanded to incorporate a week of festival activities. It was wonderful to meet the Mayor of Kalymnos, His Worship George Roussos, and his Deputy, Philippos Christodoulou, at the launch at the Darwin Entertainment Centre. They were very impressed with the incredible efforts of Lilliane Gomatos and the organising committee, and the Territory government’s contribution of $60 000 towards this year’s Glenti festival.
This weekend marks a special event for the Indian community, with the 11th India@Mindil. The Indian community showcases their music, culture, dance and cuisine down at Mindil Beach from 5 pm on Saturday. We expect about 114 performers in total. There will be 12 dancers from the city of Hyderabad in India who are also conducting workshops at four primary schools in Darwin and holding a special show at the Darwin Entertainment Centre this week. The Martin government has committed $22 000 to support this fantastic event.
Funding for other community festivals includes the Cyprus Community Cultural Festival, the Filipino Barrio Fiestas in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, the Persatuan Indonesian Festival and the Multicultural Community Services to Central Australia participation in the Desert Festival, the Bangtail Muster, Harmony Week and May Day. In total, there has been some $737 000 spent from the Multicultural Sponsorship Program to our multicultural communities right across the Territory.
This government is committed to supporting and progressing our cultural diversity in the Territory, and I thank all of the volunteers in those community-based organisations for their incredible efforts in promoting and enhancing our multicultural diversity.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I congratulate the government for heeding the request of our multicultural communities across the Territory seeking government assistance. I have been very much aware of what the Thai Theravada Buddhist community have been doing in past years, working very hard to fund raise to ensure that they have some capital to put towards their new project.
I find it interesting, though, for the minister to say that this is the first time the Northern Territory government has given land to the Thai Theravada. You provide land to ethnic communities, and the Thai Theravada was formed in the Territory less than five years ago. They have made a request to government. It has taken them many years to finally come to this, and I congratulate the government for providing them with land where they can develop their centre. Buddhism is probably one of the fastest growing – call it a religion or way of life in Australia. Likewise in Darwin, Buddhism has had a huge impact on our community, and more power to them that they can bring a good sensible lifestyle to Territorians.
The Chung Wah Society, the Glenti and India@Mindil are examples of how our ethnic communities have significantly contributed to our varied social fabric. I was at the Chung Wah Society function upstairs on the fourth floor. It was a very good night, indeed. The funds raised, including monies donated by private enterprise across Darwin, and the government’s contribution will go a long way to helping the Chung Wah to complete its project, which started many months ago. The minister said ‘about to be started’, but it was started many months ago.
I congratulate the Greeks and the Indians for their celebrations and I wish them many years of good fortune to come.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Minister, great, I am glad you support multiculturalism. We all do.
Now I have one more favour to ask of you. As you are aware, government gave land to the Afghan Muslims in Alice Springs some time ago and they have a great mosque. Anna Kenny decided that she would do an exhibition on the contribution of the Afghans to Central Australia in particular. She approached Araluen and the NT Museum, which both knocked back supporting this exhibition. It was launched in June by the South Australian Museum. It is a travelling exhibition.
We want it to come to Alice Springs because it is a great history of the contribution made by the Afghans. It is going to Broken Hill. It is booked to go to Port Augusta. It would be a great gesture on the part of this government, whose department unfortunately knocked it back in the first place, if they would bring it to Alice Springs. It should also travel to Darwin because there is a huge history to be told.
It is interesting that the government named one of the schools in Alice Springs after Charlie Sadadeen. That school is going to celebrate 25 years next year, the anniversary of when I opened it. Where has 25 years of my life gone, Madam Speaker? The town council has also named a meeting place after the Afghans. It was the area outside the town council lawns where the Afghans met. They had market gardens; they were part of the community. It would be a great gesture on your part, minister, if you would support bringing this travelling exhibition to Alice Springs and to Darwin.
Madam Speaker, I seek leave to table this brochure so that the minister can see what I am talking about.
Leave granted.
Ms LAWRIE (Multicultural Affairs): Madam Speaker, I thank the members for their contributions. Yes, the Territory government does provide land to a range of communities, but what was of note is that we are the first government in Australia to donate land to a Theravada Buddhist organisation. That is what the government of Thailand were incredibly impressed by; and why they sent so many monks from Thailand and throughout Australia and New Zealand to attend the ceremony.
On the issue raised by the member for Braitling, I will be delighted to talk to our minister for the Arts in relation to the Cameleer’s exhibition. I have spoken to Eric Sultan about the exhibition, as well as to the young lady who was involved in putting it together. I already have the cameleer’s brochure. I was very disappointed not to be able to get to the launch of that because it is a fantastic exhibition which showcases the importance of the Afghans and their contribution to Central Australia. I am happy to talk to the minister for the Arts about any potential for it travelling into our museums in the Territory.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
APPROPRIATION BILL 2007-08
(Serial 94)
(Serial 94)
Continued from 3 May 2007.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Madam Speaker, I commend the budget introduced by the Treasurer. The 2007-08 Territory budget backs business and sets an excellent course for continued strong and sustainable Territory economic development. It builds on our economic development framework and delivers jobs, growth and a stronger Territory. It will improve business competiveness, regional development and indigenous economic development. This budget ticks all the right boxes. Industry has welcomed this budget and the government’s plan for the future for the Northern Territory economy.
Growing competitive Territory businesses strengthens our economy. The government, through the Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development will continue to invest in the services needed to expand the economy, grow business, and create ongoing job opportunities for the Northern Territory. This side of the House knows that a stable, competitive Territory business environment allows business to grow and new business to develop. As I have stated previously in this House, it is paramount to retain and expand local business, as current businesses represent the foundation on which new economic development can be built.
I am delighted the 2007-08 Budget builds on our business strategies to reduce taxes on business, open more opportunities for Territorians to access the skills and training needed in our economy, to provide the capital needed for a strong capital works and infrastructure program, and support continued business and economic development throughout the Territory. This budget locks in the gains and, importantly, it will help create new businesses. Our economy is strong and there is evidence to support this: employment growth, sales and profitability for small businesses have doubled according to the latest Sensis Business Index. The Territory again had the highest approval rating of all state or territory governments.
The business community backs the Martin government’s sound economic management. We have a strong economy and a plan for the future, and business groups have responded to that. While our economy is bucking national trends, we know there is more to be done to make sure all businesses benefit from our growing economy. Working with business has led to a series of sound and sensible initiatives: tax cuts, building critical infrastructure and training new workers. In 2005, we set an ambitious target of commencing 10 000 apprentices and trainees over four years, and we are on track.
It is no accident that the Sensis Business Index shows that employment growth has doubled; the Australian Bureau of Statics shows a growth in jobs by 5% in the year to March; and ANZ job ads have a 6.6% increase in the year to March. We have a Jobs Plan and it is working. The confidence of business in the Martin government’s policies is encouragement to work and plan even harder for the future.
As part of our plan for the future, we are undertaking the largest Power and Water infrastructure upgrade ever in the Northern Territory - $840m over the next five years. This investment is necessary to support our growing economy and underpin future development and population growth. We must continue to consolidate our strong economy. This budget does so.
The 2007-08 Budget is good news for business and for business competiveness. The action announced by the Treasurer to lower business taxes further is very good news. Business tax savings of $94.2m have been locked in since 2002. In 2007-08, stamp duty applying to hire arrangements will be abolished, saving business $5.3m a year. From July 2009, stamp duty on business property conveyancing other than land will also be abolished. Further annual savings for business of $11.3m will result from this change. These and our earlier tax changes reinforce that the Territory is the leading low-tax jurisdiction in Australia.
As a result, the competitiveness of our business operating environment has been strengthened. This will bring new investments and employers to our Territory and our communities. In partnership with industry, the $310m secured in the budget for skills and jobs will develop our workforce, provide new opportunities for Territorians, especially those in regional and remote areas, and Budget 2007-08 delivers a cash infrastructure spend of $645m. That brings to $3.3bn the amount of cash dedicated to infrastructure since 2001. This year, $180m was provided for the total roads program, with a massive injection of an extra $35m over four years into maintenance programs.
We have announced a massive $814m in investment in Power and Water infrastructure over the next five years, almost double the previous period. The works are part of our plan for the future and it is the largest investment in essential services ever in the Territory. This plan for the future will ensure capacity to meet emerging demand, renew our assets and improve service reliability. The repairs and maintenance budget increased by $222m over this five year period.
Our population is growing, our economy is growing, and now is the time to be planning for the long-term growth of the Territory. We need to ensure that Territory infrastructure grows fast enough to keep up with economic and population growth while improving service and reliability for existing customers. Major projects in the plan include $126m for a new power station at Weddell to service Darwin and Palmerston; $25m for the Darwin Sewage Strategy closing the Larrakeyah Outfall; $10m to upgrade the Ludmilla Waste Treatment Plant; $41.7m for a new power station at Brewer and a transmission line to Alice Springs; $12.5m for undergrounding power in Darwin suburbs; $12.2m for a new power sub-station in Archer for Palmerston; $11.5m for power upgrades in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Yulara; and $8.5m to raise Darwin River Dam by 1.3 m, increasing capacity of the dam by 20%.
We are a young vibrant Territory. It is important that we plan ahead so we do not make the same mistakes we are now seeing coming home to roost down south. We only have to look at New Zealand after privatisation of the power utility and the lack of any upgrade or maintenance by the private companies. The plan will create local jobs and work for a local contractors, with millions injected into the Territory economy both now and into the future. It lays a foundation not just for this year, but the years ahead.
Budget 2007-08 also includes $7m to prepare land in Bellamack for public release. This land will contain lots aimed at first homebuyers. Ongoing planning of $1.3m is provided for services to Mt Johns Valley land in Alice Springs.
HomeNorth has been revamped to make it family focused. The HomeNorth Xtra revamp announced will help maintain the momentum in our construction sector and make the scheme more accessible for Territorians to buy their first home.
The additional $56m for indigenous community housing and related essential services addresses the vital needs that open more opportunities for indigenous economic development and skills development.
We support business throughout the Territory, through our ongoing Business Development and Support programs. We develop business through our Territory Business Centres, Business Information and Licensing Assistance Services, the Business Growth and Upskills programs and, of course, October Business Month.
We are backing regional indigenous economic development with a range of initiatives, such as regional economic development fund, $0.5m, and continued implementation of the Building Stronger Regions, Stronger Futures strategy implementation.
In addition, we have: the Indigenous Business Development Grant program - $300 000; our Economic Development Committees; the Indigenous Economic Development Strategy, $530 000; McArthur River Mining Community Benefit Fund development; the Red Centre Way development support, and Overarching Agreement Schedule implementation.
We are supporting industry development and investment in the Northern Territory through the Industry Development Support grants, $135 000; the Defence Support program and Industry Development Support program for peak industry associations, $1.149m.
We listen to business and understand the importance of reducing red tape. We continue to implement the Economic Development Framework, we had a review of the Industry Participation Policy, and further action on red tape and regulation reduction initiatives.
The Land Development Corporation has funding of $2.6m in 2007-08 to continue environmental and design investigations for the release of further strategic industrial land at East Arm and Wickham Estates. We are backing knowledge and innovation with the $350 000 Northern Territory Research and Innovation Fund.
Skilling Territorians is a key priority for government and is reflected in this year’s budget. To ensure the Territory workforce is skilled and work-ready, Budget 2007-08 funds a new Jobs Plan, with $21.3m over four years. The plan continues the government’s training effort and supports both employers and employees in improving skills in the workplace. We are helping address skill shortages with our Business and Skilled Migration program targeted at filling strategic skills shortage areas in the workforce.
This year’s tourism budget totals a significant $38.3m. These funds are delivering more visitors and improved airline capacity into the Territory. You only have to walk down Mitchell Street during the day or night to see the number of tourists. Yesterday, I was having a coffee at Salvatores and I was talking to the manager. He predicted that this is going to be the best season for the past 10 years. He predicted a very bright future for tourism. I walked into Char and we could not find a table on Thursday. They are fully booked from Thursday to Sunday. If you go to Caf Uno, you find the same. Chiantis is the same. The whole town is rocking and the number of international and national tourists is incredible. Once again, you see more southern state number plates on cars than you see Territory plates. It is a great opportunity for Territorians, and tourism is booming.
In the mining sector, the Bringing Forward Discovery program will receive an ongoing $3m per year for four years to assist exploration for mining across the Territory. We are working with industry to develop mine supply and support services, including Alice Springs as a supply and service hub, Indonesia mining industry supply and services support and an industry participation plant management. Getting these building blocks in place now gives business the confidence to continue investing in the Territory’s future.
Madam Speaker, this budget backs businesses. It strengthens our economy, builds on our infrastructure, addresses our regional needs, develops Territory skills, improves our competitiveness and, finally, enhances the job linking capacity of the communities. I congratulate the Treasurer for introducing a strong and responsible budget, as it strengthens our place in the world as good fiscal managers, plans for the future, and gives surety to business for economic planning and employment in the future.
Budget 2007-08 is about jobs, growth and lifestyle today and into the future. It backs Territory business and delivers their major needs. The Martin government is a business-friendly government and this year’s budget continues that approach. Under the Martin government, the Territory has an economy and lifestyle that is the best in Australia.
The Martin Labor government supports sport. It is part of the great Territory lifestyle. The priority of sports was clear after the Martin Labor government was first elected in 2001. Our priority was to address areas of chronic neglect left by the previous CLP government. There were three areas we targeted: fixing existing great facilities, building new facilities, and bringing elite sport to the Territory. In Budget 2007-08, we continue to back sport. Under the Sport and Recreation portfolio, we continue to deliver opportunities for all Territorians to participate in sport and recreational activities, both in urban and remote areas of the Territory.
The creation and maintenance of sporting facilities in the Territory remains a cornerstone of government’s commitment by ensuring Territorians are provided with opportunities to participate in sport at all levels. In 2006-07, government delivered on its commitments and saw the opening of the Palmerston Recreation Centre. This state-of-the-art centre provides a recreational facility for the benefit of all residents and sporting organisations in the Palmerston and rural region.
The Darwin Football Stadium is also nearing completion, with $78 000 being provided in this budget for the staging of a pre-season A-League game in July to mark the opening of the new home of football in the Territory. What a football stadium it is! During the recent Arafura Games, I heard comments by the Macau team. They said that Macau receives all these royalties from their casinos, but they do not have facilities like that. How come a place like Darwin with 150 000 people can have a facility like that? All the seats are now in place, so everyone can sit on very comfortable seats, and we are working to install an electronic scoreboard.
Of course, it gets better. As a football fan, and originally from Western Australia, I am very much looking forward to seeing Perth Glory against Melbourne Victory on Territory soil. That will be the opportunity to open the new football stadium on 28 July.
Budget 2007-08 delivers $4.8m worth of construction of an outdoor netball centre at Marrara, which will bring the code side-by-side with an A-grade competition already being played at the Darwin Indoor Basketball Stadium.
Some $500 000 was also provided for Stage 3 of the continued upgrade of the Hidden Valley Motor Sports Complex and $300 000 for the construction of a skate park and amenities in Nightcliff. Of course, there is the $400 000 election promise for the Nakara lights. If the Darwin City Council comes to the party, we might see both of them constructed very quickly instead of playing games about who allocates the money and where the facilities will be installed.
Unlike the CLP, this government is committed to ensuring all existing facilities owned by government are maintained to a high level. Funding has been provided in 2007-08 for the repairs and maintenance of government-owned sporting facilities, and that is reflected by the comments we received during the Arafura Games 2007, the best Arafura Games ever, that saw 2800 athletes from 42 countries, as far away as Venezuela, Lichtenstein and Brazil, come to take part in these fantastic facilities that we have in Darwin. The comments were enthusiastic; people keep coming back. Of course, the best comment was from the President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven, who admired the facilities. He said how user-friendly they were and how, now, Paralympic Games will be part of the Arafura Games every time they are held in Darwin.
Madam Speaker, the benefits we derive from encouraging participation in sport and recreation amongst all Territorians are well known. Nationwide concerns regarding high levels of obesity within Australia and the role of regular exercise in addressing these trends has been well documented. The Northern Territory government is working with the sporting sector and the broader community to optimise these benefits through relevant programs and services, the most efficient and effective use of resources, increasing access to facilities and the promotion of sport and recreation.
A total of $3.5m has been allocated in 2007-08 for direct grants to sport and recreation peak and local governing bodies, as well as grassroots organisations to increase their capacity to provide regular activity. You only have to go to Alice Springs, to Ross Park or even Bagot Oval here on Sunday to see how many kids play soccer or participate in other sporting activities. I am very pleased to see parents assisting coaches and other administrators in providing this fantastic opportunity for the kids to get away from television and computers and be physically active.
Our funding assists with development of sports, establishment of best practice management and increased opportunity for Territorians to participate in a wide range of sports and physical activities. We are committed more than ever to increase the opportunity for Territorians to participate in physical activity and developing the level of interest in sport. As a specific policy initiative, we are contributing to the outcome by providing opportunities to see performances by elite athletes through attracting national and international sporting events to the Territory.
This weekend, the Western Bulldogs played against the Dockers in front of 14 000 people at Marrara Stadium, and it was a fantastic example of how this government brings elite sport to Territorians. We are far away from the major centres and not all Territorians can travel south to watch some of these fantastic events. We are prepared to bring these teams to the Territory to show Territorians a real quality game - not only in Darwin, but in Alice Springs where recently the Adelaide Crows played the West Coast Eagles at Traeger Park in front of a capacity crowd of 11 000 people. At the same time, the Gold Coast, which has a much bigger population, could only attract 7000 or 8000 people. Territorians go crazy and we see it every time we bring a quality match here.
Madam Speaker, $610 000 will be provided in 2007-08 to continue financial and administrative support for national and international sporting fixtures in the Territory. These include the staging of three AFL matches in Darwin and Alice Springs; staging of another national basketball fixture, with the Perth Wildcats at Marrara Indoor Stadium in 2008; staging of an Australian Rugby League game in February 2008 at Traeger Park in Alice Springs; staging a pre-season A-League game to open the Darwin Football Stadium in July 2007.
Output funding of $3.9m has been allocated in 2007-08 for the Northern Territory Institute of Sport, which is a key partner in the sport and recreation sector through its identification, development and support of the Territory’s talented and elite athletes. Its primary role is to provide high quality services and support to those aspiring athletes and their coaches, to optimise opportunities to achieve the highest level in sport and in life.
The Northern Territory Institute of Sport offers support to athletes through its individual scholarship program and through the following sport programs: Australian Football League, cricket, hockey, Australian Rugby League, Australian Rugby Union, netball, tennis, weightlifting, cycling and tenpin balling. In summary, the 2007-08 budget continues to allow us to increase the Territory’s growing catalogue of high quality sporting infrastructure and continues our support for local sporting bodies and athletes.
It highlights our commitment and investment in Territory sports and recreation and ultimately contributes to reducing the burden on our health system and builds on our great Territory lifestyle. Much has been achieved by our investment of time and money in sport, but there is more to be done. We understand sport’s importance to the Territory’s great lifestyle. After fixing areas of chronic neglect and getting sports back to where it should have been, the job is now to look around and work out where we want to be in 10 years’ time, and we are doing that.
We are discussing with all our participating members for the Arafura Games. We are talking about expanding the competition in soccer. We are talking about having competitions between different countries that are unable to attend the Arafura Games from as far away as America and South Africa. Sport for Territorians is very important. The other face of sports is that people who come here to participate in a sporting event either as athletes, administrators or even partners, discover that the Territory is a unique place and they want to come back as tourists, or they extend their stay.
I am well aware that many Western Bulldogs supporters stayed for an extra five days. Yesterday, I saw some of them ready to board the Orion that left Darwin to go to Broome and return to Darwin later. Every person who comes here for sport, or to participate in sport, and stays on, contributes an average of $100 to $150 a person a night. It is significant income for the Territory.
As I said before, we need a long-term vision. We are developing a comprehensive sports and recreation policy that will encompass every aspect of sport across the Territory. Work in this area has already been done by the Sessional Committee on Sport and Youth, chaired by the member for Port Darwin, Kerry Sacilotto. Their work will influence where the Martin Labor government’s significant investment in sport will be directed in the future. We will work with the great Territorians who love their sport, dedicated volunteers who devote their time to their chosen sport, professional administrators, past players and administrators, to develop a comprehensive sport policy that will ensure that the Territory lifestyle remains the best in Australia.
Madam Speaker, Budget 2007-08 delivers jobs, growth and a stronger Territory. I commend the Treasurer for delivering this budget to Territorians.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Madam Speaker, Budget 2007-08 contains fantastic news right across my portfolios. As Infrastructure minister, we have a record infrastructure budget. In Family and Community Services, we also see record budgets across the board, and in Multicultural Affairs, our extremely generous grants programs continue.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure is the Northern Territory government’s agency that provides a coordinated approach to infrastructure provision, transport services and land development planning. This department plays a major role in the economic and social development of the Territory, providing wide ranging essential services, implementing major infrastructure projects, land planning and development, managing the national and major arterial road network, and keeping transport moving and safe. The department also has responsibility for regulating land use and the building and transport sectors.
This year’s budget highlights the Northern Territory government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and developing new infrastructure across all regions and sectors of the Territory, and building on the facilities that we already have in place. The budget allocations are designed to further stimulate the Territory’s economic growth, and enhance the lifestyle and wellbeing of Territorians.
Budget highlights for new infrastructure include a commitment for infrastructure spending allocated to the department in 2007-08 of some $302m out of a total government infrastructure budget of $645m. This is the highest allocation ever made to infrastructure. This budget will help the Territory economy grow, enhance opportunities for both the business and industry sectors, and further add to our lifestyle across the regions.
A major focus of the budget this year is on our roads. The 2007-08 Budget reflects the critical need to build, upgrade and maintain the Territory’s vast road network, including major tourist highways, arterial roads and strategic outback roads that support rural industry and remote communities. The government has allocated a record $180m package for our roads.
Budget capital funding under the Commonwealth-funded AusLink program, including new and continuing works for the Territory, this year totals $74.2m and includes $10m allocated as the first part of the $32m the Territory government has committed to the Tiger Brennan Drive extension. This first instalment of $10m is for the duplication of the intersections connecting the current Tiger Brennan Drive with Wishart Road in Palmerston. This will significantly improve traffic flow between Darwin and Palmerston. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth government, in their budget, refused to include any additional funding and their contribution remains at just $13.7m. Fortunately, the federal Labor Party recognises the importance of this road and has already announced that they will match the Territory government’s $32m if elected later this year.
The roads budget also includes total capital funding of $46m to continue upgrading flood immunity of the Victoria Highway. This will include six new high-level bridges through the Victoria River floodplain. As part of the national highway network, a total of $5m for the pavement, strengthening and widening of selected sections of the Stuart, Barkly and Victoria Highways is included. A total of $1.74m under the Strategic Regional Roads program will be spent on the Outback Way project for the continued upgrading of selected pavement sections. There is $700 000 under the Black Spot program for projects to improve the safety of targeted Northern Territory government and local government roads. A total of $15.64m has been allocated for the maintenance of AusLink Network Corridors. This includes an additional $1.5m from the Territory government as a result of reduced funding allocations from the Australian government.
The Territory government has allocated capital funding of $43.2m for ongoing upgrading of Territory-managed roads. The highlights include new and continuing works: work will continue on the $16.5m Red Centre Way with some $11.5m expenditure expected in 2007-08, and a further $15m programmed for 2008-09; work will also continue on the share-funded $14.95m upgrading of the Port Keats Road which commenced last Dry Season, spending about $2.8m last financial year; additional funding has been provided to upgrade, maintain and seal priority sections of the Tanami Road with $24m allocated to this important road over the next six years; a further $800 000 is allocated under the Rural Arterials to address pavement reconstruction of poor sections of road that have reached the end of their economic life. This will, importantly, include selected sections of the Buntine Highway; $750 000 is allocated for Urban Arterials to address pavement reconstruction of poor sections of our urban arterial network which also have reached the end of their economic life. Selected sections on Bagot and McMillans Roads and the Stuart Highway in Darwin will be addressed in the 2007-08 financial year; $500 000 is allocated to upgrade sections of the Sandover Highway, including re-sheeting and drainage upgrades to help enhance the local pastoral sector, and other economic development.
The Territory government will deliver $57m on repairs and maintenance of roads infrastructure right across the Territory, including $14.4m of Commonwealth funding on the AusLink network. The allocation provides an increase in maintenance funding of $7.5m, a significant commitment by the government to preserve our vital road network. It recognises the importance the Northern Territory government places on the road network in achieving both economic and social outcomes for our communities.
The government has a number of strategic land use planning projects on its agenda for 2007-08. The most significant of the long-term planning projects is the development of a strategic plan for the Darwin region that will provide options for the release of Crown land for residential, commercial, community and industrial uses to meet our needs for the next 15 years. A strategic plan will also be developed for residential and industrial land for Alice Springs, which will be informed by broad public consultation with the local community by my department during the year.
Planning will also be undertaken for the new Darwin suburb of Muirhead at Lee Point. Importantly in August, the government will be calling for expressions of interest for the development of residential land for the new Palmerston suburb of Bellamack. The suburb will provide for affordable housing through the allocation of lots for first homebuyers, and will incorporate best practice guidelines for subdivision development. $7m has been allocated in the capital works program for headworks for this new subdivision. The budget includes water and sewer reticulation, a sewer pump station, power reticulation, road works, and trunk stormwater drainage. Work will commence this Dry Season. Work will also progress on amending the Planning Scheme to incorporate improved building design requirements flowing from the CBD Urban Planning forum hosted by my department earlier this year. The department will be working with Darwin City Council under the auspices of the Capital City Committee to progress recommendations from the forum relating to the greening of Darwin and its city streets.
Two initiatives the government has funded in this budget will complement the outcomes of the forum. They are two entry statements to the CBD at the Daly Street bridge and Bennett Street to create a sense of an arrival to our capital city, and the creation of a new park on the headland at Myilly Point. $600 000 will be spent on the Myilly Point park redevelopment. This beautiful area was zoned as public open space following extensive community consultation in 2004. The work will include landscaping, pathways, seating and shade, and access down the escarpment to Mindil Beach and the restaurants at Cullen Bay. It will enable both locals and tourists to take full advantage of the spectacular views of our harbour.
It is over a decade since the Territory reviewed fees and charges for development applications. During that time, the complexity and value of development proposals has greatly increased, exposing some inequities in the pricing. For example, a duplex development in Palmerston attracts the same fee as a $100m development in the Darwin CBD. The increase of fees now proposed has been structured to provide relativity as measured by the value of the development proposed. The increases will position the Territory approximately mid-way in the range of comparable fees charged in other states. The proposed fees will recover less than half the cost of providing development assessment services.
Madam Speaker, $5m is allocated to continue headworks associated with the Darwin city waterfront development. This year’s funding will include further site decontamination works, the upgrade of McMinn Street at the intersection with Bennett Street. A total of $60m will have been spent by the end of the 2006-07 financial year and a further $35m will go to community infrastructure in 2007-08.
This will see the community infrastructure virtually complete when the convention centre is handed over in mid-2008. The sea walls and major earthworks are almost complete, as are most of the road works and services. The wave lagoon has been excavated and construction will begin shortly. The area where the multi-storey car park will be built has been fenced off, and a $12m contract was signed last week, with construction scheduled to commence in the Dry Season, along with the cruise ship terminal. Excavation of the basements of the residential buildings has been completed, and Toga will soon commence work on the hotels.
Other major works will see Darwin middle schools road works being allocated $2.5m. A new middle school has been constructed at Bullocky Point, adjacent to the Darwin High School. The existing intersection at Goyder Road, Gilruth Avenue and East Point Road is to be upgraded to address existing traffic management and safety problems, and provide enhanced access to Bullocky Point, including the new middle school. These works will provide for the projected traffic distribution and pedestrian and cyclist movement and will be complete in time for the opening of middle school.
A new boat ramp will be built at East Arm, at a cost of $2.8m, to replace the existing ramp. Work will include an access road, boat ramp, car and trailer parking, lighting, disabled access ramp and loading facility. Pontoons will be built adjacent to the ramp to allow easy access to boats. Power and water will also be provided to the site. It will be the only ramp in Darwin that will allow vessels to be launched at a 1.8 m tide, which means it will be accessible for 90% of our tidal range.
The continuing program of upgrading aerodromes in remote communities will see $1.2m spent on the upgrading of Goulburn Island aerodrome which services the Warrawi community. This upgrade will also assist the evacuation and recovery process in this cyclone prone area.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has a minor new works program for works under $300 000. Some of the items for the 2007-08 financial year include: new and replacement bus shelters in the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield areas at some $250 000; $250 000 for the landscaping of medians and verges along the Stuart Highway in Stuart Park; lighting at the Wishart and Tivendale Road intersection, $200 000; $300 000 to replace the pontoon at Nhulunbuy; $300 000 for an upgraded water supply facility at Dundee Beach; $300 000 on the Lasseter Highway to upgrade Curtin Springs access; $230 000 at Coolalinga to construct a new bus stop; and a $250 000 upgrade to Papunya aerodrome.
The government has contributed $898 000 via a capital grant for the planning, design and construction of power to Dundee Beach, a jointly funded project by the Northern Territory government and the Power and Water Corporation. My department, through the Infrastructure Services Division, will provide more than $14m in capital grants to the Power and Water Corporation for new projects under our Indigenous Essential Services, which include: Maningrida will receive a $1.4m upgrade for power generation and the sewer rising main; Milingimbi will get an additional sewerage pond at $1.2m; Jilkminggan will get a connection of power to the Darwin-Katherine grid at $1.05m; Wutunugurra will receive an upgraded water production capacity at $700 000; and in Titjikala, replacement of the community water tank at some $630 000.
In addition, the department continues to provide $53.6m for operation and maintenance of essential services right across our indigenous communities. This year, the department will look at demand management strategies to reduce power and water consumption, which will reduce operating costs, conserve natural resources and increase the efficiency of our current infrastructure.
With regard to other budget highlights in my portfolio, I will now elaborate on some other items. Budget allocations have been provided this year for the express purpose of streamlining government services to the business sector and the general public. You will be pleased to hear that the Motor Vehicle Registry’s electronic service delivery options for commercial customers and the community will be further enhanced and promoted in the financial year. During last financial year, MVR expanded its online Quick Pay Internet services to include a telephone MVR system. Further e-government initiatives are being explored, and MVR is currently trialling an authorised inspection by fax project in Alice Springs, which enables customers who have had their vehicles inspected by a private authorised inspector to pay online within 24 hours. The department is monitoring the uptake of this initiative.
It is important that the department’s staff have the right tools to do their jobs well. The department’s asset information and management systems, of which there are seven, will be replaced with a single contemporary system. The current systems have been developed in-house and have evolved over the years. They are not user-friendly and are cumbersome. Government has approved the replacement and tenders will be called for a suitable system during the year. This will greatly assist with the efficiency and productivity in both the programming areas and, importantly, the construction division.
The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme will be implemented. This is a voluntary scheme aimed at improving efficiency and productivity in the heavy transport industry, protecting infrastructure and improving road safety outcomes through increase compliance and the adoption of good management practices, and reducing the impact of heavy vehicle transport on the environment. The scheme will initially incorporate modules in mass and maintenance management, and be later expanded to include driver fatigue and compliance and enforcement legislation.
This government continues to support its commitment to road safety, with total funding of $2.95m to support road safety programs and initiatives in the 2007-08 year. These funds include about $1m for the installation of red light cameras; $960 000 for the introduction of a demerit point system; and $500 000 for road safety education.
This year, it is planned to spend $2.29m on 13 new school buses. This will enable the number of school bus routes to increase to serve the middle school initiative, and Alice Springs and Darwin’s rural areas. An additional $460 000 will be spent on three additional school buses, two in Darwin and one in Alice Springs, specifically for children with special needs. There will be ongoing funding of $2m to deliver the Urban Enhancement Program supporting Our Heritage, Our Future strategy. The program will see the Northern Territory government further strengthening its relationships with local councils throughout the Territory to upgrade infrastructure which is owned and managed by our local government councils under a partnership agreement between the relevant council and DPI. Projects programmed for this year include $250 000 each for beautification of the main streets in Tennant Creek and Katherine; $200 000 for the Nightcliff foreshore exercise and history market program; $100 000 for the railway beautification project at Adelaide River.
The government has contributed some $500 000 to the Katherine Town Council for pavement strengthening works on Bicentennial roads over the last two years and will complete its commitment to this project in 2007-08 with a further allocation of $75 000, which will be given to the council as a contribution to the upgrading of Bullet Creek Crossing to improve flood immunity as required under the Katherine Flooding Counter Disaster Plan.
The Territory economy is moving ahead. The department needs to invest in building strategic capacity to plan and manage for current and future growth. $2m will be spent to engage additional strategic capacity and implement a staff development strategy to assist the department to grow to meet future needs. In the transport area, additional strategic positions are required to manage land clearances, to facilitate the future roads program and to assist the Territory to keep pace with a national transport reform, as agreed by Australian Transport Ministers and COAG.
In the lands area, additional resources are provided for the major strategic planning agenda and for development assessment teams, which are bearing the brunt of the economic boom in the construction industry. Funding also allows for an additional 19 graduates and trainees to be employed, bringing the total number in the department to 28. This is a vital component of the department’s succession strategy, given its ageing workforce.
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has the responsibility of two government business divisions: the Construction Division and the Darwin Bus Service. The Construction Division is responsible for the design, procurement and supervision of the construction and maintenance of built assets for government client agencies. The division has no construction workforce of its own, and arranges private contractors for all construction work on behalf of its clients. Its key functional responsibility is to deliver the government’s infrastructure program comprising capital works, minor new works, and repairs and maintenance. It also delivers significant recoverable works programs, including projects for Territory Housing and the Darwin Port Corporation.
I am pleased to say that the Construction Division has improved its financial performance since 2004. In 2007-08, it is planned to make a profit of $1.4m. This will be achieved by addressing the following strategic issues: development of a strategic plan to map processes, streamline actions, identify best practice, risk management, and increased uniformity, development and implementation of contract training focusing on procedures and concepts to support existing new contract conditions, further progressing an efficiency focus for the delivery of the infrastructure program including the defining of roles and responsibilities, and conducting business in a commercial manner as a government business division.
The Construction Division delivers a total general government capital works program of $312m and a repairs and maintenance program of $118m. It plays an integral role in the following activities during the 2007-08 financial year: the continued development of major projects such as the Desert Knowledge Precinct; facilitation and delivery of complementary infrastructure for Port of Darwin user initiatives including bulk materials handling and oil transfer functions; delivery of significant roads capital and maintenance programs; and completion of the middle school projects in Darwin and Palmerston.
Increasing the volume of government works that result in employment and training opportunities for indigenous people is a key priority of the Construction Division. This year, the division will engage two additional staff whose sole task will be to review the opportunities to involve indigenous people in construction projects, develop contract models and intervention strategies as appropriate, and monitor and report on achievements during the year. I am confident that this initiative will provide successful social and economic outcomes right across our regions.
Recent examples of government contracts that have been awarded to capable local work crews or community councils include: major subdivision works worth $2.4m at Wadeye; general repairs and maintenance and school extensions on Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island, Numbulwar and Gunbalanya; a contract of over $4m for gravel supplied for road works on the Red Centre Way; and remote housing construction.
The Darwin Bus Service’s primary function is to provide an efficient, safe and reliable urban public transport service to meet the needs of the Darwin and Palmerston communities in line with the Service Level Agreement with the Public Transport Branch of my department. Bus services are also provided for special events and school travel in Darwin and Palmerston. Darwin Bus Service will continue to improve customer service and safety.
Budget 2007-08 puts the Department of Planning and Infrastructure in a strong position to enhance services it provides Territorians across the board and to undertake the strategic issues highlighted in order to keep the Territory moving ahead.
I now turn to my agency of Family and Community Services. Budget 2007-08 will make a real difference for families across the Territory, and will continue our government’s strong record in the field of community services. I am extremely pleased that Disability Services was made such a serious priority in this year’s budget. Last year, I commissioned KPMG to complete an independent and comprehensive review of disability services across the Territory. The review left no stone unturned. It held consultations right across the Territory with families, service providers and people with disabilities. KPMG came back with the clear message that disability services needed new funding and a new approach to service delivery. There were clear recommendations that we needed to fund additional services, including introducing specialist disability services to many remote communities for the first time.
KPMG’s recommendations have all been accepted, and work has begun to reform our services so that they do better for people with disabilities right across the Territory, not just our urban centres.
This budget includes an extra $2.3m for Disability Services which will rise to almost $26m over the next five years. These funds will guarantee the growth of the Territory Independent Mobility Equipment Scheme, called TIMES, providing much needed equipment to assist people to live independently. We will also be increasing the value of the taxi subsidy scheme by 5% to maintain the real value of the scheme in the coming year. New funding will also allow us to continue to work with the Australian government to create new accommodation places, to get young people with disabilities living in nursing homes back out into the community in more appropriate accommodation. It will continue the annual growth of funds under the Home and Community Care Program, commonly known as HACC.
This budget represents the greatest injection of funds into Disability Services in the history of the Territory. In this budget, the Territory government has stepped up to the plate and fully funded those services that are our responsibility alone. The budget does not cover those services that are shared responsibility with the Australian government, particularly those that are under the Commonwealth/State/Territory Disability Agreement. The CSTDA, as we call it, is currently being renegotiated between the Australian government and the states and territories. It is painfully clear that when we renew the CSTDA, both governments must provide additional funding to establish new services in much needed areas such as respite for families, community care and accommodation, and post-school options for young people.
The Territory government is prepared to provide further funds over and above what has been included in the budget for our CSTDA services. I call on the Australian government to match our effort and share our commitment to doing better for people with a disability. The Northern Territory government is prepared to do its fair share in addressing unmet demand for disability services. We need the Australian government to do the same.
Many of the programs that have been expanded for people with disabilities will also support increasing numbers of senior Territorians. This government is extremely pleased that more and more seniors are choosing to make the Territory their home during their retirement. We will continue to support seniors through the most generous concession scheme in the country. We will spend more than $10m under the Territory Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, supporting some 19 000 seniors, carers and other pensioners. The scheme will provide assistance with the cost of rates, power and water, and motor vehicle registration. This is practical assistance to reduce the cost of living for seniors and those on low incomes.
This budget continues the government’s commitment to the children and families of the Territory. In 2007-08, the Family and Children’s Services Program will be $65.4m, an increase of $6.7m on previous years. When we came to government in 2001, the child protection budget was $7.8m. With our continued investment into this vital area, our child protection budget is now $35.7m, a 356% increase.
This is the fourth budget in a row to make additional funds available for the growth and development of child protection services, including those children who are at serious risk. The government has allocated an additional $1.4m to implement the Caring for Our Children reforms. These reforms are all about having a mix of services in place to support families in crisis and to look after the children. Additional funds will support foster carers in their vital caring role and develop the specialist care programs that some of our most troubled young people absolutely require.
Family violence is also a major priority for this budget. Violence is a blight on our communities that, together, we must address, and family and domestic violence is among the worst. Today’s budget includes an additional $700 000 to implement an integrated family violence program for indigenous Territorians. These funds will support local projects with additional resources to bring services such as patrols, safe houses and men’s programs into one strategy to fight family violence.
We have committed an additional $1.1m for the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program. SAAP provides the core accommodation support outreach and case management services for people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness. Many of the clients of SAAP services are women and children who need accommodation to escape family violence. In 2007-08, $770 000 will be available as innovation and investment funds to establish new and more effective SAAP programs, and $300 000 will be available for the core elements of this program. That is real growth within the SAAP funding.
This budget also includes an additional $480 000 for the expansion of sexual assault services across the Territory. Sexual assault services are facing increases in demand and work hard to provide the best frontline response to both children and adults who have survived sexual assault. New funds will allow us to expand services in both Alice Springs and Darwin, including establishing new positions for Aboriginal people to work within this service. The Alice Springs service is currently relocating to new and far more suitable premises and these funds will radically improve our service capacity in this area.
Of course, it is not possible to respond to violence in our community without also taking action on alcohol. We all know that alcohol is behind many of the health and social problems we have in the Territory. The Family and Community Services portfolio has an important role to play in giving people access to treatment to remove the impact of alcohol and other drugs in their lives.
The budget for the Alcohol and Other Drugs program in 2007-08 is in excess of $22.7m. I am pleased to announce that $4m has been allocated for major capital works on Banyan House. Banyan is one of the many valuable non-government treatment services that are critical if we are to break the back of drug dependence in the Territory. These funds will provide Banyan with a far better facility in which to do its work. I am pleased that we have been able to make this substantial improvement to our treatment services and capacity.
Alcohol misuse is clearly recognised as a contributor to safety on our roads. Alongside this government’s many other initiatives to improve road safety, in 2007-08 the Alcohol and Other Drugs program will spend $100 000 to review the effectiveness of current mandatory drink driver education courses.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time so that the minister may conclude her speech.
Motion agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for the extension of time.
This budget also includes good news for mental health services. Mental health services have expanded markedly. In 2007-08, the mental health budget will be $33.8m. That is $18m more per annum than when we came to government. During that time, we have expanded our work in the community to turn the mental health system around and work closely with primary health care providers.
In 2007-08, we expect to see almost 5000 people through our community-based services in locations right across the Territory. This budget contains an additional $200 000 to expand services to reach into prisons. These positions will work within prisons in Alice and Darwin to provide better mental health management for prisoners.
In the area of mental health, how well we manage information determines how well we provide our care. This budget includes $480 000 to improve our management of clinical information and increase the use of clinical outcome measures. This is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that our services are of the highest quality as we support people with mental health problems in the Territory.
This budget continues with the government’s commitment to provide the resources in the Family and Community Services portfolio to make a difference in the Territory. We are investing in our communities and in the social infrastructure that keeps our communities strong. It sends a message to Territorians that we will stand by them in providing the services that they truly need.
Finally, I turn to my portfolio of Multicultural Affairs. Support for our multicultural community remains strong in this year’s budget. In Budget 2007-08, the government will provide a new Ethnic Community Facilities Development Program of $250 000 per year over the next three years for repairs and renovations to existing community facilities. Members will recall the previous three year allocation, which has been fully committed. Renewal of this program has provided great relief to the Chung Wah Society in Darwin and, in addition to its $245 000, we are able to provide a further $20 000 to help them meet the shortfall in their building construction project.
We also have $740 000 allocated to the Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship program. These funds are earmarked for projects that promote cultural and linguistic diversity in the Territory. They include the Cultural and Linguistic Awards totalling $150 000. These awards are available for individuals in ethnic community groups to undertake research, study or specialised training in languages or other cultural activities.
The Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship Program also includes operational assistance to migrant and ethnic community organisations, including the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory and the Multicultural Community Services of Central Australia. They also include the Charles See Kee Awards, which recognise and celebrate people, organisations and initiatives that make an outstanding contribution towards advancing multiculturalism in the Territory.
There will be continued provision of interpreter and translation services to assist agencies to communicate and deliver their services across cultural awareness training and assistance to overseas trained professionals, para-professionals, technical, trade and other skilled workers in obtaining recognition of their qualification and skills.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I am happy with the reaction to the budget. As minister, it is gratifying to receive positive reactions from such a wide variety of sectors, from cattlemen to the disability sector. I am extremely proud of Budget 2007-08. It builds plans for the future, grows the Territory and supports Territorians in greatest need of assistance. It is exactly what being a good, responsible government is all about. I commend the Treasurer for his budget.
Debate suspended.
MOTION
Proposed Censure of Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy
Proposed Censure of Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I move - That this Assembly censure the Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy for repeatedly lying to Territorians and Australians about her knowledge of the allegations of child sexual abuse in the community of Mutitjulu; particularly lying about what information was and was not given to her by Greg Andrews; for sitting on the Board of Inquiry’s report into Protection of Aboriginal Children From Sexual Abuse 2007 for six weeks; for failing to deal with this issue now, but allowing it to drag out until August before this House will debate the report’s contents; and further, for failing victims of child sexual abuse.
Madam Speaker, last night’s interview on Lateline was, as I understand it, Lateline’s first opportunity to speak with the Chief Minister after pretty much ducking and weaving for the better part of 12 months. Territorians and, for that matter Australians, remember the two Lateline interviews, the first in May with Dr Nanette Rogers and the second in June with a number of people, one of whom was Greg Andrews.
In relation to the Nanette Rogers interview, what did the Chief Minister do the next day? She said that Nanette Rogers said that things were getting better. No, she was wrong. The Chief Minister did not see the program, she was not even briefed on it, and could not even be bothered to stay up late and watch it. She subsequently, in this place and elsewhere, represented that Dr Rogers had given misleading information.
Ms Martin: Rubbish.
Ms CARNEY: Wrong, wrong, wrong. You are the Chief Minister.
This is just one file of relevant information. The pile is growing. Indeed, I recall when you were getting dangerously close to telling a whopper - probably up around nine on the Richter scale of 10 - in this Chamber. I urged you to be very careful about what you said Dr Rogers said on the Lateline program. After you were cautioned, you pulled just a little, but you are damned by the comments you have made in relation to that interview. As Tony Jones said last night, you should give an apology to Dr Nanette Rogers but because you are the coward you are, you will not do so.
In any event, everyone else in Australia was appalled by the first Lateline interview. Not you, Chief Minister. You were prepared to bat through it in the hope that this little problem would go away. Alas, it did not. It got worse, as did your position in your own party. Of course, I can refer to the memo of the member for Millner, dated 1 June 2006, in which he says, and I quote:
- In the last two weeks, speaking with local community people and hearing general comment, I am concerned at the level of misunderstanding and even hate towards the Chief Minister.
He went on to suggest that someone else should take over your portfolio of Indigenous Policy. You arrogantly refused to do so and you still, unfortunately for indigenous Territorians, hold that portfolio, although I, perhaps, am a little more hopeful than you that your parliamentary colleagues will find the courage to do you over in a political sense so that you are no longer the Minister for Indigenous Policy because indigenous Territorians, and for that matter all Territorians, are not being well served by you in that position.
In relation to the second Lateline interview, I think it was 21 June, the very moving interview, the Chief Minister’s performance was nothing short of disgraceful in the aftermath of that interview. The history was revisited, I thought, very well in Tony Jones’ interview last night because he went over some of the things that the Chief Minister and her colleagues had said in relation to pretty much everyone who appeared on that program, one of whom, Jane Lloyd, was I think, at that time, a government advisor on the Domestic Violence Advisory Council. You attacked pretty much everyone. The little bovver boy over there, your Deputy Chief Minister, was scathing and offensive and pernicious in this place about everyone, the Lateline crew, everyone, presumably, everyone from cameramen to producers, to Tony Jones himself, including the people who were on that program. From what the Deputy Chief Minister was saying, he was having a go at everyone for daring to air that interview. I will come to the interview in a little more detail shortly. However, you are stuck, Chief Minister because you, your Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers of your government have had a great deal to say and it has all come back to bite you. Most of the comments are on the public record.
Last night on Lateline, you were asked about Greg Andrews. After the Lateline interview, the famous Mutitjulu memo was obtained, I think it was by Ashleigh Wilson of The Australian under a Freedom of Information request. Good on him! I don’t think, Chief Minister, that you would have declared because you are naturally dishonest when it comes to these issues, you are a naturally dishonest person the way you conduct yourself politically, you would not have said …
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, please pause. I remind you that while this is a censure motion, it does not mean that all rules relating to the parliament are not maintained. Where you are allowed to deviate in relation to rules are those things which are specifically mentioned in the censure motion. There are things which are in your censure motion which are not normally parliamentary, but things which continue to denigrate a member, in this case the Chief Minister, are not acceptable. I caution you. I will not ask to withdraw at this stage, but I caution you that while you are able to comment on things that appear in the censure motion, that is fine, but continuous personal remarks relating to a member or, in this case the Chief Minister, are not acceptable.
Ms CARNEY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Chief Minister would not have declared that she knew about the allegations raised on the Lateline program had she not been caught out, and caught out she was.
Because she was under a great deal of political, national and media pressure, on 22 June – I am pretty sure that was the date the inquiry was announced – she had nowhere to go and announced an inquiry. I will come back to how the announcement of the inquiry fits with some of the comments made by her ministerial colleagues about the need for inquiries shortly.
In any event, the Chief Minister was at pains to attack almost everyone who appeared on that program. So desperate was she after Ashleigh Wilson obtained the Mutitjulu memo dated 20 November 2004, she attacked with vengeance Greg Andrews, a man who had worked for her. Last night on the Lateline program, Tony Jones asked the Chief Minister what she knew. The Chief Minister said:
- But the first reporting I get from him is anonymously through your program.
Then, of course, the Chief Minister goes through her usual hand on heart: ‘I’m so disappointed. I was really disappointed in this man. He had a direct line to me. But the first time I heard about it, Tony, was on your program.’ No, Chief Minister. We do accuse you of lying. We accuse you of lying because you said in this parliament on the Greg Andrew issue on 11 October 2006 in answer to a question from me:
- I say again, much of the information passed to me by someone I trusted, that is the project manager of Working Together, Greg Andrews …
- Mr Andrews’ scoping paper also identified longer term project priorities …
Etcetera. This is the memo in which, presumably on the basis of the scoping paper or other advice that Greg Andrews had clearly given to her, the Chief Minister says:
- Social dysfunction surrounding the substance abuse epidemic is resulting in significant human rights abuses, self-harm, violence against others, sexual abuse and child neglect. Children as young as five have contracted STDs and young girls are being prostituted for petrol. Two-thirds of young children are malnourished and underdeveloped.
But the Chief Minister, a desperate political fighter and a street fighter when things get bad, says: ‘No, no, no. The allegations of Greg Andrews were not substantiated.’ That does not represent the situation given the report that was announced last week. The authors of the sexual abuse inquiry report know of the problems at Mutitjulu. They did not go out of their way to change the facts. They did not go out of their way to attack anyone who spoke out, in stark contrast to the Chief Minister.
I was interested in an answer the Chief Minister gave, I think it was to my first question today in Question Time. She said that one of the difficulties was that Aboriginal people have not been forthcoming in relation to child sexual abuse. Well, after the Lateline interview in June, they were certainly forthcoming. Matjara Wilson was forthcoming. She wept as she talked about what was happening at Mutitjulu. I doubt that the Chief Minister did. I did. It was one of the most moving interviews and programs that I have ever seen on a news and current affairs program.
In any event, the Chief Minister attacks, attacks, attacks. She says that Matjara Wilson was not involved in the community, she left town, cannot rely on her, cannot on rely on Greg Andrews, and so she went on. I refer the Chief Minister - she was not there, but no doubt some of her staff were - to the speech Tony Jones made on 21 October last year when he spoke at the Darwin Press Club. He talked about Matjara Wilson. He said:
- Matjara Wilson, and I can tell you a few things about her …
This is to you, Chief Minister, which may surprise you:
- She has a long and abiding connection to Mutitjulu where she lived for many, many years. During that time, she held senior positions in the community. She was chair of the community council, she started the night patrol, she was a founding member of the NPY Women’s Council. Like many Anangu, she moved freely between their communities in the region. Nevertheless her granddaughters were living in Mutitjulu during the time the paedophile was trading petrol for sex with young girls.
It goes on. We know that representatives from NPY wrote to The Australian newspaper because they were so angry, they were frustrated with what the Chief Minister was saying. For the Chief Minister to suggest, I think as the authors of that letter suggested, that she lied, was bad and mad, was outrageous in the extreme and utterly, utterly offensive. The Chief Minister has repeatedly lied.
Something I forgot to mention in relation to what the Chief Minister had to say after the Nanette Rogers interview was that when the Chief Minister gets desperate, she makes it up. She asserted, I believe it was once on the John Laws program and in subsequent interviews, that Nanette Rogers gave everyone the impression that nothing was done in relation to the cases that she spoke of in her media interview in May, whereas the Chief Minister would have Territorians and other Australians believe that she needs to correct the record, and you cannot really believe everything Dr Rogers said, because these people were prosecuted, they did go to court.
Nanette Rogers is a prosecutor. I think she prosecuted all of the cases that she referred to. If she did not prosecute all of them, she would have prosecuted certainly some of them. For the Chief Minister to try to spin and change it and say: ‘No, I am only correcting the record’, the inference clearly being you cannot trust what Dr Rogers says, is to sink to unspeakable depths when the fact is Dr Rogers is a prosecutor. Why was she talking about these cases? Because they had been prosecuted. Sinking to unspeakably low depths is one thing, but scrambling around and making a fool of yourself is quite another. I stand by what I said after the Nanette Rogers interview: the Chief Minister embarrassed herself, her party and the Northern Territory with her handling of the issue after that interview and, indeed, the next Lateline interview in June.
What is also interesting is that notwithstanding that the Chief Minister has atrocious form when it comes to saying something for the cameras and not actually delivering outcomes was her performance in Question Time today. It borders on being delusional. She even got it wrong in relation to the Child Protection and Young People Reform Bill. She said we have been working on that for a couple of months. No, you have not. It has been circulating since 2004. Don’t you even talk to your Cabinet colleagues? Don’t you even read the stuff that comes across your desk? You must have known that this has been circulating since 2004. You have been in this Chamber when the current minister and the former minister have been talking about it. Again, your form is unspeakably bad. It is no wonder the Chief Minister’s colleagues are very unhappy with her and why it was that Ashleigh Wilson wrote that article in The Australian late last year and incurred what I understand to be the ongoing wrath of the Chief Minister and many of her colleagues.
If you go back to what this government said it has done, the standard line is: ‘We have put more money in’. Of course, with an extra, I think it is about $1.1bn a year, in GST revenue, you would, would you not? You would. Any government would. What does a government do when they have a bit of money? They put it into areas where it should properly go. You can say: ‘The CLP this and the CLP that’, but never before in the Territory’s history has it had the sort of money that it has under the GST regime, one which the government so stridently opposed when in opposition.
In any event, if you scratch below the surface, again the Chief Minister fails when it comes to sexual abuse. I note with interest the first three recommendations - perhaps it was number one from the sexual abuse report – are that leadership is required. Yes, Chief Minister, leadership is required. You consistently get it wrong because under your leadership, your Cabinet colleagues have had a bit to say, not always as much as they should, about the area of child protection.
In August 2004, the former Minister for Family and Community Services, the member for Arafura, made a statement in parliament. It was then put on a glossy and circulated, presumably, to all and sundry. The then minister said:
- However, I am not just going to look at the problem. I am going to tackle the problem. I do not need more information before taking action. The easiest thing for me and the government to do would be to announce another review. I will not. I will not let our comprehensive reform process languish while we wait.
- My department currently has in front of it over 20 different reports about understanding and addressing child abuse in Australia. Several of these are specific to the Northern Territory. Several are specific to indigenous issues …
- However, I reiterate this government’s position that while information is important, it is action, not information, that is needed now.
What does the Chief Minister do after being slammed by all and sundry after her astonishingly poor performance after the Rogers interview? She scrambles, she embarrasses everyone, she goes on until after the next Lateline interview, then she says: ‘Oh, I will have a review’. It is not what your minister said a couple of years beforehand, but I suppose politically desperate times call for creative measures. That, Chief Minister, was about the only thing you had left open to you.
Also in the ministerial statement in 2004, the former minister said at page 9 of the published report:
- Since the change of government the number of notifications for abuse of Aboriginal children has nearly doubled. It has increased by 96%.
Ninety-six percent! You would have thought, given that this was a document presumably endorsed by Cabinet, certainly from the fifth floor, one of your ministerial colleagues, you would have thought: ‘Oh, I wonder if we should do a bit more on child protection’ Even a lazy Chief Minister would say: ‘Gee, it has increased by 96%. We should do something about that’. You would have thought that when one minister said: ‘We are going to introduce a new child protection bill’ the Chief Minister might even have a passing interest in relation to it.
2004 passes, 2005 passes; ministers say: ‘Oh, it will definitely be done by this parliamentary term’. We get into 2006. The current minister said last year: ‘Yes, it will be passed’. Well, it is still hanging around. In fact, when I wrote to the current minister in March of this year, the current minister thanked me for my letter in relation to the Care and Protection of Children Bill. She said it was still being considered by Cabinet and she is expecting it to be introduced in parliament later this year. Another reference to ‘later this year’. That is about year number three that that has been happening. By the way, we were actually waiting for the Sex Abuse Inquiry report. There was no mention of it ever before, not even in a letter as recent as March, until last night, the Chief Minister in her excruciating interview said: ‘Oh, no, no, no, the only reason we haven’t produced our Child Protection Bill is we are waiting on the report’.
I suspect that was news to your Cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister. It was certainly news to me and I have been pretty much on top of most of the public comments you have made in relation to this.
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Ms CARNEY: I bet the member for Karama might have been sitting in her lounge room thinking: ‘Oh, I didn’t know that!’ I am sure she did not. I am sure she did not; similarly in relation to the children’s commissioner. I thought it was very interesting indeed that Tony Jones referred to child protection legislation and the children’s commissioner. The Chief Minister last night pretty much indicated that: ‘Oh, yeah, we are going to do a children’s commissioner.’ Well, your former minister and your current minister have been saying since 2004: ‘Yes, we are going to have a children’s commissioner because that is going to be really good.’ Where is the leadership, Chief Minister? No wonder that part of this censure charges you with failing the victims of child sexual abuse because you have.
You cannot publish glossy documents and say we are going to do things without delivering. You have form on this. You perform for cameras, although last night, badly. You perform for the cameras and you walk away and you spin as hard as you can and you get yourself in trouble when you are on the ropes. For a politician who is not bad when it comes to playing pure politics – she is actually quite good at it – why it is that you consistently muck up when it comes to anything related to child sexual abuse is a mystery to me. I just do not get it.
The only thing I can assume, Chief Minister, is that you do not have your head around the issue of child sexual abuse. Perhaps that is illustrated by the fact that after being forced to call an inquiry because politically it was about the only thing left for you to do, after announcing Mick Palmer as a co-chair and getting all muddled up in that, and then a couple of months later saying: ‘Oh, no, I’ll go somewhere else and I’ll find another person’, then extending the time of the review, you get the report six to eight weeks ago and sit on it.
No one knows what has been happening to it. You have been sitting on it. Many people were waiting for that report. When the whole country, after the two Lateline interviews, was demanding urgent and immediate action, what does the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory do? She does an inquiry so she does not have to talk about sexual abuse for 12 months. Then when she gets the report, she sits on it for six weeks so she does not have to talk about it then. Now she says she is going to wait until August before this parliament and others can debate the report’s contents. Not so much as an indication as to what recommendations she is going to take on, although a couple of hints were provided on Lateline last night. One was there is going to be new child protection legislation, three years in the making, but I reckon we might get it. The other one was, by jingoes, we are going to get a Commissioner of Children - again, three years in the making. I will bet London to a brick that they are a couple of the recommendations that the Chief Minister in August is going to say that she is going to adopt. Poor form indeed.
In relation to the censure motion, the Chief Minister has repeatedly lied to Territorians and Australians, noting Lateline has a national audience. She has lied about the information she obtained, from whom she received it. She has spun in a way that is getting close to unprecedented under the stewardship of this Chief Minister, exercised political spin in relation to both interviews, the Rogers interview and the Mutitjulu one. She has attacked in the most pernicious and despicable ways people involved in the program. Her little bovver boy, the Deputy Chief Minister, acts in a way – I know we are used to seeing his veins pop, but we really did think that his veins were going to pop when he had a bit to say about Lateline.
The Chief Minister is complicit when it comes to her government and her colleagues being slow to move when it comes to child sexual abuse. I do make this exception: the exception is the former minister. I mean that because the former minister, and my hunch is, to a lesser extent, the current minister were serious when they talked about changes to child protection legislation as early as 2003, but certainly in 2004. I can only wonder how they must be feeling as a result of the last few years, the delay and prevarication exercised by their boss.
The Chief Minister has repeatedly lied and she has been disgraceful in the way she has conducted herself after the two Lateline interviews. She should be condemned for sitting on the Board of Inquiry report for six weeks. Six weeks! Even if the Chief Minister does not read it, and I reckon she will never read it, she might have an Executive Summary, and she will have those notes every media …
Mr Henderson: Have you read it?
Ms CARNEY: Absolutely! Front to back.
Mr Henderson: That’s good.
Ms CARNEY: What do you think? What do you think? It has been read, all right. It has been read and we will debate it another time, and that is going to be a fairly interesting debate in itself, but we will let that one cook for a bit, Paul.
In any event, she was sitting on it for six weeks and last Friday saying: ‘No, no, no. We know it is urgent. We know that it is immediate. We know little kids are being abused, but we would rather wait until August, thank you very much’. It follows from that, naturally enough, that in terms of implementation of whatever recommendations the Chief Minister accepts, there will be an implementation period so delay, delay, delay. For the little kids living in those communities, I do not think that is satisfactory. I do not think the bar is very high for a Chief Minister when it comes to this issue, but this Chief Minister has failed when it comes to demonstrating commitment but, more importantly, action.
She has failed to deal with this issue. I do not know why she cannot get her head around the importance of the issue. Politics is politics, but the Chief Minister would rather play politics than actually getting on with the job. I do implore her parliamentary colleagues to do whatever it takes to ensure that the position and presentation of the current Northern Territory government changes so that kids being sexually abused can be better served.
The Chief Minister has certainly failed and continues to fail the victims of child abuse to her eternal and enduring shame.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I reject thoroughly this censure motion. The Opposition Leader can make up anything she likes. Probably the best bit she has in here is fantasy. Because the Opposition Leader puts together a number of things that she says are facts and then draws conclusions from them does not mean she is right. I listened for half-an-hour, and that is all she did.
On Friday, we had the release of a most significant report. Either you welcome this report or you do not, but what you have is the Opposition Leader saying that two years ago, the former Minister for Family and Children’s Services said I have no report; we do not want to do any more inquiries so why does this Chief Minister have a report? You have to get some lines straight, Opposition Leader, when you are dealing with a censure debate because we are listening to you.
You cannot run two contradictory lines and you did it all the way through this debate. To claim that this government is doing nothing about the sexual abuse of Aboriginal children - do you know what it is, Madam Speaker? It is wrong. It is wrong, wrong, wrong because when the Opposition Leader says that she is actually read this report - good on you if you have - she would have seen all the way through it references to what government is doing, to the initiatives that government has put in place that meet the focus that the recommendations say we should be having.
To say that because I received an early copy of this report, government is doing nothing and I as Chief Minister and Minister for Indigenous Policy did nothing is wrong. If the Opposition Leader wants to say that black is white on this, it does not mean she is right.
I hate to harp back to the past, but this government is in stark contrast with the CLP in government. It is in stark contrast with the Country Liberal Party who, for 27 years, did very little in the bush. The Opposition Leader cannot escape that fact. She cannot escape the fact that there was significant under-resourcing to the bush. We saw decades when Aboriginal kids were never asked to go to school. In fact, I think it was basically policy that an Aboriginal child over 12 did not have to go to school. If you were in Darwin, yes, go to school. Under the CLP, if you were over 12, do not bother. We do not have secondary education for you in the bush anyway, so do not bother.
What was done about alcohol in those years, really tackling the growing consumption and the damage we have seen right across the Territory from alcohol? There was very little by the CLP; very, very little. To have the Opposition Leader condemn this government for our lack of action simply shows her - I was going to say stupidity, but that is not fair. It shows that she just does not understand and that she is the one playing politics over this issue. You have a report that says: please adopt these recommendations in a bipartisan way, work with the federal government. This parliament should be championing the recommendations of this report.
As far as this government sitting on its hands about this report, I received an early copy. I set up an independent inquiry for very specific purposes. It was not that we all did not know about some of the allegations of child sexual abuse. Yes, they are documented in this report. Also documented is the frustration of government services not being able to get evidence to prosecute perpetrators. That is all through this report and it really is highlighted. So we have known, or we have heard, we have allegations, we have stories told over years that this is happening. Yet, for those who are in the position, like the police, like child protection, they could not get the evidence.
I set up the inquiry to be able to tackle that, and I do not back off it. It is a very important report to tell government where to put our resources, where to put our energy and we have been doing that. The initiatives that we have taken with alcohol management are extensive. In respect of the work we have put into education in the bush, we have much more to do. The current and previous Education ministers would certainly agree with that. We have a lot more to do, but we have started that work. We have started our commitment to getting kids in the bush educated, starkly compared to the CLP’s policy, which was if you are over 12, do not bother, do not even bother going to school mainly because there was no secondary education in the bush anyway. That is an absolute disgrace.
It was interesting to see that in this censure debate, the Opposition Leader concentrated on being an advocate for Lateline for at least 18 minutes of the time she was on her feet. How did that address the recommendations of the inquiry? It did not do anything. There she is protesting that she is concerned about Aboriginal children. Did she tackle the report of the inquiry? No. She did not even refer to it. She hardly referred to it at all, a couple of references to legislation. But did she actually look at what those recommendations were and what we were doing? She could not have looked at them because she said we are doing nothing. That is what the Opposition Leader said. That is the basis of this censure, that we are doing nothing. It is rubbish. It is wrong. There are many actions under way that are specifically referred to in this report.
One recommendation is that Family and Children’s Services should work more closely with police. The report talks about the Child Abuse Task Force we set up, the importance of it and the mechanism of working those two areas together. We set it up to see if it would work. It does work. That task force has done some most successful work. We will be continuing with that. It is a recommendation of the report to continue with it. So an initiative that we put in place is working. The report recommends making it permanent, and the Opposition Leader says we are doing nothing! That is the Opposition Leader’s best response: the government is doing nothing and we should be censured. Just on that one point, the Opposition Leader is wrong. She is wrong.
The two key areas of the report, as I said, are tackling alcohol abuse and getting Aboriginal kids educated. I could go through the significant work that we are doing with alcohol. In the Opposition Leader’s home town of Alice Springs - not that she has been interested; that is what has disheartened me so much - I put together at the beginning of last year an Alcohol Task Force made up of the business community, Aboriginal leadership and the town council. We really looked at the problems of alcohol abuse in Alice Springs. We developed an Alcohol Management Plan with strong community support. There was never a mention from any of the members in Alice Springs. Never a: ‘We would like to be briefed on what you are doing’. Not a mention! It was really important work in tackling the extraordinarily high consumption of alcohol in Alice Springs. We introduced that Alcohol Management Plan with many different areas last October, particularly the change in which alcohol products could be bought and when in Alice Springs. We have taken complementary measures over that time, particularly the dry areas legislation for public places. There are many initiatives in place.
During Question Time I said we actually have seen some reduction in the consumption of alcohol and the associated damage happening in Alice Springs. The inquiry says keep doing that. That particular work for Alice Springs – the Opposition Leader’s home town – has been in place now for 18 months. There was a lot of work done, but no interest from the Opposition Leader. The best she can say is: ‘You are doing nothing. Government is doing nothing’.
We have started the steps of change, but there is much more to do. We have started those steps of change and, I believe, in the right direction. We have had some hiccups in Alice Springs. We had trouble with litter, broken glass, and it was unacceptable. We have now banned long-neck bottles. We cannot have takeaways of long-neck beer. When I was in Alice Springs last week, the reports were that it is getting a lot better, with less litter around the place. That is good. We will keep working with Alice Springs, and keep making those changes to the supply and the demand. Hopefully, we will see some real change.
We saw what happened on Groote Eylandt when we worked with the community to see significant changes in alcohol management. They have been in place now for about two years. There are excellent results on Groote, as there are in Nhulunbuy. Tennant Creek has long been involved in alcohol management. There is still a lot of work to do but, again, it is in place and we are working on it. There is certainly a lot more that has to be done in Katherine with that early management plan. We now really need to talk to the Katherine community about it. There have been early discussions held in the Timber Creek area, and we will continue to work through on alcohol.
For the Opposition Leader to say this government is doing nothing about the fundamental issues that have been identified with the incidence of child sexual abuse is wrong; it is simply wrong. She said that when I received an early draft from the inquiry of this report that I sat there for six weeks because I did not want to talk about the issue. She may not know that a lot of work is going on, continuing the focus that we have had.
The Education minister could talk at length about the issues that have been discussed about getting kids to school. A fundamental here is education. Unless we get kids to school, get them there more often and engaged in the classroom, provide the broader education to which the report referred, we are not going to fundamentally tackle the problem of child sexual abuse.
It is all very well for the Opposition Leader to say: ‘You are doing nothing. You sat on this report’. That is not the case. There are recommendations in the report that move us forward, and we have to look at those. We have to look at the funding implications and we have to do it sensibly. That will take until August. It does not mean that the Education minister does not continue to advocate and work with the bush communities to get children to school.
Just a week ago, I was in Wadeye sitting down with the council. They raised the issue, which they raised with the Education minister, of fining parents who do not send their kids to school. One of the problems with that is that parents who did not pay the fines could then possibly end up in gaol for not sending their children to school. I said to them, as the Education minister said to the council, what is a much more constructive thing to do is what we have raised with the federal government 12 months ago, which is to link Family Assistance payments to going to school. If you do not have your child at school for a certain period of one of those payment periods of two weeks, then your payment is reduced. It clearly links a Family Assistance payment, so it is not the entire benefit, to getting children to school. Wadeye community is strongly supportive of that. Again, we will go back to the federal government. We have talked to them …
Mr Henderson: Written to them.
Ms MARTIN: Yes, written to them. I have talked personally, but we do not have any traction. We will go back with a greater determination to get the federal government to engage with us and make this proposal work; to link Family Assistance payments to attendance at school. That is a constructive way to move ahead and communities right around the Territory have raised the issue of how we can link payments to attendance at school.
That is another key initiative from this government about already tackling one of the issues that is core in making a change to the incidence of child sexual abuse in the Territory, and that is education and getting more of our young Aboriginal children to school and keeping them at school, keeping them better informed about the myriad of issues that go towards having a greater awareness of what is right and what is wrong when it comes to abuse.
Just on those two areas, there is significant work is happening by government. Again I say that we are not doing enough. This report says clearly: we are not doing enough to tackle child sexual abuse in our Aboriginal communities and we must do more. Government is working on the specifics of that response, not starting from ground zero, not at all. We are working on how we do more, how we fund more and where that funding is going. Already we have people talking to the federal government to look at how they can assist us. As the report says, this is an issue that they feel is beyond the financial capacity of the Territory and there must be federal involvement. Many of the recommendations refer to the non-government sector. We have to talk to the non-government sector about where they feel they fit in and where the split of responsibility and service delivery is. We will have those discussions over the next couple of months.
This is not wasted time, Opposition Leader. This is moving ahead with the focus we already have, but looking at how we lift the energy and commitment, and we will do it. We will do it because we are determined as a government to make a change. You do not commission a report like this and put it on a back shelf and say we won’t action it. This is a very important report for the Territory’s future.
If we do go back to 12 months to the debate that was triggered by Lateline, I said the federal government could really assist in the broad area of abuse with housing. The Opposition Leader came into this House and, with her usual style, lambasted me for even suggesting if you had fewer people living in a house as one of the components of tackling child sexual abuse, you would start to reduce it. She went on a treat, in her real Opposition Leader’s style. Well, surprise, surprise! Housing is one of the key elements that we need to tackle, and was recommended by this inquiry.
I suspect the Opposition Leader probably thinks they got it wrong, going by her performance 12 months ago. So if the Opposition Leader says we are doing nothing, again she is wrong. We have committed significant extra funds to housing in the bush. The federal government has committed those significant extra funds. We have difficulties right now with the $60m that was initially allocated to the upgrade of town camps in Alice Springs. I am not sure at this stage what the future of those funds are, but we are not giving up because on this issue, whether it comes to upgrade of housing, changing the circumstances in which Aboriginal people are living, or in tackling the issue that has been so long veiled in silence, child sexual abuse, Aboriginal people have to stride forward with government.
This might be uncomfortable. This might really challenge communities, and I am sure it will in many circumstances. I believe that bush members would probably agree that Aboriginal people have to make that step forward, too. We are not going to see change unless they do. Unless they accept that this issue of sexual abuse of children in communities is a real and damaging one, and unless they accept that those who are the perpetrators and the circumstances that lead to that have to change, then we are not going to change this issue. We are not going to see the steps forward that we want to see. This is going to be a really challenging time for our Aboriginal communities.
What the inquiry did was open the door on this issue. It went to 45 communities and had very open discussions about the issue of sexual abuse of children - for the first time, probably, in many of those communities. There were many people who contributed to that discussion. What we need to do as government, and the important focus for us in this report, is to keep that door open. The door has to stay open. We must continue to engage and keep the issue out of that veil of silence and really air it. We need to do that because we are not going to get the change unless we do. That is what I need to have every single member in this House commit to: we will continue to talk about this issue, we will continue to engage with our communities about it, and we will not let the silence that surrounded it, that wall of silence, happen again. That is really at the heart of what we are dealing with.
That, more than working out how agencies will look at funds and new services, how the federal government will contribute, how the non-government sector will contribute, Aboriginal people accepting that this happens and that changes have to be made is probably the most challenging part of what we have to deal with.
To return to the example of the funds that are available for town camps, what we need is for Aboriginal people to accept that change has to happen on both sides. That is the way we are going to see some steps forward. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Sometimes it is challenging. Sometimes it is getting out of your comfort zone, but it has to happen now.
There are many challenges in this report. The Opposition Leader has simply got it wrong when she says that we are doing nothing and that we do not care about the abuse of Aboriginal children. Yes, we do. We care very deeply. This government will continue to take action and put resources where they are going to make a difference. We will continue to keep the focus on bringing Aboriginal Territorians, and Aboriginal communities, with us in this process. It is not going to be easy, but for the future of our Territory and for the future of our kids, it is absolutely critical.
Madam Speaker, I reject, absolutely and fundamentally, what the Opposition Leader has said. Because she creates facts and spins stories does not mean they are right. I say to her: look at the report, look at what has been recommended, look at what we have done, are doing, and work with us. End the politics over this very important issue for the Territory.
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Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of students visiting from Texas, United States of America, on the People to People program. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, the Chief Minister spoke for 25 minutes, telling us what she is going to do. The core of this censure motion is about the Chief Minister lying repeatedly to Territorians and Australians. That is what it is about. It is about the Chief Minister lying. The Chief Minister, without one word of defence, tried to demonstrate that the Leader of the Opposition is the one who should be attacked. The Chief Minister could not defend herself, that she had lied to Territorians. That is the problem and that is what gets people angry. A Chief Minister, the first citizen of this Territory, lies to Territorians. It is not acceptable.
Before I go to the specifics of the censure, let me go to one general point that I believe should be made. This government bangs on endlessly, as the Chief Minister did just now, about how poor the track record was for the CLP on child protection. Never was that more of a lie. This government came into office six years ago, and they said they were going to protect children as a matter of priority, and for six years they failed and they continue to fail.
In 2000 and 2001, income for the Territory was $2.2bn each year, not much to the Americans here listening, but $2.2bn was significant for the Northern Territory. However, this year, the income is projected to be $3.3bn, and from now on. This government’s income is far beyond anything that any previous government has ever received, beyond the dreams of any Territory government. This government’s position therefore is better than it was 10 years ago or when they first came to government six years ago. You would expect, when you have $1.1bn, that you are able to provide more services for Territorians. However, let us not worry about the money so much; let us talk about what this Chief Minister has done.
We saw in Lateline last year, and again last night, that she blatantly lied to Territorians about the issue of child sexual abuse. Very clearly, she knew about it when Greg Andrews, working for her, sent her information about what is happening at Mutitjulu. She did very little apart from writing a memo saying: ‘Let us get on with it, let us do something’, and then promptly forgot all about it. Then, when she was confronted with the memo, she said: ‘Oh, well, I do not know anything about it. The first thing I knew about it was when Greg Andrews fronted up anonymously on Lateline last year’. She repeated that lie last night. That is why we are censuring this Chief Minister. She lied. She lied again and again.
How can Territorians have any trust in this government when the first citizen lies to them? It is important that the government recognises that it has to do many things to ensure that Territorians get the best care they possibly can. I applaud the government for dealing with the alcohol issue. I applaud the government for putting money into Family and Children’s Services, but we are not getting value for that money. What is happening? What is happening to all the money that is pouring in when aspirational standards for the department are slipping? I will come to that in a little while.
Last year, the Chief Executive Officer of the Health department, in reference to a question I asked of the minister about STIs, sexually transmitted infections, amongst underage children, said:
- The guidelines are quite clear. The professional view here is that we regard all STIs in juveniles as a problem. The question for the clinical practitioner is: how is that problem best dealt with? With children up to and including the age of 13, there is no question from our point of view. It is absolutely clear that an STI is cause for a notification. In the case of an adolescent over that age …
Fourteen, 15 and, indeed, older:
- … the clinician …
who is usually a GP or community nurse:
- … has to make a judgment.
Jump a line and I continue with the quote:
- If there is any doubt in a professional’s mind that there could be a case of child abuse, exploitation or, indeed, neglect indicated by a diagnosis, then it is absolutely clear that they have a legal obligation to notify.
Remember Dr Geoff Stewart? He tried, and said he banged his head against a brick wall. He tried. He informed FACS and he got nowhere. This is a government …
Ms Lawrie: Not true; FACS investigated.
Dr LIM: You see? Here is a minister who interjects and says: ‘Not true’ when, in fact the Chief Minister has been …
Ms Lawrie: Come on, do not make it up. Police investigated and FACS investigated!
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs Miller: They didn’t do a very good job, then.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr LIM: He reported cases and he was frustrated by the response that he received. When it was put to the Chief Minister, she claimed that Dr Stewart was wrong. When we talk about Greg Andrews, the Chief Minister said he was wrong and, in fact, she never received any information from him. Again, that is a lie.
When the traditional elder, Matjara Wilson, complained, she dismissed the information saying that it was not relevant and that she had been out of the community for a long time. These were real people who provided real information and the Chief Minister not only denied it, but lied to Territorians about when and how she got the information. That is the problem the opposition has with this government: when the Chief Minister is prepared to tell a bare-faced lie about the information she has and what she does and does not know.
Then, when the government compounds those lies with dropping of standards, we are going to be faced with a calamity that has now been exposed by this inquiry by Rex Wild and Pat Anderson. With the extra money that this government has received, it could build 100 new schools, 1100 bush police stations. It is enough money to build a waterfront, to build a railway line, to build eight of this Parliament House. That is the sort of money this government has received through GST and other avenues. We do not see the government providing real care. You can put up as much money as you want but, if the money is being misspent and frittered away, then people are not achieving the outcomes that they should.
I said earlier that standards had dropped. Last year, category one cases of child harm notifications, which are the most urgent ones, were to be investigated within 24 hours and every one would be investigated. That is a 100% response and, thankfully, this has remained. This year compared to the previous five years, category two notifications, while they have been investigated within 72 hours or three days, instead of having a 100% response to that, this government is allowing it to degrade to an 80% response. I ask: what is happening to the other 20% of children who have been notified as suffering harm? This government is saying: ‘Okay, the 20%, we will draw a line there, and they have to fend for themselves’.
Category three, which has to be investigated within five days, that aspirational standard has dropped from 100% for the last five years under this government to 70%. I ask you: is that a government that is serious about doing the right thing by our children? This is the problem when a Chief Minister and her ministers do not have the aspiration to achieve the best result they possibly can with all this volume of money they have for our children. It is no wonder the opposition gets so frustrated and angry. We all want to care for our children. We expect the government to provide the leadership, the resources to do that. When the government does not do that, and when the Chief Minister lies and tries to excuse her government from doing that, then Territorians have every right to be angry, and have every right to censure the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister knew back in 2004 what was happening in Mutitjulu and in particular the problems that were reported to her by Greg Andrews. She did nothing more than write to the Police minister. So the Chief Minister cannot say she did not know about Mutitjulu. She has to accept the fact that she did lie. She should apologise to all Territorians, number one, for having done that, and to Nanette Rogers, to Dr Geoff Stewart, to Matjara Wilson, and to Greg Andrews. The Deputy Chief Minister should also be apologising to Greg Andrews. I do not think it is worth repeating because I do not believe that the man should be labelled what the Deputy Chief Minister called him.
I know Greg Andrews personally. He lived only two doors down from me for the two years he was working in Mutitjulu. He lived in Alice Springs. He had a wife and child, and he would commute to Mutitjulu usually through the week and then stay home on the weekend. Greg Andrews tried very hard to do the right thing at Mutitjulu and told the stories to the Chief Minister. She told blatant lies because either she forgot, or she was caught ignoring the advice that she had received, and there you are. In Lateline’s program last night when she was quizzed in great detail, she did not respond at all to that.
This is what happens when you cross the government, this government: you get slandered, attacked by ministers in this place. I said that the Deputy Chief Minister was the worst in labelling Greg Andrews the way he did. A public servant is accused of lying and then harshly labelled by a minister of the Crown. What is the difference between the public servant and what this Chief Minister has done? She lied on national television that she knew nothing about the matter until she saw the man anonymously on the Lateline program. That is a crock. If the Deputy Chief Minister can label Greg Andrews in the most despicable manner possible, then we have every right to label the Chief Minister the same.
This issue is centred on the Chief Minister’s credibility. I will tell you what: she has been found wanting, seriously wanting. She sought to confuse, obfuscate, side step and try to make it go away by lying about it. Well, the lies have caught up. We had the story broken and then she had the Palmer inquiry, and then there is the Wild-Anderson inquiry. It took a substantial time for the Wild-Anderson inquiry to come back with the report, and it was necessary that they had the time to do it properly and to develop the rapport with the communities so that they could get the information and, thankfully, they were able to do that. But once she received it, six weeks ago, she told people that she could not put it out because she has a printing problem. How convincing is that? Was it another lie?
The government’s immediate response was to do nothing. For six weeks, while the Chief Minister has the document in her hands, children are being sexually assaulted almost every night, watching pornography in the most inappropriate circumstances. As adults and as parents, should we countenance that? The answer is: no, we should not. The Chief Minister should be the very first person to act quickly based on the report.
Six weeks, and we still have very little government response to the report. Yes, the Chief Minister talked about alcohol and all sorts of issues like that. That is by-the-by. There are 97 recommendations and the government has not made one mention of response to any one of those, nor have the ministers. Are they all so captive of the bureaucracy that they cannot do anything without bureaucrats telling them what to do? In the meantime, every night, a child is being sexually assaulted – 365 in a year. We will come back in August, six weeks from now, 42 days, 42 nights and 42 more children abused.
I agree with the Chief Minister when she said the federal government has to help. Undoubtedly the federal government has to help, but having watched the federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, he has acted with a sense of urgency. He has provided funding for the Mutitjulu Police Station and we are still waiting for police to man it. You cannot blame anyone else but the Chief Minister and her Police minister for not fulfilling the obligation. The federal government has contributed significant funds to the Territory. Let me not go on to the town camps and the $60m that Alice Springs has lost. That is another story.
Today, predictably the CLP is going to attack the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister has lied and lied. If there were more of us in this Chamber, the Chief Minister would be sent to the Privileges Committee, as she should, for lying to Territorians. To quote the minister for Transport, who said we will have demerit points today, we will announce the demerit points policy to try to distract from this issue where the Chief Minister has lied to Territorians. This is the biggest issue there is.
Ms Lawrie: What? You are ridiculous.
Dr LIM: To try to distract. This is about a government trying to manage the media rather than manage serious business in the Territory, which is protecting our children. This Chief Minister deserves every censure strike that we can possibly launch at her.
Ms LAWRIE (Family and Community Services): Madam Speaker, I wholeheartedly reject the most ridiculous censure motion I have heard in years. I came into the Chamber today looking forward to a debate on an incredibly important report, Little Children are Sacred, because I was absolutely convinced we would have a debate today about this report. It has been tabled in the Chamber …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: It has been tabled in the Chamber so I knew the Leader of the Opposition would either use the tabling statement for debate or choose a censure motion off the back of Question Time for debate, which, predictably, she did. What do we get instead? From the Leader of the Opposition, we got a debate on Lateline interviews, not a debate on the causes of child sexual abuse, not a debate on the comprehensive response required to prevent child sexual abuse and to deal with the insidious perpetrators. Instead, we had a ridiculous debate about Lateline interviews.
It is incredibly disheartening that we witnessed a bizarre obsession the Leader of the Opposition has with the Chief Minister. Instead of dealing with the true substance of the incredibly important report Little Children are Sacred, we get this unleashing of personal bile, none of which will protect children one iota. The Leader of the Opposition went to the example of Mutitjulu, went to the example of a time when there were allegations of an active paedophile. The member for Greatorex joined her in talking about the Mutitjulu example. I absolutely reject the misleading comments by the member for Greatorex who said that FACS did not respond to Dr Stewart’s notifications. It is on the record: FACS did respond; police did respond. What they failed to achieve was the evidence required for a prosecution. The alleged paedophile had fled, but they pursued the evidence for a prosecution. What we were confronted with, in terms of what our authorities found, was this insidious problem of a veil of silence that descends over a community through the issues of horror and shame, dealt with comprehensively in detail in the report Little Children are Sacred. It is very wrong to say there was no response to Mutitjulu. It is very wrong to say the Chief Minister did not respond. She did, quite appropriately, alert the Police minister to the allegations at the time.
Let us take this a step back, because the whole view of the Leader of the Opposition is that this government has been sitting on its hands and has not been pursuing the protection of children. I want to point out that, fundamentally, it was a pathway that started in 2003, the Caring for Our Children reform agenda, that significantly changed government and its agencies’ abilities to respond to notifications. Part of that change is a review of the Welfare Act, which is leading to the Care and Protection of Children legislation. Significantly, a part of that reform was an increase in the number of child protection workers, which enables a response to notifications. Significant in those reforms is the introduction of Family Crisis Intervention Services because, let us not kid ourselves, children are abused sexually, physically, emotionally when they are living in circumstances of crisis, when they are living in families in crisis. Now ‘families’ I use in a very broad sense. Families can be a single mother or a single father with children, or children with extended families, so I use ‘families’ in the broadest sense when I refer to families in crisis.
Out of the reforms are quite clear and targeted programs, which I will talk about. Critically important in the reform process has been the formation of CAT Force, and you heard the Chief Minister talk about the Child Abuse Task Force. We now have in the Territory, and have had for a year, police workers who are senior crime investigators, not just low level constables out of training, but experienced crime investigators, working alongside our most experienced FACS workers and investigators to quite specifically respond to notifications of child abuse. The intake calls come into CAT Force and they are assessed. If they are in that category of child abuse, then it is CAT Force that is equipped to respond. We had some early successes out of CAT Force. Prosecutions of people from Maningrida arose from a CAT Force investigation. Charges and prosecution of a perpetrator in Borroloola arose from CAT Force investigations. I am aware of CAT Force investigations continuing across a series of communities in the Territory.
Quite clearly, there has been a significant, focused response to the issue of notification, the issue of attacking and dealing with the perpetrators of child sexual abuse and, more broadly, child abuse. There have also been system-wide reforms of how our child protection workers work within the system. Critically important was the introduction of the Specialist Care Team, which deals with children who are most at risk, and are dealing with the children with the most complex cases.
We heard from the member for Greatorex the most pathetic excuse I have head to date as to why successive CLP governments failed to adequately resource a child protection system in the Territory. The pathetic excuse was that they were basically incapable financial managers. It is extraordinary to say that because the Territory government under the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, has extraordinarily sound financial management and we have strong economy as a result, our income has increased as a result, that we are able to increase our child protection. That is absurd. The reality is, as we all in this Chamber know, for every dollar you have, there are a million ways of spending it. Everywhere you look right across the Territory there is significant unmet need, whether that is in housing, education or roads so people can get in and out of communities. Everywhere you look, we have massive unmet need. Government is confronted with a range of choices as to which budgets it dramatically increases. It is the Martin Labor government that has increased the child protection budget by 356%.
I find it extraordinary that the member for Greatorex believes that Family and Children’s Services are, in his words, squandering their budget, frittering it away. I have absolutely every confidence in the staff of Family and Children’s Services. I know how much work goes into defining exactly how every single dollar within that budget will be spent because we have enormously competing needs for that budget, from the non-government organisations that we fund for Family Crisis Intervention Services to the need for staff and the child protection intake and care teams. To say that they have been frittering it away is one of the worst statements I have heard in this House. You have absolutely no idea, member for Greatorex, how incredibly skilled, deliberate and focused the government reform process in child protection has been.
Then you bring up the age-old furphy that you have brought up time and time again here: the decisions made by professionals in STI notifications, quoting again the comments of the former CEO of the department of how clinicians deal with STI notifications. We have always said, and the former CEO said, we accept mandatory reporting, we will continue with mandatory reporting in child protection notifications. However, we put into that mix decisions made by commissions for the 14- and 15-year-olds who present with STIs because they may not, indeed, be victims of child sexual abuse. They may be, as much as we do not condone it, consenting teenagers having sex with each other. It might not be to the liking of any member of this parliament, but you treat that situation differently in a statutory sense from non-consensual sex, which is sexual abuse.
There was a comment by the member for Greatorex that he does not see funding in Family and Children’s Services as providing real care. I am going to make sure that that gets out to the child protection workers in the system. I am going to make sure that gets out to the foster carers who are providing real care today and yesterday and the day before for the children in our system whom we have brought in to protect from abuse. It has to be one of the most extremely negative statements I have heard come from a shadow minister’ mouth and I find it abhorrent.
Tackling child abuse for the Martin government is fundamentally a priority. The reform process from 2003 made it a priority. This followed years of neglect. There is a big lesson that comes out of the Little Children Are Sacred report, and that is endemic dysfunction of years of neglect, what I personally refer to as the mountain. We have to chip away at the mountain. We have to climb the mountain, we have to get through and change. It is detailed in the report. You do not do this by continuing with the rate of child protection funding that the CLP had. You could not remotely do it. You had a system on its knees. It was the Martin Labor government that brought that funding from just under $8m in 2001 to the $35m-plus it is today.
What does this actually deliver? The opposition might not think this delivers anything because that is the tone of what they said today. All they wanted to do was debate Lateline interviews. In fact, in a very real sense, we have 71 new positions in child protection right across the Territory. This makes a difference. If you call FACS to notify of a case, there is someone to respond. There is someone there to investigate it. There is someone there to follow it up and there is certainly someone there to make sure that if a child needs to be removed, they are removed, and they are placed with the appropriate foster carer.
These are child protection workers who do an extremely difficult job in incredibly emotional circumstances, and this government absolutely values their work. The government’s effort in raising awareness of child abuse in communities is slowly working. I congratulate the former minister, the member for Arafura, because the Shout it Out Loud DVD was a very powerful message to communities right across Central Australia which spread the message that abuse is not acceptable. She went to the communities, she put the resources and information directly to indigenous Territorians about how abuse is not acceptable. The number of reports of indigenous child abuse under this reform has doubled; so has the number of indigenous kids who are taken into care. The message is starting to work. The message is starting to get out there.
I am absolutely confident that the debate the Little Children Are Sacred report has sparked will help us get the messages across the Territory to all Territorians that we are not going to accept abuse of our children and that the full weight of the law will come down on perpetrators. We will resource the investigators, both police and FACS, to pursue perpetrators.
We are not resiling from the fact that this report identifies that there is so much more to do in terms of child protection reforms continuing, getting our children into safe environments, be they safe at home or safe at school. In removing and minimising the horrible harm of alcohol and drug addiction across our communities, I am not just saying remote communities; these issues exist in town, they exist in the suburbs. They exist right across Australia. We are a government that is standing up and saying we wanted to know the extent of it by arranging an independent inquiry because we certainly want to be able to tackle that in any way that a new set of eyes on the issue could provide. We have improved our service. We have put more workers on the ground, but we need our communities to work with us to help to make children safe.
I have talked about the CAT Force and how they work together to get the results to arrest offenders. Prior to the Martin government, there were no properly funded after hours’ child abuse services. It was the Labor government that introduced a Territory-wide after-hours service. It provides a consistent approach to child protection notifications outside normal business hours. Before then, bad luck if it happened at night. You could not call FACS. I take my hat off to the member for Nightcliff, the first minister in this area, who pursued that commitment by the Martin Labor government and introduced, as difficult as it was, reform of the critically important after hours service.
I will talk us through the improved intake. By centralising the FACS intake processes, co-locating it into the CAT Force, it really has shared intelligence regarding serious child sexual abuse cases. These are highly skilled professionals who are there to assess every report of child abuse from the public and decide the appropriate action. Calls to the 1800 700 250 child abuse hotline will be answered by the central intake team 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are making improvements to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre. We are providing an extra $480 000 to expand staff services to meet our increasing demand. This includes three extra staff, new premises in Alice Springs, increases in budget operational costs such as extra staff doctors, training of staff doctors and counsellors and additional travel costs. We have not been sitting on our hands. This is work that has been undertaken while the member for Greatorex says we have sat on the report. Actually, no, member for Greatorex; we have been out recruiting to these positions during the six week period that it took to publish the report. It is the most absurd argument I have ever heard that a government waits for a report to be published before doing anything. It is incredibly absurd.
Peace at Home is a joint police and FACS initiative in Katherine, again co-locating police and FACS child protection workers to work together to reduce family violence and decrease child abuse, especially in our indigenous families. It is another example of how we are working in partnership across government to respond to child abuse.
Home Strength is a new, intensive family preservation service operating in Darwin to assist families whose children are at risk of abuse or neglect. This type of service simply did not exist previously. This service aims to provide assistance to families in crisis, about 75 families a year, and this is the sort of work, dealing with families in crisis, providing services to assist them, that is laid out in the report and very clearly, as the Chief Minister said, lets our government know that we are on the right path. More work needs to be done and more resources need to be put into family crisis intervention.
Safe Families is a fantastic program developed with elders at Tangentyere Council in Alice Springs working to prevent family breakdown, identifying safe family placements for children who have been taken into care. This is a critically important area of work to prevent child abuse. I know that the opposition walked in here today not wanting to debate the substance of child sexual abuse, but we should be far more mature in our approach and ensure that we deal with this.
Dr Lim interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: I invite you to debate this and the worthiness of family crisis intervention services versus additional child protection staff versus co-location of police and FACS workers in an investigative sense. Bring on that debate. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about that.
As for the member for Greatorex saying that we have watered down and weakened our child protection response by his interpretation of Budget Paper No 3 Child Protection statistics, he is very wrong. We have introduced improved performance measures that appear in Budget Paper No 3, and the table includes very detailed notes that explain these new performance measures. The new measures are in line with national reporting standards. Every notification is looked into and responded to. Every notification will have been assessed by professional FACS staff working in the specialist intake unit. Where there is any suspicion whatsoever that child abuse may have occurred, full investigations take place. We estimate that some 1250 investigations of this nature will occur in the 2006-07 year, the highest number of investigations that have occurred in any year in the Territory’s history.
The performance measures outline the number of notifications where an assessment of a notification results in alternative action being taken. For example, there are some 15 notifications dealt with by other means such as, typically, referring the family in crisis to our Family Support Service as required.
Over the last three years, the percentage of notifications that led to an investigation is around 50%. The member for Greatorex says this is a failure! Similarly, in 2001 about 51% proceeded to investigation. Removing children from their families is the last resort. The intervention is justified, but only to protect the safety of the children. We have families in crisis. There are a variety of ways in which to tackle this. There are 280 children who have entered into our care system in the last financial year, and over the course of the year, some 480 children required care. All of these statistics show us that we are dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The iceberg is described in the report Little Children Are Sacred.
We are a government that stands on our record of quadrupling our child protection services, but not just stopping there, tackling alcohol, tackling substance abuse, tackling education and tackling health. It is generational change that we are attempting to achieve within just a few years reform after decades of neglect under previous CLP governments to their shame.
Motion negatived.
APPROPRIATION BILL 2007-08
(Serial 94)
(Serial 94)
Continued from earlier this day.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure that I speak to the 2007-08 Budget for the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, and the Territory Wildlife Park. In addition, I will speak on my responsibilities in the areas of Young Territorians, Senior Territorians and Women’s Policy.
At the outset, I take the opportunity to thank and congratulate the Treasurer and his team for constructing a budget which continues to consolidate and sustain economic growth for the people of the Northern Territory.
The Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, NRETA, was established in July 2005. Its creation was an explicit recognition by this government of the significant shift in the national focus towards the vital importance of environmental and natural resource management issues, and a critically important role that governments must have in conservation and management of our resources. Continued economic development must be based on sustainable use. We also created the department in recognition of the unique value of the Territory’s natural and cultural heritage. At its heart is a vision of enabling our communities to flourish in healthy and productive environments, to be inspired through understanding of our culture and history, and to participate in creative endeavours across the whole of the Northern Territory.
As outlined in Budget Paper No 3, the department is responsible for conserving, enhancing and ensuring best possible access to and enjoyment of the Territory’s natural and cultural assets. These assets include our native wildlife and their habitats, renewable natural resources, including water and natural landscapes, many of which form the basis of our parks and reserves system, and our creative communities, buildings and places important in our every day life.
The department’s goals are directed to six key outcomes.
protecting the Territory’s natural and cultural assets;
protecting the community’s interest in those assets;
supporting the community in creating new understandings and expressions of Territory identity;
predicting and assisting in mitigating threats from both natural processes and human activity;
helping the community care for and make best use of natural and cultural assets; and
creating commercial, educational and recreational opportunities based on those assets.
Madam Speaker, these outcomes are provided by seven output groups: Parks and Reserves; Biological Parks; Natural Resources; Environment Protection; Heritage Conservation; Scientific and Cultural Collections; and, Art and Screen Industry Support.
Whilst these groups are consistent with the 2006-07 Budget, there are a number of key initiatives in Budget 2007-08: (1) a refinement of the parks output; (2) an expansion of the Territory’s flood forecasting capability; and (3) a restructure of the natural resources output to increase focus on water management issues. I will now go through all output groups in turn and outline these initiatives in more detail.
A total of $34.9m will be spent on parks and reserves. The visitor management programs funded by this budget provide enjoyment to Territorians and visitors and are fundamental to the Territory’s economy, especially in regional areas. The conservation management program protects the biodiversity and cultural richness of our parks estate for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
We recognise the contribution that is made to the maintenance of biodiversity and protection of the environmental assets by indigenous communities. Aboriginal lands comprise almost half of the Northern Territory and support important biological values, including nationally and internationally significant wetlands, migratory sea bird and shore bird habitats, marine turtle nesting sites, and species which are not found anywhere else. The Parks and Conservation Master Plan reflects the significance of these lands and identifies the importance of a coordinated approach to management and support for indigenous ranger groups in the Territory. Budget 2007-08 incorporates an initiative to develop this capacity. The indigenous ranger group development program will develop a network of community-based ranger programs over the next four years, commencing with an additional $100 000 in 2007-08, ramping up to $400 000 in 2010-11 and beyond.
The program is modelled on the extremely successful relationship Parks and Wildlife have established at Nhulunbuy with Dhimurru land management, involving stationing a senior ranger at Dhimurru and providing support, training and mentoring to the Dhimurru rangers in land and sea management. Experienced park rangers working within community-based ranger groups will improve the skill level and effectiveness of these rangers in contemporary land management activity, as well as enhancing cross-cultural expertise of park rangers. This will further enhance joint management activity. The indigenous ranger group development program will commence in Top End communities that have committed to conservation, land management outcomes through the formal establishment of indigenous protected areas, and the development of indigenous ranger programs. It is envisaged this will extend in future to indigenous protected areas throughout the Territory. This initiative reinforces this government’s significant investment and commitment to joint management of our parks and reserves, enabling us to successfully manage the parks estate in partnership with traditional owners.
I draw honourable members’ attention to the substantial benefits of joint management in the recent success of the first group of indigenous trainee rangers to come to the Territory’s new joint park management arrangements. I congratulate rangers, Donald Turner and Jeremy Dawson, who have started work in Central Australia.
Budget 2007-08 will also ensure the Parks and Wildlife Service continues to deliver its core park management functions such as visitor programs and weed, fire and feral animal control.
$10.6m has been allocated to fund the Territory’s biological parks. It includes support for the Desert Park in Alice Springs, the Territory Wildlife Park at Berry Springs, and the George Brown Botanic Gardens in Darwin. A biological park is one which provides displays of native plants and animals within natural habitats and botanic gardens. In addition to commercial, educational and recreation benefits, these parks provide visitors and Territorians with opportunities to experience and learn about the Territory’s flora, fauna, landscape, and cultures.
The Visitor and Education Facility output creates commercial and educational opportunities by funding Windows on the Wetland and community service obligations of $7.9m to the two wildlife parks. This funding enables the parks to operate successful threatened species breeding programs, with the program at the Territory Wildlife Park now including an extensive Northern Quoll breeding program. This investment will enable these key facilities to continue to operate as high standard, premier tourist attractions.
The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens will also benefit from Budget 2007-08 with further developments at the Geranium Street entrance to eliminate vehicles from the pedestrian entrance and enhance the visitor centre. A style guide will be developed to enhance and unify the gardens’ presentation, including seating, signage and colour schemes. The revitalised children’s garden will also be completed.
A further $45.4m has been provided to fund Natural Resources. This contributes to key outcomes in protecting the community’s interest in, and helping the community to care for and make best use of our precious natural asset. It also allows the creation of commercial, educational and recreational opportunities based on these assets, and plays a crucial role in predicting and mitigating threats from both natural processes and human activity. This funding will enable sustainable use of the renewable natural resources of the Northern Territory, including water and native plants and animals.
Budget 2007-08 establishes a new output for Water Resources in the Northern Territory. In recognition of the ongoing crisis in water resource management through Australia, this government has established a management branch to oversee water allocation planning in line with the Northern Territory Water Act, working alongside the well respected and long established Water Resource Investigation Team in NRETA. This initiative has resulted in significant progress with priority water allocation planning. In close consultation with the community and stakeholders in Alice Springs, Ti Tree and Katherine, planning processes in Mataranka, the Darwin rural area, and the Daly Basin will commence in coming months.
We are committed to the work which needs to be undertaken now to ensure the availability of water resources for Territorians into the future. This clear focus on water management has enabled the levering of significant support from the Australian government’s Water Fund, and Natural Heritage Trust to undertake research in water allocation planning in the Territory. This will result in more concentrated future efforts to ensure that the resource is being used in the most efficient and effective manner.
A component of water resource management is the Living Rivers initiative which was established by this government in 2005-06, funded through to 2008-09. Our spend of $3.5m over four years has enabled the Territory to lever significant Australian government funding. Living Rivers has seen substantial progress this financial year in developing an integrated ground and surface water model and a comprehensive water monitoring plan for the Daly. This will be used to better plan water allocations and assess proposed water extractions in the region. The $1m allocated to Living Rivers in 2007-08 enables upgraded construction of new water monitoring stations, and to trialling of a new water metering scheme.
Our natural resources are threatened not just by human activities, but also by invasive plants and animal species. Some of these can have a major impact on our ecosystems such as the weed, cabomba, which was found in the Darwin River in 2004, threatening the Darwin water supply. I am very pleased to announce funding of $253 000 per annum for a further two years to complete the eradication of the cabomba infestation in the Darwin River. To date, infestation levels at the end of the 2006 Dry Season were around 95% less than levels found at the commencement of operation in 2004. Eradication operations including the use of herbicides on the aquatic weed via an underwater boom spray together with the use of shade cloth over the water of the infested area has resulted in the prevention of seed production at all sites, along with the removal of all physical growth and subsequent infestation. Herbicide use levels have now been significantly reduced as a result of our successes, with very low levels being required to treat remaining infestations. An environmental monitoring program implemented in conjunction with control operations has indicated no detrimental impacts to the aquatic and marine plants and organisms in the area.
This budget continues to fund strategic fire mitigation, prevention and wildfire suppression activities across the Northern Territory. These efforts are in support of the activities of the Bushfires Council and regional committees, and the dedicated work of the members of our 21 volunteer Bushfire Brigades.
The activities of most landholders are targeted at protecting the values of their land from which they derive economic and social values. However, reductions in widespread bushfires also have benefit for biodiversity and in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. A major outcome has been achieved in this regard in 2006-07, with immense benefits in terms of improved environmental outcomes for all Territorians.
I had the privilege of signing the West Arnhem Fire Management Agreement on 24 August 2006. This initiative is a world first, nurtured by bushfire scientists in my department working in collaboration with traditional owners in Western Arnhem Land. The project aims at reducing greenhouse gas production from late Dry Season wildfires over 28 000 km of land adjoining Kakadu National Park. Over $1m per year is now available to Aboriginal ranger groups to conduct early Dry Season controlled burns. Cooler early fires have been demonstrated to produce significantly less greenhouse gas than late Dry Season wildfires. The early fires have the effect of reducing fuel loads and creating firebreaks that diminish total greenhouse gas emissions from the region by 100 000 tonnes per year.
In addition to abating greenhouse emissions, the project will assist in the protection of crucial habitats, such as monsoon rainforests and sandstone health communities endemic to Western Arnhem Land, and provide long-term economic benefits through employment.
ConocoPhillips, now Darwin LNG, which operates Darwin’s liquid natural gas plant, signed a 17-year agreement to fund this abatement program, which will fulfil their obligations to reduce emissions under their development permit. It is independently audited by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre and the methodology approved by the Australian Greenhouse Office. This agreement is a clear reflection of the importance that not only government and the community places on the sustainability of our natural resources, but recognition of the importance by industry and developers that we need to ensure we carefully manage these resources.
Budget 2007-08 encompasses the final year of the current Natural Heritage Trust Bilateral Agreement Triennium Funding, which levers $19.6m for Territory-based natural resource management and conservation activities and would not be achieved without this government’s investment in funding natural resource activities.
The Mary River Wetlands Salt Water Intrusion Management Program will receive capital works funding of $500 000. This will allow for the continued development of infrastructure to limit further intrusion of sea water into the fresh water ecosystems of the Mary River. This program has rehabilitated thousands of hectares of wetlands. It is also recognised as the Northern Territory’s contribution to the Australian government’s National Action Plan for Water Quality and Salinity, with a matching investment of $500 000.
I am also pleased to announce that Budget 2007-08 will see the opening of the Rapid Creek Environment Hub for community environmental groups, including No Waste Alliance, the Planning Action Network Incorporated, the Environment Centre NT and the Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance. The hub provides these groups with office facilities and a shopfront in a key location in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
We all know the risks and dangers posed to lives and livelihoods by flooding in the Wet Season. Over the last few years, we have seen the impact of climate change on the extent of an increase in flooding in the Territory. I am also pleased to announce that this budget delivers additional funding of $444 000 a year for the next four years to upgrade flood forecasting capabilities across the Territory, with ongoing maintenance funding provided after that. The Northern Territory Counter-Disaster Council recommended that flood forecasting capabilities be improved following serious flooding that affected Katherine, Wugularr, Daly River and numerous smaller communities.
This government recognised the importance of this and responded with this significant increase in funding on top of the $1.2m already invested in providing this service. A reliable flood forecasting service will significantly reduce the risk of flood damage and loss of life. Progressive improvement of the flood forecasting network will occur over the next four years, including installation of new monitoring stations and upgrading existing stations, as well as developing and improving flood forecasting models in catchments with communities most at risk of flooding. Community-based monitoring of gauges at specific locations along flood prone rivers and creeks to maximise downstream flood warnings will be a key part of the program.
This government remains committed to protecting our environment in accordance with our election commitment to establish a permanent environment protection agency. This budget outlines an additional $248 000 included in the environment protection funding of $5.3m for this purpose. This funding increases to $876 000 in the outer years. This budget provides $466 000 funding to the EnvironmeNT Grant program, which this year is focusing on assisting industry to become more efficient and sustainable. In accordance with election commitments, we are providing $100 000 funding for Cool Mobs in Darwin and Alice Springs to work with householders to reduce energy and water use and waste output.
Heritage conservation, which provides for conservation of the Northern Territory’s heritage assets, will receive $2.6m. This includes continuation of the government’s significant investment in the maintenance of heritage assets commenced in 2005-06 of $1m per annum for 10 years for repairs and maintenance of government-owned heritage properties throughout the Territory. Ongoing annual Heritage Grants of $200 000 will assist private owners of heritage properties to conserve and promote these important assets.
Mr VATSKALIS: Mr Deputy Speaker, I move an extension of time for the minister pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I thank my colleague.
As well as providing $114 000 annually to the National Trust, heritage conservation in the Territory will also be enhanced in 2007-08 with the launch of the online Heritage Register, facilitating Internet heritage inquiries.
A total of $14.7m has been allocated to provide funding in support of the scientific and cultural collections, aimed at preserving and enabling access to the Territory’s historic buildings and permanent Museum and Art Gallery collections held by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Museum of Central Australia, the Strehlow Research Centre, and the Herbarium. This recognises the importance of protecting the natural scientific and cultural assets entrusted to the Territory and helping the community to care for and make best use of these assets.
Budget 2007-08 provides funding for the Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory to ensure their high standard of public programs continue, and I am sure members will agree with me when I say that this institution provides a valuable resource to all Territorians.
Arts and Screen Industry Support will receive $12.9m to provide support for the performing and visual arts, cinema and film industry for the benefit of local communities and visitors, creating commercial, educational and recreational opportunities in art, film and tourism. Provision of ongoing funding of $300 000 in capital grants annually for the Public Art Strategy launched earlier this year is a key feature of this budget.
Public Art provides partnership opportunities for artists and community groups, local government and private developers. The budget provides a $105 000 investment in Public Art for establishing a public art precinct at Darwin International Airport.
Budget 2007-08 provides opportunities to showcase the cream of the Territory’s art at regional festivals, as well as in the larger centres of Darwin and Alice Springs through outgoing festival funding. More than $0.9m is allocated for remote and regional festivals and major festivals.
The Territory’s unique arts and cultural sectors have grown and developed extensively over the past financial year. Budget 2007-08 continues the Martin government’s backing of the arts community with $4.35m in arts grants for art development across the Territory; continuation of the $250 000 grants for initiatives in film, new media and the television industry; and $1.1m for the Indigenous Arts Strategy. The Martin government has increased spending on arts grants programs by 35.3% since 2003-04.
An increase of $200 000 in 2006-07 for Baz Luhrmann’s film Australia is also incorporated in Budget Paper No 3. The grant is conditional on a local industry participation plan which will provide opportunities for Territory screen technicians to gain experience in a large and complex production. This in addition to $243 000 support provided in the same year to the children’s television series Double Trouble produced by the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association. If there can be any doubt in the value of supporting such projects, let me point out that 40 Territorians were employed on Double Trouble, including 31 on the production team. Almost half of them were Aboriginal, including the Executive Producer,Priscilla Collins; writer, Danielle MacLean; Director of Photography, Allan Collins; and sound recordist, David Tranter. When final costings of the production are available in a couple of months, I will report to the House on the Territory’s spend on this production and, at a later date, the Territory spend on Australia.
The budget also provides for infrastructure in our parks, with $1m being set aside for capital works, including upgrading ablution facilities for Nitmiluk National Park which, along with the Mary River saltwater intrusion program I spoke about earlier, complement a $2.3m minor new works program for the department, resulting in a total capital investment of $5.16m in 2007-08.
In summary, the budget provides NRETA the capacity to protect and conserve our natural cultural assets. Of the total $126m of the department’s budgeted expenditure, output appropriation provides $98m, with around $12m being levered by the department through external funding which would not be possible without the significant contribution of the Territory government to these programs.
The Territory Wildlife Park’s government business division is also supported in this budget, with the assistance of the community service obligation funding I spoke of earlier, and improving visitor numbers. Territory Wildlife Park and Alice Springs Desert Park continue to provide unique valuable recreational and educational experiences for visitors and the local community. Those parks have created new experiences targeted at domestic and international visitors over the past year, which have resulted in increased visitor numbers. These initiatives include a new art market at Alice Springs Desert Park and a revamp of the main station, and new woodland aviary and barramundi feeding at Territory Wildlife Park. 2007-08 will bring even more new exciting attractions, such as evening experiences at both parks, including spotlight walks to see local animals in natural habitats.
I now turn to my other portfolio responsibilities of Women, Youth and Senior Territorians. The Office of Women’s Policy is an important element in this government’s community engagement strategy. Its chief task is to listen to the concerns of women throughout the Territory and develop strategic responses to those concerns on a whole-of-government basis. A key to this process of listening is the OWP’s role in the Community Cabinet women’s forums. Since 2003, over 800 women, leaders of our communities, have attended these forums from the city to the bush. OWP has a continuing $68 000 commitment to this process. An important outcome of this process will be realised in the coming year with a $40 000 commitment to an Indigenous Women’s Leadership program. This initiative is designed to improve the capacity and leadership skill of indigenous women in remote communities and is currently examining ways in which indigenous women can increase their networking abilities and foster effective ways of working well within their group and other communities in the Northern Territory.
OWP will also continue to support activities that contribute to Territory women: White Ribbon Day and the Alicia Johnson Memorial Lecture, as well as the Chief Minister’s Scholarship Awards. In 2007, recipients were Michelle Clarke for the $6000 vocational award, and Barbara Morgan for the $14 000 tertiary award. Critically, OWP has an ongoing commitment to domestic violence community education. Ongoing funding will be available for television and radio advertising such as the Indigenous All Stars’ Stop the Violence campaign featuring Richard Tambling, Aaron Davey, Daniel Motlop and Matt Campbell. At the research and policy level, further work will be carried out in evaluating the Northern Territory government’s domestic violence initiatives in partnership with Charles Darwin University, with a report to be issued by the end of this financial year.
The Office of Senior Territorians has a vital role to play within the Territory. Gone are the days when it was pretty much expected that a large slice of our population would leave the Territory at retirement, taking with them both social and financial capital on the way. This government actively pursues strategies which encourage Territorians to continue to enjoy our lifestyle after old age and into retirement.
The Northern Territory’s Advisory Council on Ageing has been established to identify issues of concern to older Territorians and advise government on changes needed to existing policies and legislation. A great program fostered by OST is the government’s Senior Card Scheme which continues to promote NT businesses and provide the service of both Territory and visiting interstate seniors. With over 600 businesses, which is more than in most states, and over 1500 seniors joining each year, this $82 000 program is an important scheme for this government to support.
A highlight of OST activities is Seniors Month which supports a $40 000 program of grants over that period. A strong community that supports its members and values their experience, knowledge and wisdom helps to ensure older Territorians remain a vital part of families and communities. Seniors Month celebrates and reflects on the contribution that older people have made to society, and is being increasingly supported by Territory businesses and organisations. We are working hard to keep senior Territorians here in the Territory, but we also recognise we have the youngest population of any jurisdiction in the nation.
The Office of Youth Affairs plays a fundamental role in engaging with young Territorians to ensure that issues of importance to them are heard and acted on by government. The Youth Minister’s Round Table of Young Territorians, a $64 000 program, links young Territorians to government and enables young people to have input to decision-making. I was pleased to announce the 2007 round table members earlier this year, and they will present their project findings to ministers and chief executives towards the end of the year.
National Youth Week is an annual event and the single largest event on the Australian youth calendar. Youth Week celebrates our diverse youth culture. There is $60 000 for National Youth Week, which was a huge success with over 100 events held in the Territory. We will continue to support this important initiative in 2008.
Office of Youth Affairs Youth Engagement Grants Program will fund $40 000 towards Youth Holiday Vibe grants, and will engage young Territorians aged 12 to 25 years through a variety of drug and alcohol free recreational events, and youth development and leadership programs.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to support the Treasurer’s 2007-08 Budget.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the Treasurer’s statement on Budget 2007-08.
Of my various portfolio, areas one can see how the social and economic aspects of this budget are geared towards improving the lot of ordinary Territorians. Fundamental to this budget is the creation of employment and, in particular, employment opportunities and strategies that are critical in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory. The budget is also about continuing the excellent economic performance of the Martin government and establishing a sound fiscal future for the Northern Territory. The reaction of the business community to this budget would indicate a consensus that this aim has been achieved.
What better starting point than Central Australia to consider the ways in which this budget benefits Territorians? I am pleased to announce that Central Australia is a big winner in the 2007-08 Budget. As members are aware, there are a number of significant industries operating in Central Australia such as tourism, mining, pastoralism, indigenous arts and culture, horticulture and agriculture. All of these have generated substantial employment and economic activities over a great many years. It is important for the Martin government to foster the environment to engage entrepreneurial sprits in these industries that will continue for a great many years into the future.
In this budget, tourism has received ongoing support from government in the form of $3m funding for a call centre. Territory Discoveries is a government business division that was established to increase the exposure of Northern Territory tourism across Australia and around the world. Territory Discoveries provides a vital role for the tourism industry and, in particular, small tourism businesses. Small tourism operators may not have the purchasing power or economies of scale to effectively use commercial operators for promotions and bookings. Small innovative tourism operators are able to take advantage of this service and provide the launching pad for future economic activity in respect of their industry.
This is important for the future of tourism for two reasons: first, it enables small business, as I said, to develop economies of scale and grow; and second and equally as important, it allows niche operators to continue to operate on a smaller scale.
In contrast to the many small tourism operators, the capital intensive mining industry is also a critical part of the Central Australia economy. Mining production for the Territory equated to a total value of $1.9bn in 2005-06 and employs in excess of 4000 people. A total of $1.5m in Alice and $550 000 in the Barkly has been allocated to generating geoscience data under Bringing Forward Discovery. I am very excited by the mining prospects that are emerging. Northern Territory Geological Survey has assisted in marketing the Territory as a prime exploration and mining destination. In October 2006, DPIFM reported that two new mines had been opened in Central Australia in the past 12 months: Bootu Creek; and the Peko Tailings project. Several more mines are expected in the near future.
In terms of oil and petroleum exploration in 2007, there will be six wells drilled in Central Australia alone, compared with just two in the past 15 years. The economic future of Central Australia will be bolstered by a healthy and prosperous mining sector.
The pastoral industry is yet another significant industry in Central Australia that is iconic to the Territory and our history. In this budget, Animal Health Services has been allocated $1.02m in Central Australia. Animal Health Services include the inspection, treatment and certification of livestock to ensure the continued domestic and export standards necessary for the industry to continue to grow and develop. $0.52m is provided for weed management control in Alice Springs, and $0.4m in the Barkly region.
To progress industries such as tourism, mining and pastoralism, improved infrastructure is fundamentally important to Central Australia as well. The infrastructure highlights for Central Australia include: $10.5m for the Red Centre Way; $8.09m for the Desert Peoples Centre; $2m to upgrade the Tanami Road; $1.96m to continue the Outback Way improvements; $1.4m to continue the Maryvale Road upgrade; $1.95m for repairs and maintenance along the Stuart Highway in the Barkly; $1.52m for repairs and maintenance along the Barkly Highway; $0.46m for repairs and maintenance along the Tablelands Highway; $0.4m for the Ranken Road; and $0.3m for repairs and maintenance along the Sandover Highway.
The announcement of an $814m infrastructure program for power and essential services is also a major boost for Central Australia. The establishment of a new power station at Brewer Estate and the shifting of some of the generators from the Ron Goodin Power Station will provide a quieter and more effective service for Alice Springs residents.
Hermannsburg will benefit with a $450 000 power upgrade to borefield equipment, as will Roe Creek bore field in Alice Springs, where $800 000 will be spent in the coming year to support new bores. There will be new generation capacity put into Tennant Creek over the next five years, as well as an $800 000 upgrade to the pump station this year; and a $700 000 upgrade for water production at the Epenarra community south-east of Tennant Creek. In Borroloola, $5m is being spent on increasing sewage treatment capacity.
This infrastructure in Central Australia is the economic life blood and essential to continuing our prosperity into the future. Even more important than our physical infrastructure is our human capital. The Territory, like the rest of Australia, is facing skills shortages. This government is committed to turning this trend around. $11.4m in Alice Springs and $2.2m in the Barkly has been allocated to the Charles Darwin University, the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education and other providers to deliver vocational education and training. Flexible Response funding for training leading to employment for indigenous people will receive $0.96m in Alice Springs and $1.05m in the Barkly.
Jobs Plan 3 incorporates an increased focus on employment opportunities for indigenous Territorians, people in remote locations and Territorians from disadvantaged backgrounds. This funding is focused at increasing participants’ workplace literacy and numeracy skills, workplace orientation skills and implementation of employment support programs. In addition, 100 disadvantaged group incentives, valued at $2000 each, will be made available for employers to employ an indigenous apprentice or trainee in a remote or regional community, an apprentice or trainee with a disability, or a resident or overseas born apprentice or trainee.
For its part, the Northern Territory government has made a substantial investment in the skills base of Central Australia. On 7 March this year, I was able to announce a group of 17 new apprentices starting the Northern Territory Public Sector program in Alice Springs, and three in Tennant Creek out of a Territory-wide intake of 60 apprentices. The apprentices from Central Australia are working in a range of fields, including horticulture, agriculture, business, zoology, dental nursing and tourism. It is very pleasing to note that at least 30% of this year’s new starters are indigenous. I also note that in my electorate, there is $40 000 available to employ an indigenous park ranger at Borroloola.
Our economic future is important, but government also has the responsibility to ensure that the service it provides enables maximum participation for Territorians. To that end, all areas of Northern Territory government policies have received increases in funding in Central Australia.
Substantial investment has been made in the health of Central Australians, not only in the provision of health services, but also in health infrastructure: $6m has been allocated for the Alice Springs Hospital Emergency Department; $4.41m has been allocated to Alice Springs Hospital for fire protection and remedial works; $3m for power and electrical systems; and $5m has been set aside for a major upgrade of the Borroloola Primary School in 2007-08. This is a fulfilment of a Martin government election commitment. I am particularly pleased, as the local member, to see that this facility is being brought into fruition.
In Budget 2007-08, employment, education and training in the Barkly will include $5.8m for the Tennant Creek High School; $4.2m for Tennant Creek Primary School; and $5.3m for early childhood, primary and secondary education in 15 remote Barkly schools.
There has been considerable discussion concerning public safety in recent times. $37.5m has been allocated in Alice Springs to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services, including 10 new police officers. This figure of $37.5m represents an increase of 12.9% over the already substantial investment in community safety in Alice Springs.
As I have previously told this House, major reforms are under way in both portfolios of Local Government and Housing. The present system of local government, particularly in remote and rural areas, is not working and is in need of change. The reform of local government is fundamental to the future of the Territory. This reform will determine how basic services are delivered to some of the most disadvantaged Territorians in remote and rural areas. $2.3m has been allocated in the 2007-08 Budget to progress the reform process, which will culminate in the establishment of a new local government structure in July 2008.
The key principles underpinning the reform process are: a focus on delivering a fair standard of local government services to all communities; integrated planning between the three levels of government to ensure the delivery of better services in regional and remote parts of the Northern Territory; consultation across communities throughout the transition and implementation process, allowing for flexibility; existing municipals and new shires working together in respect of sharing resources through regional agreements; and an ongoing cooperative partnership between the Northern Territory government, the Australian government and the local government sector to ensure a seamless transition to the new arrangements.
During 2006-07, the Northern Territory Local Government Advisory Board was established to provide advice on key aspects of the reform process. Transitional committees have been established and will guide the planning for new shires assisted by development coordinators. The Australian government will provide $4.9m in respect of the employment of development coordinators until 2009. The Northern Territory government will provide a further $4.95m in funding, in each of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to meet specific one-off transitional and establishment costs of the new shire councils.
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr McADAM: Sorry, Gerry?
Mr Wood: I said it was not much.
Mr McADAM: It was not much.
Mr Wood: The amount of money you are going to give to the new shires.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Nelson and member for Barkly, please.
Mr McADAM: If you just wait and be patient, as I have said to you before, instead of running hysterically around the country side, what you will find over time is ...
Mr Wood: I knew you were going to say that. Guess what!
Mr McADAM: What you will find over time ...
Mr Kiely: It has already got you into strife once today, Gerry.
Mr Wood: Your local government is not being amalgamated.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: What you will find over time is that we will be able to move towards a new model which, effectively, is going to enhance opportunities and certainty for people right across the Northern Territory. I understand fully the concerns that might relate in certain parts in respect of the proposed shires, but they have to be a little more patient.
The department is working very hard to try to put in place business plans. We have a whole range of consultations occurring next week right across the Northern Territory, particularly in respect of the concerns you have raised about Litchfield, Cox Peninsula, Marrakai, Girraween, a whole host right across the Litchfield Shire.
I am saying that $4.9m this year and $4.9m next year is a very significant start in the context of ensuring that, at the very least, we put in very strong administrative management schedules which you agree with, going back many years. We have to do something in the Northern Territory, and that is what we are going to do.
Mr Wood: I didn’t have a say in the number of shires.
Mr McADAM: I beg your pardon?
Mr Wood: No say in the number of shires.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, member for Nelson!
Mr McADAM: We can have this debate, or if you would like to ask me a question tomorrow, I will be happy to answer it.
Mr Wood: I will.
Mr McADAM: Whatever turns you on, Gerry.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: If you would cease interjecting, member for Nelson. Member for Barkly, please direct your comments through the Chair.
Mr McADAM: I am sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker. He is so good looking, I could not resist.
Mr Wood: I will agree with that.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Do you guys want to get a room, or something?
Mr McADAM: The budget also provides $3.04m for Water Safety and Animal Welfare. A key component of the Water Safety Branch function relates to the administration of the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Since the act came into force on 1 January 2003, the branch has undertaken over 11 000 pool inspections across all major centres in the Territory. There have been over 5000 pool fencing grants processed to the value of $7.5m.
In June 2002, the Chief Minister introduced the five point water safety plan, as you know, to help curb the Northern Territory’s high rate of drowning. Included in the five point water safety plan was a Water Safety Awareness Program. This program entitled parents of children aged six months to five years to five water safety sessions including a resuscitation session and four practical water awareness sessions. Over 4000 children have completed all elements of the program. Since its introduction the Water Safety Awareness Program has received many accolades including being named National Best Practice by the Australian Water Safety Council.
Together with the pool fencing legislation, the increased water safety education has led to the Northern Territory going from the worst to the best record of any jurisdiction in Australia for drowning deaths of children under five. I am pleased to report that a further $78 000 has been committed to continue the Water Safety Awareness Program until December 2007.
The Northern Territory Libraries and Knowledge Centres program continues to gain momentum with Our Story databases now operating in 10 community libraries across the Northern Territory. This program provides ongoing support to indigenous communities to preserve and provides appropriate access to their cultural heritage. In 2007-08, implementation of the Our Story database into a further four communities is being planned. $730 000 was distributed in grants funding for the libraries and knowledge centres in indigenous communities throughout 2007-08.
Funding of $1.6m in 2007-08 will be provided for the Aboriginal Interpreter Service, which continues to promote the use of interpreters by both government and non-government agencies. Whereas historic use was predominantly limited to the legal and health sectors, 2006-07 has seen increased use by other Australian government and human service agencies. The Aboriginal Interpreter Service continues to explore a number of strategies to assist in the recruitment of Aboriginal language interpreters to meet increased demand. In 2007-08, we have given priority to developing employment strategies in gaining national accreditation for interpreters.
Mr NATT: Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that so much of standing orders be suspended as would prevent the minister from completing his speech.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McADAM: Publicly-funded housing is an integral component of the Territory’s social and economic fabric. As such, it is fundamental to the future of the Territory that housing should not be seen as just meeting basic human need, but also improve the wellbeing and living standards of our fellow Territorians.
Under the Martin Labor government, substantial work has been undertaken to ensure that Territory Housing operates through four commercial lines, and to clarify the contributions of each of its business lines to its financial performance. I emphasise this work because it has seen Territory Housing’s financial performance improve considerably against budget over each of the last five financial years. Most importantly, this has been achieved along with enhanced services and/or a strong focus on delivery of the government’s key housing objectives.
In September 2006, Indigenous Housing functions transferred to Territory Housing. Territory Housing is responsible for the provision of construction, maintenance, funding, administrative support and policy advice for the Indigenous Housing Program. These changes are aimed at substantially increasing housing delivery and improving housing management in the bush. The Remote Area Housing Framework will create opportunity and provide certainty for people living in the bush, which is a bit like local government, member for Nelson.
Budget 2007-08 includes $55m for indigenous housing, and an initial $5m for land servicing in remote communities. This will pave the way for governments to invest $100m over the next five years in housing indigenous Territorians who live in the bush.
As I previously said, the first year of this program will be geared towards developing essential infrastructure on land servicing and priority communities. It is envisaged that this accelerated housing program will have significant benefits in training and development opportunities, and indigenous employment outcomes.
Further, an expression of interest for innovative remote housing to the value of $2m was announced in February 2007. The EOI was geared to attract builders, designers and durable housing options for a housing pilot project that will provide new approaches to delivering appropriate low-cost housing.
The 2007-08 Budget provides also for $103.6m in grants contribution to Territory Housing comprising: $33.5m transfer of appropriation sourced from the Commonwealth-State Housing Agreement; $22m for the National Aboriginal Health Strategy; $17.3m for the Community Housing and Infrastructure Program; $4.7m for the Healthy Indigenous Housing Initiative from the Australian government; $15.5m Community Service Obligation payment for the purchase of housing and related services; and $10.5m in other grants.
As well, Territory Housing raised its own revenue through the charging of rebated rentals totalling some $42m, and $13m in interest has been received on loans provided through the successful HomeNorth Xtra scheme. Again, all revenue raised by Territory Housing is reinvested in social housing programs. Total revenues are budgeted this year at $167m. Expenses continue to be budgeted at $1.71m in the coming financial year, on par with the current year.
The Territory building industry will receive valuable support through the Territory’s housing infrastructure and repairs and maintenance programs. Our investment of $130m in housing infrastructure is a record spend and will directly boost this sector.
Budget highlights for Territory Housing in the coming financial year include: capital funding of $41m towards expanding the delivery of public housing to remote regions of the Territory; investing over $22m in repairs and maintenance and minor new works for public housing and government employee housing; investing over $2m dedicated to the continuation of tailored upgrades to raise the standard of existing public housing; investing over $50m to new construction, replacement and upgrading of government employee housing across the Territory; investing over $5m in land servicing in remote communities; investing over $3m to redevelop older style public housing unit complexes in urban areas to improve amenity levels and address security and antisocial behaviour.
We have also revamped the highly successful HomeNorth scheme. Government equity shares will increase to $70 000 per household where households need the extra purchasing power and we will continue with the 2% deposit and a $10 000 interest-free assistance loan. The HomeNorth scheme has also been tailored to better support families with dependents through a $10 000 increase in the income cap. The scheme will correspond better with residential markets across the Territory. These changes to HomeNorth go hand-in-hand with the Treasurer’s announcements that the stamp duty concessions for first homebuyers will increase by 55% from $225 000 to $350 000. This means that 85% of first homebuyers will not pay stamp duty.
The HomeNorth scheme is a tested and effective scheme, an economically sound scheme, and it is about giving Territorians a hand up to the residential property market. This government has been careful not to distort the market to the detriment of existing homeowners. We have put in place regional price caps set at 85% of the REINT average median house price, and these will be reset annually. This will tailor the loan scheme to local property markets and limit any flow-on effect to property prices. The new price caps are $310 000 for Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield; $240 000 for Alice Springs; $85 000 for Tennant Creek; and $180 000 for Katherine. The price caps will not apply to public tenants who want to purchase their own homes from Territory Housing. We will increase support for home ownership through the HomeNorth scheme with an additional $34m allocated to the loan scheme.
The future prosperity of the nation is very much dependent on our telecommunications infrastructure. In this regard, I was heartened by the announcement made by the federal opposition in March this year titled New Directions for Communications: a Broadband Future for Australia – Building a National Broadband Network. I am in total agreement with the alternative government of the need to spend and spend now on telecommunication infrastructure.
As Minister for Communications, I am also aware of the need to plan for our high technology future. For the Northern Territory information communications technology industry, from 2007-08 will be a time for the promotion of the NTICT industry strategic plan. The NT branch of the industry’s leading business group, the Australian Information Industry Association, has confirmed their intention to progress four strategic priority areas for the ICT industry’s strategic plan. These include: export and clustering; ICT skills development; commercialisation of intellectual property, IP; and greater localised ICT industry involvement in NT major developments. The focus on NTICT exports will be enhanced with an export office being established in Singapore during the coming year. This office will be supported by whole-of-government ICT contracts. This export office will be led by an award-winning local business and will be available to NT-based ICT companies looking to export their products or services into the South-East Asian markets.
Recently, a fibre optic connection to Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Palumpa was installed. The fibre optic connection will provide enhanced communications and services when it becomes operational within the next few months. Broadband services will also be available at metropolitan prices, and mobile telephone services will be installed at Wadeye in the near future. Remote areas of the Territory are experiencing improvements in their connections to the rest of Australia. In the past four years, over 35 communities have obtained access to mobile phone services and there has been a staggering take-up rate of the technology within the communities.
Over the last 12 months, the Territory’s remote communities have also benefited from the Northern Territory government’s Desktop contract. Part of the contractors’ service delivery requirement is improved support for government agencies in remote areas of the Northern Territory. To achieve this, contractors Fujitsu and local company CSG have instituted a schedule of visits to remote communities for preventative maintenance of ICT equipment. Whilst in the communities, CSG also provides free ICT support to members of the communities visited. From July 2006 through to March 2007, a total of 93 separate communities have been visited, with over 300 visits being made in total. As an aside, I take this opportunity to congratulate CSG on becoming a public company. This demonstrates the successful level of development and sophistication of out local ICT industry.
The efficient running of government is also essential to creating the proper economic environment. The Department of Corporate and Information Services has provided continual dividends to government by improving efficiencies. DCIS maintains an identity and access management system called ePass. This system provides a unique identifier for each officer within the NT government to manage employees’ access to information systems and services in an effective and secure manner. This is currently being replaced with a system considered as industry best practice, which will be known as ePass 2. The updated system will extend central management capability security and provide improved features. ePass 2 will manage an increased number of ICT services.
On 1 November 2006, the government increased the threshold for which public tenders needed to be sought from $10 000 to $50 000. This change will result in a projected 47% reduction in the number of tenders issued each year. Given the significant changes to workload, this has provided DCIS with an opportunity to scale down staffing and reduce costs, and this is reflected in the budget papers.
The Leader of the Opposition has suggested that government will be able to save $1m per annum on its fuel bill by converting 33% of its fleet to liquified petroleum gas or LPG in the next 12 months and a further 33% to hybrid in the following 12 months. The government has 2455 light passenger vehicles of which 39% are diesel and approximately 60% are petrol. There are currently five LP-engined vehicles. If the government was to convert all of its petrol-driven motors to LPG, fuel costs would be reduced by up $1.24m per annum. This saving is based on the Darwin average LPG cost of 0.3 litres over the average 15.6 km per annum travelled by each light passenger vehicle.
LPG fuel consumption is approximately 30% higher than petrol. For example, in the estimated saving previously referred to, a four-cylinder vehicle using LPG was calculated at 11.7 litres per 100 km and a six-cylinder was calculated at a conservative 15 litres per 100 km. Petrol-driven light passenger vehicles are disposed of on average every two years, as this represents an optimal resale value to government.
The average capital cost to retrofit LPG to a light passenger vehicle is approximately $3000 and the federal government subsidy as it now stands is not available to convert government fleet vehicles. Based on the retrofitting of one-third of our fleet, the capital outlay would be $1.46m. The capital cost offset against the expected fuel savings of $826 000 on one-third of the petrol fleet would result in a loss of $634 000. Since the introduction of the federal government subsidy, state operators have reported a significant decrease in the sale price of LPG vehicles at disposal so retrofitting of LPG to the existing fleet is not a commercially viable option.
Another issue that I want to raise quickly is this government has over the last year built on the strengths of previous good economic management. It is a government that has been able to provide a fair distribution of dollars right across the Northern Territory. Certainly, there is much more to be achieved. Most importantly, we have now made the economy much more sustainable, and not subject to the cyclical troughs which have occurred over the last few years where governments in the past have been required to spend money that was not there; in effect to put money into programs where the money did not exist at that point in time. What we have had over the last few years is an economy that is more sustainable, growing and not subject to the artificial injections of previous governments.
I commend the Treasurer's 2007-08 Budget to the House.
Mr NATT (Primary Industry and Fisheries): Mr Deputy Speaker, we have heard from the Treasurer about this year’s budget, a budget which continues this government’s record of growing the Territory’s economy, creating employment and improving the lifestyle of all Territorians.
Our economy grew by 7.5% in the last financial year, the highest of all Australian jurisdictions, and it is against this background I frame this statement about my Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines’ contribution.
It is not an exaggeration to say that industries falling within my portfolios underpin the entire Territory economy. In fact, the mineral and energy sector accounts for about 30% of GSP, while our pastoral industry accounts for 1.5%. Horticulture is now worth over $90m to our economy, and field crops account for $12.5m. The Territory’s wild harvest fisheries account for around $33m, and the fledging aquaculture industry accounts for $26m a year and is on-track to possibly exceed $120m by 2010.
Speaking about the contribution of the mineral and energy sector to the economy, I am pleased to report that our major investment and exploration attraction program Bringing Forward Discovery has been funded to the tune of $2.75m for geoscientific data, and $0.25m for promotion of the Territory as part of the government’s long-term investment strategy for each of the next four years. That is a total of $12m invested in Bringing Forward Discovery.
Bringing Forward Discovery is the successor of the highly successful Building the Territory’s Resource Base which has run over the last four years. Under Building the Territory’s Resource Base, the Top End Secret Road Show visited most Australian capital cities as well as Britain, Canada and China, spreading the message about how prospective and well placed the Territory is in terms of mineral and energy exploration and investment.
The success of this program is obvious to all. A number of Chinese companies are now in partnership with Territory mines and back in April, a powerful Chinese delegation came to Darwin to sign a memorandum of understanding with Compass Resources to allow the Browns Oxide project, which is located about 65 km south of Darwin, to proceed. I had the pleasure of hosting this significant event in Parliament House. The invitation was extended to the management of Hunan Non-Ferrous Metals, and of course Compass Resources, during my visit to Hunan Province last November on my way to the China Mining Expo in Beijing.
A party of nearly 25 company officials and province delegates visited Darwin for the signing, a significant event for the future of the mining industry in the Territory. This project will see around 150 staff and contractors working on the Browns Oxide site, a considerable injection of employment and money into the local economy. Add to this the projected production of the site, copper, nickel and cobalt, to say nothing of the projected $83m in infrastructure, and the government’s investing in Building the Territory’s Resource Base looks very good indeed. With Bringing Forward Discovery, we will continue the momentum generated by Building the Territory’s Resource Base.
A dedicated China strategy has been developed to reinforce and build on the existing connections and outcomes already achieved with Chinese investors. A technical team has recently returned from China. It was made up of department experts accompanied by representatives from industry partners Arafura Resources and Sandfly Resources. This team renewed contracts made last November when I visited and opened new doors. So successful was this delegation that high level talks are now under way between these two companies and Chinese investors. Much of the intelligence gained from this technical visit will inform my proposed visit later in the year when I will again attend China Mining, a huge mining expo held in November each year.
Mining and petroleum are major drivers of our economy and account for more than 50% of the Territory’s growth. The mining and petroleum sectors account for 26% of the Territory economy, and that goes up to a massive 40% if we include alumina and LNG.
Mining and exploration are booming in the Territory, with five new mining and processing operations started this financial year, and four or five more commencing next financial year, including the Compass Browns Oxide project I mentioned earlier, Territory Iron at Frances Creek and Thor Mining’s tungsten and molybdenumoperations in the Harts Range area. In addition, all of the existing mines – Alcan Gove, GEMCO, Ranger, McArthur River Mine and Newmont Kelly – had expansion programs under way or in the planning phase.
It was not always like this. Mr Deputy Speaker, you will recall the environmental disaster we inherited from the previous government, namely Mt Todd. Over the last year, we have stabilised and cleaned up this site prior to handing it over to Vista Gold for day-to-day management. The priority works have allowed the site to be managed within the discharge licences. Over the last Wet Season, there were no unplanned spills into the Edith River system, a huge change from the previous situation. We also entered into an agreement with Vista Gold under which it will commence exploration on the site and, if Vista Gold decides to proceed, it will take over the rehabilitation of that site. I am pleased to report that we will spend $630 000 next financial year preparing for that rehabilitation. This will involve funding to develop a more extensive monitoring program for the site. As you can see quite clearly from this, we are actively encouraging the mining industry for the good of all Territorians, but we are also taking firm action to ensure that mistakes of the past are responsibly managed.
Mr Deputy Speaker, you are no doubt aware that Alice Springs has been successful in its Solar City bid. This is great news for Alice Springs and will allow the city access to $8.3m to implement solar power initiatives through the Renewable Remote Power Generation Program my department administers on behalf of the Commonwealth. Moreover, the Territory government has committed $4.511m and nearly $549 000 in in-kind support to the project over 2006-07 to 2013-14.
Other projects involving renewable energy include the establishment of the three solar power stations at Ti Tree, Kalkarindji and Ali Curung with a total rebate of $5.4m, a very tangible commitment to alternative energy by this government.
My department is also involved in facilitating the solar technology demonstration facility at the Desert Knowledge Australia Precinct in Alice Springs. This will see $2.3m dedicated to this unique and innovative facility. In addition, my department and the NT Cattlemen’s Association will fund a feasibility study on 18 pastoral stations to determine the best renewable energy options for the future, a practical and forward-looking innovation for the pastoral industry.
We hear much about the Territory’s unique lifestyle, and now we are working to preserve it. My department is also charged with overseeing one very important component that has been talked about, and that is fishing. I am pleased to say that our fisheries management is well recognised while research and development achieved in the aquaculture arena are internationally acknowledged.
In the department, we have continued our commitment to buy back coastal fishing licences. In February 2006, a voluntary buy-back of coastal net fishery licences commenced. It had the aim of closing Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay to commercial coastal net fishing. This will reduce the competition between commercial and recreation fishers, and fishing tour operators, and enhance the long-term quality of recreational fishing in the area. I am pleased to say that $350 000 has been committed for the buyback of commercial fishing effort in order to ensure sustainable management and utilisation of the Territory’s marine resources. The buyback process is progressing. To date, agreement has been reached with three licence holders and the process is currently under way to settle the purchase of these licences.
Another highly successful undertaking Fisheries looks after is the Indigenous Marine Ranger Program. Eighty-four per cent of the Territory’s coastline, or 13 000 km, is land owned by indigenous people. That is a lot of coastline to look after. My department provides funding assistance to six Indigenous Marine Ranger groups located at Melville and Bathurst Islands, Borroloola, Elcho Island, Maningrida, Port Keats and Goulburn Island. The primary focus of rangers is on caring for the coastline and sees them involved in surveillance and monitoring, marine debris cleanup, animal rescue and cultural and contemporary educational activities. Government has directed $179 000 for the expansion of the program in 2007-08.
The Fisheries Division is also involved in supporting indigenous economic development through pilot aquaculture projects such as the mud crab farms at Maningrida and Kulaluk. Research conducted at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre has allowed these projects to proceed, and the Darwin Aquaculture Centre is now assisting investigations into the feasibility of commercially producing trepang or sea cucumbers.
It is not only through fisheries that my department is assisting indigenous communities, as within the pastoral sector there is a wonderful program called the Indigenous Pastoral Program. My department is one of several organisations funding the Indigenous Pastoral Program while delivering the employment outcomes sought. One of the goals of the Indigenous Pastoral Program is to increase indigenous participation in the pastoral industry. Indigenous employment is an absolute necessity for the Northern Territory. I am sure we are all aware of the challenges of the changing demographics within the Territory. We are faced with a growing and increasingly younger indigenous population combined with an increasing difficulty of finding and retaining workers on stations. This fact has been identified as one of the most significant issues facing the pastoral industry and it is an issue that the Indigenous Pastoral Program is tackling.
The Indigenous Pastoral Program is implementing a strategy to attract and retain young indigenous people in jobs available within the pastoral industry. The strategy includes pre-employment training to ensure a base level of skills required for entry into the pastoral workforce, followed by the on-job training. Mentoring is also provided, and will include mentors for the indigenous trainees and, additionally, an employment liaison officer to mentor employers of indigenous Territorians in the cattle industry.
Whilst the more senior managers within the pastoral industry have worked with indigenous people and understand some of the cultural issues, today’s young managers have not had that exposure and hence have a lesser understanding of some of the cultural issues that have to be considered when working with indigenous people. The employment liaison officer will be working with the industry to provide operational advice and assistance in resolving day-to-day issues as they arise and providing strategic advice to the Indigenous Pastoral Program on areas that can be improved on while delivering the employment outcomes sought. $150 000 has been allocated for these programs.
My department is also involved in supporting existing indigenous cattle enterprises, and employment and training initiatives of indigenous people within the wider pastoral industry to the tune of $980 000. We continue to support the multi-agency approach to increasing cattle numbers on indigenous land and increasing indigenous participation in the Territory’s pastoral industry.
In line with the government’s priority of regional economic development, we are dedicating research towards maximising the potential sustainable use of our native pasture resources by the pastoral industry. $170 000 has been dedicated to this project. This research is addressing the perceived conflict in increasing regional economic performance, whilst maintaining or increasing rangeland conditions. This conflict arises because regional economic development is crucial to the future of the Northern Territory, but not at the expense of its environmental sustainability.
In this regard, we are currently researching the sustainable commercial utilisation rates of native pasture for pastoral purposes; that is, how much grass can a cow eat of the available pasture at a given time without affecting the sustainability of that pasture or the conditions of the land on which it grows? This program is looking at both current industry practices and resultant land conditions and biodiversity, and a range of scenarios of increased utilisation of native pasture using infrastructure and management processes to achieve utilisation increases. These scenarios are then assessed against a range of parameters of land conditions, biodiversity and production. Results to date show that there is potential to collectively increase production, land condition and biodiversity through better pasture management and uniform utilisation. Over time, this will allow for improved productivity throughout the rangelands whilst maintaining and improving our rangeland conditions.
Also tied to productivity and accountability of Northern Territory rangelands is the $220 000 dedicated to assessing the carrying capacity of various land types for pastoral use. In other words, to be able to reliably evaluate how much grass is available at the beginning of the season for cattle to eat. This project looks at all the climatic and seasonal parameters that affect pasture growth and, through modelling, predicts the amount of pasture available for cattle to eat against a given set of climatic conditions. This is, obviously, beneficial in enabling pastoralists to reliably estimate the grass available for use at the end of the Wet Season, and then reasonably manage towards that grass availability. In conjunction with the utilisation project previously mentioned, this provides a range of objective management tools for sustainable and productive management within the pastoral industry.
Mr Deputy Speaker, as you can see, my department is contributing to the Territory’s economy and lifestyle in many and diverse ways. Another of these is the horticulture industry. My department expects to invest about $190 000 for a farm-ready training program that is being developed by the Anmatjere Community Council, the Ti Tree table grape industry and the staff of my department. Its aim is to introduce the Anmatjere people to horticulture and train them in the basic skills required to obtain employment in the industry. Skills gained include pruning, irrigation maintenance and machinery operations. The Ti Tree Research Farm is used for training purposes, and as a base for the community and industry interaction. The program has been attended by 20 local indigenous men, and has recently resulted in work on commercial table grapes and melon properties. It is expected that the program will provide the foundation for Centrefarm training activities and will, ultimately, be provided by a registered training organisation.
Another groundbreaking initiative is the community garden project. My department will spend around about $100 000 teaching indigenous people how to plan, plant and care for the community vegetable garden. This aims to increase indigenous communities’ and individuals’ involvement and participation in horticultural enterprise, and is seen as an early step in horticultural economic development for indigenous communities. Community gardens have been developed with the assistance of my department’s horticulture staff at Six Mile at Ti Tree, and at Emu Point in the Top End. A range of easy-to-grow vegetables are planted and tended by the individuals at Six Mile or by groups, which is undertaken by the Emu Point women, and has resulted in fresh fruit and vegetables being available for local consumption, as well as a sense of achievement for the growers.
My department has also assisted Centrefarm to develop environmental management guidelines for use on horticultural enterprises on indigenous country. The objective is for landowners and commercial proponents to have a set of protocols. By following these protocols, they can reasonably expect to have sustainable production from the land into the future, an admiral project I am sure you will agree and one on which my department will spend $50 000 initiating.
My department has also spent $881 000 in long-term innovative plant production development. High value tropical timber, fodder, biofuels, mango, bush food and ornamental products are all at various stages of development and commercialisation for the benefit of the Territory’s farmers and horticulturalists. Driven by market demand and seasonal production opportunities, plant breeding and evaluation programs will result in new products suitable for existing industry and indigenous based enterprise development.
My department also plays a lead role in this government’s responsibilities in animal and plant bio-security. To support bio-security outcomes $3.6m has been allocated. This will be used towards fulfilling our legal obligations to national animal and plant bio-security agreements and to further develop our plant and animal response plans.
Targeted surveillance and monitoring programs for emergency animal and plant pests and diseases are in place across the Territory. These programs are supported by an effective and efficient diagnostic capacity that covers both plant and animal industries. The capacity ensures that the department can react promptly in the event of a plant or animal disease outbreak being detected. $3.8m has been earmarked to further underpin consumer and market confidence. As part of this commitment, a system of livestock identification and tracing is being implemented across the Territory. Strongly backed by the industry, the National Livestock Identification System uses funds supplied jointly by the Commonwealth and Territory governments and will ensure the traceability of 500 000 cattle annually to both domestic and export markets.
My department also has in place appropriate regulations and pest and disease screening programs. Certification, inspection and treatment are provided to allow the confident trading of livestock with some 600 Property of Origin certificates certifying freedom from disease being issued every year. There are also some 400 grower-based quality management programs for post-harvest treatment of fresh fruit and vegetables to allow Territory producers to meet the quarantine requirements of southern markets.
Another service vital for the maintenance of the Territory’s ‘clean green’ image is quality control of fresh fruit and vegetables. $400 000 is allocated to chemical services next year. This will allow the continuation of chemical residue testing which seeks to ensure that all agricultural and veterinary chemical use is as per the label. Correct chemical use means that Territory produce meets consumer expectations and health standards set by our national and international markets.
I am proud of the contribution my department is making to economic development and job creation in the Territory and the role it is playing in enhancing the Territory’s lifestyle. I am pleased that support has been given to DPIFM through this year’s budget.
I am also pleased with the support that this year’s budget provides to my electorate of Drysdale and the wider Palmerston community. Strong population growth and active property markets will continue to shape Palmerston in the future. The area is a unique and inspiring hub of development and population diversity. It has a significant young population with around about 45% aged 24 years or under and only 3% aged 65 or over. Approximately 10% of the 42 600 people of the region in 2006 were indigenous. Significant industry in and around Palmerston is supported by Defence Force projects, the construction industry, the East Arm Wharf and the Darwin Business Park. They are all located in this area. It is pleasing to see that the youth health services of the region have been supported with an injection of $120 000, and the Mental Health team of Palmerston has received $100 000 to assist their efforts.
The young population of the area has to be supported in order to enhance their bright futures in the Northern Territory. The Palmerston High School is an integral cog in that development. As part of the middle schools process, $18m has been committed to Palmerston High School and Taminmin High School to assist the students’ education. Construction has already commenced at Palmerston High School on the new middle school facility and is on target to be completed before the commencement of the first school term in 2008. I look forward to the completion of the construction and the progress of the school’s curriculum starting next year.
Construction of the new public library in Palmerston was completed late last year and it is a wonderful facility in the heart of the business hub of the community. It is pleasing to see that $430 000 has been allocated to enhance the library’s resources and services this financial year.
One of the most significant benefits to the Palmerston community will be the Tiger Brennan-Berrimah Road duplication from Wishart Road. Traffic travelling to and from Darwin in the mornings and evenings is quite prolific, and it is not uncommon to see streams of vehicles on the opposite site of the road as I am travelling to and from Palmerston. The $10m committed to assist the public with easier access to and from Palmerston and ease congestion through the busy times of travel will be greatly appreciated. Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer’s budget.
Mrs AAGAARD (Nightcliff): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak in response to the 2007-08 Budget as both the Speaker of the House and the member for Nightcliff.
In my role as Speaker, I am, as members will be aware, responsible for the administration of the Department of the Legislative Assembly. The Department of the Legislative Assembly is a small agency with a significant proportion of its budget managed as non-discretionary expenditure under the provisions of the Remuneration Tribunal Act and Determination. The balance of the allocation is therefore the discretionary component, which is used to cover the operation of the parliamentary committees system, the conduct of the sittings, the running of the Clerk’s office and my own office, and the management and maintenance of Parliament House in general.
Parliament House was completed and occupied 13 years ago, however, its construction commenced in 1990. I am sure that all members will agree it is a magnificent building and, in the past decade, has been maintained to a very high standard. We have now reached a critical period in the life of the building, where major building components and systems are reaching the end of their expected life cycle, as is the case with all buildings of a similar nature. These areas focus on many of the technical, electrical, mechanical and structural areas, which deteriorate over time with use and exposure to the elements. In addition, advances in technology and design now necessitate major upgrades and refurbishment to existing infrastructure to ensure ongoing operational supportability for the next 10 to 15 years.
The existing information technology and communication cabling structure in Parliament House was installed over 12 years ago. This ageing cabling and associated technology is now inadequate to support the advances in ICT and communications networking is becoming increasingly difficult to support with a lack of replacement parts and maintenance experience.
Similarly, the infrastructure which supports other essential building systems and services such as sound and vision, airconditioning and security also require updating before being improved and more efficient systems can be installed. As such, through asset planning, we sought funding to progress these important projects to ensure the core functions of the building are sustained well into the future. $3.75m has been allocated in the 2007-08 Budget to cover the costs of these key infrastructure projects. We will use an economy of scale in upgrading all cabling as a single capital works project. I am therefore pleased to recognise the first major upgrade project for Parliament House since its opening and one that will serve us well in the coming years for the operation of the building.
The 2007-08 Budget has also recognised the need for ongoing and sustained maintenance of other areas of Parliament House. This includes the building fabric, which is now subject to an asset management plan covering programmed works over the next five years. For 2007-08, the budget for repairs and maintenance has increased from $923 000 to $1.44m. This is a $521 000 or 56% increase, which will enable important and programmed maintenance to be undertaken, and to retain the building in its appropriate and iconic state for the people of the Northern Territory.
The budget contains $823 000 for minor new works. This is an additional $403 000 or 96% increase over the 2006-07 Budget. The monies allocated will permit the ongoing implementation of the energy efficiency measures as part of the National Greenhouse Challenge, improve security arrangements for tenants and visitors, and upgrades to the sound and vision systems to support the effective operation of the Chamber.
As previously stated, the 2007-08 Budget provides an important milestone in the 100 year life of the building and the planned projects will provide a major management challenge for officers of the department in keeping the building fully operational during these important works.
The variation between the final 2006-07 estimate and the 2007-08 Budget is an additional $768 000. The difference is made up by the $521 000 increase in repairs and maintenance and Treasury budget parameter increases for members and electorate offices.
Like all other agencies, the Department of the Legislative Assembly has had efficiency dividends applied in the 2007-08 Budget as part of fiscal restraint by the government. In a small agency with a large component of its budget consisting of non-discretionary expenditure, such reductions have a significant effect. My department will respond to this challenge by a program of cost-saving initiatives, further development of improved administrative processes, a continued program of implementing energy savings, and a reduction in staffing costs where this is possible.
An additional $250 000 has been provided for the continuation of the activities of the Statehood Steering Committee, and a key focus of the committee will be its community education program. A further focus of the committee will be the exploration of partnership opportunities with a range of organisations to promote awareness of statehood issues.
Planning has already commenced for the conduct of the next regional sittings in 2009. The conduct of the recent Alice Springs sittings has been declared to be a great success by all concerned. Key aspects were the success of the Educational Outreach Program and Youth Parliament, an increased awareness in the region of the role of parliament, and increased community involvement through the art award and the community concert. Such programs ensure that the people of the Territory have an enhanced understanding of the role of the parliament and of parliamentary democracy. These will continue through 2007-08 in the form of school and public tours, activities which encourage the public to visit Parliament House, particularly during the conduct of the sittings, and our ongoing educational and public awareness programs.
Funding has been transferred to the Department of the Legislative Assembly from the Department of the Chief Minister for the conduct of the Senior Territorian Art Award. I am proud to have the responsibility for this award as I believe it provides a valuable means of supporting arts in the community and developing a sense of Territory history and the people who have played a role in that history. There has been much interest in the award and I look forward to seeing the entries during Seniors Month this August.
I place on the record my thanks to the Clerk of the parliament and all parliamentary officers for their superior effort in relation to working for the Assembly and for all members.
I now move to matters relating to my electorate of Nightcliff and the budget. I was delighted to be part of a pre-budget announcement with the Minister for Essential Services of a further $6m to advance underground power in Rapid Creek, one of the government’s most significant election commitments for my electorate. The project to underground power in the Nightcliff electorate has been a particularly exciting and rewarding one. I am very pleased to see this election commitment delivered. The residents of Nightcliff and Rapid Creek will benefit from this project, with increased reliability of power, added value to their homes, greater life expectancy of power networks and protection from things such as falling tree limbs and debris in cyclonic and stormy weather. The removal of power poles from Nightcliff streets is aesthetically very pleasing and I, like other residents, look forward to the completion of the project expected in late 2008.
The latest information on this project is that, in Nightcliff, all final interface works have been completed and the overhead power lines decommissioned, that is, de-energised or turned off. Demolition of the remaining power poles and power lines is due to commence on 2 July and will take approximately two weeks. In the first half of the project in Rapid Creek, which involves 341 properties, there are about five properties left to be bored. Electrical works are due to begin around August-September this year and will take approximately six months to complete.
In addition, a second feeder will be installed along Trower Road from the Casuarina Zone Substation at the corner of Rothdale Road. This will provide supply to Rapid Creek properties. Tenders are currently being finalised for the commencement of civil works for the second half of Rapid Creek, which involves 330 properties, with work there expected to begin around August-September this year. I am very pleased, as it was a significant election commitment both in 2001 and in 2005, to see this being finalised in Nightcliff and Rapid Creek. It is terrific for me as the member for Nightcliff.
Greater security during cyclones will also be offered to Nightcliff residents through a further $1.5m announced in this year’s budget for the upgrading of three school gymnasiums, including the Nightcliff Middle School gymnasium, as a cyclone shelter. This building has the capacity to shelter up to 1000 people. Work on these shelters will include new roof cladding and the installation of debris screening on windows. Those of us living in the Top End understand that cyclones are part of our lifestyle. People will be pleased to know that the cyclone shelter to which they may have to shelter at some point has been upgraded. I commend the Treasurer for inclusion of this in the budget.
Nightcliff Primary School Council, staff, students and parents welcomed the announcement of $20 000 in the budget for the provision of a diversion fence to separate a public walkway from the adjacent school oval. At a school assembly recently, I was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for my work in gaining this asset for the school, and I thank the school for this. It was a big surprise. Being at the assembly, I thought I was presenting awards and I was not expecting to get one at all. However, I was delighted to receive it.
A school council subcommittee is working with the Department of Employment, Education and Training on the fencing design and its placement to gain the greatest benefit for the security of students at the school without impeding pedestrian traffic from Bauhinia Street through to Cunjevoi Crescent.
I have had positive feedback from the budget announcement of $250 000 for a skate park in Nightcliff. The Nightcliff middle school council has agreed in principle to the skate park being located within the school grounds, and there is general agreement that it would be a positive thing for the school and the community. The concept of a skate park was first proposed in 2004 when I was approached by students from Nightcliff Primary School, Nightcliff High School, St Paul’s Primary School and the Essington School. These students wanted a skate park which was close to home and easily accessible, and the middle school grounds certainly meet those criteria. Needless to say, the recent budget announcement is well supported by students. I will be working with them, the school, the community and the appropriate departments to bring this project to fruition. I have spoken to some of the students who are keen skaters at Nightcliff middle school, and they are looking forward to being involved in the design of the project.
Nightcliff electorate residents and visitors can look forward to greater opportunities for recreation and fitness in electorate parks and along the foreshore. $120 000 has been allocated for providing new facilities for parks, including along the Rapid Creek foreshore, which will enhance these areas as community meeting places, places for greater social connection between residents, and great places to develop and encourage children in healthy outdoor activity. In addition, an allocation of $100 000 was made for a self-cleaning toilet which will be placed on the Nightcliff foreshore near the jetty. This is a well frequented area, particularly on the weekends, and I know it will be welcomed by all constituents who regularly use the foreshore.
A budget allocation of $200 000 has been made for developing the Nightcliff foreshore. The focus will be on developing outdoor exercise stations along the foreshore path at various intervals, with some interpretive signage at locations which have historic merit. This is an important election commitment for the area. The exercise stations, which I have often referred to as the ‘outdoor gymnasium’, will be well used by the hundreds of people who take advantage of this most scenic location to carry out their regular - or perhaps irregular, as the case may be - exercise routines. It will provide an extra attraction for people to use the foreshore, and will provide a free gym for those who may not be able to afford a gym membership. I have seen a similar project on the Cairns foreshore, which was very well frequented, and I think this will be very popular in Nightcliff. As it is also located so close to schools in my electorate, I am hopeful that schools will also take advantage of it and combine their use with normal physical education activities. Bicycle NT, the Departments of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Local Government, Housing and Sport, and the Darwin City Council will work together to ensure the most appropriate equipment and locations are chosen for this project.
With regard to the interpretive historical markers, my periodic historical tours of the Nightcliff area for constituents, which began several years ago, confirmed my belief in the genuine interest people have in learning the history of the area in which they live. The signage will reflect the historical material gathered from a number of resources including Leith Barter who wrote a very interesting history of Nightcliff for the Historical Society; a history of Nightcliff by Brother George Cusack MSC, whom I knew and who died several years ago; the Parliamentary Library; the NT Reference Library; and Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory.
Nightcliff foreshore, where the new markers will be placed, boast such things as the Ichthius or apostle site. I take people down onto the foreshore at Rapid Creek to show where this is. Sometimes, I wonder if I have the right site; however, no one else knows, so I just say: ‘It is this area here’. It does create a lot of interest. There are sites of Chinese market gardens and a World War II dump. Signage to mark historic places and events will provide residents and visitors with a greater knowledge and understanding of this area.
I am also hopeful that there will be a marker for Anna Dolan, the first female in the Northern Territory to enrol to vote, and the first female landholder in the Territory. She owned land from along the Nightcliff foreshore area to what is now Coconut Grove. It was quite controversial at the time, with some believing it should have been her husband who was the landholder. I should say that historian, the late Barbara James, brought it to my attention. Barbara wrote a particularly interesting article about Anna in the year prior to her death.
Whilst speaking of the Nightcliff foreshore, I must also thank the government for its continuing support of the very popular and ever growing Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival with an allocation of $10 000 for the festival and for the allocation of $20 000 towards Nightcliff bus shelters in the coming year.
I thank the government for the ongoing initiative to develop and to deliver new treatment places for people subject to an order from the alcohol court. The allocation of a further $560 000 in the coming year’s budget and a commitment to continue to fund this project over the next three years sits alongside the pending applications for Dry Areas in the Nightcliff, Sunset Cove and Rapid Creek areas of my electorate, which I am supporting.
The Northern Territory is a great place to live and the Nightcliff electorate is a most beautiful location. I thank the government for the funding of election commitments in my electorate and look forward to their development over the next year.
Debate adjourned.
MOTION
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Magistrates and Determination No 2 of 2007
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Report on the Entitlements of Magistrates and Determination No 2 of 2007
Continued from 19 April 2007.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, the Remuneration Tribunal Report dated 23 March 2007 was tabled in the Assembly on 19 April and the period for disallowance expires on 21 August 2007. When I tabled the report in April, I made a few comments and now I would like to expand further.
The Remuneration Tribunal in its report deals with a range of issues including salary levels, travelling allowance rates, conference travel, motor vehicles, mobile phones and removal expenses. The accompanying Determination No 2 of 2007 dated 23 March 2007, whilst it is to take effect from 1 December 2006, adjusted some rates whilst generally continuing the entitlements previously determined. Those are salary, conference travel, allowances for additional duties, travel allowance and relocation allowance. The new salary rates for the various offices of magistrates were set, reflecting an increase of 4.4% and the rates for travel and relocation allowance were also adjusted.
The Remuneration Tribunal has also made an allowance for additional duties such as a magistrate being appointed as the President of the Mental Health Review, an allowance for special administrative duties for a magistrate based in Alice Springs, and one relevant overseas conference has been included.
I now turn to matters raised by the Tribunal in the report in regard to accommodation for magistrates during their circuits. Some magistrates stay in accommodation attached to court houses. If this is the case, the intention has been that magistrates are entitled to meals and the incidental component of the travelling allowance rate only. In the course of this inquiry, the Tribunal received from the Department of Justice a copy of a 2005 legal opinion that concluded that
- A magistrate is entitled to the full rate of travelling allowance where they stay overnight in a court house.
Acceptance of this opinion has meant that some magistrates have become entitled to a substantial back pay equivalent to the accommodation part of travelling allowance, even though they have incurred no expenditure for accommodation. The Tribunal was not aware of this legal opinion during last year’s inquiry so the 2006 Determination had no regard for it. The 2007 Determination removes the accommodation element entitlement where accommodation is provided rather than paid for, but only for magistrates appointed from now on.
I thank the Tribunal for its work, noting that each year the Tribunal looks at those rates and the conditions applying to magistrates, reviews and presents them to this House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Deputy Speaker, I, too, congratulate the Tribunal. I know that the determinations are often hard fought and it is often difficult for a number of reasons, but the opposition is supportive of the determination and supports the comments of the Chief Minister.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
TABLED PAPER
Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, I table the report of the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse.
This report has many key action areas and specific recommendations for the Northern Territory and Australian governments to consider. It makes sad and compelling reading, and exposes great pain and unhappiness for many Territorians.
I established the Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse on 8 August 2006. The inquiry was headed by Rex Wild QC, a former Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions, and Pat Anderson, an Alyawarrawoman with a long experience in indigenous health and education.
The inquiry was asked to study how and why Aboriginal children were being abused, focusing on unreported cases; identify problems with the way government responds to child abuse and attempts to protect children; look at how government departments and other agencies can better work together to protect and help children; and look at how the government can better support and educate Aboriginal communities to prevent child sexual abuse.
The inquiry provided me with an advance copy of their report on 30 April. The board then arranged for final preparation, editing, layout and printing of the report. The report was publicly released by the inquiry co-chairs last Friday, 15 June.
Despite years of increased focus and effort by government on the issues of Aboriginal child sexual abuse, the report makes it clearly apparent that the extent and depth of the issues goes further than any government had realised. The inquiry’s report confirms not only the depth of the issue, but its complexity. Overwhelmingly, it confirms the deep sadness and pain of generations of Territorians.
The inquiry co-chairs, Rex Wild QC and Pat Anderson and their staff, approached the difficult task facing them with determination. From the outset, the board determined the basis of their investigations would be with communities themselves, the people working with those communities, and relevant government agency staff at a wide range of levels. The inquiry visited 45 communities, received 65 written submissions and had 262 meetings with individuals. It had the full support of government departments.
While the inquiry did not focus on measuring or counting individual incidents of child sexual abuse, it found that in each community visited, some level of child abuse was acknowledged. There are a number of main points the board was keen to make in its report. Child sexual abuse is serious, widespread and often unreported. There is a strong culture of silence existing around the issue. Aboriginal people are not the only victims, and not the only perpetrators of sexual abuse. There is a lack of knowledge in communities about what child sexual abuse is. The relationship between Aboriginal communities and the government is characterised by various degrees of mistrust. The violence and sexual abuse occurring is a reflection of historical, present and continuing social dysfunction and the breakdown of Aboriginal culture and society.
Wherever in the world you have a breakdown in society with the cumulative effects of poor health, alcohol, drug abuse, gambling, pornography, unemployment, poor education and housing and general disempowerment, you will find high rates of violence, including against children.
However, despite this grim view, I am heartened that the inquiry also found in general Aboriginal people want to help their children and are committed to resolving these issues. The level of confusion, sadness and despair evidenced in the report makes for difficult reading, and I accept the government will, in part, be measured by our response to this report.
Responding to these issues requires concerted effort across a wide range of activity. For some issues, this will require sustained effort over the next generation and beyond. The government will provide a detailed and comprehensive response to the report and its key action areas and recommendations in the August sitting of this Assembly.
Today, I want to provide the government’s interim response, outlining our position. It is vital everyone understands government alone cannot effect the changes that are needed. These changes will need to be implemented in strong partnerships. There needs to be a genuine partnership not only with the Australian government and non-government agencies, but especially with Aboriginal people themselves, both individually and as a community.
Many of the recommendations of the inquiry build on and reinforce the direction government is taking. In particular, the government’s continuing focus on education and alcohol is recognised and supported. Whilst I acknowledge members of the opposition and the Independents may have issue with the government on many matters, I urge all here today to press for change across the board in this area. Together, we must all recognise as long as the abuse of children continues to occur, it diminishes us all.
Yes, we need to do more. Clearly, successive Territory governments have not done enough. The report shines a strong light on this unpalatable fact.
Over the past weeks, the report has been considered within government by the chief executives of the departments most involved in the issue of child sexual abuse. Government agencies are all now working up further responses in depth, and are working towards an achievable response across all layers of government. Nonetheless, after initial consideration, the chief executives established the Territory cannot do this alone and simply cannot afford to implement the range and extent of action this report recommends. We acknowledge the Australian government is an important partner in this, and without its support, the Territory will be limited in what we can achieve. In view of this recognition, two senior officers from my department will immediately travel to Canberra for important discussions with the Australian government about the implications of the report. These will be important talks aimed at establishing a genuine partnership and commitment to further tackling the issues of child sexual abuse and community dysfunction.
In addition, I will work with indigenous organisations to identify indigenous leaders who can form a group that will formally advise the government across the issues affecting indigenous Territorians. One of the first tasks for this group will be to work with the outcomes of this report. As I have already said, the government will not be successful in tackling the complex issues raised by the inquiry without the commitment of Aboriginal people and the wider community. This will require innovative ways of working and the building of a strong partnership and trust between communities and the government. The Indigenous Advisory Group will be an important base for developing better relations between indigenous and non-indigenous Territorians.
Two of the main issues from the report the co-chairs were keen to emphasise include dealing strongly with alcohol abuse and improving education. Both are areas where this government has concentrated significant time, effort and resources and we will continue to do so.
With regards to alcohol abuse, we have introduced tough alcohol restrictions in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and Groote Eylandt, and will continue to focus on bold action where it is needed. We will continue to develop practical alcohol management plans across the Territory.
This government has always been aware of how important a good school education is for indigenous children. This is why we are steadily rolling out secondary education to so many remote communities. We have started to see more indigenous children receiving their Northern Territory Certificate of Education. Yes, the numbers are small, but they continue to increase every year. We can predict that within 15 years, significant Year 12 achievement will have become the norm for all young Territorians.
We are also well under way in establishing education partnerships with five major communities to ensure children go to school and get the best possible education. We have committed to improving education for indigenous Territorians in remote communities and we will continue to do so.
I also fully support the call by the inquiry for more extensive education and information campaigns about sexual abuse and other issues. These campaigns will help Aboriginal Territorians understand the risk and impact on the future lives of children from child sexual abuse and its antecedents, such as alcohol and drug abuse, widely available pornography and gambling.
While this is only the beginning, we have also begun putting together the complex education campaign required around the negative effects of pornography in remote communities. It is apparent from the report that the child abuse notification system needs to operate more effectively for Aboriginal people. In particular, Aboriginal people need to feel they can trust the system much more than they currently do.
Particular recommendations raised by the inquiry include the need for police and Family and Community Services to work more closely together and with communities to build an effective and trusted child protection system. Work has started on this with the establishment of the Child Abuse Task Force and greater coordination between the two departments. Nevertheless, more needs to be done and this work will continue.
In addition, following the recommendations from the report and in conjunction with the work the government is already doing, the following legislative changes will occur over these sittings and the next: amendments to the Bail Act and the introduction of the Evidence of Children Amendment Bill, and, importantly, the introduction of the Care and Protection of Children Bill.
As I have mentioned previously, despite government’s efforts now and into the future, everyone has a part of play. I urge all Territorians to work to lift the veil of silence that surrounds child sexual abuse. We want all children to have a strong future and a happy childhood that supports and enables them to take advantage of the opportunities in their lives. This government is committed to this work, but we cannot do it alone. Although we acknowledge that it will take many years of sustained effort from the whole community, I believe it must be done. We can make a change.
I have outlined some of the issues facing the Territory as presented in the inquiry’s report. This is a brave and bold report, one all Territorians should take very seriously. I thank the board’s co-chairs, Rex Wild QC and Pat Anderson, for their passion and focus in compiling and presenting this report. I also acknowledge the work done by the staff of the inquiry, in particular Julie Nicholson as Executive Officer. In addition, I also acknowledge the contributions of the reference group, which I understand were of significant support to the inquiry board: Professor Paul Torzillo AM, Professor Dorothy Scott, Ms Barbara Cummins, Mr John Ah Kit, Ms Stephanie Bell and Mr Charlie King.
As I said, I will provide the government’s further response to the report and its recommendations in the August sitting of this Assembly. We are focused on making things change, and change for the better. To all Territorians, I say this: without actively seeking a strong future for ourselves and our children, all our efforts will have been in vain. To Aboriginal Territorians in particular, I urge you to work together with the government, with your representative organisations, and with each other to bring about the changes that are needed. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of our children.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the report.
Debate adjourned.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr HENDERSON (Leader of Government Business): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Deputy Speaker, it has been a big month for our Greek community in the Territory.
It kicked off with the historic visit last month of the Prime Minister of Greece, His Excellency Kostas Karamanlis and his wife, Natasa. It was the first time a Greek Prime Minister has visited Darwin and we were very honoured to be part of his hectic five-day schedule in Australia. I met the Prime Minister for a private meeting here at Parliament House, and took the opportunity to congratulate him on the two-way deal he reached on pensions with the Australian government, a decision that will be welcome news for many people, both here and in Kalymnos. I affirmed the Territory’s support for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to their homeland. It was a gesture the Prime Minister greatly appreciated.
I then had the great pleasure of joining the Prime Minister and his wife at the Kalymnian Brotherhood for a special community reception. Our Greek community turned out in force, and the reception they gave our guests was quite incredible. The guard of honour formed by children from the Greek School really set the tone for the event. They waved flags and greeted the Prime Minister and his delegation with great enthusiasm. Congratulations to the students, staff and the School President, Sam Hatzivalsamis.
I know that both Kostas and Natasa were overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality they received, and it guaranteed their short Darwin visit will live long in their memories. To everyone involved in organising the reception, in particular, John Nicolakis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community, George Kalidonis, President of the Kalymnian Community, Tony Miaoudis, and the members of our Greek community who made the day so special, thank you. You certainly did us proud.
Talking about continuing a very big Greek month, our famous Glenti Festival was once again an outstanding success, with thousands of Territorians, as well as our interstate and overseas visitors, enjoying a healthy dose of Greek culture. It was a privilege to have the Mayor of Kalymnos, His Worship, Georgios Rousos and his Deputy Mayor, Philippos Christodoulou, here with us as Glenti guests of honour. Included in their delegation was Bishop Aravantinos Paisos, and it was a privilege to have him with us as well. It was great to catch up with Georgios again after seeing him on his home turf in 2003.
On the Thursday before the Glenti, I co-hosted a lunch with our first-ever Greek-born member of parliament, the member for Casuarina, for the Mayor and his delegation. The luncheon was organised to recognise and celebrate the Territory’s long and close friendship with the people of Kalymnos. The Mayor expressed his profound thanks for the wonderful support he and his delegation had received from the Greek community during their visit. He also acknowledged the contribution of John Halikos to the success of the visit. I personally thank John for his support for the Kalymnian visit.
Later that day, the Mayor joined me at the Darwin Entertainment Centre to officially open the 2007 Glenti Festival, and what a Glenti it was! I got along on the Sunday and the atmosphere was second to none. As usual, the food and entertainment were top notch and our wonderful Glenti hosts, Jim Hatzivalsamis and Evan Papadonakis, kept things moving. I congratulate them both on a great effort and just have to make the point: good legs for the occasion, Evan!
Many people contribute to the success of the Glenti each year. I cannot name them all, but I take this opportunity of acknowledging the president of the Greek community, John Nicolakis, who always works so hard behind the scenes, and Lilliane Gomatos and her Glenti committee, who do a terrific job. To everyone else, the stallholders and the countless volunteers who do all kinds of things to make the festival the success it is, many thanks.
As the past month has shown, the ties between Greece and the people of the Northern Territory are closer than ever. It is a friendship we treasure and one that can only strengthen in the future.
The Saturday before last, I had the pleasure of joining many Territorians at the Barunga Festival. The festival has been running now for 22 years and is well known for its focus on sport, dance, visual arts and craft. This year, over 700 sporting people came to compete from across the region. It was a great day. Highlights included a major upset in the football with the Numbulwar Eagles winning the Anthony James Lee Memorial Trophy; and an exciting basketball competition, the men’s title going to the Daguragu Eagles and the women’s to St John’s College. The competition was just as intense on the track. Dwayne Murrungun from Numbulwar and Yvonne Wurramurra from Gapuwiyak won the men’s and women’s Barunga Sprint, and the Barunga Mile was won by an Englishman, Lee Martindale. Kath Boyd from Darwin took out the women’s Mile. To everyone who competed, congratulations.
Another highlight was seeing Techy Masero’s community art works. Many, including schoolchildren, contributed to these creations and I was delighted to present a cheque for $9000 to Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk-Ngadberre Regional Council CEO, Michael Berto, to support the community’s efforts. I make special mention of DPI’s Road Safety Branch which staged the Best Road Safety Song competition. There were 11 entries and the winner was a ripper, sung by the Borroloola-based Sandridge Band. The runner-up was well-known Warren H Williams. A DVD featuring all 11 songs will be released shortly.
The success of the festival is down to the hard work of many people and organisations. My congratulations and thanks go to the Barunga Board of Management and the Barunga Festival organising committee, particularly President Shaun Brown and traditional owners, Sybil Ranch and Esther Bulumbarra. Special thanks also to Michael Berto and the support provided by the Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk-Ngadberre Regional Council, and Chairman, Lisa Mumbin and Preston Lee from the Jawoyn Aboriginal Corporation. Wayne Buckley and the team at council did a great job as did Nick di Candilo from the Fred Hollows Foundation and Allen Murphy who was responsible for the music. To Kit Moore, Tony Berto and the CDEP crew, the NT Mounted Police, Fiona Hayes, Alan Mole and all the Territory government employees who were on those displays during the festival, many thanks. It was a great day, and one, the late Bangardi Lee, would have been very, very proud.
Last month I helped open a gay and lesbian community event, the Darwin Pride Festival at Darwin’s Brown’s Mart. Pride began 22 years ago and has really grown into something special. The Dry Season is a great time of year in the Top End with many Australians heading here to escape the cold of the southern winter. Events like Pride give people even more reason to take their mid-year break in the Territory and the number of interstate visitors coming to the festival is increasing every year. The bottom line is, of course, it is good for tourism, good for business and great for our gay and lesbian community.
The range of events and activities during the Pride fortnight is quite substantial: everything from car rallies and boat cruises to writers’ workshops and the now-famous Superheroes Lawn Bowls and Karaoke Night. The Best Camp Dog competition was a particular highlight. I joined Stephan Wood from the RSPCA in judging the event and, while there always has to be a winner, I can say that all the canines were dressed beautifully.
The Pride committee has done a great job. Congratulations to Mark Halton and the team for another great festival, and to Barry Horwood and his people at the NT AIDS and Hepatitis Council. It could not happen without you as well. Congratulations! It is the hard work and vision of these people and the many others who contributed to the festival that will ensure Pride continues to grow in to the future.
Finally, I want to talk about one of Alice Springs’ many business success stories. Bellette Media first began in 1997 as an idea dreamed up by Brad Bellette and Kate Merry. It started trading in early 1998 and was a part-time business run out of Brad’s car. One of Brad’s early clients was Peter Kittle who offered his old service department as a permanent home for Bellette Media. Shortly after, Kate came to work with Brad on a full-time basis.’
In 2001, the company grew from two to four staff and moved to their current premises in the cinema complex. They now employ nine people with an annual turnover of nearly $1m. Bellette Media’s graphic design, website and video expertise has helped many Alice Springs and Territory businesses grow their brands.
Recently, Bellette Media expanded into the United States where they boast six clients in Reno, Nevada. Brad and Kate have met with Reno City Council to discuss starting a permanent Bellette office there. As the Bellette Media motto says: ‘We’ll make you famous’, and they have done just that for themselves. I take this opportunity to congratulate Brad and Kate on their success and wish them both the best of luck in the future, both here and in the United States.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about the 9th Arafura Games and the outstanding contribution athletes from Alice Springs played in the success of the games.
The concept of the Arafura Sports Festival was an initiative of the CLP government, and was developed in the late 1980s to provide Northern Territory athletes with opportunities to gain experience in competition with regional neighbours at a level that provides a springboard for success in the Australian national arena, and beyond in the Asia Pacific region. The first Arafura Sports Festival was held in 1991 and is now one of the leading sporting events in the Asia Pacific calendar; a week-long celebration of sporting competition, cultural diversity and friendship.
Twenty-nine athletes from Alice Springs brought home a collective haul of 28 medals including 12 gold, 11 silver and five bronze. Fourteen-year-old Zac Dalby was one of the premier junior swimmers at the Arafura Games, finishing with seven gold and two silvers, breaking two Arafura records along the way. In the 13 to 14 year-old boys, Zac Dalby won gold in the 200m individual medley, 50m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle, and both the 50m and 100m butterfly. Young Zac Dalby broke Arafura records in the 50m and 100 m freestyle, destroying the previous 100m mark by 0.3 second. Congratulations, Zac; you have done us proud.
In athletics, long distance running teenager Matt Forbes won gold medals in the 1500m for 15 to 19-years-olds, and the men’s 3000m. Matt also won silver medals in the men’s 500m: no mean feat and very hard work. He deserves his achievements.
Alderman Murray Stewart, well-known in Alice Springs, claimed silver in both the men’s 1500m and 800m ambulant runs and says that following the Arafura Games, he is newly invigorated in running and keen to continue his pursuit in other competitions. Congratulations, Murray.
Emma Kraft was awarded two silver medals; one in the women’s 1500m and another in the 3000m. Emma also won gold in the women’s 800m, and sprinter Amanda McLean came in third in the women’s 100m run.
In tenpin bowling, Alice Springs pair, Scott Richards and Darren Burton, won bronze in the men’s open couples, and Darren won gold in the trios with Ronald Voukolos and Robert Kennedy. Well done, you two!
Also in tenpin bowling, Daniel York won silver in the men’s open singles and the men’s open masters, and a bronze in the men’s trios. Sandra Mueller won bronze in the women’s trios. They both did very well.
In hockey, in both the men’s and women’s competitions, the Territory teams featuring Alice Springs athletes, Leshay Maidment, Manekha Byerley and Stevie Tonkiss, claimed gold.
In basketball, another Alice Springs person, Braedon Abala, and his team won a silver medal after the Territory team lost their gold medal playoff to the United States 63 to 67.
Finally in golf, Alice Springs golfers, Kerryn Heaver and Leigh Shacklady, each picked up a silver and bronze medal at the Arafura Games. Kerryn and Leigh played fours and won their silver in the men’s team gross event and their bronzes in the men’s team net event. Well done to both of them.
As always, athletes from Alice Springs have done an extraordinary job and achieved a great level of success at this year’s Arafura Games. I, with all members of this parliament, congratulate all athletes who won a medal. I particularly congratulate those who succeeded in their own personal bests, and congratulate those athletes who challenged themselves and participated so strongly. A final congratulations to all those athletes from Alice Springs who did Alice Springs so proud at the Arafura Games.
Mr Acting Speaker, I would like to talk tonight about the 2007 XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival. This year’s carnival is being touted from every quarter as an unqualified success. Pioneer Park came alive during the four days of the racing carnival, and every indicator - crowd numbers, horse numbers, on and off course turnover, race book and merchandise sales, bar returns, general hospitality and so on - was up on the carnival in the preceding year. The weather could not have been better right throughout the carnival and in the lead-up. The track was in first class order throughout the months of March, April and May and the racing was of the highest order.
In racing terms, there were track records, unbeaten streaks which continued and unbeaten streaks which were broken. On the final day of the carnival, the Alice Springs Cup day, Catechism and Le Niska were worthy winners of the carnival’s two feature events, the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup and the Lasseters Hotel Casino Pioneer Sprint.
On the first day of the carnival, Young Guns Day, more than 1000 people, many younger people getting their first taste of racing in Alice Springs, attended the turf club to watch 62 starters on the seven race card.
On the second day of the carnival, Ladies Day had more than 650 people attend at the track, 200 of whom were finely attired women attending the Ladies Day function in The Pavilion hosted by local identity, Matt Conlan. All women who attended were treated to great lunch and a range of games and laughs, a successful punters club with well known identity, Bernie Joyner, and, of course, fashions on the field.
On the third day of the carnival, 900 people attended the track to celebrate Families Day. There was a jumping castle, face painting, pony rides and show bags for the children, and 63 starters on the seven race card.
On the final day of the carnival, the glamour of racing came to Alice Springs Cup day, with more than 2000 people attending the track to enjoy the hospitality of the turf club and its partners and sponsors. Sixty-seven horses started in the eight race card, and more than $140 000 was bet on the TAB. Off course TAB figures, which include Unitab, Victorian TAB and NSW TAB, for all carnival races totalled close to $1.6m, and total off course TAB figures on the XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup totalled in excess of $500 000. That is a significant amount of money and demonstrates, in terms of money spent at the carnival and in Alice Springs during the carnival season, the significance of it to the town of Alice Springs.
This year’s cup carnival also saw the significant debut of a woman bookmaker, Gemma Wright, and well done, Gemma. Gemma obtained her licence as a bookmaker and started taking bets on Young Guns Day. However, Gemma is no newcomer to the track. As the daughter of long time bookie, Terry Lillis, well known to every one in the Northern Territory and, indeed, beyond, you would be forgiven for thinking that punting is in her blood. Punting is in her blood. I hope she does as well as her father. I certainly contributed to her income on that day, but happily gave over my money.
In addition to television footage through TAB outlets, Alice Springs races were also broadcast throughout New Zealand and on Foxtel’s TNV, Australia’s premium thoroughbred racing channel. To complement the great race day events at the Turf Club, there were a number of other social activities. The XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Luncheon, Racing Minister’s Cocktail Party and the Red Centre Yearling Sale, Alice Springs Cup Ball, XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Calcutta and the inaugural Cup Day Breakfast. I had the pleasure of attending most of these events and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. The carnival in Alice Springs is all about fun and social interaction, and everything over and above what was happening at the track certainly complemented what was happening at Pioneer Park and was enjoyed by everyone.
Now that the dust has settled, the staff and committee of the Alice Springs Turf Club are determined to build on the success of the 2007 carnival and are committed to making the 2008 carnival even better. I understand that planning is already well under way for next year when the carnival will be extended a week earlier to include a fifth day, which is a significant achievement in itself.
The dates for the 2008 carnival are Saturday, 12 April, Food and Wine Festival Race Day; Saturday, 19 April, Young Guns Day; Saturday, 26 April, Ladies Day; Saturday, 3 May, Family Fun Day; and Monday, 5 May is XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Day. I hope that members of the Northern Territory parliament have already pencilled those dates into their diaries, and that we see members of parliament from all over the Northern Territory. Unfortunately, we did not see too many this carnival. I sincerely hope that changes next year.
It is abundantly clear that in order to run a successful racing carnival it requires all facets of the industry working together to achieve the desired outcomes. One of the keys to this year’s success was the support of a large number of generous partners and sponsors. The assistance of these partners and sponsors is much appreciated by the committee, members and staff of the Turf Club and, indeed, I can say with a great deal of confidence, everyone in Alice Springs - a universal thank you to them all.
In conclusion, I extend my congratulations to the Alice Springs Turf Club committee chaired by the urbane Paul Bain; the Chief Executive Officer of the Alice Springs Turf Club, the likeable and very funny man, Andrew O’Toole; and Office Administrator, Carley Plume who can do almost anything. She seems to me to be one of the most impressive young women I have met who, in so many ways, held the busy cup period together by her competence. I also congratulate the maintenance and groundsman, Terry Huish. They all worked together to ensure that Pioneer Park was functioning and that it was well organised and looked its very best for this flagship event for Alice Springs.
Unfortunately, I do not have the names of all the committee members with me tonight. I know who many of them are, but will not list them for fear of missing someone out. I congratulate them as well. There are times in Alice Springs when the organisers and the community come together to pull off something that is terrific for the town. To all of those people, and very sincere thank you, not only from me but I am sure on behalf of all members of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
Of course, there seems to be an ever-increasing number of interstate visitors as the years roll on. Thank you for your attendance and we look forward to seeing you at another fantastic XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival in 2008.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to share some of the events that have been occurring in my wonderful electorate and, more particularly, the Palmerston region.
The Palmerston City Council has held two great events in the last month, the first being The Beat Gravity, a youth arts project. It is a successful innovative program targeted to the youth of Palmerston in an environment where creativity and ideas are expressed in the mediums of video and music. This has so much relevance for our youth of today. I congratulate Project Manager, Georgia Glen, and the Palmerston City Council for their initiatives and for their input and organisation of the event.
The second event, occurring just a week or two ago, was the Palmerston Festival. It was a great success and the council and its staff are to be congratulated for the efforts they put in. The festival was well attended, was family orientated and offered a little something for everyone. This year, it was held in Goyder Square. They have taken it away from the Driver Primary School oval where it was held in the past. However, this year it was brought together in a closer environment and it seemed to work a treat. Congratulations are extended to all the stall holders and local vendors, and the organisations for setting up their stalls and displays to ensure the visitors had an enjoyable stay at the festival. There was plenty of fun for all the kids and obviously events of interest for the adults. Well done to everyone involved for their organisation.
A couple of our sports clubs have really shone in the last month or so. The Australian Hotels Association’s Aristocrat Technologies Awards dinner was held on 31 May 2007. Our two sports clubs in Palmerston have figured well in the prize gathering. The Palmerston Sports Club collected four prizes: the best club overall, the best club bistro dining; and the best Northern Territory Keno venue. The General Manager, Andrew Hay, is to be congratulated because he was also named the Manager of the Year. I know Andrew puts a lot of time and effort into the club to ensure that it runs at its best and he is to be congratulated on his efforts. Receiving this award goes to show that his efforts have been rewarded.
The other club that was recognised is Cazalys All Sports Club. They won the community service and support award for a club in the Northern Territory. The two clubs are to be congratulated. They do some wonderful community work in and around Palmerston. I congratulate everyone involved, especially the managers, for the wonderful work they do.
Speaking of awards, a women’s hair salon in the shopping centre precinct where I am located, Hair Art, has taken the lion’s share of awards in the Northern Territory International Hairdressing Society Championships, which were held in May. The owner, Sonia Kinna, and her staff deserve congratulations as they claimed gold in seven of the 11 categories. It was an outstanding success for the little salon. Just sitting in my office at times looking across, they do have a number of clients in and out of that door, so they do a very good trade. Obviously that has been supported by the rewards they have received in the categories they entered. The big three categories were the Salon of the Year, the Senior Hairdresser of the Year, who was Bonnie Snell, and the Junior Hairdresser of the Year, Kirsty Bulluss. They are all to be congratulated at the salon. It is just great to see Sonia running a great little business.
The Palmerston Golf Club recently held two big events, the first being the Northern Territory Open. It was great to see the return of Aaron Pike to the Northern Territory to take out the Northern Territory Open in front of a very strong interstate field. Aaron played some good golf over the four days and ended up blistering the field and winning by about six or seven strokes in the end. He is to be congratulated. I understand now he has moved on to America to try to get his card so that he can play there. We wish Aaron all the best and congratulate him on his win in the Northern Territory Open.
The other big event was the Australian Veterans Titles. There were well over 200 veterans who competed in the Australian titles. The organisational skills to complement those 200 people teeing off at various times had to be really well honed. I congratulate the organising committee for their efforts. I understand that everything went swimmingly and it was enjoyed by all the locals who competed and by the many interstate visitors. I know that many interstate visitors got in early to get their names down and many did miss out because the field was capped. I know there were many disappointed interstate visitors who could not get into it, so obviously it is a very popular event.
Congratulations must go to the Palmerston Golf Club for staging these two big events and congratulations to the committee and all the volunteers who put in the time and effort to ensure that these two great tournaments were the success that they were.
More on sport, Kormilda College will be hosting two international cricket teams from the United World College of Singapore. The first game will be held tomorrow, 20 June, when Kormilda’s Under 13 and 14 team takes on the Singaporean junior team. Next Monday and Tuesday, the Kormilda senior team takes on the Singaporean senior team in a two-day match. We wish them all the best in their efforts against the Singapore visitors.
Last evening, I had the pleasure of hosting a function on behalf of the Minister for Sport and Recreation for the organisers and volunteers of the 2007 Palmlesstonnes program. This program has been run by the Palmerston City Council with support from the Top End Division of General Practice for interested Palmerston residents who wish to enhance their lifestyle with a healthy outlook and fitness program.
Palmlesstonnes is a community lifestyle challenge first run last year. Through lessons learnt in 2006 and greater community involvement in planning, Palmlesstonnes 2007 evolved into a healthy lifestyle challenge run over 10 weeks, with the aim of supporting participants to set and achieve personal goals. The Palmlesstonnes 2007 program focused on the key lifestyle risk factors, being smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, eating a healthier diet, reducing weight and drinking alcohol safely. The community members of the Palmlesstonnes 2007 organising committee liked the concept of the collective weight and centimetres lost target, so the overall goal of striving towards a collective weight loss goal of a tonne was maintained.
The program included over 10 exercise sessions each week, family activity days on weekends, motivation and education sessions, as well as regular health checks for participants to monitor their progress and receive educational material. In all, 159 local residents registered for the program over the 10 weeks and achieved a collective weight loss of 225.5 kg, with a 540 cm reduction in waist circumference. Sixteen participants reduced their starting weight by over 5%, achieving significant health outcomes. Evening exercise sessions and pram walks continue following the cessation of the program. The program is fun, informative and supportive of all participants with a huge selection of programs tailored for the diverse needs of the people participating.
I congratulate the organising committee for carrying on the great work set up last year by Justine Glover and her committee. The program was enhanced and diversified, and the committee has done a fantastic job. A big thank you to all the sponsors and stakeholders, in particular MBF, the Palmerston City Council, the Northern Territory government, and Darwin Freshwater Pearls. Thanks to the 30 volunteers who donated much of their time to ensure the program was an outstanding success, and, of course, the many community organisations that supported the program.
A special thank you must go to Brooke Kimberley and Sandi Smiles. Brooke is from the Top End Division of General Practice and Sandi works with the Palmerston City Council. They were the guiding lights and driving force behind the program. I congratulate them on a job well done. I look forward to working with them again next year on the program.
The member for Brennan and I organised some Walks with Pollies, which were very successful and finished with a healthy breakfast. We would like to continue that next year.
Congratulations to everyone involved, to all the participants and, of course, all of those who worked in organisation and support. Congratulations all round.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to talk about TACK. I wonder whether the member for Stuart realises what TACK is.
TACK is The Alice Community Kitchen, which takes place every week on Friday at 6 o’clock on the town council lawns. It is run by a volunteer group that provides a meal to homeless people in Alice Springs. They are feeding around 60 to 70 people each Friday. The majority of them are indigenous people, but they also have other homeless people and even some tourists who walk by and join in because it is a wonderful way of sharing food and communication.
It is one of those community activities that has sprung out of someone’s dream of trying to do something for other people. The volunteers turn up at the Salvation Army, because they allow them to use their kitchen to prepare the meals. I have to say thank you to Claire Meeney, the onion lady. No one likes chopping up hundreds and hundreds of onions, so she does that, but she also coerces many other people to come in. There have been many people: doctors, nurses, professionals, and now a group of students from OLSH who go there to prepare the meal. It is a not-for-profit organisation, so they have to seek donations.
I thank Red Centre Produce and the Afghan Traders who provide weekly donations of fresh produce. As I said, the Salvation Army allow them to use their registered kitchen and they are always looking for donations. Someone gave them $500 recently, and that lasted them two to three weeks, because it does not take a lot of money, with the donations of food they receive, to prepare meals. It is a great feeling of having people sit down together to have a meal and to communicate. It is not just about putting food in bellies, which is important, but is a link, people communicating.
Some of the young students from OLSH who turned up to assist were pleased and surprised that they were able to communicate with many of the homeless people in Alice Springs and it certainly opened their eyes. They now have a roster every week of four students who help with the preparation. It came about because of a gentleman by the name of Carl, who found himself in Alice Springs and felt that he should be doing something. He had a dusty old trailer that needed fixing up and he had this idea of a kitchen. It is not a new thing; it happens in many of our major cities. You see community groups provide food for homeless people.
The response he got from Alice Springs was particularly overwhelming and this small idea has grown so that we are saying to people in the community: ‘Support it a lot more. We need donations’. Members, if you are in Alice Springs at six o’clock on a Friday, have a look for yourself, join in the meal. You are more than welcome. There is a donation box, which has been a bit contentious. Should we ask people to pay? The donation box is there and people are encouraged to put whatever they have in their pockets for their meal, but it is not compulsory. If any members visit, we would love you to put your donation into that box.
I thank the town council for the use of the area to run TACK. TACK needs money to pay for the insurance necessary when you are running a program such as this. I do not think many people realise that it is happening. Even in the kitchen, when people are chopping up food, you have police officers, church goers, protesters, travellers, you name it. After it has all been prepared, the food has been served to river dwellers. All of them wait in the same way. There is no exclusion or separation. If you happen to be passing by in the street, you are welcome to join in. This little dream of Carl’s has become a reality. They only need an income of about $200 a week to serve this one meal on Friday evenings. They would obviously like to do it on other days, but because it relies so heavily on donations and volunteers, they feel as though that is about all they can cope with at the moment.
TACK, The Alice Community Kitchen, is a great thing. It is one of the good things happening in our community that we never hear about. I reiterate to members: next time you are there, please come along and have a look, get behind them and support them. I congratulate all the people behind TACK because they are doing a tremendous service for the people in Alice.
I want to mention the Cameleer’s Exhibition about which I spoke during ministerial reports. It was opened in Adelaide on 8 June. Eric Sultan, President of the Central Australian Afghan Cameleers Heritage Society, launched it. Anna Kenny has done much of the groundwork to put this exhibition together. It is one way of us retaining the history of the Afghan cameleers in Alice Springs. We are all well aware of the mosque in Alice and how great the support of the town of Alice Springs has been for that mosque. Alec Sherrin is a local historian who has been planning for a long time a return to the stockyards at the Sadadeen Primary School. Because the school had been named after an Afghan cameleer, he thought it appropriate that someone of Afghan descent should dress as a cameleer and ride into the schoolyard with a string of camels to open the proceedings. He thought it was a good idea for the students to learn more about the history of the Afghan cameleers.
He was also involved in planning the Last Camel Train re-enactment, and that went down very well. It travelled from Oodnadatta to Alice Springs and the event took place, as you will remember, in the Year of the Outback in 2002. It created great national interest and put into peoples’ minds the Afghan cameleers and their history. In 2001, the world was rocked by events of 11 September and this put a lot of pressure on the organisers of the Last Camel Train to reach a wider audience. They did it very well. They broke down barriers that some media had built about the Afghans. Not only did they have the ride, but they had a school resource kit and produced an album of songs, which is great.
Eric Sultan, when opening the exhibition, told a bit about the Afghan cameleers and I will read a little. He said:
- It was important to form an Afghan Heritage Society to provide a voice and also a conduit to negotiate with the media and other representatives after September 11. In December 2003, the Central Australian Afghan Cameleers Heritage Society was incorporated and the basic objective was to preserve, educate and promote Afghan heritage and the important role it played, not just to Central Australia, but to outback Australia.
The NT government and the Alice Springs Town Council have been most supportive of it. The Alice Springs Town Council, as a sign of respect, have honoured the Afghans individually by naming streets after them. A school was named after them and a suburb, some flats and apartments. They have even renamed the site the Alice Springs Town Council was built on. That was prominent in 1921 when Charlie Sadadeen took out a lease, built his house, a mosque, and grew a wide variety of vegetables. It became the meeting place. Now it is commemorated to remember that that was where the cameleers met. The NT Lands Department gave the Alice Springs society a perpetual lease on a block of land and I thank the NT government for that, and it is named Afghan Mosque. The NT government also provided funds to build the community centre on the site.
Once again, it was an opportunity for everyone and the cameleer descendants to learn about their forefathers, their religion, and to encourage Afghan ceremony. Alice Springs has been afforded this opportunity because of the accomplishments of Sallay Mahomet and Ali John Satour, who have been encouraging their families and friends to keep their religion and heritage strong. If you are in Alice Springs and you go to the mosque and meet the congregation, you will realise that this is very strong.
Anna Kenny was the lady who helped do a lot of this. She has done much of the history and research and donated her time and expertise. We know that the camels were first brought to Australia in the early 1840s, but it was not until the Burke and Wills expedition in 1860 they were seriously considered for use in the arid interior of Australia. In 1865 a shipment of camels was unloaded in Port Augusta. Maree and Port Augusta are also meccas of the Afghans and the cameleers. Broken Hill and Port Augusta have already booked this travelling exhibition.
Eric Sultan’s grandfather, Sultan Mohamed, who was born in Kandahar, was one of the very first cameleers to partake in such transportation into the harsh outback, with his main base at Maree. They often say that Maree is the mecca for many of the cameleers. He married Eric’s grandmother, Mabel Shaw, the young daughter of Amelia.
Afghans and their camels also took part in explorations, such as those of Burke and Wills and the Calvert expedition. Eric’s great grandmother, Amelia Shaw, had a son, Jack, with her second husband and he became involved. The Afghan cameleers built their houses at various rail heads and major depots along the way.
Eric has been a great supporter of retaining and recording the history of the Afghans in Alice Springs. Their legacy is important for us to preserve. The history is important, and you can see it in many ways. The Afghan cameleers planted date palms along the way. If you go along that outback stretch, you know that there are many date farms, many of which are now commercial enterprises.
This is a great exhibition. It was probably a little unfortunate that it was not launched in Alice Springs, but I hope the minister will listen to what I have said and help bring it to Alice Springs. I believe there is even interest in having it in Darwin because it is part of the heritage of the Territory. No matter who you are or where you have come from, the Afghan cameleers’ heritage is relatively unknown to many Australians and it should be better known to Territorians because they were certainly there when they were needed most of all.
Eric had a rather nice line at the end of his speech. He said:
- Little did these men realise that they were creating, for themselves, a history in the making.
He is quite right. They have been a part of our history that we should not forget. I urge the minister to make sure that Territorians see this exhibition as much as the rest of Australia does.
Mr McADAM (Barkly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a public servant who has served the Northern Territory for 42 years. I have said before that it is very important that this House recognises public servants who have made a significant contribution.
It is with pleasure that I acknowledge 42 years of meritorious service to the Territory by the Director of NT Fleet, Mr Frank May. Frank, who has recently turned 65, is retiring from the public service on 31 August 2007. I am sure all parliamentarians will join me in acknowledging what a tremendous achievement this is and what a tremendous example he is to all Territorians.
Frank arrived in Darwin at Easter in 1965 for what was planned as a three-month stay as part of a working holiday around Australia. After a short stint with Coyle Engineering in McMinn Street, Frank started with the Department of Works Base Workshop at the 2 Mile on 11 May 1965. The Base Workshop operated by the Plant Branch of the Department of Works employed 100 tradespeople, which included plant fitters, motor mechanics, engine re-conditioners, auto electricians, machine shop welders, panel beaters and had an upholstery shop.
After commencing in the heavy vehicle section tractor shop, Frank took on the role of Field Fitter, maintaining a fleet of earthmoving and ancillary equipment on the various road building and maintenance projects throughout the Top End. This included a six-month stint at Gove with the construction of the ELDO Tracking Station during the 1965-66 Wet Season. Accommodation at the site was in a tent.
After the stint as a Field fitter, Frank was promoted to Plant Inspector where he served in both the workshop and field positions for many years. After Cyclone Tracy, Frank was involved at the plant pool in the distribution of vehicles, plant and equipment to the many crews involved in the cleanup and reconstruction of Darwin.
He was promoted to Senior Plant Inspector for the northern region in 1976 and was a compulsory transferee to that position within the Department of Transport and Works at self-government in 1978. In 1979, Frank was promoted to the Northern Territory Electricity Commission as Transport Officer and was tasked with setting up the NT Electricity Commission fleet. This included setting up the Transport Workshop at Ben Hammond and the development of Fleet Management systems for the Northern Territory Electricity Commission throughout the Northern Territory. During that time, Frank was involved with the National Electricity Supply Association of Australia Transport Committee and developed a network of other electricity suppliers and transport industries throughout Australia. He was promoted to the position of Manager, Stores and Transport in 1982.
In 1985, Frank was enticed to take over the position of Fleet and Workshop Manager in the Department of Transport and Works. This was the forerunner to the NT Fleet as we know it today. At this time, Frank was tasked with the job of rationalising workshop operations and to create a partnership with the motor industry through identifying those functions that could be outsourced. This required the creation of many contracts, especially covering the important repair and maintenance of both small and heavy vehicles.
In 1991, the Estimates Review Committee recommended the creation of a government fleet which would cover the centralisation of fleet management under a single authority which would be tasked to operate on a commercial basis. Frank was involved in the Steering Committee that implemented the centralised fleet management function and, indeed, he came up with the name of NT Fleet, which is now an icon in the Territory’s motor industry.
Frank has been in charge of NT Fleet since its inception on 1 July 1992 and has led this very successful government business division for the past 15 years. Frank’s involvement in the Territory motor industry is highly regarded and he has built tremendous links with both industry and government agencies. Frank is always available to provide advice and assistance not only to his clients, but also to industry. Frank’s face is well known at government auctions in Darwin and at all regional centres.
Frank is a foundation member of the National Public Sector Fleet Managers Group, which was established in 1991 and is the only one of the original members still participating. Once again, this is evidence of Frank’s persistence and longevity.
Whilst I am talking about Frank as an important employee in the NT government, I must also refer to Frank’s magnificent involvement in the community. Frank May and Waratah’s Sports Association are almost synonymous and he has been a tireless worker for that organisation. Frank has a long-term involvement with rugby league in Darwin where he made a significant contribution as a player for the Waratah Rugby League and served many years on their committee, including nine years as President and a term as Director of the Darwin Rugby League Board.
The pinnacle of Frank May’s illustrious career in the public service in the Northern Territory is undoubtedly as Director of NT Fleet. The success of NT Fleet as a government business division is equal to the best of any other government fleet in Australia. Frank’s 42 years of service coincided with his 65th birthday, so there is a double celebration for him, his family and work colleagues. Frank has advised that he intends to retire in the Territory with his wife, Desley, together with his four children and many grandchildren. Frank says that he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his grandchildren and finishing some of his longer term projects - that is between his intentions to travel extensively around Australia in a caravan, mainly during the build up to the Wet Season, and his plans for travel overseas in future years.
Frank’s 42 years of public service to the people of the Northern Territory is a huge testament. Congratulations. All members of this House and the government join with me in thanking you for your outstanding service. To Frank and Desley, we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I want to spend a few minutes dwelling on the issue of housing and town camp facilities in Alice Springs. The decision made by the Tangentyere Council executive body on behalf of all town camp residents is, in my opinion, a great mistake which will leave some 3000 people living in hopeless conditions in our town camps.
I will paraphrase the history of the town camps. As I understand it, before white men came to Australia, indigenous people would pass through Alice Springs, which I believe was then called Mbantua, a name to describe a meeting place, a hub I suppose you would call it in modern terms, in Central Australia where they walked through. People from various parts of Australia would come through Alice Springs and would camp in respective areas around the centre of the town and deem those as though they were traditional areas. I assume that Pitjantjatjara people would live south of the town centre while Warlpiri would probably come along to the north-west, and so forth.
When the Commonwealth government took over jurisdiction from the Northern Territory, I understand those camping areas were formalised into town camps and the Commonwealth government of the day decided that they would provide those areas as leases in perpetuity. In other words, the people who were traditionally linked to an area of land would have that land for ever, while not in full ownership but in leases in perpetuity. In other words, nobody could take the land away from them - ever.
The Commonwealth government of the day then recognised there was a need to have an organisation or bureaucracy to help manage, for want of better words, the municipal-type services for those camping areas. For instance, bitumen roads, street lighting - there is no sewage at the moment; only septics - housing and general hygiene management. Thus was formed the Tangentyere Council. The Tangentyere Council was designed as the housing area management body.
Over the last 30 years or so of the Tangentyere Council’s existence, it has had funding from both the federal and Northern Territory governments. Whether it is enough or not is something I do not have full figures for to argue in detail, however I know the services provided by Tangentyere Council have expanded from housing area management to include other social and welfare services. They receive extra funding from the federal and Northern Territory governments for that.
Over the years, management of the town camps has been unable to keep apace with the demands within town camps, so much so that in some town camps there has been significant overcrowding, significant deterioration of the homes, the bitumen services of roads have deteriorated and are breaking up and street lights are not working properly. The town camps are, as they are described, camps within the municipality boundaries of Alice Springs and still do not have sewage services. Running water, while available in many of the town camps, is not well maintained. There are dripping taps, and not every water point is working properly. As regards the toilet system, as I said, they still use septic systems. Within the boundaries of the municipality of Alice Springs, that is beyond any acceptable level.
The federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs made a significant offer to the people of the town camps, providing some $60m to refurbish, redevelop, enhance and improve the facilities that are in the town camps. This would include new homes, refurbish the ones that are still habitable, demolish the ones that are not, and provide town council-type facilities. It was a very generous offer - $60m offered to Alice Springs. No other single community in the whole of Australia has been made this offer. Black, white and brindle in Alice Springs thought this was a real offer of hope for the town. People were hopeful that this injection of funds into Alice Springs over a period of two, three or four years, would be so significant that it would make a huge impact and be a massive positive change for the town.
I believe that people who live in town camps were hopeful that, at long last, they could have decent homes to live in, proper streets to drive on, and proper sewage systems for their homes; that their children could sleep in homes that are conducive to a good life, and that they could be living in Alice Springs in a way no different from any other person living in the suburbs, whether they be white people or, in fact, their fellow indigenous people.
The proviso that the federal minister put on that money was that the town camp boards sublease their land. I remind members: that land is held as leases in perpetuity by themselves. The federal minister made the proviso that to receive this money the town camp boards must sublease the land to the Northern Territory government. Obviously, I have to make the assumption that there was a significant level of distrust by the Tangentyere Executive Council of Territory Housing or the Northern Territory government. If that is the case, the Northern Territory government has a major task on its hands to convince the Tangentyere Executive Council and the people living in town camps that they can manage better than the Tangentyere Council can manage.
For the Tangentyere Executive Council to say no to the money beggars belief. Cynically, I have to say if you are there earning a six-figure income, driving a nice car and living in a nice home, maybe you are not too focused on the destitute situation, the destitute conditions in which others are living in the town camps. Now the money has gone. The federal minister gave an extension to Tangentyere Council to reconsider its initial decision to reject the money and the second time around, they still rejected the money. I was disappointed that the Chief Minister was not involved in trying to convince Tangentyere Council to consider the money that has been so generously offered to Alice Springs.
Mr McAdam: The Chief Minister met with the council. Tell the truth.
Dr LIM: The Chief Minister should have been involved right at the very beginning, personally involved. Instead, she went down pretty well within the last 12 hours of the death knell. Of course, she was not able to deliver. I am sure that negotiations with the Tangentyere Council were difficult, but if she had spent more time, she would have made a significant difference to the outcome of the decision. We do not have the money now. The money has gone and gone for good. Whatever decision or new proposal comes forward from negotiations of the Northern Territory government with the town camp dwellers, it will have to be re-presented to the federal government and, cap in hand, we will have to ask the federal government to reconsider its proposal and then hopefully secure some funding. What the funding will be is another guess. We just do not know.
Having said that, I was recently made aware of comments made by the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, and the member for Lingiari during the time when the Tangentyere Council was debating whether to accept the $60m offer from the Commonwealth government. I understand the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory advised the Tangentyere Executive Council not to sign until after the federal election. At the same time, you hear the federal Labor spokesman for Indigenous Affairs say: ‘We must come to a sensible conclusion. We need to proceed with this’, and really said no more than that, was not going to deviate from what the federal minister himself said.
The worst was the federal member for Lingiari. As recently as Monday this week, he is quoted as saying that the money is still available. The $60m is still on the table. That is absolutely wrong. I will quote from an item taken from the ABC on Monday, 18 June:
- The federal Labor member Warren Snowdon says it’s clear that the $60m is still available. When the deal was rejected, federal Indigenous Affairs minister Mal Brough said the money was off the table. But Mr Snowdon says the minister has made it clear that is not the case any more and now has a good chance to close a deal.
‘You have got the money still available. You have got the opportunity here to sit down with the community, understand what their concerns are, appreciate their concerns, address their concerns and come up with a compromise position. That is all that’s required here’, he said.
‘Just take a couple of steps backwards, take a deep breath, count to 10 and sit down and work something out’.
This is what the member for Lingiari said. He is misleading the people of Alice Springs. He is creating an unreal expectation, a false expectation amongst the people of Alice Springs. For the member for Lingiari to do that is absolutely despicable. He should not be doing that. He knows very well that the money is gone. He should not be perpetrating comments such as these, which only confuse the issue and deny the very people that we all want to help to rightful access to the money. The member should be condemned for that.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, every year since 1984, the Northern Territory Irish Association has given the opportunity to young Territory women to participate in the Darwin Rose Pageant, offering all participants the opportunity for personal development and fun. Participants learn the art of public speaking, personal grooming, fundraising skills and the opportunity to embark on a journey of discovery of themselves and their heritage. The winner each year goes on to represent Darwin at the Rose of Tralee National Festival in Ireland.
The Rose of Tralee draws its inspiration from the story of an ill-fated love between a servant girl and the son of a wealthy merchant, as told in a love song The Rose of Tralee. The festival attracts young ladies of Irish ancestry from all around the world for an incredible week of dancing, story telling, functions, dinners, television appearances and photo sessions. It is a marvellous opportunity to showcase the Northern Territory through our Darwin Rose representative.
Local dignitaries, entrant supporters, pageant sponsors, Northern Territory Irish Association members and friends, and an audience in the region of 200 people gathered at SKYCITY Casino on Saturday, 26 May to witness and celebrate the crowning of the new Darwin Rose of Tralee. The Darwin Rose pageant has enjoyed the support of government, local business and the broader Darwin community through the years of its operation. Without this support, it would not be possible for the Northern Territory Irish Association to send a Darwin representative to Tralee every year.
I especially recognise and thank the pageant sponsors for 2007. They were DBH Contracting, Infocus Photography, and How to Be A Honey, and that’s the deportment and makeup classes. The corporate sponsors for this year’s entrants were Australian Financial Advisers, DBH Contracting, Creative Jewellers, Shenannigans Irish Bar, NAC Pty Ltd and Kitty O’Sheas Irish Bar and Caf.
The Rose of Tralee is not a beauty pageant. To win a place in the international final requires the entrant to be poised, mature, vivacious and intelligent as well as having a flair for dress and good manners and the intangible quality celebrated in the words of the song The Rose of Tralee:
- Yet ‘twas not her beauty alone that won me;
Oh no, ‘twas the truth in her eyes ever dawning,
that made me love Mary, the Rose of Tralee.
The 2007 Rose of Tralee pageant attracted a wonderful group of young women, all of whom I feel are worthy in their own right be crowned the 23rd Darwin Rose. However, as with any pageant, there can be only one winner. What a daunting task the volunteer judges had before them this year. I am sure that members of the Assembly would have had a very difficult time trying to select who shone strongest in this stellar group of Darwin young ladies.
I was at the gala ball, listening to the accomplishments of each entrant as they graced the stage. I would like to share with the Assembly the very pleasant dilemma the audience and I had in trying to second guess the outcome. There were six entrants in this year’s Rose of Tralee Pageant. The first was Cassandra Bray who was born in Dublin, Ireland. She is 26 years of age and was educated at St Brigid’s College in Lesmurdie, Western Australia and went to the University of Notre Dame in Western Australia from where she graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws. Her academic achievements included the Irish Parliamentary Internship. Her current occupation is a Legal Officer with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. She writes for the Northern Territory lifestyle magazine Resident, and describes herself as hard-working, but she likes having fun, too. She has a good sense of humour and enjoys exploring other cultures through travel.
The second entrant was Angela Brayton who was born in Darwin. She is 18 years of age and educated at Howard Springs Primary and Taminmin High School. Her favourite subjects are Multimedia and English. She is currently a Receptionist and describes herself as a happy-go-lucky sort of person who loves meeting people and sees herself as easy to get along with; a very loyal person who loves a good laugh.
Then there was Erin O’Connell, also born in Darwin, aged 23. She was educated at Berry Springs Primary School and attended Taminmin High School. There must be a fair old Irish clique out there. She undertook further education at Charles Darwin University and the Moreton Institute of TAFE. She has a Certificate IV in Fashion Design. When she was in Year 7, she was Young Australian of the Year and on the Year 7 Student Representative Council. Right now, she is a Help Desk Operator. She describes herself as being a creative person, easy going and friendly. She likes to help people. She is a good listener and event organiser who enjoys being involved in the community.
Then there was Katherine O’Fathartaigh. Katherine was born in Dublin, Ireland, a true rose, aged 27. She was educated at Mercedes College in Adelaide and went on to study Sports Science at Adelaide University. She has a Bachelor or Arts and Law Degree from Adelaide University. She was a school leader in 1997, and had a scholarship to Ceran Lingual in Belgium, and was South Australian schools triathlon winner. She achieved automatic honours for a Bachelor of Law. She is a lawyer with the local firm of Cridlands, and describes herself as open, warm, friendly, a genuine and outgoing person. Kate enjoys meeting new people and social events. She thrives on outdoor activities and challenges.
Emily Kuhn, too, is a Darwin born and bred girl, aged 26. She was educated at Nightcliff and Essington Schools and Kormilda College. She studied a Bachelor of Arts at the University of South Australia, Bachelor of Education at Charles Darwin University. A special achievement was the Year 12 History Award. She works in drug and health education at Life Education Top End. She describes herself as a courageous, considerate and loyal, values excellence in all opportunities presented, happy and friendly, loves to discuss social issues, sharing and listening to opinions, strives to help others who are not as fortunate and loves life and tries to be cheerful in all pursuits.
Last but not least was Cassarndra Hackett. She was born in Adelaide and is aged 28. She was educated at Coorara Primary and Wirreandra High schools. She went to further education and picked up a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Behavioural Science with Honours. Her special achievements were being top student in Biology in Year 12 at Mathematics in Year 12. Cassarndra is enthusiastic and caring, has good organisational skills and a willingness to help wherever possible. She is determined, has a strong love of people, has networking skills and the ability to laugh at herself. What wonderful traits in any person, but more so in a Rose of Tralee entrant.
To the delight of everyone, guests and participants alike, Kate O’Fathartaigh, a wonderful and accomplished young lady, was crowned the 23rd Darwin Rose by the Irish Ambassador to Australia who made a special trip to the north for this occasion. I am sure that he will be back.
Kate will go on to represent Darwin and promote the Northern Territory at the Rose of Tralee International Festival. I know that Kate will do the Northern Territory Irish community, and indeed all Territorians, proud on the international stage in Ireland in August this year, as have our 22 previous Darwin Roses.
The Darwin Rose of Tralee pageant would not be possible except for the hard work of the volunteer committee who put it all together tirelessly year after year. In over 20 years, of course, the committee has changed in its complexion and makeup, although there are people who have been involved with the Rose of Tralee pageant for many years. The 2007 committee is comprised of President Julia Baxter, Vice-President Mary McAlpine, Treasurer Bridie Kuskey, Secretary Kay Gargett and the Committee of Pat Murray, Sean Byrne and Jo Byrne. They put in so much, to not only the Rose of Tralee Pageant, but also St Patrick’s Day. They are a hard-working committee, all volunteers, doing the NT Irish community and the Territory proud. I would like to give them a pat on the back and congratulate them for the hard work that they have done.
I would also like to make special mention of the 2006 outgoing Rose, Brigid Killen, who did a wonderful job last year. I heard only good stories about her when I attended the function. Brigid is a wonderful person. She is the daughter of Captain John Killen, who is well known as a hard-working individual at NORFORCE. He has done well in the raising of his girl to be the Rose of Tralee in 2006, and she handed over her crown to the incoming 2007 Rose with a few words of wisdom.
Finally, 2009 is the 50th anniversary of the Rose of Tralee International pageant in Ireland. Members, if you are around then and you really want to see how the Northern Territory is showcased overseas by a volunteer group - and this is but one because we have Kalymnian dance troupes visiting Kalymnos and so on – this is your opportunity. The NT Irish Association, through the Darwin Rose of Tralee pageant did a great job showcasing the Northern Territory in Ireland. If you get the opportunity to go in 2009, the offer is extended by the association to all members of the Assembly who might want to go. Take them up on that offer; it will be a great time.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it sounds like a great idea, but I do not know if I can fit it in. It would be very nice to go to Ireland.
On Saturday, 5 May 2007, the Kriol Bible was launched at the Katherine Christian Convention. The Christian Convention is held annually over the May Day long weekend at Bruce and Janine Morrow’s farm near Katherine.
The translation of the Bible to Kriol has been a labour of love over 30-odd years for many dedicated people, and it was a truly special occasion for the hundreds of people present at the convention to be part of this launch. The Anglican Bishop of Melbourne, Philip Freier, who was Bishop of Christchurch Cathedral in Darwin for many years, attended the launch and delivered his speech in Kriol. I was surprised and very pleased that I could understand what the Bishop was saying but, when it came to reading the Kriol Bible, I certainly had some difficulty.
Following the launch, which was attended by Senator Nigel Scullion who delivered a message from Prime Minister John Howard, copies of the Kriol Bible were presented to team members who had worked tirelessly over many years on this translation. The Reverend Canon Gumbuli Wurramara presented Kriol Bibles to translators Esther Wilfred, Tom Hume, Michael Millar, Julie Millar, Rory Farrar, Estelle Farrar, Irene Andrews, Miliwanga Sandy, Rachel Willika, Margaret Mickan, Lance Tremblett and Gwen Tremblett. Translation checkers were Jocelyn McCartney, Beverley Rankin, Judy Galmur, James Garadji, William Hall, Marjorie Hall, Andrew Robertson, Agnes Wilfred, Gilliam Limmen and Maureen Thompson. Back translators of the Bible were Marlene Andrews, Carol Robertson, Francis Garadji, Josephine Rogers, Sophie Turner and Freda John Forrest.
In addition, a Bible was presented to Senator Scullion for the Prime Minister John Howard, and I received a Bible on behalf of the people of the Northern Territory. I have had the pleasure of passing this Kriol Bible to Madam Speaker, and hope that members of this Assembly take the opportunity to have a look at it through Madam Speaker’s office. It is a wonderful achievement that has resulted from such a long-term commitment.
The 2007 Katherine Debutante Ball was held at the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum on Saturday, 19 May. The outdoor venue was transformed with coloured and fairy lights and created a magical atmosphere for the presentation of the 24 beautifully gowned young ladies and their partners. For several weeks, the girls and their partners have been training under the guidance of Jodie Locke. They received expert dance instruction from Graham and Sue Newhouse, who are to be congratulated in achieving such a great outcome. It is not a very easy task teaching so many young people so many dance steps in such a short space of time, especially when most of them find it a little difficult being serious during training.
However, on the night and when they needed to, they performed their best steps and they sure did themselves proud. Graham and Sue taught them the formal Lucille Waltz, Progressive Evening Three-Step and Progressive Disco Barn Dance. The debs and their partners danced the Progressive Disco Barn Dance together before breaking up and partnering with their parents to continue the dance. This was a real highlight for them all and, of course, it is lots of fun for everyone.
During the evening we were entertained by a dance demonstration from three junior ballroom dance couples from Darwin called Neon Moon, with commentary by Stephen Farrawell. They were a delight to watch and the debs, their partners, and all who attended were very impressed by the standard of these young ballroom dancers who are competing nationally.
For the second year in a row, with the support of my husband Mike, I was absolutely delighted to receive the debutantes and their partners. I sashed each debutante and presented their partners with a scroll commemorating the evening. It is such a pleasure to see these gorgeous young people still celebrate and participate in what is considered a very old and formal tradition. I can assure you that the tradition is alive and well in Katherine and has been for some time. I hope it will continue well into the future.
Those taking part in this year’s celebrations were: flower girl, Asha Locke; and Maids of Honour, Brett Marie Johnston, Rhianna Smith and Ricci Colvin, who are all previous debutantes. The debutantes and their partners were: Emily Balmer and Warwick Newton; Kelsey Canning and Durand Connop; Shannon Coutts and Cameran Kossack; Colleen Crowley and Kyle Hartley; Yasmin Daw and Jarred Hawke; Dannii David and Jack Wright; Karly Deveraux and Kieran Carter; Carly Duncan and Matthew Joll; Casey Elliott and Philip Morrow; Tiyarn Garland and Brodie Bean; Jayde Gibson and Tim Mathas; Alicia Heyworth and Nick Westra Van Holthe; Amy Hopkins and Brian Harris; Mitsuyo Ito and Stevie Tapp; Sharon Jennings and Darwin Flores; Candice Lamb and Keiran Duggan; Christina Noyce and Craig Russell; Rachel Pond and Jake Dawson; Hayley Sims and Peter Miller; Dani Stanley and Rankin Garland; Rene Turner and Paul Mark; Toni Vale and Ashley Jennison; Toni Ann Walker and Magnus Fejo; Zoe Walker and Sam Kruger.
The Master of Ceremonies again this year was John Jansen who did a great job, as usual. Playing lively dance music was local band Fusion and the food was catered by Steve Laurie from Kumbidgee Lodge.
As with many functions in Katherine, there are many people who need to be thanked for the success of the evening and they include Jodie Locke for training the debutantes and their partners, and the support of her husband, Ian; the staff of the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum who prepared the grounds so beautifully; Mac’s Hire; Katherine Country Music Muster Committee, which included Henry and Vicki Higgins; Jacqui and Paul Balmer, who not only supplied the fairy lights, but installed them; and the volunteer bar staff and RHADS Security.
There were many others who contributed to the evening’s success, but without a doubt the 24 couples wearing formal gowns and dress suits were the highlight of an evening they will always remember.
On Saturday afternoon, 19 May, Katherine’s Number 4 cricket oval was renamed the Dr Peter Short Oval in honour and memory of the services that Dr Short gave to the Katherine community over many years beginning in 1966, especially through his involvements with cricket.
It was a wonderful occasion for his wife, Kathleen, their children, Rohan and his wife, Margot; Lachlan, and his wife, Cindy; Merran and Susan, and grandchildren, Josie, Teagan, Jack and D’Arcy, who all attended the renaming of the oval, along with dozens of people who came to pay their respects. Kathleen gave a wonderful speech and talked of the time when she first met Peter. She said she was left in no doubt that if she wanted to spend more time with him she would have to enjoy cricket, his favourite past time. So Kathleen, being the resourceful lady she is, decided she would learn to score cricket so she could better understand the game and be with Peter.
Their partnership was a special one through their involvement with cricket and through the Kintore Clinic medical practice. Dr Peter Short loved his cricket passionately, and all the people present enjoyed listening to the stories told about many experiences with Peter.
Dr Short and his partner in practice, Dr Jim Scattini gave many years of dedicated professional service to the Katherine community until Dr Short retired through ill health. Dr Scattini is still kept very busy in the same practice at Kintore Clinic.
Dr David Brummitt who also worked with Dr Peter Short for five years, gave the main speech for the afternoon which was very entertaining. I would like to read it into the Hansard:
- Those of you who have lived in Katherine for more than 11 years will remember Dr Peter Short primarily as a doctor.
He was one of Australia’s finest country doctors; a kind, compassionate and skilled man dedicated to his patients and family, who spent 30 of his 36 postgraduate working years in Katherine as a general practitioner.
But this is not so much about Peter Short the doctor, but Peter Short the sportsman and cricketer.
- Peter’s cricket career began in 1953-54 playing for Fort Street Boys High School.
He then went on to play grade cricket for Epping Shire in Sydney, and while at university he played for Sydney University B Grade, and then A Grade in the late 1950s.
When he and Kathleen moved to Darwin in 1965, he played for the RAAF team, and then to Katherine in 1966 where he played for the CSIRO team.
He was the team’s primary batsman, batting at number 3 for many years. He initially bowled medium pace, but then became a right arm wrist spinner, which means, apart from bleached hair, an earring, an extravagant lifestyle and 708 test wickets, his career has mirrored that of another famous leg spinner.
Like many good cricketers, he needed to be looked after, not through injury or any other misdemeanours, but because he often turned up to a game with little or no sleep due to spending the whole night in the operating theatre with Dr Scattini fixing someone up. So his captain, Tig Donellan, used to put him at fine leg in the field in case he dropped off to sleep. Peter often had to combine his medical and cricket skills.
In 1968, playing for Katherine against Gove, the demon fast bowler for Katherine, John Ives, broken down with a sore foot. Peter took him off to the Members Pavilion, injected a mystery substance into his foot and John Ives went on to take five for 35 in one of the all-time great exhibitions of fast bowling.
Don Bradman in 1930 made 974 test runs in England. The two bats he used on this tour were given to his good friend and solicitor, Walter Dickson, who happened to be Peter’s grandfather.
One of these bats was signed by all of the English and Australian teams of this series. One bat was given to Peter and the other to his brother, David Short.
Peter actually used the bat playing cricket in Katherine until the handle needed some repair work done on it.
It was only at his family’s insistence, perhaps realising the value of the bat, that he was stopped from sending it away for repairs so that he could go on using it. The bat retired from play but still lives on, well looked after. Our Prime Minister would describe Peter Short as a cricket tragic.
As new forms of satellite television gadgetry were invented, Peter would acquire them so he could keep track of cricket games around the world. In the days before the Internet, he could always update you on the score in a test match in any faraway place.
He had a long career in Katherine from 1966 to 1996, playing cricket for CSIRO and for Katherine in the Calder Shield between the five Territory teams. He was secretary of the Cricket Club and a keen competitive and sportsmanlike participant in cricket and other sports in Katherine.
It is more than fitting that this oval be named in his honour.
Mayor Anne Shepherd, who worked as a nurse at Katherine Hospital during Dr Short’s time, also spoke of the wonderful memories she had of his devotion to medicine, his family and his wonderful sense of humour.
Saturday, 19 May, was the beginning of the 2007 cricket season and a very appropriate day for the renaming of the cricket oval. A plaque bearing Dr Short’s name was unveiled by Kathleen and all the members of the family before the opening game. Following the unveiling, family and friends spent quite some time sharing memories of Peter’s life and experiences in Katherine. It really was a fitting occasion for such a dedicated country doctor to the Katherine community.
From the time I arrived in Katherine until his retirement in 1996, Dr Peter Short was also my doctor and he was always a pleasure to visit. Dr Short retired owing to ill health and, unfortunately, died in Darwin last year. It is such a shame that doctors with his commitment to practising in the country are so few and far between today.
Katherine has been so very fortunate to have had the long-term services of Dr Peter Short for which we are all so very grateful. His memory will always be respected in Katherine and especially through the cricket fraternity with the renaming of the Number 4 Oval the Dr Peter Short Oval. It is a wonderful honour for Kathleen and all his family to enjoy.
I will finish by saying that it really was a pleasure to see so many long-term Katherine people who attended that special occasion. I know that Kathleen and all of her family were deeply moved by the honour of having that plaque dedicated. It certainly is not going to move very far; it is on the top of a huge lump of granite that would take a crane-and-a-half to lift. It is a wonderful lasting memorial to a man whom I will remember always had a lovely smile on his face and never, ever seemed to be too tired despite being a very, very busy country doctor.
Ms McCARTHY (Arnhem): Madam Deputy Speaker, two weeks ago I attended the 23rd Barunga Cultural and Sports Festival south-east of Katherine. It is a festival where communities in the region such as Numbulwar, Ngukurr, Hodgson Downs, Jilkminggan, Manyallaluk, Wugularr and Bulman come together to compete in sports such as football, basketball and softball. So, too, teams from Katherine such as the Kalano Bombers and the Daly River softballers from even further north.
I had the pleasure to travel the region, along with the Statehood team, Michael Tatham and Nora Kempster, and this Assembly’s Deputy Serjeant-at-Arms, Steve Stokes, and cook a barbeque for the Wugularr footballers and basketballers on the eve of the festival. Such is the excitement in preparation for this year’s sports events.
This year, the Numbulwar Eagles were the grand finalists. There were over 15 teams in the competition and because of the large number of teams, the games were very short to allow all the teams to play against one another in the three days of the event. Daguragu won the men’s basketball and St John’s the women’s basketball. The Borroloola Allstars won the softball.
As the festival name suggests, it also is a time for cultural events, such as the gathering and cooking of bush tucker and displays of artefacts. Spear throwing was an event many tourists were keen to observe, as well as the didgeridoo making and performance by artists from the region. The Queen’s Birthday long weekend is filled with many events across the Territory, but for communities in the Katherine region and as far south as Alice Springs, it is known as a special weekend at Barunga. The numbers were perhaps not as high as organisers would like in the event’s 23 year history, but still the music concerts at night attracted large crowds despite the very, very cold nights.
On the Saturday night, a special tribute was held on the newly-installed second stage at Barunga, where Blekbala Mujik reunited for a one-off performance. I am a big fan of Blekbala Mujik, so I was pretty thrilled to see them. In fact, it has probably been about 10 years since they performed around the Territory and since their international tour. Lazarus Murray and Peter Millar, who both reside at Bulman, came together with other band members to perform only for the festival after almost 10 years in retirement. They dedicated their performance to a fellow band member who had passed away. For the audience - not just me, but for everyone else there at Barunga - the return of Blekbala Mujik to the stage was simply sensational.
Allan Murphy, a well known musician, who has played with many Aboriginal bands across the Territory, continued in his supporting role as drummer for most of the bands on the weekend. I take this opportunity to congratulate Allan and his team of workers in coordinating the music at the Barunga Festival and for the construction of the second stage. It is the first time in the festival’s history that this stage was set up and that is testament to the overwhelming support that music had on this weekend.
Bands such as Lonely Boys from Ngukurr, The Springwater Band from Barunga, Black Cockatoos from Jilkminggan, Tableland Drifters from Tennant Creek, Broken Vision from Numbulwar and the Sandridge Band from Borroloola and, of course, singer/songwriter Warren H Williams, were some of the many performers at the festival.
The Northern Territory government’s road safety competition was a big hit in its second year at the festival, with the Barunga School winning $500, Warren H Williams winning $1000 and the Sandridge Band winning $2000 as part of the road safety competition. A DVD will be released featuring the bands which performed. The winning band, the Sandridge Band, will also be on television commercials for road safety and radio commercials with their winning song.
I make mention of singer Shelley Morris who spent time with the Barunga students in helping them with their performance for the big night. Well done, goodie Shelley, and also well done to the school principal, Anita Camfoo for rounding up all the children late on Saturday afternoon and preparing them for the performance.
The concerts were heard right across the Top End and, indeed, Australia as the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association, TEABBA, broadcast the events live throughout the weekend. A very special thank you to EllaGeyer and her team of broadcasters. Your continued support of the Barunga Festival is certainly welcomed and appreciated. It was great to see Francesca Cubillo from the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, who was also involved with the arts section of the festival.
Next year will be a special one for organisers as they gear up for the 20th anniversary of the Barunga Statement. It will be 20 years since former Prime Minister Bob Hawke attended the festival. It will be an opportunity to reflect on what the Barunga Statement signified then, and its significance now. I take this opportunity to invite all members of this parliament to keep the Queen’s Birthday weekend next year free to travel to Barunga, because I am sure the committee and organisers will be having a very special event next year.
I congratulate the Nyirranggulung-Mardrulk- Ngadberre Regional Council staff, under the guidance of CEO Michael Berto, for the coordination of the festival, and the Fred Hollows Foundation for their continued support in the region, with a special mention of Nick di Candilo. Special thanks also to the teams from the Maranboy Police Station who kept a close eye to ensure the event went smoothly, and Jeff Lohemeyer and the Emergency Services crew on standby over the weekend.
Of course, a very special thank you to the Jawoyn Association, in particular Lisa Mumbin and Preston Lee, and the residents and elders of Barunga, especially Sybil Ranch, for welcoming all people to the festival. I look forward to next year.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to highlight a few events which have occurred over the past couple of months in my electorate and in Alice Springs.
The first is a great initiative from the people living at the Willowra community, some 350 km north-west of Alice Springs. The initiative, which the community calls Scabies Day, on 30 April basically dedicated a whole day towards educating about and treating scabies within the community. Health clinic staff such as Tom Landers, the Health Centre Manager, Robina Fox, the Remote Area Nurse, and Frankie Kitson, the trainee Aboriginal Health Worker led the way, along with Dr Russell Thompson, the District Medical Officer, and Selina Williams, the Community Health Worker.
WYN Health staff from Yuendumu also made a special trip across to Willowra to help out for the day. I must mention Scott Campbell-Smith, and my uncles, Alan Dickson and Crocodile Johnson, all from WYN Health at Yuendumu, who provided much support on the day.
Alison Gillies, the Youth Worker at Willowra, backed up by some young women, also worked hard on the day, along with Malcolm Wall, the Community Development Manager, and the new teacher at the school, Emma, who also chipped in.
Scabies Day started off with all the children at the school showering and having Lyclear cream applied. Health staff then made presentations to senior, junior, and transitional classes on what scabies is, how it is caught, what it can lead to, and how to prevent and treat it. The children were then put to work cleaning their classrooms and, subsequently, making posters from the information they had been given, with the junior classes making headbands inspired by the personal style of the scabies mites.
The initiative wisely used both traditional and western medicines for treating scabies, with the school collecting young leaves of the local white gums and then cooking them. The finished bush medicine is now stored at the health centre for future use.
Once the school and the children had been treated, the group of workers, like ants, moved onto the community houses. The community was geographically divided amongst the work teams with brooms, mops, buckets, floor cleaning detergents, packs of bug bombs and sufficient Lyclear being delivered to all residents. There was enough equipment for 35 houses, and I acknowledge the following organisations for their support in donating the equipment and materials: WYN Health, the Wirliyayjarri Store, and G & R Wills who all donated for Scabies Day. Thank you and congratulations for doing so.
Once residents received their equipment and detergents, they were encouraged to clean their houses, wash their clothes and bedding, and hang them out in the sun. Once the house and bedding was clean, residents then showered and applied Lyclear before wandering down to the school for a barbecue lunch.
Dr Thompson took the opportunity of providing some treatment to the local dogs on the day. The need to treat the mangy dogs and euthanise unwanted dogs came from the Yapa and through their worries about scabies. As a result, Dr Thompson treated about 85 dogs and euthanized nine dogs with the consent of their owners.
One of the real strengths of the project was the fact that the entire community got behind it and worked together. There were even residents sharing their washing machines with those who did not have one.
I congratulate everyone involved with Scabies Day at Willowra and look forward to visiting the community soon to see firsthand the results of this great initiative.
On 4 May, I attended the official opening of the new kitchen and staffrooms at the Yipirinya School in Alice Springs.
Yipirinya School has a long history of providing two-way education to many town camp and outstation in my electorate. I am a regular visitor to Yipirinya School and on this occasion I, along with the member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, was invited to see the new kitchen, student dining room and staff room. The new facilities were officially opened by Rosie Kunoth-Monks who is well known to all of us here. It was good to see many other guests and parents in attendance.
Being a regular visitor over a long period of time to the Yipirinya School, it was pleasing to see these facilities upgraded. They were certainly needed. The kitchen is most impressive with new cool rooms and pantry area and, with the new student dining room next door, students can now sit down inside and have decent meal whereas in the past, they would sit outside. Students are provided with breakfast, morning recess, and lunch, which includes meat and vegetables as part of the menu. Since the meals have been provided for students, canteen sales have come down and kids are now eating fewer unhealthy foods.
I trust these new facilities will greatly assist in improving students’ learning and attendance and thank Mr Davey Inkamala and the council for the invitation.
On 25 May, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the site office for the Tangentyere Job Shop in my electorate at Ti Tree. As from 1 July 2006, the Job Shop, under a subcontract from JOB futures, took on a challenge of delivering Job Network and other federal government-related employment services in Central Australia. The Ti Tree site services the Anmatjere region and has over 250 people commenced on the case load living in Ti Tree township itself, the Six Mile community, Ti Tree Station, Willora, Aileron and Ailyuen communities, as well as Laramba, Napperby Station and Adelaide Bore. The Job Shop also has a second site in my electorate at Utopia and it has three other sites in the electorate of Macdonnell at Hart’s Range, Santa Teresa and Titjikala. All up, the Job Shop has 41 people working to get indigenous people into jobs, education or training and 85% of the staff are indigenous.
The major role of the two bush workers based at Ti Tree includes delivery of pre-employment services including identifying young people who can benefit from the JPET program, training preparation, referral to any job vacancies, and educational services. There is no doubt that in the Ti Tree region, there are many opportunities coming up in the near future, with horticulture and mining two of the key industries that are investing and developing in the region.
Feedback from Centrefarm and the Job Shop to bush workers indicates there are a reasonable number of clients who are interested in horticulture, from people who just want basic gardening, through to farm hands. Some of these have previous experience and some are keen as they hear about opportunities such as the flow-on from the indigenous land use agreement at Pine Hill which I attended along with minister Natt.
In the Anmatjere region, there are opportunities through Arafura Resources near Aileron, Nolans Bore, and the Job Shop is aware of new projects likely to be started at Molly Hill in the Bonya area. Obviously with my background in mining, I am very keen to support both Centrefarm and Tangentyere Job Shop in maximising these opportunities that are going to be in the region very soon.
The Job Shop continues to work closely the CLC Mining Employment Unit to coordinate training that will directly flow on to jobs. The Job Shop is well aware that the Anmatjere region has enormous economic potential. In the past 15 years, governments, local businesses and the CLC have been keen to get more indigenous people into jobs rather than relying on backpackers or other visitors. Now that there is local access to employment and training services delivered by local indigenous people, the chances of long-term employment opportunities are improved big time. The Job Shop was delighted to formally open its office and welcomes any ideas on how it can be a productive part of the future development of the region.
I acknowledge Anita Randall and Bill Redfern who are the remote services bush workers at Ti Tree, and Bill Kunoth-Monks, the remote services bush worker in Utopia.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to speak of the achievements and milestones that have been occurring in Port Darwin since my last adjournment.
The city is booming and looking a picture now that the Dry Season is here. It is wonderful to see the locals and tourists enjoying the great weather and what the city has to offer.
I begin with a thank you to Darwin City Council officer Sam Kolpndinos, who came to my rescue on 24 May in Raintree Park. I was hosting a Biggest Morning Tea when the power box needed some urgent attention. Darwin City Council’s quick response to our issues ensured that no one was disappointed.
The Biggest Morning Tea was a success, and I send a special thank you to my mum, Sandra, who provided the home-made scones and biscuits. She rose at 5 am to bake fresh for the morning tea. As you will appreciate, the goodies were a very big hit with the guests.
Also this week, I had another opportunity to be in the mall talking to locals and tourists while helping to sell the school sports raffle for Larrakeyah Primary School. Business confidence in the CBD is strong and vibrant, and congratulations are extended to three new traders who have instigated new ventures in the mall. They have recognised that this location is a great place to do business.
They are Infidelity Clothing and Homewares store owned by Kerry Collins. She opened her new store in January this year. She is extremely happy with the way the business is going, and pleased with her move to the mall. Number One, a store specialising in pearls and semiprecious jewellery, opened in April in Knuckey Street and is owned by Lucy Zhao. Her manager, Kelly, said they are also very happy with the store’s success. Another very new store is The Bungalow, owned and operated by Karen McLean. This lovely store opened on 1 May and has a mix of fashion accessories and interesting curios. Karen is very pleased with her location on the mall in the Vic Complex. Congratulations to you all, and I wish you every success.
It is also encouraging to see most of the stores in the mall getting into the V8s by decorating their windows. It adds to the great atmosphere of a great weekend for locals and visitors alike.
Business confidence is alive and well. Property owners are spending significant sums on redeveloping and revamping their premises. One of these success stories is the Kabuki Hair Salon. Owner, Teresa Anderson, opened her new premises in Smith Street, and was nominated as one of the four national finalists in the Best New Salon Design category. This is a great achievement and wonderful recognition for Ms Anderson and her partner, structural engineer, Vladimir Boskovski, who was responsible for the salon design. It is the first time a Territory salon has been nominated, and I understand these awards are extremely prestigious. Well done, Teresa and Vladimir – Territory excellence at its best.
Strong business confidence is again behind the redevelopment of the old Rorkes Drift site in Mitchell Street. Rorkes Drift was a pioneer in the bar and restaurant trade in Darwin, and will reopen as Monsoons on 26 June. The site was purchased in December 2004 by Tropics Holdings Pty Ltd, whose Directors are David and Noellene Williams. They are on record as stating that they see a big future in the Territory. This multimillion dollar revamp has given work to about 100 Territorians through the Territory company, GRB Building, which has control of this project.
I thank the Chief Minister for including me in her visits to the waterfront. These site visits have enabled me to keep abreast of progress and pass it on to Port Darwin constituents. I cannot believe the pace of the construction work; the project is progressing at a rapid rate of knots. This massive project will not only enhance Darwin city; it is providing employment opportunities and training for local people. I congratulate MacMahon for working with the Larrakia people to develop their construction skills. They have produced a policy and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations whereby they will train as many indigenous people as possible, which will be an investment in a skilled workforce for the Northern Territory.
It also gives indigenous people opportunities to expand their horizons and travel, using these learnt skills along the way. A year ago, Mr Bill Risk Junior was the first indigenous person employed by MacMahon Contractors specifically for the waterfront project. His father, Mr Bill Risk Senior, a Larrakia custodian and Traditional Owner, has now joined him and is working on the water truck, tipper and dump truck. Congratulations to MacMahon and the Messrs Risk, Junior and Senior, on your commitment to the Territory and its people.
Still recognising achievements, the Research and Innovation Awards 2007 were held on 10 May. The awards acknowledge NT innovators who are essential to the success of our business community in the wider arena. These people have exceptional skills in research and development, and their innovations will promote strong competition within industry, which ultimately creates jobs and opportunities. I congratulate all the winners and extend special congratulations to Roger Leach, a Port Darwin constituent. Roger was awarded the Chair’s Special Commendation Award for his invention of Propeller Protective Coatings technology.
Speaking of awards, the Northern Territory Seafood Industry Awards were held in Darwin on 9 June at the International Terminal and were attended by approximately 200 industry and business representatives. This industry is very important as it is worth around $260m to the Territory economy. La Beach restaurant in Cullen Bay was sponsored by the NT Seafood Council and took out the top prize of Best Seafood Restaurant. The judges’ comments were:
- An excellent dining experience in a fantastic beach side restaurant.
Congratulations to owner, Ray Parry, and his manager, Mal Fisher. Head Chef, Matt Almond, Apprentice Chef, Tye Penrose, and Winita Fisher all have been with La Beach a long time contributing to their success.
Over the weekend, the Seafood Festival was held. Judging by the crowds attending, it was a huge success. Congratulations to all of the people who contribute to this very successful industry, and here’s hoping for a bigger and better festival next year.
As we know, our schools can be great places to achieve good things, academically and in sport. First, I congratulate Stuart Park Primary School Year 6 student, Rebecca Smith, who has been selected to represent the Darwin Basketball Association as a member of the Association’s Youth Tour of China and Singapore in June. Congratulations, Rebecca. I hope she enjoys the experience.
More news from Stuart Park Primary is that more congratulations are in order for Lucas Jones, Chloe Hetman and Jessica Couch who received the Principal’s Award for earning five merit points. Congratulations to you all on an exceptional effort.
A milestone has been reached at Larrakeyah Primary School, with janitor, Doug Gammon, retiring after 30 years of service. Mr Gammon commenced service with the Northern Territory Public Sector on 10 April 1977. During his 30 years of service, Doug has predominantly worked at Larrakeyah Primary School. I have been given a wonderful task by my colleague, the Minister for Employment, Education and Training, to present Mr Gammon with a token of appreciation for his long and committed service to Larrakeyah Primary. He will be honoured with a function at the Darwin Sailing Club on Wednesday, 20 June, at 5.30 pm where his family, friends and colleagues can celebrate this milestone in Mr Gammon’s life.
Larrakeyah Primary School held its school concert on 12 June, and it was good to see parents, grandparents, children and friends enjoying a lovely Dry Season evening. The food stalls were very enticing, and I congratulate the Larrakeyah school community for coming together and supporting their children and school. I thank the sponsors, which included Buzz Caf.
Farewell to Loretta Woolley who is leaving the school at the end of the term and welcome to Annette Matthews who is coming from Casuarina Street School in Katherine.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016