2002-10-15
Madam Speaker Braham took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: I advise honourable members that I have given permission for various television media to broadcast and rebroadcast sound and vision, and various radio stations to broadcast live until the conclusion of the report on Bali.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I wish to acknowledge the recent tragedy which took place in Bali on Saturday, 12 October 2002, and to offer the Assembly’s sympathy and convey a message of our sincere condolences to Australian and Territory families and friends affected by these events.
I advise honourable members that, after questions today, a more formal motion of condolence will be moved by the Chief Minister, and the government has proposed that, on conclusion of debate of the condolence motion, the Assembly will be adjourned forthwith as a mark of respect. I invite honourable members now, as a mark of respect, to observe one minute silence.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank honourable members.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of Year 6 and 7 students from Leanyer Primary School accompanied by their teacher, Leanne Linton. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I update the House today on the Territory’s response to the bombings in Bali on the weekend that, sadly, claimed so many lives and caused so many injuries. At this time, there are 13 Australians confirmed dead with a possible seven more, although we expect that to change, with a further 220 Australians unaccounted for. We know that there are well over 100 Australians who have been injured.
It seems a miracle, but so far we have not heard of any Territorian killed or injured and we have to be profoundly grateful for that. It appears that all the casualties were victims of a car bomb or bombs in the Kuta Beach area, outside a nightclub in the heart of an area frequented by Australians. Two other bombings appear to have occurred at around the same time near the US Consulate General in Bali, and at the Philippines Consulate in northern Sulawesi. We do not know of any casualties at these other bombings. We have seen the shocking pictures of the aftermath of the explosions and the horrific injuries and deaths, and I know I speak for all members when I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the missing, the injured and the dead.
It is a particularly difficult time for Territorians in that we are so close to Bali; only 2 hours and 20 minutes by air. So many of us know the Kuta area very well, and we can well imagine the hurt and trauma caused by such a surprising and vicious terrorist attack on peaceful holiday-makers. All people of goodwill will condemn the bombings in the strongest possible terms, and I pledge the Territory’s resources to do anything we can to help identify the bombers and bring them to justice.
This morning, I want to briefly outline the Territory’s response to the attacks, and to pay tribute to the inspiring efforts of all here who have worked around the clock to care for the injured, to coordinate an effective response, and to help in any way that they can. On Sunday morning, as soon as we learned what had happened, I convened a meeting with heads of emergency services and other agencies, including my department, where a coordinated response was planned under our regional counter disaster committee. Contact was made with the federal government, and medical and crime scene assistance was offered.
As you know, the federal government took up our offer of assistance and the Royal Darwin Hospital’s magnificent response - which has won praise from all quarters - swung into action. Staff of the hospital dealt with 61 Bali bombing victims who came in on four RAAF Hercules aircraft, beginning yesterday morning. To give the House some idea of the scale of the operation, the first flight arrived at 1.50 am bringing five victims on stretchers: two were on life support, one was unconscious, and one of the victims had actually died in transit. Another six could actually get themselves on and off the plane - albeit with assistance - in spite of their injuries.
The second plane at 6.40 am discharged 22: two on oxygen, 19 on stretchers and only one able to walk. The third plane held 13 people: 12 on stretchers, one in a critical condition. The final plane at 12.35 pm yesterday contained 11: nine on stretchers and two able to walk. Many of these were suffering from extremely severe injuries and associated trauma. As I have said, one died in transit and sadly, another victim died in the hospital despite our staff’s best efforts.
Of the patients treated at the hospital, by far most were Australians - 39. Our hospital also treated two from the UK, five from Germany, one each from Canada, Sweden, South Africa and New Zealand. The nationalities of 11 patients remain unknown. After the treatment at the hands of our well-trained staff, a total of 41 patients have been evacuated to other states; 26 of those overnight. They are on their way to other hospitals and burns units closer to their homes. I believe a total of 13 remain in Royal Darwin Hospital; six of those are still in intensive care. One more stretcher patient arrived overnight on the Qantas flight that arrived at 4.40 am. At 6.15 am this morning, a RAAF flight returned medical staff from Bali to Darwin. Several patients have now been discharged.
Staff at the hospital worked around the clock to give these victims the best of care and we are very, very proud of their efforts. I understand that this was a very traumatic time for the staff at the hospital, but their good training and experience kicked in and they did a very fine job. I want to give special thanks to the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Len Notaras; to Acting General Manager, Gary Lum; Director of Intensive Care, Dianne Stephens, and Director of the Emergency Unit, Didier Palmer. I also want to thank all those hundred of others at the hospital who did so much to assist at this very difficult time. I intend to extend my thanks in person to the hardworking staff at the hospital sometime today.
Burns victims are among the most difficult cases for medical care and nursing. The pain is very intense and moving the patients can cause great stress. It is a great tribute to the staff at Royal Darwin Hospital that they were able to swing into action so quickly and meet the very difficult demands of the occasion. This was as bad as it gets and they rose to the occasion.
Turning to the Northern Territory Police and Emergency response, I can report that our Emergency Operations Centre, currently operating 24 hours a day, has been the coordinator of many aspects of our response to the crisis. The centre has been operational since Sunday, and has been looking after security arrangements at the hospital, Darwin Airport and other sites around the city. The Territory’s Counter Disaster Council and its committee have worked smoothly to cover all aspects of our response. Police provided traffic control, transport assistance, and assisted with many other aspects of the Territory’s coordinated response, including our media liaison. Our agencies have reported a smooth effort and I am sure this is as a result of good planning and training.
As to the security situation, we do not want to unnecessarily alarm Territorians. We have been on a heightened security alert since the 11 September bombings last year. We do not feel, at this stage, we need to substantially change our arrangements. But Territorians can rest assured that everything that can be done to increase their security is being done. I understand that extra security is being arranged for parliament, and I thank Madam Speaker for that.
Territorians have been very quick to respond to the crisis, offering accommodation to victims’ families, blood donations and even money to help victims and their families. At this stage, blood supplies are holding up well, but the Red Cross has been grateful for the offer of accommodation. The organisation has been playing an excellent role in helping the interstate patients and arranging assistance for family members where appropriate. We certainly thank the Red Cross for that.
We do not, as yet, know what motivated this murderous and barbaric act of terrorism against Australians and other nationals at Kuta. It is time for us to gather all the information we can and to pledge all assistance we can to the efforts in Bali to identify victims and determine what happened.
We all knew deep in our hearts after 11 September that we were living in a more dangerous world, and that many places that appeared immune to attack were vulnerable. We have now learned that lesson in a very brutal fashion. It is important that our steps are measured, that our reactions are based on fact and not superstition. It is important that we do not lose all the things that we value about ourselves as Territorians and Australians – our openness, tolerance and ability to live with people of different backgrounds. Territorians showed what they were made of in the crisis of 1999 when the tent city at Marrara went up in record time to look after hundred of evacuees from the violence in East Timor. That same spirit was on display over the past 48 hours.
I end this report this morning by remarking that I had been very proud of the Territory’s efforts over the past two very difficult days. There has been a great team spirit and a can-do attitude displayed at all levels of the Territory response. On behalf of the government and this parliament, my heartfelt thanks to all involved. I will be making further reports to the parliament as information comes to hand.
Mr BURKE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for her report.
This is, undoubtedly, one of the worst peacetime tragedies our country has ever experienced and our parliament should, as its first priority today, be able to express its outrage, its sympathy, its condolences and its thanks to those Territorians who have so magnificently answered the call to help. I had hoped that the parliament would have the opportunity to do that as soon as we met today.
There is very little words can add to the horror and emotion that we all feel for what happened on Saturday night but, nevertheless, there is a need for us to utter the words; to put some form to our outrage, to get it out rather than bottle it up.
Much was lost on Saturday night and we here in the Territory feel much more vulnerable because of that loss, because of paradise lost. It is in there in the simple line of the Northern Territory News cartoonist, Wicking, in yesterday’s newspaper: ‘The rest of the world just got closer’.
We have long traded on two truisms, albeit contradictory ones, about life in the Northern Territory. One is our remoteness and the second is our closeness to Asia. Both make us feel that little more insecure today. That so many Australians should be the victims of this horrific act costs us more than our feelings of security; it costs us our innocence. It tells us, once and for all, that we are not immune to this scourge of terrorism that is infecting the world.
So many Australians, so many Territorians for generations, have enjoyed the beauty of Bali, the serenity of that tropical island. So many have relaxed there, celebrated their honeymoons there, and enjoyed conferences and seminars there. Now, it is forever tainted by the events of 12 October 2002. That beautiful island, that tropical paradise, has been robbed of its innocence just as, terribly, so many young Australians have been robbed of their lives.
We mourn today for them and we grieve with their family and friends, many of whom are still waiting to hear confirmation of what they must fear and dread as the truth. There are too many parents across Australia today waiting to hear the worst news any parent can receive: the news that their son or daughter is dead. Not just dead, but brutally murdered just for being who they are, just for being on holidays.
As a parent, my thoughts are with homes across Australia and elsewhere in the world where people are still waiting for that dreadful call. We ache, too, for the people of Bali - the beautiful, friendly, peaceful people of Bali. They have been hurt grievously by this outrage. How many of them have perished in this abomination? We must prepare ourselves for the fact that Territorians, too, have been murdered.
Once again, we have become the front line. As they have in the past, our public servants at Royal Darwin Hospital, in the Police Force, our Defence personnel, and across other agencies, have had to answer the call. They have performed magnificently, and they continue to do so. The doctors and nurses, led by Dr Len Notaras, are performing above and beyond the call of duty. I would hope that, in the days to come, this parliament will be able to put on record our thanks to these wonderful people and record their names - all of their names - in the Parliamentary Record.
Madam Speaker, as I said at the outset, now would have been the appropriate and right time for this parliament to express its view on this tragedy. However, that is not to be. I, along with, I am sure, most other members will have more to say when we do consider a condolence motion.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the Opposition Leader for his contribution to this report this morning. I would like to make a final point that it is important that terrorist attacks such as this do not disrupt the work of parliaments. That would be a win for terrorism. We certainly want to recognise what happened in Bali through a motion; to thank those that have been involved. We will be doing so, appropriately, this afternoon.
I would like to make a point about the Indonesians. We have a special relationship, both with Bali and Indonesia more widely. Certainly, condolences have been passed through to Indonesian President, Megawati Soekarnoputri. I am expecting today to speak to the Governor of Bali and pass our condolences also to the Governor.
We have an MOU with Indonesia; it is a very special one. We also have a memorandum of understanding with Bali. One of the things that has been highlighted, again, over the last 24 or 48 hours, is that the Territory does have that special relationship. Because of that special relationship and the sense that Bali, particularly, is our back door, is why this horrific bombing and this terrorist attack has had such a direct impact on the Territory.
I know that we all feel that this has been very close to home. If you can take heart from a circumstance like this, it is how tremendously the Territory does respond and what qualities and expertise that we do have here in the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their comments. I remind members that there will be a formal condolence motion after Question Time, and we will be adjourning forthwith as a mark of respect.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, in Alice Springs earlier this year, there was a spate of juvenile antisocial behaviour incidents, including vandalism and property crime, which impacted heavily on the community. I received representations from a number of sections of the community including business people, representatives of Aboriginal groups in the town, residents and, indeed, the member for Braitling herself on this topic.
As a result of what had been brought to me, I asked my Office of Crime Prevention to conduct a series of meetings in Alice Springs with service delivery agencies, government agencies, police, family members and business people to build a coordinated case management based approach to re-engage this group of street kids. From those meetings, a project called Safe Families has been developed. Safe Families supports and strengthens indigenous family networks in the community, encouraging responsibilities within the family network. It will also help to provide these kids with services they need such as accommodation and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation.
So, who are these kids in Alice Springs? There are several groups of young people, numbering in total about 20 to 30, who appear to be neglected and wandering the streets of Alice Springs. In broad terms, these groups include young adolescents over 15 who require refuge-type accommodation, and children aged eight to 14 years, some with significant substance misuse problems. Amongst those are mainly female sniffers from the town camps, and all are with seriously neglectful home environment, if they have a home environment at all. Safe Families must help those kids, and if we can do that, we stand a good chance of reducing their offending behaviour.
However, Safe Families is also about protecting our community. The police in Alice Springs are working closely with the Safe Families project, and are often the initial point of contact with offenders and the kids in these situations. Like all offending behaviour, police determine the best approach to each case, including laying charges where appropriate.
Our courts are also playing an active role, and we are prepared to compel kids to be involved in the case management arrangements through supervised orders out of the Magistrates Court. Juvenile detention will also be ordered in the, hopefully, rare cases where that is an appropriate response to the nature of the case and the record of the offender.
As well as Northern Territory government agencies such as the police, the Department of Justice and FACTS, case management is also being supported by the Tangentyere Council, Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Service, Reconnect, Congress, Irrkelantye and Waltja.
Whilst I acknowledge that the demand is probably greater than our capacity, I am encouraged by this unprecedented inter-agency cooperation that has led to the Safe Families approach to case managing these kids. That cooperation will ensure long-term strategies are developed which will help solve the problems that lead to this type of behaviour and help strengthen and protect our community.
In the recent events of juvenile offences in Alice Springs, I would like to commend the response of all of those groups that I have mentioned in my statement. The most recent serious incidents in Alice Springs have been followed up effectively. The offenders have been apprehended and passed into this program of case management, and we will keep working at it until we make some impact on the overall situation in Alice Springs.
Mr AH KIT (Community Development): Madam Speaker, earlier this year I spoke about a regional plan for the Gulf area, including Borroloola, and today I would like to report on progress thus far. Let me preface my report by observing that, on this day when our community is still coming to terms with the tragic events in Bali last Saturday night, we are reminded of the importance of building an inclusive society characterised by tolerance, harmony and opportunity, and whatever differences may separate us, from time to time, we are united in a genuine commitment to support a better quality of life and range of opportunities for those we represent.
It is in that context that regional development is a priority for all of our communities, and it is why we need to ensure that members of the community themselves are engaged in evolving and developing their own strategies for growth.
I went out to Borroloola last month to talk with local people about developing a plan. I had invited representatives from the wider Gulf community, as well as all levels of government. The meeting was an opportunity for people to speak their mind in relation to the proposed Gulf regional plan. They spoke openly and frankly, and it has to be said that there was a level of cynicism expressed about regional development processes. People have seen plans developed before; plans that promised all sorts of things and then delivered nothing. I understand that people feel nervous about their input being ignored, and about the ideas being used as fodder for pointless posturing. I acknowledged their concerns, but was also able to clarify the government’s approach to regional development, and to reinforce our commitment to achieving outcomes.
This government is committed to establishing plans that provide a focus for the economic and social needs of the regions. We understand that an economic direction without social cohesion, or considerations of governments in a broader sense, can be pointless. It is vital to the success of regional plans that all legitimate stakeholders can participate in, and influence, their direction. Indigenous people will be an integral force in driving regional plans, rather than an afterthought or a peripheral concern. Further, the regional plans of this government will truly represent whole regions rather than just the major urban centres. Regional plans are an opportunity to maximise the benefits of agency and community representatives working together in partnership, rather than pursuing their own agendas.
Last month’s meeting was the start of a powerful opportunity to identify efficiencies through shared ideas and resources. I am committed to seeing my department facilitate this process, ensuring that the right people and organisations are brought together.
The area is energised by a passionate and vocal community, together with strong economic opportunities through mining, pastoralism and tourism. It was heartening to hear people report the increase in large barramundi numbers being caught since this government’s decision to close the McArthur River to commercial fishing. Such decisions will help to underpin the region’s ability to develop a positive tourism plan for the future.
While I am sure that progress on the Gulf Regional Development Plan cannot come quickly enough for local people, my department is working to ensure that the right people are in place to support the development of the plan. As I said at the outset, it is essential for us to ensure that the opportunities for development are provided right across our community. Inclusion and cohesion are essential elements to a civilised and harmonious community, and that is what we are committed to.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the minister’s statement on the Gulf Area Regional Development Plan, but I hesitate to draw any parallels between what happened in Bali this weekend to what is going to happen at Borroloola and the Gulf regional area. The act in Bali is nothing but a senseless murderess act; nothing more than pure terrorism in an area that is peaceful and a holiday venue for many Australians.
Having said that, in looking at the Gulf regional area, I hope the minister and his department are considering that regional development includes major economic and employment outcomes. Housing is important, and it is important that we do not provide housing in a vacuum of any other development in the area, otherwise you will have people living in an area without any hope of a productive future. Obviously, health and education are also outcomes that need to be considered in the full context of the community and, if the minister and his department can fulfil those outcomes, I believe the people in the Gulf regional area will be very happy with the proposals that will come forward. I look forward to keeping tabs on the outcomes that will occur.
As I said before, I welcome the minister’s statement and I look forward to achievements that previously have not been achieved through, not lack of trying, but through difficult circumstances.
Mr AH KIT (Community Development): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow minister for his comments. We have a difficult situation at Borroloola. The Gulf regional plan needs to ensure that we have all of the major stakeholders involved. They are a very important part of the Territory community. They had no qualms about bringing forward the concerns that they had to that particular meeting at the council office. They have told me, quite clearly, that the reports and recommendations that have been done over the years have not simply been acted upon seriously. I intend, as a minister in this government, to take them seriously. We want to develop the Gulf region economic development situation in a manner that allows them to be important players in the Territory’s future. My department has been directed to ensure that we incorporate and continue to meet with them in a manner that progresses that particular Gulf regional development plan.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
Continued from 14 August 2002.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, the position of the opposition is, of course, the scope of this amendment to be supported. I wish at the outset to pass on my appreciation for the briefings that have been provided by the minister’s office, particularly by Sue Richardson, Ken Davis and Ron Greaves.
It has been most beneficial to gain a contextual view on these amendments because of the nature of the landscape with regards to education. We do need the right kind of machinery to be able to facilitate debate and address the issues that will be presented to us in education in the future. I believe that the restructuring of the Board of Studies does set us up with the right type of machinery to be able to focus appropriately on the issues that will be presented to us in education. Also, the inclusion of the representative from the Australian Education Union Northern Territory to the Education Advisory Council is appropriate.
I note that the changes to the Board of Studies should have been effective this year and will be in place, to my understanding, once this bill is passed, for the commencement of the new school year. I trust that transition will occur without any hitch.
The structure of these boards and advisory councils is good, and I fully support the mechanisms for choosing the delegates or the representatives on these boards and councils. Further to that, I should say the level of independence that is created in this restructure is also particularly welcomed. I am sure the minister would fully agree with me that, no matter how good the structures and the mechanisms are, it comes down to the goodwill of those who actually fill these positions.
To that end, the minister stands in a very important position of ensuring that those who fill these roles on the Board of Studies and on the Advisory Council are the best equipped and have the best will to address, in a comprehensive way, the issues that are presented to us in education, as there will be many. As the minister would well know with current reports in the media, as well as over the last couple of years, education is rising up as an issue of greater public importance than it ever has been, and there are many competing reform agendas that are jostling for space in the public domain. We really do need the best possible equipment to be able to manage this debate. To that end, it is not only the restructuring and the refocussing of the Board of Studies and the Advisory Council, but it is the selection of those members which, it goes without saying, needs to be highlighted.
In closing, my understanding is that this is a procedural change that emanated from a review in 1999, and it is good to see these things come to fruition. This is really the beginning; one more step in a very long journey which will be affecting our students from next year and for many years to come.
Madam Speaker, with those words I commend this amendment and offer our support from this side of the House.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Speaker, I support the Education Amendment Bill. In summary, the purpose of the bill is first to revise the function, size and composition of the NT Board of Studies, revise the size and composition of the Education Advisory Council and, third, to protect the council members against liability for any bone fide actions as members of the council.
I welcome the proposal to cut the membership of the Northern Territory Board of Studies from 21 to 16. I have long held the belief that any board or committee with a membership of greater than 12 to 15 cannot really function efficiently. This is not a reflection on the abilities of current members. The reality is that a board of 21 is unworkable.
Following the review of the department’s curriculum assessment and certification operations, the Northern Territory Board of Studies changed to a more strategic role relating to curriculum policy. The proposed changes also allow the board to better seek advice from interested parties, particularly parents and teachers, as well as relevant education and curriculum experts.
Another important change in these amendments is the reinstatement of the Australian Education Union to the Education Advisory Council and also, I believe, to the NT Board of Studies. This is a change I fully support. As I have said in this House on a number of occasions, I have been a unionist for much of my working life and I am proud of it. In fact, when working at the Menzies School I was a member of the AEU, and I know that the AEU is a union with a proud history of not only representing the interests of those working as education professionals, but also of being a strong advocate for education itself. What a short-sighted and mean act on the part of the previous government to deny the AEU a formal place on the Education Advisory Council.
Madam Speaker, as the minister stated in the second-reading speech, the other changes are mainly housekeeping. I commend this bill to the House and I urge all members to support it.
Mr STIRLING (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution to the debate and support of the bill.
The Education Advisory Council change, in putting the Australian Education Union representative back on there, is a positive move. I agree with the member for Johnston that it was a short-sighted move to take that position away those years ago. The AEU – or in those days when they lost the position, the Northern Territory Teachers’ Federation representative – played a critical role in education in our schools and are entitled to have the opportunity for positive contribution to these types of forums.
The AEU, in both cases, continued to be represented despite the fact they did not have a position on either the Advisory Council or the Board of Studies, because there is an umbrella position under the Trades and Labour Council. The Trades and Labour Council simply sought an AEU nominee to take the TLC representative spot. We are putting it back the way it always should have been.
The EAC, the Education Advisory Council, always remains dear to my heart. I represented the Trades and Labour Council on the EAC for a two or three-year period back in the mid to late 1980s, at a time when it was chaired - and continued to be chaired until quite recently - by the permanent head of the department. In those days it was Mr Geoff Spring, Secretary of the Department of Education.
What struck me as curious was that, if you are going to set up an independent body to provide advice to the minister and the government on educational matters, why you would seek to have it chaired by your permanent head, who is by your side to provide a level of advice from the department on any day. One of the first moves I made as a minister was to establish the independence of the chairperson on the Education Advisory Council, so that you did have independence from the permanent head. It was a move that I was always going to take anyway, but was strongly recommend to me and suggested to me in the first place by the secretary of the department himself. Although I was well aware, as a former member working on the council to a permanent head, that it was very difficult to get items on to the agenda of the Education Advisory Council at any time, because the permanent head ran it with some vigour from the chair.
We believe we have the mix pretty right on the Board of Studies, bringing it from 21 down to 16. There will be a chairperson who is not to be an employee of the Department of Employment, Education and Training - that is a position that will be advertised. There will be three parent representatives to cover government, non-government and remote government schools advertised. There is one teacher, either primary or secondary, to be advertised. There is one post-school education representative, and a nomination from NTU will be sought for that position. There are two principals positions, to cover one from primary and one from the secondary sector, to be advertised. There is one officer from the Department of Employment, Education and Training, and that would simply be the CEO or a nominee of the CEO from DEET’s executive group, and one AEU representative - and nominations will be sought from that union. One Trades and Labour Council representative nomination will be sought from the TLC, and one Catholic school system representative nomination sought from the Catholic Education Office. One independent school system representative nomination from the Independent School’s Association of the Northern Territory will be sought. Two employer representative nominations from the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be sought, and one indigenous representative for which that position will be advertised.
In terms of the sixteen, eight nominations from representative bodies are sought, and eight positions are to be advertised. In the wash-up, it will be incumbent on us to have a view to the broadest possible representation of the community, on top of the fact that they represent various bodies. However, the question of agenda, ethic representation, indigenous representation may be beyond simply the one nominated indigenous representative. I look forward to all of those nominations coming back, and I hope that we do get a good mix of people responding to the advertised positions. The more people apply, the better balance, the better spread of representation that we will be able to draw to bring that Board of Studies together.
The time frame suggests that it ought to get through the system, be ticked off by Executive Council some time in January, which will be ample time for that newly composed and structured board to take its place for the new school year. I thank members for their comments, Madam Speaker, and commend the bill.
Motion agreed to, bill read a second time.
Mr STIRLING (Employment, Education and Training)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to, bill read a third time.
Continued from 15 August 2002.
Mr MALEY (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I indicate the opposition, having considered the content of the bill, will be supporting it. As the Attorney-General said in his second-reading speech, it does not reflect a substantial change in policy. The bill relates to the minor amendment to a number of acts, including the Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) Act, the Juries Act and the Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Act.
There are also some changes to refer to the responsible instrumentality or the responsible agency, as opposed to the specific government department: the Solicitor for the Northern Territory or Department of Justice. There is one change which the Attorney-General, in his second-reading speech, did provide a few more details about; that is, an amendment to the Police Administration Act, which will allow a smoother transfer of information between law enforcement agencies around Australia. I indicate that the opposition will be supporting the bill.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for their support of this bill. As you quite rightly point out, there are no contentious matters in this. They are simply, if you like, housekeeping within areas of our legislation. We will probably want to move forward.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Statement - Economic Development
Strategy – Building a Better Territory
Continued from 20 August 2002.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, I continue my contribution to the economic development strategy Building a Better Territory. I had begun on the importance of investing in indigenous people.
Aboriginal people are long-term Territory residents. Generation upon generation of Aboriginal people have contributed to human existence in the Northern Territory. However, over the last two centuries, there has been a major shift in the importance of an economy based on the hunter gatherer system, to one that is both in the western industrial development of the Northern Territory in Australia. During this period, due to cultural and social changes which have often involved both physical and emotional conflict between mainstream Australians and minority Aboriginal groups, this has led to dire consequences for Aboriginal Australians in economic development and social outcomes. This is despite the fact that Aboriginal people raise their families and work in the Territory - they work under the CDEP program, or receive a Commonwealth benefit in the Territory or royalty payments for a number of different reasons - spending their whole income in the Territory arena either on bread, eggs, meat, fruit, soft drink, chips, take-away, rental accommodation, purchasing a house, entertainment, local football, the movies, going out nightclubbing, Thursday night markets - whatever it may be.
However, it would be remiss of me not to also mention that some of the economic benefits brought to the Territory by indigenous persons are spent on products dangerous to all Territorians’ health; alcohol and tobacco, for instance. These products have and will, if abused, have a substantial negative effect on all communities; whether white, black, green or blue. This is something that this government has to address over the next term: what to do about substance abuse and the over proportion of its effect on Aboriginal people. It seems common sense to me that, on investing in Territory communities, improving the ability to earn an income, or to bring investment dollars into the Territory, will only assist in improving the spending power of all Territorians; and this includes indigenous Territorians.
There is no doubt that the economic development strategy is a watershed in terms of developing an economic plan for substantial economic development. When this government talks about sustainability, we attempt to create substantial sustainable jobs, communities and environments. Sustainable development is a core concept that all members of this House should support.
The Chief Minister has recognised the significant contribution of the reference group drawn up through the Economic Development Summit. I thank these people and also take the opportunity to thank the co-chairs, Bob Collins and Neville Walker.
It is my belief, as I have said earlier, that at present we are operating on a system of governance inside the Northern Territory where between 26% and 30% of the population, for a huge number of reasons and a lot of them social and historical - which I would like to remind this House are not unique just to the Northern Territory, even though some of its particular attributes are unique to the Territory environment. However, what is happening here to Aboriginal people and indigenous Australians has occurred in other parts of the world. It is a reflection of the relationship between a major society and a minority group substantially being affected in a negative manner by different cultural rules, legal systems and denial of economic access to benefit.
As I said before in this House, that 26% to 30% of the population have been denied, for many reasons, the opportunity to succeed in an economic environment. I believe that if you are running a business - and I had an opportunity to speak in this role as a parliamentarian to one of those major players in a multinational corporation, about fundamental economics. I put this proposition to him: that if 26% to 30% of your population or your business was not contributing to the profits - and I am not putting the blame on any individuals or any group of persons, it is just a recognition of a fact that this is occurring - would it be of interest to you to invest in improving the profitability of that percentage of your business? Of course, his eyes lit up and he said: ‘Of course it would be. If I was able to increase that profitability by 10% or 15%, then it would be a huge success and bonus for everyone involved in my business’.
We should aim, as a government and as a parliament, to improve the social standing of many of these indigenous persons. I have had the opportunity to look at some facts, and one of the facts that amazed me - which came out of the statistic quoted from the Office of Aboriginal Development Annual Report 2000 - was that two in every five Territorians are unemployed. I talked to my parents and family, and when the older generations grew up in the Northern Territory in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s 1960s 1970s, etcetera, every person who lived in the Territory had employment, whether you were white, black, green or purple. It was not just employment for the sake of employment on low wages. Everyone had an opportunity to move jobs and were paid well for what they did. So, people grew up with a culture of employment and they raised their families in an economic climate and they had the opportunity to invest in their children and invest in the wealth of their children.
This document describes an ongoing reliance on community and partnerships between different community groups. They include ongoing discussions with industry, indigenous communities, businesses, social welfare groups, trade unions and the broader community. This government will continue to rely on partnerships as a background of their economic success, not the use of politically divisive rhetoric designed to ultimately gain power at all costs - or a cost that is unacceptable to other members of the Territory community.
This government is not willing to pay that cost. What I mean by that is that we often talk about native title issues or economic development issues, that the NT government has to represent Territorians in native title claims or whatever it might be, just to use that as an example. But we must always underline, and we must always remember, that that part of the population who just happen to be of indigenous backgrounds are Territorians. They raise their families here; they do not move from here. They spend their money here; they contribute to the community.
The issue is: do we want to make that contribution a positive contribution, or are we willing to continue with the status quo where – let us face it - our community is suffering? When I say ‘our community’, I am not speaking as an indigenous person, I am speaking as a Territorian, as an Australian. I definitely would be standing up here today if it was some other ethnic group that was 29% or 30% of the population and was suffering. That is what I believe in. I believe that we should be fighting towards that, to improving that outcome for people.
One of the final things that I would just like to quote is the Chief Minister in her speech on the matter, which I believe sums it up:
Madam Speaker, I commend this statement to the House, and I look forward to implementing it over the next few years.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Speaker today I speak about the government’s economic development strategy that resulted from the Economic Development Summit held in this very Chamber last year.
I want to preface my remarks by putting them into context. The context is that we inherited government for the first time in some 27 years, and I believe that the community, both the business and residential community, were looking for dynamic change, a dynamic new direction. The Economic Development Summit was a crucial mechanism in bringing people together to have the long needed discussion about what the underpinning economic drivers were that will prop up the economics of our society. Out of that came a very robust discussion: oil and gas and what it means to us; primary industries; looking at regional economic development and the like.
A commitment that the government made at that time and, indeed delivered, was to hand down this document Building a Better Territory, the economic development strategy for the Northern Territory. We delivered that in June 2002. I commend the people who worked tirelessly on this document, because a great deal of effort went into it. They worked with, and consulted right across, industries. It was not just a statement of intention by the government, it really was a cooperative project every step of the way. So I thank all of the people who had input into this document. I thank, in particular, Jim Davidson who I know worked tirelessly on it for many months to help pull it together.
It clearly articulates not just the direction and the economic drivers that we need to deliver to enhance the standard of living of our society, but crucially, as the Chief Minister has stated previously in this House, this document provides very real time lines for the commitments. That is an important step because it cannot just be another document that a lot of people pulled together and worked very hard and tirelessly on, and then it sits on a shelf. This is, in fact, a working document, and the time lines are what make it that.
Since my election to this parliament, I have gone out of my way to attend industry functions, and specifically the mining industry. It is not because I expect or anticipate a mine to be developed in the middle of Karama or Malak. Quite obviously, that would be ludicrous. My interest and support for the mining industry stems from it being the largest earner for the Territory’s economy. Indeed, if you look at the potential of mining, it is far greater than that.
Since coming to government, our Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development has facilitated and expedited hundreds of mining exploration license applications. Those applications have been log jammed in an ideological jam, sitting on the previous minister’s desk. As soon as we came to government, our government started working hard to actually facilitate the granting of those mining exploration applications.
We have actually given the mining industry new life. They were out there working hard, exploring in regions of the Territory where we know we have vast mineral wealth. That mineral wealth includes diamonds and gold. The Merlin Mine pulled out one of the largest diamonds ever recognised or seen in the world, just a couple of months ago. We are sitting on vast amounts of untapped mineral wealth. The mere fact that our government has said: ‘Go out and do the exploration’, is sending a very positive message to the mining industry.
Now we are encouraging regional economic development. Regional economic development through mining, I believe, will make a tangible difference to the lives of Territorians living in the more remote areas of the Territory and, specifically, the indigenous communities in that area, obviously, because in many areas it is their land, they have native title there - either recognition or claim. I have spoken to the mining companies on many occasions; they are not troglodytes. They already have, in other parts of Australia and, indeed, the world, worked cooperatively with traditional owners to put in place the agreements necessary to underpin an efficient and very productive mine.
We have examples in the Territory of mines operating that are delivering indigenous training programs and employment within those remote communities. So we have an industry, on the one hand, that is ready to be progressive and deliver improved economic conditions in remote regional areas for indigenous Territorians and, finally now, we have the government that is willing to work with the industry, the land councils, the traditional owners and the communities to support that regional economic development.
Within this economic development strategy are the underpinning principles, approaches and time frames that will ensure those issues can progress. More than rhetoric, more than saying: ‘We have a desire to improve the lives of all Territorians’, the potential that lies within this document, within this strategy in terms of mining for regional economic development, is vast. Finally we are seeing some of that potential actually moving forward and being achieved. I congratulate the work done by the minister, the Chief Minister, the Minister for Community Development - and I know the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has also put in a great deal of effort in this area, coming from Central Australia. The member for Barkly has also been active in facilitating these matters. To all of my colleagues I say, well done.
At the same time, ensuring that we are looking at a safe and environmentally responsible mining industry is also, obviously, a peg to what we have to achieve. I point out to members, on page 13, the strategic approach will be to provide a mine safety regime which accords with national standards and world’s best practice. In that sense, we have identified to adopt a national mine safety framework, realising a safe and healthy mining industry by December of this year. We will be implementing the new Mining Management Act, which requires audited safety management of mine sites and provision of world’s best practice safety and health systems, with all Territory mines operating under the new system by June next year.
We have a strategic approach to maintain an environmental assessment and approvals process, which leads to best practice management of mining activities. Priority actions are to manage an efficient and cooperative whole-of-government assessment and approval process for mining projects, and to maintain best practice environmental management of mines such that the Territory’s natural resources are managed for the benefit of future generations.
Indeed, we are looking to promote a whole-of-community knowledge of, and support for, mining in the Territory. This support will be through educational programs that explain the practice and value of mining with community service training visits to 10 to 15 communities per year. I know that the work our government has been doing behind the scenes will be delivering both the strategic approach, as well as the priority actions. Members will be informed further, in due course, of quite a substantial progressive move forward that will ensure a safe, environmentally responsible mining industry.
I want to touch on another key economic driver for the Territory, which is primary industries and fisheries. Again, the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development has not been idle here. We are seeing aquaculture and the support for the development of aquaculture move forward progressively in the Territory since Labor has come to government. We are putting the money into the budget to ensure that we realise our horticulture potential, and I congratulate the minister for working very closely with the horticultural industry right throughout the Territory, to look at how we can establish best practice for grower groups as a way to increase the efficiency with which industry adopts new technology and information. Quite specifically, we are looking at Asian vegetables, mangoes, citrus, table grapes, rambutan and cut flowers.
Best practice has not been a word often used in the Territory in the past. It is, unfortunately, our history that things have evolved in a higgledy-piggledy, ad hoc fashion, and the supports have not been delivered on the ground to the innovative small business people who seize a potential market and opportunity, and go out there and start to actually deliver and develop. What they have needed - and we saw the mango crises in the industry a couple of years ago leading up to the election - is a more coordinated, strategic approach. We are underpinning the hard work they do on the ground with an introduction of best practice methods for horticulture in the Territory. These initiatives provided here in our strategic approach and priority actions, are initiatives the industry, in fact, is embracing. They are absolutely delighted that we are putting the time, the effort and the resources into delivering them.
The work done, constantly, in protecting the industry from exotic pests and diseases, is becoming more and more public. Only yesterday while driving home, I heard a discussion on radio about trying to identify particular pests in the grape vines. It is important that, in all the work done by the scientists, the researchers, the quarantine people, primary industry staff, the broader public are informed and, indeed, understand they have a very important role to play. They can play that role through identification of particular noxious weeds. We know that, if we had been more vigilant in terms of Mimosa pigra, we would not be facing the environmental catastrophe that we have faced in certain wetland areas of the Territory over the years. So, I encourage people to understand that each of us have a role to play in ensuring the health of our primary industries and fisheries.
I know that I have had the good opportunity to work quite closely with Richard Sellers the director of Fisheries, who is very supportive to the strategic direction that minister Henderson has been taking. There has been a lot of consultation carried out with both commercial and amateur fishermen, looking at providing strategic plans in specific areas of the fisheries industry.
I have spent a fair amount of time actually working very closely with people looking at developing the squid industry in the Territory. It is still identified as a developmental industry. We only have less than a handful of people licensed to go out and get squid but, from the catch rates that I have seen, that industry has enormous potential. What I find particularly pleasing about the way the developmental aspects of the squid industry have been occurring, is that they have been occurring on a basis of sustainability; that is, no longer do we have an industry that accepts that it can go out and plunder the resources of our oceans. We now have an industry more tuned into the need to be sustainable. I have worked with a particular commercial fisherman who has spent his own time and resources to go over to Vietnam and study the squid fishing methods over there. He has created a particular type of net, called a lift net, that scoops the squid from the top surfaces of the ocean and, importantly, that leaves the breeding grounds of the squid protected.
I have to say that is not the case with the prawn trawlers. Squid is still a by-catch of prawn trawlers. The government is sending messages to prawn trawlers that that will not always be the case, as this shifts within the context of a Commonwealth fisheries direction, because we have to protect breeding grounds of species. The method that I have witnessed, that I see as sustainable, is a creation where lights are pointed down onto the surface of the water at night time, the squid are attracted to the light and the lift net, in a shallow sense, scoops them up. So you have a higher proportion of squid catch and a lesser proportion of by-catch.
One of the areas that I have been discussing regarding the sustainability of our fisheries with the Fisheries Department is a view that I hold very dear, and that is: what do we do with our bait industry here? Because we still have a situation in the Territory of in excess of 90% of bait that is used throughout the Territory is imported. Now, your risk factors in that are very high. I am able, by being in government, to articulate an argument where we actually investigate if we allow a bait industry to emerge in the Territory - a sustainable one at that - by looking at bait quantities throughout Australia and doing the analysis and data collection required before we even go to developmental stage to say: is this sustainable, can we sustain it? But at least we are having a look at it because, importantly, if we continue to use imported bait, we are continuing to expose our entire fisheries industry to the import of disease - disease that we have seen wipe out fishing industries in other parts of Australia.
I congratulate the minister for identifying the need for sustainable utilisation of the Territory’s fishing resources, to assist the development of the aquaculture industry. Only last week, we had three members of the Queensland government here in the Territory having a look at our aquaculture because they are looking at it as a developing industry in Queensland. I made comment to them that: ‘It is all well and good for you to come over and have a look at how successful our aquaculture areas are, but I do not want you to go away and be too successful in Queensland, because you are already very competitive in various industries. Hands off. Aquaculture is obviously a great area of growth for our economic development’. Well, they knew what I was saying, they laughed and said: ‘Don’t worry, you are already so far ahead of us that you have the jump on us’.
It was actually quite pleasing to hear that analysis of where our aquaculture is, that government members in Queensland who have been looking into this area identify that we are in a very strong position to continue to develop our aquaculture. One of the reasons why aquaculture is very viable in the Territory is the peak tides that we receive, because they have the ability of literally flushing out and replenishing the breeding grounds of the aquaculture areas.
I would like to touch on tourism. Tourism is behind mining and primary industries and fisheries, as our big earner. Without a doubt, the timing of the tragedy in Bali on the weekend reminds us that we are vulnerable to world events. On gaining government here in the Territory, we not only inherited a blow-out in our budget deficit of some $126m - thanks to the deception of the previous Treasurer - we also obviously felt the impact, the worldwide shock waves, of the tragic terrorism that occurred in New York on 11 September. That had a direct financial impact on the Territory in our tourism sector.
Following the tragedy in Bali, we are hearing comments again this week that people are opting to stay at home. They are cancelling flights; they do not want to travel. That is very, very difficult for tourism operators, for the people who rely on that tourism market. They feel the economic impact immediately, from the travel agents through to the airlines, the motel and hotel operators, the cleaners, the staff, the bars, the restaurants, even the shopping centres, and the small retailers. They all feel the impact of that decision made by people to stay at home and not travel.
We had a tourism discussion in this House just last week where the minister tried, again and again, to explain the reality of that situation to the shadow who just could not, obviously, comprehend what he was talking about. We are about to enter into a repeat of that cycle, unfortunately. That is my view. I believe the strategic approach taken by this government in terms of tourism since 11 September has been a wise strategic approach. That is, we put the marketing and investment dollars into the drive market - people who are prepared to drive around their home nation, such as Australia - and that showed dividends. We had a boom drive market occurring here in the Territory in the peak tourism season.
People in the industry will say that that boom occurred in either shoulder as well. So I congratulate …
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I move that that the member be granted an extension of time to conclude her remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: It will be a long speech, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Ten minutes only.
Ms LAWRIE: It is very important, Madam Speaker.
What you have to have is governments that read very clearly the economic indicators - and the economic indicators for us in tourism was what was occurring world-wide, what we knew would impact on our local market here. We read that. We did not keep on spending dollars in trying to draw the overseas tourists when everyone in the sector knew they were not flying. So we went to the drive market, and that paid dividends.
We are working collaboratively and cooperatively with the Australian Tourist Commission so that our profile is still overseas. The minister talked about a great billboard marketing campaign in the UK, where we hope to continue to attract the backpacker market which is crucial in terms of dollars in investment in Central Australia, and are finally a growing market in the Top End.
We were impacted upon by the collapse of Ansett, there is no doubt about that. They were the major regional provider of flights in the Territory. However, what we have seen is a coordinated effort by the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development to recreate services into those regional areas of the Territory so that now people do have access to the flights that they needed.
Fortuitously, our government had signed Virgin Blue prior to the collapse of Ansett. The signing of Virgin Blue meant that we spent money in providing some 1134 additional seats per week into the Darwin market. The entry of this carrier has enabled Territorians access to both competitive fares on these routes saving them hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, as well as choices in flight frequencies and times. The Northern Territory Tourist Commission is currently exploring additional marketing opportunities with Virgin Blue to enhance sales of the Northern Territory wholesalers product on these services.
I said to some friends, following the collapse of Ansett: ‘Thank God we had signed Virgin Blue’, because if we had tried to sign them after the collapse of Ansett, we would have had a far less competitive edge in those negotiations. So it was fortuitous. It was the wisdom and foresight of the Martin Labor government that ensured that the impact of the Ansett collapse was, to some extent, ameliorated by the delivery of Virgin Blue to the Territory.
I encourage people, when they are looking at their flight options interstate, to look at Qantas and Virgin Blue. Let us ensure that, as consumers, we are encouraging a competitive market. It is only through the wisdom of the consumers spending their dollar that competition truly is enhanced and grows. Our government is doing its bit. We are continuing to ensure that Virgin Blue is being delivered to the Territory. I would encourage people to recognise that, as consumers, we have to spend wisely – spend our dollar far more wisely than we, perhaps, currently are doing through the actions of habit.
I say that with all due respect to my good friend, Steve Farquar, head of Qantas in the Territory. He has done a great job. He is doing a really good job with Qantas, and they have responded to Territorian’s needs by looking at services in and out of the regional centres. I know he has been constantly been pushing the case for improved services to Alice Springs within the national domestic market.
We know we need to increase flights on the international legs in and out of Darwin. That is the next major delivery in terms of tourism capacity that we have to achieve as a government. So what are we doing about it? Well, we are not sitting back saying: ‘Well, it is too hard, let the marketplace dictate what can occur here’. Instead, we are working with the aviation industry to head hunt an international aviation specialist who can go out and articulate the Territory marketplace argument within the region and the world, especially given the impact we will feel as a result of the tragic events in Bali on the weekend. We need this position even more today than we needed it when the minister announced that we will be giving government resources to delivering this aviation specialist. So, again, a foresight and vision of government which will deliver very real outcomes for Territorians.
I will touch on a few more areas. I would like to indicate that our vision on land use is that the Territory’s land is developed and used for the sustainable, economic and social benefit of Territorians. That is, finally, we will look at delivering open and uniform planning. The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment has already facilitated land use objectives that have gone out for community consultation. They have come back from community consultation and, just last week, the Litchfield Land Use Objectives was signed off and delivered into this Chamber for debate.
People are now requiring of government that we plan development; that we do not allow it to occur ad hoc, that we have clear, strategic plans that the community and industries have all been able to participate in. I know, for example, the member for Nelson was intrinsically involved in the development of the Litchfield Land Use Objectives. He has been negotiating that document for about seven years.
Mr Wood: Still haven’t won!
Ms LAWRIE: Whilst he says he still has not won, it is good to see a process which enabled thorough community discussion - whether it is through the perspective of the council, the residents, the horticultural sector, or the industrial sector - all of these arguments at the ground level, and planning directions established. This is important to the future economic development of the Territory, without a doubt.
The Litchfield Land Use Objectives contained and provided the pathways for oil and gas to be developed in the Territory. It is no news to any of the members in this Chamber just how crucial oil and gas being delivered onshore to the Territory is to our economic development. I will not go into that in detail, as other members in this House already have in previous debate.
I do want to touch on the fact that, crucially, in the economic development strategy, on page 27, is the strategic approach to promote efficiency, safety and reliability in the building industry. That is, we will encourage appropriate buildings undertaken safely and reliably by reputable builders and developments. How are we going to do this? Well, it is done in every other jurisdiction except the Territory. We will amend the Building Act to include a requirement for builders’ registrations and warranties for home building, by June of next year.
I cannot count – well, I can, it is actually about a dozen people have come to my office since I have been there local member and said: ‘We hired a builder, he half did the job. Now what are we going to do? We are stuck with this abysmal situation where we have paid this person the money, and they have done a runner, and we have a half-finished renovation on our home, or we have a half finished home’. It is only a builders’ registration board, or mechanism in legislation, that will overcome the consumer being ripped off by the shoddy operator. I have to say, in talking to all the construction workers in my electorate, they are looking forward to this because the honest operators, the good operators, the crafts people that we have out there in our Territory, are sick and tired of their reputations being damaged because of the unscrupulous actions of people who come up to Darwin, make a quick dollar, and do a runner. That is Territorians who have invested their energies, their training and their dollars into the building industry in the Territory want to see this registration; the want to know that they will not be a part of an industry that is not being regulated.
Madam SPEAKER: The member’s time has expired.
Debate adjourned.
Continued from 9 October 2002.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, this, indeed, is a very important debate coming before us in the House. I guess you could describe it as the coming out of the CLP dark ages, as regards the problem of illicit drug use within the Northern Territory. The Leader of the Opposition has consistently been claiming that the problem is minuscule; it will all go away anyway; let us not do anything about it; alcohol is far more important as an issue to be dealt with. However, it is certainly becoming increasingly difficult for the Leader of the Opposition to take that line.
The illicit drug task force should be congratulated on yet another coming out, if you like, or bringing out, of all the problems that are associated with illicit drug use within our community, and also for the very practical recommendations that were made in that report. I would also like to commend the minister’s action in her rapid response in bringing those recommendations forward in the House for debate, and the actions she has taken in actually implementing the recommendations through her department.
Illicit drugs are a very significant problem in the Northern Territory. As I said, the Leader of the Opposition has been in denial for a very long period of time now over this particular issue. We have had to force this out into the public domain so that it can be properly addressed with our community. I do not think the member for Brennan would look forward to getting his copy of the NT News each morning because, virtually in every edition of that newspaper, you have a fresh revelation of the serious activities that are going on associated with illicit drugs. The Leader of the Opposition might get out there and plead with the Territory public to believe him: ‘Do not worry about, trust me, there is not a problem there’. Well, let us have a look at what the dead plea scroll says here. The dead plea scroll says just since September: ‘Drug house to be declared’ - this is one address in Darwin. Quite a number of addresses are likely to be declared by the police with the green signs up and, despite what the drug protesters might have to say about it, I will welcome that because that is one less place around Darwin that our young people particularly can go to to get these very harmful substances.
‘Speed factory hunt’, ‘Raid at Karama lab has links’ - the problem of amphetamines within our community is just enormous. This is a nasty drug. It is a drug that causes aggressive behaviour in the people who use it. That is what the police or innocent bystanders then cop when they try to intervene when someone loses the plot entirely, when they are souped up with this stuff. Even worse, in the case of amphetamines, we have the manufacture of this stuff happening directly in the Northern Territory. It is not being imported from elsewhere; there are dealers actually making it here.
‘Syringe threat in city hold-up. The blood filled needle used in the bid for drugs’. Again, this is not only indicating the serious health issues that are involved in drug taking, in terms of the spread of AIDS and other viral diseases, but also the very strong connection that has been apparent in the Northern Territory - to anyone who looked at it with an open mind - between drugs and property crime.
‘Girl, 12, had speed in class; reported by fellow students’. Where was that? In the member for Brennan’s own electorate. The man has to look up, get his head out of the sand, and start addressing this problem against the reality that is there, and not continually go into denial.
‘Cash stolen for drugs. She said she used the money to pay for drugs and gambling habit and acknowledged what she did was wrong’. This is a case of a bookkeeper who developed drug and gambling habits and stole more than $8000 from her employer which is again a very clear example of the relationship between property crime and drug use.
‘Speed lab pair charged. A 30-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been charged when the police found an amphetamine laboratory in a Darwin flat. Drug squad officers raided the unit in Koolinda Crescent, Karama, yesterday afternoon after receiving a tip-off from the public’. What I am very gratified to hear from the police is that many of their actions against drug dealers have come as a result of public cooperation with the campaign that they have been carrying through. That indicates very clearly where the bulk of the Territory public stands on this issue. They are cheering us on; they want to see this problem cleaned up, particularly parents who have young adolescents or young adults in their family who are going off into the venues where people know damn well they will be exposed to these types of substances and over exposed, I think, in recent times in the Northern Territory.
‘Three face trial over party drugs. Three men charged with dealing in party drugs have been committed to trial on charges of possessing and supplying’. We have been hearing a lot from these drug protesters that we are not catching the dealers. Well, these all look like dealers to me. They are the people who are manufacturing the stuff, and peddling the stuff. We are after them, quite unashamedly so, and we will continue to chase them.
‘Drug squad raids house. Speed lab pair in custody. Police sting nets $14 000 of drug haul in cocaine in video cassettes. Drug busts, $250 000 worth of speed found sitting on vacant land’. That was south of Alice Springs. If the member for Brennan wants to have a look at all that, day by day in the papers, and still get up and tell us that there is no illicit drug problem in the Northern Territory, his credentials in public leadership are severely in doubt.
Even this morning, as I picked up my copy of the paper - and I hope he did and he took notice of this article of a bust of a very large shipment of ephedrine coming in from South-East Asia in the possession of a well known Darwin male stripper. When you saw the picture of the sheer volume of chemicals that that consignment contained, and translate that becoming amphetamines, going into the bloodstreams of users throughout the Northern Territory leading to all the harm of aggressive behaviour, difficulties for the police - you tell me we should not do something about that.
To summarise, on a more systematic level, the national survey of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: the market for amphetamines such as speed is present in all Northern Territory towns. Most of the drugs are manufactured locally, and the biggest market surrounds are night clubs and backpacker tourists. The largest cluster of illicit drug users in the Northern Territory are aged between 30 and 39, followed by 20 to 29-year-olds. More young Territorians were using illicit drugs with 41% of 14 to 19-year-olds using illicit drugs including cannabis, 15.5% of whom had used either hallucinogens, opiates or prescription drugs. In the past nine months, Darwin’s Casy House youth refuge had accommodated 78 people under the age of 18 who had used extacy, morphine, LSD or amphetamines with cannabis or alcohol. Mental health resource workers reported they had seen clients as young as 10 years old who had been chroming - in other words, petrol or paint sniffing. So we have a significant problem. If the member for Brennan wants to keep asserting that there is no problem, then I honestly cannot see on what basis he can possibly get up and do that.
Why I particularly welcome the task force report with its recommendations, along with the statement the minister brought into the House, is that this is another very important development on our three-point plan to combat illicit drug use in our community. The matters that I have been referring to - our drug laws, the early and very good work that the police have done in applying a major campaign against illicit drug manufacture and use in the community, or dealing in the community - are only one aspect of the three-point plan. What the enforcement measures, the new laws, the police actions are doing are attacking the level of supply of illicit drugs within our community. That is a very important element of the overall equation of illicit drug use in the Northern Territory. We need, in a comprehensive plan, to deal both with the supply - the actual dealings of drugs in the community - and demand - the demand for illicit drug use.
On the demand side - and this is what the illicit drug task force is addressing, at least in the case of opiate based drugs - are two elements. One is the rehabilitation of addicts, and the other is drug use prevention programs. They are the two other elements of our three-point plan. With the introduction of the task force recommendations, and the implementation of those recommendations by government, we are now moving into the other side of the equation, starting to look at how we can reduce the demand for illicit drugs within the Northern Territory community. For every addict we take out of the game of drug use, we are going to see quite an impact on both the marketplace for illicit drugs and on related crimes such as the property crimes that are referred to in these newspaper articles that I have been going through.
The other significant statistic that comes out of the survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is that 10.7% of Top End prisoners within in our gaols have either previous injecting drug habits or, in some cases, have continued to try and get access to those drugs within gaol; 3.7% of our prison population in Central Australia has that same background. What we are seeing there is they have ended up in jail for associated types of crime and, in many cases, the property crimes. So you can take those percentages as probably being the contribution being made by drug use to the levels of property crime and other crimes within our community. Those people have ended up in gaol; they are the most serious end of the spectrum.
Alongside that group that have a known drug habit and associated other criminal behaviour, you have quite a large, and probably uncounted, number who have not yet come to the attention of the law, or been convicted and sent to gaol for the offences they have been committing. However, we certainly have very clear evidence from the courts, and individual court cases, of serial property crime associated with a drug habit which have really, in some cases, created a one-person crime wave within some suburbs of Alice Springs or Darwin. We have to very much focus on people who are coming to the attention of the justice system for offences that are associated with a drug habit.
The next stage, as far as our enforcement side of this equation, the three-point plan, is to now start to connect the arrangements under our drug laws and our treatment of offenders who come before our courts, to pass them more effectively back to the rehabilitation structures that are being set up under the task force recommendations. We will be moving to set up a drug court process, and we have budgeted for that in this current financial year. The way that it will most likely work - and we are settling the details of that at the moment - is to have the bail conditions set by usually the Magistrates Court. One option for the magistrate will be to attach to the bail a condition that that offender present at a short-term rehabilitation program and attempt to do something about their drug habit, if that is seen as being a major contributor to the offending that they have been carrying out.
The efforts of that offender in the rehabilitation program that has been indicated in their bail condition will then come back to the court when their offences are actually heard, and it will be, potentially, a mitigating factor when the magistrate then sentences that offender if they are subsequently found guilty. Alternatively, or as another possibility, if the offender does not do well, or does not show any commitment to the rehabilitation process, that would be an aggravating factor of showing that, not only have they committed a number of crimes as a result of their drug habit, but they are showing no remorse or any commitment to doing something about that cause of their offending.
That structure is already used in New South Wales and Victoria, with the credit and merit programs. We will put into the Magistrates Court two liaison positions, one in Darwin and one in Alice Springs probably. The purpose of that liaison position is that that person can commend to the magistrate the possibility of sending an alleged offender to rehabilitation, because of the clear indication from their background that their drug use has contributed to their offending, and then can actually remove the person from the court process and make sure that they are connected effectively to the rehabilitation programs to which they have been referred.
That liaison position could also double up for juvenile justice issues. We will have an additional resource within our lower courts to allow the magistrates another set of options in dealing with drug offenders who have offended because of a drug habit, as well as other matters within the affairs of that court.
In terms of the role of community mediation - and in the remote communities Aboriginal law and justice programs - we are very aware that these types of problems associated with illicit drug use are not confined to the urban centres of the Northern Territory. We are very aware that remote communities, and certainly indigenous leaders in our remote communities, are very worried by the high and increasing levels of cannabis use by young people, particularly, in those communities. That is leading to a very direct output of harm which is to do with not only psychotic conditions that come from very heavy use of cannabis, but also to the attempts of suicide. One study that sticks very graphically in my mind, is the study that was done on the Tiwi Islands in the community of Nguiu, where there was something in the excess of 50 attempted suicides over a 12-month period. The research found that, almost without exception, the attempted suicide occurred after a very heavy session of smoking marijuana, and was contributed to by the very low depressions that often follow the use of this type of drug in that level of abuse.
We have made the point before that we have applied our drug laws to all illicit drugs, not simply to the opiates, amphetamines and extacy. We are applying it to all drugs, including cannabis. The reason for cannabis being included there - despite the assertions of the drug protesters that it is a totally harmless recreational drug and we should all be allowed to go away and enjoy it - is that we are seeing this very clear evidence of harm coming from the high levels of current use. Can I get some more time?
Mr McADAM: Madam Speaker, I move that the member’s time be extended such that he may conclude his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Dr TOYNE: It is very important to make the point here that we are campaigning against illicit drugs of all types, and the level of use within our community. We are not prepared to take out particular drugs simply because of the prevalence of their use, or claims that they are benign in their effect on the community, when there is such clear evidence of harm within sectors of our community.
I want to say that our aim in carrying through these reforms is not the unrealistic aim of removing illicit drugs out of our community entirely. That would be simply unrealistic, given the way modern communities are and the absolute global prevalence of illicit drugs. We know we cannot get rid of these things out of the Territory lifestyle and community entirely. However, what we are wanting to do is reduce the level of use and, therefore, the level of harm that is being caused by the presence of these substances in our community.
To take a point that was made, I think, by the member for Drysdale during an earlier debate of this subject: yes, alcohol abuse is probably a much higher level of harm, and certainly causes a much higher level of harm within our community. Even the task force report makes that point. This is not a case of saying: ‘All right, we are not going to do anything on illicit drugs. Let us deal with alcohol and then we will get back to them later’. It is not a case of that at all. You can pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time if you train a bit, and we are moving very actively to combat the high levels of very destructive use of alcohol in some of our key communities. I would point to the trials and complementary measures down in Alice Springs as an example of what we are trying to do to mobilise a community - whether it is in indigenous communities, remote communities, or the citizens of our main urban centres - to actually take a stand against, not only the absolutely unacceptably high levels of alcohol use in our community, but also the fact that those levels have actually been increasing, along with the harm.
We simply do not have the choice of not moving against alcohol, so it really should not be brought in as a red herring on the debate on illicit drugs. If we do not move against the levels of harm and associated public expenditure regarding alcohol, we will simply go broke. We will not be able to afford the continual increase in our public expenditure on health, and law and order. We do not have the choice of inaction there. So you can take it as a background to this debate that we will be working wherever possible, and in whatever means, to pull back the level of alcohol abuse in our community. Having left that behind, let us continue the work of bringing the level of illicit drug use in our communities down.
There is the third major area of the three-point drug plan, which is to do with prevention measures. I believe there are measures we can take, particularly with our young and through our school system and youth programs within the community, to at least protect our young people from being drawn destructively into the cycle of drug use. Again, being realistic about it, there is no way that we, as a government, could guarantee the parents in the Northern Territory that their kids will not be ever exposed to these substances ever again. That is simply not a realistic promise to make. What we can say is that we will be making sure their kids are well informed about the effects and the dangers of drug use. We will be making sure that the supply out in the community is reduced as much as possible. We will be making sure that, if their kids do come into contact with drugs and take up some significant level of use, that there will be rehabilitation programs that can pull them back out of that pattern and that lifestyle, before it reaches the destructive levels that heavy addiction brings with it.
To summarise, I very much welcome the minister’s statement on the outcomes of the illicit drug task force, and our commitment now to move forward and implement the key recommendations of that report. I believe that we still remain totally committed to the three-point plan on drugs. As each of these elements are put into place we are going to see - and I think we have already seen - an impact on the patterns of illicit drug use within out community. I hope that it gets increasingly difficult to get hold of these substances within our community. I am very pleased that the protesters are unhappy about this, and I certainly hope it is because they are having more and more difficulty in maintaining a drug-based lifestyle in the Northern Territory. We do not want it up here. We want people to be constructively involved with their community and with their lives; we do not want them to be floating off on a cloud of drug-induced unreality.
Debate adjourned.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Bali Tragedy
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly:
Madam Speaker, the last 24 hours to 48 hours have been extraordinary ones in the world and especially so for Australians and Territorians. When such an horrific event as this happens it shocks the world. At a time when we think that we have seen horrific events happen - in the media we see them almost on an daily level - ones that are so vicious and senseless as the Bali bombing on Saturday night, that attack innocent holiday-makers who are just enjoying a break from whatever country they have come from, is even doubly senseless.
I believe 11 September showed that the world could be rocked by such a catastrophic event. We realised very much, as a world, that we were not safe, that maybe our sense of security had been shaken fundamentally. The events in Bali on Saturday night have shown that it has come that much closer to us. After 11 September, we Australians and we Territorians thought that we were, in a way, protected. We talked about the Territory and Australia, in a world context, being a safe haven. Part of what we hoped for in recovering, in a tourist sense, was the fact that we were a safe haven and that is how the rest of the world would view us.
Our sense of being a safe haven has been quite strongly shaken - I hope not in a too dramatic sense - by the events in Bali, because there is no doubt that, as Territorians, we have such a close relationship with Bali, not only on a government to government level, but also in terms of where we holiday. Kids growing up here know Bali better than they know the streets of Sydney or Melbourne. Bali is, for many, a regular holiday escape, somewhere where Territorians feel welcome and have developed friendships. To have such an horrific event happen so close to home, just two hours and 20 minutes away by plane, has really shaken and angered Territorians.
It is hard to believe that it is so close to home, but it is a fact of life that it has happened and now we are going to have to deal with the ramifications. It will have significant ramifications, and we are only starting to appreciate those.
As far as all those who have been affected by this event in a personal way - the 20 Australians out of 180 or so who have been confirmed dead in the bombing - we can only extend our condolences to their friends and their families, but have no real understanding of what the impact would be. Think of the uncertainty of waiting to find out whether the one you were related to, or who was your friend, was at that club on that night if they were holidaying in Bali. The sense of the panic was relayed to me when I was out at the hospital talking to the switchboard operators. The switchboard operators said Sunday and Monday the phones just rang, with people desperately trying to search for loved ones, and there was nothing that the switchboard operators could do, in many instances, other than console those who were panicked, anxious and, without knowing the fate of their loved ones, were grief stricken. That provided an insight into the impact on individual lives when something like this horrific event in Bali happens.
We extend our support and sympathy to the families, to the loved ones and friends of those who have been killed and injured in this event and, at this stage, for the 160 Australians who are yet unaccounted for. We have no idea where those 160 are; whether they will ultimately be included in the death toll. There is so much uncertainty still after 48 hours; an enormously worrying time for those who have not heard. What is gratifying is that, as yet, it does not seem that there has been one Territorian injured. It is almost miraculous when you consider that, in any week, there would be 150 from the Territory in Bali somewhere, and probably more than that - that is just a minimum figure. But as yet, no one who comes either from Darwin or through the Territory has been identified as being injured in the bomb blast. It does seem miraculous. It is quite extraordinary that not one would be there.
We have a special relationship with Indonesia, and to have this happen at a time when Indonesia was just starting to recover from the financial crisis of 1998 - particularly Bali and its tourist industry - at this stage we can only speculate on the impact. The Territory has a special relationship with the Indonesian government, and my condolences, sympathies and offer of help from the Territory have gone through, via our consul here, to the President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who already has visited Bali and is looking at the impact and the devastation of that bomb blast.
That special relationship is there. The fact that we have that relationship is why our offers of assistance are taken genuinely. The fact that we could say we are prepared to take medical evacuations and because almost every month we have a medical evacuation come to Darwin, the Balinese and Indonesian authorities certainly knew that an offer from the Territory was something that was real, tangible and one where we could deliver. It is an important relationship. We offer our sympathies to the Indonesians, who will be devastated by what has happened - devastated by the impact on their country, the impact on those individuals who have died or been injured.
As well as that, we have a special relationship with Bali. I am hoping to speak later this afternoon to the Governor of Bali, who has spent today, not surprisingly, out in the devastated area, talking to people, working with authorities. I will convey our condolences from the Territory and reiterate that offer of help: any further medical assistance, people needing to be evacuated, post-incident investigation and the kind of assistance that might be needed for identification of those bodies - where those bodies might need to be stored, in an interim way. The Territory is ready to assist. It is an enormous impact on the people of Indonesia and, in particular, the Balinese, and we certainly offer them our sympathy during this tragic time.
I saw the first news report of what had happened about 8.30 am on Sunday morning on television. It was my first experience, as Chief Minister, of having an event like this so close to home. I certainly have only the highest praise for all our agencies, for our Defence Forces, for the way that they responded that Sunday morning. The calls went in and the response was fantastic. We have a counter disaster organisation, a Regional Counter Disaster Council, ready to go, with a committee under that, comprising senior people from police, Chief Minister’s, and Health, ready to be able to put into operation the organisation we saw develop on the Sunday and Monday, which made an enormous difference. The committee met, they quickly assessed what the situation was in terms of our security, finding out what had happened, working with federal authorities, contacting overseas, finding out all the details that we needed to know and what our role might be as the hours went by.
The response from the hospital was simply impressive. In the modest way that you hear from medical people, when talking to them over the last couple of hours, they were explaining why they had done so well and why they had been able to form teams that have been able to deal, under such pressure, with people with such devastating injuries. As they said: ‘Well, look it was just a coincidence. Six weeks ago we had a whole emergency response exercise. We had actually had meetings on Friday about whether we needed to hone that response, and we also had Sunday to prepare ourselves’. So there were all these reasons they gave for being so expert, which does not really tackle the fact that they were expert and committed.
The fact that there was a Sunday to look at how the hospital could clear elective surgery for the Monday; and how it could clear outpatients and really prepare itself - and it just took that Sunday morning for the hospital to be able to deliver me that word: ‘We are ready to go’. I was able to make the offer to the federal government that the Territory was ready to take those who were critically injured - anyone who was injured - from Bali and our hospital would be ready. That offer was taken up immediately.
It was very impressive, the way our health authorities worked so quickly. They worked in conjunction with our Defence Forces and police. Police were looking at our security situation; offering assistance in terms of that post-incidence investigation; working with the federal authorities; had meetings coordinated on the Sunday and the Monday so that we were in position, as Australians, to be able to say: ‘We will help the Balinese authority bring the perpetrators of this to justice; but also be able to work through the identification of those who still are in body bags and unidentified’.
So, the response here was impressive - ranging from our health authorities to our police, Defence Forces, those in essential services areas - making assessments of possible risks to the Territory; looking at whether there needs to be a change to our security rating. All those aspects were looked at very quickly and that work was done efficiently and effectively. Over the Sunday, those teams were brought together, and by 1 am Monday when the first flight came in, we had great confidence that we would be able to deal - and there was no doubt that our health teams knew that they would be under a lot of pressure - with those who were so horribly burnt and injured by the bomb blast, and deal with them effectively and efficiently. I only have the greatest praise - simply to say that we commend the prompt and effective action really does not say everything about what Territorians have done in response to this tragedy. We can have great confidence that the work was done before the injured arrived and while they were here - that we only have about six left of those who were evacuated from Bali. The others have gone to hospitals and back home. We now have an emergency operation centre at the police station still working, still monitoring and making sure that Territorians - without being alarmist - can feel confident about our security.
The Territory community, as I mentioned before, is the most extraordinary community which, when events happen – and we have had crises here. We had a crisis in Katherine with the flooding and we had the East Timorese situation. We see how Territorians respond to events that happen outside our borders. The last 48 hours has seen Territorians again show that they are prepared to do anything they can to assist when there is a crisis. The hospital, again, told me they had so many calls from people saying: ‘Look, I will come and sit by the side of somebody who is injured. Can I provide food for you?’ Staff said when they raced home to get some sleep, a next door neighbour would say: ‘Here, I have made you some food’. A woman in South Australia sent the pizzas. The nurses from all over Australia rang to say that they would come off holidays, they would get themselves to Darwin: how could they help? The offers came in from everywhere, not only from the Territory community. Whether it was people offering homes for friends and families of victims to stay in, offering blood, or simply offering anything that they could think of offering to be able to assist in the tragedy, Territorians have done us proud again. They have not done it in a public way or a way in which they felt they needed to ring up media organisations or radio talkbacks; but just made the call and offered to do it. Again, we can be proud of Territorians for the way that they simply volunteer. A crisis happens, Territorians will volunteer, will assist, will go out of their way, or offer to do sometimes simple but sometimes extraordinary things to help out.
I believe every Territorian endorses our agencies in continuing to play a role in what has happened, that we will continue to offer medical assistance. Maybe that means that there will be continued demand on the hospital, maybe there will be other ways for that to happen. At this stage, we are uncertain. This whole situation has been a very dynamic one. When it was said that a plane would arrive - the Hercules would arrive with evacuees at a certain time with certain numbers - that was not the case. It has been a matter of communications that had to be changed, to be honed, to be corrected and, at this stage, we are uncertain about what will happen in the future. But I know that this parliament would support our agencies, our health authorities, and, certainly, our police being involved in working with the Balinese in that post-incident investigation, and also working in finding out who were the perpetrators of the crime, and that we would offer to assist in tackling this horrific event that happened on our doorstep in any way that we can.
We have had a very impressive response from the rest of Australia about what they have seen so far. The compliments have come in from medical authorities across the country. The federal Health Minister and the Western Australian Health Minister have rung to say: ‘What an impressive effort from the Territory. Your hospital response has been second to none’. There have been compliments saying no other hospital in Australia could have managed the number of critically injured that came in such a short time frame through the doors of Darwin Hospital, as those at Darwin Hospital did.
The fact that we are a small hospital, were able to draw teams together, and that interdisciplinary team worked well together. There was no ‘I am a doctor, you are a nurse, you are a whatever’. That team worked together in a coherent way. As one of the senior doctors said to me: ‘If there was an instruction given, we knew it would be carried out’. That team approach, the fact that there were multiple teams in small spaces working well and tolerating the inconvenience of other people within millimetres of them, has really impressed the rest of Australia. We really need to understand the impressiveness of what our health workers and health authorities have done. Really, as I said before, the only line I had left was: ‘We are just enormously proud of you’, and we are. So we have impressed the rest of Australia.
Talking to media about the calls that came in, they were also dealt with - the calls that came in from media outlets around the world. That was enormously intense over the last 24 hours, and they were dealt with well and graciously and informatively. The image of the Territory and how we have responded to this, I think we have grown again, as with other crises we face.
But it does not get away from the bottom line here: that an horrific and totally unjustifiable event has happened. So many have lost their lives, 180 at this stage - we do not know what that final figure will be – and 20 of those are Australians. We, as part of Australia, have to stand strong and say: ‘This is unacceptable, we will not tolerate these type of events’, and certainly balance that very strong line that we need to take that we will not tolerate that kind of terrorist attack and that we will work with, as Australians with the Indonesian authorities to make sure that we can support their efforts to tackle this. However, at the same time, we have to maintain an harmonious and tolerant Territory where we value our relaxed lifestyle, our openness, our accessibility and our tolerance. To put those two together is a balance, but I do not think it is incompatible. While we condemn this horrific event, we also value the importance of tolerance and access and the Territory spirit that we have.
Madam Speaker, this motion is an important one for the Territory, for this parliament. It is a sad day that we have to have it, and events like Saturday night, but the Territory has responded in a strong, caring, expert way and we should all be very proud.
Mr BURKE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, as I said this morning, we as a country have experienced one of the worst peace time tragedies in our history. Our parliament should express its outrage, its sympathy and its condolences. It should also thank those Territorians who have so magnificently answered the call for help.
Words can never expunge the horror and emotion we all feel for what happened on Saturday night, but we have an urgent need to say them, to put some form to our outrage. This is not a disaster that is all over. Horribly, we do not yet know the extent of the tragedy and its effect on the Territory and on Australia. As the stories of the tragedy grow, the effect on all of us grows as well. Lists of missing and reports of the overall disaster initially have numbed us. It is just too big and too shocking to comprehend.
Now we are hearing the personal stories. Now we are hearing what happened to real people, not just statistics, like the parents who left their 19-year-old daughter behind in the Sari Club because she wanted to stay a little longer with the footballers she had just met from her home town. ‘Don’t be too late’, they urged her as they left. Now she will never come home. Or the father who put his two daughters aged six and nine on a plane back to Australia, telling them he would find mummy and bring her home. He has finally found her in the makeshift morgue. Sitting with his young daughters on the plane back to Australia were two 15-year-old family friends, and those girls will never see their mothers again.
This is terrorism. Forget the causes, the philosophies and the rights and the wrongs of the political system; this is terrorism - the brutal death of mothers and fathers and the senseless murder of sons and daughters. This abomination of mindlessly murdering people you do not know, people simply out enjoying themselves, is terrorism. Now and forever more we, in Australia, and we, in the Northern Territory, know the horror of terrorism - 12 October has ended our innocence as surely as 11 September ended it in America.
There is no justification for such acts. How can the slaying of so many innocents achieve any good thing? We must condemn, and condemn for always, such actions. We must commit here today to do all we can to fight terrorism wherever it manifests itself. We must commit here today that we will support our national government, the men and women of our Defence Forces and our police forces, in this terrible battle. Like it or not, we are part of this battle and there is no middle way - you either repudiate and fight terror, or you surrender to it. Our Prime Minister and our government deserve our support in the stand that they have taken.
To suggest that not taking such a tough stance would mean that this tragedy would not have happened, is to live in a fairy tale world. Those terrorists do not inhabit such a world; they do their own foul deeds in our world. No one should be left in any doubt that terror breeds on success, and success for the terrorist is the horror and mass murder of 11 September and 12 October. Terror must be beaten. It must be opposed with all that we have.
Yesterday in federal parliament, our Prime Minister emphasised to all Australians that we now live in different circumstances and different times, particularly now because what happened in Bali last weekend claimed so many of our own on our own door step. For Territorians, our proximity to Asia makes this message even more profound.
Terrorism has reached out to Australians and dealt us a brutal blow. It has struck at the heart of the gentle and peace loving people of Bali, and it has struck at the very foundations of the nation of Indonesia. Now is the time when we must stand firm against this evil and do all we can to support our government, and those of other nations, with an unyielding resolve to destroy this monstrosity that is trying to undermine the very fabric of our society. We could not begin to contemplate embarking on this sort of outrage, therefore we must ensure that those who do are brought to justice and the tentacles of their organisations throughout the world are destroyed.
In the words of the motion passed in the House of Representatives yesterday, with the support of all sides, we must affirm Australia’s commitment to continue the war against terrorism in our region and in the rest of the world. We must endorse this stance for the sake of those who have died or been injured, and the families and friends who survive them.
I spoke this morning of the families around the world whose lives have been put on hold by this nightmare. There are too many parents across Australia, Bali and elsewhere in the world, waiting today to hear the worst news any parent can receive; the news that their son or daughter is dead, that their son or daughter has been brutally murdered just for being on holidays. On television last night, I saw a mother and father waiting for some word about their missing son. The father said that they had lost his twin brother a few years ago, and now it looks like they have lost him as well. It is almost impossible to imagine the devastation being experienced by that family. To bring two sons into the world, to nurture them, to protect them, and then to lose one through a barbarous act of mass murder - that is terrorism.
A few have already heard of loved ones lost and we mourn with them, we grieve with them for their loss. This loss, perhaps, is made greater in the knowledge that these lives have been ended in a moment of joy and relaxation - people maliciously murdered as they danced or drank with friends. Ordinary people, horribly, many of them ordinary Australian people, enjoying their holidays in beautiful surroundings - they are no more. While we must and do grieve for them and their families and friends, we should also grieve for mankind that we allow this to happen.
We also feel for those injured, both physically and psychologically; for them life has changed forever. As one survivor whose family and friends regularly spent their holidays in Bali, and now has lost many of his family and friends said: ‘Never, never, never again’. There are those physically untouched, but now have indelibly implanted in their minds horrific images no one should be burdened with. ‘I saw people drop dead in front of me’, one 19-year-old girl said, ‘I saw people’s arms and legs falling off and they were crying. Their faces were black and their bodies were black’. We, too, have seen the black burnt bodies in the devastated streets of Kuta, and in the morgue of Denpasar. It is the second wave of this tragedy that people in Australia are being traumatised by what has happened. They are being traumatised by what they have seen and what they continue to hear. The epicentre of the terror may be in the narrow streets of Kuta, but the shock waves are spreading and encompassing us all.
What of the people of Bali; those wonderful people who have had such close relations with us for generations? Not only have they lost their sons and daughters too, but they have also lost a future. They are our neighbours and our friends and, as the Chief Minister has said, we have a special relationship with them on top of the special relationship we have with Indonesia as a whole. Their island is only two hours and 20 minutes away from Darwin, closer to us than any capital city in Australia. Their home has been a destination for Territorians for generations, but how long will it before we again feel like going to that devastated island?
Today is not a day to speak of economic matters, but this abomination of 12 October will have far-reaching effects on the Territory, as well as Bali. In the years to come, we will see the tentacles of this terror reach out beyond the families of the dead and injured to include even more innocent people. In the months ahead, we will have to address these issues, but not today. Today is a day for mourning. In the days ahead, we will also need to look at security issues, and what we should have done and can do to ensure all has been achieved that can possibly be achieved to prevent such terrible happenings. But not today; today we grieve. Today we rage at what has been done and today we commit ourselves to do all we can to help those injured, and those who lost relatives and friends. Today we rage that our little corner of the world has been attacked; that our safety, our innocence and our security has been taken from us.
We have been attacked before, both by war and natural disaster, now we see the heinous hand of terror reaching out to include us in its evil sphere. We must overcome it as surely as we did those early attacks. We must not succumb, because that would offer terror a victory when it must be given none.
The beginning of that response to terror and what it stands for, has already been demonstrated by nurses, doctors, Defence personnel, volunteers and police personnel. Today we give thanks to all those Territorians who, once again, have rushed to help their fellow human beings. Their action, dedication, and instinctive urge to help, are the best counter-attack ever on terrorism. It shows us our finest qualities in the face of these most evil actions. Territorians have been called on again to be the front line and, as they have in the past, our public servants at Royal Darwin Hospital, our Police Force, the Defence Force and personnel across other agencies, have had to answer the call. Others have offered their homes and their blood; anything that might help.
Then there are the unsung heroes and heroines. I head of some this morning; those who have been cleaning out the C130s to prepare them for the next mercy dash to Bali. They have had to deal with the terrible stench of burnt bodies and the overflow of the caring the victims have received on their way to Darwin. They have overcome their emotions and their revulsion to play their part in the rescue operations. There are many such people who play their own roles in such tragedies, from the cleaners to hospital administrators, from the pilots to the refuellers; and we thank them all today.
Unfortunately, more horror is to come with the dreadful process of identification of bodies and their repatriation, but we can expect all these people to continue to perform magnificently. The doctors and nurses led by Dr Len Notaras are performing above and beyond the call of duty. Since Sunday, 170 doctors, 550 nurses and 150 health staff have been working one non-stop shift. It has been a demanding and emotional time for all; demanding courage in the face of much horror. It has required sacrifice and dedication. Staff have had to be both angels of mercy and friend and counsellor to the injured and their grief stricken family and friends.
As I said this morning, I would hope in the days to come this parliament will be able to put on record our thanks to these wonderful people and record all of their names in the Parliamentary Record: the RAAF personnel, the medical teams, the airline crews - the response of them all has been awesome.
As I watched the television images of the unfolding events yesterday - the images in the morgues and hospitals in Bali and here in Darwin - I could not help but get drawn to the faces of those young men and women of our Defence Forces in uniform. These young men and women were helping people trying to locate loved ones, counselling those who had confirmation that a friend or relative had been killed, or assisting with the treatment and evacuation of the injured. They are so young themselves; most are of a similar age of the Australians who have felt the full brunt of the terror.
No amount of training can prepare anyone for this. No uniform can shield those human emotions that engulf anyone caught up in these events. They are performing magnificently as Australia swings into action to deal with this cataclysmic event, and I am so proud of them. But they will need support after this is over. The television cameras will move on and they, and others like our wonderful hospital staff, will need to be helped. We must ensure that that help is there for our heroes and heroines.
It is a terrible, tragic day that we should have this motion before us, but the knowledge that there are so many good people to respond to this evil must give us hope. We owe it to them, to those who have died and those who have been injured, to go on from today determined to defeat terrorism. Just as those who perished in Kuta on 12 October 2002, and those who were murdered on 11 September 2001, had no choice, nor do we. We must rid the world of terrorism and those that perpetrate such abominations.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I fully support the motion before us and also endorse the words of both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. I do not intend to repeat those words because they have said much of how I feel and, I think, that many Territorians feel. So I would like to give a small response to the motion.
There is a danger that we become immune to such terrible events, especially those events such as 11 September and the continuing violence in the Middle East. Now the menace that terrorism is to the peace of, not only other parts of the world, but also Australia, has come home to us in a terrible way. This tragedy also highlights the fragility of life: how quickly life can be extinguished, and in reverse, how precious life is. Many of those who died were at the stage of life when they were living it to the full, and that life has been cut short by a wanton act of mass murder.
Perhaps through this horror we have an opportunity to think about living our lives to the full; to care for our families and to treat one another decently and kindly, even if we have our differences. These differences are unimportant when put into perspective. Our prayers should be with all those affected by this terrible tragedy: those who have died, the injured or the traumatised, no matter their country of origin - Australian, Balinese, Indonesian, or from other countries. They have families and loved ones and as we know, sorrow and grief has no racial bounds.
Our continual thanks to all those who have helped, from the overworked and overwhelmed Balinese doctors and nurses, to the firemen, the police, our Defence Force personnel, our doctors and nurses, St John Ambulance members, and all those Territory people who have helped to lessen the suffering of others. The real world has come to our doorstep. Let us hope and pray that sanity can prevail in this world so that we, and our children can live on an earth which is safe and peaceful.
Today, as we pray for the dead and the injured, let us also pray for peace, so that this tragedy is never repeated. We must be strong, we must fight terrorism. God protect Australia.
Mr REED (Katherine): Madam Speaker, it is on occasions like this it is difficult to find words appropriate to do justice to the circumstances. It is an occasion when we find that all Australians are truly and deeply shocked by the events that took place on 12 October in Bali. Those of us, of which I am one, who have travelled extensively through Indonesia - from West Timor through Denpasar, Jakarta and into Sumatra, representing this government - have an awareness as to both the relationship that Territorians, through this and previous governments, have with the people of Indonesia, and an awareness of the gentleness of the people of Indonesia. It is appropriate for us to consider these matters in that context and not be taking out on the people of Indonesia any particular hatred in relation to these events. They, I expect, would be as deeply shocked as we are in relation to this dreadful event, and the death and injury that is caused to people of Bali itself, to many Australians, and to many other nationals.
It is also these types of events that really do alert us to the dangers that we face in the world today, and the reasoning behind the actions of our federal government since 11 September last year, and the actions of many other governments in combating terrorism, and putting mechanisms in place to enable the free and peaceful people of the world to be able to live freely. It is a sobering time for us in considering those plans and future actions that may take place, and the very unfortunate necessity for them in the event that they may become more hostile, in terms of a response, than we might otherwise want or would otherwise have expected.
We think today of the victims, the injured - some shockingly injured. There is possibly no other injury worse than burns, being so very painful, life disfiguring and, certainly for too many of those victims, life threatening in the circumstances that they currently face.
That has been exacerbated by the awful problems that would have been experienced, I expect, by the Indonesian health authorities and the ability for the hospitals and medical services in Bali to be able to respond, and the possibility of serious infection further compounding the injuries that these people face. Medical specialists in Australia will have difficulty in dealing with this in assisting them.
We think of those who were enjoying themselves on holidays and are no longer with us who, through total innocence, have had their lives taken, and the bereavement that their friends and relatives are now going through. At lunch time today, watching the midday ABC News bulletins on ABC television, as a parent, it is very hard to comprehend how you would deal with such a circumstance; with mothers and fathers and other children and their children sitting around the lounge room at home, worrying about their lost loved ones. Then the next item on the news bulletin showing the most devastating of pictures of the remains, the body parts of people, being held in containers full of ice because of the inadequate services that are available to cope with such a disaster, and how that then would further impact and cause further trauma in the dreadful experience that those parents, other relatives and friends are going through. How one relates to that is very difficult; how one deals with it as a parent is, in my view, incomprehensible, as a parent of three kids.
So, it is all very difficult stuff to get one’s mind around, and to be able then to relate to those people who are trying to assist in the best way possible those who are injured, and get them back to their respective countries or to better medical attention. In that regard, when first hearing the reports on ABC radio and seeing them on television on Sunday morning, with the experiences that I have been through as a former government minister in dealing with such circumstances, one thing I did have was absolute and total confidence in the ability for public servants and community organisations and the Defence Forces in Australia and, particularly, here in the Territory, to be able to cope with that.
That is not to under-sell the effort that they have put in since they have started receiving the victims of this tragedy, but it is intended to underscore the confidence that we can have in the professionalism that we can expect, and that we do receive, from our public servants and community organisations and Defence personnel and the Northern Territory Police Force. It is not to be taken lightly and the fact that they have been able to respond in such an incredible way - not just dealing with the need to assist people and to treat them and to care for them, but dealing at the same time with their own personal difficulties in being away from their own homes and having, of course, to extend comfort to the friends and relatives of those people who they either have to deal with directly or indirectly over the telephone and by other means.
Again, it is hard to find words appropriate, or to be able to relate to the difficulties that our people in the Northern Territory are experiencing in providing those services. It is one thing for us to be able to stand up here and talk about it and express our feelings, but to be able to do it in a way that one considers to be effective and to carry sufficient weight and feeling, I find very difficult. It is something that we, as members of parliament representing the people of the Northern Territory, can be very, very proud of: that we have people who can respond in the most awful circumstances and to the most demanding situations in such a prompt, effective and professional way. We should all feel very proud of them at this time.
The Australian Defence Forces, again have come to the fore in providing transport and other comfort and services to so many Australians and other nationals who are in need as a result of the dreadful tragedy of last Saturday. It somewhat under-sells the efforts of the Royal Australian Air Force personnel in just using the blanket term Australian Defence Forces. Whilst I have no doubt that the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army would also have contributed in this regard, it is entirely relevant to consider the enormous effort of the Royal Australian Air Force personnel: the hours that they spent flying aircraft; the logistical support that is required to get those aircraft prepared, and to keep them maintained and to clean them; and to comfort the patients they have been transporting to Australia. It is an enormous task in itself and something that the Leader of the Opposition referred to, one that cannot be expected to be covered in any training program. It is just something that, in the case of our Defence Force personnel and so many others, they have the ability to come to the fore when their services are required, and to do it in a way that is very difficult to comprehend in terms of the extent and high level of professionalism and care that they have provided.
Similarly, we should look beyond the nurses and the doctors. Such an enormous task that they have had before them, and such an enormous response and high level of service they have provided. But assisting them, too, we have the orderlies and the cleaners; the people in the kitchens, who are providing the food for the staff and the patients; the other carers, who necessarily must be counselling victims, counselling the relatives and friends of victims; and all of the other support workers. I name just a few, which is rather inadequate in trying to express, comprehensively and in an appropriate way, all of the people who are taking part in this recovery operation and dealing with the people who were affected by this dreadful tragedy.
But I think it appropriate that we do extend ourselves beyond those individuals who are recognised, quite rightly so, and have been. I guess I relate to a television interview this morning, I think on National Seven, when Dr Len Notaras was interviewed. In the closing remarks, the interviewer expressed her appreciation on behalf of Australians to Dr Notaras for the job that he has done, and without a blink of an eye or any hesitation whatsoever, he passed by the opportunity to take any credit himself and directed that expressed appreciation to the staff, when he said:
It is heartening to have heard today the expressions of sympathy and support from world leaders: Prime Minister Blair of Great Britain, President Bush of the United States, and the words of our own Prime Minister. Over the last few days, he has made very responsible public comments; and given effective support provided by the Australian government since 11 September last year. Now, in relation to this particular tragedy, we have the sobering remarks of the Prime Minister in relation to the awareness that we should all have as to the changed circumstances that we all face in a world that is completely different - where wars are no longer fought between nations but in the arena of terrorism, with unpredictable attacks such as the horrendous mass murder that we now are talking about in relation to the events of 12 October in Bali - and how that it impacts on all of us.
Whilst we here might be of the view that so many people take - and no doubt some who even today received the advice from the Australian government that they should not travel to Bali, they should reconsider their travel plans if they are, in fact, booked - but it is by human nature we often say: ‘But it will not happen to me’. The sobering messages that we must take from these events are that it can happen to us. As much as we might dislike it, as uncomfortable as it might make us, and of so much concern that it may be to us, if we put ourselves in the position - if it is at all possible to do so - of those parents who are wondering about the wellbeing of loved ones who were in Bali that they have not heard of since last weekend, and relate that to our own circumstances and perhaps to our families, then you can get some understanding that it can happen to us. If not directly to ourselves, perhaps to one of our children, a friend or a relative, because that is precisely what has happened since last weekend and those tragic events.
With those words, I support very strongly and sympathetically this condolence motion. I extend my very personal sympathies to all of those people who have been injured and, especially and very deeply, to those people who have lost loved ones and close relatives and friends in the tragic mass murder of last week. As I said in my opening remarks, I extend that level of sympathy very warmly to the people of Indonesia, because I believe, very strongly, that they too would be simply as shocked as we are in relation to this, and would be finding it just as difficult as we are, to find the appropriate words to express their concerns and their disbelief that this could ever have happened.
Mr HENDERON (Business, Industry and Resource Development): Madam Speaker, I also join in support of the motion before the parliament today, and speak after some very accurate and personal accounts that other members proceeding me in debate have put.
No cause can justify the horrific events of Saturday night. There is no cause that can justify those events and, to stand here in this parliament today this, for me, puts politics into perspective in terms of representing the people who elect us to this place, with the responsibilities that we have. It really brings home that our absolute responsibility is to work for peace. There is no justification for this type of brutality, and this type of brutality has to be stared down, has to be challenged, and these people have to be brought to justice. But the greater cause is peace, because the aftermath of events like this affect so many people and is so tragic that it is our absolute responsibility as politicians - wherever we are, whichever parliaments, and whichever corner of the world.
Like the Chief Minister, on Sunday morning when I turned the radio on and heard about the events in Bali, I was devastated and just could not believe it. I could not believe that this has happened so close to us. As the Chief Minister and other members have said, for people who live in Darwin Bali is our backyard, and we have all spent long periods over there. We work with and have friends who are always holidaying in Bali, people who have personal friendships developed over many years with the Balinese people - Balinese people who have seen our kids grow up and we have seen their kids grow up. It is all too personal. As well as being members of parliament, we are also parents and we have to try to describe these events and why they are happening to our children. It was brought home to me this morning when I was driving my two boys to school. The eldest boy, who is eight years of age, said: ‘Daddy, why do people fly aeroplanes into buildings and blow up cars?’ What do you say to an eight-year-old child who very innocently asks those questions as to why people fly aeroplanes into buildings and blow up cars? All I could say is that there are a small number of very bad people in this world and they will be brought to justice and put in gaol for the crimes that they have committed. It brings home that here in Darwin - peaceful Darwin - that Australian children, Darwin children, are losing their innocence. That is a tragic thing for children to lose their innocence and have to ask those types of questions. It is an innocence that we have to try to restore.
Terrorism is an increasing global scourge and it is the most insidious and vicious of all crimes, in that the perpetrators seek to murder and maim innocent people with one objective in mind, and that is to instil terror in the minds of people at a local, national or global level. These terrorists seek to achieve their cause not through the powers of persuasive rational argument, but by instilling terror in the broader population. These people must be brought to justice, they cannot escape the crimes that they have committed. We, as Australians, have to join with the rest of the world to bring these people to justice.
I have a personal reference point in terms of terror and what it can do to a population. I grew up in the United Kingdom and, as a teenager, I lived just outside of Southampton at a time that the IRA were inflicting terror on the mainland of the UK by planting bombs in pubs - bombs that were packed around the outside of the explosive with coach bolts and left under chairs in crowded pubs on busy nights just seeking to maim - not to kill - but to maim innocent people. One of my friends at the time was caught up in that. He was very badly injured in a pub in Southampton and ended up in hospital. It is terror that applies to the whole community. People are afraid to go out, to go through their normal business, and it is a very insidious crime.
As the Leader of the Opposition, Chief Minister, and the member for Katherine said, it is not only affecting Australians, it is now affecting the beautiful people of Bali, Indonesians, all of us. There would not be a member in this House who has not travelled at some time in Indonesia. Through the relationship that we have at all sorts of levels here in the Northern Territory, we understand that the Indonesians are just like us, they are peace loving people. The Balinese people are a wonderfully beautiful people and their innocence has been taken away from them by this event. Our grief will be shared by those Indonesian and Balinese people.
The Chief Minister and I did meet with the Indonesian Consul here in Darwin yesterday, and expressed our sympathy and grief for what has happened, and heard first-hand from the Consul the impacts that these events have had on the Indonesian people. Whilst the numbers still grow and the personal stories come through, there will no doubt be dozens, if not hundreds, of Balinese and Indonesian people who have been killed by this atrocious crime. The Consul told us that, at the back of the Sari Club were 27 homes which were totally destroyed by the blast. Certainly, many men, women and children would have been killed - Indonesian and Balinese people just going about their daily life in their homes. It is an absolutely heinous crime. Ultimately, the ties that we have with the Indonesian and Balinese people will only strengthen our relationship into the future when these people are brought to justice.
I would like to put on the record my absolute - I am trying to find the words here - total appreciation and acknowledgement of the wonderful work of all sorts of people, but particularly, as Defence Support Minister, our ADF personnel. I did speak with Brigadier Mike Silverstone this morning and had an update on what we were doing here in the Northern Territory. However, as the member for Katherine has said, it has predominantly been the Royal Australian Air Force that have borne the major role in responding to these tragic events. As the Leader of the Opposition said, it is all too easy for us to think of the ADF as a body of men and women and just see the uniforms. Behind the uniforms there are individual people, people with emotions, human beings like all of us, and no amount of training could equip them for what they have had to deal with over the last two days. Each of those individuals will be facing their own horrors at what they have seen, but they have responded magnificently. They have responded so professionally, and really are a credit to the ADF.
I would like to let members know specifically about events to date. The first of three RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft, specially configured for medical evacuation and with a fully equipped medical team on board, was deployed to Bali within hours of the Australian government becoming aware of the tragedy. Again, a tribute to the Commonwealth government and to the ADF in responding so quickly.
All these planes left Richmond, and were refuelled and controlled out of here. The second and third aircraft were both in Bali during the course of Sunday night to further assist with emergency care and evacuation to Darwin of those with the most serious injuries. In parallel with these life-saving actions by ADF air crew and medical teams, an ADF PC3 Orion aircraft was also deployed to transport Consular and Federal Police officials to Denpasar on Sunday night. A total of 66 evacuees have been transported from Denpasar in Bali to Darwin, and a total of six trips by C130s from Bali to Darwin have occurred. Again, a tribute to those men and women. The 66 evacuees, as we have heard, suffered some appalling injuries. Those RAAF personnel would have had to care and comfort those Australians as they were being bought back to Australia, and they have done a wonderful job. As Australians, we are very proud of their efforts.
We are a small community. We will all hear the personal stories from friends and relatives, constituents. I have spoken to a few people today in preparation for the debate, just to get some personal inside stories of, particularly, those wonderful people at Royal Darwin Hospital. Having worked there for a while myself - not in a medical capacity, but in an IT capacity - I can certainly say that there is an amazing spirit at Royal Darwin Hospital. People do not see themselves predominantly as doctors or nurses, or any of the admin or support staff, they all work for Royal Darwin Hospital. It is a very strong team atmosphere out there where, when they are called upon to respond - nobody could envisage responding to events such as this. I can understand how people have come together as a team and put in above and beyond the call of duty.
Talking to some people today who I know work out there, I was advised - and the Chief Minister spoke about it - that many of those medical and other staff at the hospital have worked more than 24 hours straight without a break. Who knows how long they have worked for now.
I was also advised that many people have just turned up at the hospital to volunteer their help, particularly some of our nurses who may not have practised for many years, for whatever reason. They have just turned up at the hospital and volunteered their time, and put a huge amount of time into assisting with the workload there. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition, it is totally appropriate, at a later time in this House, to record, if we can, all these names in the Parliamentary Record. It is not just the paid staff who have done a wonderful job, but we have had people turning up at the hospital with nursing and medical qualifications who have just volunteered their time.
The Chief Minister told the story about the pizzas turning up last night; it is an amazing story. However, I am also aware of a couple of other Darwin businesses, a company called Posh Nosh - people will have seen their advertising around the place – which donated food last night. I believe they are providing meals for the team again this evening. Paul’s Darwin, as well as Pizza Hut, have also contributed and donated food. No doubt, there will be many other examples in the business community. The Chief Minister mentioned NEC and ITS, but there will be many, many other examples of the business community, as well as individual Darwinians, who have volunteered their time or support in any which way. It just goes to show, again, what a wonderfully strong community we live in.
To those people out at Royal Darwin Hospital, friends of mine, ex-colleagues who I have worked with, people who I do not know, again, from this parliament, from myself as local member, we are proud of you and you are doing a magnificent job, as the Chief Minister said. That job will be recognised, not only Australia-wide. A lot of the victims have come from all over the world, and the care that they have received at Royal Darwin Hospital will surely be recounted around the world.
Other people and organisations have made a significant contribution. I have also spoken to the local management staff of Qantas and Garuda over the last couple of days. The Qantas staff made a huge effort. Again, the big Australian airline comes through at a time when we need them. It is a bit fashionable at the moment to bag Qantas in a number of areas but, at the time when Australia really does need a national or international carrier to assist, well, Qantas are always there. They are a wonderful organisation working on behalf of all Australians.
Individual Qantas staff in Darwin, many of whom immediately volunteered their time, got on their first flight and got over to Bali, and have been working in pretty stressful conditions out there at Denpasar Airport to assist on the ground - Darwin people just putting in. The horror and the grief that those people would have seen on the ground there at Denpasar can only be imagined.
Garuda has only four staff here in Darwin, but they have put in as well. They have offered support and back-up to Qantas to put additional flights on to Sydney and Perth, and are doing all sorts of things in terms of ferrying friends and relatives to Bali. It is a total commitment that they are here for the long haul, and we offer all of our support to those people who fly those Garuda aircraft and the ground staff here who work with them. It is a very tragic time for them.
We could go through everybody. Many members here have spoken about the police. I have a couple of constituents who are St John Ambulance members; I will catch up with them maybe later next week. However, seeing the film footage of all those ambulances lined up on the tarmac at Darwin Airport, the training that those St John Ambulance people receive and the time that they volunteer to that organisation could not have prepared them for the personal horrors that people have witnessed and what they have had to deal with. They have done a magnificent job.
I am proud to stand here and support this motion to acknowledge that, as Australians we are a peace loving people. However, we cannot stand by and see events such as this, that have come so tragically home to us and are going to affect personally so many hundreds, maybe thousands, of Australians. We have to bring the perpetrators of these evil crimes to justice and participate in whichever forums are available to us to do that.
I would like to finish on a point that somebody brought to my attention today. I do not know how widely known this is, but it is a salient and maybe a circumstantial point. The events of 12 October in Bali occurred at 11 pm, one year, one month and one day, past the 11 September attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. When you think that through, that is either an extraordinary circumstance or something that is just too insidious to behold. I will leave those thoughts with honourable members. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims and relatives of those caught up in this event. As a government, we resolve to do all that we can to help bring the perpetrators of this vicious crime to justice.
Ms CARTER (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I support the motion. I wish to express my sympathy on behalf of the people of Port Darwin, to the families and friends of those who have died. I guess it really came home last night watching the television coverage, when the stations and the reporters were speaking to the friends and the victims of this horrendous crime, with the shock that the people had experienced, the sorrow, the fact that people had lost not only their team mates, but their best friends and their families. I am sure many of you saw the brothers from one of the football clubs who had lost a brother in Bali, and how they were grieving at the time with their friends at the footy club.
Over the next few weeks, I daresay we are going to see much more footage of the people in Australia who are grieving for their loved ones who have died in Bali. One of the very sad aspects of this situation is that, just as happened with the World Trade Centre, many of the victims are probably never going to be found, and the families and friends will not have the comfort of being able to have a body and to know what has really happened to their loved one. There will be great sorrow as a result of that, because of the nature of this activity that has occurred. It is a really cruel blow; the fact that so many are missing and we may never know what has happened to them. My sympathy goes to the families and friends of those who have died.
Also, on behalf of the people of Port Darwin, my concerns now go, of course, to those who have been horribly injured. As we know, many of the victims have received extensive burns and this is such a cruel blow, because they are such nasty, long-term injuries. Many people will never recover from what happened to them on Saturday night.
As the Chief Minister advised recently, there are 160 people missing and, as I said, it reminds me of the World Trade Centre. I have just been advised that a person I know is missing. She is a prominent businesswoman here in Darwin, working in the CBD, has a very successful shop and I know she is extremely popular with her staff and her customers. I sincerely hope that this information will prove false and that our friend and business colleague will come back to us unharmed. As time goes on now over the next few days we are going to hear, perhaps, more of these stories and we will come to a very sad realisation that it has hit home in the Territory and that we have lost friends and loved ones as well.
My thoughts and my heart go out to the people who are now caring for the injured. I saw on television last night an interview with an Australian nurse who just happened to be in Bali and who went to the hospital there and offered her services. I am sure, for those who listened to her interview, you would have been touched by what a wonderful person she is and how this has affected her.
The Chief Minister said that she had been today to Royal Darwin Hospital to speak to the staff and how, when she had spoken to the staff members there, some of them had tears in their eyes when speaking to her. I have nursed people with burns from reception into the ward - this is at the old Darwin Hospital - where we had a man who was severely burnt here in Darwin. When I started to nurse him non-stop for three days he was quite conscious and aware of what was going on but, because of the extent of his injuries, there was nothing could be done for him. As you know, for people who have burns to 70%, 80%, 90% of their body, their chances of recovery are very, very slim. Over a period of three days, this man died. In those days, 20-odd years ago, there was no such thoughts of counselling and all of those sorts of things that we have now. I can assure you a still have extremely vivid remembrances of what a ghastly process it was for this man, and how it impacted on all of us.
This is now going to be compounded. I do not know the details of the patients at Royal Darwin Hospital, but I would suspect that there will be some patients who the nurses and the doctors and the other service providers there have been caring for, who will have very extensive burn injuries and, perhaps, are staying at Royal Darwin Hospital because the risk of transfer is too great. They may well be going through the process that this man I refer to went through.
I would encourage the minister to be able to provide, as I am sure she will, counselling services and support services to the staff of the hospital, because the trauma of nursing these patients is huge. You meet them conscious, you hold their hand, you talk to them but, over a period of a couple of days, they loose consciousness and eventually die. Fortunately, in this day and age, they are usually medicated very strongly with narcotics and, hopefully, they do not suffer too much in the process. However, for the nursing and other staff, it will be a very traumatic experience. For many of us here in Darwin it is not something that you frequently come across because, as you know, if there was a serious burn here in Darwin, the usual activity is to evacuate them nowadays interstate to a burns unit. So, at the moment I would suspect - and as I say I do not know the details - there maybe quite a number of seriously injured patients at Royal Darwin Hospital who may well be staying because they cannot be transferred due to how serious their injuries are. The nursing staff and others are going to have to come to terms, hopefully with assistance, with what they are going to be going through at the moment. I do send my concerns and sympathies to the families and the victims but, also, to the staff and volunteers who have been working so hard through this awful experience.
Like many of us, I have been to Bali on a number of occasions. I always say that the best week in my life was spent in Bali when I went with three other nurses. Just as these football teams have gone over with their mates, I went over with my best friends from Royal Darwin Hospital. We had a wonderful time and the local people were so great towards us. I can remember that we were quickly befriended by some of the locals, and the four us went on two moped motorbikes out into the bush, three on a moped – do not ask me how we managed to fit that into happening but that was normal practice in Bali in the day - no motorbike helmets, off into the bush to one of their villages to spend a couple of days in the village with the locals. They had some parties and some dances, as I recall, and we had a wonderful time with the local Balinese people. We also went diving up to north Bali at Lovina Beach and, really, had the most wonderful week. Of course, we centred a lot of time at our accommodation in Kuta. Like many of you here and many Territorians, I, too, have very fond memories of Bali and the wonderful people there.
I have heard from those who were in Bali on the weekend, and who have come back, that the local people are just standing around stunned. They cannot believe what has happened to their beautiful place, to Kuta, the centre of their tourist economy. I have real concerns that people such as ourselves will become reluctant to travel to Bali. I really think this would be a terrible thing to happen. This is when terrorists have won; when we change our behaviours drastically to suit what they have imposed upon us. I hope that, over the next few years, Australians and Territorians in particular, will regain confidence to go back to Bali, which is often our playground. It is cheaper to go to Bali than just about anywhere else in the world for us, including our own capital cities. As a result, many of us, and particularly our young people, go to Bali for the wonderful experience that it is.
I have to say, though, that looking at the photograph in the NT News - I think it was yesterday - there was a photo taken from above the city centre that looked onto Kuta. It appeared that a good sized city block had been absolutely devastated by this explosion. It made me think of Darwin, and, in particular, of our areas where people go out at night to enjoy themselves. So I am obviously not putting too fine a point on it, but I am sure you know what I am talking about. It could happen anywhere. It looks just like our place if something terrible happened.
I applaud the statements of the Prime Minister and the activities of the Chief Minister to work to increase our security here. It is obviously something that is going to need to be done, but it is such a sad situation that we have come to that.
The people who, I assume, committed this crime are more than likely religious extremists. Bali, as we know, is a country predominantly Hindu and Buddhist. It may well be that the people who have perpetrated this crime are Muslim extremists. We need to remember that these are total extremists, and I hope with all of my heart that nobody brings any of this home to our local Muslim community, because that would be appalling. We know who they are here; we know they are peace loving people and how outraged they will be if this is, indeed, extremists from another country whom the authorities find responsible. It would be appalling if, in any way, any of us or anyone associated with us or our community, tries to blame and take it out on our local Muslim community - a community which is so important to us and of whom we should be very proud that they are here and living with us in harmony and peace.
With regards to the people who have perpetrated this crime, I hope they are found. They may well not be, but I hope they are found. I hope they are punished. My concern, of course, is that I do not think you really can punish these sorts of people. They know full well what they have done; they have done it for some very strange and perverse motives. Whatever is done to them, they will just brush it off; it is nothing. Even if they should be executed as a result of their crime - because that may well be a punishment in Indonesia, I do not know - they will probably go quite gladly to an execution because that is the sort of people that they are. They do not hold life dear and it is just a very strange situation that people can perpetrate crimes such as this.
To conclude, Madam Speaker, I support the motion. On behalf of my electorate, I extend my sympathies to those who have suffered.
Mr STIRLING (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, it has been said that no cause exists in this world that would justify the mass slaughter of people such as we saw in Bali last weekend. More information will, undoubtedly, come out over time that, horrific as it was, it would appear to have been calculated to inflict the absolute maximum possible damage on people rather than everything else. That is predicated on the fact that there was a smaller explosion on one side of the street in the Padi Bar before this massive car bomb explosion outside the Sari Club.
In times of great need, whether it is flood, fire, drought - there are so many things happen in Australian history in my lifetime that make me enormously proud to be Australian. None more so than the first pictures of those C130Es lumbering out of Richmond Air Force Base in Sydney to carry those medical teams through to Bali. As uncomfortable and as slow and cumbersome as they are - and I speak from personal experience – they would have been about the best sight that those people at the other end, waiting in Bali for the quality medical care that those people can despatch quickly and without fuss, would ever see. They got them back here for stabilisation through RDH, and then on to those specialist units down south closer to home for them.
It seems that when it comes to services, and Defence Forces in particular, we are a lucky country. If you go back just to 1999, it was the Army and Mr Cosgrove that was the hero of the day in the stablilsation of Dili after the sacking of Dili in 1999. It was the Navy that was the hero of the day with the rescue of the lone English sailor, way down south of Perth. This time, it encapsulated to me, at least, the visible face of the forces: it was those massive Hercules C130E aircraft hitting the air - not a short trip at the speed they do - to get away from Sydney, right across the continent and into Bali.
My colleague, the member for Wanguri, also paid tribute to Qantas. We have seen this type of attitude from Qantas before with not only extra flights but, indeed, everything possible to get those people that they could, not just back to Australia but, indeed, back to their place of residence.
Everything that is strong and positive and good about the Australian ethos, which I have just spoken about, is absolutely magnified when we come to the Territory level. As much as the Territory is a microcosm of Australia, all of those strengths and positives are 10 times plus at the Territory level. We saw in 1999 - and the Chief Minister referred to it, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition may well have referred to it as well - the generosity with the evacuees from Dili coming to Darwin, and how the community of the Northern Territory, as a one, opened their hearts - every community centre fundraising and donating goods and, of course, our own services. We saw then the extraordinary efforts of police, not just Royal Darwin Hospital, but Health staff from all other Territory centres coming into Darwin to help out at that time.
As much as we are a small jurisdiction, when the pressure is on, these people perform absolutely magnificently, and they sustain what is a high quality output of service under massive workload stresses for such time as is necessary to see that crisis through. There is a cycle to these types of events where, in this case, there was some warning for the hospital to prepare as the Chief Minister said. By lunch time she had the go–ahead to contact the Commonwealth, and say: ‘RDH stood by and ready’. So there is the build-up and, I guess, a rapid increase to the maximum utilisation of every resource you have available at the height of the unfolding situation, and then there is a wind-down to stablilisation. We will see that normal cycle of events carried through here.
I pick up on what the member for Port Darwin was saying before, because it is at that time, when the crisis is through and you begin to wind back to normality and a more stable situation, that management, more than ever, would need to be aware of the effects of the stress, the trauma - not just the simple workload - but the horrific casualties that these people have been dealing with, that they do have proper processes in place by way of counselling services to deal with those effects on that staff.
The member for Port Darwin made mention of the fact that of all the injuries that can be inflicted on the human body, burns are the most traumatic. They are the most painful, the most serious in terms of time to get on top of them. They are most at risk of infection and, given the treatment and the facilities available throughout Bali, not a great start to get on top of the massive injuries that we have seen here.
Whilst the job is on, people are concentrated, focussed; they have the job at hand. As that winds down, management will need to be very aware of helping people work through - when it is time for all of that comes out - the feeling of having coped but the overwhelming trauma of having to deal with those horrific injuries; and will need to have proper processes in place.
The Police, Fire and Emergency Services has been heavily involved in the work done in the wake of this tragedy. I want to make recognition of some of those efforts, and I am glad to see they were included in the motion before us. On Monday, 14 October, members were deployed at the airport and at Royal Darwin Hospital for the arrival of the flights. They were tasked to ensure security of arrivals and to facilitate the access of those victims to medical treatment. Therefore, they provided traffic control at major intersections between Darwin Airport and Royal Darwin Hospital and it was continued throughout the day; and assistance provided with movements of people from Royal Darwin Hospital to the airport for those persons being on-forwarded for further treatment at southern ports. Police members were involved in security at the Indonesian Consulate and the consular residence until they were replaced by Australian Protective Services staff flown in from Brisbane for that purpose. The Regional Counter Disaster Committee met at 0900 hours in the Emergency Operation Centre to confirm the coordination arrangements for all the arrivals and flights south.
On 15 October, there was a more minimum police response required as the majority of patients were conveyed via RAAF buses, and emergency vehicle escorts were not necessary. However, police attended at the domestic terminal and disembarkation of Qantas passengers occurred without incident. The Darwin Regional Counter Disaster Committee met again at 1000 hours with all agencies involved represented and reporting favourably regarding the current operation.
Australian Federal Police representative, Federal Agent Ken Harding, briefed the committee on the Australian Federal Police investigation plan, and provided some basic information on briefs and intelligence received in Bali. Members should be aware that offers have been made by the Northern Territory Police to assist the Australian Federal Police in relation to the crime investigation, but it has not advanced at this stage. The activities of the police are ongoing as the lead agency in the response, and I will seek to keep the House advised of the work they have done throughout the process.
It just leaves me to say that my thoughts and prayers - and, indeed, the thoughts and prayers of all of us - and sympathy go to all of the families of all nationalities caught up in this event. We just hope that as many as possible get their way through to full fitness and health, and resume normal lives in the fullness of time.
Mr DUNHAM (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, I support the motion and applaud those who have spoken before me on the depth of their contribution and the great emotion that such a motion brings.
As a 16-year-old, I was fortunate enough, I suppose, to travel to Europe and some places in Asia and some Middle Eastern countries. I recall being surprised and somewhat stunned at the preparedness of other places for war and for attacks on their sovereignty. Indeed, I was in the United Kingdom approximately the same time as the member for Wanguri, and London was in the spate of some bombings. Windows were sandbagged, there was routine frisking of people going into restaurants and theatres and whatever, and there was a great sense of dread in the community. A bomb went off in Oxford Circus when we were there and, if anybody has been on the underground in London, you would realise just how much panic was in the community. I recall being on a platform once and there was an unattended bag on the platform. It was pointed out by somebody and, within milliseconds, the whole crowd was wondering whether we should rush for the exit. Belatedly, somebody put his hand and said: ‘Yes, that is my bag’, and there were about 200 people ready to strangle this bloke. But it gives you an impression of how much stress is injected into the local community.
I went to Iran and, pretty much everywhere you went, you saw evidence of military hardware. Even in places with a great heritage of peace, like Switzerland, there were people who were conscripted into the army and there were plates under the roads in the tunnels ready to cut the country off in event of war. Our fellow travellers included people from South Africa who had spent time on one of South Africa’s various fronts. There were Americans who were still engaged in Vietnam, and there were young Australians who had returned from Vietnam. It was a sense of great shock to me because I realise that, in Australia, we take peace for granted. At that stage, we had been engaged in Vietnam, but we still, on the mainland, saw wars as something we fought in other places.
My mother was evacuated from the Northern Territory after the bombing, and I also saw Cyclone Tracy and the devastation and evacuation that occurred after that. But in each of those we knew who the enemy was. We knew with the bombing of Darwin and the cyclone what we were dealing with. We knew we had a tangible enemy, threat, and we knew how to resolve ourselves to face that in a common way.
What we have in front of us is a world that has changed definitely for this community. I do not think there can be a more pressing motion to be debated in this House than the motion we are debating now. While at the start of this motion we were expressing our concern, our condolences, our outrage and anger, and our thanks, there are steps that must flow from this. This is a first step for many, many things and they will survive, as the Leader of the Opposition said, of matters relating to economics, for other debates at other times. But we should remember, as legislators, that we have to do something. We cannot sit impotent and watch this as a spectator. We cannot use this Chamber as a place for empty debate. We have to now resolve to move forward in a variety of ways to ensure that our citizens remain safe. That is why we are elected. We are elected for the good government and the safety and the orderly habitation of this wonderful place in the world.
There is a great sense of solemnity and responsibility that comes with this motion. We, as parliamentarians and as legislators, have to look to the future, we have to learn from what this calamitous event in Bali last weekend has taught us, and we have to be strong in the face of it. I do not think there could be any motion that could take precedence over this today. What we are talking about here is exactly the priority task for this parliament.
Some speakers have talked about how there will be an impact, for instance, on staff for some time to come. Some speakers have talked about there will be, hopefully, nobody from the Territory injured from the bomb blast. Both of those are fallacies. People who have been first-hand involved in this will be injured forever - forever. It is not physical injury or necessarily even physical or mental scarring, but this will stay with people, whether you are a carer or a nurse or a spectator or a relation, this will stay with you to your grave. Therefore, there are many of us injured in the Territory. All of us have had what has been described as our sense of innocence or safety injured. We have been assaulted as a community and assaulted in the sense that, things that we held dear and precious have been vandalised and they are things that are irretrievable. We cannot wave magic wands; we cannot introduce new acts of parliament to fix it. It has happened, it is broken and it is beyond any repair.
What we have to do is be pragmatic about our approach, so I would implore those people who sit in this Chamber to take this as a very serious note that we all must heed. I am very pleased that, nationally, there seems to be a very strong bipartisan approach to this, and among our strong allies in the UK and the USA, there seems to be a strong sense of camaraderie and empathy in relation to the Australian people.
I turn to the Royal Darwin Hospital in particular because it is an institution that is very dear to Territorians and is often unfairly pilloried or criticised for a variety of reasons. I start by talking about four doctors. Dr Di Stephens is in charge of the ICU. She is a wonderful person whose demeanour you would think would not suit her to such a sombre place - a very happy person and a very good practitioner.
Dr Didier Palmer works in Accident and Emergency, a terrible place to work, and I am happy to put that on the record. He was fundamental in driving some of the structural changes that have been put into Royal Darwin Hospital. We have never been satisfied with our A and E in terms of its structure. In terms of who works there, the services they dispense, their great human repertoire of skills, it is an immense resource for this community and for Australia, which has just been proven. So, thank you, Didier.
Gary Lum is currently the poor bloke who is in charge of Royal Darwin Hospital. He has another job, which is also very busy, in charge of pathology. I do not know how he gets through his work day with the immense workload that he has to carry. I understand that he was an applicant for the position and has been unsuccessful, but it does not detract from the immense talent and resource of this man.
The fourth and last is Dr Len Notaras, who deserves great accolades from this place. Len is a man, on a good day, who has great capabilities in the face of his every day work which is the chaos, the crises and the trauma that surrounds a hospital like Royal Darwin. When you really see him in action is when you multiply that by a factor of many hundreds, which is what we have seen. The cool, calm Dr Notaras in the face of what, in other jurisdictions and hospitals would have been insurmountable by some of the people who carry the workload at his level, is a great testament to this man. He is a great treasure for the Northern Territory.
I have named just four doctors. It is not intended that there is any hierarchy approach to that, but those four work units that those people have are probably the ones that bore the greatest brunt. Within those work units, obviously, there are practitioners of many talents, skills and professions, particularly nursing staff. Those nursing staff deserve our great thanks and appreciation. There is no doubt, as my colleague the member for Port Darwin said, that the trauma will live with them for a long time. They do a job which increasingly requires greater specialisation and skilling and, unfortunately for them, for whatever reason, many of them would not be specifically trained in burns management. This is becoming a more and more highly specialised area, and there would have been a very sharp learning curve for some of these nurses, who would have brought their general nursing competency to bear for the best interest of their clientele, their patients, and it would have had the support of staff from other states, including two teams, I understand, from South Australia. I give them great thanks.
If you then go through the entire hospital, you will see that that great esprit de corps in that hospital would have come to the fore. Certainly, other speakers have mentioned people, from cleaners to telephonists, to receptionists, to whatever. Many of them are my friends, and I thank them for what they have done. We must find some way to give them due applause. By mention in the Parliamentary Record is one thing but, for those of us who know them, it should be by personal recognition.
When I was the minister, ICU, the Intensive Care Unit, was frequently well over its bed numbers. It is a small, highly specialised unit that can go up to some 20 beds at a pinch, but requires dedicated specialised nursing; highly technical, sophisticated equipment; and it is a dedicated unit for people who have high acute health needs. This unit, at the time of the calamity, had one patient in it and, if you look for some of the fortunate circumstances - and there are not many that came out of this - the ICU had almost maximum capacity available.
I thank the minister for the briefing that we received from her staff and herself. I understand, also, that there was a conference with specialised intensivists, or something, in town who were able to also deploy their skills. I also understand from people at Royal Darwin Hospital, we had very few people come to Accident and Emergency over the last few days.
These are extremely rare circumstances. Normally, it is a very busy place with a high level of admissions through Accident and Emergency. Normally, we would not have that level of specialisation sitting in town able to be quickly deployed, and normally ICU would have lots of people in it. I guess, if we are looking for small mercies, there are some of them. The biggest mercy to whom our gratitude goes is our human resources at Royal Darwin Hospital, and those people who attend on it: the non-government sector in the chaplaincy services, Red Cross, St John Ambulance Brigade, the various agencies like Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and others, that are able to provide tangible help in the form of clothing and counselling, and assistance in other ways. I am sure all would have come to the fore.
Indeed, we have seen that whenever this place has had to call on resources such as that. The various floods, particularly the Katherine flood, the cyclone and East Timor. I can recall going to tent city during the East Timor crisis and seeing Red Cross workers from Katherine walking in with a jaunty walk and a smile on their face. It was good to see people coming to aid people without a great worried expression on their face, and a great sense of being so concerned as to be ineffective. The happy, ready and competent support that these organisations bring is a great testament to the endowment that these people have given Darwin.
While we are on small mercies, also, if we look to the fact that I know the emergency plan has only just recently been updated. I know some people who are involved in it, so it is contemporary. It works off some practical knowledge, not only that people gain from going to training sessions and other places where they trial and post mortem various scenarios but, also, the fact that many of the people in our hospital and community settings have experienced some of the issues that have crossed our portals at Royal Darwin Hospital.
I would like to thank, too, the Defence Forces. The previous speaker spoke about the Navy plucking a lone yachtsman from the icy seas south of Perth, but I can recall what the Navy did after Cyclone Tracy. They came in by chopper. They did the hardest work of all, which was to go to a wrecked site and to locate the smell which, in 98% of the cases, was the fridge, and to clean it and to do some cleaning up around the sites. In the other 2% of the cases, it could have been a human they were looking for who had been missing. The Navy did this with no draw on the town at all. They were quartered and fed on their boats, choppered into school ovals and worked, and we will always be grateful for what they did.
The Army is well represented in my electorate, and I know when we talk about the things I commenced this speech with - and that is what we as parliamentarians decide to do about the next steps - it is a pretty scary thing for people who are serving members of our Defence Forces, because we are sitting in here in the great security and comfort of this place, talking about excursions for finding the perpetrators, and punishment and those sorts of things. The instrument that will be used is our Defence Force. I applaud the high standard of readiness that is evident in our Defence Forces now, having been deployed in East Timor and other situations. My heart goes out to their families. I can recall visiting schools when the East Timor crisis was on, and many of the questions came from young school children whose parents were in the Defence Forces. It is a difficult thing, as the member for Wanguri said, to talk to young children about the world we live in and the danger that it poses to us and to our families. We will be well served by our men and women in uniform, whether it is to do with peacekeeping missions, with the type of civilians support that they have readily shown in other crises, with the retrieval and evacuation of our citizens abroad, or whether it is in a more militaristic role. Our Defence men and women serve us very, very well and this community owes them a great debt.
The circumstances over the next week are going to get closer and closer to each of us personally, and we should take this opportunity to take stock of ourselves, the world, what we are effectively elected here to do as parliamentarians, and to make sure that our contribution in this community - first and foremost I guess as people elected to lead – is that we show that leadership to our communities and our constituents and take the role of consulting, talking and deciding. That decision-making rests with us and rests with our federal counterparts and, while the debate carries some jingoism, emotion and rhetoric, it should be a debate that is inclusive, level-headed and looks at options that put the best interest of Australia first.
I wholeheartedly support the motion, and I am glad for the opportunity to place firmly on the record my great gratitude to those who have assisted at this time of crisis.
Mrs AAGAARD (Health and Community Serivces): Madam Speaker, I speak in favour of the motion. In my opinion, terrorism is never acceptable and, as I am sure were all Territorians and Australians, I was horrified to hear about the bombings in Kuta Beach in Bali.
As has already been mentioned by many honourable members today, Bali is a place which is so close to the Territory and where so many people go just for a holiday; it is cheaper than going to other parts of Australia. It is a place many Territorians have visited and have enjoyed themselves there. They go there to relax; they do not expect to go there and to be blown up in a nightclub. It is absolutely horrifying. I certainly and sincerely hope that whoever has committed these terrible acts will be brought to justice.
I guess this particular act has been poignant for me, given that 12 October was actually my daughter’s ninth birthday. Like all honourable members and, certainly as a minister, I have very, very little time to spend with my family. I had quarantined 12 October as a time that I would spend with 10 squealing nine-year-olds, and had spent the day having a lot of fun with them, full of life and laughter and lots of party food and lollies and things like that. So having spent that experience, I then, very early on 13 October, received a call from my department letting me know that in fact, there had there been the bombings in Bali - because I had not been listening to the media earlier in the morning - and that the Royal Darwin Hospital was likely to be a place where we would be receiving a number of victims of these bombings throughout the day.
I could only tell you that the stark contrast between those two things was quite amazing for me. The time that you spend with your family and the time that you hear that such a violent act could happen to people in Australia – Australians - is just fairly unbelievable to those of us living here in such a peaceful place. I agree with the member for Wanguri, whose son asked him how could this kind of thing happen. My daughter certainly asked me about that as well, and I really was not able to answer that question at all. All I can say is that life is very precious, and it is something that we usually take for granted. Occasions like this remind us that we really do need to be more mindful of the importance of life.
Having heard from my department about the likelihood of people coming into the Royal Darwin Hospital, throughout the day I received reports and was updated regularly both by Dr Len Notaras and by acting CEO, Mr Graham Symons, both of whom showed incredible professionalism in the face of this very serious crisis. On Sunday night, I visited the hospital quite late to talk to staff, and to listen to the plan that they had for the evacuation. I must say that, from the word go, the staff have been absolutely fantastic. I heard stories about people volunteering from around the Territory to come to Darwin to work at the hospital. Certainly nurses, many of whom had been working very long hours already, were volunteering to come in and make sure that they were working when people came in. My thanks specially to those people.
Some of the most amazing things were that, as the Chief Minister mentioned, only six weeks ago there had been an updated emergency procedures and that, on Friday in fact, staff had met at the Royal Darwin Hospital to just make sure that those procedures were correct and accurate, and that staff would know exactly what to do in the case of an emergency.
Also, intensive care, as the member for Drysdale mentioned, only had one patient. This must be a record for the Royal Darwin Hospital. Certainly, it is often under heavy pressure and, to only have one patient, is extraordinary. I understand that one of the patients – in fact it must have actually been this patient – had had a heart attack, and when he heard that people were going to be coming in from Bali he actually said: ‘Can I please be discharged?’ Of course, he had only just had a heart attack and was completely unsuitable to go home, and the staff had to, basically, say to him: ‘You must stay here’. That shows the kind of people that we have in the Territory – people who, even when they are under a lot of health problems, are willing to volunteer to move on as well.
One of the other things has been the incredible support from other parts of Australia. A burns team from South Australia was immediately discharged to Darwin and has been here for the whole time, and has provided an absolutely fantastic service to the people of the Northern Territory. My thanks, particularly, to the South Australian government for offering that support. I should say also that we have had offers of support, I think from every other government in Australia, for extra nurses or doctors if we require them. At this stage, we have not had to take up that offer, which I am very pleased to be able to say. I have had calls from both the federal Minister for Health, the Hon Senator Kay Patterson, who was offering whatever support the Commonwealth could give us. She was saying that, from reports that she had nationally, she had heard that we were doing a great job up here. I confirmed that with her.
I had a call yesterday also – late last night it was in fact – from Hon Bob Kucera, the Minister for Health in Western Australia offering congratulations as well to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He said that, from the position of Western Australia where they were expecting victims to be flown to Perth, they were having trouble getting information out of Bali but the Royal Darwin Hospital and the people of the Northern Territory were assisting so well that they were able to get all the information they required from Darwin, and everything was going smoothly. He asked me to pass on his personal thanks to my department and, particularly, to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital.
At lunch time today, with the Chief Minister, I visited Royal Darwin Hospital and was very impressed with the staff there. All the staff throughout the hospital have developed a fantastic spirit. They are working so closely together; the team work is fantastic. We are talking not just about nurses and doctors, but cleaners and housekeepers, catering staff, the switchboard staff who have been working absolutely tirelessly for a very long period of time now, taking phone calls from all around the world from people wanting to know whether or not their families were in the Royal Darwin Hospital. These people have been doing an excellent job.
I would also like to give my thanks to the people working with the media out there. There have been so many inquiries from international and national media, and they have been working extremely hard to help those people.
It was clear from going out to the hospital today that, over the next few days, people are going to start to feel extreme stress and there will be a considerable need for counselling. I agree with honourable members that we are going to have to make sure that this is available, both at the hospital and also in the community. What we do know from tragedies like this in other parts of Australia, such as Port Arthur, and the world, is that it is not just the people who are directly involved with these tragedies, but also those in the community who watch these things unfolding on television. It strikes some kind of chord with them, and they find themselves with considerable psychological problems. So, you can be assured that I will be making sure that these services will be available to all Territorians.
I would like to express my thanks to a few non-government organisations, particularly to St John Ambulance. They were informed on Sunday night that they would be required to assist in relation to the Royal Darwin Hospital and, within four hours, they had mobilised 11 ambulances and crews and acquired volunteers from all over the place, including from Katherine. That is a wonderful testimony to the people of the Northern Territory, that they are so available. It was a Sunday night and they came out and were working from then until now, basically.
Red Cross has done an amazing job once again. They have shown their important role in this community and have been supporting people in a tremendous way.
We have received letters from all sorts of people and e-mails thanking the staff at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We received a letter from Jill Iliffe, the Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, congratulating the nurses at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We have received lots of e-mails and phone calls of support. The Royal Darwin Hospital has also.
As many people have mentioned here today, there have been offers of all sorts of things from food, chocolates, people coming in wanting to sit with victims just to hold their hands and things like that. It has been a wonderful thing.
I suppose one of the biggest things is recognising the importance of our staff totally, and how can we recognise them in the long term? I agree with the Opposition Leader and the member for Drysdale that it will be important to recognise these people other than just as a list of names for the Parliamentary Record. I have already spoken to the Chief Minister about this and we are looking at the possibility of a function, perhaps later next week at the Royal Darwin Hospital, to recognise staff and to which all honourable members will be invited. We will also look at the possibility of a function in Parliament House to recognise a wider group of people.
I would like to put on the record my thanks to a few people. That is not to say that there are not a lot of other people who have also put in an extraordinary effort because there have been a tremendous number of people involved. I must say as the Minister for Health, I am very proud of my department.
I would especially like to thank my acting CEO, Mr Graham Symons, who has been involved with the broader part of this operation as part of the Counter Disaster Committee. He has been doing a fantastic job as, indeed, has the CEO of Chief Minister’s, Mr Paul Tyrrell. I would like to thank those two people in particular.
I would also like to thank Dr Len Notaras, the Chief Medical Superintendent who, as always, has been excellent in the face of adversity. He has certainly been very helpful in the planning process and in making sure that everything has been going smoothly at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Dr Gary Lum, the Acting CEO of the hospital, has also been providing an excellent service. Those two men, working together, have meant that all the plans have gone very smoothly over the last two days.
I would like to extend my thanks to Dr Di Stephens, who runs the Intensive Care Unit. She is a very professional specialist, and has ensured that intensive care has been a place where patients have been cared for under the best possible circumstances. It is interesting to say, too, that Dr Stephens said to me today that the number and type of patients has actually been greater than the Oklahoma bombings in the US, and that, in fact, no hospital that she was aware of in the world had ever had to experience and look after this level of burns patients and other intensive care patients in such a short period of time. So, once again, a significant accolade for the Royal Darwin Hospital.
I would also like to give my thanks to Dr Didier Palmer of Accident and Emergency - a very special person, and someone who has made sure that everything has gone very smoothly in terms of Accident and Emergency. This was a very big job, in terms of patients coming in, triaging them, making sure that everyone knew exactly what was going to happen, and getting to the right section of the hospital. A fantastic job by Dr Palmer.
Dr David Ashbridge, who is the Director of Top End Services Network, has also been very heavily involved in the things, not directly related to the hospital, but patient travel, dealing with the ambulances, making sure that things that were being coordinated from the airport side of things were happening as well. A fantastic job by all those people and by all the staff of the Department of Health and Community Services.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that I believe that we must do something in relation to terrorism. It is not acceptable, it is something which all Australians and all right thinking people know is wrong, and we must make sure that we find the right solution to these terrible problems.
Mr ELFERINK (Macdonnell): Madam Speaker, I also speak in this very important debate and this very important motion that is before the House; one that I support wholeheartedly.
Kuta Beach, for me, at least spiritually or emotionally, is almost a northern suburb of Darwin. I think I have been there about five times myself. I have just noted on a bit of paper how often I have been along that stretch of road. Every time I go to Bali, I end up either staying in Legian or in Kuta, and the Sari Club is well known to me; I have been there. To see the photographs that I have seen in the newspapers strike me at my core.
This is really representative of the death of innocence in Bali, as well as for many people here in the Northern Territory. Not only is it the death of innocence in Bali, but it could well be the death of a large part, if not all, of their tourism industry. If this is terrorists’ answer to collateral damage, then I cannot begin to imagine what is going on in their minds to justify what will eventually put many, many people out of work, beyond the scope of the horror of the death and injury that this bomb has caused. The ramifications of this will affect people who live in Indonesia, as well as people who live here in Australia, for a very long time to come, and the effects will be manifold.
I speak in this House because I am not a total stranger to seeing terror played out around the world. In fact, I have noted down, when I was thinking about what to say during this motion, the amount of times that I have been at a place, either at the time when a bomb has gone off or shortly thereafter. I can list at least six occasions where I was exposed to terrorism on a more personal level.
In 1990, I was in a small town called Victoria in northern Spain when Basque separatists thought it was time for their annual Christmas bombing campaign, and they sought to blow up the Bank of Madrid. This happened while I was there and, in fact, I remember seeing the police cars and the ambulances turn up immediately prior to the bomb going off, because they had been warned. They evacuated the street, and the Bank of Madrid exploded a short time thereafter in this small town.
In 1987, I was in Johannesburg and I went to a cinema to watch a film. When I returned to Australia, I did my first night shift and I was listening to the ABC radio while we were driving around at night, and a bomb had gone off outside the cinema I had visited. Also, in 1990, I was in Downing Street when the IRA saw fit to drop a few mortar shells in the Downing Street area only two or three days after I had left the place where the mortar shells landed.
In 1999, I was in New York City and I remember standing under the World Trade Centre - both of the two buildings - looking up at them and thinking of the 1991 bombing where Osama Bin Laden or al-Qaeda attempted to level one of those buildings with a car bomb in the basement. The bomb was so large that it ripped four floors of concrete away out of the car parking area but did not knock out the building.
I have been to Tel Aviv and some of the places I visited in Tel Aviv have subsequently become targets of suicide bombers. Even as recently as 2001, I think, I was in London. While I was there I went to my hotel room, switched on the TV only to see a postal van explode somewhere in London, as a result of an IRA bomb. But these are the things that always happened over there and never really came to visit me over here. Although I was aware of terrorism in the world, it is unavoidable that you notice these sorts of things. The fact of the matter is, the actions of terrorists were something that just happened in other parts of the world.
However, as I said at the outset, Bali, and certainly the Kuta Beach area, is, at least on an emotional level for me, a northern suburb on Darwin. It is a place that I was familiar with, where I have holidayed on numerous occasions. To see such a familiar place to me wrecked by such a profound act of cowardice, strikes me at a very emotional level. I know what is going to come next for the families who have lost loved ones over there in Bali.
What is going to come next is anger. Once the shock and the grief subsides, the next emotion that people will feel is anger. They will want to lash out; they will want to take on the mongrels who have chosen to do this unspeakable deed. Those poor people are going to feel impotent. At least in times of wars past, those people who have sought to make war on Australia and peace-loving nations, have at least given a target to express your anger against, and there was somebody to fight back against. But the insipid nature of the new war which is now slowly creeping into our lives at a daily level, is that the target is not easily identifiable; the target does not wear a uniform. There is nobody to lash out at when you have anger in your veins.
The next war - or the war which has already started in many respects - will be fought between those in the world who believe and see the world in absolute terms, and those who are prepared to see the world where humanity lives with all of its vagaries. It will be the war between fundamentalism and absolutism, against the war of humanism and those people who love freedom. This war which is creeping up on us all, is going to be a war which is fought, not along national lines, but along lines of belief.
Belief does not wear a uniform. Belief resides in the hearts and souls of those people who carry certain ideologies. Fundamentalism, absolutism, whatever you want to call it, is something that will occur even in our own society here in Australia. There will be people who see the world in absolute ways that their ideology or their God will justify any action that they take on behalf of their beliefs. I am firmly on the side of humanism and freedom. Those are the belief systems which try to accommodate a sense of justice and a sense of decorum as to how we go about our business of managing ourselves. I believe that most people in Bali would be on the side of humanism and freedom. But, unfortunately, amongst their population somewhere lurks a coward, or cowards, who take it upon themselves to pursue their ideological beliefs or their religious bent - or whatever is behind this particular bombing - and they seek to lash out in a cowardly and unspeakable way. Under the cloak of night, they park vans on street corners and they kill the innocent. They do not attack armies; they attack the children of people and they attack the mothers and fathers of the people who are utterly defenceless.
You read the accounts of what happened in the newspapers and listen to the accounts on the news and those are the acts of total cowards and people who have no remorse while they clutch desperately to their ideological beliefs, hold them to their heart and believe that anything, any means, will justify the ends that they seek to perpetrate upon us all.
How on earth can we possibly fight such an enemy? There is no battle front, there is no place where they hide that we can go and destroy. Even where you see the American war on terror being taken to places like Afghanistan, they are still trying to attack people who secrete themselves in tunnels and hide underground, a place where you would expect such people to exist. Yet, after all the Americans’ efforts in Afghanistan, we still see examples of people who pursue their ideological bent or their fundamentalist bent, at any other place in the world - it is very hard to bomb an idea.
So what weapon is available to us to fight this particular war? Our weapon is resolve - the resolve to do what is necessary to protect ourselves and the resolve we need to maintain our own sense of humanity and freedom. The refusal to succumb is another weapon. Let us not crawl up into a foetal position and hope that the world goes away. Let us address these villains when and where we can, and let us not succumb to their terror. Let us not be afraid of their bombs and their other weapons - be they gases or biological. Let us stand proud and with integrity - the integrity to stand by our own belief systems which embrace humanity and freedom.
We have to remain civilised members of the global society and stand by those people in other countries, including Indonesia, and the province of Bali and, shoulder to shoulder with those people and those members of the global society, continue to protect the ideas of humanism and freedom of which I talk. Above all, we must maintain our dignity in the face of the animals that perpetrate these evil acts.
It is for that reason that I support this motion before the House today. It is because this motion is reflective of that resolve; that refusal to succumb, and that dignity that we will use to fight and ultimately defeat these savages who think that their ideology is justification for any crime that they concoct in pursuit of their own ideas.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow this evening that I join in support of this motion. I have been speaking to many of my constituents throughout the last few days, and out there in the community is a sense of disbelief, shock and of deep, deep sadness that such tragic and terrible events could occur on the beautiful island of Bali, the Island of the Gods, in Indonesia that we have had such a close and enduring relationship with.
It was a couple of decades ago that I first visited Bali and encountered a people who, I believe, are deeply spiritual and very, very peaceful. It is the understanding of the culture of that particular part of Indonesia that makes this tragic bombing all the more shocking. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, the friends, the loved ones of those who perished in the tragic bombing in Bali in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.
Living in the community of Karama and Malak are many Indonesian people. They are deeply shocked, deeply saddened, and many of them are very concerned about the wellbeing of their families and loved ones in Bali. I say to those members of my community that they have my enduring support, and access to the resources of my office - anything I can do to assist them through this very tragic period. I am willing to provide any resource whatsoever to their benefit.
I say, too, to the leaders of our Muslim community that they continue to have my enduring support. I know that they are a peaceful people, that they have lived among our society peacefully. It is during these tragic events that people sometimes react, to look for blame and, through fear that quite naturally comes after such wanton death and destruction, they want to lash out. I echo the sentiments of our Chief Minister that we are a very peaceful and harmonious society, and the last negative result we want from these tragic circumstances, is to see, through acts of terrorism, any shock waves that send an air of disunity in our harmonious society.
I also extend my best wishes to those people who are suffering injuries as a result of these bombings. To the families who are still waiting for news of their loved ones, I give my prayers and hope that the news is good, that their worst held fears do not come to fruition.
On behalf of the people of Karama and Malak, I extend my gratitude to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital who have worked tirelessly around the clock to tend, carefully and with mercy and with due diligence, to those people who have arrived on Hercules flights out of Bali to Darwin to be treated. I thank them for their incredible expertise and their hard work to help to begin the process of rebuilding the lives of the survivors. It will be a long process. When the physical wounds heal, the psychological scars remain. Anyone who has gone through a tragedy of enormous dimension can sympathise and empathise with the long trek ahead that those survivors have.
I also extend my deep gratitude to the personnel of the Australian Defence Forces. They have worked tirelessly. They mobilised into action very quickly, as we know they are capable of doing, and they proved again over the weekend that they are a force to be reckoned with, and we can very, very proud of. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the personnel of the RAAF, the Navy, the Army, and their civilian support staff who also, in this time of mobilisation, work long hours to the benefit of our society and to the Indonesian community in Bali.
To Qantas, who also responded appropriately, to the travel agencies, the insurance companies - to all those who have sent out messages to the Australian public that they will not be hurt further economically through these tragic events - I thank them for their efforts in this respect. To the non-government organisations such as Red Cross, I say, thank God we have you! There are times in these disasters that we realise the large effort that they make daily to support and underpin the health of our society. The public response has been overwhelming.
Many of us are still grappling with the news of the personal tragedies that comes out daily. Many of our lives here in Darwin are being affected by these incredibly tragic bombings in Bali. My 11-year-old niece arrived home from Bali just some three weeks ago. She had been over there on a cultural excursion with her school. My brother and sister-in-law and my young nephews have only just returned from Bali. You cannot help but help but think: ‘My God, it could have been them’. This is very much a sobering and a somber aftermath. It is good that every member of this House is united in its condemnation of the tragedy - condemnation of terrorism and how it seeks to destroy the harmonious threads of our society - and that our government has been in a position to act, and act swiftly, and to allow the very necessary medical evacuation of survivors out of Bali.
I will not speak for too long on this motion, as many speakers are yet to come but, on behalf of the people of Karama and Malak, I wanted to put a few words on the record to say that the Territory’s most multicultural community remains united and strong, and we extend our very deep heartfelt sympathy to the people whose lives are forever changed and badly affected by this tragedy.
Mr MALEY (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I speak in support of the motion. I can say that I concur with the observations and comments made by the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, most of the things I have heard.
There would not be very many people - certainly in this Chamber - and not very many long-time Territorians who have not been to Bali on business or a holiday, or at least known somebody who has. I suspect most of us who have been to Bali have vivid and fond memories, and would be familiar with the Sari Club, the beach, and all the attractions and joys which Bali brings.
But could you imagine for a moment what the Sari Club was like just before this tragedy unfolded? You have young, healthy Australians having the time of their lives - the future of our nation dancing, laughing, meeting new people with smiling excited faces, loud music, all the latest songs, and that famous Arak drink which is sold at the club. It may be a footy club on an end-of-year trip, or just a couple of friends there for a few days to relax and have fun. If you think about that phrase ‘having fun’ it could be your daughter, your son, your brother, sister - young healthy Australians just having fun. Then, without warning, a terrifying explosion. A murderous virus on society, an evil virus whose justification lies in some, it seems, religious or political extremism. Suddenly, having fun becomes a battlefield with casualties of war. Imagine what those who survived the initial blast saw in the minutes and hours that followed. For a young Australian to die on foreign soil is also significant. We should do all we can to bring them home.
I was watching the news last night, and some comparisons were being drawn between soldiers on a battlefield and our innocent young Australians who were at the Sari Club. No matter which situation that young Australians find themselves in, there is simply no justification for what has occurred. When a person is murdered, you not only take away everything that they have but, also, everything that they are likely to have in the future. The despair and waste associated with that loss of life, particularly in situations of war, has been the subject of much literature. Our forefathers have, of course, echoed the despair which comes with the loss of life usually, of course, in the context of war. However, in more recent times, we have seen this new dimension to war, this form of terrorism where really anybody could potentially be a victim.
Wilfred Owen, the famous World War I poet - I actually got the book from the library this morning and there are some quite moving sonnets in this particular book. He is a fellow who was killed in action a week before World War I ended, and he wrote almost all of his poetry when he was either in the trenches or in hospital recuperating from an injury that he suffered. He, unlike no other poet, really shatters the myth of what it is like on the battlefield, and the emotions which people endure and, of course, the effect that the loss of loved ones has on people back home. In that poem, he talks about ‘The old lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. He talks about how the old lie is completely shattered. The difference between the young man he talks about dying on the battlefield and, of course, the young Australians who lost their lives, was that the young Australians who were in the Sari Club were not armed soldiers in the field; they were just young Australians having fun - the same football mates, members of families, brothers, daughters, sons, with strong and real ties in Australia. The prime of their lives came to an end in just a heartbeat. Australians, as a culture, enjoy a reputation of being open-minded, hard-working, multicultural, warm-hearted. There is our youth, the very future of Australia, just having fun.
My thoughts and sympathies and, indeed, of most, if not all Territorians and all Australians, must lie with the critically ill and the family members who are left behind. The real emotional burden falls upon the families of those who were injured and killed and, no matter what we say or do, we know that, in the stillness of night, their mothers will weep. All we can do is support them. Not that I am an overly religious fellow, but God bless the people who were injured. I can say without reservation, that I support the motion in its current form, as it lies before parliament.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I also support the condolence motion, as I believe will all members of this House. Like the members for Drysdale, Wanguri, and Macdonnell, I too have been in places where action by terrorists has been apparent. I, too, was in London in 1990 when it was under threat from the IRA. I was in the National Museum when a bomb went off. I will always remember that the attendants were getting us out of the museum and I was standing beside two young kids and their parents who were over at another exhibition. The attendants had the duty to exit the people on one side of this line out one door which opened up on the other side of the museum on another road; and then those on this side of the exhibition had to go to that exit. That was the procedure that they had to follow to clear the building quite rapidly. The parents were on my side and the children were on the other side of the line and they were moving. The anguish that these parents had because they were blocks apart virtually, under the belief that there was a bomb present - the IRA had been letting off a few bombs at that stage - so you could imagine the anguish. I saw this anguish on these people’s faces.
That was actually the second time, I guess, I had been in a spot of danger like that, but that was the first time with terrorists, another time had been with Communist insurgents, but that is another story. Those people, you knew who they were.
Another time my wife and I were in Kashmir in the lake country holidaying on one of the boats. As you know, Kashmir is a partitioned state with a lot of tensions between the Hindu and Muslim peoples. There was tension in the air, half of Srinigar, I think it was, had been burnt down in an action by the Indian Army fighting the Muslim separatists. I was walking around that town and I walked past the coffee shop and these people asked me in. Then I was surrounded by a bunch of the local people who happened to be Muslim. They were telling me their side of the story and how they felt and they said: ‘Look, you must get this story out to the outside. Half of our city has been burnt down and yet it has been reported that we are the terrorists. We feel very aggrieved about this. All we are trying to do is maintain our quality of life’.
I had moved around that area of Kashmir into a valley and I was driving through it as a passenger in a vehicle when we were pulled up by an Indian guard. I actually had a gun pointed at my head, like another member of this parliament had experienced. The reason I had the gun pointed at me was because I had a beard which was a little bigger and bushier than I have now, and it was thought that I was a Muslim travelling in a car and up to no good. I find it incredible that people are judged by their looks first off, and action is taken on that. I was lucky that one of the people I was travelling with spoke Indian and was able to explain that, no, I was an Australian tourist and just having a look around. They did not believe it, it was a strange spot for a tourist. But nevertheless, I just thought I would bring in those stories because I will weave them into the context of this condolence motion in just a moment because I feel it is very important.
Like other members here, and members of our community throughout Australia, I have also holidayed in Bali a number of times. I have holidayed there as a single chap and also as a family man. The last occasion I was over there was about three years ago, and I had the pleasure of going to the Sari Club. It was late at night, it was a party place as a lot of them are along that strip. I remember it for being dark, the beer was cold, there were lots and lots of people. This club was packed, it was wall to wall humanity and it was like a little United Nations in there. Everyone was just having the time of their life. As most venues in Bali, it was a real party place, and everyone got on. I do not know what time I left there, I was in a pretty convivial state, but I was hot and sweaty, the same as everyone else. The point is that everyone was in there for a really good time.
The fact that the attacks that happened in that district were premeditated, there is no doubt. That they were calculated to inflict as many casualties, there is little doubt, because of the timing of the bombs; that one should go off in order to drive people out into the street and then another major explosion occurred just minutes afterwards. It was designed for maximum impact.
What really is to be applauded in all this is the humanity of the people who were there. We have heard the stories coming out. We have heard of the horror. We have heard a member of the opposition recount quite graphically the wounds that were visited on these people. But the heroism and support of all the people in that district - of those people on the ground, from all nations, particularly the local people - for those who were injured speaks volumes for the humanity of the situation, because there would have been a great loss of local life. Let us not forget the locals in all this; there would have been a great loss of local life there, and there will be an ongoing loss of local life. It is to them the great accolades and tributes and empathy go.
I would also like to give my praise to the people of the Darwin community, of the Territory, of all those who got behind the medical evacuations of the injured. I note, too, that the injured came into the Darwin Hospital on a rating of the severity of injury. They did not come in on a rating of nationality. It was a true humanitarian airlift to try and give assistance to those who greatly needed it. I feel that the professionalism of the organisers, Dr Len Notaras, Dr Gary Lum, of the military people - I am sure that Brigadier Silverstone would have been in there. I am not too sure who else of the Australian Defence Forces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and all the federal agencies as well as the local NT government agencies were involved. They did an extremely professional job; a job which I am sure has saved lives, and will bring us closer together politically, because this is also an important requirement at this time.
I will talk about the efforts of the local people. We have heard the member for Karama and the Minister for Health and Community Services talk of the willingness of members of the community who were in hospital to give up their beds so that those more injured might be able to be better looked after. Once again, this is typical of the Australian spirit, a spirit that I am proud of. We have seen the people of Darwin on so many occasions come to the fore. We saw it in the evacuation of Timor, while the troops were coming here and the build-up was to go back into Timor. The spirit of this town and of this great community that we are all a part of, when there is disaster afoot, an incident that we have to get together to resolve, means the people of this community stand right up and are counted. I am proud to be a member of this community and Australia is proud of the wonderful role that we, here in Darwin, have achieved.
When I mentioned earlier my brushes with terrorism, they were not meant to be war stories. They were meant to be taken in the context of yes, I was in England when there was trouble with the IRA. I have also been into Yugoslavia, which was close to war at that time. I have been in India when there was trouble. I was in Bali when they had their huge economic problems. What we must not do is turn our back on Bali now. We must see all that we can do for it and one of the best things, I feel, that we can do is to make sure that yes, we take precautions as we travel, as we all should do these days travelling around the world, but we should not turn our back on Bali. We should, I feel, keep going there. It is a wonderful place. There will be increased security. I do not think people should huddle down and be driven away. One of the major objectives of this terrorist attack would be to keep people away from Bali and so hurt the Indonesian economy. There can be no doubt about that.
I feel that we, as a community, should have the resolve to go back to Bali, to have our holiday, to show respect for that site where mayhem and destruction were visited upon those people. We are only succumbing to terrorism if we walk away and no longer visit Bali. This bomb attack in Bali, in Kuta, was not the loss of innocence for the Balinese that some in the media are reporting. The Balinese are resilient people, they are a tough people and they have had so many woes visited upon their island for so many centuries.
When the Dutch were colonising that area of the world, their local princes fought this colonisation and they actually led their people out into the faces of guns and knives and lost battles with the Dutch. There were some instances where the local communities committed mass suicide rather than be taken over. Of course, in more recent times, we had the occupation during World War II by the Japanese, when there was a great loss of life. We also have the unrest and the deaths that occurred during the Communist troubles there in the early 1960s.
Disaster is not new to the island, that is the point that I am making. This was a horrendous and unforgivable act of terrorism and none of us resile from that but, what we should take into account, is the resilience of the Balinese people to get on with life, to not be cowed into submission by some act of terrorism. These people will rise up. They are a wonderful, beautiful people. They are Indonesian people.
I have been through Indonesia, I have been through Timor, up through the islands on the local ferries, into Bali overland. My wife has been up through Sumatra and Java, and we love the country and the people. I, for one, will be holidaying back in Bali. I will be going with my wife and will be taking my family. I know others who feel the same as I do, and we will go back there. We will not be stupid in the way we go back, we will take precautions. However, we will take the same amount of precautions that all world travellers should.
I do not think, because this is a country predominantly lived in by one religious order, that should be reason why you stay away. I do not hold with that; I hold that this act of terrorism is by a group of individuals with a political agenda. I do not believe it is by a group of individuals driven by any religious fervour. That is a very dangerous and false conclusion to be making. I do not know who planted the bomb, and for what reasons. I, for one, am not going to be second guessing who is the responsible party and who should be punished.
I believe it is incumbent upon this federal government and all state jurisdictions and, above all, upon the Indonesian authorities to track down those who are responsible. Then, through due process, determine what the actual reasons were for this horrendous attack on the people of Indonesia, and take adequate steps to ensure it does not happen again. Then the courts should determine whatever the punishment will be. I do not believe that we should have any knee-jerk reaction, pre-empt the findings of the investigating bodies and, particularly, blame one group or another for this.
There are many, many terrorist organisations within the globe, and it could be one of many; we do not know. It is enough to say, at this point in time, we do not know who is responsible for the bombing, but that we know it was premeditated, and organised to cause mass destruction and mayhem. That it was targetted at Australians, specifically, we do not know. As I said, I have been in the Sari Club, I have drunk and partied in the Sari Club, and it is a place of united nations. On any given night there would be as many Germans, Israelis, Americans, and English as there are Australians.
Possibly, the only reason why there were not as many Balinese in there is because it was a tourist strip. But there were Balinese people working in and around the clubs. The homes that burnt belonged to the Balinese. The cars that burnt belonged to the Balinese. Therefore, I do not think it is fair or accurate, at this stage, to say that this was an attack on Australia. That it happened on our door step; of course it did. That we should look to ensure that our security at home is adequate; of course we should.
But this has been going on for many, many years. Do not forget we had the Hilton bombing when there was a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Sydney years and years ago. We took precautions then. There is always the threat of something unforetold happening within our community. In Port Arthur we had over 30 people killed by a lone gunman. We are going to rack up numbers, we can see that in our own neighbourhood we have had mass killings before, and they can be addressed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost members in this tragedy. My heart goes out to the families whose relatives are returning, who are injured. I feel this is a very, very sad occasion. There will be a lot of wounds on people that we will not see, that it will be hard for them to recover from. I hope, with time, given the nature of the spirit of the individual, that they will.
This tragedy, this terror has a long way to go before it is resolved. Our government, the government of Indonesia, the peoples of Australia and Indonesia are keen to resolve it, and I believe they truly will.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I make a short contribution to this debate. I support the motion that was introduced by the Chief Minister this morning, and concur with the many comments that were made throughout the day so far. It is, no doubt, innocence lost; innocence of a country that, while it has been at war, has never had war so close to its front door. Even the bombing of Darwin - well recognised by many people then living in Darwin - was never known nationally, until a few years ago.
However, this event is televised all round the world and this country, and everybody in this country is talking about it. The many deaths that this country has suffered among its very young, fit people, will touch the lives of many in this country. Many of us know somebody who has lost a loved one, and that will bring home what this barbaric act of terrorism means on the world stage. When you look at the people who have been affected: in today’s paper, there was an article about ‘Angela’s last birthday. Angela Golotta will never leave her teens’, is quoted in the article in the paper by Jill Pengelley. It goes on to say that this young woman, nearly 20 – 20 years old this week - was caught in this act of terrorism. She is related to a person in Alice Springs, Joe Golotta - in fact, the niece of Joe Golotta. I am sure Joe, right now in Alice Springs, is deeply hurt by this event. All of us in Alice Springs would like Joe to know that we convey our condolences to him and his family and those related to him in Adelaide. This impact on Australian lives will go on like ripples in the water; it just keeps going on forever.
When you come down to the people of Darwin, we talked about the medical and allied health staff who have worked non-stop for the last three days. These professionals have put their emotions in suspension so that they can cope with the severe injuries that come through. When you have, within a short space of time, hundreds of cases of very severe injuries, medical staff do not have the time to consider the emotions that go with it. Ultimately, the brunt has to be paid and these staff members will have to reconcile within themselves, with or without professional help, the things they have seen and had to do; the sounds, the smells, the sights that they have to live with for the rest of their lives. That is something that some people can empathise with but, unless you are in there in the thick of it, it is not easy to imagine.
It goes to show that, in spite of all the criticisms we have about health care in the Northern Territory, when it comes to the crunch we really produce the goods. I take my hat off to all the professional staff who have been involved, not only in the health field, but also in the field of logistics, with the RAAF and the Defence Forces; with the people in Darwin in general who have been so generous to contribute and to offer their homes to billet people; to people who have gone to the blood bank to donate blood, to assist in blood transfusions; all these demonstrate to the nation that the community of the Northern Territory is one, in trying to deal with this act of terrorism.
But what do we understand of terrorism? What is it, and why has it occurred? Why has it occurred so close to us? Many a group of people - and you have to keep religions, cultures, belief systems out of the way - so strongly have in their hearts that to die for a cause is better than their lives themselves. That is the crux of it. They believe that to die for their cause is better than to live. How do you deal with that? If they do not value their lives, then whatever they do is going to be well nigh impossible to stop unless you can find them early enough and prevent them from committing the act. But that is not going to be easy.
When we talk about terrorism, it is an act that to us makes no sense and has no meaning. It tells us nothing about why somebody does it. All it does is make us angry and want to lash back out; to find them, to catch them, to punish them. While I am saying that it is important that we should feel an outrage for the killing of our children, we need to also understand that maybe these people have a belief that some injustice has been done to them, and that is the only way they can tell the world, the only way they can get the message out.
If we can understand that; if the world, the people can understand each other and know each other - to know why one group dislikes another so much that you give your a life - if we understand each other better, maybe acts of terrorism would not occur. One act of terrorism may lead to another, and where does that get us? It gets us absolutely nowhere. It is not about religions or people fighting each other. It is about people not understanding each other, not knowing what goes on inside our heads. No way in the world would we condone terrorism of any kind, because that is just absolute personal vandalism, unthinking acts against innocent people. That is the real problem; it is an act against innocent people. Well, I say it is unthinking. Maybe there are good reasons but, for the life of me, I cannot think what the reasons might be.
It is important for Territorians to understand that we must not take this act of terrorism by an unknown group against any fellow Territorians. I hope there is a means through our federal government to somehow bring ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA into an international forum in this area, to work out some common means of addressing terrorism within our front doors. I am sure that the economies of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, even Brunei and all those areas, will be severely affected by this recent event in Bali. With the downturn of tourism that will now occur in Bali, Indonesia is going to suffer financially and who knows what sort of repercussions this might cause through the economies of the surrounding countries?
I am sure Indonesia is now deeply concerned about what will happen to its most prosperous region. The Balinese themselves, who have been so totally dependent on tourism to generate their economy, will now be wondering what is going to happen to them. All I can say in adding my words to this debate is: let us try and understand each other better so that this might not happen again.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, tonight I support the motion. I would first like to recognise and commend both the Chief Minister and the Opposition Leader for their contributions, and those of all other members in this House.
I would never condone terrorism or any act of terrorism. It is a firm belief of mine that an eye for an eye, or one violent act for another that results in a terrorist act or any harm to any individual, is not the human manner of dealing with things and is not the human objective, or how we as human beings around this planet should be aiming to deal with all matters. But I certainly do understand, as has been spoken eloquently tonight by many members in an emotional way, that there are people who think terrorism is a last resort that is justifiable and, unfortunately, do not understand that no act of terrorism is justifiable.
Many of the conflicts around the world at the moment are the result of terrorism: ongoing battles between different cultures, laws, religions and ethnic groups that have been ongoing, in many cases for many years, others for centuries and others for thousands of years. I firmly believe it is based on ignorance and prejudice. Hopefully, as this new millennium develops, we as a community of peoples on this planet, can move towards a more harmonious life.
The people who obviously require most sympathy and assistance from us are those who have suffered through injury as a direct consequences of this bomb blast at the Sari Club in Bali, or as family members. In particular, my condolences go to all persons who have lost one dear to them. I have recently gone through that feeling myself, and it is a feeling of deep loss and a stage in life where you question what does life mean. That those persons, unfortunately, lost their lives tragically and at an early stage, had it taken away from them, is quite a sad indictment on human relations. We think, too, of those who survived and continue to try and survive over the next days and weeks and months and years. We cannot let their lives go in vain, and their memories. The consequences in the ripples of time that will occur due to this act of terrorism and violence will forever be remembered in a way that it can never be condoned.
Obviously, there were many tourists there and, basically, my thoughts on reports that are coming through to us is that many of those tourists were of Australian background; in fact, the majority of them. This is probably, in recent history, the first consequences as a nation that we have faced for many, many years as a result of terrorism. It will be a challenge for us as a community, as a country, as a Territory, as states throughout Australia, as Australian citizens, on how we deal with the repercussions of this terrible act.
To those tourists who were involved in the accident that are not Australian citizens, my sympathy also goes out to you and your families across the world. Definitely, I must admit, when we had our minute’s silence, I said a prayer on behalf of all those people who lost their lives. I hope they meet their maker and receive the welcome that they should.
Also, to all the doctors who are in the Northern Territory at this moment. I understand the Minister for Health has said that many of these things happen, that there was a conference of doctors in the Territory at the time, and those people have lent their assistance, and in intensive care, there was only one patient out of the 20 possible beds there. They say that God works in mysterious ways; he definitely showed his hand in this instance.
For all the emergency workers, who obviously have been working for many long hours, including nurses - your value, training and commitment to the health of every Territorian and Australian citizen has been shown today. I would definitely support any move to recognise their work over these last few days and into the following weeks.
There are the cleaners, cooks, all the persons who work in maintenance, administrators and managers in the Darwin hospital, where everyone would be extended. These are things that people were trained to do, and they hope all their lives that they will never have to deal with but, in the last few days they have been tested and, no doubt, they will come through with flying colours in the sad situation.
To Qantas, for the extra flights going in and out of Bali, and for all the assistance that they have provided. There is the military personnel. Often, we take the military personnel for granted around Australia, and many persons would never think about entering into military service, because it is not their cup of tea. However, it is definitely in circumstances like this, that it always seems that at the front line is the Australian Defence Forces. In recent times, too often, they have answered the call and heroically carried out their duties, as they have been trained.
I, too, would like to recognise, as the Chief Minister did, the show of support that the Northern Territorians have given in assisting family members with accommodation and any help at the hospitals, etcetera. This is the true Northern Territory spirit, and the mentality of Territorians was reflected in the Katherine floods and, of course, Cyclone Tracy. It is a fantastic indictment on our character and courage.
I would also like to make recognition that there needs to be an understanding that this work that will be carried out in the next few days, and the trauma that comes from that, needs to be dealt with over the next few weeks and months, not only for the patients involved and the persons who have been injured, but for the staff. Obviously, in the last three days, they have worked tirelessly, and no doubt they will work tirelessly for many more days. But at some stage they are going to need a break, and this government, and I am sure all parliament, would support that they need assistance in dealing with it. For any counselling that might occur, or ongoing help with work relief, I definitely would support, and commend to the Minister for Health that she has all our support in this House.
The other matter is to do with terrorism and why persons choose terrorism. I too, think that persons who commit terrorism do not necessarily represent any religious group or order. My belief is that, through corruption of what they so-called represent, they carry out evil deeds in the name that they purport to represent. All around the world, definitely persons of all political and religious persuasions do follow the rule of law. No doubt, everyone in this House would support that the majority of human beings around the world do not commit acts of terrorism. Those persons who are extremists need to be dealt with as extremists, and I do not think they fairly represent all human beings on this planet. I recognise that they think, in their minds, that they have some authority from above, or some authority handed down to them. Well, they do not, and that is important to recognise. They have no authority to commit acts of murder and barbarism against other human beings. Unfortunately, it is often the innocent who face the consequences of such barbarism and violence.
It would be remiss of me not to comment that, over the next few days and weeks and months, the Australian community, sadly, will have to come to terms with acts of terrorism and violence. I see in the community of Darwin, and also around Australia, that perhaps we are too flippant, and there are things that we need to take much more seriously. In the events that have unfolded, in particular with 11 September, it has shown us that these matters are very complex in nature, and they have a history behind them that I do not think Australia should, necessarily, be involved in. Definitely, Australia around the world has a fantastic reputation as being a nation of peace and equity. That will be something that we would be best promoting, and possibly showing an example, of what other nations should be attempting to succeed and become like, rather than being involved in attempts to change people’s views and to enforce a particular view on them.
We should be leading by example and people should be looking towards countries like Australia. I know they have been, over many, many years, and thinking: ‘Well, this is the lifestyle we really want; this is the democracy we want to follow; and this is the type of people that we want to be’. I definitely think it is, in all political persuasions across the board, in the territories and the states in Australia, going to be questioned; but, sadly - and I hope I am wrong in this case - we are going to have to deal with it in a more conscientious and strategic manner.
To all those persons around us in Australia who have lost family members or have family members who are seriously injured, whether they are in the Territory or down south, I wish to tell them that my thoughts are with them. I know everyone in the Territory - and from what I have heard tonight - everyone in this House, hope they recover physically and mentally as best they can. I know the people of the Territory are thinking of them.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I make my contribution and stand beside the words that have already been uttered, and not to restate them. The key issue that I seek to have brought forward is the one that most directly affects the Northern Territory in regards to education: and that being our exchange program. For many years, our education system, private and government, has thrived on a very active exchange program; not only between individual students being hosted by schools in Bali and the eastern provinces, but by teachers and whole classes.
The explosion that occurred on 12 October was borne out of the minds of people whose intent was fuelled by a hatred we cannot understand - a destructive hatred that destroys more, sadly, than the Sari Club, than the human lives that have been lost and the bodies maimed. It destroys much, much more. It is a great tragedy that that very special infrastructure that has been developed across the eastern provinces which was initiated here in the Northern Territory, is now threatened and challenged by this explosion borne out of the minds of those who have consumed and motivated by a hatred difficult to understand.
My thoughts are also with teachers at this time; teachers who have students in their classes who are perhaps even thinking about going to Indonesia, and who are working with students, teaching them the language and the culture of Indonesia. Those teachers need special support at this time, to be able to explain and help students understand what this actually does mean.
People too easily seek simple solutions to such horrendous occurrences that have visited us so dramatically. It is no time for simple solutions and simple explanations. The hatred that we have seen translate into an explosion in Kuta has already been unleashed on the planet. We have seen as evidence for anyone who knows history, spanning back for a number of years, but this particular form is one that I am loath to say is not the last time we will see this. As Col Wicking so aptly described in his cartoon, I think spoke volumes: the whole world has just come a little closer.
Our nation, but specifically the Northern Territory, has had the opportunity to be challenged in the thinking of how we relate to forces outside of our control. We have had the visitation of Japanese bombers again and again. We have had the East Timorese crisis where we caught a glimpse of horrors that are foreign to our shore. Now we see it again in a way that is unimaginable. It will send shock waves that will reverberate again and again, and it does require an action. It requires an action on behalf of teachers, in reference to our exchange program, in explaining and preparing our students for a future that is now increasingly uncertain. It requires legislators and community leaders to respond to this thoughtfully and sensibly. It requires our federal parliamentarians to be courageous and realistic about legislation that they consider, particularly with regards to anti-terrorism legislation. The landscape has changed, just as the landscape of Kuta and Jalan Legian has changed. It will not go back to normal. We must respond to a changing future. I would have to say that what lies before us is one that we cannot escape, but we must focus on very, very soberly.
Not only does it affect us as Australians and we in the Northern Territory, for those of us who have had relationships and experiences and a knowledge of the people who live in Indonesia. Grave concerns need to be expressed for that which has been unleashed within Indonesia and in that region. We do live in uncertain times. For that reason, I stand soberly to support this motion. I indicate my support and commend this fine motion, and I wish us all well for the future.
That is what Australians like doing because we all have that work ethic. Most of us work pretty hard and we plan to go for a good break. On many occasions around the countryside, Bali has offered that opportunity for a great holiday, not only because it is cheaper for air fares, but it also has, through the tourism bodies, been able to offer good packages. It offers those right across from the individual to families.
What happened there, and following the news reports over the last couple of days, has been shocking. There is no other way to describe it. The culprits, whoever they may be, need to be caught and I have no doubts that the teams working with the Indonesian government are going to apply a lot of pressure and, through their investigate work, bring those criminals to justice. Because it is something that certainly we do not support in this country and is certainly not something that we would support in other countries, especially what happened there last Saturday night.
To all those public servants and volunteers who have been involved throughout the evacuation stages: continue to keep up the good work. We have heard throughout debate on this motion, the support that has been offered by this Chamber today. We definitely have one thing in common in that we will continue to support and congratulate those people who are involved and are doing a terrific job right across all areas, from the emergency assistance from the health and hospital side, and the staff who have been brought in from other parts of the country. It is something that we have in common, as the Chief Minister said this afternoon, coming together quickly. Those of us who have been around and experienced Cyclone Tracy, saw the assistance that was provided from right across the countryside and around the world. We had the Katherine floods. We have had numerous other cyclones and now we have this incident that occurred last weekend.
All I can say in conclusion, is condolences to the families: heads up; our thoughts are with you. To those staff who are working very hard: keep up the good work.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Speaker, I will be very brief because I believe that all those who have made contributions so far have really, in many ways, said all that there is to be said and there is very little that I can add.
I join with all other members in extending condolences to the families of those missing or dead or injured during this time of great distress. We, as a House, have joined together here in a mighty way today to offer those condolences and our heartfelt thanks to all of those who have assisted, both from our armed forces, within the medical system of the Northern Territory and within the wider community.
However, in closing I would like to make an observation: even in something as terrible and awful as we have seen and heard and experienced from this tragedy, there is a positive in that, I believe, things like this often draw people together, draw a nation together in a mighty way. That is very important because the battle lines in this war relating to terrorism are not clear. In World War II and other conflicts, the battle lines and the battle fronts were very clear. The battle lines could now be anywhere. They could be in Darwin, Kuta, or New York.
The way that these terrorists can defeat us is if they divide us. As a nation, I believe that this will make us stronger; it will make us united. I agree with what the member for Sanderson said: we need to be very measured and thoughtful in our response to this. We must, of course, pursue justice. It is a terrible thing, but I am hoping that, out of it, at least some measure of positive things can come.
Thank you for the opportunity for rising here today, and I join with all members of this House in supporting the motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, honourable members. There are occasions when we should join together in expressing our support for the motion, and this is one such occasion. The Territory has shown that it always has an ability to respond to times of crisis and we, as a parliament, have a responsibility also to support and assist when necessary.
On behalf of the officers and staff of the Legislative Assembly, I wish to place on record our sincere condolences and sympathy to those affected by this tragedy, and my support for this motion.
Motion agreed to.
Mr STIRLING (Leader of Government Business): Thank you for your concluding remarks, Madam Speaker. I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
MEDIA ARRANGEMENTS
Madam SPEAKER: I advise honourable members that I have given permission for various television media to broadcast and rebroadcast sound and vision, and various radio stations to broadcast live until the conclusion of the report on Bali.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Notice of Condolence Motion for Victims of Bali Tragedy
Notice of Condolence Motion for Victims of Bali Tragedy
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I wish to acknowledge the recent tragedy which took place in Bali on Saturday, 12 October 2002, and to offer the Assembly’s sympathy and convey a message of our sincere condolences to Australian and Territory families and friends affected by these events.
I advise honourable members that, after questions today, a more formal motion of condolence will be moved by the Chief Minister, and the government has proposed that, on conclusion of debate of the condolence motion, the Assembly will be adjourned forthwith as a mark of respect. I invite honourable members now, as a mark of respect, to observe one minute silence.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank honourable members.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise of the presence in the gallery of Year 6 and 7 students from Leanyer Primary School accompanied by their teacher, Leanne Linton. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Northern Territory’s Response to Bali Tragedy
Northern Territory’s Response to Bali Tragedy
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I update the House today on the Territory’s response to the bombings in Bali on the weekend that, sadly, claimed so many lives and caused so many injuries. At this time, there are 13 Australians confirmed dead with a possible seven more, although we expect that to change, with a further 220 Australians unaccounted for. We know that there are well over 100 Australians who have been injured.
It seems a miracle, but so far we have not heard of any Territorian killed or injured and we have to be profoundly grateful for that. It appears that all the casualties were victims of a car bomb or bombs in the Kuta Beach area, outside a nightclub in the heart of an area frequented by Australians. Two other bombings appear to have occurred at around the same time near the US Consulate General in Bali, and at the Philippines Consulate in northern Sulawesi. We do not know of any casualties at these other bombings. We have seen the shocking pictures of the aftermath of the explosions and the horrific injuries and deaths, and I know I speak for all members when I offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of the missing, the injured and the dead.
It is a particularly difficult time for Territorians in that we are so close to Bali; only 2 hours and 20 minutes by air. So many of us know the Kuta area very well, and we can well imagine the hurt and trauma caused by such a surprising and vicious terrorist attack on peaceful holiday-makers. All people of goodwill will condemn the bombings in the strongest possible terms, and I pledge the Territory’s resources to do anything we can to help identify the bombers and bring them to justice.
This morning, I want to briefly outline the Territory’s response to the attacks, and to pay tribute to the inspiring efforts of all here who have worked around the clock to care for the injured, to coordinate an effective response, and to help in any way that they can. On Sunday morning, as soon as we learned what had happened, I convened a meeting with heads of emergency services and other agencies, including my department, where a coordinated response was planned under our regional counter disaster committee. Contact was made with the federal government, and medical and crime scene assistance was offered.
As you know, the federal government took up our offer of assistance and the Royal Darwin Hospital’s magnificent response - which has won praise from all quarters - swung into action. Staff of the hospital dealt with 61 Bali bombing victims who came in on four RAAF Hercules aircraft, beginning yesterday morning. To give the House some idea of the scale of the operation, the first flight arrived at 1.50 am bringing five victims on stretchers: two were on life support, one was unconscious, and one of the victims had actually died in transit. Another six could actually get themselves on and off the plane - albeit with assistance - in spite of their injuries.
The second plane at 6.40 am discharged 22: two on oxygen, 19 on stretchers and only one able to walk. The third plane held 13 people: 12 on stretchers, one in a critical condition. The final plane at 12.35 pm yesterday contained 11: nine on stretchers and two able to walk. Many of these were suffering from extremely severe injuries and associated trauma. As I have said, one died in transit and sadly, another victim died in the hospital despite our staff’s best efforts.
Of the patients treated at the hospital, by far most were Australians - 39. Our hospital also treated two from the UK, five from Germany, one each from Canada, Sweden, South Africa and New Zealand. The nationalities of 11 patients remain unknown. After the treatment at the hands of our well-trained staff, a total of 41 patients have been evacuated to other states; 26 of those overnight. They are on their way to other hospitals and burns units closer to their homes. I believe a total of 13 remain in Royal Darwin Hospital; six of those are still in intensive care. One more stretcher patient arrived overnight on the Qantas flight that arrived at 4.40 am. At 6.15 am this morning, a RAAF flight returned medical staff from Bali to Darwin. Several patients have now been discharged.
Staff at the hospital worked around the clock to give these victims the best of care and we are very, very proud of their efforts. I understand that this was a very traumatic time for the staff at the hospital, but their good training and experience kicked in and they did a very fine job. I want to give special thanks to the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Len Notaras; to Acting General Manager, Gary Lum; Director of Intensive Care, Dianne Stephens, and Director of the Emergency Unit, Didier Palmer. I also want to thank all those hundred of others at the hospital who did so much to assist at this very difficult time. I intend to extend my thanks in person to the hardworking staff at the hospital sometime today.
Burns victims are among the most difficult cases for medical care and nursing. The pain is very intense and moving the patients can cause great stress. It is a great tribute to the staff at Royal Darwin Hospital that they were able to swing into action so quickly and meet the very difficult demands of the occasion. This was as bad as it gets and they rose to the occasion.
Turning to the Northern Territory Police and Emergency response, I can report that our Emergency Operations Centre, currently operating 24 hours a day, has been the coordinator of many aspects of our response to the crisis. The centre has been operational since Sunday, and has been looking after security arrangements at the hospital, Darwin Airport and other sites around the city. The Territory’s Counter Disaster Council and its committee have worked smoothly to cover all aspects of our response. Police provided traffic control, transport assistance, and assisted with many other aspects of the Territory’s coordinated response, including our media liaison. Our agencies have reported a smooth effort and I am sure this is as a result of good planning and training.
As to the security situation, we do not want to unnecessarily alarm Territorians. We have been on a heightened security alert since the 11 September bombings last year. We do not feel, at this stage, we need to substantially change our arrangements. But Territorians can rest assured that everything that can be done to increase their security is being done. I understand that extra security is being arranged for parliament, and I thank Madam Speaker for that.
Territorians have been very quick to respond to the crisis, offering accommodation to victims’ families, blood donations and even money to help victims and their families. At this stage, blood supplies are holding up well, but the Red Cross has been grateful for the offer of accommodation. The organisation has been playing an excellent role in helping the interstate patients and arranging assistance for family members where appropriate. We certainly thank the Red Cross for that.
We do not, as yet, know what motivated this murderous and barbaric act of terrorism against Australians and other nationals at Kuta. It is time for us to gather all the information we can and to pledge all assistance we can to the efforts in Bali to identify victims and determine what happened.
We all knew deep in our hearts after 11 September that we were living in a more dangerous world, and that many places that appeared immune to attack were vulnerable. We have now learned that lesson in a very brutal fashion. It is important that our steps are measured, that our reactions are based on fact and not superstition. It is important that we do not lose all the things that we value about ourselves as Territorians and Australians – our openness, tolerance and ability to live with people of different backgrounds. Territorians showed what they were made of in the crisis of 1999 when the tent city at Marrara went up in record time to look after hundred of evacuees from the violence in East Timor. That same spirit was on display over the past 48 hours.
I end this report this morning by remarking that I had been very proud of the Territory’s efforts over the past two very difficult days. There has been a great team spirit and a can-do attitude displayed at all levels of the Territory response. On behalf of the government and this parliament, my heartfelt thanks to all involved. I will be making further reports to the parliament as information comes to hand.
Mr BURKE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for her report.
This is, undoubtedly, one of the worst peacetime tragedies our country has ever experienced and our parliament should, as its first priority today, be able to express its outrage, its sympathy, its condolences and its thanks to those Territorians who have so magnificently answered the call to help. I had hoped that the parliament would have the opportunity to do that as soon as we met today.
There is very little words can add to the horror and emotion that we all feel for what happened on Saturday night but, nevertheless, there is a need for us to utter the words; to put some form to our outrage, to get it out rather than bottle it up.
Much was lost on Saturday night and we here in the Territory feel much more vulnerable because of that loss, because of paradise lost. It is in there in the simple line of the Northern Territory News cartoonist, Wicking, in yesterday’s newspaper: ‘The rest of the world just got closer’.
We have long traded on two truisms, albeit contradictory ones, about life in the Northern Territory. One is our remoteness and the second is our closeness to Asia. Both make us feel that little more insecure today. That so many Australians should be the victims of this horrific act costs us more than our feelings of security; it costs us our innocence. It tells us, once and for all, that we are not immune to this scourge of terrorism that is infecting the world.
So many Australians, so many Territorians for generations, have enjoyed the beauty of Bali, the serenity of that tropical island. So many have relaxed there, celebrated their honeymoons there, and enjoyed conferences and seminars there. Now, it is forever tainted by the events of 12 October 2002. That beautiful island, that tropical paradise, has been robbed of its innocence just as, terribly, so many young Australians have been robbed of their lives.
We mourn today for them and we grieve with their family and friends, many of whom are still waiting to hear confirmation of what they must fear and dread as the truth. There are too many parents across Australia today waiting to hear the worst news any parent can receive: the news that their son or daughter is dead. Not just dead, but brutally murdered just for being who they are, just for being on holidays.
As a parent, my thoughts are with homes across Australia and elsewhere in the world where people are still waiting for that dreadful call. We ache, too, for the people of Bali - the beautiful, friendly, peaceful people of Bali. They have been hurt grievously by this outrage. How many of them have perished in this abomination? We must prepare ourselves for the fact that Territorians, too, have been murdered.
Once again, we have become the front line. As they have in the past, our public servants at Royal Darwin Hospital, in the Police Force, our Defence personnel, and across other agencies, have had to answer the call. They have performed magnificently, and they continue to do so. The doctors and nurses, led by Dr Len Notaras, are performing above and beyond the call of duty. I would hope that, in the days to come, this parliament will be able to put on record our thanks to these wonderful people and record their names - all of their names - in the Parliamentary Record.
Madam Speaker, as I said at the outset, now would have been the appropriate and right time for this parliament to express its view on this tragedy. However, that is not to be. I, along with, I am sure, most other members will have more to say when we do consider a condolence motion.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I thank the Opposition Leader for his contribution to this report this morning. I would like to make a final point that it is important that terrorist attacks such as this do not disrupt the work of parliaments. That would be a win for terrorism. We certainly want to recognise what happened in Bali through a motion; to thank those that have been involved. We will be doing so, appropriately, this afternoon.
I would like to make a point about the Indonesians. We have a special relationship, both with Bali and Indonesia more widely. Certainly, condolences have been passed through to Indonesian President, Megawati Soekarnoputri. I am expecting today to speak to the Governor of Bali and pass our condolences also to the Governor.
We have an MOU with Indonesia; it is a very special one. We also have a memorandum of understanding with Bali. One of the things that has been highlighted, again, over the last 24 or 48 hours, is that the Territory does have that special relationship. Because of that special relationship and the sense that Bali, particularly, is our back door, is why this horrific bombing and this terrorist attack has had such a direct impact on the Territory.
I know that we all feel that this has been very close to home. If you can take heart from a circumstance like this, it is how tremendously the Territory does respond and what qualities and expertise that we do have here in the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition for their comments. I remind members that there will be a formal condolence motion after Question Time, and we will be adjourning forthwith as a mark of respect.
Safe Families Project
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, in Alice Springs earlier this year, there was a spate of juvenile antisocial behaviour incidents, including vandalism and property crime, which impacted heavily on the community. I received representations from a number of sections of the community including business people, representatives of Aboriginal groups in the town, residents and, indeed, the member for Braitling herself on this topic.
As a result of what had been brought to me, I asked my Office of Crime Prevention to conduct a series of meetings in Alice Springs with service delivery agencies, government agencies, police, family members and business people to build a coordinated case management based approach to re-engage this group of street kids. From those meetings, a project called Safe Families has been developed. Safe Families supports and strengthens indigenous family networks in the community, encouraging responsibilities within the family network. It will also help to provide these kids with services they need such as accommodation and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation.
So, who are these kids in Alice Springs? There are several groups of young people, numbering in total about 20 to 30, who appear to be neglected and wandering the streets of Alice Springs. In broad terms, these groups include young adolescents over 15 who require refuge-type accommodation, and children aged eight to 14 years, some with significant substance misuse problems. Amongst those are mainly female sniffers from the town camps, and all are with seriously neglectful home environment, if they have a home environment at all. Safe Families must help those kids, and if we can do that, we stand a good chance of reducing their offending behaviour.
However, Safe Families is also about protecting our community. The police in Alice Springs are working closely with the Safe Families project, and are often the initial point of contact with offenders and the kids in these situations. Like all offending behaviour, police determine the best approach to each case, including laying charges where appropriate.
Our courts are also playing an active role, and we are prepared to compel kids to be involved in the case management arrangements through supervised orders out of the Magistrates Court. Juvenile detention will also be ordered in the, hopefully, rare cases where that is an appropriate response to the nature of the case and the record of the offender.
As well as Northern Territory government agencies such as the police, the Department of Justice and FACTS, case management is also being supported by the Tangentyere Council, Alice Springs Youth Accommodation and Support Service, Reconnect, Congress, Irrkelantye and Waltja.
Whilst I acknowledge that the demand is probably greater than our capacity, I am encouraged by this unprecedented inter-agency cooperation that has led to the Safe Families approach to case managing these kids. That cooperation will ensure long-term strategies are developed which will help solve the problems that lead to this type of behaviour and help strengthen and protect our community.
In the recent events of juvenile offences in Alice Springs, I would like to commend the response of all of those groups that I have mentioned in my statement. The most recent serious incidents in Alice Springs have been followed up effectively. The offenders have been apprehended and passed into this program of case management, and we will keep working at it until we make some impact on the overall situation in Alice Springs.
Gulf Area Regional Development Plan – Progress Report
Mr AH KIT (Community Development): Madam Speaker, earlier this year I spoke about a regional plan for the Gulf area, including Borroloola, and today I would like to report on progress thus far. Let me preface my report by observing that, on this day when our community is still coming to terms with the tragic events in Bali last Saturday night, we are reminded of the importance of building an inclusive society characterised by tolerance, harmony and opportunity, and whatever differences may separate us, from time to time, we are united in a genuine commitment to support a better quality of life and range of opportunities for those we represent.
It is in that context that regional development is a priority for all of our communities, and it is why we need to ensure that members of the community themselves are engaged in evolving and developing their own strategies for growth.
I went out to Borroloola last month to talk with local people about developing a plan. I had invited representatives from the wider Gulf community, as well as all levels of government. The meeting was an opportunity for people to speak their mind in relation to the proposed Gulf regional plan. They spoke openly and frankly, and it has to be said that there was a level of cynicism expressed about regional development processes. People have seen plans developed before; plans that promised all sorts of things and then delivered nothing. I understand that people feel nervous about their input being ignored, and about the ideas being used as fodder for pointless posturing. I acknowledged their concerns, but was also able to clarify the government’s approach to regional development, and to reinforce our commitment to achieving outcomes.
This government is committed to establishing plans that provide a focus for the economic and social needs of the regions. We understand that an economic direction without social cohesion, or considerations of governments in a broader sense, can be pointless. It is vital to the success of regional plans that all legitimate stakeholders can participate in, and influence, their direction. Indigenous people will be an integral force in driving regional plans, rather than an afterthought or a peripheral concern. Further, the regional plans of this government will truly represent whole regions rather than just the major urban centres. Regional plans are an opportunity to maximise the benefits of agency and community representatives working together in partnership, rather than pursuing their own agendas.
Last month’s meeting was the start of a powerful opportunity to identify efficiencies through shared ideas and resources. I am committed to seeing my department facilitate this process, ensuring that the right people and organisations are brought together.
The area is energised by a passionate and vocal community, together with strong economic opportunities through mining, pastoralism and tourism. It was heartening to hear people report the increase in large barramundi numbers being caught since this government’s decision to close the McArthur River to commercial fishing. Such decisions will help to underpin the region’s ability to develop a positive tourism plan for the future.
While I am sure that progress on the Gulf Regional Development Plan cannot come quickly enough for local people, my department is working to ensure that the right people are in place to support the development of the plan. As I said at the outset, it is essential for us to ensure that the opportunities for development are provided right across our community. Inclusion and cohesion are essential elements to a civilised and harmonious community, and that is what we are committed to.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the minister’s statement on the Gulf Area Regional Development Plan, but I hesitate to draw any parallels between what happened in Bali this weekend to what is going to happen at Borroloola and the Gulf regional area. The act in Bali is nothing but a senseless murderess act; nothing more than pure terrorism in an area that is peaceful and a holiday venue for many Australians.
Having said that, in looking at the Gulf regional area, I hope the minister and his department are considering that regional development includes major economic and employment outcomes. Housing is important, and it is important that we do not provide housing in a vacuum of any other development in the area, otherwise you will have people living in an area without any hope of a productive future. Obviously, health and education are also outcomes that need to be considered in the full context of the community and, if the minister and his department can fulfil those outcomes, I believe the people in the Gulf regional area will be very happy with the proposals that will come forward. I look forward to keeping tabs on the outcomes that will occur.
As I said before, I welcome the minister’s statement and I look forward to achievements that previously have not been achieved through, not lack of trying, but through difficult circumstances.
Mr AH KIT (Community Development): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow minister for his comments. We have a difficult situation at Borroloola. The Gulf regional plan needs to ensure that we have all of the major stakeholders involved. They are a very important part of the Territory community. They had no qualms about bringing forward the concerns that they had to that particular meeting at the council office. They have told me, quite clearly, that the reports and recommendations that have been done over the years have not simply been acted upon seriously. I intend, as a minister in this government, to take them seriously. We want to develop the Gulf region economic development situation in a manner that allows them to be important players in the Territory’s future. My department has been directed to ensure that we incorporate and continue to meet with them in a manner that progresses that particular Gulf regional development plan.
Reports noted pursuant to Sessional Order.
EDUCATION AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 84)
(Serial 84)
Continued from 14 August 2002.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, the position of the opposition is, of course, the scope of this amendment to be supported. I wish at the outset to pass on my appreciation for the briefings that have been provided by the minister’s office, particularly by Sue Richardson, Ken Davis and Ron Greaves.
It has been most beneficial to gain a contextual view on these amendments because of the nature of the landscape with regards to education. We do need the right kind of machinery to be able to facilitate debate and address the issues that will be presented to us in education in the future. I believe that the restructuring of the Board of Studies does set us up with the right type of machinery to be able to focus appropriately on the issues that will be presented to us in education. Also, the inclusion of the representative from the Australian Education Union Northern Territory to the Education Advisory Council is appropriate.
I note that the changes to the Board of Studies should have been effective this year and will be in place, to my understanding, once this bill is passed, for the commencement of the new school year. I trust that transition will occur without any hitch.
The structure of these boards and advisory councils is good, and I fully support the mechanisms for choosing the delegates or the representatives on these boards and councils. Further to that, I should say the level of independence that is created in this restructure is also particularly welcomed. I am sure the minister would fully agree with me that, no matter how good the structures and the mechanisms are, it comes down to the goodwill of those who actually fill these positions.
To that end, the minister stands in a very important position of ensuring that those who fill these roles on the Board of Studies and on the Advisory Council are the best equipped and have the best will to address, in a comprehensive way, the issues that are presented to us in education, as there will be many. As the minister would well know with current reports in the media, as well as over the last couple of years, education is rising up as an issue of greater public importance than it ever has been, and there are many competing reform agendas that are jostling for space in the public domain. We really do need the best possible equipment to be able to manage this debate. To that end, it is not only the restructuring and the refocussing of the Board of Studies and the Advisory Council, but it is the selection of those members which, it goes without saying, needs to be highlighted.
In closing, my understanding is that this is a procedural change that emanated from a review in 1999, and it is good to see these things come to fruition. This is really the beginning; one more step in a very long journey which will be affecting our students from next year and for many years to come.
Madam Speaker, with those words I commend this amendment and offer our support from this side of the House.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Speaker, I support the Education Amendment Bill. In summary, the purpose of the bill is first to revise the function, size and composition of the NT Board of Studies, revise the size and composition of the Education Advisory Council and, third, to protect the council members against liability for any bone fide actions as members of the council.
I welcome the proposal to cut the membership of the Northern Territory Board of Studies from 21 to 16. I have long held the belief that any board or committee with a membership of greater than 12 to 15 cannot really function efficiently. This is not a reflection on the abilities of current members. The reality is that a board of 21 is unworkable.
Following the review of the department’s curriculum assessment and certification operations, the Northern Territory Board of Studies changed to a more strategic role relating to curriculum policy. The proposed changes also allow the board to better seek advice from interested parties, particularly parents and teachers, as well as relevant education and curriculum experts.
Another important change in these amendments is the reinstatement of the Australian Education Union to the Education Advisory Council and also, I believe, to the NT Board of Studies. This is a change I fully support. As I have said in this House on a number of occasions, I have been a unionist for much of my working life and I am proud of it. In fact, when working at the Menzies School I was a member of the AEU, and I know that the AEU is a union with a proud history of not only representing the interests of those working as education professionals, but also of being a strong advocate for education itself. What a short-sighted and mean act on the part of the previous government to deny the AEU a formal place on the Education Advisory Council.
Madam Speaker, as the minister stated in the second-reading speech, the other changes are mainly housekeeping. I commend this bill to the House and I urge all members to support it.
Mr STIRLING (Employment, Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution to the debate and support of the bill.
The Education Advisory Council change, in putting the Australian Education Union representative back on there, is a positive move. I agree with the member for Johnston that it was a short-sighted move to take that position away those years ago. The AEU – or in those days when they lost the position, the Northern Territory Teachers’ Federation representative – played a critical role in education in our schools and are entitled to have the opportunity for positive contribution to these types of forums.
The AEU, in both cases, continued to be represented despite the fact they did not have a position on either the Advisory Council or the Board of Studies, because there is an umbrella position under the Trades and Labour Council. The Trades and Labour Council simply sought an AEU nominee to take the TLC representative spot. We are putting it back the way it always should have been.
The EAC, the Education Advisory Council, always remains dear to my heart. I represented the Trades and Labour Council on the EAC for a two or three-year period back in the mid to late 1980s, at a time when it was chaired - and continued to be chaired until quite recently - by the permanent head of the department. In those days it was Mr Geoff Spring, Secretary of the Department of Education.
What struck me as curious was that, if you are going to set up an independent body to provide advice to the minister and the government on educational matters, why you would seek to have it chaired by your permanent head, who is by your side to provide a level of advice from the department on any day. One of the first moves I made as a minister was to establish the independence of the chairperson on the Education Advisory Council, so that you did have independence from the permanent head. It was a move that I was always going to take anyway, but was strongly recommend to me and suggested to me in the first place by the secretary of the department himself. Although I was well aware, as a former member working on the council to a permanent head, that it was very difficult to get items on to the agenda of the Education Advisory Council at any time, because the permanent head ran it with some vigour from the chair.
We believe we have the mix pretty right on the Board of Studies, bringing it from 21 down to 16. There will be a chairperson who is not to be an employee of the Department of Employment, Education and Training - that is a position that will be advertised. There will be three parent representatives to cover government, non-government and remote government schools advertised. There is one teacher, either primary or secondary, to be advertised. There is one post-school education representative, and a nomination from NTU will be sought for that position. There are two principals positions, to cover one from primary and one from the secondary sector, to be advertised. There is one officer from the Department of Employment, Education and Training, and that would simply be the CEO or a nominee of the CEO from DEET’s executive group, and one AEU representative - and nominations will be sought from that union. One Trades and Labour Council representative nomination will be sought from the TLC, and one Catholic school system representative nomination sought from the Catholic Education Office. One independent school system representative nomination from the Independent School’s Association of the Northern Territory will be sought. Two employer representative nominations from the Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be sought, and one indigenous representative for which that position will be advertised.
In terms of the sixteen, eight nominations from representative bodies are sought, and eight positions are to be advertised. In the wash-up, it will be incumbent on us to have a view to the broadest possible representation of the community, on top of the fact that they represent various bodies. However, the question of agenda, ethic representation, indigenous representation may be beyond simply the one nominated indigenous representative. I look forward to all of those nominations coming back, and I hope that we do get a good mix of people responding to the advertised positions. The more people apply, the better balance, the better spread of representation that we will be able to draw to bring that Board of Studies together.
The time frame suggests that it ought to get through the system, be ticked off by Executive Council some time in January, which will be ample time for that newly composed and structured board to take its place for the new school year. I thank members for their comments, Madam Speaker, and commend the bill.
Motion agreed to, bill read a second time.
Mr STIRLING (Employment, Education and Training)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to, bill read a third time.
STATUTE LAW REVISION BILL (No 2)
(Serial 80)
(Serial 80)
Continued from 15 August 2002.
Mr MALEY (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I indicate the opposition, having considered the content of the bill, will be supporting it. As the Attorney-General said in his second-reading speech, it does not reflect a substantial change in policy. The bill relates to the minor amendment to a number of acts, including the Criminal Records (Spent Convictions) Act, the Juries Act and the Sexual Offences (Evidence and Procedure) Act.
There are also some changes to refer to the responsible instrumentality or the responsible agency, as opposed to the specific government department: the Solicitor for the Northern Territory or Department of Justice. There is one change which the Attorney-General, in his second-reading speech, did provide a few more details about; that is, an amendment to the Police Administration Act, which will allow a smoother transfer of information between law enforcement agencies around Australia. I indicate that the opposition will be supporting the bill.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for their support of this bill. As you quite rightly point out, there are no contentious matters in this. They are simply, if you like, housekeeping within areas of our legislation. We will probably want to move forward.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Statement - Economic Development
Strategy – Building a Better Territory
Continued from 20 August 2002.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, I continue my contribution to the economic development strategy Building a Better Territory. I had begun on the importance of investing in indigenous people.
Aboriginal people are long-term Territory residents. Generation upon generation of Aboriginal people have contributed to human existence in the Northern Territory. However, over the last two centuries, there has been a major shift in the importance of an economy based on the hunter gatherer system, to one that is both in the western industrial development of the Northern Territory in Australia. During this period, due to cultural and social changes which have often involved both physical and emotional conflict between mainstream Australians and minority Aboriginal groups, this has led to dire consequences for Aboriginal Australians in economic development and social outcomes. This is despite the fact that Aboriginal people raise their families and work in the Territory - they work under the CDEP program, or receive a Commonwealth benefit in the Territory or royalty payments for a number of different reasons - spending their whole income in the Territory arena either on bread, eggs, meat, fruit, soft drink, chips, take-away, rental accommodation, purchasing a house, entertainment, local football, the movies, going out nightclubbing, Thursday night markets - whatever it may be.
However, it would be remiss of me not to also mention that some of the economic benefits brought to the Territory by indigenous persons are spent on products dangerous to all Territorians’ health; alcohol and tobacco, for instance. These products have and will, if abused, have a substantial negative effect on all communities; whether white, black, green or blue. This is something that this government has to address over the next term: what to do about substance abuse and the over proportion of its effect on Aboriginal people. It seems common sense to me that, on investing in Territory communities, improving the ability to earn an income, or to bring investment dollars into the Territory, will only assist in improving the spending power of all Territorians; and this includes indigenous Territorians.
There is no doubt that the economic development strategy is a watershed in terms of developing an economic plan for substantial economic development. When this government talks about sustainability, we attempt to create substantial sustainable jobs, communities and environments. Sustainable development is a core concept that all members of this House should support.
The Chief Minister has recognised the significant contribution of the reference group drawn up through the Economic Development Summit. I thank these people and also take the opportunity to thank the co-chairs, Bob Collins and Neville Walker.
It is my belief, as I have said earlier, that at present we are operating on a system of governance inside the Northern Territory where between 26% and 30% of the population, for a huge number of reasons and a lot of them social and historical - which I would like to remind this House are not unique just to the Northern Territory, even though some of its particular attributes are unique to the Territory environment. However, what is happening here to Aboriginal people and indigenous Australians has occurred in other parts of the world. It is a reflection of the relationship between a major society and a minority group substantially being affected in a negative manner by different cultural rules, legal systems and denial of economic access to benefit.
As I said before in this House, that 26% to 30% of the population have been denied, for many reasons, the opportunity to succeed in an economic environment. I believe that if you are running a business - and I had an opportunity to speak in this role as a parliamentarian to one of those major players in a multinational corporation, about fundamental economics. I put this proposition to him: that if 26% to 30% of your population or your business was not contributing to the profits - and I am not putting the blame on any individuals or any group of persons, it is just a recognition of a fact that this is occurring - would it be of interest to you to invest in improving the profitability of that percentage of your business? Of course, his eyes lit up and he said: ‘Of course it would be. If I was able to increase that profitability by 10% or 15%, then it would be a huge success and bonus for everyone involved in my business’.
We should aim, as a government and as a parliament, to improve the social standing of many of these indigenous persons. I have had the opportunity to look at some facts, and one of the facts that amazed me - which came out of the statistic quoted from the Office of Aboriginal Development Annual Report 2000 - was that two in every five Territorians are unemployed. I talked to my parents and family, and when the older generations grew up in the Northern Territory in the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s 1960s 1970s, etcetera, every person who lived in the Territory had employment, whether you were white, black, green or purple. It was not just employment for the sake of employment on low wages. Everyone had an opportunity to move jobs and were paid well for what they did. So, people grew up with a culture of employment and they raised their families in an economic climate and they had the opportunity to invest in their children and invest in the wealth of their children.
This document describes an ongoing reliance on community and partnerships between different community groups. They include ongoing discussions with industry, indigenous communities, businesses, social welfare groups, trade unions and the broader community. This government will continue to rely on partnerships as a background of their economic success, not the use of politically divisive rhetoric designed to ultimately gain power at all costs - or a cost that is unacceptable to other members of the Territory community.
This government is not willing to pay that cost. What I mean by that is that we often talk about native title issues or economic development issues, that the NT government has to represent Territorians in native title claims or whatever it might be, just to use that as an example. But we must always underline, and we must always remember, that that part of the population who just happen to be of indigenous backgrounds are Territorians. They raise their families here; they do not move from here. They spend their money here; they contribute to the community.
The issue is: do we want to make that contribution a positive contribution, or are we willing to continue with the status quo where – let us face it - our community is suffering? When I say ‘our community’, I am not speaking as an indigenous person, I am speaking as a Territorian, as an Australian. I definitely would be standing up here today if it was some other ethnic group that was 29% or 30% of the population and was suffering. That is what I believe in. I believe that we should be fighting towards that, to improving that outcome for people.
One of the final things that I would just like to quote is the Chief Minister in her speech on the matter, which I believe sums it up:
- At the end of the day, the document is that of my government, and one to which we will be held accountable.
We will know we have succeeded when we realise our vision; a vision in which the Territory is a thriving
economic hub in northern Australia, an equitable society with opportunities available to all Territorians
including indigenous communities; and skilled and innovative people with confidence in the future for
themselves and their children.
Madam Speaker, I commend this statement to the House, and I look forward to implementing it over the next few years.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Speaker today I speak about the government’s economic development strategy that resulted from the Economic Development Summit held in this very Chamber last year.
I want to preface my remarks by putting them into context. The context is that we inherited government for the first time in some 27 years, and I believe that the community, both the business and residential community, were looking for dynamic change, a dynamic new direction. The Economic Development Summit was a crucial mechanism in bringing people together to have the long needed discussion about what the underpinning economic drivers were that will prop up the economics of our society. Out of that came a very robust discussion: oil and gas and what it means to us; primary industries; looking at regional economic development and the like.
A commitment that the government made at that time and, indeed delivered, was to hand down this document Building a Better Territory, the economic development strategy for the Northern Territory. We delivered that in June 2002. I commend the people who worked tirelessly on this document, because a great deal of effort went into it. They worked with, and consulted right across, industries. It was not just a statement of intention by the government, it really was a cooperative project every step of the way. So I thank all of the people who had input into this document. I thank, in particular, Jim Davidson who I know worked tirelessly on it for many months to help pull it together.
It clearly articulates not just the direction and the economic drivers that we need to deliver to enhance the standard of living of our society, but crucially, as the Chief Minister has stated previously in this House, this document provides very real time lines for the commitments. That is an important step because it cannot just be another document that a lot of people pulled together and worked very hard and tirelessly on, and then it sits on a shelf. This is, in fact, a working document, and the time lines are what make it that.
Since my election to this parliament, I have gone out of my way to attend industry functions, and specifically the mining industry. It is not because I expect or anticipate a mine to be developed in the middle of Karama or Malak. Quite obviously, that would be ludicrous. My interest and support for the mining industry stems from it being the largest earner for the Territory’s economy. Indeed, if you look at the potential of mining, it is far greater than that.
Since coming to government, our Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development has facilitated and expedited hundreds of mining exploration license applications. Those applications have been log jammed in an ideological jam, sitting on the previous minister’s desk. As soon as we came to government, our government started working hard to actually facilitate the granting of those mining exploration applications.
We have actually given the mining industry new life. They were out there working hard, exploring in regions of the Territory where we know we have vast mineral wealth. That mineral wealth includes diamonds and gold. The Merlin Mine pulled out one of the largest diamonds ever recognised or seen in the world, just a couple of months ago. We are sitting on vast amounts of untapped mineral wealth. The mere fact that our government has said: ‘Go out and do the exploration’, is sending a very positive message to the mining industry.
Now we are encouraging regional economic development. Regional economic development through mining, I believe, will make a tangible difference to the lives of Territorians living in the more remote areas of the Territory and, specifically, the indigenous communities in that area, obviously, because in many areas it is their land, they have native title there - either recognition or claim. I have spoken to the mining companies on many occasions; they are not troglodytes. They already have, in other parts of Australia and, indeed, the world, worked cooperatively with traditional owners to put in place the agreements necessary to underpin an efficient and very productive mine.
We have examples in the Territory of mines operating that are delivering indigenous training programs and employment within those remote communities. So we have an industry, on the one hand, that is ready to be progressive and deliver improved economic conditions in remote regional areas for indigenous Territorians and, finally now, we have the government that is willing to work with the industry, the land councils, the traditional owners and the communities to support that regional economic development.
Within this economic development strategy are the underpinning principles, approaches and time frames that will ensure those issues can progress. More than rhetoric, more than saying: ‘We have a desire to improve the lives of all Territorians’, the potential that lies within this document, within this strategy in terms of mining for regional economic development, is vast. Finally we are seeing some of that potential actually moving forward and being achieved. I congratulate the work done by the minister, the Chief Minister, the Minister for Community Development - and I know the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has also put in a great deal of effort in this area, coming from Central Australia. The member for Barkly has also been active in facilitating these matters. To all of my colleagues I say, well done.
At the same time, ensuring that we are looking at a safe and environmentally responsible mining industry is also, obviously, a peg to what we have to achieve. I point out to members, on page 13, the strategic approach will be to provide a mine safety regime which accords with national standards and world’s best practice. In that sense, we have identified to adopt a national mine safety framework, realising a safe and healthy mining industry by December of this year. We will be implementing the new Mining Management Act, which requires audited safety management of mine sites and provision of world’s best practice safety and health systems, with all Territory mines operating under the new system by June next year.
We have a strategic approach to maintain an environmental assessment and approvals process, which leads to best practice management of mining activities. Priority actions are to manage an efficient and cooperative whole-of-government assessment and approval process for mining projects, and to maintain best practice environmental management of mines such that the Territory’s natural resources are managed for the benefit of future generations.
Indeed, we are looking to promote a whole-of-community knowledge of, and support for, mining in the Territory. This support will be through educational programs that explain the practice and value of mining with community service training visits to 10 to 15 communities per year. I know that the work our government has been doing behind the scenes will be delivering both the strategic approach, as well as the priority actions. Members will be informed further, in due course, of quite a substantial progressive move forward that will ensure a safe, environmentally responsible mining industry.
I want to touch on another key economic driver for the Territory, which is primary industries and fisheries. Again, the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development has not been idle here. We are seeing aquaculture and the support for the development of aquaculture move forward progressively in the Territory since Labor has come to government. We are putting the money into the budget to ensure that we realise our horticulture potential, and I congratulate the minister for working very closely with the horticultural industry right throughout the Territory, to look at how we can establish best practice for grower groups as a way to increase the efficiency with which industry adopts new technology and information. Quite specifically, we are looking at Asian vegetables, mangoes, citrus, table grapes, rambutan and cut flowers.
Best practice has not been a word often used in the Territory in the past. It is, unfortunately, our history that things have evolved in a higgledy-piggledy, ad hoc fashion, and the supports have not been delivered on the ground to the innovative small business people who seize a potential market and opportunity, and go out there and start to actually deliver and develop. What they have needed - and we saw the mango crises in the industry a couple of years ago leading up to the election - is a more coordinated, strategic approach. We are underpinning the hard work they do on the ground with an introduction of best practice methods for horticulture in the Territory. These initiatives provided here in our strategic approach and priority actions, are initiatives the industry, in fact, is embracing. They are absolutely delighted that we are putting the time, the effort and the resources into delivering them.
The work done, constantly, in protecting the industry from exotic pests and diseases, is becoming more and more public. Only yesterday while driving home, I heard a discussion on radio about trying to identify particular pests in the grape vines. It is important that, in all the work done by the scientists, the researchers, the quarantine people, primary industry staff, the broader public are informed and, indeed, understand they have a very important role to play. They can play that role through identification of particular noxious weeds. We know that, if we had been more vigilant in terms of Mimosa pigra, we would not be facing the environmental catastrophe that we have faced in certain wetland areas of the Territory over the years. So, I encourage people to understand that each of us have a role to play in ensuring the health of our primary industries and fisheries.
I know that I have had the good opportunity to work quite closely with Richard Sellers the director of Fisheries, who is very supportive to the strategic direction that minister Henderson has been taking. There has been a lot of consultation carried out with both commercial and amateur fishermen, looking at providing strategic plans in specific areas of the fisheries industry.
I have spent a fair amount of time actually working very closely with people looking at developing the squid industry in the Territory. It is still identified as a developmental industry. We only have less than a handful of people licensed to go out and get squid but, from the catch rates that I have seen, that industry has enormous potential. What I find particularly pleasing about the way the developmental aspects of the squid industry have been occurring, is that they have been occurring on a basis of sustainability; that is, no longer do we have an industry that accepts that it can go out and plunder the resources of our oceans. We now have an industry more tuned into the need to be sustainable. I have worked with a particular commercial fisherman who has spent his own time and resources to go over to Vietnam and study the squid fishing methods over there. He has created a particular type of net, called a lift net, that scoops the squid from the top surfaces of the ocean and, importantly, that leaves the breeding grounds of the squid protected.
I have to say that is not the case with the prawn trawlers. Squid is still a by-catch of prawn trawlers. The government is sending messages to prawn trawlers that that will not always be the case, as this shifts within the context of a Commonwealth fisheries direction, because we have to protect breeding grounds of species. The method that I have witnessed, that I see as sustainable, is a creation where lights are pointed down onto the surface of the water at night time, the squid are attracted to the light and the lift net, in a shallow sense, scoops them up. So you have a higher proportion of squid catch and a lesser proportion of by-catch.
One of the areas that I have been discussing regarding the sustainability of our fisheries with the Fisheries Department is a view that I hold very dear, and that is: what do we do with our bait industry here? Because we still have a situation in the Territory of in excess of 90% of bait that is used throughout the Territory is imported. Now, your risk factors in that are very high. I am able, by being in government, to articulate an argument where we actually investigate if we allow a bait industry to emerge in the Territory - a sustainable one at that - by looking at bait quantities throughout Australia and doing the analysis and data collection required before we even go to developmental stage to say: is this sustainable, can we sustain it? But at least we are having a look at it because, importantly, if we continue to use imported bait, we are continuing to expose our entire fisheries industry to the import of disease - disease that we have seen wipe out fishing industries in other parts of Australia.
I congratulate the minister for identifying the need for sustainable utilisation of the Territory’s fishing resources, to assist the development of the aquaculture industry. Only last week, we had three members of the Queensland government here in the Territory having a look at our aquaculture because they are looking at it as a developing industry in Queensland. I made comment to them that: ‘It is all well and good for you to come over and have a look at how successful our aquaculture areas are, but I do not want you to go away and be too successful in Queensland, because you are already very competitive in various industries. Hands off. Aquaculture is obviously a great area of growth for our economic development’. Well, they knew what I was saying, they laughed and said: ‘Don’t worry, you are already so far ahead of us that you have the jump on us’.
It was actually quite pleasing to hear that analysis of where our aquaculture is, that government members in Queensland who have been looking into this area identify that we are in a very strong position to continue to develop our aquaculture. One of the reasons why aquaculture is very viable in the Territory is the peak tides that we receive, because they have the ability of literally flushing out and replenishing the breeding grounds of the aquaculture areas.
I would like to touch on tourism. Tourism is behind mining and primary industries and fisheries, as our big earner. Without a doubt, the timing of the tragedy in Bali on the weekend reminds us that we are vulnerable to world events. On gaining government here in the Territory, we not only inherited a blow-out in our budget deficit of some $126m - thanks to the deception of the previous Treasurer - we also obviously felt the impact, the worldwide shock waves, of the tragic terrorism that occurred in New York on 11 September. That had a direct financial impact on the Territory in our tourism sector.
Following the tragedy in Bali, we are hearing comments again this week that people are opting to stay at home. They are cancelling flights; they do not want to travel. That is very, very difficult for tourism operators, for the people who rely on that tourism market. They feel the economic impact immediately, from the travel agents through to the airlines, the motel and hotel operators, the cleaners, the staff, the bars, the restaurants, even the shopping centres, and the small retailers. They all feel the impact of that decision made by people to stay at home and not travel.
We had a tourism discussion in this House just last week where the minister tried, again and again, to explain the reality of that situation to the shadow who just could not, obviously, comprehend what he was talking about. We are about to enter into a repeat of that cycle, unfortunately. That is my view. I believe the strategic approach taken by this government in terms of tourism since 11 September has been a wise strategic approach. That is, we put the marketing and investment dollars into the drive market - people who are prepared to drive around their home nation, such as Australia - and that showed dividends. We had a boom drive market occurring here in the Territory in the peak tourism season.
People in the industry will say that that boom occurred in either shoulder as well. So I congratulate …
Mr HENDERSON: Madam Speaker, I move that that the member be granted an extension of time to conclude her remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: It will be a long speech, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Ten minutes only.
Ms LAWRIE: It is very important, Madam Speaker.
What you have to have is governments that read very clearly the economic indicators - and the economic indicators for us in tourism was what was occurring world-wide, what we knew would impact on our local market here. We read that. We did not keep on spending dollars in trying to draw the overseas tourists when everyone in the sector knew they were not flying. So we went to the drive market, and that paid dividends.
We are working collaboratively and cooperatively with the Australian Tourist Commission so that our profile is still overseas. The minister talked about a great billboard marketing campaign in the UK, where we hope to continue to attract the backpacker market which is crucial in terms of dollars in investment in Central Australia, and are finally a growing market in the Top End.
We were impacted upon by the collapse of Ansett, there is no doubt about that. They were the major regional provider of flights in the Territory. However, what we have seen is a coordinated effort by the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Business, Industry and Resource Development to recreate services into those regional areas of the Territory so that now people do have access to the flights that they needed.
Fortuitously, our government had signed Virgin Blue prior to the collapse of Ansett. The signing of Virgin Blue meant that we spent money in providing some 1134 additional seats per week into the Darwin market. The entry of this carrier has enabled Territorians access to both competitive fares on these routes saving them hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, as well as choices in flight frequencies and times. The Northern Territory Tourist Commission is currently exploring additional marketing opportunities with Virgin Blue to enhance sales of the Northern Territory wholesalers product on these services.
I said to some friends, following the collapse of Ansett: ‘Thank God we had signed Virgin Blue’, because if we had tried to sign them after the collapse of Ansett, we would have had a far less competitive edge in those negotiations. So it was fortuitous. It was the wisdom and foresight of the Martin Labor government that ensured that the impact of the Ansett collapse was, to some extent, ameliorated by the delivery of Virgin Blue to the Territory.
I encourage people, when they are looking at their flight options interstate, to look at Qantas and Virgin Blue. Let us ensure that, as consumers, we are encouraging a competitive market. It is only through the wisdom of the consumers spending their dollar that competition truly is enhanced and grows. Our government is doing its bit. We are continuing to ensure that Virgin Blue is being delivered to the Territory. I would encourage people to recognise that, as consumers, we have to spend wisely – spend our dollar far more wisely than we, perhaps, currently are doing through the actions of habit.
I say that with all due respect to my good friend, Steve Farquar, head of Qantas in the Territory. He has done a great job. He is doing a really good job with Qantas, and they have responded to Territorian’s needs by looking at services in and out of the regional centres. I know he has been constantly been pushing the case for improved services to Alice Springs within the national domestic market.
We know we need to increase flights on the international legs in and out of Darwin. That is the next major delivery in terms of tourism capacity that we have to achieve as a government. So what are we doing about it? Well, we are not sitting back saying: ‘Well, it is too hard, let the marketplace dictate what can occur here’. Instead, we are working with the aviation industry to head hunt an international aviation specialist who can go out and articulate the Territory marketplace argument within the region and the world, especially given the impact we will feel as a result of the tragic events in Bali on the weekend. We need this position even more today than we needed it when the minister announced that we will be giving government resources to delivering this aviation specialist. So, again, a foresight and vision of government which will deliver very real outcomes for Territorians.
I will touch on a few more areas. I would like to indicate that our vision on land use is that the Territory’s land is developed and used for the sustainable, economic and social benefit of Territorians. That is, finally, we will look at delivering open and uniform planning. The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment has already facilitated land use objectives that have gone out for community consultation. They have come back from community consultation and, just last week, the Litchfield Land Use Objectives was signed off and delivered into this Chamber for debate.
People are now requiring of government that we plan development; that we do not allow it to occur ad hoc, that we have clear, strategic plans that the community and industries have all been able to participate in. I know, for example, the member for Nelson was intrinsically involved in the development of the Litchfield Land Use Objectives. He has been negotiating that document for about seven years.
Mr Wood: Still haven’t won!
Ms LAWRIE: Whilst he says he still has not won, it is good to see a process which enabled thorough community discussion - whether it is through the perspective of the council, the residents, the horticultural sector, or the industrial sector - all of these arguments at the ground level, and planning directions established. This is important to the future economic development of the Territory, without a doubt.
The Litchfield Land Use Objectives contained and provided the pathways for oil and gas to be developed in the Territory. It is no news to any of the members in this Chamber just how crucial oil and gas being delivered onshore to the Territory is to our economic development. I will not go into that in detail, as other members in this House already have in previous debate.
I do want to touch on the fact that, crucially, in the economic development strategy, on page 27, is the strategic approach to promote efficiency, safety and reliability in the building industry. That is, we will encourage appropriate buildings undertaken safely and reliably by reputable builders and developments. How are we going to do this? Well, it is done in every other jurisdiction except the Territory. We will amend the Building Act to include a requirement for builders’ registrations and warranties for home building, by June of next year.
I cannot count – well, I can, it is actually about a dozen people have come to my office since I have been there local member and said: ‘We hired a builder, he half did the job. Now what are we going to do? We are stuck with this abysmal situation where we have paid this person the money, and they have done a runner, and we have a half-finished renovation on our home, or we have a half finished home’. It is only a builders’ registration board, or mechanism in legislation, that will overcome the consumer being ripped off by the shoddy operator. I have to say, in talking to all the construction workers in my electorate, they are looking forward to this because the honest operators, the good operators, the crafts people that we have out there in our Territory, are sick and tired of their reputations being damaged because of the unscrupulous actions of people who come up to Darwin, make a quick dollar, and do a runner. That is Territorians who have invested their energies, their training and their dollars into the building industry in the Territory want to see this registration; the want to know that they will not be a part of an industry that is not being regulated.
Madam SPEAKER: The member’s time has expired.
Debate adjourned.
MOTION
Note Statement - Illicit Drugs and the Report of the Task Force
Note Statement - Illicit Drugs and the Report of the Task Force
Continued from 9 October 2002.
Dr TOYNE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, this, indeed, is a very important debate coming before us in the House. I guess you could describe it as the coming out of the CLP dark ages, as regards the problem of illicit drug use within the Northern Territory. The Leader of the Opposition has consistently been claiming that the problem is minuscule; it will all go away anyway; let us not do anything about it; alcohol is far more important as an issue to be dealt with. However, it is certainly becoming increasingly difficult for the Leader of the Opposition to take that line.
The illicit drug task force should be congratulated on yet another coming out, if you like, or bringing out, of all the problems that are associated with illicit drug use within our community, and also for the very practical recommendations that were made in that report. I would also like to commend the minister’s action in her rapid response in bringing those recommendations forward in the House for debate, and the actions she has taken in actually implementing the recommendations through her department.
Illicit drugs are a very significant problem in the Northern Territory. As I said, the Leader of the Opposition has been in denial for a very long period of time now over this particular issue. We have had to force this out into the public domain so that it can be properly addressed with our community. I do not think the member for Brennan would look forward to getting his copy of the NT News each morning because, virtually in every edition of that newspaper, you have a fresh revelation of the serious activities that are going on associated with illicit drugs. The Leader of the Opposition might get out there and plead with the Territory public to believe him: ‘Do not worry about, trust me, there is not a problem there’. Well, let us have a look at what the dead plea scroll says here. The dead plea scroll says just since September: ‘Drug house to be declared’ - this is one address in Darwin. Quite a number of addresses are likely to be declared by the police with the green signs up and, despite what the drug protesters might have to say about it, I will welcome that because that is one less place around Darwin that our young people particularly can go to to get these very harmful substances.
‘Speed factory hunt’, ‘Raid at Karama lab has links’ - the problem of amphetamines within our community is just enormous. This is a nasty drug. It is a drug that causes aggressive behaviour in the people who use it. That is what the police or innocent bystanders then cop when they try to intervene when someone loses the plot entirely, when they are souped up with this stuff. Even worse, in the case of amphetamines, we have the manufacture of this stuff happening directly in the Northern Territory. It is not being imported from elsewhere; there are dealers actually making it here.
‘Syringe threat in city hold-up. The blood filled needle used in the bid for drugs’. Again, this is not only indicating the serious health issues that are involved in drug taking, in terms of the spread of AIDS and other viral diseases, but also the very strong connection that has been apparent in the Northern Territory - to anyone who looked at it with an open mind - between drugs and property crime.
‘Girl, 12, had speed in class; reported by fellow students’. Where was that? In the member for Brennan’s own electorate. The man has to look up, get his head out of the sand, and start addressing this problem against the reality that is there, and not continually go into denial.
‘Cash stolen for drugs. She said she used the money to pay for drugs and gambling habit and acknowledged what she did was wrong’. This is a case of a bookkeeper who developed drug and gambling habits and stole more than $8000 from her employer which is again a very clear example of the relationship between property crime and drug use.
‘Speed lab pair charged. A 30-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been charged when the police found an amphetamine laboratory in a Darwin flat. Drug squad officers raided the unit in Koolinda Crescent, Karama, yesterday afternoon after receiving a tip-off from the public’. What I am very gratified to hear from the police is that many of their actions against drug dealers have come as a result of public cooperation with the campaign that they have been carrying through. That indicates very clearly where the bulk of the Territory public stands on this issue. They are cheering us on; they want to see this problem cleaned up, particularly parents who have young adolescents or young adults in their family who are going off into the venues where people know damn well they will be exposed to these types of substances and over exposed, I think, in recent times in the Northern Territory.
‘Three face trial over party drugs. Three men charged with dealing in party drugs have been committed to trial on charges of possessing and supplying’. We have been hearing a lot from these drug protesters that we are not catching the dealers. Well, these all look like dealers to me. They are the people who are manufacturing the stuff, and peddling the stuff. We are after them, quite unashamedly so, and we will continue to chase them.
‘Drug squad raids house. Speed lab pair in custody. Police sting nets $14 000 of drug haul in cocaine in video cassettes. Drug busts, $250 000 worth of speed found sitting on vacant land’. That was south of Alice Springs. If the member for Brennan wants to have a look at all that, day by day in the papers, and still get up and tell us that there is no illicit drug problem in the Northern Territory, his credentials in public leadership are severely in doubt.
Even this morning, as I picked up my copy of the paper - and I hope he did and he took notice of this article of a bust of a very large shipment of ephedrine coming in from South-East Asia in the possession of a well known Darwin male stripper. When you saw the picture of the sheer volume of chemicals that that consignment contained, and translate that becoming amphetamines, going into the bloodstreams of users throughout the Northern Territory leading to all the harm of aggressive behaviour, difficulties for the police - you tell me we should not do something about that.
To summarise, on a more systematic level, the national survey of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: the market for amphetamines such as speed is present in all Northern Territory towns. Most of the drugs are manufactured locally, and the biggest market surrounds are night clubs and backpacker tourists. The largest cluster of illicit drug users in the Northern Territory are aged between 30 and 39, followed by 20 to 29-year-olds. More young Territorians were using illicit drugs with 41% of 14 to 19-year-olds using illicit drugs including cannabis, 15.5% of whom had used either hallucinogens, opiates or prescription drugs. In the past nine months, Darwin’s Casy House youth refuge had accommodated 78 people under the age of 18 who had used extacy, morphine, LSD or amphetamines with cannabis or alcohol. Mental health resource workers reported they had seen clients as young as 10 years old who had been chroming - in other words, petrol or paint sniffing. So we have a significant problem. If the member for Brennan wants to keep asserting that there is no problem, then I honestly cannot see on what basis he can possibly get up and do that.
Why I particularly welcome the task force report with its recommendations, along with the statement the minister brought into the House, is that this is another very important development on our three-point plan to combat illicit drug use in our community. The matters that I have been referring to - our drug laws, the early and very good work that the police have done in applying a major campaign against illicit drug manufacture and use in the community, or dealing in the community - are only one aspect of the three-point plan. What the enforcement measures, the new laws, the police actions are doing are attacking the level of supply of illicit drugs within our community. That is a very important element of the overall equation of illicit drug use in the Northern Territory. We need, in a comprehensive plan, to deal both with the supply - the actual dealings of drugs in the community - and demand - the demand for illicit drug use.
On the demand side - and this is what the illicit drug task force is addressing, at least in the case of opiate based drugs - are two elements. One is the rehabilitation of addicts, and the other is drug use prevention programs. They are the two other elements of our three-point plan. With the introduction of the task force recommendations, and the implementation of those recommendations by government, we are now moving into the other side of the equation, starting to look at how we can reduce the demand for illicit drugs within the Northern Territory community. For every addict we take out of the game of drug use, we are going to see quite an impact on both the marketplace for illicit drugs and on related crimes such as the property crimes that are referred to in these newspaper articles that I have been going through.
The other significant statistic that comes out of the survey by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is that 10.7% of Top End prisoners within in our gaols have either previous injecting drug habits or, in some cases, have continued to try and get access to those drugs within gaol; 3.7% of our prison population in Central Australia has that same background. What we are seeing there is they have ended up in jail for associated types of crime and, in many cases, the property crimes. So you can take those percentages as probably being the contribution being made by drug use to the levels of property crime and other crimes within our community. Those people have ended up in gaol; they are the most serious end of the spectrum.
Alongside that group that have a known drug habit and associated other criminal behaviour, you have quite a large, and probably uncounted, number who have not yet come to the attention of the law, or been convicted and sent to gaol for the offences they have been committing. However, we certainly have very clear evidence from the courts, and individual court cases, of serial property crime associated with a drug habit which have really, in some cases, created a one-person crime wave within some suburbs of Alice Springs or Darwin. We have to very much focus on people who are coming to the attention of the justice system for offences that are associated with a drug habit.
The next stage, as far as our enforcement side of this equation, the three-point plan, is to now start to connect the arrangements under our drug laws and our treatment of offenders who come before our courts, to pass them more effectively back to the rehabilitation structures that are being set up under the task force recommendations. We will be moving to set up a drug court process, and we have budgeted for that in this current financial year. The way that it will most likely work - and we are settling the details of that at the moment - is to have the bail conditions set by usually the Magistrates Court. One option for the magistrate will be to attach to the bail a condition that that offender present at a short-term rehabilitation program and attempt to do something about their drug habit, if that is seen as being a major contributor to the offending that they have been carrying out.
The efforts of that offender in the rehabilitation program that has been indicated in their bail condition will then come back to the court when their offences are actually heard, and it will be, potentially, a mitigating factor when the magistrate then sentences that offender if they are subsequently found guilty. Alternatively, or as another possibility, if the offender does not do well, or does not show any commitment to the rehabilitation process, that would be an aggravating factor of showing that, not only have they committed a number of crimes as a result of their drug habit, but they are showing no remorse or any commitment to doing something about that cause of their offending.
That structure is already used in New South Wales and Victoria, with the credit and merit programs. We will put into the Magistrates Court two liaison positions, one in Darwin and one in Alice Springs probably. The purpose of that liaison position is that that person can commend to the magistrate the possibility of sending an alleged offender to rehabilitation, because of the clear indication from their background that their drug use has contributed to their offending, and then can actually remove the person from the court process and make sure that they are connected effectively to the rehabilitation programs to which they have been referred.
That liaison position could also double up for juvenile justice issues. We will have an additional resource within our lower courts to allow the magistrates another set of options in dealing with drug offenders who have offended because of a drug habit, as well as other matters within the affairs of that court.
In terms of the role of community mediation - and in the remote communities Aboriginal law and justice programs - we are very aware that these types of problems associated with illicit drug use are not confined to the urban centres of the Northern Territory. We are very aware that remote communities, and certainly indigenous leaders in our remote communities, are very worried by the high and increasing levels of cannabis use by young people, particularly, in those communities. That is leading to a very direct output of harm which is to do with not only psychotic conditions that come from very heavy use of cannabis, but also to the attempts of suicide. One study that sticks very graphically in my mind, is the study that was done on the Tiwi Islands in the community of Nguiu, where there was something in the excess of 50 attempted suicides over a 12-month period. The research found that, almost without exception, the attempted suicide occurred after a very heavy session of smoking marijuana, and was contributed to by the very low depressions that often follow the use of this type of drug in that level of abuse.
We have made the point before that we have applied our drug laws to all illicit drugs, not simply to the opiates, amphetamines and extacy. We are applying it to all drugs, including cannabis. The reason for cannabis being included there - despite the assertions of the drug protesters that it is a totally harmless recreational drug and we should all be allowed to go away and enjoy it - is that we are seeing this very clear evidence of harm coming from the high levels of current use. Can I get some more time?
Mr McADAM: Madam Speaker, I move that the member’s time be extended such that he may conclude his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Dr TOYNE: It is very important to make the point here that we are campaigning against illicit drugs of all types, and the level of use within our community. We are not prepared to take out particular drugs simply because of the prevalence of their use, or claims that they are benign in their effect on the community, when there is such clear evidence of harm within sectors of our community.
I want to say that our aim in carrying through these reforms is not the unrealistic aim of removing illicit drugs out of our community entirely. That would be simply unrealistic, given the way modern communities are and the absolute global prevalence of illicit drugs. We know we cannot get rid of these things out of the Territory lifestyle and community entirely. However, what we are wanting to do is reduce the level of use and, therefore, the level of harm that is being caused by the presence of these substances in our community.
To take a point that was made, I think, by the member for Drysdale during an earlier debate of this subject: yes, alcohol abuse is probably a much higher level of harm, and certainly causes a much higher level of harm within our community. Even the task force report makes that point. This is not a case of saying: ‘All right, we are not going to do anything on illicit drugs. Let us deal with alcohol and then we will get back to them later’. It is not a case of that at all. You can pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time if you train a bit, and we are moving very actively to combat the high levels of very destructive use of alcohol in some of our key communities. I would point to the trials and complementary measures down in Alice Springs as an example of what we are trying to do to mobilise a community - whether it is in indigenous communities, remote communities, or the citizens of our main urban centres - to actually take a stand against, not only the absolutely unacceptably high levels of alcohol use in our community, but also the fact that those levels have actually been increasing, along with the harm.
We simply do not have the choice of not moving against alcohol, so it really should not be brought in as a red herring on the debate on illicit drugs. If we do not move against the levels of harm and associated public expenditure regarding alcohol, we will simply go broke. We will not be able to afford the continual increase in our public expenditure on health, and law and order. We do not have the choice of inaction there. So you can take it as a background to this debate that we will be working wherever possible, and in whatever means, to pull back the level of alcohol abuse in our community. Having left that behind, let us continue the work of bringing the level of illicit drug use in our communities down.
There is the third major area of the three-point drug plan, which is to do with prevention measures. I believe there are measures we can take, particularly with our young and through our school system and youth programs within the community, to at least protect our young people from being drawn destructively into the cycle of drug use. Again, being realistic about it, there is no way that we, as a government, could guarantee the parents in the Northern Territory that their kids will not be ever exposed to these substances ever again. That is simply not a realistic promise to make. What we can say is that we will be making sure their kids are well informed about the effects and the dangers of drug use. We will be making sure that the supply out in the community is reduced as much as possible. We will be making sure that, if their kids do come into contact with drugs and take up some significant level of use, that there will be rehabilitation programs that can pull them back out of that pattern and that lifestyle, before it reaches the destructive levels that heavy addiction brings with it.
To summarise, I very much welcome the minister’s statement on the outcomes of the illicit drug task force, and our commitment now to move forward and implement the key recommendations of that report. I believe that we still remain totally committed to the three-point plan on drugs. As each of these elements are put into place we are going to see - and I think we have already seen - an impact on the patterns of illicit drug use within out community. I hope that it gets increasingly difficult to get hold of these substances within our community. I am very pleased that the protesters are unhappy about this, and I certainly hope it is because they are having more and more difficulty in maintaining a drug-based lifestyle in the Northern Territory. We do not want it up here. We want people to be constructively involved with their community and with their lives; we do not want them to be floating off on a cloud of drug-induced unreality.
Debate adjourned.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Bali Tragedy
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly:
- (a) express its condemnation of the appalling and indiscriminate bombings which occurred in
Bali on 12 October 2002;
(b) extend its support and sympathy to the families, loved ones and friends of the Territorians and
other Australians killed, missing or injured;
(c) offer condolences to the family and friends of the Indonesians and peoples of other countries who
have been killed or injured;
(d) offer sympathy to the people of Indonesia and, particularly, the Balinese, during this tragic time;
(e) supports and commends the prompt and effective action of the Australian Defence Force and Northern
Territory government agencies following this tragedy, including the Emergency Operations Centre,
Royal Darwin Hospital and our police, ambulance and transport services;
(f) commends the willingness of many individuals and community groups in the Territory to volunteer to
assist in the relief effort; and
(g) endorses the offer for the Northern Territory Police and for other Australian law enforcement bodies to
assist in any way possible to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous crime against humanity to justice.
Madam Speaker, the last 24 hours to 48 hours have been extraordinary ones in the world and especially so for Australians and Territorians. When such an horrific event as this happens it shocks the world. At a time when we think that we have seen horrific events happen - in the media we see them almost on an daily level - ones that are so vicious and senseless as the Bali bombing on Saturday night, that attack innocent holiday-makers who are just enjoying a break from whatever country they have come from, is even doubly senseless.
I believe 11 September showed that the world could be rocked by such a catastrophic event. We realised very much, as a world, that we were not safe, that maybe our sense of security had been shaken fundamentally. The events in Bali on Saturday night have shown that it has come that much closer to us. After 11 September, we Australians and we Territorians thought that we were, in a way, protected. We talked about the Territory and Australia, in a world context, being a safe haven. Part of what we hoped for in recovering, in a tourist sense, was the fact that we were a safe haven and that is how the rest of the world would view us.
Our sense of being a safe haven has been quite strongly shaken - I hope not in a too dramatic sense - by the events in Bali, because there is no doubt that, as Territorians, we have such a close relationship with Bali, not only on a government to government level, but also in terms of where we holiday. Kids growing up here know Bali better than they know the streets of Sydney or Melbourne. Bali is, for many, a regular holiday escape, somewhere where Territorians feel welcome and have developed friendships. To have such an horrific event happen so close to home, just two hours and 20 minutes away by plane, has really shaken and angered Territorians.
It is hard to believe that it is so close to home, but it is a fact of life that it has happened and now we are going to have to deal with the ramifications. It will have significant ramifications, and we are only starting to appreciate those.
As far as all those who have been affected by this event in a personal way - the 20 Australians out of 180 or so who have been confirmed dead in the bombing - we can only extend our condolences to their friends and their families, but have no real understanding of what the impact would be. Think of the uncertainty of waiting to find out whether the one you were related to, or who was your friend, was at that club on that night if they were holidaying in Bali. The sense of the panic was relayed to me when I was out at the hospital talking to the switchboard operators. The switchboard operators said Sunday and Monday the phones just rang, with people desperately trying to search for loved ones, and there was nothing that the switchboard operators could do, in many instances, other than console those who were panicked, anxious and, without knowing the fate of their loved ones, were grief stricken. That provided an insight into the impact on individual lives when something like this horrific event in Bali happens.
We extend our support and sympathy to the families, to the loved ones and friends of those who have been killed and injured in this event and, at this stage, for the 160 Australians who are yet unaccounted for. We have no idea where those 160 are; whether they will ultimately be included in the death toll. There is so much uncertainty still after 48 hours; an enormously worrying time for those who have not heard. What is gratifying is that, as yet, it does not seem that there has been one Territorian injured. It is almost miraculous when you consider that, in any week, there would be 150 from the Territory in Bali somewhere, and probably more than that - that is just a minimum figure. But as yet, no one who comes either from Darwin or through the Territory has been identified as being injured in the bomb blast. It does seem miraculous. It is quite extraordinary that not one would be there.
We have a special relationship with Indonesia, and to have this happen at a time when Indonesia was just starting to recover from the financial crisis of 1998 - particularly Bali and its tourist industry - at this stage we can only speculate on the impact. The Territory has a special relationship with the Indonesian government, and my condolences, sympathies and offer of help from the Territory have gone through, via our consul here, to the President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who already has visited Bali and is looking at the impact and the devastation of that bomb blast.
That special relationship is there. The fact that we have that relationship is why our offers of assistance are taken genuinely. The fact that we could say we are prepared to take medical evacuations and because almost every month we have a medical evacuation come to Darwin, the Balinese and Indonesian authorities certainly knew that an offer from the Territory was something that was real, tangible and one where we could deliver. It is an important relationship. We offer our sympathies to the Indonesians, who will be devastated by what has happened - devastated by the impact on their country, the impact on those individuals who have died or been injured.
As well as that, we have a special relationship with Bali. I am hoping to speak later this afternoon to the Governor of Bali, who has spent today, not surprisingly, out in the devastated area, talking to people, working with authorities. I will convey our condolences from the Territory and reiterate that offer of help: any further medical assistance, people needing to be evacuated, post-incident investigation and the kind of assistance that might be needed for identification of those bodies - where those bodies might need to be stored, in an interim way. The Territory is ready to assist. It is an enormous impact on the people of Indonesia and, in particular, the Balinese, and we certainly offer them our sympathy during this tragic time.
I saw the first news report of what had happened about 8.30 am on Sunday morning on television. It was my first experience, as Chief Minister, of having an event like this so close to home. I certainly have only the highest praise for all our agencies, for our Defence Forces, for the way that they responded that Sunday morning. The calls went in and the response was fantastic. We have a counter disaster organisation, a Regional Counter Disaster Council, ready to go, with a committee under that, comprising senior people from police, Chief Minister’s, and Health, ready to be able to put into operation the organisation we saw develop on the Sunday and Monday, which made an enormous difference. The committee met, they quickly assessed what the situation was in terms of our security, finding out what had happened, working with federal authorities, contacting overseas, finding out all the details that we needed to know and what our role might be as the hours went by.
The response from the hospital was simply impressive. In the modest way that you hear from medical people, when talking to them over the last couple of hours, they were explaining why they had done so well and why they had been able to form teams that have been able to deal, under such pressure, with people with such devastating injuries. As they said: ‘Well, look it was just a coincidence. Six weeks ago we had a whole emergency response exercise. We had actually had meetings on Friday about whether we needed to hone that response, and we also had Sunday to prepare ourselves’. So there were all these reasons they gave for being so expert, which does not really tackle the fact that they were expert and committed.
The fact that there was a Sunday to look at how the hospital could clear elective surgery for the Monday; and how it could clear outpatients and really prepare itself - and it just took that Sunday morning for the hospital to be able to deliver me that word: ‘We are ready to go’. I was able to make the offer to the federal government that the Territory was ready to take those who were critically injured - anyone who was injured - from Bali and our hospital would be ready. That offer was taken up immediately.
It was very impressive, the way our health authorities worked so quickly. They worked in conjunction with our Defence Forces and police. Police were looking at our security situation; offering assistance in terms of that post-incidence investigation; working with the federal authorities; had meetings coordinated on the Sunday and the Monday so that we were in position, as Australians, to be able to say: ‘We will help the Balinese authority bring the perpetrators of this to justice; but also be able to work through the identification of those who still are in body bags and unidentified’.
So, the response here was impressive - ranging from our health authorities to our police, Defence Forces, those in essential services areas - making assessments of possible risks to the Territory; looking at whether there needs to be a change to our security rating. All those aspects were looked at very quickly and that work was done efficiently and effectively. Over the Sunday, those teams were brought together, and by 1 am Monday when the first flight came in, we had great confidence that we would be able to deal - and there was no doubt that our health teams knew that they would be under a lot of pressure - with those who were so horribly burnt and injured by the bomb blast, and deal with them effectively and efficiently. I only have the greatest praise - simply to say that we commend the prompt and effective action really does not say everything about what Territorians have done in response to this tragedy. We can have great confidence that the work was done before the injured arrived and while they were here - that we only have about six left of those who were evacuated from Bali. The others have gone to hospitals and back home. We now have an emergency operation centre at the police station still working, still monitoring and making sure that Territorians - without being alarmist - can feel confident about our security.
The Territory community, as I mentioned before, is the most extraordinary community which, when events happen – and we have had crises here. We had a crisis in Katherine with the flooding and we had the East Timorese situation. We see how Territorians respond to events that happen outside our borders. The last 48 hours has seen Territorians again show that they are prepared to do anything they can to assist when there is a crisis. The hospital, again, told me they had so many calls from people saying: ‘Look, I will come and sit by the side of somebody who is injured. Can I provide food for you?’ Staff said when they raced home to get some sleep, a next door neighbour would say: ‘Here, I have made you some food’. A woman in South Australia sent the pizzas. The nurses from all over Australia rang to say that they would come off holidays, they would get themselves to Darwin: how could they help? The offers came in from everywhere, not only from the Territory community. Whether it was people offering homes for friends and families of victims to stay in, offering blood, or simply offering anything that they could think of offering to be able to assist in the tragedy, Territorians have done us proud again. They have not done it in a public way or a way in which they felt they needed to ring up media organisations or radio talkbacks; but just made the call and offered to do it. Again, we can be proud of Territorians for the way that they simply volunteer. A crisis happens, Territorians will volunteer, will assist, will go out of their way, or offer to do sometimes simple but sometimes extraordinary things to help out.
I believe every Territorian endorses our agencies in continuing to play a role in what has happened, that we will continue to offer medical assistance. Maybe that means that there will be continued demand on the hospital, maybe there will be other ways for that to happen. At this stage, we are uncertain. This whole situation has been a very dynamic one. When it was said that a plane would arrive - the Hercules would arrive with evacuees at a certain time with certain numbers - that was not the case. It has been a matter of communications that had to be changed, to be honed, to be corrected and, at this stage, we are uncertain about what will happen in the future. But I know that this parliament would support our agencies, our health authorities, and, certainly, our police being involved in working with the Balinese in that post-incident investigation, and also working in finding out who were the perpetrators of the crime, and that we would offer to assist in tackling this horrific event that happened on our doorstep in any way that we can.
We have had a very impressive response from the rest of Australia about what they have seen so far. The compliments have come in from medical authorities across the country. The federal Health Minister and the Western Australian Health Minister have rung to say: ‘What an impressive effort from the Territory. Your hospital response has been second to none’. There have been compliments saying no other hospital in Australia could have managed the number of critically injured that came in such a short time frame through the doors of Darwin Hospital, as those at Darwin Hospital did.
The fact that we are a small hospital, were able to draw teams together, and that interdisciplinary team worked well together. There was no ‘I am a doctor, you are a nurse, you are a whatever’. That team worked together in a coherent way. As one of the senior doctors said to me: ‘If there was an instruction given, we knew it would be carried out’. That team approach, the fact that there were multiple teams in small spaces working well and tolerating the inconvenience of other people within millimetres of them, has really impressed the rest of Australia. We really need to understand the impressiveness of what our health workers and health authorities have done. Really, as I said before, the only line I had left was: ‘We are just enormously proud of you’, and we are. So we have impressed the rest of Australia.
Talking to media about the calls that came in, they were also dealt with - the calls that came in from media outlets around the world. That was enormously intense over the last 24 hours, and they were dealt with well and graciously and informatively. The image of the Territory and how we have responded to this, I think we have grown again, as with other crises we face.
But it does not get away from the bottom line here: that an horrific and totally unjustifiable event has happened. So many have lost their lives, 180 at this stage - we do not know what that final figure will be – and 20 of those are Australians. We, as part of Australia, have to stand strong and say: ‘This is unacceptable, we will not tolerate these type of events’, and certainly balance that very strong line that we need to take that we will not tolerate that kind of terrorist attack and that we will work with, as Australians with the Indonesian authorities to make sure that we can support their efforts to tackle this. However, at the same time, we have to maintain an harmonious and tolerant Territory where we value our relaxed lifestyle, our openness, our accessibility and our tolerance. To put those two together is a balance, but I do not think it is incompatible. While we condemn this horrific event, we also value the importance of tolerance and access and the Territory spirit that we have.
Madam Speaker, this motion is an important one for the Territory, for this parliament. It is a sad day that we have to have it, and events like Saturday night, but the Territory has responded in a strong, caring, expert way and we should all be very proud.
Mr BURKE (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, as I said this morning, we as a country have experienced one of the worst peace time tragedies in our history. Our parliament should express its outrage, its sympathy and its condolences. It should also thank those Territorians who have so magnificently answered the call for help.
Words can never expunge the horror and emotion we all feel for what happened on Saturday night, but we have an urgent need to say them, to put some form to our outrage. This is not a disaster that is all over. Horribly, we do not yet know the extent of the tragedy and its effect on the Territory and on Australia. As the stories of the tragedy grow, the effect on all of us grows as well. Lists of missing and reports of the overall disaster initially have numbed us. It is just too big and too shocking to comprehend.
Now we are hearing the personal stories. Now we are hearing what happened to real people, not just statistics, like the parents who left their 19-year-old daughter behind in the Sari Club because she wanted to stay a little longer with the footballers she had just met from her home town. ‘Don’t be too late’, they urged her as they left. Now she will never come home. Or the father who put his two daughters aged six and nine on a plane back to Australia, telling them he would find mummy and bring her home. He has finally found her in the makeshift morgue. Sitting with his young daughters on the plane back to Australia were two 15-year-old family friends, and those girls will never see their mothers again.
This is terrorism. Forget the causes, the philosophies and the rights and the wrongs of the political system; this is terrorism - the brutal death of mothers and fathers and the senseless murder of sons and daughters. This abomination of mindlessly murdering people you do not know, people simply out enjoying themselves, is terrorism. Now and forever more we, in Australia, and we, in the Northern Territory, know the horror of terrorism - 12 October has ended our innocence as surely as 11 September ended it in America.
There is no justification for such acts. How can the slaying of so many innocents achieve any good thing? We must condemn, and condemn for always, such actions. We must commit here today to do all we can to fight terrorism wherever it manifests itself. We must commit here today that we will support our national government, the men and women of our Defence Forces and our police forces, in this terrible battle. Like it or not, we are part of this battle and there is no middle way - you either repudiate and fight terror, or you surrender to it. Our Prime Minister and our government deserve our support in the stand that they have taken.
To suggest that not taking such a tough stance would mean that this tragedy would not have happened, is to live in a fairy tale world. Those terrorists do not inhabit such a world; they do their own foul deeds in our world. No one should be left in any doubt that terror breeds on success, and success for the terrorist is the horror and mass murder of 11 September and 12 October. Terror must be beaten. It must be opposed with all that we have.
Yesterday in federal parliament, our Prime Minister emphasised to all Australians that we now live in different circumstances and different times, particularly now because what happened in Bali last weekend claimed so many of our own on our own door step. For Territorians, our proximity to Asia makes this message even more profound.
Terrorism has reached out to Australians and dealt us a brutal blow. It has struck at the heart of the gentle and peace loving people of Bali, and it has struck at the very foundations of the nation of Indonesia. Now is the time when we must stand firm against this evil and do all we can to support our government, and those of other nations, with an unyielding resolve to destroy this monstrosity that is trying to undermine the very fabric of our society. We could not begin to contemplate embarking on this sort of outrage, therefore we must ensure that those who do are brought to justice and the tentacles of their organisations throughout the world are destroyed.
In the words of the motion passed in the House of Representatives yesterday, with the support of all sides, we must affirm Australia’s commitment to continue the war against terrorism in our region and in the rest of the world. We must endorse this stance for the sake of those who have died or been injured, and the families and friends who survive them.
I spoke this morning of the families around the world whose lives have been put on hold by this nightmare. There are too many parents across Australia, Bali and elsewhere in the world, waiting today to hear the worst news any parent can receive; the news that their son or daughter is dead, that their son or daughter has been brutally murdered just for being on holidays. On television last night, I saw a mother and father waiting for some word about their missing son. The father said that they had lost his twin brother a few years ago, and now it looks like they have lost him as well. It is almost impossible to imagine the devastation being experienced by that family. To bring two sons into the world, to nurture them, to protect them, and then to lose one through a barbarous act of mass murder - that is terrorism.
A few have already heard of loved ones lost and we mourn with them, we grieve with them for their loss. This loss, perhaps, is made greater in the knowledge that these lives have been ended in a moment of joy and relaxation - people maliciously murdered as they danced or drank with friends. Ordinary people, horribly, many of them ordinary Australian people, enjoying their holidays in beautiful surroundings - they are no more. While we must and do grieve for them and their families and friends, we should also grieve for mankind that we allow this to happen.
We also feel for those injured, both physically and psychologically; for them life has changed forever. As one survivor whose family and friends regularly spent their holidays in Bali, and now has lost many of his family and friends said: ‘Never, never, never again’. There are those physically untouched, but now have indelibly implanted in their minds horrific images no one should be burdened with. ‘I saw people drop dead in front of me’, one 19-year-old girl said, ‘I saw people’s arms and legs falling off and they were crying. Their faces were black and their bodies were black’. We, too, have seen the black burnt bodies in the devastated streets of Kuta, and in the morgue of Denpasar. It is the second wave of this tragedy that people in Australia are being traumatised by what has happened. They are being traumatised by what they have seen and what they continue to hear. The epicentre of the terror may be in the narrow streets of Kuta, but the shock waves are spreading and encompassing us all.
What of the people of Bali; those wonderful people who have had such close relations with us for generations? Not only have they lost their sons and daughters too, but they have also lost a future. They are our neighbours and our friends and, as the Chief Minister has said, we have a special relationship with them on top of the special relationship we have with Indonesia as a whole. Their island is only two hours and 20 minutes away from Darwin, closer to us than any capital city in Australia. Their home has been a destination for Territorians for generations, but how long will it before we again feel like going to that devastated island?
Today is not a day to speak of economic matters, but this abomination of 12 October will have far-reaching effects on the Territory, as well as Bali. In the years to come, we will see the tentacles of this terror reach out beyond the families of the dead and injured to include even more innocent people. In the months ahead, we will have to address these issues, but not today. Today is a day for mourning. In the days ahead, we will also need to look at security issues, and what we should have done and can do to ensure all has been achieved that can possibly be achieved to prevent such terrible happenings. But not today; today we grieve. Today we rage at what has been done and today we commit ourselves to do all we can to help those injured, and those who lost relatives and friends. Today we rage that our little corner of the world has been attacked; that our safety, our innocence and our security has been taken from us.
We have been attacked before, both by war and natural disaster, now we see the heinous hand of terror reaching out to include us in its evil sphere. We must overcome it as surely as we did those early attacks. We must not succumb, because that would offer terror a victory when it must be given none.
The beginning of that response to terror and what it stands for, has already been demonstrated by nurses, doctors, Defence personnel, volunteers and police personnel. Today we give thanks to all those Territorians who, once again, have rushed to help their fellow human beings. Their action, dedication, and instinctive urge to help, are the best counter-attack ever on terrorism. It shows us our finest qualities in the face of these most evil actions. Territorians have been called on again to be the front line and, as they have in the past, our public servants at Royal Darwin Hospital, our Police Force, the Defence Force and personnel across other agencies, have had to answer the call. Others have offered their homes and their blood; anything that might help.
Then there are the unsung heroes and heroines. I head of some this morning; those who have been cleaning out the C130s to prepare them for the next mercy dash to Bali. They have had to deal with the terrible stench of burnt bodies and the overflow of the caring the victims have received on their way to Darwin. They have overcome their emotions and their revulsion to play their part in the rescue operations. There are many such people who play their own roles in such tragedies, from the cleaners to hospital administrators, from the pilots to the refuellers; and we thank them all today.
Unfortunately, more horror is to come with the dreadful process of identification of bodies and their repatriation, but we can expect all these people to continue to perform magnificently. The doctors and nurses led by Dr Len Notaras are performing above and beyond the call of duty. Since Sunday, 170 doctors, 550 nurses and 150 health staff have been working one non-stop shift. It has been a demanding and emotional time for all; demanding courage in the face of much horror. It has required sacrifice and dedication. Staff have had to be both angels of mercy and friend and counsellor to the injured and their grief stricken family and friends.
As I said this morning, I would hope in the days to come this parliament will be able to put on record our thanks to these wonderful people and record all of their names in the Parliamentary Record: the RAAF personnel, the medical teams, the airline crews - the response of them all has been awesome.
As I watched the television images of the unfolding events yesterday - the images in the morgues and hospitals in Bali and here in Darwin - I could not help but get drawn to the faces of those young men and women of our Defence Forces in uniform. These young men and women were helping people trying to locate loved ones, counselling those who had confirmation that a friend or relative had been killed, or assisting with the treatment and evacuation of the injured. They are so young themselves; most are of a similar age of the Australians who have felt the full brunt of the terror.
No amount of training can prepare anyone for this. No uniform can shield those human emotions that engulf anyone caught up in these events. They are performing magnificently as Australia swings into action to deal with this cataclysmic event, and I am so proud of them. But they will need support after this is over. The television cameras will move on and they, and others like our wonderful hospital staff, will need to be helped. We must ensure that that help is there for our heroes and heroines.
It is a terrible, tragic day that we should have this motion before us, but the knowledge that there are so many good people to respond to this evil must give us hope. We owe it to them, to those who have died and those who have been injured, to go on from today determined to defeat terrorism. Just as those who perished in Kuta on 12 October 2002, and those who were murdered on 11 September 2001, had no choice, nor do we. We must rid the world of terrorism and those that perpetrate such abominations.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I fully support the motion before us and also endorse the words of both the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. I do not intend to repeat those words because they have said much of how I feel and, I think, that many Territorians feel. So I would like to give a small response to the motion.
There is a danger that we become immune to such terrible events, especially those events such as 11 September and the continuing violence in the Middle East. Now the menace that terrorism is to the peace of, not only other parts of the world, but also Australia, has come home to us in a terrible way. This tragedy also highlights the fragility of life: how quickly life can be extinguished, and in reverse, how precious life is. Many of those who died were at the stage of life when they were living it to the full, and that life has been cut short by a wanton act of mass murder.
Perhaps through this horror we have an opportunity to think about living our lives to the full; to care for our families and to treat one another decently and kindly, even if we have our differences. These differences are unimportant when put into perspective. Our prayers should be with all those affected by this terrible tragedy: those who have died, the injured or the traumatised, no matter their country of origin - Australian, Balinese, Indonesian, or from other countries. They have families and loved ones and as we know, sorrow and grief has no racial bounds.
Our continual thanks to all those who have helped, from the overworked and overwhelmed Balinese doctors and nurses, to the firemen, the police, our Defence Force personnel, our doctors and nurses, St John Ambulance members, and all those Territory people who have helped to lessen the suffering of others. The real world has come to our doorstep. Let us hope and pray that sanity can prevail in this world so that we, and our children can live on an earth which is safe and peaceful.
Today, as we pray for the dead and the injured, let us also pray for peace, so that this tragedy is never repeated. We must be strong, we must fight terrorism. God protect Australia.
Mr REED (Katherine): Madam Speaker, it is on occasions like this it is difficult to find words appropriate to do justice to the circumstances. It is an occasion when we find that all Australians are truly and deeply shocked by the events that took place on 12 October in Bali. Those of us, of which I am one, who have travelled extensively through Indonesia - from West Timor through Denpasar, Jakarta and into Sumatra, representing this government - have an awareness as to both the relationship that Territorians, through this and previous governments, have with the people of Indonesia, and an awareness of the gentleness of the people of Indonesia. It is appropriate for us to consider these matters in that context and not be taking out on the people of Indonesia any particular hatred in relation to these events. They, I expect, would be as deeply shocked as we are in relation to this dreadful event, and the death and injury that is caused to people of Bali itself, to many Australians, and to many other nationals.
It is also these types of events that really do alert us to the dangers that we face in the world today, and the reasoning behind the actions of our federal government since 11 September last year, and the actions of many other governments in combating terrorism, and putting mechanisms in place to enable the free and peaceful people of the world to be able to live freely. It is a sobering time for us in considering those plans and future actions that may take place, and the very unfortunate necessity for them in the event that they may become more hostile, in terms of a response, than we might otherwise want or would otherwise have expected.
We think today of the victims, the injured - some shockingly injured. There is possibly no other injury worse than burns, being so very painful, life disfiguring and, certainly for too many of those victims, life threatening in the circumstances that they currently face.
That has been exacerbated by the awful problems that would have been experienced, I expect, by the Indonesian health authorities and the ability for the hospitals and medical services in Bali to be able to respond, and the possibility of serious infection further compounding the injuries that these people face. Medical specialists in Australia will have difficulty in dealing with this in assisting them.
We think of those who were enjoying themselves on holidays and are no longer with us who, through total innocence, have had their lives taken, and the bereavement that their friends and relatives are now going through. At lunch time today, watching the midday ABC News bulletins on ABC television, as a parent, it is very hard to comprehend how you would deal with such a circumstance; with mothers and fathers and other children and their children sitting around the lounge room at home, worrying about their lost loved ones. Then the next item on the news bulletin showing the most devastating of pictures of the remains, the body parts of people, being held in containers full of ice because of the inadequate services that are available to cope with such a disaster, and how that then would further impact and cause further trauma in the dreadful experience that those parents, other relatives and friends are going through. How one relates to that is very difficult; how one deals with it as a parent is, in my view, incomprehensible, as a parent of three kids.
So, it is all very difficult stuff to get one’s mind around, and to be able then to relate to those people who are trying to assist in the best way possible those who are injured, and get them back to their respective countries or to better medical attention. In that regard, when first hearing the reports on ABC radio and seeing them on television on Sunday morning, with the experiences that I have been through as a former government minister in dealing with such circumstances, one thing I did have was absolute and total confidence in the ability for public servants and community organisations and the Defence Forces in Australia and, particularly, here in the Territory, to be able to cope with that.
That is not to under-sell the effort that they have put in since they have started receiving the victims of this tragedy, but it is intended to underscore the confidence that we can have in the professionalism that we can expect, and that we do receive, from our public servants and community organisations and Defence personnel and the Northern Territory Police Force. It is not to be taken lightly and the fact that they have been able to respond in such an incredible way - not just dealing with the need to assist people and to treat them and to care for them, but dealing at the same time with their own personal difficulties in being away from their own homes and having, of course, to extend comfort to the friends and relatives of those people who they either have to deal with directly or indirectly over the telephone and by other means.
Again, it is hard to find words appropriate, or to be able to relate to the difficulties that our people in the Northern Territory are experiencing in providing those services. It is one thing for us to be able to stand up here and talk about it and express our feelings, but to be able to do it in a way that one considers to be effective and to carry sufficient weight and feeling, I find very difficult. It is something that we, as members of parliament representing the people of the Northern Territory, can be very, very proud of: that we have people who can respond in the most awful circumstances and to the most demanding situations in such a prompt, effective and professional way. We should all feel very proud of them at this time.
The Australian Defence Forces, again have come to the fore in providing transport and other comfort and services to so many Australians and other nationals who are in need as a result of the dreadful tragedy of last Saturday. It somewhat under-sells the efforts of the Royal Australian Air Force personnel in just using the blanket term Australian Defence Forces. Whilst I have no doubt that the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army would also have contributed in this regard, it is entirely relevant to consider the enormous effort of the Royal Australian Air Force personnel: the hours that they spent flying aircraft; the logistical support that is required to get those aircraft prepared, and to keep them maintained and to clean them; and to comfort the patients they have been transporting to Australia. It is an enormous task in itself and something that the Leader of the Opposition referred to, one that cannot be expected to be covered in any training program. It is just something that, in the case of our Defence Force personnel and so many others, they have the ability to come to the fore when their services are required, and to do it in a way that is very difficult to comprehend in terms of the extent and high level of professionalism and care that they have provided.
Similarly, we should look beyond the nurses and the doctors. Such an enormous task that they have had before them, and such an enormous response and high level of service they have provided. But assisting them, too, we have the orderlies and the cleaners; the people in the kitchens, who are providing the food for the staff and the patients; the other carers, who necessarily must be counselling victims, counselling the relatives and friends of victims; and all of the other support workers. I name just a few, which is rather inadequate in trying to express, comprehensively and in an appropriate way, all of the people who are taking part in this recovery operation and dealing with the people who were affected by this dreadful tragedy.
But I think it appropriate that we do extend ourselves beyond those individuals who are recognised, quite rightly so, and have been. I guess I relate to a television interview this morning, I think on National Seven, when Dr Len Notaras was interviewed. In the closing remarks, the interviewer expressed her appreciation on behalf of Australians to Dr Notaras for the job that he has done, and without a blink of an eye or any hesitation whatsoever, he passed by the opportunity to take any credit himself and directed that expressed appreciation to the staff, when he said:
- It is the staff who have done the job. I am but one player in this operation, and all of that credit and
appreciation should be extended to the staff of Royal Darwin Hospital, and all of those people between
there and Bali who have provided assistance to the people who required it, and done it so quickly,
responded so effectively, and done it in such a caring way.
It is heartening to have heard today the expressions of sympathy and support from world leaders: Prime Minister Blair of Great Britain, President Bush of the United States, and the words of our own Prime Minister. Over the last few days, he has made very responsible public comments; and given effective support provided by the Australian government since 11 September last year. Now, in relation to this particular tragedy, we have the sobering remarks of the Prime Minister in relation to the awareness that we should all have as to the changed circumstances that we all face in a world that is completely different - where wars are no longer fought between nations but in the arena of terrorism, with unpredictable attacks such as the horrendous mass murder that we now are talking about in relation to the events of 12 October in Bali - and how that it impacts on all of us.
Whilst we here might be of the view that so many people take - and no doubt some who even today received the advice from the Australian government that they should not travel to Bali, they should reconsider their travel plans if they are, in fact, booked - but it is by human nature we often say: ‘But it will not happen to me’. The sobering messages that we must take from these events are that it can happen to us. As much as we might dislike it, as uncomfortable as it might make us, and of so much concern that it may be to us, if we put ourselves in the position - if it is at all possible to do so - of those parents who are wondering about the wellbeing of loved ones who were in Bali that they have not heard of since last weekend, and relate that to our own circumstances and perhaps to our families, then you can get some understanding that it can happen to us. If not directly to ourselves, perhaps to one of our children, a friend or a relative, because that is precisely what has happened since last weekend and those tragic events.
With those words, I support very strongly and sympathetically this condolence motion. I extend my very personal sympathies to all of those people who have been injured and, especially and very deeply, to those people who have lost loved ones and close relatives and friends in the tragic mass murder of last week. As I said in my opening remarks, I extend that level of sympathy very warmly to the people of Indonesia, because I believe, very strongly, that they too would be simply as shocked as we are in relation to this, and would be finding it just as difficult as we are, to find the appropriate words to express their concerns and their disbelief that this could ever have happened.
Mr HENDERON (Business, Industry and Resource Development): Madam Speaker, I also join in support of the motion before the parliament today, and speak after some very accurate and personal accounts that other members proceeding me in debate have put.
No cause can justify the horrific events of Saturday night. There is no cause that can justify those events and, to stand here in this parliament today this, for me, puts politics into perspective in terms of representing the people who elect us to this place, with the responsibilities that we have. It really brings home that our absolute responsibility is to work for peace. There is no justification for this type of brutality, and this type of brutality has to be stared down, has to be challenged, and these people have to be brought to justice. But the greater cause is peace, because the aftermath of events like this affect so many people and is so tragic that it is our absolute responsibility as politicians - wherever we are, whichever parliaments, and whichever corner of the world.
Like the Chief Minister, on Sunday morning when I turned the radio on and heard about the events in Bali, I was devastated and just could not believe it. I could not believe that this has happened so close to us. As the Chief Minister and other members have said, for people who live in Darwin Bali is our backyard, and we have all spent long periods over there. We work with and have friends who are always holidaying in Bali, people who have personal friendships developed over many years with the Balinese people - Balinese people who have seen our kids grow up and we have seen their kids grow up. It is all too personal. As well as being members of parliament, we are also parents and we have to try to describe these events and why they are happening to our children. It was brought home to me this morning when I was driving my two boys to school. The eldest boy, who is eight years of age, said: ‘Daddy, why do people fly aeroplanes into buildings and blow up cars?’ What do you say to an eight-year-old child who very innocently asks those questions as to why people fly aeroplanes into buildings and blow up cars? All I could say is that there are a small number of very bad people in this world and they will be brought to justice and put in gaol for the crimes that they have committed. It brings home that here in Darwin - peaceful Darwin - that Australian children, Darwin children, are losing their innocence. That is a tragic thing for children to lose their innocence and have to ask those types of questions. It is an innocence that we have to try to restore.
Terrorism is an increasing global scourge and it is the most insidious and vicious of all crimes, in that the perpetrators seek to murder and maim innocent people with one objective in mind, and that is to instil terror in the minds of people at a local, national or global level. These terrorists seek to achieve their cause not through the powers of persuasive rational argument, but by instilling terror in the broader population. These people must be brought to justice, they cannot escape the crimes that they have committed. We, as Australians, have to join with the rest of the world to bring these people to justice.
I have a personal reference point in terms of terror and what it can do to a population. I grew up in the United Kingdom and, as a teenager, I lived just outside of Southampton at a time that the IRA were inflicting terror on the mainland of the UK by planting bombs in pubs - bombs that were packed around the outside of the explosive with coach bolts and left under chairs in crowded pubs on busy nights just seeking to maim - not to kill - but to maim innocent people. One of my friends at the time was caught up in that. He was very badly injured in a pub in Southampton and ended up in hospital. It is terror that applies to the whole community. People are afraid to go out, to go through their normal business, and it is a very insidious crime.
As the Leader of the Opposition, Chief Minister, and the member for Katherine said, it is not only affecting Australians, it is now affecting the beautiful people of Bali, Indonesians, all of us. There would not be a member in this House who has not travelled at some time in Indonesia. Through the relationship that we have at all sorts of levels here in the Northern Territory, we understand that the Indonesians are just like us, they are peace loving people. The Balinese people are a wonderfully beautiful people and their innocence has been taken away from them by this event. Our grief will be shared by those Indonesian and Balinese people.
The Chief Minister and I did meet with the Indonesian Consul here in Darwin yesterday, and expressed our sympathy and grief for what has happened, and heard first-hand from the Consul the impacts that these events have had on the Indonesian people. Whilst the numbers still grow and the personal stories come through, there will no doubt be dozens, if not hundreds, of Balinese and Indonesian people who have been killed by this atrocious crime. The Consul told us that, at the back of the Sari Club were 27 homes which were totally destroyed by the blast. Certainly, many men, women and children would have been killed - Indonesian and Balinese people just going about their daily life in their homes. It is an absolutely heinous crime. Ultimately, the ties that we have with the Indonesian and Balinese people will only strengthen our relationship into the future when these people are brought to justice.
I would like to put on the record my absolute - I am trying to find the words here - total appreciation and acknowledgement of the wonderful work of all sorts of people, but particularly, as Defence Support Minister, our ADF personnel. I did speak with Brigadier Mike Silverstone this morning and had an update on what we were doing here in the Northern Territory. However, as the member for Katherine has said, it has predominantly been the Royal Australian Air Force that have borne the major role in responding to these tragic events. As the Leader of the Opposition said, it is all too easy for us to think of the ADF as a body of men and women and just see the uniforms. Behind the uniforms there are individual people, people with emotions, human beings like all of us, and no amount of training could equip them for what they have had to deal with over the last two days. Each of those individuals will be facing their own horrors at what they have seen, but they have responded magnificently. They have responded so professionally, and really are a credit to the ADF.
I would like to let members know specifically about events to date. The first of three RAAF C130 Hercules aircraft, specially configured for medical evacuation and with a fully equipped medical team on board, was deployed to Bali within hours of the Australian government becoming aware of the tragedy. Again, a tribute to the Commonwealth government and to the ADF in responding so quickly.
All these planes left Richmond, and were refuelled and controlled out of here. The second and third aircraft were both in Bali during the course of Sunday night to further assist with emergency care and evacuation to Darwin of those with the most serious injuries. In parallel with these life-saving actions by ADF air crew and medical teams, an ADF PC3 Orion aircraft was also deployed to transport Consular and Federal Police officials to Denpasar on Sunday night. A total of 66 evacuees have been transported from Denpasar in Bali to Darwin, and a total of six trips by C130s from Bali to Darwin have occurred. Again, a tribute to those men and women. The 66 evacuees, as we have heard, suffered some appalling injuries. Those RAAF personnel would have had to care and comfort those Australians as they were being bought back to Australia, and they have done a wonderful job. As Australians, we are very proud of their efforts.
We are a small community. We will all hear the personal stories from friends and relatives, constituents. I have spoken to a few people today in preparation for the debate, just to get some personal inside stories of, particularly, those wonderful people at Royal Darwin Hospital. Having worked there for a while myself - not in a medical capacity, but in an IT capacity - I can certainly say that there is an amazing spirit at Royal Darwin Hospital. People do not see themselves predominantly as doctors or nurses, or any of the admin or support staff, they all work for Royal Darwin Hospital. It is a very strong team atmosphere out there where, when they are called upon to respond - nobody could envisage responding to events such as this. I can understand how people have come together as a team and put in above and beyond the call of duty.
Talking to some people today who I know work out there, I was advised - and the Chief Minister spoke about it - that many of those medical and other staff at the hospital have worked more than 24 hours straight without a break. Who knows how long they have worked for now.
I was also advised that many people have just turned up at the hospital to volunteer their help, particularly some of our nurses who may not have practised for many years, for whatever reason. They have just turned up at the hospital and volunteered their time, and put a huge amount of time into assisting with the workload there. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition, it is totally appropriate, at a later time in this House, to record, if we can, all these names in the Parliamentary Record. It is not just the paid staff who have done a wonderful job, but we have had people turning up at the hospital with nursing and medical qualifications who have just volunteered their time.
The Chief Minister told the story about the pizzas turning up last night; it is an amazing story. However, I am also aware of a couple of other Darwin businesses, a company called Posh Nosh - people will have seen their advertising around the place – which donated food last night. I believe they are providing meals for the team again this evening. Paul’s Darwin, as well as Pizza Hut, have also contributed and donated food. No doubt, there will be many other examples in the business community. The Chief Minister mentioned NEC and ITS, but there will be many, many other examples of the business community, as well as individual Darwinians, who have volunteered their time or support in any which way. It just goes to show, again, what a wonderfully strong community we live in.
To those people out at Royal Darwin Hospital, friends of mine, ex-colleagues who I have worked with, people who I do not know, again, from this parliament, from myself as local member, we are proud of you and you are doing a magnificent job, as the Chief Minister said. That job will be recognised, not only Australia-wide. A lot of the victims have come from all over the world, and the care that they have received at Royal Darwin Hospital will surely be recounted around the world.
Other people and organisations have made a significant contribution. I have also spoken to the local management staff of Qantas and Garuda over the last couple of days. The Qantas staff made a huge effort. Again, the big Australian airline comes through at a time when we need them. It is a bit fashionable at the moment to bag Qantas in a number of areas but, at the time when Australia really does need a national or international carrier to assist, well, Qantas are always there. They are a wonderful organisation working on behalf of all Australians.
Individual Qantas staff in Darwin, many of whom immediately volunteered their time, got on their first flight and got over to Bali, and have been working in pretty stressful conditions out there at Denpasar Airport to assist on the ground - Darwin people just putting in. The horror and the grief that those people would have seen on the ground there at Denpasar can only be imagined.
Garuda has only four staff here in Darwin, but they have put in as well. They have offered support and back-up to Qantas to put additional flights on to Sydney and Perth, and are doing all sorts of things in terms of ferrying friends and relatives to Bali. It is a total commitment that they are here for the long haul, and we offer all of our support to those people who fly those Garuda aircraft and the ground staff here who work with them. It is a very tragic time for them.
We could go through everybody. Many members here have spoken about the police. I have a couple of constituents who are St John Ambulance members; I will catch up with them maybe later next week. However, seeing the film footage of all those ambulances lined up on the tarmac at Darwin Airport, the training that those St John Ambulance people receive and the time that they volunteer to that organisation could not have prepared them for the personal horrors that people have witnessed and what they have had to deal with. They have done a magnificent job.
I am proud to stand here and support this motion to acknowledge that, as Australians we are a peace loving people. However, we cannot stand by and see events such as this, that have come so tragically home to us and are going to affect personally so many hundreds, maybe thousands, of Australians. We have to bring the perpetrators of these evil crimes to justice and participate in whichever forums are available to us to do that.
I would like to finish on a point that somebody brought to my attention today. I do not know how widely known this is, but it is a salient and maybe a circumstantial point. The events of 12 October in Bali occurred at 11 pm, one year, one month and one day, past the 11 September attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. When you think that through, that is either an extraordinary circumstance or something that is just too insidious to behold. I will leave those thoughts with honourable members. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims and relatives of those caught up in this event. As a government, we resolve to do all that we can to help bring the perpetrators of this vicious crime to justice.
Ms CARTER (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I support the motion. I wish to express my sympathy on behalf of the people of Port Darwin, to the families and friends of those who have died. I guess it really came home last night watching the television coverage, when the stations and the reporters were speaking to the friends and the victims of this horrendous crime, with the shock that the people had experienced, the sorrow, the fact that people had lost not only their team mates, but their best friends and their families. I am sure many of you saw the brothers from one of the football clubs who had lost a brother in Bali, and how they were grieving at the time with their friends at the footy club.
Over the next few weeks, I daresay we are going to see much more footage of the people in Australia who are grieving for their loved ones who have died in Bali. One of the very sad aspects of this situation is that, just as happened with the World Trade Centre, many of the victims are probably never going to be found, and the families and friends will not have the comfort of being able to have a body and to know what has really happened to their loved one. There will be great sorrow as a result of that, because of the nature of this activity that has occurred. It is a really cruel blow; the fact that so many are missing and we may never know what has happened to them. My sympathy goes to the families and friends of those who have died.
Also, on behalf of the people of Port Darwin, my concerns now go, of course, to those who have been horribly injured. As we know, many of the victims have received extensive burns and this is such a cruel blow, because they are such nasty, long-term injuries. Many people will never recover from what happened to them on Saturday night.
As the Chief Minister advised recently, there are 160 people missing and, as I said, it reminds me of the World Trade Centre. I have just been advised that a person I know is missing. She is a prominent businesswoman here in Darwin, working in the CBD, has a very successful shop and I know she is extremely popular with her staff and her customers. I sincerely hope that this information will prove false and that our friend and business colleague will come back to us unharmed. As time goes on now over the next few days we are going to hear, perhaps, more of these stories and we will come to a very sad realisation that it has hit home in the Territory and that we have lost friends and loved ones as well.
My thoughts and my heart go out to the people who are now caring for the injured. I saw on television last night an interview with an Australian nurse who just happened to be in Bali and who went to the hospital there and offered her services. I am sure, for those who listened to her interview, you would have been touched by what a wonderful person she is and how this has affected her.
The Chief Minister said that she had been today to Royal Darwin Hospital to speak to the staff and how, when she had spoken to the staff members there, some of them had tears in their eyes when speaking to her. I have nursed people with burns from reception into the ward - this is at the old Darwin Hospital - where we had a man who was severely burnt here in Darwin. When I started to nurse him non-stop for three days he was quite conscious and aware of what was going on but, because of the extent of his injuries, there was nothing could be done for him. As you know, for people who have burns to 70%, 80%, 90% of their body, their chances of recovery are very, very slim. Over a period of three days, this man died. In those days, 20-odd years ago, there was no such thoughts of counselling and all of those sorts of things that we have now. I can assure you a still have extremely vivid remembrances of what a ghastly process it was for this man, and how it impacted on all of us.
This is now going to be compounded. I do not know the details of the patients at Royal Darwin Hospital, but I would suspect that there will be some patients who the nurses and the doctors and the other service providers there have been caring for, who will have very extensive burn injuries and, perhaps, are staying at Royal Darwin Hospital because the risk of transfer is too great. They may well be going through the process that this man I refer to went through.
I would encourage the minister to be able to provide, as I am sure she will, counselling services and support services to the staff of the hospital, because the trauma of nursing these patients is huge. You meet them conscious, you hold their hand, you talk to them but, over a period of a couple of days, they loose consciousness and eventually die. Fortunately, in this day and age, they are usually medicated very strongly with narcotics and, hopefully, they do not suffer too much in the process. However, for the nursing and other staff, it will be a very traumatic experience. For many of us here in Darwin it is not something that you frequently come across because, as you know, if there was a serious burn here in Darwin, the usual activity is to evacuate them nowadays interstate to a burns unit. So, at the moment I would suspect - and as I say I do not know the details - there maybe quite a number of seriously injured patients at Royal Darwin Hospital who may well be staying because they cannot be transferred due to how serious their injuries are. The nursing staff and others are going to have to come to terms, hopefully with assistance, with what they are going to be going through at the moment. I do send my concerns and sympathies to the families and the victims but, also, to the staff and volunteers who have been working so hard through this awful experience.
Like many of us, I have been to Bali on a number of occasions. I always say that the best week in my life was spent in Bali when I went with three other nurses. Just as these football teams have gone over with their mates, I went over with my best friends from Royal Darwin Hospital. We had a wonderful time and the local people were so great towards us. I can remember that we were quickly befriended by some of the locals, and the four us went on two moped motorbikes out into the bush, three on a moped – do not ask me how we managed to fit that into happening but that was normal practice in Bali in the day - no motorbike helmets, off into the bush to one of their villages to spend a couple of days in the village with the locals. They had some parties and some dances, as I recall, and we had a wonderful time with the local Balinese people. We also went diving up to north Bali at Lovina Beach and, really, had the most wonderful week. Of course, we centred a lot of time at our accommodation in Kuta. Like many of you here and many Territorians, I, too, have very fond memories of Bali and the wonderful people there.
I have heard from those who were in Bali on the weekend, and who have come back, that the local people are just standing around stunned. They cannot believe what has happened to their beautiful place, to Kuta, the centre of their tourist economy. I have real concerns that people such as ourselves will become reluctant to travel to Bali. I really think this would be a terrible thing to happen. This is when terrorists have won; when we change our behaviours drastically to suit what they have imposed upon us. I hope that, over the next few years, Australians and Territorians in particular, will regain confidence to go back to Bali, which is often our playground. It is cheaper to go to Bali than just about anywhere else in the world for us, including our own capital cities. As a result, many of us, and particularly our young people, go to Bali for the wonderful experience that it is.
I have to say, though, that looking at the photograph in the NT News - I think it was yesterday - there was a photo taken from above the city centre that looked onto Kuta. It appeared that a good sized city block had been absolutely devastated by this explosion. It made me think of Darwin, and, in particular, of our areas where people go out at night to enjoy themselves. So I am obviously not putting too fine a point on it, but I am sure you know what I am talking about. It could happen anywhere. It looks just like our place if something terrible happened.
I applaud the statements of the Prime Minister and the activities of the Chief Minister to work to increase our security here. It is obviously something that is going to need to be done, but it is such a sad situation that we have come to that.
The people who, I assume, committed this crime are more than likely religious extremists. Bali, as we know, is a country predominantly Hindu and Buddhist. It may well be that the people who have perpetrated this crime are Muslim extremists. We need to remember that these are total extremists, and I hope with all of my heart that nobody brings any of this home to our local Muslim community, because that would be appalling. We know who they are here; we know they are peace loving people and how outraged they will be if this is, indeed, extremists from another country whom the authorities find responsible. It would be appalling if, in any way, any of us or anyone associated with us or our community, tries to blame and take it out on our local Muslim community - a community which is so important to us and of whom we should be very proud that they are here and living with us in harmony and peace.
With regards to the people who have perpetrated this crime, I hope they are found. They may well not be, but I hope they are found. I hope they are punished. My concern, of course, is that I do not think you really can punish these sorts of people. They know full well what they have done; they have done it for some very strange and perverse motives. Whatever is done to them, they will just brush it off; it is nothing. Even if they should be executed as a result of their crime - because that may well be a punishment in Indonesia, I do not know - they will probably go quite gladly to an execution because that is the sort of people that they are. They do not hold life dear and it is just a very strange situation that people can perpetrate crimes such as this.
To conclude, Madam Speaker, I support the motion. On behalf of my electorate, I extend my sympathies to those who have suffered.
Mr STIRLING (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, it has been said that no cause exists in this world that would justify the mass slaughter of people such as we saw in Bali last weekend. More information will, undoubtedly, come out over time that, horrific as it was, it would appear to have been calculated to inflict the absolute maximum possible damage on people rather than everything else. That is predicated on the fact that there was a smaller explosion on one side of the street in the Padi Bar before this massive car bomb explosion outside the Sari Club.
In times of great need, whether it is flood, fire, drought - there are so many things happen in Australian history in my lifetime that make me enormously proud to be Australian. None more so than the first pictures of those C130Es lumbering out of Richmond Air Force Base in Sydney to carry those medical teams through to Bali. As uncomfortable and as slow and cumbersome as they are - and I speak from personal experience – they would have been about the best sight that those people at the other end, waiting in Bali for the quality medical care that those people can despatch quickly and without fuss, would ever see. They got them back here for stabilisation through RDH, and then on to those specialist units down south closer to home for them.
It seems that when it comes to services, and Defence Forces in particular, we are a lucky country. If you go back just to 1999, it was the Army and Mr Cosgrove that was the hero of the day in the stablilsation of Dili after the sacking of Dili in 1999. It was the Navy that was the hero of the day with the rescue of the lone English sailor, way down south of Perth. This time, it encapsulated to me, at least, the visible face of the forces: it was those massive Hercules C130E aircraft hitting the air - not a short trip at the speed they do - to get away from Sydney, right across the continent and into Bali.
My colleague, the member for Wanguri, also paid tribute to Qantas. We have seen this type of attitude from Qantas before with not only extra flights but, indeed, everything possible to get those people that they could, not just back to Australia but, indeed, back to their place of residence.
Everything that is strong and positive and good about the Australian ethos, which I have just spoken about, is absolutely magnified when we come to the Territory level. As much as the Territory is a microcosm of Australia, all of those strengths and positives are 10 times plus at the Territory level. We saw in 1999 - and the Chief Minister referred to it, and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition may well have referred to it as well - the generosity with the evacuees from Dili coming to Darwin, and how the community of the Northern Territory, as a one, opened their hearts - every community centre fundraising and donating goods and, of course, our own services. We saw then the extraordinary efforts of police, not just Royal Darwin Hospital, but Health staff from all other Territory centres coming into Darwin to help out at that time.
As much as we are a small jurisdiction, when the pressure is on, these people perform absolutely magnificently, and they sustain what is a high quality output of service under massive workload stresses for such time as is necessary to see that crisis through. There is a cycle to these types of events where, in this case, there was some warning for the hospital to prepare as the Chief Minister said. By lunch time she had the go–ahead to contact the Commonwealth, and say: ‘RDH stood by and ready’. So there is the build-up and, I guess, a rapid increase to the maximum utilisation of every resource you have available at the height of the unfolding situation, and then there is a wind-down to stablilisation. We will see that normal cycle of events carried through here.
I pick up on what the member for Port Darwin was saying before, because it is at that time, when the crisis is through and you begin to wind back to normality and a more stable situation, that management, more than ever, would need to be aware of the effects of the stress, the trauma - not just the simple workload - but the horrific casualties that these people have been dealing with, that they do have proper processes in place by way of counselling services to deal with those effects on that staff.
The member for Port Darwin made mention of the fact that of all the injuries that can be inflicted on the human body, burns are the most traumatic. They are the most painful, the most serious in terms of time to get on top of them. They are most at risk of infection and, given the treatment and the facilities available throughout Bali, not a great start to get on top of the massive injuries that we have seen here.
Whilst the job is on, people are concentrated, focussed; they have the job at hand. As that winds down, management will need to be very aware of helping people work through - when it is time for all of that comes out - the feeling of having coped but the overwhelming trauma of having to deal with those horrific injuries; and will need to have proper processes in place.
The Police, Fire and Emergency Services has been heavily involved in the work done in the wake of this tragedy. I want to make recognition of some of those efforts, and I am glad to see they were included in the motion before us. On Monday, 14 October, members were deployed at the airport and at Royal Darwin Hospital for the arrival of the flights. They were tasked to ensure security of arrivals and to facilitate the access of those victims to medical treatment. Therefore, they provided traffic control at major intersections between Darwin Airport and Royal Darwin Hospital and it was continued throughout the day; and assistance provided with movements of people from Royal Darwin Hospital to the airport for those persons being on-forwarded for further treatment at southern ports. Police members were involved in security at the Indonesian Consulate and the consular residence until they were replaced by Australian Protective Services staff flown in from Brisbane for that purpose. The Regional Counter Disaster Committee met at 0900 hours in the Emergency Operation Centre to confirm the coordination arrangements for all the arrivals and flights south.
On 15 October, there was a more minimum police response required as the majority of patients were conveyed via RAAF buses, and emergency vehicle escorts were not necessary. However, police attended at the domestic terminal and disembarkation of Qantas passengers occurred without incident. The Darwin Regional Counter Disaster Committee met again at 1000 hours with all agencies involved represented and reporting favourably regarding the current operation.
Australian Federal Police representative, Federal Agent Ken Harding, briefed the committee on the Australian Federal Police investigation plan, and provided some basic information on briefs and intelligence received in Bali. Members should be aware that offers have been made by the Northern Territory Police to assist the Australian Federal Police in relation to the crime investigation, but it has not advanced at this stage. The activities of the police are ongoing as the lead agency in the response, and I will seek to keep the House advised of the work they have done throughout the process.
It just leaves me to say that my thoughts and prayers - and, indeed, the thoughts and prayers of all of us - and sympathy go to all of the families of all nationalities caught up in this event. We just hope that as many as possible get their way through to full fitness and health, and resume normal lives in the fullness of time.
Mr DUNHAM (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, I support the motion and applaud those who have spoken before me on the depth of their contribution and the great emotion that such a motion brings.
As a 16-year-old, I was fortunate enough, I suppose, to travel to Europe and some places in Asia and some Middle Eastern countries. I recall being surprised and somewhat stunned at the preparedness of other places for war and for attacks on their sovereignty. Indeed, I was in the United Kingdom approximately the same time as the member for Wanguri, and London was in the spate of some bombings. Windows were sandbagged, there was routine frisking of people going into restaurants and theatres and whatever, and there was a great sense of dread in the community. A bomb went off in Oxford Circus when we were there and, if anybody has been on the underground in London, you would realise just how much panic was in the community. I recall being on a platform once and there was an unattended bag on the platform. It was pointed out by somebody and, within milliseconds, the whole crowd was wondering whether we should rush for the exit. Belatedly, somebody put his hand and said: ‘Yes, that is my bag’, and there were about 200 people ready to strangle this bloke. But it gives you an impression of how much stress is injected into the local community.
I went to Iran and, pretty much everywhere you went, you saw evidence of military hardware. Even in places with a great heritage of peace, like Switzerland, there were people who were conscripted into the army and there were plates under the roads in the tunnels ready to cut the country off in event of war. Our fellow travellers included people from South Africa who had spent time on one of South Africa’s various fronts. There were Americans who were still engaged in Vietnam, and there were young Australians who had returned from Vietnam. It was a sense of great shock to me because I realise that, in Australia, we take peace for granted. At that stage, we had been engaged in Vietnam, but we still, on the mainland, saw wars as something we fought in other places.
My mother was evacuated from the Northern Territory after the bombing, and I also saw Cyclone Tracy and the devastation and evacuation that occurred after that. But in each of those we knew who the enemy was. We knew with the bombing of Darwin and the cyclone what we were dealing with. We knew we had a tangible enemy, threat, and we knew how to resolve ourselves to face that in a common way.
What we have in front of us is a world that has changed definitely for this community. I do not think there can be a more pressing motion to be debated in this House than the motion we are debating now. While at the start of this motion we were expressing our concern, our condolences, our outrage and anger, and our thanks, there are steps that must flow from this. This is a first step for many, many things and they will survive, as the Leader of the Opposition said, of matters relating to economics, for other debates at other times. But we should remember, as legislators, that we have to do something. We cannot sit impotent and watch this as a spectator. We cannot use this Chamber as a place for empty debate. We have to now resolve to move forward in a variety of ways to ensure that our citizens remain safe. That is why we are elected. We are elected for the good government and the safety and the orderly habitation of this wonderful place in the world.
There is a great sense of solemnity and responsibility that comes with this motion. We, as parliamentarians and as legislators, have to look to the future, we have to learn from what this calamitous event in Bali last weekend has taught us, and we have to be strong in the face of it. I do not think there could be any motion that could take precedence over this today. What we are talking about here is exactly the priority task for this parliament.
Some speakers have talked about how there will be an impact, for instance, on staff for some time to come. Some speakers have talked about there will be, hopefully, nobody from the Territory injured from the bomb blast. Both of those are fallacies. People who have been first-hand involved in this will be injured forever - forever. It is not physical injury or necessarily even physical or mental scarring, but this will stay with people, whether you are a carer or a nurse or a spectator or a relation, this will stay with you to your grave. Therefore, there are many of us injured in the Territory. All of us have had what has been described as our sense of innocence or safety injured. We have been assaulted as a community and assaulted in the sense that, things that we held dear and precious have been vandalised and they are things that are irretrievable. We cannot wave magic wands; we cannot introduce new acts of parliament to fix it. It has happened, it is broken and it is beyond any repair.
What we have to do is be pragmatic about our approach, so I would implore those people who sit in this Chamber to take this as a very serious note that we all must heed. I am very pleased that, nationally, there seems to be a very strong bipartisan approach to this, and among our strong allies in the UK and the USA, there seems to be a strong sense of camaraderie and empathy in relation to the Australian people.
I turn to the Royal Darwin Hospital in particular because it is an institution that is very dear to Territorians and is often unfairly pilloried or criticised for a variety of reasons. I start by talking about four doctors. Dr Di Stephens is in charge of the ICU. She is a wonderful person whose demeanour you would think would not suit her to such a sombre place - a very happy person and a very good practitioner.
Dr Didier Palmer works in Accident and Emergency, a terrible place to work, and I am happy to put that on the record. He was fundamental in driving some of the structural changes that have been put into Royal Darwin Hospital. We have never been satisfied with our A and E in terms of its structure. In terms of who works there, the services they dispense, their great human repertoire of skills, it is an immense resource for this community and for Australia, which has just been proven. So, thank you, Didier.
Gary Lum is currently the poor bloke who is in charge of Royal Darwin Hospital. He has another job, which is also very busy, in charge of pathology. I do not know how he gets through his work day with the immense workload that he has to carry. I understand that he was an applicant for the position and has been unsuccessful, but it does not detract from the immense talent and resource of this man.
The fourth and last is Dr Len Notaras, who deserves great accolades from this place. Len is a man, on a good day, who has great capabilities in the face of his every day work which is the chaos, the crises and the trauma that surrounds a hospital like Royal Darwin. When you really see him in action is when you multiply that by a factor of many hundreds, which is what we have seen. The cool, calm Dr Notaras in the face of what, in other jurisdictions and hospitals would have been insurmountable by some of the people who carry the workload at his level, is a great testament to this man. He is a great treasure for the Northern Territory.
I have named just four doctors. It is not intended that there is any hierarchy approach to that, but those four work units that those people have are probably the ones that bore the greatest brunt. Within those work units, obviously, there are practitioners of many talents, skills and professions, particularly nursing staff. Those nursing staff deserve our great thanks and appreciation. There is no doubt, as my colleague the member for Port Darwin said, that the trauma will live with them for a long time. They do a job which increasingly requires greater specialisation and skilling and, unfortunately for them, for whatever reason, many of them would not be specifically trained in burns management. This is becoming a more and more highly specialised area, and there would have been a very sharp learning curve for some of these nurses, who would have brought their general nursing competency to bear for the best interest of their clientele, their patients, and it would have had the support of staff from other states, including two teams, I understand, from South Australia. I give them great thanks.
If you then go through the entire hospital, you will see that that great esprit de corps in that hospital would have come to the fore. Certainly, other speakers have mentioned people, from cleaners to telephonists, to receptionists, to whatever. Many of them are my friends, and I thank them for what they have done. We must find some way to give them due applause. By mention in the Parliamentary Record is one thing but, for those of us who know them, it should be by personal recognition.
When I was the minister, ICU, the Intensive Care Unit, was frequently well over its bed numbers. It is a small, highly specialised unit that can go up to some 20 beds at a pinch, but requires dedicated specialised nursing; highly technical, sophisticated equipment; and it is a dedicated unit for people who have high acute health needs. This unit, at the time of the calamity, had one patient in it and, if you look for some of the fortunate circumstances - and there are not many that came out of this - the ICU had almost maximum capacity available.
I thank the minister for the briefing that we received from her staff and herself. I understand, also, that there was a conference with specialised intensivists, or something, in town who were able to also deploy their skills. I also understand from people at Royal Darwin Hospital, we had very few people come to Accident and Emergency over the last few days.
These are extremely rare circumstances. Normally, it is a very busy place with a high level of admissions through Accident and Emergency. Normally, we would not have that level of specialisation sitting in town able to be quickly deployed, and normally ICU would have lots of people in it. I guess, if we are looking for small mercies, there are some of them. The biggest mercy to whom our gratitude goes is our human resources at Royal Darwin Hospital, and those people who attend on it: the non-government sector in the chaplaincy services, Red Cross, St John Ambulance Brigade, the various agencies like Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul and others, that are able to provide tangible help in the form of clothing and counselling, and assistance in other ways. I am sure all would have come to the fore.
Indeed, we have seen that whenever this place has had to call on resources such as that. The various floods, particularly the Katherine flood, the cyclone and East Timor. I can recall going to tent city during the East Timor crisis and seeing Red Cross workers from Katherine walking in with a jaunty walk and a smile on their face. It was good to see people coming to aid people without a great worried expression on their face, and a great sense of being so concerned as to be ineffective. The happy, ready and competent support that these organisations bring is a great testament to the endowment that these people have given Darwin.
While we are on small mercies, also, if we look to the fact that I know the emergency plan has only just recently been updated. I know some people who are involved in it, so it is contemporary. It works off some practical knowledge, not only that people gain from going to training sessions and other places where they trial and post mortem various scenarios but, also, the fact that many of the people in our hospital and community settings have experienced some of the issues that have crossed our portals at Royal Darwin Hospital.
I would like to thank, too, the Defence Forces. The previous speaker spoke about the Navy plucking a lone yachtsman from the icy seas south of Perth, but I can recall what the Navy did after Cyclone Tracy. They came in by chopper. They did the hardest work of all, which was to go to a wrecked site and to locate the smell which, in 98% of the cases, was the fridge, and to clean it and to do some cleaning up around the sites. In the other 2% of the cases, it could have been a human they were looking for who had been missing. The Navy did this with no draw on the town at all. They were quartered and fed on their boats, choppered into school ovals and worked, and we will always be grateful for what they did.
The Army is well represented in my electorate, and I know when we talk about the things I commenced this speech with - and that is what we as parliamentarians decide to do about the next steps - it is a pretty scary thing for people who are serving members of our Defence Forces, because we are sitting in here in the great security and comfort of this place, talking about excursions for finding the perpetrators, and punishment and those sorts of things. The instrument that will be used is our Defence Force. I applaud the high standard of readiness that is evident in our Defence Forces now, having been deployed in East Timor and other situations. My heart goes out to their families. I can recall visiting schools when the East Timor crisis was on, and many of the questions came from young school children whose parents were in the Defence Forces. It is a difficult thing, as the member for Wanguri said, to talk to young children about the world we live in and the danger that it poses to us and to our families. We will be well served by our men and women in uniform, whether it is to do with peacekeeping missions, with the type of civilians support that they have readily shown in other crises, with the retrieval and evacuation of our citizens abroad, or whether it is in a more militaristic role. Our Defence men and women serve us very, very well and this community owes them a great debt.
The circumstances over the next week are going to get closer and closer to each of us personally, and we should take this opportunity to take stock of ourselves, the world, what we are effectively elected here to do as parliamentarians, and to make sure that our contribution in this community - first and foremost I guess as people elected to lead – is that we show that leadership to our communities and our constituents and take the role of consulting, talking and deciding. That decision-making rests with us and rests with our federal counterparts and, while the debate carries some jingoism, emotion and rhetoric, it should be a debate that is inclusive, level-headed and looks at options that put the best interest of Australia first.
I wholeheartedly support the motion, and I am glad for the opportunity to place firmly on the record my great gratitude to those who have assisted at this time of crisis.
Mrs AAGAARD (Health and Community Serivces): Madam Speaker, I speak in favour of the motion. In my opinion, terrorism is never acceptable and, as I am sure were all Territorians and Australians, I was horrified to hear about the bombings in Kuta Beach in Bali.
As has already been mentioned by many honourable members today, Bali is a place which is so close to the Territory and where so many people go just for a holiday; it is cheaper than going to other parts of Australia. It is a place many Territorians have visited and have enjoyed themselves there. They go there to relax; they do not expect to go there and to be blown up in a nightclub. It is absolutely horrifying. I certainly and sincerely hope that whoever has committed these terrible acts will be brought to justice.
I guess this particular act has been poignant for me, given that 12 October was actually my daughter’s ninth birthday. Like all honourable members and, certainly as a minister, I have very, very little time to spend with my family. I had quarantined 12 October as a time that I would spend with 10 squealing nine-year-olds, and had spent the day having a lot of fun with them, full of life and laughter and lots of party food and lollies and things like that. So having spent that experience, I then, very early on 13 October, received a call from my department letting me know that in fact, there had there been the bombings in Bali - because I had not been listening to the media earlier in the morning - and that the Royal Darwin Hospital was likely to be a place where we would be receiving a number of victims of these bombings throughout the day.
I could only tell you that the stark contrast between those two things was quite amazing for me. The time that you spend with your family and the time that you hear that such a violent act could happen to people in Australia – Australians - is just fairly unbelievable to those of us living here in such a peaceful place. I agree with the member for Wanguri, whose son asked him how could this kind of thing happen. My daughter certainly asked me about that as well, and I really was not able to answer that question at all. All I can say is that life is very precious, and it is something that we usually take for granted. Occasions like this remind us that we really do need to be more mindful of the importance of life.
Having heard from my department about the likelihood of people coming into the Royal Darwin Hospital, throughout the day I received reports and was updated regularly both by Dr Len Notaras and by acting CEO, Mr Graham Symons, both of whom showed incredible professionalism in the face of this very serious crisis. On Sunday night, I visited the hospital quite late to talk to staff, and to listen to the plan that they had for the evacuation. I must say that, from the word go, the staff have been absolutely fantastic. I heard stories about people volunteering from around the Territory to come to Darwin to work at the hospital. Certainly nurses, many of whom had been working very long hours already, were volunteering to come in and make sure that they were working when people came in. My thanks specially to those people.
Some of the most amazing things were that, as the Chief Minister mentioned, only six weeks ago there had been an updated emergency procedures and that, on Friday in fact, staff had met at the Royal Darwin Hospital to just make sure that those procedures were correct and accurate, and that staff would know exactly what to do in the case of an emergency.
Also, intensive care, as the member for Drysdale mentioned, only had one patient. This must be a record for the Royal Darwin Hospital. Certainly, it is often under heavy pressure and, to only have one patient, is extraordinary. I understand that one of the patients – in fact it must have actually been this patient – had had a heart attack, and when he heard that people were going to be coming in from Bali he actually said: ‘Can I please be discharged?’ Of course, he had only just had a heart attack and was completely unsuitable to go home, and the staff had to, basically, say to him: ‘You must stay here’. That shows the kind of people that we have in the Territory – people who, even when they are under a lot of health problems, are willing to volunteer to move on as well.
One of the other things has been the incredible support from other parts of Australia. A burns team from South Australia was immediately discharged to Darwin and has been here for the whole time, and has provided an absolutely fantastic service to the people of the Northern Territory. My thanks, particularly, to the South Australian government for offering that support. I should say also that we have had offers of support, I think from every other government in Australia, for extra nurses or doctors if we require them. At this stage, we have not had to take up that offer, which I am very pleased to be able to say. I have had calls from both the federal Minister for Health, the Hon Senator Kay Patterson, who was offering whatever support the Commonwealth could give us. She was saying that, from reports that she had nationally, she had heard that we were doing a great job up here. I confirmed that with her.
I had a call yesterday also – late last night it was in fact – from Hon Bob Kucera, the Minister for Health in Western Australia offering congratulations as well to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital. He said that, from the position of Western Australia where they were expecting victims to be flown to Perth, they were having trouble getting information out of Bali but the Royal Darwin Hospital and the people of the Northern Territory were assisting so well that they were able to get all the information they required from Darwin, and everything was going smoothly. He asked me to pass on his personal thanks to my department and, particularly, to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital.
At lunch time today, with the Chief Minister, I visited Royal Darwin Hospital and was very impressed with the staff there. All the staff throughout the hospital have developed a fantastic spirit. They are working so closely together; the team work is fantastic. We are talking not just about nurses and doctors, but cleaners and housekeepers, catering staff, the switchboard staff who have been working absolutely tirelessly for a very long period of time now, taking phone calls from all around the world from people wanting to know whether or not their families were in the Royal Darwin Hospital. These people have been doing an excellent job.
I would also like to give my thanks to the people working with the media out there. There have been so many inquiries from international and national media, and they have been working extremely hard to help those people.
It was clear from going out to the hospital today that, over the next few days, people are going to start to feel extreme stress and there will be a considerable need for counselling. I agree with honourable members that we are going to have to make sure that this is available, both at the hospital and also in the community. What we do know from tragedies like this in other parts of Australia, such as Port Arthur, and the world, is that it is not just the people who are directly involved with these tragedies, but also those in the community who watch these things unfolding on television. It strikes some kind of chord with them, and they find themselves with considerable psychological problems. So, you can be assured that I will be making sure that these services will be available to all Territorians.
I would like to express my thanks to a few non-government organisations, particularly to St John Ambulance. They were informed on Sunday night that they would be required to assist in relation to the Royal Darwin Hospital and, within four hours, they had mobilised 11 ambulances and crews and acquired volunteers from all over the place, including from Katherine. That is a wonderful testimony to the people of the Northern Territory, that they are so available. It was a Sunday night and they came out and were working from then until now, basically.
Red Cross has done an amazing job once again. They have shown their important role in this community and have been supporting people in a tremendous way.
We have received letters from all sorts of people and e-mails thanking the staff at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We received a letter from Jill Iliffe, the Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, congratulating the nurses at the Royal Darwin Hospital. We have received lots of e-mails and phone calls of support. The Royal Darwin Hospital has also.
As many people have mentioned here today, there have been offers of all sorts of things from food, chocolates, people coming in wanting to sit with victims just to hold their hands and things like that. It has been a wonderful thing.
I suppose one of the biggest things is recognising the importance of our staff totally, and how can we recognise them in the long term? I agree with the Opposition Leader and the member for Drysdale that it will be important to recognise these people other than just as a list of names for the Parliamentary Record. I have already spoken to the Chief Minister about this and we are looking at the possibility of a function, perhaps later next week at the Royal Darwin Hospital, to recognise staff and to which all honourable members will be invited. We will also look at the possibility of a function in Parliament House to recognise a wider group of people.
I would like to put on the record my thanks to a few people. That is not to say that there are not a lot of other people who have also put in an extraordinary effort because there have been a tremendous number of people involved. I must say as the Minister for Health, I am very proud of my department.
I would especially like to thank my acting CEO, Mr Graham Symons, who has been involved with the broader part of this operation as part of the Counter Disaster Committee. He has been doing a fantastic job as, indeed, has the CEO of Chief Minister’s, Mr Paul Tyrrell. I would like to thank those two people in particular.
I would also like to thank Dr Len Notaras, the Chief Medical Superintendent who, as always, has been excellent in the face of adversity. He has certainly been very helpful in the planning process and in making sure that everything has been going smoothly at the Royal Darwin Hospital. Dr Gary Lum, the Acting CEO of the hospital, has also been providing an excellent service. Those two men, working together, have meant that all the plans have gone very smoothly over the last two days.
I would like to extend my thanks to Dr Di Stephens, who runs the Intensive Care Unit. She is a very professional specialist, and has ensured that intensive care has been a place where patients have been cared for under the best possible circumstances. It is interesting to say, too, that Dr Stephens said to me today that the number and type of patients has actually been greater than the Oklahoma bombings in the US, and that, in fact, no hospital that she was aware of in the world had ever had to experience and look after this level of burns patients and other intensive care patients in such a short period of time. So, once again, a significant accolade for the Royal Darwin Hospital.
I would also like to give my thanks to Dr Didier Palmer of Accident and Emergency - a very special person, and someone who has made sure that everything has gone very smoothly in terms of Accident and Emergency. This was a very big job, in terms of patients coming in, triaging them, making sure that everyone knew exactly what was going to happen, and getting to the right section of the hospital. A fantastic job by Dr Palmer.
Dr David Ashbridge, who is the Director of Top End Services Network, has also been very heavily involved in the things, not directly related to the hospital, but patient travel, dealing with the ambulances, making sure that things that were being coordinated from the airport side of things were happening as well. A fantastic job by all those people and by all the staff of the Department of Health and Community Services.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that I believe that we must do something in relation to terrorism. It is not acceptable, it is something which all Australians and all right thinking people know is wrong, and we must make sure that we find the right solution to these terrible problems.
Mr ELFERINK (Macdonnell): Madam Speaker, I also speak in this very important debate and this very important motion that is before the House; one that I support wholeheartedly.
Kuta Beach, for me, at least spiritually or emotionally, is almost a northern suburb of Darwin. I think I have been there about five times myself. I have just noted on a bit of paper how often I have been along that stretch of road. Every time I go to Bali, I end up either staying in Legian or in Kuta, and the Sari Club is well known to me; I have been there. To see the photographs that I have seen in the newspapers strike me at my core.
This is really representative of the death of innocence in Bali, as well as for many people here in the Northern Territory. Not only is it the death of innocence in Bali, but it could well be the death of a large part, if not all, of their tourism industry. If this is terrorists’ answer to collateral damage, then I cannot begin to imagine what is going on in their minds to justify what will eventually put many, many people out of work, beyond the scope of the horror of the death and injury that this bomb has caused. The ramifications of this will affect people who live in Indonesia, as well as people who live here in Australia, for a very long time to come, and the effects will be manifold.
I speak in this House because I am not a total stranger to seeing terror played out around the world. In fact, I have noted down, when I was thinking about what to say during this motion, the amount of times that I have been at a place, either at the time when a bomb has gone off or shortly thereafter. I can list at least six occasions where I was exposed to terrorism on a more personal level.
In 1990, I was in a small town called Victoria in northern Spain when Basque separatists thought it was time for their annual Christmas bombing campaign, and they sought to blow up the Bank of Madrid. This happened while I was there and, in fact, I remember seeing the police cars and the ambulances turn up immediately prior to the bomb going off, because they had been warned. They evacuated the street, and the Bank of Madrid exploded a short time thereafter in this small town.
In 1987, I was in Johannesburg and I went to a cinema to watch a film. When I returned to Australia, I did my first night shift and I was listening to the ABC radio while we were driving around at night, and a bomb had gone off outside the cinema I had visited. Also, in 1990, I was in Downing Street when the IRA saw fit to drop a few mortar shells in the Downing Street area only two or three days after I had left the place where the mortar shells landed.
In 1999, I was in New York City and I remember standing under the World Trade Centre - both of the two buildings - looking up at them and thinking of the 1991 bombing where Osama Bin Laden or al-Qaeda attempted to level one of those buildings with a car bomb in the basement. The bomb was so large that it ripped four floors of concrete away out of the car parking area but did not knock out the building.
I have been to Tel Aviv and some of the places I visited in Tel Aviv have subsequently become targets of suicide bombers. Even as recently as 2001, I think, I was in London. While I was there I went to my hotel room, switched on the TV only to see a postal van explode somewhere in London, as a result of an IRA bomb. But these are the things that always happened over there and never really came to visit me over here. Although I was aware of terrorism in the world, it is unavoidable that you notice these sorts of things. The fact of the matter is, the actions of terrorists were something that just happened in other parts of the world.
However, as I said at the outset, Bali, and certainly the Kuta Beach area, is, at least on an emotional level for me, a northern suburb on Darwin. It is a place that I was familiar with, where I have holidayed on numerous occasions. To see such a familiar place to me wrecked by such a profound act of cowardice, strikes me at a very emotional level. I know what is going to come next for the families who have lost loved ones over there in Bali.
What is going to come next is anger. Once the shock and the grief subsides, the next emotion that people will feel is anger. They will want to lash out; they will want to take on the mongrels who have chosen to do this unspeakable deed. Those poor people are going to feel impotent. At least in times of wars past, those people who have sought to make war on Australia and peace-loving nations, have at least given a target to express your anger against, and there was somebody to fight back against. But the insipid nature of the new war which is now slowly creeping into our lives at a daily level, is that the target is not easily identifiable; the target does not wear a uniform. There is nobody to lash out at when you have anger in your veins.
The next war - or the war which has already started in many respects - will be fought between those in the world who believe and see the world in absolute terms, and those who are prepared to see the world where humanity lives with all of its vagaries. It will be the war between fundamentalism and absolutism, against the war of humanism and those people who love freedom. This war which is creeping up on us all, is going to be a war which is fought, not along national lines, but along lines of belief.
Belief does not wear a uniform. Belief resides in the hearts and souls of those people who carry certain ideologies. Fundamentalism, absolutism, whatever you want to call it, is something that will occur even in our own society here in Australia. There will be people who see the world in absolute ways that their ideology or their God will justify any action that they take on behalf of their beliefs. I am firmly on the side of humanism and freedom. Those are the belief systems which try to accommodate a sense of justice and a sense of decorum as to how we go about our business of managing ourselves. I believe that most people in Bali would be on the side of humanism and freedom. But, unfortunately, amongst their population somewhere lurks a coward, or cowards, who take it upon themselves to pursue their ideological beliefs or their religious bent - or whatever is behind this particular bombing - and they seek to lash out in a cowardly and unspeakable way. Under the cloak of night, they park vans on street corners and they kill the innocent. They do not attack armies; they attack the children of people and they attack the mothers and fathers of the people who are utterly defenceless.
You read the accounts of what happened in the newspapers and listen to the accounts on the news and those are the acts of total cowards and people who have no remorse while they clutch desperately to their ideological beliefs, hold them to their heart and believe that anything, any means, will justify the ends that they seek to perpetrate upon us all.
How on earth can we possibly fight such an enemy? There is no battle front, there is no place where they hide that we can go and destroy. Even where you see the American war on terror being taken to places like Afghanistan, they are still trying to attack people who secrete themselves in tunnels and hide underground, a place where you would expect such people to exist. Yet, after all the Americans’ efforts in Afghanistan, we still see examples of people who pursue their ideological bent or their fundamentalist bent, at any other place in the world - it is very hard to bomb an idea.
So what weapon is available to us to fight this particular war? Our weapon is resolve - the resolve to do what is necessary to protect ourselves and the resolve we need to maintain our own sense of humanity and freedom. The refusal to succumb is another weapon. Let us not crawl up into a foetal position and hope that the world goes away. Let us address these villains when and where we can, and let us not succumb to their terror. Let us not be afraid of their bombs and their other weapons - be they gases or biological. Let us stand proud and with integrity - the integrity to stand by our own belief systems which embrace humanity and freedom.
We have to remain civilised members of the global society and stand by those people in other countries, including Indonesia, and the province of Bali and, shoulder to shoulder with those people and those members of the global society, continue to protect the ideas of humanism and freedom of which I talk. Above all, we must maintain our dignity in the face of the animals that perpetrate these evil acts.
It is for that reason that I support this motion before the House today. It is because this motion is reflective of that resolve; that refusal to succumb, and that dignity that we will use to fight and ultimately defeat these savages who think that their ideology is justification for any crime that they concoct in pursuit of their own ideas.
Ms LAWRIE (Karama): Madam Speaker, it is with great sorrow this evening that I join in support of this motion. I have been speaking to many of my constituents throughout the last few days, and out there in the community is a sense of disbelief, shock and of deep, deep sadness that such tragic and terrible events could occur on the beautiful island of Bali, the Island of the Gods, in Indonesia that we have had such a close and enduring relationship with.
It was a couple of decades ago that I first visited Bali and encountered a people who, I believe, are deeply spiritual and very, very peaceful. It is the understanding of the culture of that particular part of Indonesia that makes this tragic bombing all the more shocking. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, the friends, the loved ones of those who perished in the tragic bombing in Bali in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.
Living in the community of Karama and Malak are many Indonesian people. They are deeply shocked, deeply saddened, and many of them are very concerned about the wellbeing of their families and loved ones in Bali. I say to those members of my community that they have my enduring support, and access to the resources of my office - anything I can do to assist them through this very tragic period. I am willing to provide any resource whatsoever to their benefit.
I say, too, to the leaders of our Muslim community that they continue to have my enduring support. I know that they are a peaceful people, that they have lived among our society peacefully. It is during these tragic events that people sometimes react, to look for blame and, through fear that quite naturally comes after such wanton death and destruction, they want to lash out. I echo the sentiments of our Chief Minister that we are a very peaceful and harmonious society, and the last negative result we want from these tragic circumstances, is to see, through acts of terrorism, any shock waves that send an air of disunity in our harmonious society.
I also extend my best wishes to those people who are suffering injuries as a result of these bombings. To the families who are still waiting for news of their loved ones, I give my prayers and hope that the news is good, that their worst held fears do not come to fruition.
On behalf of the people of Karama and Malak, I extend my gratitude to the staff of the Royal Darwin Hospital who have worked tirelessly around the clock to tend, carefully and with mercy and with due diligence, to those people who have arrived on Hercules flights out of Bali to Darwin to be treated. I thank them for their incredible expertise and their hard work to help to begin the process of rebuilding the lives of the survivors. It will be a long process. When the physical wounds heal, the psychological scars remain. Anyone who has gone through a tragedy of enormous dimension can sympathise and empathise with the long trek ahead that those survivors have.
I also extend my deep gratitude to the personnel of the Australian Defence Forces. They have worked tirelessly. They mobilised into action very quickly, as we know they are capable of doing, and they proved again over the weekend that they are a force to be reckoned with, and we can very, very proud of. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the personnel of the RAAF, the Navy, the Army, and their civilian support staff who also, in this time of mobilisation, work long hours to the benefit of our society and to the Indonesian community in Bali.
To Qantas, who also responded appropriately, to the travel agencies, the insurance companies - to all those who have sent out messages to the Australian public that they will not be hurt further economically through these tragic events - I thank them for their efforts in this respect. To the non-government organisations such as Red Cross, I say, thank God we have you! There are times in these disasters that we realise the large effort that they make daily to support and underpin the health of our society. The public response has been overwhelming.
Many of us are still grappling with the news of the personal tragedies that comes out daily. Many of our lives here in Darwin are being affected by these incredibly tragic bombings in Bali. My 11-year-old niece arrived home from Bali just some three weeks ago. She had been over there on a cultural excursion with her school. My brother and sister-in-law and my young nephews have only just returned from Bali. You cannot help but help but think: ‘My God, it could have been them’. This is very much a sobering and a somber aftermath. It is good that every member of this House is united in its condemnation of the tragedy - condemnation of terrorism and how it seeks to destroy the harmonious threads of our society - and that our government has been in a position to act, and act swiftly, and to allow the very necessary medical evacuation of survivors out of Bali.
I will not speak for too long on this motion, as many speakers are yet to come but, on behalf of the people of Karama and Malak, I wanted to put a few words on the record to say that the Territory’s most multicultural community remains united and strong, and we extend our very deep heartfelt sympathy to the people whose lives are forever changed and badly affected by this tragedy.
Mr MALEY (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I speak in support of the motion. I can say that I concur with the observations and comments made by the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and, of course, most of the things I have heard.
There would not be very many people - certainly in this Chamber - and not very many long-time Territorians who have not been to Bali on business or a holiday, or at least known somebody who has. I suspect most of us who have been to Bali have vivid and fond memories, and would be familiar with the Sari Club, the beach, and all the attractions and joys which Bali brings.
But could you imagine for a moment what the Sari Club was like just before this tragedy unfolded? You have young, healthy Australians having the time of their lives - the future of our nation dancing, laughing, meeting new people with smiling excited faces, loud music, all the latest songs, and that famous Arak drink which is sold at the club. It may be a footy club on an end-of-year trip, or just a couple of friends there for a few days to relax and have fun. If you think about that phrase ‘having fun’ it could be your daughter, your son, your brother, sister - young healthy Australians just having fun. Then, without warning, a terrifying explosion. A murderous virus on society, an evil virus whose justification lies in some, it seems, religious or political extremism. Suddenly, having fun becomes a battlefield with casualties of war. Imagine what those who survived the initial blast saw in the minutes and hours that followed. For a young Australian to die on foreign soil is also significant. We should do all we can to bring them home.
I was watching the news last night, and some comparisons were being drawn between soldiers on a battlefield and our innocent young Australians who were at the Sari Club. No matter which situation that young Australians find themselves in, there is simply no justification for what has occurred. When a person is murdered, you not only take away everything that they have but, also, everything that they are likely to have in the future. The despair and waste associated with that loss of life, particularly in situations of war, has been the subject of much literature. Our forefathers have, of course, echoed the despair which comes with the loss of life usually, of course, in the context of war. However, in more recent times, we have seen this new dimension to war, this form of terrorism where really anybody could potentially be a victim.
Wilfred Owen, the famous World War I poet - I actually got the book from the library this morning and there are some quite moving sonnets in this particular book. He is a fellow who was killed in action a week before World War I ended, and he wrote almost all of his poetry when he was either in the trenches or in hospital recuperating from an injury that he suffered. He, unlike no other poet, really shatters the myth of what it is like on the battlefield, and the emotions which people endure and, of course, the effect that the loss of loved ones has on people back home. In that poem, he talks about ‘The old lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori. He talks about how the old lie is completely shattered. The difference between the young man he talks about dying on the battlefield and, of course, the young Australians who lost their lives, was that the young Australians who were in the Sari Club were not armed soldiers in the field; they were just young Australians having fun - the same football mates, members of families, brothers, daughters, sons, with strong and real ties in Australia. The prime of their lives came to an end in just a heartbeat. Australians, as a culture, enjoy a reputation of being open-minded, hard-working, multicultural, warm-hearted. There is our youth, the very future of Australia, just having fun.
My thoughts and sympathies and, indeed, of most, if not all Territorians and all Australians, must lie with the critically ill and the family members who are left behind. The real emotional burden falls upon the families of those who were injured and killed and, no matter what we say or do, we know that, in the stillness of night, their mothers will weep. All we can do is support them. Not that I am an overly religious fellow, but God bless the people who were injured. I can say without reservation, that I support the motion in its current form, as it lies before parliament.
Mr KIELY (Sanderson): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I also support the condolence motion, as I believe will all members of this House. Like the members for Drysdale, Wanguri, and Macdonnell, I too have been in places where action by terrorists has been apparent. I, too, was in London in 1990 when it was under threat from the IRA. I was in the National Museum when a bomb went off. I will always remember that the attendants were getting us out of the museum and I was standing beside two young kids and their parents who were over at another exhibition. The attendants had the duty to exit the people on one side of this line out one door which opened up on the other side of the museum on another road; and then those on this side of the exhibition had to go to that exit. That was the procedure that they had to follow to clear the building quite rapidly. The parents were on my side and the children were on the other side of the line and they were moving. The anguish that these parents had because they were blocks apart virtually, under the belief that there was a bomb present - the IRA had been letting off a few bombs at that stage - so you could imagine the anguish. I saw this anguish on these people’s faces.
That was actually the second time, I guess, I had been in a spot of danger like that, but that was the first time with terrorists, another time had been with Communist insurgents, but that is another story. Those people, you knew who they were.
Another time my wife and I were in Kashmir in the lake country holidaying on one of the boats. As you know, Kashmir is a partitioned state with a lot of tensions between the Hindu and Muslim peoples. There was tension in the air, half of Srinigar, I think it was, had been burnt down in an action by the Indian Army fighting the Muslim separatists. I was walking around that town and I walked past the coffee shop and these people asked me in. Then I was surrounded by a bunch of the local people who happened to be Muslim. They were telling me their side of the story and how they felt and they said: ‘Look, you must get this story out to the outside. Half of our city has been burnt down and yet it has been reported that we are the terrorists. We feel very aggrieved about this. All we are trying to do is maintain our quality of life’.
I had moved around that area of Kashmir into a valley and I was driving through it as a passenger in a vehicle when we were pulled up by an Indian guard. I actually had a gun pointed at my head, like another member of this parliament had experienced. The reason I had the gun pointed at me was because I had a beard which was a little bigger and bushier than I have now, and it was thought that I was a Muslim travelling in a car and up to no good. I find it incredible that people are judged by their looks first off, and action is taken on that. I was lucky that one of the people I was travelling with spoke Indian and was able to explain that, no, I was an Australian tourist and just having a look around. They did not believe it, it was a strange spot for a tourist. But nevertheless, I just thought I would bring in those stories because I will weave them into the context of this condolence motion in just a moment because I feel it is very important.
Like other members here, and members of our community throughout Australia, I have also holidayed in Bali a number of times. I have holidayed there as a single chap and also as a family man. The last occasion I was over there was about three years ago, and I had the pleasure of going to the Sari Club. It was late at night, it was a party place as a lot of them are along that strip. I remember it for being dark, the beer was cold, there were lots and lots of people. This club was packed, it was wall to wall humanity and it was like a little United Nations in there. Everyone was just having the time of their life. As most venues in Bali, it was a real party place, and everyone got on. I do not know what time I left there, I was in a pretty convivial state, but I was hot and sweaty, the same as everyone else. The point is that everyone was in there for a really good time.
The fact that the attacks that happened in that district were premeditated, there is no doubt. That they were calculated to inflict as many casualties, there is little doubt, because of the timing of the bombs; that one should go off in order to drive people out into the street and then another major explosion occurred just minutes afterwards. It was designed for maximum impact.
What really is to be applauded in all this is the humanity of the people who were there. We have heard the stories coming out. We have heard of the horror. We have heard a member of the opposition recount quite graphically the wounds that were visited on these people. But the heroism and support of all the people in that district - of those people on the ground, from all nations, particularly the local people - for those who were injured speaks volumes for the humanity of the situation, because there would have been a great loss of local life. Let us not forget the locals in all this; there would have been a great loss of local life there, and there will be an ongoing loss of local life. It is to them the great accolades and tributes and empathy go.
I would also like to give my praise to the people of the Darwin community, of the Territory, of all those who got behind the medical evacuations of the injured. I note, too, that the injured came into the Darwin Hospital on a rating of the severity of injury. They did not come in on a rating of nationality. It was a true humanitarian airlift to try and give assistance to those who greatly needed it. I feel that the professionalism of the organisers, Dr Len Notaras, Dr Gary Lum, of the military people - I am sure that Brigadier Silverstone would have been in there. I am not too sure who else of the Australian Defence Forces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and all the federal agencies as well as the local NT government agencies were involved. They did an extremely professional job; a job which I am sure has saved lives, and will bring us closer together politically, because this is also an important requirement at this time.
I will talk about the efforts of the local people. We have heard the member for Karama and the Minister for Health and Community Services talk of the willingness of members of the community who were in hospital to give up their beds so that those more injured might be able to be better looked after. Once again, this is typical of the Australian spirit, a spirit that I am proud of. We have seen the people of Darwin on so many occasions come to the fore. We saw it in the evacuation of Timor, while the troops were coming here and the build-up was to go back into Timor. The spirit of this town and of this great community that we are all a part of, when there is disaster afoot, an incident that we have to get together to resolve, means the people of this community stand right up and are counted. I am proud to be a member of this community and Australia is proud of the wonderful role that we, here in Darwin, have achieved.
When I mentioned earlier my brushes with terrorism, they were not meant to be war stories. They were meant to be taken in the context of yes, I was in England when there was trouble with the IRA. I have also been into Yugoslavia, which was close to war at that time. I have been in India when there was trouble. I was in Bali when they had their huge economic problems. What we must not do is turn our back on Bali now. We must see all that we can do for it and one of the best things, I feel, that we can do is to make sure that yes, we take precautions as we travel, as we all should do these days travelling around the world, but we should not turn our back on Bali. We should, I feel, keep going there. It is a wonderful place. There will be increased security. I do not think people should huddle down and be driven away. One of the major objectives of this terrorist attack would be to keep people away from Bali and so hurt the Indonesian economy. There can be no doubt about that.
I feel that we, as a community, should have the resolve to go back to Bali, to have our holiday, to show respect for that site where mayhem and destruction were visited upon those people. We are only succumbing to terrorism if we walk away and no longer visit Bali. This bomb attack in Bali, in Kuta, was not the loss of innocence for the Balinese that some in the media are reporting. The Balinese are resilient people, they are a tough people and they have had so many woes visited upon their island for so many centuries.
When the Dutch were colonising that area of the world, their local princes fought this colonisation and they actually led their people out into the faces of guns and knives and lost battles with the Dutch. There were some instances where the local communities committed mass suicide rather than be taken over. Of course, in more recent times, we had the occupation during World War II by the Japanese, when there was a great loss of life. We also have the unrest and the deaths that occurred during the Communist troubles there in the early 1960s.
Disaster is not new to the island, that is the point that I am making. This was a horrendous and unforgivable act of terrorism and none of us resile from that but, what we should take into account, is the resilience of the Balinese people to get on with life, to not be cowed into submission by some act of terrorism. These people will rise up. They are a wonderful, beautiful people. They are Indonesian people.
I have been through Indonesia, I have been through Timor, up through the islands on the local ferries, into Bali overland. My wife has been up through Sumatra and Java, and we love the country and the people. I, for one, will be holidaying back in Bali. I will be going with my wife and will be taking my family. I know others who feel the same as I do, and we will go back there. We will not be stupid in the way we go back, we will take precautions. However, we will take the same amount of precautions that all world travellers should.
I do not think, because this is a country predominantly lived in by one religious order, that should be reason why you stay away. I do not hold with that; I hold that this act of terrorism is by a group of individuals with a political agenda. I do not believe it is by a group of individuals driven by any religious fervour. That is a very dangerous and false conclusion to be making. I do not know who planted the bomb, and for what reasons. I, for one, am not going to be second guessing who is the responsible party and who should be punished.
I believe it is incumbent upon this federal government and all state jurisdictions and, above all, upon the Indonesian authorities to track down those who are responsible. Then, through due process, determine what the actual reasons were for this horrendous attack on the people of Indonesia, and take adequate steps to ensure it does not happen again. Then the courts should determine whatever the punishment will be. I do not believe that we should have any knee-jerk reaction, pre-empt the findings of the investigating bodies and, particularly, blame one group or another for this.
There are many, many terrorist organisations within the globe, and it could be one of many; we do not know. It is enough to say, at this point in time, we do not know who is responsible for the bombing, but that we know it was premeditated, and organised to cause mass destruction and mayhem. That it was targetted at Australians, specifically, we do not know. As I said, I have been in the Sari Club, I have drunk and partied in the Sari Club, and it is a place of united nations. On any given night there would be as many Germans, Israelis, Americans, and English as there are Australians.
Possibly, the only reason why there were not as many Balinese in there is because it was a tourist strip. But there were Balinese people working in and around the clubs. The homes that burnt belonged to the Balinese. The cars that burnt belonged to the Balinese. Therefore, I do not think it is fair or accurate, at this stage, to say that this was an attack on Australia. That it happened on our door step; of course it did. That we should look to ensure that our security at home is adequate; of course we should.
But this has been going on for many, many years. Do not forget we had the Hilton bombing when there was a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Sydney years and years ago. We took precautions then. There is always the threat of something unforetold happening within our community. In Port Arthur we had over 30 people killed by a lone gunman. We are going to rack up numbers, we can see that in our own neighbourhood we have had mass killings before, and they can be addressed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost members in this tragedy. My heart goes out to the families whose relatives are returning, who are injured. I feel this is a very, very sad occasion. There will be a lot of wounds on people that we will not see, that it will be hard for them to recover from. I hope, with time, given the nature of the spirit of the individual, that they will.
This tragedy, this terror has a long way to go before it is resolved. Our government, the government of Indonesia, the peoples of Australia and Indonesia are keen to resolve it, and I believe they truly will.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I make a short contribution to this debate. I support the motion that was introduced by the Chief Minister this morning, and concur with the many comments that were made throughout the day so far. It is, no doubt, innocence lost; innocence of a country that, while it has been at war, has never had war so close to its front door. Even the bombing of Darwin - well recognised by many people then living in Darwin - was never known nationally, until a few years ago.
However, this event is televised all round the world and this country, and everybody in this country is talking about it. The many deaths that this country has suffered among its very young, fit people, will touch the lives of many in this country. Many of us know somebody who has lost a loved one, and that will bring home what this barbaric act of terrorism means on the world stage. When you look at the people who have been affected: in today’s paper, there was an article about ‘Angela’s last birthday. Angela Golotta will never leave her teens’, is quoted in the article in the paper by Jill Pengelley. It goes on to say that this young woman, nearly 20 – 20 years old this week - was caught in this act of terrorism. She is related to a person in Alice Springs, Joe Golotta - in fact, the niece of Joe Golotta. I am sure Joe, right now in Alice Springs, is deeply hurt by this event. All of us in Alice Springs would like Joe to know that we convey our condolences to him and his family and those related to him in Adelaide. This impact on Australian lives will go on like ripples in the water; it just keeps going on forever.
When you come down to the people of Darwin, we talked about the medical and allied health staff who have worked non-stop for the last three days. These professionals have put their emotions in suspension so that they can cope with the severe injuries that come through. When you have, within a short space of time, hundreds of cases of very severe injuries, medical staff do not have the time to consider the emotions that go with it. Ultimately, the brunt has to be paid and these staff members will have to reconcile within themselves, with or without professional help, the things they have seen and had to do; the sounds, the smells, the sights that they have to live with for the rest of their lives. That is something that some people can empathise with but, unless you are in there in the thick of it, it is not easy to imagine.
It goes to show that, in spite of all the criticisms we have about health care in the Northern Territory, when it comes to the crunch we really produce the goods. I take my hat off to all the professional staff who have been involved, not only in the health field, but also in the field of logistics, with the RAAF and the Defence Forces; with the people in Darwin in general who have been so generous to contribute and to offer their homes to billet people; to people who have gone to the blood bank to donate blood, to assist in blood transfusions; all these demonstrate to the nation that the community of the Northern Territory is one, in trying to deal with this act of terrorism.
But what do we understand of terrorism? What is it, and why has it occurred? Why has it occurred so close to us? Many a group of people - and you have to keep religions, cultures, belief systems out of the way - so strongly have in their hearts that to die for a cause is better than their lives themselves. That is the crux of it. They believe that to die for their cause is better than to live. How do you deal with that? If they do not value their lives, then whatever they do is going to be well nigh impossible to stop unless you can find them early enough and prevent them from committing the act. But that is not going to be easy.
When we talk about terrorism, it is an act that to us makes no sense and has no meaning. It tells us nothing about why somebody does it. All it does is make us angry and want to lash back out; to find them, to catch them, to punish them. While I am saying that it is important that we should feel an outrage for the killing of our children, we need to also understand that maybe these people have a belief that some injustice has been done to them, and that is the only way they can tell the world, the only way they can get the message out.
If we can understand that; if the world, the people can understand each other and know each other - to know why one group dislikes another so much that you give your a life - if we understand each other better, maybe acts of terrorism would not occur. One act of terrorism may lead to another, and where does that get us? It gets us absolutely nowhere. It is not about religions or people fighting each other. It is about people not understanding each other, not knowing what goes on inside our heads. No way in the world would we condone terrorism of any kind, because that is just absolute personal vandalism, unthinking acts against innocent people. That is the real problem; it is an act against innocent people. Well, I say it is unthinking. Maybe there are good reasons but, for the life of me, I cannot think what the reasons might be.
It is important for Territorians to understand that we must not take this act of terrorism by an unknown group against any fellow Territorians. I hope there is a means through our federal government to somehow bring ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA into an international forum in this area, to work out some common means of addressing terrorism within our front doors. I am sure that the economies of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, even Brunei and all those areas, will be severely affected by this recent event in Bali. With the downturn of tourism that will now occur in Bali, Indonesia is going to suffer financially and who knows what sort of repercussions this might cause through the economies of the surrounding countries?
I am sure Indonesia is now deeply concerned about what will happen to its most prosperous region. The Balinese themselves, who have been so totally dependent on tourism to generate their economy, will now be wondering what is going to happen to them. All I can say in adding my words to this debate is: let us try and understand each other better so that this might not happen again.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, tonight I support the motion. I would first like to recognise and commend both the Chief Minister and the Opposition Leader for their contributions, and those of all other members in this House.
I would never condone terrorism or any act of terrorism. It is a firm belief of mine that an eye for an eye, or one violent act for another that results in a terrorist act or any harm to any individual, is not the human manner of dealing with things and is not the human objective, or how we as human beings around this planet should be aiming to deal with all matters. But I certainly do understand, as has been spoken eloquently tonight by many members in an emotional way, that there are people who think terrorism is a last resort that is justifiable and, unfortunately, do not understand that no act of terrorism is justifiable.
Many of the conflicts around the world at the moment are the result of terrorism: ongoing battles between different cultures, laws, religions and ethnic groups that have been ongoing, in many cases for many years, others for centuries and others for thousands of years. I firmly believe it is based on ignorance and prejudice. Hopefully, as this new millennium develops, we as a community of peoples on this planet, can move towards a more harmonious life.
The people who obviously require most sympathy and assistance from us are those who have suffered through injury as a direct consequences of this bomb blast at the Sari Club in Bali, or as family members. In particular, my condolences go to all persons who have lost one dear to them. I have recently gone through that feeling myself, and it is a feeling of deep loss and a stage in life where you question what does life mean. That those persons, unfortunately, lost their lives tragically and at an early stage, had it taken away from them, is quite a sad indictment on human relations. We think, too, of those who survived and continue to try and survive over the next days and weeks and months and years. We cannot let their lives go in vain, and their memories. The consequences in the ripples of time that will occur due to this act of terrorism and violence will forever be remembered in a way that it can never be condoned.
Obviously, there were many tourists there and, basically, my thoughts on reports that are coming through to us is that many of those tourists were of Australian background; in fact, the majority of them. This is probably, in recent history, the first consequences as a nation that we have faced for many, many years as a result of terrorism. It will be a challenge for us as a community, as a country, as a Territory, as states throughout Australia, as Australian citizens, on how we deal with the repercussions of this terrible act.
To those tourists who were involved in the accident that are not Australian citizens, my sympathy also goes out to you and your families across the world. Definitely, I must admit, when we had our minute’s silence, I said a prayer on behalf of all those people who lost their lives. I hope they meet their maker and receive the welcome that they should.
Also, to all the doctors who are in the Northern Territory at this moment. I understand the Minister for Health has said that many of these things happen, that there was a conference of doctors in the Territory at the time, and those people have lent their assistance, and in intensive care, there was only one patient out of the 20 possible beds there. They say that God works in mysterious ways; he definitely showed his hand in this instance.
For all the emergency workers, who obviously have been working for many long hours, including nurses - your value, training and commitment to the health of every Territorian and Australian citizen has been shown today. I would definitely support any move to recognise their work over these last few days and into the following weeks.
There are the cleaners, cooks, all the persons who work in maintenance, administrators and managers in the Darwin hospital, where everyone would be extended. These are things that people were trained to do, and they hope all their lives that they will never have to deal with but, in the last few days they have been tested and, no doubt, they will come through with flying colours in the sad situation.
To Qantas, for the extra flights going in and out of Bali, and for all the assistance that they have provided. There is the military personnel. Often, we take the military personnel for granted around Australia, and many persons would never think about entering into military service, because it is not their cup of tea. However, it is definitely in circumstances like this, that it always seems that at the front line is the Australian Defence Forces. In recent times, too often, they have answered the call and heroically carried out their duties, as they have been trained.
I, too, would like to recognise, as the Chief Minister did, the show of support that the Northern Territorians have given in assisting family members with accommodation and any help at the hospitals, etcetera. This is the true Northern Territory spirit, and the mentality of Territorians was reflected in the Katherine floods and, of course, Cyclone Tracy. It is a fantastic indictment on our character and courage.
I would also like to make recognition that there needs to be an understanding that this work that will be carried out in the next few days, and the trauma that comes from that, needs to be dealt with over the next few weeks and months, not only for the patients involved and the persons who have been injured, but for the staff. Obviously, in the last three days, they have worked tirelessly, and no doubt they will work tirelessly for many more days. But at some stage they are going to need a break, and this government, and I am sure all parliament, would support that they need assistance in dealing with it. For any counselling that might occur, or ongoing help with work relief, I definitely would support, and commend to the Minister for Health that she has all our support in this House.
The other matter is to do with terrorism and why persons choose terrorism. I too, think that persons who commit terrorism do not necessarily represent any religious group or order. My belief is that, through corruption of what they so-called represent, they carry out evil deeds in the name that they purport to represent. All around the world, definitely persons of all political and religious persuasions do follow the rule of law. No doubt, everyone in this House would support that the majority of human beings around the world do not commit acts of terrorism. Those persons who are extremists need to be dealt with as extremists, and I do not think they fairly represent all human beings on this planet. I recognise that they think, in their minds, that they have some authority from above, or some authority handed down to them. Well, they do not, and that is important to recognise. They have no authority to commit acts of murder and barbarism against other human beings. Unfortunately, it is often the innocent who face the consequences of such barbarism and violence.
It would be remiss of me not to comment that, over the next few days and weeks and months, the Australian community, sadly, will have to come to terms with acts of terrorism and violence. I see in the community of Darwin, and also around Australia, that perhaps we are too flippant, and there are things that we need to take much more seriously. In the events that have unfolded, in particular with 11 September, it has shown us that these matters are very complex in nature, and they have a history behind them that I do not think Australia should, necessarily, be involved in. Definitely, Australia around the world has a fantastic reputation as being a nation of peace and equity. That will be something that we would be best promoting, and possibly showing an example, of what other nations should be attempting to succeed and become like, rather than being involved in attempts to change people’s views and to enforce a particular view on them.
We should be leading by example and people should be looking towards countries like Australia. I know they have been, over many, many years, and thinking: ‘Well, this is the lifestyle we really want; this is the democracy we want to follow; and this is the type of people that we want to be’. I definitely think it is, in all political persuasions across the board, in the territories and the states in Australia, going to be questioned; but, sadly - and I hope I am wrong in this case - we are going to have to deal with it in a more conscientious and strategic manner.
To all those persons around us in Australia who have lost family members or have family members who are seriously injured, whether they are in the Territory or down south, I wish to tell them that my thoughts are with them. I know everyone in the Territory - and from what I have heard tonight - everyone in this House, hope they recover physically and mentally as best they can. I know the people of the Territory are thinking of them.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I make my contribution and stand beside the words that have already been uttered, and not to restate them. The key issue that I seek to have brought forward is the one that most directly affects the Northern Territory in regards to education: and that being our exchange program. For many years, our education system, private and government, has thrived on a very active exchange program; not only between individual students being hosted by schools in Bali and the eastern provinces, but by teachers and whole classes.
The explosion that occurred on 12 October was borne out of the minds of people whose intent was fuelled by a hatred we cannot understand - a destructive hatred that destroys more, sadly, than the Sari Club, than the human lives that have been lost and the bodies maimed. It destroys much, much more. It is a great tragedy that that very special infrastructure that has been developed across the eastern provinces which was initiated here in the Northern Territory, is now threatened and challenged by this explosion borne out of the minds of those who have consumed and motivated by a hatred difficult to understand.
My thoughts are also with teachers at this time; teachers who have students in their classes who are perhaps even thinking about going to Indonesia, and who are working with students, teaching them the language and the culture of Indonesia. Those teachers need special support at this time, to be able to explain and help students understand what this actually does mean.
People too easily seek simple solutions to such horrendous occurrences that have visited us so dramatically. It is no time for simple solutions and simple explanations. The hatred that we have seen translate into an explosion in Kuta has already been unleashed on the planet. We have seen as evidence for anyone who knows history, spanning back for a number of years, but this particular form is one that I am loath to say is not the last time we will see this. As Col Wicking so aptly described in his cartoon, I think spoke volumes: the whole world has just come a little closer.
Our nation, but specifically the Northern Territory, has had the opportunity to be challenged in the thinking of how we relate to forces outside of our control. We have had the visitation of Japanese bombers again and again. We have had the East Timorese crisis where we caught a glimpse of horrors that are foreign to our shore. Now we see it again in a way that is unimaginable. It will send shock waves that will reverberate again and again, and it does require an action. It requires an action on behalf of teachers, in reference to our exchange program, in explaining and preparing our students for a future that is now increasingly uncertain. It requires legislators and community leaders to respond to this thoughtfully and sensibly. It requires our federal parliamentarians to be courageous and realistic about legislation that they consider, particularly with regards to anti-terrorism legislation. The landscape has changed, just as the landscape of Kuta and Jalan Legian has changed. It will not go back to normal. We must respond to a changing future. I would have to say that what lies before us is one that we cannot escape, but we must focus on very, very soberly.
Not only does it affect us as Australians and we in the Northern Territory, for those of us who have had relationships and experiences and a knowledge of the people who live in Indonesia. Grave concerns need to be expressed for that which has been unleashed within Indonesia and in that region. We do live in uncertain times. For that reason, I stand soberly to support this motion. I indicate my support and commend this fine motion, and I wish us all well for the future.
That is what Australians like doing because we all have that work ethic. Most of us work pretty hard and we plan to go for a good break. On many occasions around the countryside, Bali has offered that opportunity for a great holiday, not only because it is cheaper for air fares, but it also has, through the tourism bodies, been able to offer good packages. It offers those right across from the individual to families.
What happened there, and following the news reports over the last couple of days, has been shocking. There is no other way to describe it. The culprits, whoever they may be, need to be caught and I have no doubts that the teams working with the Indonesian government are going to apply a lot of pressure and, through their investigate work, bring those criminals to justice. Because it is something that certainly we do not support in this country and is certainly not something that we would support in other countries, especially what happened there last Saturday night.
To all those public servants and volunteers who have been involved throughout the evacuation stages: continue to keep up the good work. We have heard throughout debate on this motion, the support that has been offered by this Chamber today. We definitely have one thing in common in that we will continue to support and congratulate those people who are involved and are doing a terrific job right across all areas, from the emergency assistance from the health and hospital side, and the staff who have been brought in from other parts of the country. It is something that we have in common, as the Chief Minister said this afternoon, coming together quickly. Those of us who have been around and experienced Cyclone Tracy, saw the assistance that was provided from right across the countryside and around the world. We had the Katherine floods. We have had numerous other cyclones and now we have this incident that occurred last weekend.
All I can say in conclusion, is condolences to the families: heads up; our thoughts are with you. To those staff who are working very hard: keep up the good work.
Dr BURNS (Johnston): Madam Speaker, I will be very brief because I believe that all those who have made contributions so far have really, in many ways, said all that there is to be said and there is very little that I can add.
I join with all other members in extending condolences to the families of those missing or dead or injured during this time of great distress. We, as a House, have joined together here in a mighty way today to offer those condolences and our heartfelt thanks to all of those who have assisted, both from our armed forces, within the medical system of the Northern Territory and within the wider community.
However, in closing I would like to make an observation: even in something as terrible and awful as we have seen and heard and experienced from this tragedy, there is a positive in that, I believe, things like this often draw people together, draw a nation together in a mighty way. That is very important because the battle lines in this war relating to terrorism are not clear. In World War II and other conflicts, the battle lines and the battle fronts were very clear. The battle lines could now be anywhere. They could be in Darwin, Kuta, or New York.
The way that these terrorists can defeat us is if they divide us. As a nation, I believe that this will make us stronger; it will make us united. I agree with what the member for Sanderson said: we need to be very measured and thoughtful in our response to this. We must, of course, pursue justice. It is a terrible thing, but I am hoping that, out of it, at least some measure of positive things can come.
Thank you for the opportunity for rising here today, and I join with all members of this House in supporting the motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, honourable members. There are occasions when we should join together in expressing our support for the motion, and this is one such occasion. The Territory has shown that it always has an ability to respond to times of crisis and we, as a parliament, have a responsibility also to support and assist when necessary.
On behalf of the officers and staff of the Legislative Assembly, I wish to place on record our sincere condolences and sympathy to those affected by this tragedy, and my support for this motion.
Motion agreed to.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr STIRLING (Leader of Government Business): Thank you for your concluding remarks, Madam Speaker. I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016