2011-08-11
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Year 5/6 Wagaman Primary School students accompanied by Mrs Lisa McLean and Ms Betty Topalov. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to provide for the parliament of the Northern Territory to formally request the Commonwealth to enact national legislation concerning the registration and use of business names. On 2 July 2009, the members of the Council of Australian Governments signed the intergovernmental agreement for business names. Under that agreement, each government agreed the Commonwealth would enact a national law for the registration and use of business names. The national law would be based, in part, on the referral of powers by the Australian states. When enacted, the law will be administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The national law would only be amended after following consultation and appropriate agreement as set out in the intergovernmental agreement as administered by the Ministerial Council on Corporations.
The Northern Territory’s constitutional position means it has no powers to refer to the Commonwealth in order for the Commonwealth to enact the new law so that it operates in the Northern Territory. However, the Northern Territory strongly supports the need for national business names laws with appropriate constitutional foundations. The government also considers it is desirable that, as far as possible, the Northern Territory legislative structures regarding national schemes mirror those in place between the Commonwealth and the Australian states.
At the same time, the Northern Territory recognises it is necessary that the states and the Northern Territory, and also the Australian Capital Territory, continue to have a significant role in policy development concerning business names matters. Accordingly, the Business Names (National Uniform Legislation) Request Bill 2011 contains a request to the Commonwealth that it enact laws based on the text of the legislation tabled in the parliament of Tasmania. This bill indicates the commitment of the Northern Territory to the new scheme.
Later on, most likely in early 2012, I will introduce legislation providing for the repeal of the Business Names Act and for consequential and transitional matters.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members and table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
Continued from 22 February 2011.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, this is part of the government’s process of reviewing penalties in the Northern Territory. It follows the formula introduced until now, which is the increase of 15% since 2001 to accommodate for CPI, then applying the appropriate penalty units and rounding down to the nearest dollar. This is consistent with what the government has produced in this House recently, and was supported by the opposition. There is no reason this formulae change applied in this legislation requires any further comment than that. If anyone wants to know why we supported the bill I refer them to my last speech relating to exactly the same type of amendments.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for supporting this bill. It is sometimes useful to have the shadow Attorney-General as the shadow Treasurer; they see the sense in shifting from monetary to penalty, which means the penalties can keep pace in real terms as they are adjusted by CPI, which is a result of legislation I introduced and passed as Treasurer. It is a process I outlined at the outset of the policy decision made in the context of a budget two years ago, where we would move through the legislation across all the portfolios of government and take monetary penalties into the expression of penalty units. We have passed a series of like bills, as referred to by the shadow Attorney-General.
This one is sticking to the formula expressed by the government. It is not changing the structural intent of the penalties herein. There is a maximum of 15% increase in penalties to capture the fact many penalties did not increase over a substantial number of years. From here on in they will be adjusted annually by CPI, which is the point of taking the monetary to the penalty units.
Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for its support of this legislation and I commend it to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 24 November 2010.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I generally support this bill, however, there is a twitchy problem in the bill which government has acknowledged. I circulated an amendment yesterday because I had not seen one. I was advised this morning I may have been given one during the briefing; I do not recall it. In any instance, my understanding is the legislative drafter has already prepared an amendment on the same topic. Therefore, I signal at the outset we will withdraw our proposed amendment in favour of the Attorney-General’s. She is sitting there nodding, so I presume we have …
Ms Lawrie: It was circulated yesterday on desks. I will get the Table Office to give you another copy now.
Mr ELFERINK: Then, I defer simply to the state of my desk as the reason it may have been missed. Look, there it is.
Madam Speaker, we will be accommodating the government in this issue. The issue arises from the inconsistency between Territory and Commonwealth legislation. The effect of changing these penalty provisions inside this omnibus bill has thrown up an oddity which comes from the operation of section 12 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act and how it reflects on section 7 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act of the Commonwealth.
For the information of honourable members, section 12, Powers, privileges and immunities of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act says the following.
and immunities so declared do not exceed the powers, privileges and immunities for the time being of the House of Representatives, or of the members or committees of that House,
respectively; and …
Section 7 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act of the Commonwealth talks about penalties imposed by Houses, and then talks about exceeding certain amounts - not exceeding $5000, and not exceeding $25 000. The problem is the formula as it has been applied in this omnibus bill has had the effect of pushing certain penalties above those amounts and, indeed, this bill increases penalties from $5000 to 40 penalty units, which is $5440, and from $25 000 for a corporation to 215 penalty units, or $29 240. That then enlivens the operation, if you like, of the federal legislation and it has thrown up this anomalous conflict of powers.
The government has acknowledged this is an issue. I have said in this House before, and I say again, perhaps one of the things the Attorney-General might want to consider is finding an individual and locking them in a room with legislation, and get them to do what members on this side of the House should do as a matter of course, which is attacking that legislation as aggressively as they can to see if it holds up to scrutiny.
We have one such person on our side of the House. I would love to claim I was anywhere near attentive enough to fix something like this; however, if I said that I would be misleading the House. We do have one such person, and we are inordinately grateful for her attention to the work, because this is the sort of thing she often picks up. Once again, her nature and patience with this type of thing needs to be acknowledged in the House today. Whilst this is not a major issue, it is one that, if it finds itself in the right set of circumstances, suddenly becomes problematic for someone. Without knowing who, the person who works for us may well have saved someone much grief down the track. I place on the record my acknowledgement to the staff of the Leader of the Opposition’s office and the particular staff member - who knows who I am talking about - in the same way we acknowledge the hard work and diligence of public servants. I place on the record my gratitude to Frankie.
Other than that, the opposition will support this bill once the appropriate amendments have been made in the committee stage.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow Attorney-General for support of the appropriate amendments at committee stage. I thank him for raising his concerns. You raised at the briefing your concerns of how, in the original drafting form, the penalties going to the Legislative Assembly aspects of this bill were in excess of the penalties set at the Commonwealth level, creating a conflict with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act.
That is really good scrutiny; our system in the Territory holds up to the veracity. Everyone introducing legislation likes to think it is going to be perfect. Of course, we have an enormous amount of very considered legal knowledge within the Department of Justice working with Parliamentary Counsel in drafting, and every Attorney-General hopes that through all those processes everything is perfect when it is introduced. I acknowledge and respect the system where we introduce in one sittings and debate in the second to allow legislation to sit on the statute book and be properly and appropriately scrutinised by opposition, Independents, and others.
In this case, it was Frankie in the Leader of the Opposition’s office. I will call you out, Frankie; well done, mate. It is not the first time you have found an error in technical aspects of government legislation. Government is well served by your endeavours and, ultimately, the Territory is well served by your endeavours. I acknowledge Frankie and the work she has done.
I thank the Solicitor-General for the advice he provided. That highlights where you can get good outcomes from briefings when it comes to technical pieces of legislation. The Department of Justice took on the queries, sought clarification from the Solicitor-General and hence we have committee stage amendments today. Everyone is doing their job and I acknowledge the work of the hard-working officers at Department of Justice and their diligence in going to the Solicitor-General. He always provides the most thorough advice and we are extremely well-served by our Solicitor-General as well. Thanks to everyone involved.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill with committee stage amendments that were passed around the Chamber yesterday.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
In committee:
Madam CHAIR: Honourable members, the committee has before it the Penalties Amendment (Chief Minister’s and Other Portfolios) Bill (Serial 138) together with schedule of amendments No 63 circulated by Ms Lawrie. The member for Port Darwin has withdrawn his Amendment Schedule No 56.
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Chair, I move amendment 63.1 standing in my name.
This amendment extends the long title of the bill to include ‘,and for other purposes’. The reason for this amendment is there are notes inserted for sections 25(1) and 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act. The notes make it clear that the references to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987 are because section 12(a) of the Commonwealth Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 provides that the power of the Legislative Assembly to declare the powers, privileges, and immunities of the Legislative Assembly cannot extend to a declaration which would exceed the powers, privileges, and immunities of the House of Representatives.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Chair, the opposition supports these amendments. I withdraw the amendments circulated yesterday standing in my name in deference to the government’s amendments. I also place on the record my thanks to the Attorney-General for her acknowledgement of Frankie - that is another bottle of wine. Madam Chair, my idea of hell is dying and going to a place where I have to go through legislation at such a level. I place on the record again my gratitude to the people who are prepared to do that type of thing. We accept the amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: I move amendment 63.2 as circulated. This amendment inserts a new amendment to sections 25(1) and 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act. The reason for this amendment is to link the period of imprisonment and amount of pecuniary penalty so they are the same as the periods and amounts specified in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987. This ensures no inconsistency is created with section 12(a) of the Commonwealth Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978. Essentially, it picks up the error found by Frankie.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Chair, we will take some advice on this.
Madam Chair, it has come to my attention that sections 20, 21 and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act may run into the same problem. Can the minister advise whether that is the case?
Ms LAWRIE: I table advice from the Solicitor-General dated 18 May 2011. On the final page of that advice the Solicitor-General advises the amendments proposed to sections 20, 21, and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act may proceed. The maxima contained in section 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act should be left in dollar terms. He gives other advice around that; however, I am happy to table the entire letter.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, if you could. We are on our feet at the moment making this up as we go along. Just out of curiosity, did he say why those sections were unaffected by this hierarchy of powers?
Ms LAWRIE: Section 20(1) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act - can I call it LAPPA as an acronym?
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, please.
Ms LAWRIE: …provides:
The penalty is $5000 to $25 000. Section 20(3) says:
It then goes on to talk about 25(5).
I will table this and get it quickly around to you. In a nutshell, we sought the Solicitor-General’s advice; he went to only 25, not 20, 21, and 22. We could proceed with the changes to those sections.
Mr ELFERINK: I beg the forbearance of the House for two minutes while I read that section, please.
Madam CHAIR: That is fine, member for Port Darwin.
Ms LAWRIE: While you are having a look I will explain the advice from the Solicitor-General. He has confirmed no change is required to sections 20, 21, and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act as these sections are not inconsistent with section 12(a) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978.
Mr ELFERINK: I have to defer to the advice from the Northern Territory Solictor-General. Whilst he places on the record the provision for pecuniary penalties made under section 25(5) of LAPPA is unique in the sense it is not concerned with statutory offences, the maxima are constitutionally tied to the maxima in the Power and Privileges Act. An adjustment to the amount of those penalties should only be made upon the adjustment for those contained in the Powers and Privileges Act rather than an increase of the general application to counter inflationary effect. In fact converting the maxima of section 25(5) of LAPPA to penalty units - even if this amount presently fell below the maxima contained in the PPA - would give a significant risk of inconsistency with 12(a) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not a lawyer, so I deal with these things in simple terms. Sections 20, 21, and 22 are statutory and can be adjusted; 25(5) is legislative and, therefore, is tied to the Commonwealth.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, I understand the Solicitor-General of the Northern Territory’s assertion. He does not take us down the road, specifically, as well as I would have preferred. However, I will defer to his greater knowledge. I would never suggest I could outwit a silk on my feet. Perhaps I could suggest, at some point, a greater explanation - perhaps even a meeting, because I am interested in the topic. Should we ever be in government, I would like to know how this works. Perhaps I can contact your office for a briefing and someone can join the dots for me slowly and carefully. If it throws up a further anomaly, as it probably will not, we come back into this House and tweak it rather than hold this legislation up. Would that be acceptable to you, Attorney-General?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, I would be happy to ensure my office arranges a briefing for you and Frankie.
Mr ELFERINK: I will go to lunch and send Frankie, how does that sound? Thank you, Attorney-General. That business is complete.
Amendment agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
Bill to be reported with amendments.
Bill reported; report adopted.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 10 August 2011.
Madam SPEAKER: The Minister for Education and Training is in continuation with seven minutes.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I devoted yesterday to the very important portfolio area of Education. I now turn to Public and Affordable Housing.
We know the supply of housing will be critical to the development of northern Australia, and we need to ensure housing is an attraction, not a deterrent, for people moving to the Territory to fill jobs that will come with our growing economy. We have elements of our housing strategy and, principally, land to grow. The rapid rate of land turn-off is well-known and has been criticised recently by the opposition, saying we are now turning off land too quickly. The opposition is never satisfied. We will continue to turn-off land at a very rapid rate in Palmerston East, which is growing very quickly. Houses, units, schools, offices, and shops are popping up out there. I advise members opposite to look at what is going on in Palmerston East.
Work on land release in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek is also under way. We have given the undertaking that 15% of new releases, particularly in Palmerston East, will be set aside for public and affordable housing.
In the bush, as part of SIHIP, we are seeing new subdivisions delivered so more houses can be built to help overcome overcrowding. New places to live - I have already mentioned land release - and we are giving incentives for people to get into their own houses and gain equity in their own investment. In May, the Treasurer announced our $10 000 BuildBonus for people who commit to the construction of a new dwelling by the end of this year, or purchase a newly-built dwelling. We are aiming this at the affordable sector and the BuildBonus is for homes up to a value of $530 000.
The Northern Territory government also offers significant stamp duty concessions to help first homebuyers cover up to $26 730 of stamp duty, and seniors with an $8500 concession to assist them with home ownership. A considerable rebate of $3500 is also offered to non-first homebuyers purchasing homes as a principal place of residence. The Territory government is also helping more people purchase new land and housing packages with our affordable housing initiatives in Bellamack and Larapinta. Most recently, in Johnston we have held ballots to allow low- and middle-income and first homebuyers purchase affordable house and land packages. These have been in high demand and, as more land is ready, there will be more opportunities for people to take up these great offers. Our home ownership scheme, Homestart NT, is another incentive to help more people realise the dream of home ownership.
It is a long journey to home ownership. It is the greatest single investment any family or individual will make. I remember the family journey for my wife and me. We started off in Armidale, New South Wales, with a very modest dwelling, with very modest furnishings. As time went on, we acquired things for our house and moved on. When we returned to Darwin around 1990, we bought a town house in Millner and then moved to our current address in Wagaman, which is a great area. It is a pity it is not in the electorate of Johnston. That is redistribution for you! We are very happy there. Over the years, we have been able to build up our asset base and currently own our own home.
It takes a long time and I encourage young couples to look to the future. You are not going to get the McMansion first off. In fact, you should not be aiming for that. Many people need to start off in a modest way and build as they go. You can look back on those times with affection, although I have to say, when we first got into the housing market I did not look upon the 18% interest rates with much affection. Families are under stress now with rising interest rates and cost of living pressures, but 18% was very difficult. We want more people to get into their own homes through Homestart NT. It is regarded as one of the best home ownership programs in the nation, and has been an incentive for many workers who have journeyed to the Territory to purchase a place and stay. It is a story you will hear from many locals who have settled here.
To ensure the program remains effective, in April this year we reviewed the purchase and income limits. That way, more people can access this home ownership program. Since we increased the limit, more than 60 applications have been received in the past few months. If we look back to 2004, more than 1400 families have bought their home through Homestart NT. I will say that again because it is a great statistic - since 2004 …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time of 10 minutes for the minister to conclude his remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Dr BURNS: I thank my colleagues for the extension of time. More than 1400 families since 2004 have bought their home through Homestart. As government, we are pleased to be doing that. We want to maximise opportunities in northern Australia.
It will be a point of debate during these sittings and ongoing but SIHIP, from a relatively troubled start, is making inroads on arrears in Indigenous housing. The new houses have been widely accepted. There is controversy around the refurbishments, and no doubt the member for Braitling and others will continue that debate. Over 2000 families have had their homes refurbished, rebuilt, or new homes since this program started, which is a positive thing. Numbers to date: 324 new houses have been completed; about 200 under way - that is new houses - 1600 refurbishments and rebuilds have been completed, and work is under way on many more.
New places to rent: many workers coming to the Territory for employment will be seeking rental opportunities, so we are encouraging more construction and investment in housing. We know there is a private rental market with a range of products on offer. We are fast-tracking land release and encouraging more investment in rental housing.
We are currently establishing the affordable rental housing company which will provide rental properties to low- and middle-income earners. We want people in those income brackets to have the opportunity to live and work in the Northern Territory. One of the first things ceded to an affordable rental housing company is the 35 units at Wirrina and a block of land at Driver. We are currently in detailed and complex negotiations with the affordable rental housing company proponents about what other developments there might be. There is quite an amount of money riding on it from both sides so we want to ensure we get our contractual agreements right for the affordable rental housing company, and vice versa.
More public housing: the delivery of public housing so the most vulnerable people in the Territory can participate in the economy and live here is also important. We have invested nearly $50m over three years to build 150 new public housing dwellings. We have a strong focus on delivering housing for seniors with seniors’ villages currently under construction at Bellamack and Larapinta. We are also working to increase supported housing in our urban centres to give people life skills to gain tenancy and help break the cycle of homelessness.
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the new duplexes being built under the A Place to Call Home initiative. It is a great initiative which will deliver 32 new dwellings with 14 under way, enabling and supporting people with skills to maintain a tenancy and break the cycle of homelessness. In Alice Springs, the visitor park has 150 beds for increased short-term accommodation for visitors.
Under the Australian government’s $55m stimulus package investment, we have delivered a significant number of new accommodations for people in need. This includes: 34 new public housing dwellings; 45 units in the Wirrina redevelopment; 20 units at the St Vincent de Paul facility, Coconut Grove; 28 units at Percy Court in Alice Springs; 18 units at Crerar Road in Darwin; 12 rooms in the Catherine Booth House redevelopment; 8 units at Malak for supported accommodation; a 35 room redevelopment at Bath Street, Alice Springs for supported accommodation; and eight rooms at the Salvation Army, Goyder Street facility in Alice Springs. That is a comprehensive and impressive list of the investments being made by the Commonwealth government with building managed by the Northern Territory government. It is benefiting many non-government organisations; they welcome the activity.
I close with public employment. I am Public Employment minister. When it comes to the prosperity of the Territory and the challenges the future will bring, it is vital we recognise the important contribution of the Northern Territory Public Service. Our public servants deliver services to Territorians across a broad range of vital sectors such as education, health, planning, and infrastructure. We value our public servants and commend their work in what is an evolving and complex environment in the 21st century. Our government has delivered competitive pay and conditions to ensure the Territory public service remains an attractive employer.
It is pleasing to see many of the public service enterprise agreements finalised including the general NT Public Service, the teachers and educators and, of course, police. They are important EBAs and we have approached them in the right spirit. People realise times are tough economically; however, we have tried to give incentives and inducements over a range of things, including parental leave, etcetera, and particularly around professional development to support our public service. We would like to give more but are constrained by a budget.
I can also point out, as Public Employment minister, our public servants, whether they are teachers, nurses, or in other areas, are amongst the best paid in Australia. They are not number one, but they are up in that top bracket and that is where we want them to be. We want to attract and retain the best.
In parliament next week, we will be debating changes to the PSEMA. I will save that until then because we are making some final touches to the legislation.
I commend the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment. Ken Simpson has left and we are going through a recruitment process for the Commissioner’s position. Whoever fills that position will continue the great work Ken Simpson has done with programs to support Indigenous people to increase their skills through mentorship over a range of areas.
I commend our public servants. They do a fantastic job and are a vital part of our government’s effort in this century of northern Australia and as we move day to day in the Territory. Their contribution, support, and commitment is valued by government.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I commend the statement by the Chief Minister. This government has a vision which has been set out in the 2030 strategy and is supporting and implementing all those visionary targets.
Mr HAMPTION (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to support the Chief Minister’s statement on northern Australia and join my colleagues on this side of the House in talking about the vision we, as a united government, have for the Northern Territory over the next few years. I would like to speak on the vision I see as local member of a large and diverse bush electorate in the Northern Territory, the wonderful electorate of Stuart.
When talking about northern Australia and looking backwards, we celebrated 100 years of being a Northern Territory this year and my colleague, the Minister for Statehood, has been a vocal advocate about the last 100 years and also statehood. They are two important things we need to consider, not only as members of this Legislative Assembly, but as Territorians as we go forward.
Talking about the last 100 years, I reflect on the journey my grandparents, Tim and Sarah Hampton, took in the Northern Territory over that time and their days in the Roper River/Borroloola region working with the Aboriginal inland missionaries, establishing Emerald River Mission on Groote Eylandt in the 1920s, and raising 11 sons in tough conditions throughout the Northern Territory from Roper River to Darwin through to Hatches Creek, Barrow Creek, and then finally settling in Alice Springs, where I was born. That journey of my grandparents is one many families are still taking today - probably not in the same conditions or with the same challenges they had, particularly with transport and living conditions in the 1920s and 1930s. There is still that journey many families in the Northern Territory, many coming to the Northern Territory for the first time to settle down with their families, share with my grandparents.
Looking back from a family perspective, I always reflect on the journey of my grandparents and the difficulties they had in those days and raising 11 boys in very rough and isolated conditions. One thing which was a strong foundation for my family was the work ethic. Listening to contributions of members on both sides of the House, it is very much a front and centre issue, as is jobs. It is jobs, jobs, jobs, and economic development. It is important we continue to talk about that, particularly as it was a very basic and important foundation of my grandparents, despite the challenges of the 1920s and 1930s in places like Roper River and Groote Eylandt. They developed early on in their sons a strong work ethic in the mining industry, as well as through the church. That is an important part of our community which we need to continue pushing.
I acknowledge my colleague, minister McCarthy, for her contribution and, as a former Minister for Regional Development, the importance of economic development and jobs, not only in Darwin, Alice Springs, and our regional centres, but also our growth towns. That is a strong foundation of our A Working Future policy and our Territory 2030 policy. We need to be vigilant to get people to work. I agree with every member who has talked about the need for welfare reform. I come from the left of politics; however, there needs to be continuing substantial welfare reform. Welfare reforms have played a role, particularly for people in remote areas over the years. We need continued reform to get people focused on jobs, jobs, jobs. That is an important element of this statement and has been reflected on by previous speakers. Economic development and jobs are critical for northern Australia and the rest of the Territory.
Looking at my electorate, the growth towns policy is very important through the local implementation plans, through Territory 2030. I will continue to keep a close eye on the progress reports of the local implementation plans, particularly for Kalkarindji, Lajamanu and Yuendumu in my electorate. Another important thing I am working on in Yuendumu is the upgrade of the football oval, and linking that to school attendance. Sport is vitally important to many Indigenous communities, and I see the important link to education as well. One of the projects I am working on with the community and the school is linking the upgrade of the football oval to the need to increase school attendance.
I was at Yuendumu last Thursday talking to the school community and the many parents and residents about it. It came up during a Community Cabinet meeting there in 2009, when many of the men said they wanted their footy oval upgraded. I give credit to the Chief Minister who said: ‘We will upgrade it, but you need to increase your school attendance’. That is vitally important and is where the strength of sport can play a big role in the bigger issue of education. In my electorate and northern Australia, the growth towns and the regional economic development strategy are vitally important, and are what I will be working closely with my colleague on.
Turning to my portfolios, the very exciting opportunity that exists within ICT is one portfolio I have thoroughly enjoyed and believe have been able to deliver outcomes on. In relation to northern Australia, ICT is a very strong foundation, along with jobs and economic development, for future growth. Over the past two or three years, we have seen approximately $140m through ICT coming to the Northern Territory in various projects, particularly from the Commonwealth government. I commend Senator Conroy for his support of this investment. That is substantial money. It is not always about money; it is about outcomes. We may not see some of these outcomes through ICT in the next year or two, but we will over the next 10 or 20 years. My focus is closing the digital broadband gap we see between town and bush. The member for Braitling has some great ideas and I am sure is sorry to lose the portfolio. ICT has enormous opportunity. This government has worked very hard lobbying the Commonwealth and Senator Conroy for this infrastructure and will continue to do so.
Regarding NBN, we can have debates and differences of opinion about the best ICT infrastructure for the Northern Territory, particularly for remote communities. We have a competitive fibre link between Darwin and the eastern seaboard in the ground, with $70m spent in the Northern Territory creating around 1000 jobs during the construction of the project. In 2008-09, we had the Online and Communications Council in Alice Springs where we presented the Commonwealth minister, and all ministers, with some of the challenges and ideas we have in the Northern Territory, particularly the opportunities for medical services through Health eTowns. From that conference, some of the strong lobbying and advocacy has come to fruition. Another is the Digital Regions Initiative, which secured approximately $7m in Commonwealth funding for the $16m Health eTowns project.
We are seeing vast improvements in access to specialists and clinicians, as well as better education and social outcomes in our Territory growth towns as it rolls out. We negotiated further funding for the Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access Program of $2.2m over four years. There were issues at Papunya in relation to public access to the Internet. The Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access program will deal with some of the problems in our growth towns. We are gaining infrastructure deployment and increased public Internet access and training across more than 40 remote communities through this program. We have also won second release site status for the roll-out of fibre to homes and businesses in the Darwin area, which means wherever you are in the Northern Territory, you are in a great position to benefit from the NBN.
We will continue to fight hard to deliver the best NBN outcomes for the Territory. I acknowledge the challenges and the different ways we need to get that access to remote communities; however, we cannot underestimate the value of this technology and ICT infrastructure because with it comes economic growth and opportunities for jobs. Northern Australia is really looking to the future; it is all about economic development and jobs.
In my other portfolio areas, particularly around growth, comes the challenge of sustainable growth. As Minister for Climate Change and also Environment, front and centre of my mind is how we continue to grow in a sustainable manner. Our Territory 2030 strategy commits us to managing the Northern Territory’s natural resources according to the principles of ESD, or ecologically sustainable development. A key objective of sustainable living has targets around energy and water use efficiency, contributing to the national targets for greenhouse gas reduction and reducing waste. We are putting our words into action. The member for Fong Lim says: ‘Do not listen to what they say; look at what they do’. If you want to live in a clean and green environment, come to the Northern Territory.
We established the Environment Protection Authority with the function of giving advice and making recommendations to the Territory government, business, and the community, about ESD principles. The principles of ESD are not exclusive to environmental issues but require social and economic development and environmental protection issues are addressed together, and that is acknowledged and factored into policy and program areas. The concept of ESD is based on a long-term integrated approach to development which takes into account the inter-relationships between our environment, the people living in it, and the economy in which we interact on a daily basis. Our approach to ESD will ensure the Territory continues to move forward in a manner that ensures the health and wellbeing of our environment, economy, people, and culture.
The INPEX project is the largest oil and gas development in the Northern Territory and will attract other industries such as transport, health, and professional services to the area. It will showcase the Northern Territory as a region capable of supporting the construction and operation of a major development. The environmental assessment by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport found the project can be managed within the bounds of acceptable environmental impacts provided the environmental commitments, safeguards, and recommendations detailed in its EIS, this assessment report, and the final management plans, are implemented and managed under the environmental management program for the project, and are subject to regular reporting compliance auditing.
The assessment report also identified areas where, despite efforts to mitigate impact, residual environmental detriment is anticipated, such as the loss of monsoon vine forests on the side of the plant and the cumulative effects of the project on significant marine life in Darwin Harbour. The proponent will be expected to implement appropriate offsets to reduce this residual detriment or improve protection for relevant environmental aspects elsewhere. The proponent has subsequently agreed to a social and environmental benefits package comprised of 90 community-based projects which will be funded over 40 years to protect Territory marine life, offset carbon emissions, and create more training and job opportunities for Territorians.
The package includes funding for the savannah burning in the Daly-Wagait region which will reduce the Territory’s CO2 emissions and create job opportunities for Indigenous Territorians. The member for Daly will be working hard on this offset project to create opportunities. The package will also provide seven environmental programs with a focus on protecting dolphins and dugongs in Darwin Harbour and provide job opportunities for Indigenous marine rangers, particularly the Larrakia people. It will also help establish the North Australian Hydrocarbon Centre of Excellence at CDU, which will provide specialist research services and training to the oil and gas industry. This is one example of our commitment to Territory growth through good environmental practices and initiatives.
With growth comes opportunity to support our great Territory lifestyle. The natural environment of the Northern Territory is one of our greatest assets. We have some of the world’s most beautiful, pristine natural environments with some extraordinary wildlife. The Territory also features some of the best national parks and reserves in the world; they are the jewel in the Territory crown. From the Top End to the Red Centre, the Territory government manages the conservation, recreation, and tourism of more than 88 national parks and reserves, including the world renowned Litchfield National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Watarrka National Park, and the West MacDonnell National Park. These national parks receive millions of visitors each year.
The Territory Wildlife Park and the Alice Springs Desert Park are unique visitor experiences for Territorians and tourists alike. Territory Eco-link is a conservation corridor for the 21st century. It will deliver more than 2000 km of link-protected areas by coordinating public and private conservation areas on a large scale.
The Territory’s national parks and reserves provide a foundation for our conservation efforts, but they alone cannot protect our unique plants and animals. Territory Eco-link is a globally significant approach to conservation. It will see the Territory government create partnerships with stakeholders and landowners to achieve more effective and broader conservation outcomes.
By creating these partnerships, common conservation efforts will occur across our wide landscapes and help keep our ecological processes intact. Already, Indigenous ranger groups, pastoralists, and private conservation groups are increasingly undertaking an active role in conservation on their land. The Territory government will assist and enhance these voluntary efforts through Territory Eco-link for the benefit of our environment and all Territorians. Scientific evidence proves properly managed broad scale connections between parks can provide the buffer animals and plants need in the face of change in temperature, rainfall or fire.
Linking these areas will be approached in a series of stages centred on six key individual links which will grow and eventually join landscapes together. Visitor amenities in the Territory’s national parks vary depending on where you go. Most have campgrounds, toilets, and, most importantly, some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. The Territory government is delivering more than $8m in infrastructure over four years to make visitor facilities even better for locals and tourists alike. This will include improvements to boardwalks, toilet blocks, fencing to protect parks from feral animals, improving car parks, sealing access roads and solar lighting. Other highlights include $1.5m for Stage 2 of the fantastic West MacDonnells Visitor Centre in Alice Springs and facilities; $1m for redevelopment works at Litchfield National Park; $1m to upgrade facilities at Nitmiluk National Park; and $500 000 for the Stage 1 restoration works at Howard Springs Nature Park.
In addition to our spectacular natural environment, something else close to my heart is sport. It is a great part of the Territory lifestyle and the Territory has a proud record of hosting premier sporting events of international calibre. These events offer a chance for the Territory to showcase our international sporting facilities against the backdrop of the Territory’s thriving sporting, business, and cultural opportunities.
The Territory hosts many big sporting events throughout the year, including the popular Darwin Cup horse racing carnival, the Alice Springs Cup horse racing carnival, the V8 Supercars, the AFL matches, the international Hottest 7’s Rugby tournament, and the iconic Finke Desert Race in Central Australia. Every second year, the Territory hosts the Arafura Games in Darwin and the Masters Games in Alice Springs. The Arafura Games is now recognised as a leading international sporting competition for developing athletes of the Asia-Pacific region …
Mrs LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He has run out of time and I want to speak.
Madam SPEAKER: Your time has expired, minister.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for presenting his statement, Century of Northern Australia. The Minister for Central Australia told us about the beauty of the Northern Territory - the jewel of the Territory. He has described, quite eloquently, the natural wonders of northern Australia, our parks, our beautiful flora and fauna, the diverse culture, the wonders of places like Kakadu and Litchfield Park, and indeed the coastal paradise we are blessed with. However, what is missing from this statement, and the sentiment we are hearing from the government, is a sense of honesty about aspects of northern Australia which we have to present in a transparent way in parliament.
I am talking about the social problems of the northern part of Australia and the Northern Territory, which floods over into Central Australia. The social problems we are only too aware of in the Northern Territory have been described again and again throughout the reports and various inquiries presented to government, particularly over the last 10 years. We are well aware of them. If you speak about northern Australia, you must account for why things are so bad under this beautiful surface of natural wonder and beauty. How did social problems become so bad in northern Australia, particularly over the last 10 years? Things have deteriorated at a social level.
We are facing social problems in northern Australia, the northern part of the Northern Territory, at an intensity and degree we have never witnessed before. There is no doubt that school attendance and child protection have declined. The rate of notifications received can be partly attributed to different administrative practices; however, we are seeing a breakdown and fragmentation in the social fabric of the northern part of Australia as never seen before. It is indisputable; it is a fact and has been documented. It is knowledge this government has not mentioned in its glowing report of the great things happening in the northern Australia.
I agree with the government that it has made substantial investment in the northern part of Australia. It has spent like never before. It has spent, and spent, and spent. It has been blessed with federal government funds to prop up, repair, and make this part of Australia better. Spending alone does not transpire into good things socially. In the northern part of Australia we have seen money thrown around left, right, and centre. However, the social fabric of the Northern Territory, beyond the glossy blaze we like to talk about, is a society in turmoil - the basket case of Australia. Yes, unfortunately, our colleagues throughout Australia look at the Northern Territory and think: ‘My goodness, what a basket case they are in the Territory’. We know that because they regularly bail us out.
The feds had to come in through the Northern Territory Emergency Response and bail the Northern Territory out. They had solutions this government was incapable of identifying for itself - incapable of making happen. The federal government had to come in, guns blazing, and reform a system that was beyond broken. It was in a state of total dysfunction ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex! Member for Greatorex!
Mrs LAMBLEY: The emergency response was enacted and this government was dragged kicking and screaming into self-reflection, some reform, particularly when it came to the abuse of children on Aboriginal communities. We found, through the emergency response, through the Little Children are Sacred report, that the incidence of child sexual abuse throughout Northern Australia and Central Australia is at a despicable, deplorable, and unprecedented rate and extent to perhaps anywhere else in the world. It is an absolute shame for this government but, more than anything, it is heartbreaking.
From my perspective as the shadow for Child Protection, the flow of information coming to me from people in the community wanting to tell me stories about the incidents of child abuse and neglect in the community is having a personal effect on me, as it should everyone in this room. The stories coming through are consistent with the stories told in the Little Children are Sacred report, the Growing them strong, together report, and other such reports in the last 10 years. Nothing has changed, and the stories I am hearing indicate things are possibly, reluctantly I say, becoming worse. When we talk about northern Australia we cannot pretend all is good. Whilst we are spending vast amounts of taxpayers’ funds on splashing around and indulging ourselves in things we perhaps do not need, we have a child protection system which is completely and utterly broken. How did things get so bad?
An advisor from the Opposition Leader’s office and I recently attended a briefing with the Children’s Commissioner. From his perspective - he is an academic, he does his research - he says school attendance in the Northern Territory has never been so low. That, to me, is even more evidence this system is broken. The northern part of Australia has more social problems than you can poke a stick at, but no, the government wants to talk about its enormous expenditure. The Minister for Central Australia said: ‘Actions speak louder than words’. Where is the evidence we are doing a good job? We have built this; we are throwing money at this, that, and the other. A society in which the social problems are so endemic, so overwhelming and so out of control, with little or no evidence to suggest this government has any control, or any idea how to implement reform, speaks volumes on the wonders of this government to develop the northern part of Australia.
Minister for Child Protection, when it comes to northern Australia, the mobile assessment teams going out to remote parts of the north of Australia assessing child abuse and neglect, the notifications flooding into your department, how is that going? How effective is that? There are two weeks of intense investigations of vast volumes of notifications and then staff have two weeks off to fulfil their administrative requirements, which is fair enough. When you have child sexual abuse, child abuse, physical abuse, and neglect at the scale we have and one mobile assessment team funded by the Northern Territory government - in the last six months minister Jenny Macklin came in and said: ‘Yes, we will fund a second team’. You had trouble staffing the first team so how on earth can you provide an adequate mobile assessment team to every remote community where we know a large proportion of the children are suffering abuse and neglect? How can we even logistically get out there, when you have one, maybe two, up and running mobile assessment teams to assess the notifications of child abuse we know are coming in - that your government has informed us are flooding in?
Then we received the Ombudsman’s report several days ago. One thing which floored me when I read this report was the last page - page 231. When the Growing them strong, together report was released we, the opposition, had a briefing with Dr Howard Bath, chair of the board of inquiry, and Muriel Bamblett, a member of the inquiry committee. They clearly said, in relation to the 147 recommendations in the board of inquiry report, they feared the emphasis on the need for prevention and services based in the community to support the work of the statutory child protection system would not be adequately responded to in a timely fashion by the government.
Do you know what? Their fears have been recognised. Their fears have been completely justified because the last page – 231 - of the Ombudsman’s report includes an attachment. It is a response of the Child Protection Authority, the government, on Family Support Services dated 24 June 2011. She asked the government to provide information on what it was doing to provide preventative family support services in the community. The government has responded:
Further:
It is now 10 months since the board of inquiry report became public and the government has had it much longer. We are talking another 18 months. The government is saying it will take over two years to start implementing preventative family support services in communities.
When talking about northern Australia you are talking about the most severe, disturbing, social problems in Australia; they are all collected in the Northern Territory. You are talking about a government that cannot mobilise, cannot fulfil one of the critical requirements outlined in the board of inquiry report into child protection released in October 2010. It cannot provide preventative family support services for over two years. Two years! Two years is a long time; a great deal can happen in two years. I hope in the next two years a great deal will happen in the Northern Territory in politics. I hope this Labor government is thrown out to contemplate all the things it has not done particularly well that it so glowingly wants to talk about in the Century of North Australia. It has stated in writing that it will take two years from the release of the recommendations of the board of inquiry report to address preventative needs, support needs, for children and families in northern Australia and in other parts of the Northern Territory.
I am astounded by that, as I am sure the Ombudsman was when she read it. She attached that response to the last page of her report, which the government is trying hard to dismiss. It dismisses everything I say and twists it around to make the member for Araluen look like the problem when, in fact, we know what the problem is. We have a government that cannot respond to child protection and wants to throw stones, put up smoke screens, and deflect all types of incorrect innuendo because it cannot face the facts. The truth is north Australia is not as pretty as this government would have us believe.
I turn your attention to a Four Corners report. No, not Dangerous Territory - I have done that one to death. I want to turn your attention to a Four Corners program which aired on 26 July 2011, Return to Aurukun. This is the story of an Aboriginal community on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. Four Corners did a program on the community in 1978 and, 13 years later, went back to this community. Thirteen years later it decided to take another snapshot of how things are going in Aurukun. Aurukun was a basket case. It would not be too offended by me saying in the Northern Territory parliament that in 1978 things were looking pretty grim; things were not good at all. It had a profile like most of the Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory have at the moment: endemic social problems, fragmentation of things, including low attendance at school, alcohol problems, domestic violence, and child abuse - all those things we know exist in most, if not all, Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory.
Aurukun has been reformed. They have implemented radical reforms which have made the community strong again. The reforms are based on welfare. Welfare reforms are at the crux of how it managed to get children back to school, get people off the grog, lower the rates of crime and domestic violence, and generally re-create and strengthen the social fabric of Aurukun. They have done it through welfare reform.
We talk about welfare reform all the time on this side of the House. Do we hear it from the opposite side of the House? Does this Labor government talk about the need for widespread, deep welfare reform in this country? No, because it does not see the need for welfare reform when most sensible people throughout Australia can see welfare has done nothing for the Northern Territory. Here we have a small Aboriginal community in the northern part of Queensland, in the north Australia the Chief Minister’s statement is referring to, that has made welfare reforms. Through collaboration with the federal government, through collaboration with the state government, they have used welfare reforms to change …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time for the member pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Year 2/3 Wagaman Primary School students accompanied by Miss Gemma Chadbourne and Ms Carol Putica. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mrs LAMBLEY: Madam Speaker, the small Aboriginal community of Aurukun on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula has used welfare reform as a way of reforming the whole society. They are moving forward. They have strengthened their community; they have addressed the social problems that were bringing the community to its knees in 1978. However, the Northern Territory government, this Labor government that loves welfare, loves to see people sitting down all day and playing cards and leading a very futile, frustrating and miserable life - that is what it prefers to do.
I want to hear this government demand from the federal government welfare reform for the future of the Northern Territory, particularly the future of Aboriginal people throughout the Northern Territory. There is no way we can make changes to address these endemic and serious social problems without significant welfare reform. We want to hear a chorus of pleas from this Northern Territory Labor government demanding from its federal counterparts welfare reform come in as soon as possible; that people are encouraged to not sit down and do nothing, they are encouraged to work. Primarily, the only way it can happen - which is the experience of Aurukun and Cape York – is through welfare measures and welfare reform.
When we talk about northern Australia, all is not as it seems - all that glitters is definitely not gold. We have social problems this government does not have the know-how or capacity to change. It cannot do it; it is beyond its realm. We heard the desperate and rather concerning comments from the Minister for Local Government recently saying: ‘We do care’, and I agree. I could see it in her face; she does care. However, caring does not equate to competency, good governance, or making the changes required to turn northern Australia and, indeed, the whole of the Northern Territory, into the place we know it could become.
The Queenslanders, the people of Aurukun, knew what their community could become. They put themselves out. They have taken risks, no doubt. They have had good management, good leadership, and people with insight and dedication who have led them out of a state of dire social fragmentation into a society in which they can stand up and feel proud.
Madam Speaker, I want to feel proud of the Northern Territory. I want to feel proud of northern Australia. I want to feel proud of Central Australia. I want all those people living out bush who feel disenfranchised, who are unhappy, who do not know what it is like to feel safe, to feel proud too.
Mr McCARTHY (Lands and Planning): Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to support the Chief Minister’s statement on the vision for northern Australia. The Chief Minister is a Territorian with vision who leads a united team with vision - a team that reflects all aspects of the Northern Territory community; a very diverse team.
The member for Araluen has given us an impassioned speech. I am going to give her a history lesson. Let us talk politics because, if you want to understand disadvantage, let us talk about how disadvantage is created - and not in the recent one-line media spin from your party.
I will lay my cards on the table. I came to the Northern Territory from the heroin-ravaged western suburbs of Sydney, where the Commonwealth Bank packed up and left town after it was robbed twice in the same day. I came from a city that was out of control. I had a little understanding of social problems. I then went to the northwest of New South Wales and worked with the Indigenous community and a mainstream support town of the wheat and sheep base in northwest New South Wales. I saw real challenges there.
I had a yearning to learn more and wanted to come to country that had no fences. To stand here today as the minister for Lands and Planning, Construction, and infrastructure is quite ironic for a person who was yearning for open country with no fences. I found them over 30 years ago. The Country Liberal Party was running the show. Country Liberal Party policies were the guiding policies of development for northern Australia. I lived under those policies. I have no documents to wave around because the capital works program for the Barkly in those days was less than four pages in some years, and no one would wave them around because there was nothing happening.
Mind you, I will give credit where credit is due. The capital city of Darwin was progressing and a brilliant casino and wonderful resort at Yulara were happening - there were some big developments. I was in the bush where I saw failing policies that did not address the holistic nature of northern Australia - the big picture development. They were very, very blinkered ..
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr McCARTHY: They were very blinkered, very linear, and had a poor view of people who lived in regional and remote areas. I became involved in politics to directly challenge that. Let us give the member for Araluen one example of school education under the Country Liberal Party. It was fantastic. The Commonwealth was flooding in dollars and we were building schools in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek. You have to look at the architecture to see that era because it was all the same - they were Canberra-designed schools.
Let us talk about what was happening in northern Australia - the big picture. Forty foot Franklin caravans were rolled in and mounted on pads and the wheels were taken off. That sent a brilliant message to the community where the children were being engaged in schools for their first time. Here is your school, but if anything goes wrong we will put the wheels back on and roll it out. We did the best we could. We challenged that government policy. We challenged the policy of community development and we entered a new era of demountable buildings that came in on trucks, were mounted on stumps, and were able to be removed. That sent another very good message to the community.
I am proud to be standing with a government that is serious about infrastructure development and understands northern Australia is the big picture of development. When you look at our policies, our growth town policies, our policies on regional development, our policies on capital cities, our policies around Alice Springs as a major centre in the Northern Territory to deliver a real future for the community, you have a government that understands the real deal …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Mr McCARTHY: That is what the Chief Minister’s statement is all about. In the last 10 years under a Labor government that has built infrastructure, we have seen a world of change. During 27 years under the Country Liberal Party things, no doubt, were changing; however, its policies did not reflect holistic development. When you are not dealing with the whole of society, you will deliver disadvantage as part of failed policies of a government which did not have the vision and did not get it right.
There have been changes, and the Chief Minister brings this statement forward because, as he noted, Access Economics is forecasting annual economic growth in the Territory of 4.2% over the next five years - great news for northern Australia. That economic growth and the jobs that go with it will drive further population boosts, more people, more careers, more opportunities, more schools, more hospitals, and more infrastructure.
Let us look at a capital city, because everywhere needs a capital, a nerve centre, and this government’s policy is about feeding into and off a capital city development. Led by the Chief Minister, this government is responding to ensure the Territory is well-placed to maximise the global opportunities ahead. As Darwin continues its development as part of northern Australia, the gas hub concept of our capital city will be the linchpin in the century of the north. Indeed, the current population forecast estimates an additional 70 000 will call the greater Darwin region home over the next 15 years. These people will need places to live and land to support commercial and industrial developments.
That brings me to the Henderson government’s Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan released in February - positive public feedback. It is a strategic framework for the release and development of both residential and industrial land towards 2030. It deals with the new principles of urbanism. It deals with a comprehensive mix of both infield and greenfield residential developments, including a new city. If that is not vision, I do not know what is. The Territory is excited about the planning for its new city.
Our government recognises Darwin Harbour and its supporting waterways are the heart of our community, and government will not dam the Elizabeth River. We will not put heavy industry at Glyde Point. Throughout our plan, suitable land is identified for potential commercial and industrial development, including Gunn Point, Berrimah, Winnellie, and growth around Casuarina and Palmerston. Public submissions on the plan are being carefully assessed and I look forward to the next part of this journey when we work with the community to develop the plan further.
Land release: you cannot grow without land release, and when we talk about land release five times faster than ever before in the Territory, we mean it. If you get out in the Territory, you will see land release delivering for our community now and into the future. I was proud to listen to the minister for housing and all that important work, and the government’s policy of allocating 15% of land release to social and affordable housing. It is recognition of the whole community, not just sectors of the community - the holistic picture of that dynamic Northern Territory community.
You only have to look at Palmerston East to see a record land release program in action. To make the program roll-out in step with demand, government has committed $20.3m to continue the headworks at Bellamack, Johnston, and Zuccoli in Palmerston East. The land release program is getting results with more Territorians already calling Bellamack and Johnston home. You have heard my stories of coming into this wonderful capital city, travelling across an electorate one-and-a-half times the size of Victoria, arriving in this capital and going through what used to be scrub land to where families are now living. Kicking the dirt around and seeing the growth of this capital city is truly amazing, and it is an honoured position to be part of that.
Touching quickly on the member for Araluen’s comment, I need to reiterate several stories. I was lucky to get a loop through the south-eastern Barkly Tableland on my way to Darwin so I can comment on the Aboriginal communities I visited. It was a cracker to see the Alekarenge dance festival, and when you have an old boy like Joe Bird who has all these young Indigenous men dressed up in traditional costume and paint, age old patterns painted on their bodies, and when they perform to the tourist crowd and the locals and old Mr Bird says: ‘Now, you young fellas, don’t go out there and just walk around; you stomp that ground and make big dust’. That is what leadership is all about. That festival went on for three days. I must mention Pete, Phycus, and Roo Man, and the hundreds of kids they entertained throughout the festival.
Going into places like Epenarra and Canteen Creek, the Aboriginal communities are proud to show you what they are doing. Let us have some balance in this debate. When I hear those on the other side negative, negative, negative - come to some Indigenous communities in the Barkly, put your diatribe to them and see how far you get. They will not ridicule you, like you do them to the government; they will take you on a journey of learning, they will show you the good things, the efforts and the successes. In Epenarra they will show you developments in that community never seen before - infrastructure, programs, delivery, people confronting the challenges of disadvantage and the challenge of getting your kid to school every day when you are some of the poorest people in our society; the challenges that go with day-to-day life.
We move further east to Canteen Creek and the welding team putting together steps - working with non-Indigenous contractors reinforcing steps for a building project. The school, and the CEO at the school the morning I attended, giving students secondary school in the bush, giving high school students a motivational lecture on local government never before seen under the CLP. Talking to young teachers from all parts of Australia, the common thread is they are there to make a difference. Everyone is digging deep and working to make things better. All I hear, especially from the member for Araluen, is negatives, put downs and terms like ‘basket case’. How dare she? Who does she think she is calling my family a basket case and the constituents I represent basket cases? Get real! Get a life! Start to temper your language. It does not work, it does nothing, your theatre is sad.
Get out and have a good look. Go to Robinson River where they bowl you over. I was taken on a tour which lasted eight-and-a-half hours - they would not let me go. The women’s welding team is completing a contract at the school - a community that has just completed a BER building. They built it themselves. They were very interested in the Liberal Party hogwash about BER infrastructures. They have just created a new classroom, a new library, a staff area, and a flat for visiting officers at the remote community of Robinson River.
In Borroloola, driving over a new bridge on the McArthur River, it is inspiring to see a major piece of infrastructure in our growth town and wondering what the hell all the other earthworks was. Earthworks everywhere! It is the second stage of the sewerage upgrade for the growth town of Borroloola - $14m there; $7m for a bridge. It does not stop there because the people in that growth town have nothing but praise for infrastructure developments, for growth town policy, and plans for their community and for developments. Are they suffering challenges? Of course they are. It is called life in Australia.
The Commonwealth Bank suffered challenges in Greenacre and packed up and left town. We are not packing up and going anywhere. We have dug in; we are here for the long haul. We are about delivering, and land release is one example. Headworks are under way in the new suburb of Zuccoli with a capacity of 1400 lots. Stage 1 of Zuccoli is being developed in partnership with the Land Development Corporation and Urbex and will be delivering 400 residential lots in the first cut.
I spoke about our new city of Weddell; however, let us not stop in the capital city. Let us go down to Alice Springs, the territory of the member for Greatorex. We have to stop a few times on the way. We will take a detour to Maningrida, a growth town with a new subdivision having housing built on it. Then we will slip across to the growth town of Elliott, where there is a new subdivision. Earthworks are going on at this very time in the final trim of a new subdivision in Elliott. We will stop at Tennant Creek and look at a land release program - 54 lots prepared, 200 potential, and 28 sold just to test what Territorians are thinking. They all sold between 8 am and 4 pm to locals and visitors alike interested in investing in the town, and we have the capacity to do much more.
Then we will slip down to Alice Springs, where I have been recently and, member for Greatorex, I did not see you there. It would have been a positive opportunity for you to come out; however, you were obviously still dwelling in your misery and gloom somewhere around the town because we were at a forum which pulled a little more than 80 residents together, people interested in the Inquiry by Design process that is delivering a new part of the community in Alice Springs. The earthworks are taking place, the head services are being put in and the community is celebrating this. We are now talking about the really good principles around urban design; the modern urban principles about sustainable housing and all the things that excite a community when government puts in the foundation stones.
I attended the opening of the largest solar power station in Australia in Alice Springs. I discussed plans with the Aviation Museum of how we can capture the incredible oral history in this place. We have the technology to do it. ‘You have to talk to government, guys; you have to start looking at grants programs’. They are excited, Madam Speaker. It was all positive. When I hear the doom and gloom of the member for Araluen, you would think I should go to Alice Springs with a flak jacket on representing government. No, Alice Springs makes me feel very welcome. I feel very safe - always have. I have walked there for years and played hard there. I feel good about Alice Springs and become inspired when I am in Alice Springs talking to the community. I do not have talk like the member for Araluen. Perhaps she should experience some of the brighter side of life.
Regarding strategic industrial land development, I have touched on the Henderson government’s focus on strategic release of industrial land to support the Territory’s economic growth. The government’s Land Development Corporation is at the front line of this program. It is actively promoting the benefits of establishing the Darwin Business Park for businesses engaged in oil and gas, mining, transport ...
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move that the member be given an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker and honourable members.
As I was saying, … engaged in oil and gas, mining, transport and logistics industries. The Land Development Corporation will release Stage 2 of the business park in October and, in coming months, will begin the construction of lots near the East Arm boat ramp to further support our marine industry. The Land Development Corporation is also promoting the opportunities on offer for businesses to establish at the Defence Support Hub, as well as the 30 ha common user area in East Arm port.
We have heard the Treasurer talk about Defence and the nature of Defence. This government is preparing for the wonderful opportunities that will come forward with the Defence move north. There is much high-level planning because northern Australia will be the base for our Defence Force in this new century. There is no doubt about that. The Northern Territory will benefit and is extremely strategically well placed to develop those opportunities and welcome the new community that comes to the Territory with our Defence Forces.
Our industrial strategic land release program and development support the growth of key industries around our major economic drivers such as mining, defence, oil and gas. There can be no doubt northern Australia is entering a great period of economic advancement. For the Territory, the INPEX project will be transformational to our economy. The project alone will generate 3000 jobs during construction and up to 300 jobs during the life of the project. That is at the gas plant, and does not take into account the flow-on ripple effect throughout our community through the creation of new jobs and business growth in supporting industries. The Chief Minister has worked extremely hard to give INPEX the certainty it needs to make a final investment decision. We are working together to ensure the Territory is heading in the right direction to meet the opportunities it will deliver.
It is also an opportunity for the rest of the Territory - once again, policy that is delivering for the holistic package. When I travel to the Indigenous communities in my electorate, the growth towns, I have a new mantra for the young people: ‘You know that fly in/fly out? Well, you guys can fly in and fly out? Do you know where you are going to fly in and fly out to? Darwin. That is where it is going to be at if you want to get a grip on the opportunities coming our way, if you want to work with the best trades people in the world and if you want to experience real prosperity to make choices in your life, fly in and fly out’. There are no problems with flying in and flying out from Alice Springs to work on what will be the biggest project ever seen in northern Australia. That opportunity exists at Epenarra, Canteen Creek, Elliott, Mataranka, Pine Creek, or Wadeye. That opportunity exists for northeast Arnhem.
I tell these young people I am not trying to turn them into a miner, a construction worker, a transport worker or a worker in logistics, but have a taste - check it out. Look at how mainstream operates. Pick up the skills you need to take home and make the best choices. Many of these young people are going to continue with that choice, and what a good way to work. Fly in, 14 days on in a supported professional work environment, and seven days off sitting on the river at Robinson River community with a fishing line in the water. I cannot think of anything better. As matter of fact, two of my sons have chosen to go that way. They are well-known to these young people in the Barkly, and I use them all the time as examples of what can be done. This government is about ensuring these kids have that opportunity.
Our mining sector continues to be a major driver in our community and, with exciting mineral exploration projects by companies such as Hess and Minemakers in the Barkly, this will continue. If you do not want to take part in one of the biggest projects ever seen in Darwin, you might want to stay closer to home and engage in phosphate mining, or the mining of copper or gold. You might want to be looking at your own mining operation chasing tin, or you might be looking at the bigger operations of iron ore that will be coming on in what is returning to be the bread basket of minerals for the Northern Territory, the Barkly region.
The Darwin port is positioned to play a pivotal role in the century of northern Australia. East Arm Wharf Facilities Masterplan 2030 is a strategic framework for the expansion of the port to 2030. We are on the right track. We are monitoring markets and opportunities carefully; we are in the game.
Roads infrastructure: I remember those days of the Country Liberal Party well. I remember travelling on the Stuart Highway and Barkly Highway as a single lane goat track. Yes, they were built, and the Commonwealth funded those roads and continues to support our roads infrastructure. It is really nice to work with a Labor federal government to maximise our opportunities, as opposed to those on the opposite side who continually bag out the federal government as they bag out this government and every other thing that conflicts with their Liberal policies. The Henderson government knows the importance of investing in our vast road network to keep the Territory heading in the right direction, opening up supply chains for industry, and improving links to health, education, and community events.
Budget 2011-12 delivers $307m into our road network, including significant new roadworks to improve flood immunity and access. Members will be well aware of the progress on major roads infrastructure across the Territory. Open your eyes, move around, take a look - a new bridge coming out of the ground across the Cullen River …
Mr Knight: And the Daly River.
Mr McCARTHY: The Daly River is next. I have already talked about the McArthur River and flood immunity on the Central Arnhem Road. Road transport infrastructure, road transport logistics into real frontier country of the Northern Territory to benefit growth town development, to support homelands across the area of northeast Arnhem, and now a community is starting to embrace this concept about delivering benefits. When you see a bridge coming out of the earth and major construction projects, when you see an intensive recovery period after a record Wet Season, that is what the Territory is all about; a can-do Territory. It is not about whinging and whining, it is about getting your hands dirty and getting in and working together. It does not stop with what we have already. When we talk about strategic development, let us think of the Arnhem Highway and Jenkins Road. That will support the growth of our mining, and oil and gas projects, including INPEX.
Our government understands economic prosperity will drive social improvements and we want to ensure all Territorians benefit, not just those in town. Roads are an important part of that work, including the development of our Territory growth towns. New projects such as the construction of a high level bridge – let me hear it – on the Daly River, and the sealing of the Umbakumba road will better connect Territorians living in these remote areas and open the way to new business, education, and health.
It is about infrastructure supporting community development, and that is across aerodromes, airstrips, barge landings, bus services - the integrated regional transport strategy never before seen in the Northern Territory
As the Chief Minister highlighted, the growth of the century of north Australia is not without its challenges, and my colleagues have identified the programs and initiatives in place to meet some of these challenges: the commitment to supporting 10 000 apprenticeships and traineeships; the Every Child, Every Day education policy giving our kids the best head start for a bright future; building a world-class workforce with a new focus by Charles Darwin University on the oil and gas industry; a strategic approach led by the Chief Minister for a collaborative approach to building a north Australian workforce with Western Australia and Queensland.
I could talk more about what is happening, because when you are delivering a $1.5bn infrastructure program and sustaining 3000 jobs in Budget 2011-12, there is a great deal happening. We do not have to stop at the Palmerston Water Park; let us talk about the Purkiss Reserve in Tennant Creek, and the incredible development of the infrastructure under a Labor government in downtown Tennant Creek. Guess what? We have some challenges too but we are all working together; we are working through it and we do not like anyone calling us a basket case; we do not like anyone using our name in vain because we are proud of ourselves ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: ... and we are proud of having a go. The Henderson government is a do government; a have-a-go government.
Debate suspended.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I remind you I had tabled a pair yesterday for the member for Wanguri with the member for Brennan for today between 3 pm and 5 pm.
I also table another pair document relating to the member for Barkly with the member for Macdonnell for the period 6 pm to 8 pm this evening.
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr BOHLIN (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, it is great to speak on this statement after hearing some of the drivel from the government side. I have listened to the comments made on this statement and it is definitely a puff piece to promote the government’s position. It is a shame it is using public funds to sort out its image crisis, because we know it is afraid of its own image. We have not heard the government talk about its image of late. In fact, it is obsessed with the image of the Country Liberal Party and no more evident than today in that final rant by the Chief Minister during Question Time when he ignored the dorothy dixer from the member for Fannie Bay.
It could not have been an easier dorothy dixer; however, he is so obsessed with the Country Liberal Party because it will support Territory families to get past the pain of a carbon tax, the pain of failed land release policies, and the pain of a basket case government which has left child abuse in tatters and crime running out of control without any sign of arresting it.
I have several portfolios. My colleagues and I cherish the portfolios we have held. They are a great opportunity to get a better insight into what is happening. Ironically, no matter which of my colleagues holds a portfolio, they see the same thread – a failure to plan, a failure to deliver, and an absolute basket case of a government and incompetent ministry which has no leadership or direction. People in the street wonder why we are in such a poor state!
Without doubt, there is a future for the Territory. The Country Liberals will demonstrate its plan over the next 12 months. This government claims ownership of plans released prior to the 2008 election, even as far back as the 2005 election, by the Country Liberals. It takes ownership as if it were the one coming to the table with brilliant new ideas when, in reality, the hospital in Palmerston - it makes for a more humble government to accept the opposition proposed the hospital. Everyone can live with that. During the 2008 election campaign, the Country Liberals proposed a hospital, planned for a hospital. It is sad to see a government saying: ‘We did it’. The public do not forget these things.
It has been great to see advancement in sport over the last few years. It has been great to see AFL programs in the communities. The member for Braitling has been a strong supporter of soccer programs in Central Australia.
There has been a string of fantastic achievements across the Northern Territory by individual people. We have seen many stars come and go. The Territory is lucky place to live. If you are a skilled person there are many opportunities.
It is great to see so many new facilities. It is as if – let us ponder the thought – prior to this Labor government, if you listen to the spin from the Chief Minister and his basket case bunch, there were no facilities. People know the Marrara complex was built under a Country Liberal government and most of the facilities in Alice Springs were built under the Country Liberals. In fact, the highway was built under the Country Liberals. Listening to the member for Barkly earlier today, it is as if the highway is a new phenomenon in the Territory when, he knows in his own heart, it has taken a long time to develop the Territory. No matter what the plans have been, it has been a hard journey.
I remember my father telling stories of delivering the post to Andamooka in South Australia. There were no roads in those days. He recalled times being bogged on sand dunes in two-wheel-drive trucks because there were no roads. It is clear to see all this development has not happened in just the last 10 years, yet we constantly hear the government taking ownership or claiming the CLP built nothing. It is shameful. It is great to see some new schools, new squash courts, the new netball facilities, and additional basketball facilities. It is even great to see the member for Stuart managed to get the basketball stadium in Alice Springs fixed after we brought it to his attention that it needed repair. It is great to see that work has been done.
It has been fantastic to see continued improvements at the Hidden Valley sporting complex, the Finke start/finish line, and the CADRA drag strip. It is fantastic to see the work from CLP days continue today. Let us remember much work has been done over a long time to create the century of the Territory. It is important to remember that before this Labor government much work had already been done. If we listen to this basket case Labor government it would have you believe there were no schools in the Northern Territory until Labor built them.
I support the member for Braitling. Last night he suggested the NBN should be looking at wireless technology in a much stronger light because the flexibility of wireless matches the flexibility and mobility of our society. Fixed lines are, without doubt, on the way out. Fibre to the door or not, they are on the way out. I question how you will get such resources into remote Indigenous communities because it is not on your plan. If we look for the plan, we cannot find one for delivery of the NBN. The plan is sparse and empty.
I enjoyed hearing about Internet public access programs for Indigenous people in remote communities. What would be really good is land tenure in Indigenous communities and some small businesses popping up. Wouldn’t it be great if, instead of a small room for Indigenous people to access a computer in Papunya, it was a full-blown Internet caf employing people, baristas, a cupcake or two - I know the member for Daly likes his cupcakes. Wouldn’t it be great if there was land tenure and a private business in that community had invested to develop its own caf? That would be something to be proud of, not just giving computers and opening a room, but real business opportunities. Wouldn’t it be great if you could go next door and have your hair cut - a small business owned or developed on behalf of Indigenous people and run by indigenous people?
Papunya previously had a bakery. In the 1970s, there were bakeries and butchers in many communities. Why have we gone backwards? We should be going forwards, and we should be ensuring land tenure so we can develop small business. It is ironic Papunya was mentioned because there has been fibre-optic cable there since 2006. The NBN has not all of a sudden brought fibre to Papunya; it has been there for a long time. It is strange how this government wants to take ownership all of a sudden when often those things are already in place.
I touch on Defence and Defence support. Defence has had a long history in the Northern Territory. Being a former Defence person, I came to the Northern Territory in the Army and loved it so much I settled here. I would like to see Defence continue in the Northern Territory; however, it concerns me when I see a Defence Support Hub with nothing happening. It has been used as a puff piece many times. I want to see local businesses tied up in Defence contracts so they continue to prosper. I want to see local businesses supported to receive appropriate training to enable them to secure the new light and medium vehicle servicing repairs contract. I have not seen that; it did not come out in my portfolio briefing. There does not seem to be anything planned or in place to support businesses to get the new light and medium vehicle servicing repairs contract. It would be good to see a plan coming forward sooner than later.
The member for Barkly mentioned how exciting it was to see the new Cullen River Bridge. What is disappointing is 10 km south from the bridge works towards Katherine the road is a mess. This has not just happened this Wet Season. It has deteriorated over a long period and this government has failed to repair it. It is great to see the Cullen River Bridge, but it is a disappointment to drive past the ‘end roadwork’ sign and have your car shaken to bits as it travels along the next 10 km of decimated roads. It has been like that for several years.
It is a shame to see crime out of control in many places. It is a shame to see this government seems to think adding more money is a solution when it is not. It is about individual accountability, about helping people be rehabilitated, and about our habitual drunks policy - a real plan to help Territorians where they cannot help themselves - to make a safer community and plan for a better lifestyle in the Northern Territory, free from harassment and the sights of violence because of alcohol. It is a plan different to the Labor plan; however, we believe our plan has a sound base with real outcomes.
Child protection in the Territory has a disgraceful history under this basket case Labor government. The Little Children are Sacred report was followed by further condemning reports which indicate we continue to slide leaving more and more children at risk. It is not a good look. It is very damning of this government. We have a fantastic shadow minister with passion and a background that will help plan a future, a way forward, get things back on track - real action and make real change because there needs to be real change. We do not need a continuation of committees and consultants to achieve no outcome. Some hard work needs to be done and real action needs to be taken; some responsibility and a plan put forward with a clear outcome and goals set. The housing release plan has been so flaccid it has hurt families and business and will, well into next year, continue to hurt businesses and families.
It all started in 2005 under this government. It reduced land release, took its eye off the ball, and let the people of the Territory suffer bad decisions; a lack of planning and inability to see what was happening despite the calls from opposition to look into it, to do something to speed up land release, and despite this parliament calling for those things …
Mr STYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Mr BOHLIN: The failure to plan has left families hurting and they are leaving the Territory at an astonishing rate. It is not the lower or the upper; it is right smack bang in the middle. The hard-working families of the Territory are leaving, and skilled workers are leaving at a time we most need them.
This morning on the way to parliament I was talking to a builder who had heard of a house in Rosebery which was a great bargain for one person and a painful sale for another. It cost mid-$550 000 to build this house and was sold for $480 000 recently; a loss of well over $80 000, and the house was never lived in. Because the owners needed to offload it for more cash flow, they took an $80 000 loss. That is indicative of how bad business is currently. That same builder said things are quiet at the moment. He is owed over $1m from builders he subcontracts to in Darwin alone. That is not a good sign. Luckily, that builder is in a strong position. He does not owe that $1m to anyone else. He has paid all his bills; however, other builders have debts. That is a large sum of money. He said the market is slow and it has all come down to the government’s failure to release land.
Zuccoli was announced recently and is two years behind time. We started hammering on about land release as soon as we walked into this parliament. Zuccoli is two years behind time. Your own people expected Zuccoli would have turned off 220 blocks by now. All you could manage was to announce the developer, and not a sod of soil turned. That is an embarrassment. Unfortunately, it is the families of the Territory who are hurting the most, and the businesses which make up that fabric of the Territory. They are the ones who have been hurt most by your poor planning and bad governance.
However, there is a much brighter future: a united team of Country Liberals members willing to work with and create communities to build a better future for the Territory, a safer future for the Territory. We have a plan. Some of those plans have been around since the 2008 election campaign. They exist; they were not fictional at the time and are not fictional today. They were real plans. We have a plan to decongest the departments of the red tape of this bureaucracy and get on with doing the job not simply have another committee, as we heard the other day in reply to a question about an empty pool in a community. This government formed a committee to talk about that empty pool. If that is not an indication of a system failure, I am not sure what is. You do not need a committee to talk about an empty pool! You need to get on with doing the job - do your job. You need to get rid of the red tape - have ministers make decisions and say: ‘Yes, let us get this happening. Let us build a future for the Territory’. This side has made that decision. We are working towards a brighter future for the Territory. We have plans for the future of the Territory.
A little over 12 months ago, the Leader of the Opposition introduced planning for greater Darwin - a massive document. It does not outline where every tap will be or every finite decision. It is a plan for the future. It is a plan, one could say, for the next century of the Territory. In comparison, the Northern Territory government with all its bureaucracy, put out a small, meek, and very narrow-minded planning document nearly six months later. The Country Liberals’ plan for greater Darwin is significant. It is vibrant, full of ideas, and it is a starting place. Without doubt, the Northern Territory, a place I am proud to be part of, has a future I am proud to be part of. As part of this strong team, we will ensure the Territory is safer, brighter, and has some vision, families can use the parks and afford a home, kids will love going to school and will receive an education, our children will be better protected, and our police force will be better supported.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I hope we see better results from the basket case government. I believe its day is done, its heart is broken, its will to survive is gone, and its ability to perform is defunct. Thank you for the opportunity to talk on this motion. It is ironic this statement was brought on - another flowery puff piece - and has given us all an opportunity to speak about the future vision we have in opposition, because it is a strong future and will be a proud future.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I agree with the Chief Minister: the future of north Australia is bright. We are resource-rich in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia with our oil and gas reserves and mineral wealth. They can deliver incredible opportunities and we have much work to do to take advantage of them. Today I would like to talk about how we take economic opportunities and deliver a social dividend. I have full confidence we will as our most important resource remains our people. I am excited about the future of the Northern Territory because I am excited about the people living here and what they are capable of. We are, on the whole, a positive bunch who wants to get out and do things. One of the best things about being a member of parliament is we are afforded the opportunity to meet outstanding people, people who do, people who volunteer, people with spirit and endeavour, and, as members of parliament, we can also create opportunities.
One of the most exciting things to happen recently started this year: we will be training our own doctors at Charles Darwin University. As someone who grew up here, being able to receive an education in Darwin, all the way from preschool to a medical degree, is a landmark event in our development. We need more doctors in the Territory, and the best way to do that is train them locally. We are a very positive bunch in the Northern Territory. You would not always believe it when you listen to the opposition. I believe we are positive; we get out there and do things. Being able to go from preschool to a medical degree in the Northern Territory is excellent.
In the past, some of our best and brightest have moved south to study and they do not always come back. By the time they have finished their degree, they have often established themselves in a new community. A medical degree can take six, seven, eight years; a long time for someone in their late teens to be spending in a new place. We will now see people from outside the Territory gain their medical degree in the Territory, and by the time they have finished their degree, many will consider themselves Territorians and be looking to say.
Affordable, accessible, quality healthcare is always a huge focus for a Labor government and is why we work with the federal government to deliver super clinics in Palmerston, a new cancer centre, and employ a record number of nurses. However, training our own doctors is perhaps the most important step of all.
On the weekend, the inaugural TEDxDarwin was hosted at the museum. TED is based on the principle of ideas worth spreading, and TEDx events are local and independently driven. They provide an opportunity for passionate and inspired people to get together and share their ideas. Many people love TED. If you do not know about TED check out TED.com. There are over 900 videos on the site. I always recommend people start with Hans Rosling, one the best speeches; however, there are many things that are creative and inspirational - of people who get out there and do things.
There are many people in Darwin who love the passion, the creative thinking, and the new solutions to old problems you can find on TED.com. They also believe the Territory is a place with plenty of people with great ideas worth spreading, so a few of them have got together and made TEDxDarwin a reality. Jason and Karen Schoolmeester, Ben Gill, Noel Hanssens and Nicholas McGrath did not talk about it, they did it. As a result, on the weekend we saw many passionate people get together and learn, from Chris Garner, about the approach of Marrara Christian School to Indigenous education. The school has seen Year 12 graduation rates go from 2% to 98%. Chris is one of those great Territory stories, born in Scotland and arrived here via England, South Africa and New Zealand. He met his wife here, they are happily married and living in Karama and are not going anywhere.
There was more at TEDxDarwin - Matt Cornell and his journey; Adam Voigt and what he has done with the community to get Rosebery Primary off the ground; how Bindy Isis has made lifting the foot a personal philosophy, Kia Shan finding a way to engage youth, and Caroline in supporting parents and much more.
TEDxDarwin was diverse, inspirational, positive and local. Like everyone else there, I left reaffirmed about the direction of the Territory and the people we have working towards our future.
There are countless examples of the boundless energy of Territorians and their ability to get out and do things. That is why it is a great place to live, and will be an even better place in the future. We have a strong sense of community, and that is not lost as we grow.
To stay local, we have more people choosing to live and work in Parap and Fannie Bay, and I would like to talk about some of the things happening in that area.
The inaugural 0820 Festival at Parap shops celebrated the vibrancy of our local community. My favourite moment was when the Parap Primary School choir sang Shake Your Tail Feather - they got the whole stage rocking. There are many people to thank for bringing the festival together. Emma Pantazis and Sarah Hope were the inspiration and perspiration pulling the festival in and making it happen. They just did it with a sense of community and a sense of place. As we grow, one reason we will not lose it is because Emma and Sarah, and a team of others, got together and started the 0820 Festival. This year was the first of many. That is the spirit of Territorians just getting out and doing things.
Tom Pauling, our Administrator, who we can call our own Fannie Bay man, opened the show. Annie Gaston lent her voice for the whole day as host - a huge effort. The musical entertainment was diverse and many people loved kicking back on a Sunday afternoon and listening to the Sax Season Quartet, Rebel Clef Orchestra, The Young Guns, Dukes Ukulele Kollective, and Misty Atfield and the Velveteens. The first event is always the hardest; however, there will be many more to come. It took a sense of community, a sense of place, and made it real. It is people like that who have the spirit and energy to get things done and make things happen that make it a great place to live. It will continue to be a great place to live.
In many ways Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park are the immediate example of what is happening in Darwin as we grow. As northern Australia embraces its opportunities, as we establish ourselves as a centre of the next century, we see the regeneration of the Stuart Highway. The regeneration started with the rebuilding of Kerry’s. I was at the launch by Hawkins and Clements - who built Kerry’s - on-site at Kerry’s recently.
From there, if you head down the Stuart Highway you can see the transformation of the old Britz site into the new Officeworks. The Osborne’s are going flat stick at The Avenue around the corner, where you can see the new Quest on the old Ross Smith Guesthouse site. There are new offices on the old Fred’s Fuel site, and more offices next to him. Across the road from those offices, another transformation of the old public housing at Wirrina, the Village@Parap, a new way of housing people in the Territory. Next is Armenica; a green office building also built by Hawkins and Clements, the company we started with, so a real regeneration.
There is an amazing story to be told in that area: Stuart Highway, Stuart Park, Fannie Bay, and Parap. It is an exciting time and it is critical that as we grow we plan for the people living and working in these areas. That is why we are working on community gardens at the corner of Parap Road and Stuart Highway, and the old railway corridor behind Framed Art Gallery. We want to make existing open space into active places people will use.
Community gardens are one way to do this and we want to pair that with our work to redevelop the Pitcheneder public housing complex. We want to retain our seniors; they are valuable members of our community. When they leave we lose their ongoing contribution, their corporate knowledge, and often the children and grandchildren follow. We want to keep the family tree in the Territory, root, stick, and branch. That is why we have the Kurringal seniors’ village, the Southern Cross Care development on the old Waratah Oval, and a promise to redevelop Pitcheneder as seniors’ units with over 1000 people who are 60 and over living in Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park. We want them to have the opportunity to retire into the community they live in. That is a critical opportunity and something we are working towards, with one of those projects happening and the other about to happen.
The opportunity will be afforded at Pitcheneder. As part of that redevelopment, we will have community gardens. If you are living on the fourth floor you have the opportunity to keep your thumb green. Many people are making a sea change from a house to a unit because they are tired of picking up palm fronds, and there are many people who want to move into a smaller place and still have a patch of earth they can call their own. Using the corner of Parap Road and Stuart Highway is about using our existing green space smarter. As well as a community garden, we can push Pitcheneder back into the verge when we redevelop it, into line with other houses so it is no closer to the Stuart Highway than any other residents. We can take green space from there and move it onto the corner of Parap Road and Somerville, a land swap if you will, which creates a park that is practical. Parents are not going to let their children play on the verge of the Stuart Highway, but we can be smarter with where our green space is and use it.
At the same time that we redevelop Pitcheneder, we would be redeveloping 10 Parap Road. It would be a mixed development similar to the old Wirrina site. Behind Wirrina, we have the Railway Club. It has an odd-shaped triangle car park on the site. The club has agreed, in principle, to make the triangle car park available as open space if we can accommodate into the 10 Parap Road redevelopment their car parking needs. It is about finding the existing green space we have in that area and using it smarter.
We have also informally approached Darwin City Council about incorporating community parking into the redevelopment of 10 Parap Road. It is open to discussion. We need to work with the council formally as our plans advance, to see car parking in the area incorporated into something which would address the issues that emerge on market days, and will emerge further on week days as the village becomes more popular as more people choose to live and work in Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park. We need to get ahead of that.
We are already working with Darwin City Council on a new master plan for the Parap pool and old netball courts. We have several pre-conditions on that master plan. With the growth we have in the area, that site had to remain the way it is currently being used: active community sporting space. It is critical that we have a pool, the community tennis courts, and the very popular community netball courts.
We asked the community for ideas and they came in droves. They were drawn into the draft plan, and we will soon be in a position to go back to the community with those plans. We are waiting on the Darwin City Council and Sport and Recreation to get that finalised. You can sum up the draft plans as the same, but better. That clearly meets the spirit of what we set out to do, of what the community wants, and meets the future needs of an area which is becoming more popular as a place to live and work, an area which really demonstrates the growth Darwin will go through as we embrace the future economic opportunities the Chief Minister is talking about. As those opportunities emerge, people have to live somewhere. How do we accommodate them, where do they go, and how do we make those places better: that is what we are trying to achieve in Parap, Fannie Bay and Stuart Park.
The Chief Minister clearly outlined where we are placed economically for the future, what our mineral resources mean and the decisions we are making to embrace that future. It is exciting. We are capable of embracing that future and are walking into it with eyes wide open; we are positive, passionate people tackling our challenges, embracing new ideas, celebrating our sense of community and place and ensuring we do not lose that as we grow; that we stay in the place we are now even though we will get bigger.
We are making those decisions, those plans, the ones we need to make to ensure that as we grow we keep that sense of community and place; we remain a great place to live and work and, in fact, become an even better place to live and work. We will harness our potential and use it to deliver a dividend to the people who live and work here, the ones who are going to make our future a reality.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend the statement to the House.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, the ministerial statement, the Century of North Australia, contains some interesting information; however, the government has lost the ability to promote so much more of the Territory. This is quite narrow in its presentation. I asked myself when I read it: where is agribusiness? Where are the service industry and the financial service industries? Where is our link into Asia? Where is secondary industry? We do not see a great deal of that. There does not seem to be a vision here. Where is our biodiversity? Where is our biosecurity? Where is our food production security? Where is our vision for the Douglas Daly? Where is the vision for ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House. This is a very important speech my colleague is giving, and I would like the Chief Minister and his colleagues to be here.
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! The member well knows he cannot allude to the presence or absence of any one member in this House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is correct, member for Braitling. Remember the standing orders. If you are calling attention to a quorum in the House, do so without reflecting on other members.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! I call your attention to the state of the House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! While the bells are ringing, members are not to leave the House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is correct. A quorum is present.
Mr STYLES: Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, there has been an opportunity to include in this statement so many different things. Young people, students, a range of constituents read these statements and look at what the government is saying. When we look at the ability to inspire people, to give confidence in the future, it is to these documents people look to research - young people at school look to. Reading this, you would say everything is going to be fine if INPEX comes. I believe INPEX will, and it is going to be a great thing for the Northern Territory and will secure the future for most of us, our children, and our grandchildren.
Where is the vision for tourism? There is no renewal in that area. Where is the vision for transport? If you get a little closer to home at the moment, where is the vision for people in the cattle industry? That is not a very good vision. There was an opportunity to include so many of those things. The statement says north Australia will lead the way in creating new jobs and opportunities for our people.
I recently spoke to several young people who were forced to leave the Territory. These are third generation Territory families. Unfortunately, they are leaving because they cannot afford to live here. It saddens me, because some are my friends. I listen to them say: ‘I cannot afford to live here any longer. We are moving to Adelaide where the cost of housing is half the price and the cost of living is cheaper’. What is in it for them? These are our young people. The other side of the House spoke today about stopping the brain drain – it is working on this? Is enough being done to inspire young people to stay? Is enough being done, through programs, to encourage people to buy houses or afford rent? Where is the systemic policy failure that has caused this? Is the government addressing it?
I note some information I received recently. The population increase is now down to 1% and the nett interstate migration is negative. That means some babies are being born here; however, unfortunately, our skilled labour is leaving the Territory, if you listen to the figures, in quite a number for a small place like the Territory. We cannot afford to lose our young mechanics, refrigeration mechanics, electricians, and other skilled labourers. We will need every single one of these people to develop the Territory. Imagine the problems that will occur with INPEX if we do not have the required skilled labour force in situ in the Northern Territory, particularly Darwin.
What happens when these young people leave? They cannot afford housing. There is insufficient housing, which is why the cost has gone through the roof and Darwin has become the most expensive place in Australia to rent a house. People cannot afford to live in a house or start a family. If they do, often they are back home with mum and dad, or there are two or three couples sharing a home, sometimes with little kids. We are creating overcrowding in our urban areas, let alone the overcrowding problem we have in our rural areas.
The other aspect - I have said it in this House before - is you break the fabric of your community and your society when you start losing your kids because they cannot afford to live here. What sort of place is it and where is the government when we are causing this - not in rural areas where hardship sometimes causes young people to leave the land. Many families have kids who cannot afford to stay on the land, mum and dad might not be able to afford to stay on the land, and we have to do as much as we can to assist those people. They are going to be struggling just as kids in urban areas of Darwin and Alice Springs are struggling at the moment. We note in the statement:
I have spoken to several people from Southeast Asia recently - business people and others – who are looking carefully at not only the government of the Northern Territory, but also the Australian government in relation to how we interact with people in Southeast Asia. They are concerned about sovereign risk and food security. If the government can do this to Indonesia, what can it do to other countries? I have a number of friends living in Malaysia looking to see if their contracts are safe if they do business with Australia, particularly the Northern Territory. Will the same thing happen to them?
This is where we, as a community, are struggling with the leadership of this government. It will not chastise its federal counterparts. The member for Fong Lim spoke on this yesterday and I would like to reiterate it. When the Country Liberals were in government in the Northern Territory, if Canberra, irrespective of whether a Liberal Coalition government or a Labor government was in power, the Country Liberals would take anyone on if it was not good for the Territory. We have so many Territory families still struggling and likely to go to the wall, and we see the Chief Minister saying: ‘Yes, we are going to do this and that’, but I do not see him pulling head-on the Prime Minister of this country saying: ‘It is not good enough, Prime Minister’.
We would like to see that so we can create security for our northern neighbours, our trading partners, and our trade does not suffer. The way business is conducted in Southeast Asia, many times people will not tell you they are going to take their business elsewhere. They vote with their feet and do business elsewhere. It is all very polite, all very cordial; however, they will take their business elsewhere if we do not see leadership from this government in chastising the federal government for the appalling way it handles the cattle industry. Further in the statement it says:
What I hear and see is a federal government which had to intervene in relation to the Little Children are Sacred report. We see the federal government talking about intervening in the protection of children. We hear all types of rumours coming out of Canberra that this government is not performing well. There are reports on the government. The government will say it is doing a good job, I would expect that. However, what it says, the reality, and what people are saying are entirely different things.
I wonder if there will be a second intervention in the Northern Territory to save the government. Here are figures which explain why business competence in the Territory is high. I will quote some figures from the February 2011 Sensis Business Index - Small and Medium Enterprise. The expectations in February 2010 for the future - people who thought sales value would increase - we had plus 46; the size of the workforce was plus 16; a wages bill, capital expenditure and prices. When you go to the June 2011 Sensis Business Index - Small and Medium Enterprise, we look at the actuals. For sales value, which was a plus 46, we see a minus 24; so there is a reduction in confidence. In the size of the workforce, there was an expectation of plus 16, we now have plus one. The wages bill was to go up by plus 19, it is only plus two. People thought prices would go up by plus 25, we are looking at plus 11. In profitability, the expectation of business was yes, we would have increased profitability - it went down to minus 20. Capital expenditure in industry was expected to be minus 5 - it went down to minus 10.
The Chief Minister’s statement says:
The figures in the Sensis report tell a completely different story to what the Chief Minister is alluding to in his statement, The Century of North Australia. Perhaps the people on the fifth floor might look at those so they can correct them, or at least not say things like this when it is clear the facts are different. Following on from the last quote in the Chief Minister’s statement:
I wonder what the breakup is of those jobs and where they are. When we have a 1% increase in population, which is because many children are born in the Northern Territory, and a nett negative interstate migration by skilled workers, what is going to happen. People are trying to coordinate projects in Western Australia, Queensland, and the Territory so this does not happen; however, with such expensive housing, we have a major problem. Further in the statement it says:
The government continues to say we have the lowest unemployment figures in the country. When I doorknock my constituents, several have recently told me they are leaving because they cannot afford the rent. If you do not have a job, you cannot afford to live here; it is that simple. If people lose their job and have meagre savings, they have to pack up and leave because they cannot afford to live on social security - not with a couple of kids and other commitments. People need a job. A number of people have been put off recently. Business people tell me they have put people off. I know one guy who has put four people off recently and is working seven days a week struggling to survive.
I would like to know from the government where this fabulous economy is. I can tell this gentleman he is in the wrong place and needs to get into the area the government might enlighten me on so he too can enjoy the fabulous lifestyle of the Northern Territory. The statement says:
There are families I would like the Chief Minister to talk to because they might tell him a different story. The figures from the Sensis small and medium business outlook for the Northern Territory show a different picture. I do not blame the government for being optimistic; however, there are underlying issues and systemic policy failures it needs to look at. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge there is a problem so you can deal with it. Even though the government might be relaying a rosy picture for us, I hope it realises there are major underlying issues causing great concern for many constituents in the electorates we all hold. The government would like to keep it going. I hope it does not keep the law and order, health, or education issues going.
When we look at attracting industry and investment, one of the things people look at is the services provided in the Northern Territory. What are the standards of service? People look at the health system, various aspects of law and order, and education. If you want to attract head offices of major companies or create industry, we need people working, living, and enjoying the amenities of the Northern Territory. If you do not have reasonable standards it will be difficult to attract people to run businesses and the expansion the Territory should be able to, and will at some stage in the future, enjoy. These are some of the issues around housing. Even people who work for well-established companies say it is difficult to understand some of the prices they have to pay. We also have to …
Ms PURICK: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed.
Mr STYLES: Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it is nice of you to allow me to continue my speech.
The cost of living: when people are required to move around the countryside, partners often have issues finding a job. Depending on how much companies subsidise housing and other things will depend on whether you can attract people. They come; they may have three, six, nine months before they find a suitable job for their spouse. People would like to buy a house rather than pay rent. People are in an income bracket where they can afford to do that, however, they are coming from areas where salaries are structured in such a way that they cannot believe the cost of housing.
This goes back to land release. I note on the www.housingnt.nt.gov.au website a document called ‘Land Release Darwin and Palmerston’. It says:
I have quoted figures which indicate that may not be the case; however, I would love to be proved wrong. Sadly, I do not think I will be.
This document says we have houses in Lyons, Muirhead, Palmerston, private land developments, Weddell - up to 40 000 people there. When you look at housing figures and see what has occurred in the last four quarters – that information is available from the Internet - house approvals are 533 and units are 879, totalling 1412. I have heard various Treasury projections from the other side of the House, and other government departments which undertake modelling to find out how many dwellings we need, and I hear figures of 1700 - down to 1500 and up to 1800. We are still not delivering sufficient land to cater for this.
Figures for land sales in 2009 show 427 blocks were sold. This is from the 2011 budget. In 2010, there were only 304. That is a minus 28.8% change. We are not seeing more land released; we are seeing fewer blocks of land sold. There were 533 houses approved in 2010 and the beginning of 2011. There must be people who own blocks of land, but when are we going to run out?
I have been in this House for three years and the government has said: ‘We are releasing land. We have this coming on board; we have that coming on board’. All I hear is government rhetoric about land release. We do not see land being sold or houses being built. Builders are telling me they struggle to buy land to build on. Maybe I am talking to the wrong people, but they are contractors who build dwellings and small blocks of units. They are not dreamers; they are building houses for people and developing the suburbs that are available. They tell me there is insufficient land.
We all know insufficient land release has forced prices up, and that is a major problem - not so much for people who already own a home, but for our young people. I see young people with tears in their eyes expressing disappointment they cannot get a home and do not see any hope of buying a home in the Territory so they move south. They do not want to. Grandparents are here, parents are here, but they have to say: ‘Sorry, mum, we have to go’. It is breaking the hearts of families. There are others, obviously, who choose to move elsewhere. Many do not want to move but are being forced to by systemic policy failures of the government in the Northern Territory.
Further into the statement:
The marine supply base:
The last time I flew into Darwin I looked at the site from the plane - not much is happening there. The government might say all sorts of things; however, there is no rubber on the road yet. The statement says:
We have to attract people to run those things. Again, you need facilities for staff, for employees and for contractors. They will all need quality products the Northern Territory can supply to encourage them, initially, to come here and, second, to stay.
The member for Fannie Bay spoke about losing seniors. We are losing seniors. We want to attract these people. We want people to buy affordable housing on affordable land. Although the price of housing is more expensive because we have to build homes to code, the price of land is being pushed up by the failure of government to release enough land. We want people to move here, to work here, to enjoy the Territory, to have kids here, and the parents of these children to stay. We do not want people to leave because they cannot afford to live here.
When you talk to some seniors, many have given years to the Territory and, through various circumstances, have been unable to retain or buy a family home. As shadow minister for seniors, I have a constant stream coming into my office saying: ‘I am going to retire in 12 to18 months. Because of various circumstances I am unable to purchase a home or unit and am renting, but when I stop work I will not be able to afford to rent’. They say: ‘I cannot put my name down on a seniors housing list until I hit retirement age and sometimes it is a five-year wait’. That is a scary thought for many people. We wonder why seniors are not staying. Seniors make an enormous contribution to our community. They provide volunteer services for a host of organisations and groups which provide a valuable service to the community and one where the costs cannot be calculated. If government had to pay for those services, they would either not happen or would cost a small fortune. We need to look after these people.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, this statement is a missed opportunity to inspire our young people and inspire people to say they have a magnificent future in the Territory. I ask the government to include many of the things I have mentioned in its next statement.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement and thank him for bringing this matter before the House, because it is, as we all know, a very important matter. It is more than just talking about a vision. It is talking about the very real things this government has done and plans it has to continue to do the things we must to support the continued growth of the Territory and its economy for the long-term benefit for all who live, work, and raise a family here.
My contribution to this debate will focus upon my electorate of Nhulunbuy in northeast Arnhem Land and the significant role it has to play and the contribution it makes to driving economic growth and prosperity in the 21st century. As the Chief Minister said, northern Australia will lead the way in creating new jobs and opportunities for people in regional areas like northeast Arnhem Land. Northeast Arnhem Land has a key role to play in that bigger picture.
Recent events in Nhulunbuy served to provide a strong degree of confidence in the future growth of the region. Before I talk about that, it is important to acknowledge the existence of an economy which existed for a few hundred years in northeast Arnhem Land. I am talking about the well-documented economic activity which saw a flourishing trade between Yolngu people and the Macassans. The Macassans would sail to the Arnhem coast with the monsoon winds each year to fish for trepang and would trade goods and items with Yolngu. Evidence of this trade activity shows that trade extended well into Central Australia and beyond. Even Matthew Flinders, during his navigation and mapping of the Arnhem coast in 1801, noted his sighting of a Macassan fishing fleet just northwest of the Gove Peninsula on the English Company Islands. Trade ceased with the introduction of legislation in 1906 in South Australia intended to protect Australia’s territorial integrity. Today, clusters of huge tamarind trees introduced by the Macassans along with shards of broken pottery in the sand show where the Macassans camped and, indeed, their visits are well-recorded in the Yolngu songs and dances.
I provide this history lesson to place on the record the fact that a regional economy existed in northeast Arnhem Land long before any Europeans arrived. If I return to more recent history and events on the Gove Peninsula, the most important news in 42 years came in May with the announcement that lease renewals for the purpose of bauxite mining and alumina processing in Gove were renewed for a further 42 years. Renewal of the Gove leases was a considerable undertaking over a period of close on three years with clan leaders, the Northern Land Council and Rio Tinto Alcan engaged in negotiations throughout this period. It is no secret it was not an easy time for the parties involved, and I add to that the business community of Nhulunbuy, which is outside the negotiations but reliant upon a successful outcome.
Ahead of the finalisation of all the special purpose and special mining leases, the Northern Territory government was in a position in February to make an announcement that government had approved renewal of the special purpose lease over the township. This was especially important so business owners - most of whom own residences for themselves and their employees - could move ahead and plan the future with some certainty, knowing they had secure tenure for at least a further 42 years. I had countless number of these people visit my office asking me to be a signatory witness to the lease documents provided to them by Rio Tinto Alcan as the main leaseholder, and it was with what I recognise as relief amongst these people. Can I add, not one of them had any complaint about the process. To that end, I acknowledge Rio Tinto Alcan’s efforts to make things as seamless as possible for sublessees.
For small and medium businesses in Nhulunbuy, lease renewals have allowed them to plan for future development and opportunities we hope may attract new investors and new businesses. This business confidence is not only good for businesses, it is good for the wider community; consumers such as me and my family because the better the goods and services the more attractive Nhulunbuy is as a town to move to, and it is all about supporting local businesses and local employment.
The remainder of the leases were finalised and signed off and an announcement was made by the federal minister on 27 May. This heralded the fact that discussions between Rio Tinto Alcan, the Northern Land Council, and traditional owners to establish a formal agreement to support the continuation of mining, recognising the rights of traditional owners of the land, and setting out a package of benefits to traditional owners were finalised. So significant was the occasion that a special ceremony was held at Yirrkala on 8 June and, at the invitation of the clans which were signatory to the agreement - the Gumatj, Rirratjingu, and Djapu - many special visitors attended, not the least of whom was Prime Minister Gillard.
Not only does the renewal of leases provide certainty for the townspeople of Nhulunbuy, it provides certainty for Rio Tinto’s mining operations, economic opportunity for the Indigenous traditional owners, new businesses, new ventures, and a new housing subdivision, which is especially welcome given the strong demand for accommodation and an acute shortage of same. These are all part of the mix.
From that will flow training and employment, and it already is. On the day of her visit, the Prime Minister called in to the Rio Tinto Alcan ALERT facility which provides accredited training to Indigenous people at Certificate I and Certificate II levels across a range of trades and vocations. This is a space the government has stepped into in the education and training area, recognising the importance of creating pathways for young people through education and training into a real job. Hence, our commitment to trade training centres: an announcement in November last year of a commitment of $8.5m for trade training centres in Gunbalanya, Jabiru, and Groote Eylandt targeting places with mining at the centre. We have fingers crossed we will have more positive news around additional funding for further trade training centres, including one for Yirrkala.
A highlight of planning for, and managing, economic growth and opportunities in the East Arnhem area is that a significant body of work has been undertaken in the past 12 months to capture the region’s economic data and develop an economic profile for the region. That includes not only my electorate but also the Arnhem electorate. It is the first time such a comprehensive analysis has been captured and published. It provides a blueprint for future development, and I acknowledge the efforts of officers from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services. DBE had a role as well and I thank them for their efforts in developing this report.
Further, and most importantly, I acknowledge and offer my sincere thanks to the local volunteer group of employers, business people, and other stakeholders which makeup the east Arnhem economic development committee chaired by local businessman, John Tourish. I also acknowledge Mr David Suter as the longest serving member of the committee. In fact, Dave has served for many years on this committee. They have worked hard along with other committee members and officers from these agencies to see this document come to fruition. It is the East Arnhem Economic Profile and was launched by the Minister for Local Government in Nhulunbuy on 30 May this year. It is not a sugar-coated or selective look at the region’s economy, but rather an accurate snapshot of what exists, the strengths, the opportunities, as well as the challenges, and the threats to growth. I quote from the executive summary of the document:
It is interesting, in 20 years of CLP no such study or economic profile of this scale was undertaken for the East Arnhem region because, as we know, the bush and regions like Arnhem were out of sight and out of mind. The CLP was not interested in investing in the bush because it was too far from Darwin and, frankly, not important.
By contrast, this government invested in the East Arnhem region and continues to invest. That investment is not just in infrastructure, importantly, that investment is in people. Let me say a few words about that. We, on this side, know that the key to the future is education. This is why it is the cornerstone of the Territory 2030 strategy and why it underpins the A Working Future policy. Contrary to what is being peddled by the other side about this government perpetuating welfare, nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst we recognise, on a platform of social justice policy, there is a place for welfare, the A Working Future policy is all about that; it is about creating a future for people through work and to break that cycle of welfare.
The recognition of the importance of education within the A Working Future policy has been confirmed, repeatedly, through the local implementation plans signed in our growth towns, not only in my electorate, but across the Territory. Of the seven building blocks in each of the local implementation plans, early childhood and school are front and centre. Let us remember, these local implementation plans have been developed at grassroots level with community members who make up the local reference group working with the three tiers of government, and these reference groups have identified what is important for their future and, not surprisingly, it starts with education.
Contrary to a remark from the member for Braitling recently that mobile preschools are a waste of money - an appalling comment to make and a complete failure to recognise investing in children at a very early age is where we need to be focusing our efforts - we are having good results through that along with the Families As First Teachers program. I note the member for Macdonnell’s comments that there needs to be more of that in her electorate; that expecting one person to travel around one day a week per community is inadequate. There are always things we can do better and we are working to improve and get more of those services out there through mobile preschools and Families as First Teachers.
Education provides children, individuals, and communities with a job, a future, self-determination and economic independence, irrespective of whether they are Indigenous or non-Indigenous. Without education, you have people who are welfare-dependent. As we heard during Tuesday’s debate in this House on the Justice (Corrections) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, the majority of people in our prisons are all too often people without an education.
This government is committed to supporting the development of Indigenous businesses and services, supporting and training Indigenous people to be part of those businesses, generating economic activity and attracting private enterprise. To that end, I was pleased to see the Minister for Indigenous Development announce recently the biennial Indigenous Economic Development Forum will be held in Darwin in October this year. It was held two years ago in Alice Springs and a number of Indigenous people from my electorate travelled to Alice Springs. People who have small micro-businesses operating on their homelands travelled to Alice Springs to share their story and came back from that experience - some of them had never left the Top End - having found it an incredibly rewarding experience and one that also lifted their self-esteem.
I also acknowledge the Minister for Local Government for her commitment to Indigenous employment in our shires, with a significant funding boost early this year to keep people in jobs to support delivery of municipal services in the shires. In her contribution to the budget debate 2011-12, the minister outlined a $30m package to be rolled out over three years which aims to support the development of the Territory growth towns into economic hubs in the regions, and recognises the growth of commerce and industry has to be supported by a skilled workforce. Therefore, this funding targets Indigenous training and employment.
Let us go back to infrastructure investment in the East Arnhem region. I will start with education infrastructure. I could give a long list of schools which have benefited, but will highlight just a few. As we heard in Question Time today, our Minister for Education and Training did the honours at the official opening of the Baniyala Garrangali School, which is not a BER project but a spend by this government of more than $2m to provide the homeland of Baniyala a full-time school five days a week, transitioning from a homeland learning centre with visiting teachers to small school status. In order to do that, the investment also included housing for teachers. The opening was a special occasion, and I thank the Minister for Education and Training for inviting me to travel with him to Baniyala. Of course, we went at the invitation of senior community man, Mr Djambawa Marawili of the Mapuru clan.
Let us talk about BER, an initiative not supported by those opposite when the legislation was debated in the federal parliament. However, that does not stop them fronting up to all the BER openings, including the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Fong Lim at the opening of the fantastic language centre at Kormilda College where I did the honours on behalf of my federal colleagues several months ago. What a fantastic asset Kormilda College has in that language centre.
The best the member for Braitling can do is bag the BER, bag our schools, bag our kids, and bag our teachers. We heard in his contribution to this debate …
Mr Tollner: And bag the Labor government.
Ms WALKER: And bag the Labor government but no substance from the other side. It is just bag, bag, bag but no substance and no policy, just rhetoric. We heard during the member for Braitling’s contribution to this debate about a visit he made to Maningrida, apparently during the school holidays, so he would not have seen the school operating nor spoken with teachers. Suffice to say, he is an expert ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I have not spoken in this debate so the member might be talking about someone else.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Ms WALKER: Thank you. If it was not in this debate it must have been another one because he talked about the school at Maningrida and held up a photograph. Not only is he an expert in everything, but he is also an expert in architectural aesthetics because he tabled a photograph and branded the new school building as looking like a detention centre. When I started teaching in 1987 at the brand new Palmerston High School built by the CLP, it was only 12 months old. There was no landscaping, and it probably looked like a detention centre. So what? What is really important is what is going on inside that educational space. I, too, would like to table a photograph, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I seek leave to table it.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: Thank you. This is a photograph of the multipurpose hall, a BER project, built at Shepherdson College, Galiwinku on Elcho Island - the government school. It is a fairly plain exterior, and I should add that since this photograph was taken in January it has been completed. I have no doubt the site has been cleaned up and there would be some landscaping going on. Importantly, this building offers a modern cyclone-proof venue which can accommodate the entire school community for assemblies and other gatherings. It has a stage, ablutions, and accommodates indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball. Ask any member at Galiwinku if they think this investment in their school and their kids is worthwhile, and they will tell you without any hesitation, yes, absolutely.
Beyond the investment in education infrastructure in the East Arnhem region, I would like to talk about other investments which aim to manage growth and opportunities in the region.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the member for Nhulunbuy be given an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. Beyond the investment in education infrastructure in the East Arnhem region, I would like to talk about other investments which aim to manage growth and opportunities in the region.
I have heard our Transport minister say on numerous occasions, transport infrastructure has to be the key and the backbone to regional development. It is a huge challenge in the Territory and across north Australia where we have sparse populations with pockets in regional centres like Nhulunbuy, spread across some inhospitable, difficult, if not magnificent, terrain. The Central Arnhem Road into Nhulunbuy stretches 700 km from the Stuart Highway, is mostly dirt and, though well-maintained, closes with Wet Season rains for six months of the year. The $40m to upgrade three crossings will keep the track open longer, make it safer and, importantly, allow alternative access to air and sea freight, and with it, greater competition and greater affordability.
I am pleased to see works on the Mainoru crossing are scheduled for completion before next Wet Season. This will particularly benefit the operators of Bulman Station and also the residents. Following on from that, we hope to hear soon the outcome of negotiations with regard to a passage across the Goyder River, which sits on Aboriginal land trust, so plans can proceed to have this new crossing constructed and from there the Doindji crossing will also be addressed. These crossings sit in the member for Arnhem’s electorate, but she and I both have a vested interest in seeing this upgrade completed, knowing many of our growth towns, their residents and economies are reliant on safe and reliable access routes. Let us add to that the investment in barge landings, which have also been committed to by this government, which will see lighting, hardstand areas, and secure areas installed at places like Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining.
Investing in this infrastructure is a smart investment because transport is such a driver for growth and opportunity. This is why we are trialling several regional bus services, including the one on the Gove Peninsula which has been operating for almost a year now, providing affordable transport between the communities of Gunyangara, Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala. This allows people to travel to work, to shop, to attend appointments, or visit families and friends, and to participate in recreational activities. I recently heard of the very encouraging and positive indicators associated with regional transport with Centre Bus in Central Australia, allowing people in the central region to access affordable and reliable transport to get people into major centres, but importantly, to get them home; get them back to country after that.
Before I close, there is another photograph I would like to table. There has been much language around basket cases, driven by the member for Araluen and picked up by the member for Drysdale. It got me thinking about baskets, quite literally. Let me tell members of this House about some of the very successful Indigenous micro-economies that happen. There are three generations of the one family here from the community of Mapurru. These women are gun basket weavers. The reason they have this business - this escapes the member for Fong Lim when he talks about black holes and why people want to live in these places - is because - I know it is difficult for members opposite to grasp this, and it is difficult for non-Indigenous to grasp this, but I get it - these people are connected to country. There is a connection to country, to ancestral lands, to clan lands, that is inexplicable to some but this is what keeps these people on country. They are a 10 minute charter flight from Elcho Island and, whilst they may visit Elcho Island for certain services, this community of around 100 or so people live there because this is where they choose to be.
In this photograph, we have Julie Anne, Linda, and Roslyn. We have grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter. These baskets are made from materials entirely from their country. They would not go to anyone else’s country to do this. They do it on their country - the natural dyes. I should add the front two ones I purchased myself. I cannot help myself. My husband sees me coming through the door and says: ‘Not another basket!’ I collect them like pieces of art and when I go out I choose which basket I will take with me to put my things in. These baskets are exhibited in galleries in Elcho Island, Yirrkala, the National Gallery, the British museum, and are exhibited and sold for handsome sums in London galleries. I recently visited the Rebecca Hossack gallery in London.
Mr Tollner: I take it none are on welfare.
Ms WALKER: Those who are aged and disabled, like non-Indigenous people, yes, they are on welfare. These people all work. I encourage you to Google ‘Arnhem weavers’ and find out about this business. These people are fiercely independent and live healthy and happy lives. If they have to come into places like Nhulunbuy for medical appointments they are in and out in a day. They do not want to stay. All they want to do is get home to country. I am giving you one small snapshot about what works for people. This is not a black hole; these are strong, healthy people.
Mr Tollner: Hellhole was the word, not black hole.
Ms WALKER: Hellhole, black hole, whatever, member for Fong Lim. I seek leave to table that photograph.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: I concur with the sentiments of the Chief Minister and my colleagues on this side of the House: the Territory is on the cusp of an exciting new era, whether it is the mining or gas sector, or on these tiny homelands. It is exciting and I am very confident the East Arnhem region, my home for more than 20 years, is very much part of that growth and a strong contributor to it. It is not only about investment in infrastructure; it is about the investment in people’s lives to build that capacity at individual, family, and community level to grow people to meet the opportunities there for the taking.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I was not going to speak; however, after that speech I thought I might. This motion was put forward by the Chief Minister as a puff piece about the future of the Northern Territory for the next 100 years. The diatribe we heard from the member for Nhulunbuy said nothing about the next 100 years. She might have wanted to show photos and have jokes about school buildings; however, that has nothing to do with the relevance of the debate. She should have been called out on Standing Order 79; I will do it next time.
The purpose of this debate is to have an articulate conversation across the Chamber about the future of the Northern Territory. The Chief Minister raised some points in his statement which I agree and disagree with. We should be talking about fundamental issues such as immigration, developing the Daly agriculture and horticulture …
Ms Walker: Not talking about education, not talking about the rights of Indigenous people, and not talking about homelands. Shame on you!
Mr GILES: Standing Order 51.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Braitling has the call.
Mr GILES: The member for Nhulunbuy is repetitive, irrelevant to the Chamber, and adds no value to the Territory. She reads from prepared speeches by bureaucrats on the fifth floor; a waste of space.
I would rather talk about the future of the Northern Territory, how we develop the Territory, and the vision for the Territory. Clearly, the member for Nhulunbuy has no vision. She displayed nothing, and I have not heard much at all. People spoke about their portfolios from a ministerial level. I would have liked the debate to discuss immigration in the Northern Territory and how we strategically position ourselves in the Southeast Asia region. For fear of wanting to give all my ideas away to this Chamber, of which no one is here from government …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker!
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is okay, member for Johnston. As the member for Braitling knows, you cannot refer to the presence or absence of anyone in this Chamber.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I hope I did not …
Ms Scrymgour: Smart arse.
Mr GILES: I ask the member for Arafura to withdraw that comment.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, please withdraw.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: It is the truth; however, I withdraw.
Mr GILES: I ask she …
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: She has withdrawn. Member for Braitling, you have the floor.
Mr GILES: I also ask, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, you make a ruling on swearing in parliament.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for Arafura has withdrawn. You have the call.
Mr GILES: You can swear and withdraw? No worries.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: She has withdrawn. You have the call and I encourage you to speak.
Mr GILES: As long as we can swear and withdraw at any time we like, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, as you know you cannot swear in this Chamber. You have the call and I ask you to keep speaking.
Mr GILES: Clearly you can.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I did withdraw.
Mr Conlan: You what?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I withdrew what I said.
Mr Conlan: You said: ‘It is the truth but I withdraw’ like a qualification.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have the call.
Members interjecting.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex, the member for Braitling has the call. Member for Braitling, I encourage you to speak.
Mr GILES: You encourage me to speak, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, and I take that encouragement.
I would talk about the vision and the future of the Northern Territory in the next 100 years; however, clearly you guys are not engaged. You have not displayed any vision in this debate. It is fruitless, a wasted exercise, and a waste of time for this debate to continue.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I put the motion.
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. It is against all the conventions in this House. You would have to put a motion. The Chief Minister has not wrapped up, and I invite the member to give his offering to this Chamber and let us move on with our normal business.
The Speaker is here. She might like to comment about the fact you have moved a motion to finish this debate.
Madam SPEAKER: Is that a separate motion?
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I was seeking some clarification as you came in.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, you have asked …
Mr GILES: I have put the motion.
Madam SPEAKER: You move that the question be put?
Mr GILES: I move that the question be put.
Madam SPEAKER: It is up to the House to decide whether or not the question be put. If that gets up then it is whether the statement be noted. Members will want to hear what happens.
The motion is that the question be put.
The Assembly divided:
Ayes 10 Noes 11
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Conlan Dr Burns
Mr Elferink Mr Gunner
Mr Giles Mr Hampton
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Mr McCarthy
Mr Styles Ms McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
Motion negatived
Madam SPEAKER: We will continue with the Chief Minister’s statement.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker, it is great to see everyone here. Let me start by saying …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have finished your speech. The motion stops your speech.
Members interjecting.
Mr GILES: I am not questioning your ruling …
Madam SPEAKER: The question being put means the member for Braitling is wishing to finish the debate and, therefore, is saying he has finished his speech.
Mr Elferink: The House has decided the debate should continue, Madam Speaker.
Ms Scrymgour: That is right, and now it is my turn.
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek advice from the Clerk, but it would be very strange for you to continue your speech after that.
Mr ELFERINK: The House has voted down the member’s motion; it obviously expects him to continue.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I request the clock be stopped in case the ruling is the member for Braitling is allowed to continue his remarks.
Madam SPEAKER: I will let the member for Braitling continue. It is fairly irregular I have to say, so it is really more by my grace than anything else, member for Braitling.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to go back to my 17 minutes too, thank you, Madam Speaker.
A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am wondering if the clock can go back to 17 minutes ...
Madam SPEAKER: No, it cannot.
Mr GILES: It cannot, no worries. I will seek an extension.
As I was saying before I was interrupted, this debate should have been about the strategic future of the Northern Territory. The Chief Minister started that in his statement. It was a fluff piece, but that is where he started.
The member for Nhulunbuy’s debate where she held up photos of basket weaving in Nhulunbuy and spoke about the importance of very little, is not about the strategic future of the Northern Territory. The strategic future of the Territory is about positioning the Northern Territory so Darwin is the capital of Southeast Asia and we mirror the image of Melbourne being the representation of Italy and Greece, Sydney the Middle East, and Perth and its relationship to the British and South Africa with regard to their immigration status.
The Northern Territory needs a closer correlation with Southeast Asia, and Darwin needs to take on the status of Australia’s capital of Southeast Asia – the gateway. It sounds simple, but to the north and east of the Northern Territory lies a country of roughly 240 million people – Indonesia – and when you look at trade between the Northern Territory and Indonesia the figures are startling, albeit the Northern Territory only has a population of some 220 000 people. Indonesia, on our doorstep, has 240 million people, Papua New Guinea has four million people, East Timor and others in the Southeast Asian region - there is a significant need for redirection of our economic development towards Southeast Asia that goes across the four pillars of economic development, that being cultural, social, economic, and environmental.
On the social and cultural fronts, there is a significant opportunity for cross-fertilisation of populations. We see that in tourist numbers to Bali; that needs to continue across the Northern Territory and throughout Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.
The role the Chief Minister played in supporting the Prime Minister’s ban on live cattle put us in a detrimental position, not just in the live cattle industry, but the future of economic development across those four pillars.
I do not see any vision from the government about how these things might progress and what opportunities there are. I have done quite a bit of research into this area over a long period of time. It is interesting to compare sister cities to the mindset of growth towns in the Northern Territory. There could be great relationships across any one of those four pillars between some of our growth towns, some of our urban centres, and areas or towns in Southeast Asia. Sister cities have been set up before with the Northern Territory. Ambon in Indonesia is one, and I have a document relating to signing with a sister city on 23 April 1982 with Darwin and - excuse the pronunciation …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In accordance with Standing Order 78, I urge that the eight minutes lost by the member during the debate be restored. I point out to you Standing Order 78:
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek some advice from the Clerk. You might note, though, that it was the member who interrupted the debate. I am seeking advice.
Mr Elferink: Yes, speaking …
Madam SPEAKER: You are not speaking to me. I am going to seek advice from someone who knows something about this, member for Port Darwin.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask you to consider your comment in relation to that. I am guided by standing orders.
Madam SPEAKER: I have sought advice and, on this occasion, I will allow you to have the extra time, member for Braitling. There is also the capacity in the standing orders for me, as Speaker, if I feel the standing orders are being abused deliberately, to interrupt or disrupt the workings of the House, to not allow certain motions. On this occasion, I will give you the extra time, however, member for Braitling, I have to say it is borderline. You have the extra time, which I think would only be about six minutes.
Mr ELFERINK: My understanding was about eight minutes, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It is three minutes for the ringing of the bells.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, and then the counting also would have taken four or five …
Madam SPEAKER: The counting does not take that long. It does not take five minutes.
Mr ELFERINK: I seek a ruling, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Eight minutes, I do not think so. I would say seven minutes at the most. Member for Braitling, you have disrupted the House significantly.
Mr GILES: I did not call that point of order.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have disrupted the House significantly. You now have seven minutes.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I am not reflecting on your ruling, I am talking about the debate. The debate that occurred before I spoke had nothing to do with the statement at all. It mentioned small electorate issues, not the future of the Northern Territory. That is why I put the motion. If we are going to debate serious things, have your people write proper speeches relating to the subject - the future of the Northern Territory …
Ms Lawrie: He is a bit sensitive.
Mr GILES: It is not about sensitive. It is about your stupid and moronic approach to debates.
Madam Speaker, I was talking about …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Part of the problem this afternoon is the member for Braitling has descended to personal insult on quite a number of occasions. He should get on …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, I ask you to withdraw that last comment, thank you.
Mr GILES: I withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you.
Mr GILES: I was talking about sister cities. I spoke briefly about Ambon, Kalymnos, Anchorage, which was signed in 1982, Haiku in China, and Dili. They are the five sister cities that have signed with the Northern Territory. Sister cities represent a strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory. Some of our towns are very small in population and trade. There can be a great cultural exchange between some of those sister cities and places throughout Southeast Asia whether it be China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, or elsewhere. We would get a greater cultural exchange - one of the four pillars - greater social exchange with people interacting, which would support our tourism industry, internal and external, to other countries, and the opportunity for the environment in the four pillars for us to share with our nearest neighbours environmental learnings we have in Australia and the Northern Territory, particularly with the topic of interest around Australia at the moment being environmental and climatic.
As a nation, we do quite a bit in Indonesia, particularly in forestry. Some of the environmental learning can be transferred. The ultimate aim would be to develop long-standing trade relationships. Much mining and live cattle relates to Asia. We should be growing that because when you look at the trades figures between the Northern Territory and some of our nearest neighbours of East Timor, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the numbers are fairly small. I have some information sourced from ABS 5368 on International Trade in Goods and Services in Australia, Table 36G, which is merchandise exports, state of origin, Northern Territory. This shows for financial year 2008-09, merchandise exports from the Northern Territory to East Timor being $22m, to Indonesia being $213m, and PNG $87m.
Particularly with Indonesia, and a population of around 240 million people give or take a couple of million, the opportunity for us as the nearest neighbour - we should have a greater trade relationship, particularly with exports. When you look at the Indonesian figures from the DFAT website on their country profile as it relates to fact sheets around trade, they had a GDP in 2010 of $US706bn and an estimated $US822bn for 2011. The major Australian exports to Indonesia are wheat; live animals, particularly from the Northern Territory; aluminium; and cotton. The imports from Indonesia are crude petroleum; gold; simple wood; and television monitors, projectors, and so forth.
There needs to be investigation, and the Northern Territory government has an opportunity to identify those opportunistic trade elements where we can excel. Is there an opportunity to send minerals to Indonesia? That sounds a simplistic question but we need to look at that when looking at a century long plan for the Northern Territory and northern Australia. I did not see that in debate today at all.
It is interesting when you take out the financial component of live export now the Chief Minister and Julia Gillard have done their best to kill that off, hopefully only temporarily. There is significant shortfall in any export trade to our nearest homes in Indonesia.
Madam Speaker, I had a well-structured speech to give in this regard; however, the government has treated this speech and the statement with disdain and I will not continue. I would like the opportunity to speak on my vision for the Northern Territory and have that relationship with Southeast Asia. Perhaps, when we have a mature government, we can have a proper debate. We will bring that on at a later stage. I have nothing else to say; I am happy for the statement to be noted.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arafura): Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement outlining our government’s plan for the future and our vision, hope, and aspirations for this great place we call home. I want to pick up on the member for Braitling where he said: ‘I do not want to talk about the basket weavers or Aboriginal people on homelands’, and denigrated that economy as not having a link to Southeast Asia. For the member for Braitling’s information, I know the Arts minister would be able to back that and anyone who works in the art and culture field would know that. It shows what an empty vessel these guys are. They talk about how this government is bereft of ideas and there is no intelligence. If you look at the other side, it is bereft of ideas and lacks the intellect to properly debate these things.
If there was anyone with any intellect on that side, those basket weavers in the photo, and the arts and culture industry, would be recognised for their contribution to the economy, not just in the Northern Territory, not just nationally, but also internationally. The ignorance of the member for Braitling astounds me regarding the value to the Northern Territory economy of that art going into Southeast Asia.
I said to the member for Fong Lim earlier, it is obvious when you are an import into the Northern Territory, when you are not part of those communities, you do not see the importance of the link between the culture, the land, the art, and its contribution, not only to the Northern Territory, but also to the families living there. I stand with my colleagues who see the valuable contribution of those women and many of the families who do not live in basket case communities. Many communities in the Northern Territory have input into the Northern Territory community and economy. The Arts area plays a major role in the Northern Territory economy. It contributes to the tourism industry and many other industries.
While the member for Braitling is attempting to sound intelligent by saying: ‘I want a debate about Asia’, he has no understanding whatsoever of the history of the Northern Territory or remote Aboriginal communities and their trade connection with Asia.
That shows blatant ignorance by the member for Braitling who grew up in New South Wales, came to the Territory - yes, he is a Territorian now and that is great. He is an elected member from Alice Springs and has every right to say what he wants. However, God help the Northern Territory if these guys ever win government. This is a side that is bereft of ideas, intellect and understanding. If you cannot understand the contribution Aboriginal basket weavers and culture play in the economy into Asia, and everywhere else, you are a disgrace. If the CLP ever won government, God help the Northern Territory, because …
Mr Conlan: It is the will of the people.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: It is the will of the people. That is right …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Giles: When you resigned you should have stayed …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling! Member for Greatorex!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I have news for you, mate, I am going to stay around beyond 2012 just to make your life a misery.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, I digress. We had one contribution after the other from the CLP saying: ‘No plans, no vision’. I have listened to member after member – a week in this parliament - constantly talk down the Northern Territory. They even go as far as talking down their own towns. Everyone knows there are problems in our communities and regional towns; no one is denying there are problems. We all know there are problems in Alice Springs and on remote Aboriginal communities. You cannot label every community a basket case, or say all Aboriginal people are welfare bludgers. I was reading the contribution from the member for Braitling when he was saying: ‘The right should be in charge of this; the right has the moral authority to be able to ...’
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to relevance. This is a statement on the future of the Northern Territory, not a forum for the member for Arafura to get even with the member for Braitling. She can do that in her adjournment speech.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, resume your seat. It is a curious point of order from you, I have to say, member for Braitling.
Member for Arafura, if you could speak to the statement. I have to say, member for Arafura, there has been an extraordinary amount of latitude throughout the whole debate.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I am speaking to the future of the Northern Territory. One day Territorians will exercise their democracy, but God help us if the CLP ever wins government.
The member for Greatorex, what cheek! Talk about calling the kettle - if anyone stretches – the remarks that she is not sticking to script, relevance, you are the master of it, mate.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, can your direct your comments through the Chair, please?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I will, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
Mr GILES: Relevance to the statement. This is why it was put in the first place.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, can you stick to the statement, or a version of it?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I am sticking to the statement, Madam Speaker. I am talking about the future of the Northern Territory. They were having a go at me asking: ‘Is she standing again?’ The big rumour around the Northern Territory is whether the member for Greatorex is going to stand again? Throw those jibes from that side of the Chamber to me and expect the same.
Does the Northern Territory government have a vision? When you look at the Chief Minister’s statement, one of the things I am proud to be doing - and I have often heard the snide remarks from the other side: ‘Oh, 2030’. I am the Parliamentary Secretary and am fortunate to be working with the Chief Minister to travel around the Northern Territory - not just our urban and regional areas, but also our remote communities - to talk about the Northern Territory government’s vision for education, society, economic sustainability, health and wellbeing, the environment, knowledge, creativity, and innovation. When we talk about education, I pick up on the senseless, inane, childish remark from the member for Greatorex who said: ‘Oh well, failed education minister’. We were fixing up the education system after 26 years - I take my hat off to former CLP ministers; I had great debates with many of them. If you compare the CLP of that era to the CLP sitting opposite, there is no comparison …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex! Member for Greatorex!
One of the things the CLP reviewed was Indigenous education and a number of recommendations were made. They looked at Indigenous education, and a comprehensive report presented the CLP government of that time with a list of recommendations to fix Indigenous education. However, it is black kids out of sight, out of mind, in the bush and, once again, to the CLP government it was out of sight, out of mind; it is only black kids in the bush, we do not need to do anything.
Chris Lugg was the CLP Education minister at the time. With all the recommendations from the Learning Lessons report, he said the government only had to implement four. It would pick up four recommendations from Learning Lessons; that is all it had to do. It did not have to show any commitment because after all, it is just Aboriginal kids, out of sight, out of mind who do not need an education.
When we came to government in 2001, thank God - one of the things the Labor government has always been active on - I pay tribute to that first Cabinet and the passion and commitment of people like Peter Toyne, the then member for Stuart, and Syd Stirling, the former member for Nhulunbuy. They had been in opposition for many years and had encouraged the then CLP Education minister to implement all the recommendations of Learning Lessons so …
Mr Giles: Is that the Bob Collins report?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … the government could turn around the appalling statistics in education where kids were not going to school, you did not have Year 12, and literacy and numeracy skills levels were appalling. One of the things the CLP - these guys are great at covering up their history - did not have the guts to do was put in place a reporting regime; to look at reporting …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Arafura has had plenty of latitude. I would like to move Standing Order 79, that the member no longer be heard.
Motion negatived.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you to my colleagues. The members for Greatorex and Braitling do not want to hear me because they do not like a good bit of truth. That is it; they do not like the truth …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! That is incorrect. We want to hear about Bob Collins.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat and do not make points of order like that; they are not points of order.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, the CLP appointed Bob Collins if you want to get into that debate, member for Braitling. The empty vessels on the other side, because they are incapable of intellectual argument or debate, do not like the truth. They stand in this Chamber and we have to listen to their diatribe, their insults, calling our communities basket cases, using every insult and being offensive to people I, and every bush member, represent. We have to listen to the offensive comments from the members opposite and they question relevance! The problem with members opposite is they want to gag debate because they do not like listening to the truth when it is thrown back because they have nothing to offer. They do not bring on debates. Given oppositions are supposed to hold governments to account, they should be offering alternative plans.
The problem with the members for Braitling, Greatorex, Araluen and the rest of them is not one has any vision or plan. You are bereft of ideas; that is the problem. I throw it back at you. The Territory Labor government has a plan, Territory 2030, for our industries.
The member for Sanderson asked why the agricultural industry was not mentioned in the statement. Member for Sanderson, the 2030 plan is about the whole of the Territory. This statement is about northern Australia and its development going forward. I say to the member for Sanderson, look at the 2030 plan. It is talking about Katherine as a regional hub for the Top End with a focus on tourism, transport, agriculture, mining and government services. It is there. We have a plan and a vision to get these industries happening and there has been consultation. I have visited Katherine and held forums regarding 2030. Industry participation is much better and more productive than what we get from the CLP in any discussion or contribution on taking the Territory forward.
The member for Fong Lim was talking yesterday about his favourite subject, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, and how it has prevented economic development in the north. Madam Speaker, I want to grab a map.
Mrs LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move that the member for Arafura be given an extension of time to complete her remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: People are often misinformed and become obsessed with ALRA, Aboriginal land, the economy; it does not add to the economy and there is no future from northern Australia into Asia. One of the biggest contributors, besides live cattle, is our resource industry. Mining and resources are quite large contributors to the Northern Territory economy. I will show this map; maybe I could table this map. If you look at northern Australia you will see misinformation is constantly peddled by members opposite that Aboriginal people on Aboriginal land do not allow exploration or grant mineral exploration licences on their land. If you look at that map it shows there are quite significant exploration licence applications and exploration licences happening on Aboriginal land. For people opposite …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex! Cease interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: The member for Greatorex should travel around the Northern Territory. Maybe he should get out of Greatorex and into some of these Aboriginal communities and talk to Aboriginal people about what they are doing and how they are doing …
Mr Conlan interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … because Aboriginal people want economic development. People are not anti-mining. People are not anti- the resource sector, as is often peddled. Yes, there may be individuals who have a view when it comes to certain minerals and that is okay; that is part of democracy, member for Nelson. One day we will have that debate. When you talk to Aboriginal people about the various industries that can and should happen in their communities, they are not against that.
There is a fundamental difference between an act, which is like any other piece of legislation whether it is Territory parliament or federal parliament - bureaucracies administer government work and policies, and there are bureaucracies that administer the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. Too often ignorant people blame the act rather than look at problems with the bureaucracy implementing the act or acting on behalf of Aboriginal people.
Aboriginal people are not against the resource sector; they want it to happen. As part of 2030, there has been much discussion in the various regions to look at how we go forward so it is not just a gas base. I look forward to INPEX. For someone who was born and bred in this town and has seen the development of Darwin going forward, it is a good thing. INPEX will add to that. When you look at the exploration and the potential in many of our regions, that will provide economic drivers for communities to contribute.
The Northern Territory government has a plan. Territory 2030 is a big part of that vision going forward in northern development. It gives us a blueprint for our engagement with the broader community going forward. I fully support our government in moving forward and ensuring we put the Northern Territory in a better position than we found it when we came to government in 2001.
I was here in 2001 and before. I was involved closely with the political scene in the Northern Territory and was not someone who just decided to join a political party. I had been part of the political scene for a long time. When we came to government in 2001 and what we inherited, and what we have built over 10 years - when people on the other side say this government has done nothing they only have to look at electorates like mine where many communities did not have sealed airstrips - places like Maningrida. People at Maningrida were very insulted when the member for Braitling and Senator Scullion visited - some of their comments to the people - talk about disrespect. You could engage people in a better way rather than being pompous and arrogant when you go onto someone’s land.
Nevertheless, the member for Braitling should have looked at Maningrida – I have some photos and will show the member for Braitling what Maningrida school looked like in 2001. The asbestos-ridden buildings there in 2001 - he can look at that, have a joke, and say it looks like a detention centre, and tell me about those buildings a Labor government has spent 10 years putting in place. Madam Speaker, I remember when you were Health minister and we visited Maningrida. The facilities nurses had to sleep in, in those communities, were a disgrace. We expect nurses to work 24/7 in those communities and the infrastructure those nurses had to live in was a disgrace.
The members for Araluen, Braitling, and Greatorex throw their bit in. That is okay, this is a game of politics. However, when you throw back some facts, the glass jaw syndrome on the other side call points of order on relevance. That was the biggest joke of the week: the member for Greatorex calling relevance on me. This man has a track record of standing here, debate after debate, talking about everything other than the topic. It is a bit rich that he calls relevance on me.
Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement. It is a vision for the Northern Territory and is about us going forward. I commend the statement to the House.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I received a letter today from the Children’s Commissioner, Dr Howard Bath, seeking the Speaker’s authority to publish a report pursuant to section 278(2) of the Care and Protection of Children Act regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s Report, A Life Long Shadow.
It is advised I have agreed the Commissioner has the Speaker’s authority to publish the report. I table the letter from Dr Bath and I call the Minister for Health.
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow. This is done pursuant to section 278(2) of the Care and Protection of Children Act.
Madam SPEAKER: Before I go on, I have notice of a pair. It is for me with the member for Fong Lim. I thank the member for Fong Lim for this. It was unexpected that I have to go to Brisbane tonight. It is signed by both Whips. Thank you very much, member for Fong Lim. I table that letter.
Mr Tollner: My great pleasure, Madam Speaker.
Continued from 31 March 2011.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, this is a resumption of debate on the ministerial statement on Central Australia commenced in the Alice Springs sittings and, even though we are in the Darwin sittings, it is appropriate we follow on from a debate about northern Australia in general to Central Australia in particular. I will make my contribution to this statement.
I support the Chief Minister’s statement on the work the Territory government is doing to deliver better outcomes in Alice Springs and across Central Australia. As the minister responsible for Housing, Education and Training, and Public Employment, I am proud to say I believe we have achieved a great deal in these areas in recent years and our efforts will continue well into the future. I also acknowledge …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Item 4 on the Notice Paper is Mrs Lambley in continuation with 10 minutes remaining.
Dr BURNS: I apologise to the member for Araluen.
Madam SPEAKER: We can either continue - if something like this happens you need to jump.
Mrs Lambley: Well, I was a bit stunned.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, perhaps I can suggest a way through this. If we simply allow the member for Araluen to continue her speech and the full 20 minutes be allotted again to the Leader of Government Business.
Madam SPEAKER: I will be able sort something. Usually you let the person continue and then let the member for Araluen finish after that because we have already started.
Mr Tollner: I bet she would not do it for Gilesey.
Madam SPEAKER: I beg your pardon?
Mr Tollner: I was whispering to my friend, Madam Speaker.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I am willing to defer to the member for Araluen and resume where I was and hopefully Hansard can put it all together.
Mr Elferink: Thank you very much. I appreciate that.
Madam SPEAKER: On another occasion, member for Araluen, all you need to do is call a point of order and also jump.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was a little slow in catching on to what was happening. Thank you for allowing me to complete my response to the Chief Minister’s ministerial statement on Central Australia. This is the third part of my response. I started on 29 March, the second part was on 30 March, and now I stand before you on 11 August. I am pleased to do so.
I remember the context in which the Chief Minister gave his ministerial statement on Central Australia. It was probably one of the more memorable days for me in parliament during my 10 months. You will remember the day in question. It started with a large group of Alice Springs residents gathering on the lawns of the convention centre and fairly aggressively and loudly expressing their dissatisfaction with this government’s ability to control crime in Alice Springs. It was quite ironic that the Chief Minister was inside delivering his ministerial statement on Alice Springs and Central Australia whilst several hundred people were outside calling for him to answer questions about what he intended to do about the escalating problem of crime on the streets of Alice Springs. He decided he would not address the crowd. I remember feeling very disappointed that the leader of the Northern Territory did not have the courage or conviction to face the people from Central Australia he was talking about in his speech.
Nevertheless, months have marched on and crime is still an enormous problem in Alice Springs. We have recently had the crime statistics prove, yet again, that things are very serious, particularly break-ins. This is an increasingly serious problem in Alice Springs. We can attribute the rise in break-ins mainly to the alcohol policy of this government. Yes, access to alcohol is more difficult so people who have alcohol problems are breaking into people’s houses and stealing it. When the Treasurer, the deputy leader of government, talks about the wonders of the new Enough is Enough, no nonsense, turn the tap off alcohol strategy, once again she needs to reflect on the Alice Springs experience. We are the experts when it comes to alcohol reforms. We have been subjected to them for many years and the minister needs to talk to the people who know all about it, the members for Braitling, Greatorex and me. We know far more than the deputy leader, the Minister for Alcohol Policy, when it comes to how effective or ineffective these policies are in Alice Springs.
This evening I have a few minutes to talk about some of the more current issues in Alice Springs. The first one I draw your attention to is the problem we have in the CBD of Alice Springs. When you talk about the expansion, the commitment, the development of Central Australia, you cannot go past the CBD of Alice Springs. This is probably one of the most sadly neglected CBDs you will find anywhere in Australia. It has not developed at all in the last 10 years. We have had one new building go up in the CBD of Alice Springs in the last 10 years. One privately built building - the Imparja building.
Countering that one new building, we have had probably three or four significant buildings demolished. That is an astounding record for this government when it comes to stimulating growth and assisting the provision of a vibrant, modern amenity in the CBD of Alice Springs. It is quite shaming, and probably what signifies this shameful and disturbing lack of development, in fact a retrograde step in the CBD of Alice Springs, is the story of Melanka backpackers. This was once a thriving mini-metropolis for backpackers. It had 145 beds providing not only an exciting place for international and national tourists to gather, but locals would frequent the nightclub. It was an old building but it had character.
When you look around the streets of Darwin you can see similar facilities in the CBD, but we had the Melanka Lodge in Alice Springs. It was sold several years ago and, in February 2008, the owners decided to close Melanka Lodge. At that stage the owners decided it would become Gilligan’s Resort, a backpackers resort. Alice Springs people were thrilled when they looked at the Centralian Advocate years ago and there was an artist’s impression of this beautiful, modern, exciting facility that was to be Gilligan’s Backpacker Resort. That did not go ahead either and, by the end of November 2008, the investors left town - they took their money elsewhere. It was all too hard to get their project up and running in Alice Springs so they took their money elsewhere.
The Melanka block was on the market again. It was sold, and in 2009 Melanka was demolished. The whole building was demolished. Since then, two years ago or thereabouts, we have had a 1.3 ha vacant block sitting in the middle of the Alice Springs CBD. This is a privately owned block of land. It is now on the market for $7.5m. The point to this story is this land has not been developed for a number of reasons. The main reason is that it is all too hard to invest on the scale required for this block in Alice Springs because of the red tape and bureaucracy this government puts up. It is too expensive and too hard. We have seen other blocks in town where the developers have great ideas and then realise how hideous the government red tape is. They do their sums and try to negotiate with the Development Consent Authority and various people who have responsibility for development and planning. The blocks are put up but they could not be bothered. You do not have to invest your money in Alice Springs; you can invest it in Broome or Cairns. You can go to Port Augusta or somewhere because it is easier to develop a block of land elsewhere.
This government has wrapped up planning so tightly and made it so difficult that people go elsewhere. So, in the CBD of Alice Springs we have these blocks of land. There is one adjacent to K-Mart …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time for the member to complete her remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Madam Speaker, a block of land adjacent to the K-Mart complex was levelled over 10 years ago. I remember the day distinctly. It was Lizzie Milne’s old house, right in the middle of town, a large block - over a quarter of an acre. That block has been levelled, cleared and waiting for development for over 10 years. The main reason it has not been developed is because of the red tape and hideous requirements put on developers which make it unaffordable. These projects are not viable.
The government needs to look at the CBD of Alice Springs and try to facilitate these developments; try to get the CBD of Alice Springs a happening place because when you talk about Central Australia, you really cannot go past the CBD of Alice Springs. As a centre of town like any centre of town in any place throughout Australia, you gravitate there and, for Alice Springs, it has been a painfully long and slow experience in decline, not progress. It is a sad state of affairs when we are seeing more buildings destroyed in the CBD of Alice Springs rather than built.
The second part of the story of the CBD of Alice Springs is the government’s ‘commitment’ - I put that in quotes - to the rejuvenation of the CBD of Alice Springs. This has been on the cards since I was an alderman of the Alice Springs Town Council, between 2004 and 2008. It probably started before then if the truth be known, but let us go back to around 2004. They have consulted and consulted. They have had planning days and invited experts. A consultant from Melbourne was brought up to see how we could beautify and rejuvenate the mall and the CBD of Alice Springs in general. Some fantastic ideas have been developed. We have had imaginative, artistic ideas of how to weave the beautiful Todd River into the experience of the mall, and things that are beyond my comprehension as a fairly unartistic person. Effort and money has gone into consulting and planning and, six or seven years later, has amounted to nothing. We have not seen any rejuvenation of the CBD. Nothing at all has happened.
I spoke to several public servants about this recently and asked them: ‘When are we going to see some action? When is consultation going to stop and action start?’ They were very discreet and loyal in their response, but nodded their heads and said: ‘Yes, perhaps we have done the consultation bit’.
When it comes to commitment by this government to Central Australia, I have to question how genuine it is. The CBD is the pulse, the centre of activity; it is the hive of any community. Darwin has its beautiful Mitchell Street facility. It has the mall, which has recently been beautified and rejuvenated. Everyone in Darwin is as proud as punch, but Alice Springs has, unfortunately, been neglected. Neglect is the key word that comes to mind when I think of this government and its commitment to Alice Springs. There has been no action to help progress the town, the centre of the town, make it look more beautiful, make people feel proud of it, and make people want to go there day or night.
Very little has been done. The things done by this government to improve the safety and security of the streets of Alice Springs, particularly the CBD, have been done under duress. My goodness me, we need lights in the CBD, crime is skyrocketing, people are running around the back streets causing havoc breaking into people’s businesses and vandalising cars. Let us get some lights. What does this government do? It hires a dozen massive floodlights which remained the feature of the town for six months while the government, gee whiz, knee-jerk reaction: we had better install some permanent ones.
These things are so inadequate. It illustrates a lack of genuine commitment, a genuine planning framework for improving Alice Springs - making it better. We have to stand in front of the convention centre during parliament and yell and scream and say: ‘Come on, listen to us. We deserve attention. We deserve the funds, the interest, and the enthusiasm this government gives to Darwin’. You do. I would never criticise the input and efforts this government has made in improving Darwin, but when it comes to Central Australia there is no comparison, it is like chalk and cheese. Everything goes to Darwin and as little as possible to appease the people in Central Australia. Make them shut up and go away is the philosophy of this government. What we have is an ‘eyesore’ when it comes to Melanka. The 1.3 ha block right in the middle of Alice Springs has been levelled for two years. It is an eyesore. The ABC called it ‘vacant block dreaming’. That is pathetic.
The latest proposal for the Melanka block was a $60m investment. A huge amount of money injected into the Alice Springs economy providing a facility to house dozens and dozens of families and working people, and is very much required in Alice Springs. It would have had commercial sites for shops, businesses and offices. It was going to be a spectacular development on a 1.3 ha block in the middle of Alice Springs. That is off the table now. I listened to a panel on local ABC radio in Alice Springs a few weeks ago when it was made public the Melanka block was on the market again. The $60m development proposal was shelved. The owners have decided to pull the pin and spend their money elsewhere. History repeating itself.
I listened to the panel of local experts. There was someone from Desert Knowledge, a local architect, and someone from the tourism industry. The question was asked: ‘How long do you think it will take before we see a development on the site of Melanka Lodge?’ The architect said: ‘Five years’. I thought: bingo. Sadly, but true, that is right; it is going to take another five years because of all the bureaucratic red tape, the obstacles the planning department, DCA, this government, whoever is responsible, puts in front of developers to make it unbearably hard and financially cost inhibitive so they cannot do it.
Madam Speaker, when we talk about Central Australia, when we talk about this government’s commitment, it is not there. There is little evidence to suggest anything except this government always drags its heels, kicking and screaming when it comes to Central Australia and the people of Alice Springs.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I am sure Hansard will piece it together and overlap. As the minister responsible for Housing, Education and Training and Public Employment, I am proud to say this government has achieved a great deal in these areas in recent years, and our efforts will continue well into the future, although we acknowledge we have much to do. We are under no illusions: we face many challenges in delivering better housing, especially in the bush. We are seeing real inroads thanks to the Alice Springs transformation plan.
I will start with public and affordable housing. Ensuring all Territorians have access to housing is an area the Henderson government is focused on in Central Australia. The Henderson government’s Housing the Territory strategy is driving housing affordability and increased supply. Government is also working towards housing the Territory, and the Territory 2030 strategy aim of achieving a balanced housing market. Buying a home is usually the greatest financial investment a person will make in their life, and we are committed to ensuring more Centralians have the opportunity to become homeowners.
In Alice Springs, we have created opportunities for low- to middle-income earners to buy their own home. Our Homestart NT home ownership program helps Territorians get their foot in the door in the property market. The scheme works because it is flexible and set up to help the buyer succeed as a homeowner. Homestart NT and purchase limits were increased in May to keep pace with changing market conditions. Alice Springs price limits are now $435 000, giving people access to a larger range of properties. I am also glad to report to the House the recent Ridges Estate ballot at Larapinta for affordable land and house packages for first homeowners was a success. The house and land packages were more than $385 000 and will be sold through a public ballot. The ballot was popular and six purchases are now complete with the first slabs expected to be poured shortly. As Kilgariff and land south of The Gap becomes available, we will continue to look at more affordable housing projects targeting low- to middle- income earners.
As well as home ownership options, we are also working towards providing more accommodation for those who do not have the means to purchase property. The Henderson government, in partnership with the Australian government and many non-government organisations, has made a huge impact on supported accommodation in the last 12 months. This is helping reduce homelessness and helping people gain skills to secure long-term accommodation and succeed in an urban tenancy.
The Alice Springs transformation plan is investing $150m and housing is a strong focus. Alice Springs town camps are receiving 85 new houses, and 200 existing houses will receive a refurbishment, or a rebuild. So far, 60 new houses have been built with 21 under construction. Eighty-nine refurbishments and rebuilds have been completed across town camps in Alice Springs and 25 communities in the southern region package spread through Central Australia and the Barkly to make significant improvements to housing. This is making houses safe and liveable for families, and helping ease overcrowding and pressure on other homes within these communities.
Our remote Indigenous housing partnership agreement goes beyond just building better houses. It also creates real training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Territorians. We are exceeding our target of 20% of the SIHIP workforce being Indigenous; it has been consistently over 30%.
Tenants of the Alice Springs town camps and remote community public houses are also benefitting from the new system of tenancy management. Territory Housing policies and procedures are being applied as tenants move into their new or refurbished houses. For tenants, this clearly outlines not only their rights but also their responsibilities in maintaining their property. Also, under the Alice Springs transformation plan, more than 500 extra beds will be provided in Alice Springs. The $11m visitor accommodation park is providing accommodation for 150 visitors to town and the 28-bed transitional housing facility at Percy Court is open. These facilities are helping give people skills to manage public or private housing tenancy in the future. The 35-bedroom lodge has been redeveloped to provide accommodation for people coming to town for medical treatment. The 65-bed Mount Gillen hostel has also opened and provided town camp residents with accommodation during periods while their houses were being refurbished, as well as temporary accommodation for people visiting Alice Springs.
Eight rooms have been built at the Salvation Army, east side, for homeless men, and the Alice Springs transformation plan is achieving results. We are delivering more accommodation and housing which aims to deliver real and sustainable outcomes to help people secure longer term accommodation. We also have a tenancy sustainability program to work with people who need support to become successful tenants in public housing, and work with over 100 households per year in Alice Springs.
Tangentyere and Anglicare work with tenants through a case management approach to enhance their skills to manage a household. Mission Australia has recently received funding for three years through the Alice Springs transformation plan for the provision of intensive tenancy support to 30 of the neediest households in public housing, including town camps, in Alice Springs. This program will be aimed at those households with very little experience in living in urban dwellings.
It is not only Indigenous housing the government is focused on in Central Australia. Construction of the $5.4m 18-unit Larrapinta seniors village has commenced and we are aiming to have that completed by the end of 2011. These units have been specifically designed for senior Territorians and the site will also incorporate return-to-grid solar powered grey water reticulation and a park shelter with barbecue facilities. Local company, Asbuild, is undertaking this work and I am sure there are many seniors in Territory Housing who will welcome the opportunity to live in one of these units. There has also been work in Alice Springs to build six new public housing dwellings under the social housing initiative component of the nation building stimulus package. This has delivered two new four-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units in Alice Springs.
The Territory government has been working tirelessly to deliver more housing for people in Alice Springs and the remote communities of Central Australia and is making positive inroads.
I turn to my portfolio area of Education and Training. Education and training is a top priority for the Henderson government. We know the foundation for a good life is a sound education and we are working to ensure all Territory children have access to education and training to prepare themselves for life and future employment. Our Smart Territory strategic plan is driving many new initiatives and programs throughout the Territory for school students, teachers and children before they enter school. Attendance is an issue we are very focused on. If a child goes to school every day in Central Australia, they get a great education. Look at the top Northern Territory Certificate of Education students for 2010. Bevan Botha came from Centralian Senior College, and congratulations once again, Bevan, for your excellent work.
We know by tackling alcohol we are supporting parents and families to send kids to school. We want to tackle the grog problem in Central Australia and believe that will have flow-on effects for the education of children. Building better schools has also been a priority in the last few years. This is included in the Territory government’s commitment to provide a $300 000 upgrade to every government primary and group school. We have also made significant investment in the redevelopment of Centralian Middle School with a $9.5m project and students and staff are already enjoying the better facilities. The BER is also ensuring every school in Central Australia benefits from new and improved school buildings. Over $200m is being invested in our government school.
The Territory government has worked hand-in-hand with the Commonwealth and school communities to deliver these important BER projects. These are projects the opposition did not support, even in their own electorates, although a number of them, Madam Deputy Speaker, as you observed before, have been tagging along to the opening ceremonies with big smiles on their faces as if they have some ownership and contribution to this. We are generous. We will let the member for Katherine go to Katherine School of the Air and bask in the glory. We do not want to politicise schools; however, all in this House know the facts.
Mr Westra van Holthe: I wanted to hear the kids ask the Prime Minister the cattle questions.
Dr BURNS: You do not want me to quote what you said about the Kevin Rudd rorting spendathon. I do not think you do. I will not politicise it, member for Katherine. I have it there with a little tag on, along with many other tags. You learn as you go on in this game. You will have a folder with tags as well; it is part and parcel of what we do here.
Delivering more programs to support our students is another important focus of the Henderson government. The Department of Education and Training has engaged the expertise of Professor Geoff Masters from the Australian Council of Education and Research. Professor Masters has met with all principals in Central Australia and visited many schools to help us improve school performance. I understand the member for Brennan is meeting with Professor Masters this afternoon. I look forward to having a conversation with the member for Brennan to hear his views after that brief.
Our efforts to engage students in schools also continue. This year we have provided $252 000 for Alice Springs principals to apply for funding to address specific issues that affect their students and impact on attendance and engagement. Project-specific youth action plan grants were allocated to eight of the nine Alice Springs schools. In addition, nine schools will receive $4000 to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to engage parents in activities which foster student support.
Other Alice Springs school grants received include:
Acacia Hills School, $11 500 for an employee to work with students using games and props that increase and encourage social cooperation and encouragement;
Our new Every Child, Every Day strategy is in place and includes a strong focus on the bush and engaging Indigenous students in their schooling. One component of our attendance strategy is the Clontarf Football Academy which is making tremendous changes to many young Indigenous boys’ lives in Alice Springs. This program is really focused on Indigenous students. The opposition does not like separate programs. It needs to say whether it would axe the Clontarf program, which is an important partnership between the Commonwealth government, the Territory government and private enterprise. Are you going to be consistent? You say you want mainstream programs for everyone. Are you going to axe the Clontarf Academy or the Sporting Chance for Girls?
You have put a number of positions this week. I would not say they are policy positions; you have put a number of ideological positions. I do not think you have thought them through adequately, members of the opposition, and I have been saying for some time you need to work through your policies and make your policy documents.
I have said a number of times when I was a candidate for the 2001 election - I was the first candidate off the block in Darwin in either June or July 2000. I came on as a candidate and already the group of seven Labor members of this House had a suite of policies in hard copy which were also available on the Internet. When I was doorknocking, or engaged in conversation with people, they would say: ‘What is your policy on Indigenous education; what is your policy on hospitals; what is your policy on recreational angling?’ I could elaborate because I had gone through the policies and sought to understand them. I said: ‘If you want more detail, I will post these policy positions to you’, or hand them to people. Crime was another one. People were very interested in the Labor Party position on crime …
Mr Tollner: It does not have one.
Dr BURNS: We had a policy in 2001, and we have policy positions now ...
Mr Tollner: How did that work for you?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … and legislation. I am saying to you, as an opposition, you need to do some work. You have some printed policies, but you need more and you need more detail so we can have a real policy debate. I have a challenge for you: you have put a position of not having separate systems and everyone should be mainstream. What are you going to do about programs like the Clontarf Academy, which caters for Indigenous …
Mr Tollner: And non-Indigenous.
Dr BURNS: To a much lesser extent. Their focus is on young Indigenous men. People have said to me: ‘Why is it not mainstream?’ At this point in time, the biggest attendance issues are amongst Indigenous males and, to a lesser extent, Indigenous females. Our priority is we have to focus on the group at the greatest risk, and that is the same whether it is in public health or in education. It is all about an evidence-based approach and focusing on the group with the greatest need, but I digress.
Clontarf commenced in Alice Springs in 2007, and in 2011 there are 119 students enrolled at Centralian Middle School; 59 students at Centralian Senior College; and 63 at Yirara College. That is around 240 young Indigenous men and youths at school engaged in life-changing programs. I do not believe anyone criticises the work of the Clontarf Academy; it has done great work.
Attendance has remained approximately 80% since the program commenced in Alice Springs, and we want to roll that program out in the more remote areas as well - we are doing that. To date, there have been impressive outcomes with improvements in student attendance, retention, and behaviour. Last year, Centralian Senior College had nine graduates, six of whom were in employment afterwards. That is a positive outlook for each one of those six. Nine might not sound like much, but it is a start. The number will grow each year in Alice Springs as more boys go through Clontarf. In this case, it is nine Indigenous men who have finished school who otherwise may have dropped out and missed out on an education. I applaud the hard-working staff at the Clontarf Academy in Alice Springs, and I encourage them to keep up the good work. I also commend Gerard Neesham for his vision, commitment, and passion because he has driven much of this.
We have employed new attendance and truancy officers in the Central Australian region. They have conducted an enrolment drive in Alice Springs schools and a number of outlying communities. Now the new school term has …
Mr KNIGHT: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Dr BURNS: I have asked the attendance and truancy officers throughout the Territory, since the new school term has begun, to not only focus on the urban areas, but also the remote areas. I will be looking forward to reporting to parliament on those results as this term progresses. The attendance and truancy officers will be highly visible in uniforms and marked vehicles although, I am told, sometimes they go around in plain clothes because a few kids do runners on them; however, that is for them to work out. They work with the students, the families, and the schools to boost attendance.
We are also delivering vocational education and training pathways for students in Central Australia. We are committed to building the workforce of the future and ensuring they are skilled up to meet the growing demand for more workers in Alice Springs and surrounding communities. In 2010, a total of 747 218 hours of VET delivery occurred in the Alice Springs region constituting $8m of training to 4007 students. We have met with Commonwealth ministers who are looking at vocational education and training Australia-wide. They want more focused outcomes and we have indicated to the Commonwealth we believe more effort is needed in the Northern Territory, but we will work with them in regard to funding and targets.
The Department of Education and Training will continue working closely with local industries to ensure students have pathways through their schooling to help them get into apprenticeships and traineeships, sending them on a strong career path and working future.
We are also continuing a big effort to deliver more opportunities for children prior to starting school to gain essential early learning and development. This is something Geoff Masters said in his report, and I commend his report to members of this Assembly. He is pointing to greater effort - he has pointed to the things we are already doing – greater effort in the area of early childhood. I have taken his recommendations on board and directed the department to come forward with responses to his recommendations so we can move down this path.
As a part of A Working Future, the Department of Education and Training is integrating child and family services across Territory growth towns. A child and family leader will be employed to coordinate and implement the integration of universal and targeted services across each of the Territory growth towns. This cross-agency executive role will have coordination responsibility for early childhood development services from before birth to eight years of age.
As part of the National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Early Childhood Development, the Department of Education and Training is integrating children and family services through the establishment of five children and family centres. This government is committed to breaking down the silos. Children and families, health, and education have critical interest in this area; it is essential they work together. One of the locations is Yuendumu, where the Department of Education and Training is establishing child and family centres to national quality standards; including a childcare centre to cater for 50 children. Engagement with the Yuendumu community has commenced, including identification of a site for the centre design, integration of child and family services, and workshop planning and development. Documentation is being finalised to progress to construction tender for the child and family centre.
The Department of Education and Training is also being funded to establish a 40-place childcare facility at Ntaria to be built to national quality standards. Engagement with the community has commenced, including identification of a site and facility design. Documentation is being finalised to progress to construction and tender.
There are also mobile preschools operating around remote Central Australia giving young children access to important development and play opportunities. I listened carefully to what the member for Macdonnell said about mobile preschools, and I will take those issues up with the department. Mobile preschool programs are operating in 18 communities: Wallace Rockhole, Docker River, Finke, Karnte Camp, Nyirripi, Titjikala, Papunya, Haasts Bluff, Watiyawanu, Areyonga, Mount Allan, Laramba, Willowra, Murray Downs, Epenarra, Corella Creek, Mungkarta, and Rockhampton Downs. The program currently employs 18 Indigenous assistant teachers and five mobile preschool teachers. An additional hub was established in Central Australia in 2011 to reduce the time teachers spend travelling and increased the time they spend in each community.
There are four Alice Springs preschools, Bradshaw, Gillen, Larapinta, and Teppa Hill participating in pilots for the delivery of 15 hours preschool per child per week. With universal access funding, Sadadeen Primary School, in partnership with Tangentyere, is providing preschool outreach to Hidden Valley, llpiye-Ilpiye, and Whitegate town camps. Much is happening in Central Australia in education and training.
Finally, public employment: public servants in Central Australia play a vital role in the delivery of services. It is also great to see the Central Australian public service participating in our workforce development program. These include: Public Sector Management Program; Discovery - Women as Leaders Program; the Kigaruk Indigenous Men’s Leadership Development Program; the 360 Degree Feedback Program; and the Remote Workforce Development Program. That last program focuses on the development of employees in regions such as Central Australia. I had the great honour last year of attending the graduation ceremony in Central Australia where 15 public servants from Alice Springs graduated. They were very proud; their families were proud. They had built up a network and were keen to use their skills and apply them in their workplace.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in summary, there is much activity in Central Australia. We also recognise there is much more to do, but we are investing heavily in Central Australia. In the housing area, there has been considerable investment, in partnership with the Commonwealth, and as a government we will continue to invest in Central Australia.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, it would not be a statement on Central Australia if we did not talk about law and order. Law and order is the number one issue in Alice Springs. I recently analysed crime statistics in Alice Springs and recognised the failures of this government. It was interesting to hear the member for Johnston suggest the CLP needed to come up with policies. He even referred to some of his own when first preselected in 2001. He spoke about the law and order policy of the Labor Party in 2001. If ever you were going to talk about a policy for Central Australia, you would not talk about law and order. It is interesting to see the increase in crime since 2001. It has grown exponentially, whether it is assaults, break-ins, or property crime. I have gone back to March 2005 and looked at crime statistics. Assaults have gone up by 112% since March 2005, an election year. Property crimes have gone up by 95.4% since March 2005 on the six-monthly figures to March this year. Sadly, break-ins have gone up by 307% since March 2005. If you go back to election year 2008, the figures replicate the same analysis; that is, crime continues to rise under this government.
I listened to the debate recently on the minister for corrections’ bill which has now been enacted, the Justice (Corrections) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (Serial 167). The minister said there will be many more community corrections facilities across the Northern Territory. You have to ask why? The reason is the gaols are full.
I have a letter from the minister for corrections which I received on 10 December 2010 explaining the population of correctional centres in the Northern Territory. As at November 2010, in the Darwin Correctional Centre there were 352 secure prisoners and 246 low security prisoners. In the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, there were 368 secure prisoners and 132 open prisoners. The figures are broken down against ethnicity. Nearly 90% of the Territory’s prison population is Indigenous, nearly all are men, and 47% of Territory prisoners return to prison within two years of release. If you look at the Indigenous component, 77% of Indigenous prisoners held in the Northern Territory have previously served time in prison. It makes for very worrying figures indeed.
It is important to reflect on the crime in town and the new bill that has just been passed. When you look back and see a 307% increase in break-ins, you have to break that down to the raw data. In March 2005, for a six-month period, 177 break-ins were recorded. In the March 2011 six-monthly figures, 721 break-ins were recorded. That is nearly 600 additional break-ins. That is 600 businesses that have to replace windows, security systems, build six-foot fences, put barbed wire and razor wire on top, and install security cameras. That is 600 families who have to secure their property, lock up their houses, not leave their window open for a breeze, and ensure their kids are safe in the street.
When we look at assaults we see the number has gone from 440 to 933. That is nearly 500. So, 500 more people have been assaulted in the period from March 2005 to now; nearly two election periods. You have to think about the people on the streets getting bashed. A person on the corner of Undoolya Road and Kurrajong Drive in the member for Greatorex’s electorate, just a week ago, walking home after a night out was beaten up by three blokes looking for a cigarette. You have to think about those people.
Through the summer of 2010-11, I received phone call after phone call, multiple phone calls, from businesses that had been broken into overnight.
It is a repetitious thing. These figures do not record the real crime; the real crime happens when people do not report it. Police are busy chasing crime all the time, people are not recording it. I have doorknocked throughout my electorate and I hear: ‘I have been broken into twice this year, three times this year, a couple of times last year’. ‘Did you report it?’ ‘No’. People are not reporting crime because they cannot get adequate response time from police; police are so busy because crime is out of control. People think: ‘It is not that bad during winter’. During winter we have that downward spike in crime; however, it is still at record levels.
We are all waiting for the crime wave of 2011-12 to hit us. We all know it is coming. You would think the government would be prepared for the crime wave. How prepared is it? It does not even have a permanent head of police in Alice Springs.
We heard yesterday from the member for Macdonnell of Des Rogers allegedly cruising around Central Australia under the guise of the Chief Minister’s office campaigning for the Labor Party for the seat of Macdonnell in next year’s election. You can run campaigns; how outrageous is it that you cannot appoint a head of police. How are you going to have a police engagement strategy with the community for crime prevention leading up to summer? If you cannot appoint a permanent head of police in the southern regional command, how on earth do you expect to reduce crime over the summer period?
You are not coordinating with the shire councils or the mayor of Alice Springs; you are not talking to the people. The only thing happening is the sale of six-foot fences, razor wire, and padlocks in Central Australia. The biggest security threat is your bar fridge or the alcohol you have at home or in your business because of these ridiculous alcohol reforms you have in place.
I have spent much time considering what you are doing with the alcohol reforms. I thought: is it good for the community? Would it make a change? Will women be protected from the cavemen your government thinks Aboriginal men are? Will that work? Look at the figures. Since the reforms, instead of people buying alcohol, they are breaking into premises. You have a 307% increase - more than four times - in break-ins over the five-and-a-half year period of the alcohol reforms. That tells you something. People, if they cannot buy alcohol, will steal it. People in Alice Springs with a chronic alcohol abuse problem, instead of being treated, are becoming criminals because they have to break in to get grog. They enter our gaols and now the minister for Corrections wants to put them on our streets. Instead of a red under the bed, we have a criminal on every corner. Thanks to Labor, that is what is happening. That is the cycle. You ban grog, they break in to get grog, they go to gaol, the gaol is full, and you put them back on the street. The person broken into is now living two doors from the person who broke into their house. It is that ridiculous!
The minister for Business does not do very much. When he wants a policy for Central Australia I will give him one that will support business in Alice Springs - fix the crime! The Minister for Tourism never says much about Alice Springs - hope she does today. Do you want a policy for tourism? Fix the crime! We do not want German backpackers coming to town, being stabbed, ending up in Adelaide and sending messages across German national television saying: ‘Do not go to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory because you will be stabbed and beaten up’. Those international stories happen all the time.
The Chief Minister plays games with community action groups who want to fight this problem by running ads on television to get action from the government. He cannot get the dusty old police van on the street, no matter how much we plead. He cannot get the position of police southern regional command filled on a permanent basis to develop a strategy to fight crime and prevent crime. You would think he could do something. No, he bags out the people who put the ads on television or talk to newspapers. The story in The Times, the English newspaper - everyone is saying: ‘Oh, how dare those people talk about our crime’. Fix the problem! Nine hundred and thirty three people were assaulted in six months. For a small community town, 933 people assaulted, 721 homes broken into, and 2726 with a property offence in a six-month period – 2700-plus property offences in six months must be a world record.
The Chief Minister wants to appoint his Labor mates to jobs in Alice Springs to campaign against other members. How offensive! The child protection system is falling on its knees; report after report after report. Here is another one tabled this afternoon trying to apportion blame. What does the government say about domestic violence and child protection? It tries to segregate and say it is an Indigenous problem and the reason Indigenous men are beating their women is because of some genealogical pathway back to the Neanderthals or the Iron Age Italians and British Neolithic times. What an offensive thing to say! I cannot believe it from a political sense. You get in because of the Aboriginal vote - we all know how it works - and you call them cavemen. You call Aboriginal men of the Northern Territory cavemen and that is why they beat their women. What a disgraceful slur. Graham put out a press release today trying to explain the situation, no doubt under duress. You cannot explain the fact that you have called Aboriginal men ‘cavemen’ and that is why they beat their women. That is just appalling.
When it comes to other forms of development in Central Australia - I pick up on part of what the Education minister said. He spoke about preschools. He tried to paint a rosy picture of education. It is important to remember this is the Education minister, and government, which has delivered the worst school attendance figures on record. When you set a target for Indigenous, separate from non-Indigenous, at 21% of all Indigenous middle school students to attend school, you have already set the bar too low. You are treating people as second-class citizens, but that is what your racist policies do. However, you do not even achieve 21% - make it clear - 15% of all Indigenous students in the middle years Territory-wide turned up in the last financial year. That is a disgrace! If you showed those figures on the international stage, you would be condemned. The United Nations should be asking what you are doing to support Indigenous people - 15% education. Everyone says: ‘Education is the answer’. We hear it all the time but you do nothing about it. Education outcomes are the worst on record. You should hang your head in shame; however, you still take the money from the federal government.
Neolithic education for the cavemen by the Labor Party. The minister spoke about mobile preschools, singing their praises, and read out all the communities they operate in. Perhaps he should have read out attendance figures. When you visit nearly every community he mentioned - where the mobile preschools go with the assistant teachers and the five preschool teachers - there is no one there. They drive eight hours to get to a community and no one turns up. What cost is it to government and the community when no one is there? These are not isolated cases. These are all the time, every week. What is the government doing about that? Nothing.
Let us talk about fires in Central Australia. The Minister for Parks and Wildlife, and Heritage and Environment has responsibility for fires. He was made aware long ago by the Bushfire Council NT in Central Australia that they had not done enough preparation – had not built firebreaks, not enough training and not enough resources. Only one grader, based in Elliott, could be used and there is no way to mobilise it. The shire reform that took all the assets from communities has ensured there is no way shires in those communities can build firebreaks. What happens? Fires - 50 km front through the Barkly. He was warned. I have corresponded with him, asked him questions in estimates; he did nothing. Alice Springs nearly burnt down. Houses in my electorate at Larapinta were under threat and the Golden Mile in the member for Macdonnell’s electorate. Central Australian development - you cannot even build firebreaks.
We can talk about land release and what the government has done, or what the government has not done. The minister for Construction talked about headworks and getting Kilgariff up and running. From what I have seen, grass near the Stuart Highway has been stripped to look like something is being done; however, the government will wait until close to the election to make it look like something is happening. We know how this works don’t we, member for Araluen? This is all just a faade. If the government really cared, it would have done something.
We have a tourism Matter of Public Importance coming on later tonight; however, it is right to mention the tourism industry in this debate. The tourism industry in Central Australia has been hurting for years but, like everything, the government does not care until it hits the hip pocket. Hotels have been closing, beds have been disappearing, and restaurants have been closing. The government will say it is not all doom and gloom. We want restaurants. We have a few; however, we are losing a number of restaurants. When you are losing restaurants, and hotels and beds, it has to be a sign. We knew it was in trouble, but now you are getting trouble in Darwin so you are starting to care. You would think the Minister for Central Australia would have some gumption and stand up for Central Australia. No, he knows he does not have the support of Central Australia and knows his time has come. Perhaps we need to go back to the member for Daly. He lived at Cox Peninsula - catch a ferry, catch a plane and get to Central Australia. He seemed to stand up a little more than the Minister for Central Australia.
We have a problem with Tiger Airways in Alice Springs. The Tourism minister said it was very important we talk about Tiger Airways but nothing has happened. It will not happen. I am not a Berrimah Line person; however, it would only happen if it was in Darwin. There are subsidies for airlines to come to Darwin – a subsidy for this and a subsidy for that. I support economic principles. I am not a big supporter of subsidies, but you have not heard the government talk about subsidies. You have not seen the government attract anyone to town. An estimated 600 people do not come to town every week because of the cancellation of Tiger Airways, and there is an estimated cost of $300 000 a week to our local economy and nothing has happened.
Member for Araluen, we need to see the boss of Tiger in Melbourne. We will see the boss of Jetstar and Airnorth and make things happen ourselves. We solved the problem of crime in Alice Springs last time. We approached the government about a bipartisan approach on the live cattle export after the Chief Minister rolled over like a puppy dog and supported the live cattle ban by Prime Minister Gillard. We had to solve the problems. Maybe we need to lead. Maybe we need to be the government in waiting because people have stopped listening to you and you have stopped acting. We might have to do it ourselves. Member for Araluen, we will arrange that? We can contact those airlines and tell them we want them in Alice Springs and work out a deal to get them there. Let us do it. There are 59 million people in China who want to have an international holiday experience. It would be good to get 10 000 of them to Alice Springs. Why don’t we go to China? What are we going to do? Let us go to China. Let us work it out ourselves because you gumbys cannot work it out.
There is an opportunity for sponsorship on the Tourism minister’s desk. The Sports minister might be interested in this; he is not interested in much else in Central Australia. Adelaide United is looking at sponsorship for the next season. There is an opportunity in tourism for sponsorship by the Territory government, and when they play in the Asian Cup and the Asian League, to get into China and promote the Northern Territory. What an opportunity! It is only $100 000 a year which, for these people who like to waste money, particularly on things like SIHIP, it would be money well spent.
Member for Araluen, it is up to you and me to solve this problem. We will fix it ourselves. The government will not fix it, and we know how well it supports Central Australia – it does not.
Madam Speaker, crime is the biggest problem in Alice Springs. The Chief Minister has got his eye off the ball, the Minister for Central Australia was missing overseas again - run away; had to the hide during the last crime wave and will do it again. We want action on crime and only the Country Liberals can deliver it. 25 August 2012 cannot come soon enough.
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, dj vue they call it - something you have seen many times before. Every time the member for Braitling stands up he says the same thing as the member for Greatorex says, who says the same thing as the member for Araluen. I thought he was one of the more intelligent on the other side but I was wrong. He spoke about Alice Springs, quite rightly as it is his constituency. However, you have to remember when you put a place down things happen to its detriment. It is very easy to make claims about Alice Springs’ crime and everything else. We can complain about Alice Springs’ crime and doubt the economy, but we have to ask what we are doing about it. What are we doing as citizens living in Alice Springs?
I have been to Alice Springs. I have been in the Territory since 1993, and since that time have been to Alice Springs many times. I hear what this government is not doing for Alice Springs; however, if you look around Alice Springs and see what this government has done for Alice Springs since 2001 you will see what the CLP did not do for 27 years. My colleague can vouch for this - did Alice Springs have the aquatic centre it has today? Did Alice Springs have the soccer stadium or soccer field it has today? I turned the lights on there. Did Alice Springs have the grandstand it has today? Did Alice Springs have the drag strip it has today? No. The answer to all those things is: ‘No, it did not’.
Did Alice Springs have land release like at Larapinta? I remember that well. I was the minister for Lands at the time we negotiated with Lhere Artepe and we released the first parcel of land in Alice Springs in 25 years, and Alice Springs was supposed to be the cradle of the CLP …
Mr Giles: Rubbish! Rubbish!
Mr VATSKALIS: You were probably not there then and do not remember it. Next time I visit Alice Springs I will show you.
Alice Springs was the cradle of the CLP and what did the CLP do for Alice Springs? Nothing. Many words about what it did for Alice Springs but nothing delivered. If anyone is delivering in Alice Springs it is this government. I challenge you: we can sit side by side and look at the 10 years we have been in government and the last 10 years of the CLP government. Let us see what we did and what the CLP government did for Alice Springs and then you will see the difference.
The opposition is like a lolly. It gets a lolly, runs with it, talks to people, and continues with the same story: ‘This Labor government has done nothing for Alice Springs’ and keeps repeating it. It thinks people are stupid and will believe it. It is the same with the story about cavemen. It tried to say I made this comment about Indigenous people. It is not true. This is not the way it was portrayed because if the opposition had the decency to read the report it would see the context is completely different. I advised Dr Vimpani of the comments recently made by the members for Araluen and Braitling. Dr Vimpani was outraged that he was portrayed as someone prepared to doctor a report because, according to the member for Araluen, he was wined and dined by the government. Dr Vimpani was outraged. This is the Hansard. Do not make me read it again because I will read it again and again …
Mrs Lambley: Show me where I mentioned his name.
Mr VATSKALIS: You called the report sanitised and deceptive because these people were carted around the country and wined and dined.
In regard to the issue of cavemen, Dr Vimpani took the drastic measure yesterday of putting out a media release explaining what happened. I have a copy of his media release and am very impressed. I am going to read it line by line so the people of the Northern Territory know exactly what Dr Vimpani said about the comments that were attributed first to the government and then, when it did not work out, to the committee. The reason they do not like the report and tried to bag it is because it tells people this government is doing something serious about child protection despite the howling from the other side. Let me read what Dr Vimpani said:
Ms LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The minister is not talking about Central Australia. It has no relevance at all to Central Australia.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, member for Araluen. It is a fairly broad-ranging debate about Central Australia.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Considering a significant number of people living in Central Australia are Indigenous, and the comments made by the members for Braitling and Port Darwin called them cavemen, they have a responsibility to advise the Indigenous people of Central Australia this is far from the truth.
Dr Vimpani says:
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Resume you seat, thank you, member for Araluen. I have already ruled on this. It is broad-ranging debate. The member for Braitling spoke about child protection in the same debate so I will allow it. I do not see it as irrelevant. Minister, you have the call.
Mrs Lambley: That is unfair.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Excuse me, minister. Are you reflecting on the Chair, member for Araluen?
Mrs LAMBLEY: It is a legitimate point of order.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Reflecting on the Chair is entirely inappropriate and can see you removed from the Chamber.
Mrs LAMBLEY: I apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Araluen.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Page 24 of the External Monitoring and Reporting Committee report states:
That is from the Male Health Summit held at Ross River in June 2008.
Dr Vimpani continues.
It is signed Professor Graham Vimpani AM, Chair, Northern Territory Child Protection External Monitoring and Reporting Committee, 10 August 2011.
This document clearly shows the comments made by the members for Braitling and Port Darwin are nothing more than an attempt to discredit that report.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Port Darwin has not spoken on this statement. I call relevance.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, member for Port Darwin. Please resume your seat. Minister, if you can bring your comments back to the debate please?
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to remind the member for Port Darwin on several occasions he used the words ‘neolithic’ and ‘cavemen’, as did other members.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to talk about Alice Springs because, although I am 1500 km away, I have spent much time there since being elected to parliament, visiting at least once a month.
In March this year, I was in Alice Springs to open the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar. It is the premium mining conference at which the agency releases geological information to the mining sector. The conference also featured on the international stage, with around 60 Chinese investors, and investors from South America attending. In line with the conference, business-related tourism opportunities had been promoted, with a number of international delegates indulging in a trip to Uluru and around Alice Springs. The opening function this year was held at the Alice Springs Desert Park and was well received by visitors. Of course, in April we were in Alice Springs for the sittings. I was in Central Australia again in June for the launch of the National Disability Services Conference, which focused on the theme ‘Building our Capacity’. I was in Central Australia again for the Alice Springs Show, catching up with locals. I had to table my apologies to the organiser of the Centralian Beef Breeders Association dinner because I had to fly to Indonesia to attend to issues with the live cattle trade market. I also took the opportunity to launch the Agribusiness Industry Strategy in Central Australia at the government’s Arid Zone Research Institute water reuse project.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Alice Springs is not neglected by this government. Alice Springs is a place we visit regularly. We do business there because we believe Alice Springs is vital to the economy of the Territory and important to the social and economic fabric of the Northern Territory.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Honourable members, the Speaker has received the following letter from the member for Katherine.
Is the proposed discussion supported? It is supported.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, I brought this matter on today because I am very concerned about the state of tourism in the Northern Territory and worried about the future of tourism under the stewardship of the Northern Territory Labor government. I am also worried about the future of tourism under the current minister, who is a nice person and tries hard in her portfolio areas, but lacks any real oomph. She lacks any real energy and vision for the future of tourism in the Northern Territory.
Tourism is one of the three key drivers in the Northern Territory economy. If I turn to the Estimates Committee Hansard from 2010, in her opening statement the minister said:
That makes it one of the largest employers in the Northern Territory and one of the key economic drivers. In fact, even the government’s own Northern Territory Tourism website tells us one in six people employed in the Territory has a job as a result of the tourism sector, which equates to around 20 000 jobs. It shares the honour of being one the key economic drivers with mining and the cattle industry in the Northern Territory. The fact it shares that position with those economic drivers makes it even more pertinent in the debate on its future.
In the Northern Territory, we have an abundance of mineral resources. There is so much in the ground the future looks extremely bright given projects like Central Petroleum’s joint venture in the coal deposit in the Pedirka Basin, which arguably might be the largest deposit of its kind in not only Australia, but the world. Without peering into the future too much, let us reflect on the new mining projects that have come online in the last few years. That did not take long because those new mining projects that contribute so much to the Northern Territory economy through royalties and job creation have been few and far between. Sure, much has been spent on exploration and the minister for Resources likes to talk it up. I can see the furrowed brows on the other side: ‘Why is he talking about mining? This is a statement on tourism’, but all will become clear member, members for Stuart and Arafura.
Ms Scrymgour: I am listening.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Thank you, I am pleased you are listening, member for Arafura.
Let us look at the cattle industry, the other key driver of the Northern Territory economy. Joe Ludwig and Julia Gillard have cut the heart out of that and who was standing there while that was happening but the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. I can barely believe the Chief Minister almost got away with it. I had a man from the land approach me recently saying: ‘Paul Henderson has done a pretty good job on the live cattle industry’. I was very quick to set him right. This Chief Minister and this Labor government supported the live cattle ban, and his massive media machine on the 5th floor and in the NT News spun this to make him look like a hero. Instead, he should be ashamed of himself.
However, this MPI is not about mining, it is not about cattle, but talking about those other key economic drivers provides a context and backdrop which highlights the importance of the tourism industry to the Northern Territory. Mining is stagnant, part of the cattle industry has been cut out, so surely tourism is an important sector in the Northern Territory. However, this government and the minister have no vision for this important sector. We are seeing nothing more than the same old, same old, same old.
This is illustrated by a comment the minister made in her opening statement in the 2011 Estimates Committee hearing. She said, and I quote from the Hansard of the day:
Things are tough in the tourism industry and all this government wants to do, all this minister wants to do, is defend the market share. You must be kidding, minister. You should be ashamed of yourself. You want to defend, even aggressively, my goodness me! You could probably blame the person who wrote this for you, but you will find, minister, when you are sitting on this side of the House and have to write your own speeches, you will put a little more heart, soul and thought into what you put down on paper.
That should have read something like: ‘Aggressively attack new markets in order to compensate for the general softening of the sector in traditional and established overseas and domestic markets’. How does that sound? Does that sound a little more visionary? Does that have a little more oomph, a little more energy? That is what you should have said, rather than defend. For goodness sake, I could give defensive statement like that from the comfort of my office. I could defend that too if I was tired and lazy. I could have a defensive attitude if I was devoid of new ideas for driving this important part of the NT economy.
Where have we heard these words before: ‘lazy’, ‘tired’, ‘bereft of new ideas’? These words are becoming more and more relevant to this past-its-use-by-date Labor government. These words exemplify this government. In past times you had some drive, energy, even some good ideas. I give credit where credit is due. You had some good ideas but the government is simply past its use-by date. It is time to go. I hope many of you see the writing on the wall and take the honourable way out. I suspect a few will. Those who are lazy, tired, and ready to call it a day should look forward to political retirement.
I quoted the minister and her sensational idea of aggressively defending the market share and I said tourism was soft. Yes, it is. Even the minister acknowledges things are tough in tourism. In the same opening statement in 2011, the minister talks about the high Australian dollar and weak consumer spending affecting international and domestic markets. The Tourism minister knows tourism is soft, but all she can think of is how to defend, not seek new opportunities. That is quite astounding and shameful.
When talking to tourism operators and industry groups, most feel this government does not take tourism seriously. Like so many other portfolio areas, tourism has seen a succession of different ministers over the last five years: the member for Casuarina; the member for Johnston; the former member for Fannie Bay, Clare Martin; and Lord knows who else. Perhaps some of my longer serving colleagues can fill in the gaps. How can tourism have any real direction when this government does not know who it wants to carry the mantle? It may consider it a junior portfolio. Well, I do not because it is one of the key economic drivers in the Northern Territory.
Earlier this year I went to a conference in Cairns on developing Australia’s north. The conference was largely directed around the tourism sector. I was asked to deliver the keynote address on the economic situation across the top quarter of Australia. It was an interesting and fascinating exercise to go through and gave me cause to research not only the Northern Territory, but what is going on in the northern part of Queensland and Western Australia. Whilst researching the topics relevant to tourism, I came across Queensland’s $10m ‘Nothing Beats Queensland’ marketing campaign. This was an additional campaign in response to the natural disasters in that state to try to revitalise the industry.
What campaign do we have here? Our campaign in the Northern Territory has the acronym of SOS - and save our souls from this moribund government. The ‘Share our Story’ has been around for about six years and I was going to say it is becoming tired and worn out. However, it has gone beyond that because it is now tired and worn out. I have to ask the question of the minister and the government: where has the vision gone? Why are we dragging this outdated brand around with us? It has become a millstone around the neck of tourism in the Northern Territory. It urgently needs refreshing by a dynamic campaign that aggressively chases new markets.
The minister wants to aggressively defend that position instead of coming up with something new and dynamic. It is a small thing but maybe something you could consider - I have an idea for you, minister. Queensland recently announced free transport for backpackers. That may revitalise the backpacker market in Queensland and I am sure businesses would be able to leverage off that. It is something you could consider for the Northern Territory to revitalise that part of our industry which has been flagging for such a long time.
There is more which exemplifies the lack of vision from this government and the minister, whom everyone describes as a lovely lady. One sector of the tourism industry yet to be touched by this government is the higher end of the market - the big spenders, the high rollers. These people have big money to spend and when the Aussie dollar goes up as it has, the GFC strikes, these high-end tourist stay at a $4000 per night hotel instead of a $10 000 per night hotel. To these people, money is almost no object. They expect the best, the highest of standards, and some pretty fine experiences. I am yet to see anything from this government which supports and props up proposals for that high-end market. I am not suggesting the government needs to shell out money and build a new 6-star hotel, but it could start thinking about attractions, experiences, and infrastructure needed to snare some of the big spenders to the Territory.
I am going to quote from the Estimates Committee Hansard because a suggestion about the high-end market was made and I thought: ‘That is not a bad idea’. I asked this question of the minister:
I have not caught the Minister for Tourism, the member for Arnhem, short for words; however, she was completely bamboozled. Her response was:
My response:
Response from the minister:
Mr Fitzgerald chimed in and said:
Then it cuts off. It was abundantly clear the Minister for Tourism had not given the idea a thought. A number of operators have been making noises about this type of high-end product for some time. Later the Hansard says it perhaps falls under the Minister for Lands and Planning because it has something to do with the wharf precinct. I would have thought tourism, being such an important economic driver in the Northern Territory, the minister would be beating down the door to the Minister for Lands and Planning saying: ‘Hey, listen, this is an idea we can perhaps do something with’.
I hope the minister has taken that on board. I can give a commitment that under the Country Liberals there will be a tourism heliport within striking distance of the CBD of Darwin. It has been done elsewhere. The classic one is South Bank on the Brisbane River. All the high-end tourist destinations have places like that because they are catering for a market. It is time tourism in the Northern Territory grew up.
This government has relegated tourism to the back blocks. This is evidenced by how often it is discussed in this House - rarely. The case in point is the Chief Minister’s statement on the Century of North Australia this week. The good thing about receiving electronic copies is you can quickly flick through and see if it mentions tourism. Type in ‘tourism’ and there it was - not there. Twenty-two pages and not a single mention of tourism! One of the Northern Territory’s three key economic drivers and it does not rate a mention in the Chief Minister’s statement about the next 100 years in the north of Australia! Where does that come from? Well, I acknowledge the soft contribution the minister made during the debate.
I have been through the five-year tourism strategic plan signed off by the member for Casuarina when he was minister in 2008. It runs until 2012. No discredit to the hard-working public servants who put that together, but it is a very soft document. It should be more specific and contain targeted performance measures where you can say: ‘We have done this; we have done that’. There is nothing like that.
The member for Arafura spoke about 2030 extensively a short time ago. Page 32 of this airy-fairy document which gives no time lines - it is very vague - says:
Puff piece! Sure, we all know that. Motherhood statement! Thank you for that. Page 38 says:
The government will do that by developing a new tourism strategy by 2013. I hope it does because this tourism strategy runs out in 2012. Lord knows, I would expect a new tourism strategy by 2013.
Page 42 talks about the number of Indigenous tourism hubs - let us talk about that. I am running out of time; however, I would expect some infrastructure, not some website stuff. I will refer to the website. A tourism hub, according to this government, is a list of links on a website. This talks about tourism hubs and says there is one in Darwin and one in Central Australia. Although the plan says three, there are only two, and they are only links. That is not a tourism hub. A tourism hub is something like a fishing, hunting, cultural experience at Wadeye.
This government has completely lost its way when it comes to tourism …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, your time has expired.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: … and it is time it made the Northern Territory tourism sector grow up.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Please resume your seat, member for Katherine.
Ms McCARTHY (Tourism): Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to this matter of public importance because tourism in the Northern Territory is important not only to this government, but also to the many businessmen and women who work in the industry - well over 18 000 people across the Northern Territory. I am disappointed the member for Katherine can raise such an important issue in this House without any understanding of the amount of work that goes into tourism across the Northern Territory. In fact, at no stage, has the member for Katherine sought any kind of briefing, understanding, any kind of work with the staff of Tourism NT, or my ministerial office. There has been no communication whatsoever from someone who purports to one day, hopefully, hold a position in government.
In this matter of public importance there was not one mention of the challenges facing our country with the Australian dollar. There was no mention of the effort put into innovative, creative work by the staff of Tourism NT, or by the Northern Territory businesses involved in tourism. Let us look at the challenges facing our business operators across the Northern Territory. Please tell me, member for Katherine, that you have a real understanding of this issue. Please tell me that standing in this House to question and denigrate the work of people in tourism across the Northern Territory is your answer to tourism. Tell me trashing the Territory is not your theme. The consistent theme of the Country Liberals is to trash the Northern Territory.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The minister well knows we do not trash the Northern Territory; we trash the Labor government and the ministers.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Resume your seat, thanks, member for Katherine.
Ms McCARTHY: This government has a clear understanding of the importance of a thriving tourism sector, so much so that we will never trash the Northern Territory. We will always encourage innovation, creative thinking and vision for the Northern Territory.
The economic circumstances facing Northern Territory tourism operators are incredibly strong, particularly this year. Although there have been signs of a recovery in the global economy, recent natural disasters, the strong Australian dollar, increasing fuel prices, and the impact of the new carbon price scheme will all have some impact. There are many considerations people take into account when considering a holiday in Australia.
Over the past decade, we have seen some unprecedented disasters. We only have to look at Australia. In Queensland alone, the natural disasters are still impacting on tourism. We have had extraordinary challenges here. The Australian dollar is one of those, but we also know we have innovative and creative programs. Let us talk about the Kakadu campaign and look at the way it was constructed - the first in this country to have a visual campaign about Kakadu using 3D vision. When I spoke about that campaign in this House it brought laughter from the other side.
In Central Australia, we have pushed the Red Centre campaign - in February this year and in last year’s early months - over $1.2m in marketing. We have pushed for airline services across the Northern Territory and seen an increase in Qantas flights between Darwin and Canberra. We have seen an increase in Jetstar flights as recent as early this year, when the minister for Business went on the inaugural flight between Manila and Darwin. We have seen Virgin come into Uluru, code-sharing with Etihad in the Middle East and Europe. This government is about pursuing connections for the Northern Territory and business for the Northern Territory, not trashing the Northern Territory.
Reflecting the good news about the Northern Territory, the vision across the north, across the centre that entices travellers to come here, that is what we are about. We also recognise we need to work with people on the ground. With our A Working Future plan for the Northern Territory we want to ensure tourism is part of that for all people across the regions. Last week at the Garma Festival, the one shed that had a number of visitors was the tourism site. I congratulate Timmy and his family for the work they are doing in Arnhem Land with the Indigenous tourism business. Their area was thriving at the Garma Festival.
The basket weaving, which seems to be a real joke to the other side and something the member for Braitling could not accept, brings business and further economic prosperity to the Northern Territory. These Indigenous business hubs are creating and fostering the development of economic prosperity. At the Garma campground, many Balanda people from all over the country and overseas were part of making and weaving baskets and spears, and were supporting Indigenous business. The Yolngu people providing that skill were building their business. That is what we are about in tourism as well. Not just the high-end of tourism, not just the 5-star hotels, which are important to the Northern Territory economy, but we are also about the wonderful campgrounds, the wonderful initiative and skills of our local people who many visitors from around the country and overseas visit.
In this centenary year, we have focused on 100 years of the Northern Territory and over 50 000 years of stories. Do not ever let sharing our story be a shame thing for the Northern Territory or something not worth reflecting the diversity and great culture of this beautiful Northern Territory. Sharing our story: 50 000 years of stories will continue to go on and on.
In this centenary year, the innovation and creativity of that theme saw the Numbulwar Red Flag Dancers shake Federation Square, Melbourne. They walked into the MCG incredibly proud. We had on display the Henley-On-Todd boats and the Beanie Festival in Alice Springs. This was all done through innovative and creative marketing. Thanks to the hard work of the staff, the men and women in Tourism NT, and the many tourism businesses in the Northern Territory.
It is sad if my opposition shadow cannot see the value in that. It makes one wonder how would he sell the Territory. By trashing the Northern Territory; that is how the CLP will sell it. It is doing it now in opposition, and will do it if ever back in government. That is really sad because there are tremendously good men and women out there with skills and stories to share. Stories they are not ashamed to share. Tess Atie with her burgeoning business in Litchfield; a young Indigenous women with a great deal of talent to share and one the Northern Territory can be proud of. This is the type of small business Tourism NT is helping to foster, nurture, develop, and grow, as well as work at the high-end of the market.
The CLP did not want the convention centres. Look at the convention centre at the wharf. The Leader of the Opposition, the member for Blain, did not want it. The convention centre is busy; booked out. The convention centre in Alice Springs is doing well. Skating on Ice in December draws not only tourist and visitors, but our local people.
This is the innovation and creativity this government is proud of; this is what we are about. We are not trashing the Territory; we are encouraging and being proud of the good work taking place across the Northern Territory, especially in light of the enormous challenges in tourism.
I place on the record how disappointed I am that this is the best the member for Katherine can do. He did not seek any briefings on what we are doing with tourism. Even the Northern Territory Muster, when we took businesses to the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, no interest whatsoever by the member for Katherine. When we had the corroboree recently, there was no interest from the member for Katherine. That visit and gain for the Northern Territory - to have such a significant international event right on our doorstep took months of lobbying. My visit to the United Kingdom last year cemented what we were going to do for this important tourism event. No sign of the member for Katherine. In my visits to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and the Middle East, no interest whatsoever from the member for Katherine for a briefing on what we achieved from those visits, even to Germany.
Let us not forget the significance of bringing a fairly strong and major international celebrity to the Northern Territory. Let us not forget we hosted 16 of the 300 American visitors and we lobbied hard from my time in the United Kingdom, from the moment we knew there was a glimmer of a chance to get Oprah Winfrey to the Northern Territory. In September last year, we lobbied hard on behalf of the Northern Territory with tourism businesses across the Northern Territory. We achieved that dream because of the good, coordinated work of men and women across the Northern Territory who believed we had to work together to secure what we wanted - to get Oprah Winfrey to the Northern Territory. And guess what? We did that. And where was the member for Katherine? Still asleep in Katherine and not at all interested. He is now saying we have no vision.
Our vision goes further than trashing the Territory like the CLP. When those 16 visitors flew out to Arnhem Land to a pretty spectacular place in Jawoyn country, where were the questions from the member for Katherine then? Where was the interest to know: ‘Hey, what’s happening?’ No questions, no phone calls, no e-mails, nothing. That is how interested he was in tourism in the Northern Territory; however, if he has woken up, I welcome providing him with a briefing.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am proud of the team in Tourism NT, the team across Top End Tourism and Central Australian Tourism for doing their utmost in the face of many challenges in the tourism industry. I say: ‘Thank you for the work you are doing. We will continue to work together for the people of the Northern Territory’.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, I listened intently to the comments about basket weaving made by the Minister for Tourism. There was no derogatory comment made about basket weaving when the member for Nhulunbuy made her speech. There was no commentary about the lack of economic importance of tourism. The point I made in the previous debate was about the strategic direction of the Northern Territory into the future, not about basket weaving at the lower level. It was more a senior level debate at the upper echelons. The majority of debates in this Chamber are churlish on both sides. However, it is important we have more senior, adult-like debates. The member for Katherine, my colleague, raised a very important matter - tourism. He castigated the government. Instead of the minister replying from a policy and strategic level and identifying some of the problems in the industry, she chose to take it down to the lower level.
As someone from Alice Springs I recognise tourism is in a difficult situation and has been for some time. The Top End is feeling it more now. Tourism officials have spoken about the haemorrhaging in the tourism market in Alice Springs. I could take cheap jibes and talk about share the story - share the live cattle story and what the Chief Minister and Julia Gillard did to that. I could talk about crime in Alice Springs and how the best way to support tourism in the Territory is reduce crime. I could talk about the carbon tax, which is an important strategic issue. I could talk about the importance of addressing welfare because tourism entrepreneurs will start to drive tourism product renewal and redevelopment. Those are important areas.
We could talk about chronic alcoholism and how that affects tourism, crime, and how tourists do not like the alcohol reforms. However, it is important to take these things to the upper levels and we would be better in this parliament, and be more mature and adult-like, if we started addressing things more strategically and put more thought in rather than cheap jibes.
The tourism sector is in a difficult position. I understand the higher Australian dollar and the downturn internationally. As a point of reference, I looked through Budget Paper No 2 and identified where our visitors come from - intrastate, interstate, or international. The number of international visitors has been declining for quite some time. The member for Katherine spoke about the tourism sector and quoted figures of about $1.6bn or $1.7bn. According to the budget papers it is about $1bn, but that is neither here nor there in this debate. From the research I have conducted, there appears to be a gaping hole in the international tourism sector. There are issues affecting the international tourism sector, and I would have liked the minister to focus on what the government is doing to address some of those concerns? We can have the debate about crime, a very serious issue, but what is the government doing to address that? We all grapple with how to solve some of these problems.
The Chief Minister, in his closing remarks in the last debate, spoke about soccer and Adelaide United. He was unsure who made that point. I did. I have been working with FICA, Football in Central Australia, about that sponsorship and, not being a tourism aficionado, the sponsorship seems to be a good investment into a broadening Asian market where we can start to attract investors.
Page 139 of the Northern Territory Economy paper says:
It goes on to talk about where our visitors are from, the United Kingdom being the largest, then Germany, Japan, United States of America, France, Italy, Switzerland, and so forth.
With the emerging middle class in Southeast Asia, we need specific strategies developed for that area because there are opportunities. I spoke at estimates about the Alice Springs golf course, of which I am a member. I am involved with many people from the Alice Springs golf course - they need to make some improvements in their management and administrative component. There are some better structures they can build; however, when we have the eighth best desert course in the world - I do not say this as a golfer or parochial Alice Springs person - it is a great tourism product to sell and should be marketed in a better way, whether in conjunction with the casino, the golf course, the Rock, or the Reef. There are opportunities, and now Kalgoorlie golf course is becoming the 10th best desert course in the world, we need to develop different tourism markets.
Strategically, there are some opportunities the minister could look at. I am critical of her in Indigenous affairs, and particularly shire governance; however, tourism is probably her best suite and she could probably drive some of these things forward. There are also other products we can start selling.
The Country Liberals have been widely supportive of the concept of safari hunting in the Northern Territory. The minister for Environment would be well aware of the growth in crocodile numbers and how much of a problem they are to the ecological sustainability of the Northern Territory. There needs to be a reduction in crocodile numbers, not just in the Northern Territory, but the entire continent. The development of a small part of the tourism industry around safari hunting could have a benefit across the board, not just in environmental management, but also tourism and local employment. It has a multiplier effect, and that is the area of strategic argument we should be in. It should be whether we shoot a crocodile or not and how you would facilitate that, rather than the nonsense that goes on in the Chamber. I am making a commitment not to get involved in that lower level stuff anymore because it is embarrassing to the rest of the Northern Territory.
One area I would quickly like to touch on is caravans, or campervans. This is a sore point for many people, particularly our interstate visitors with caravans or campervans who camp at roadside stops. In a competitive marketplace, caravan parks have to compete and have to provide appropriate price structures so people who are there - it could be a backpacker with limited resources or retirees trying not to spend too much money. The caravan parks, roadside stops and rest houses have to provide a positive pricing structure. Driving up and down the track, no matter what highway it is and seeing the rest stops with up to 50 caravans or campervans every night - Devils Marbles chock-a-block - detracts from small business in the Northern Territory.
We need to encourage ways that see greater patronage of our accommodation stops. Sure, the accommodation stops need to ensure they meet the demand for service from tourists; however, building rest stops like the Taj Mahal detract from investing in small business because tourists will not stay at the caravan parks overnight. I am unsure if building barbecues and supplying firewood and other services at rest stops is necessary. Yes, we need rest stops. Stop, revive, survive, every two hours, and bathroom facilities are good for people who are travelling; however, where you are within 80 km or 100 km of a roadhouse, how much of a Taj Mahal rest stop do you need to build?
You have to apply certain sensitivities. You cannot have people driving forever and a day between breaks. Where there are commercial facilities which offer a reasonable service, that should be supported and travellers should be encouraged to use that service, not like at Glen Helen, where a sign at the rest stop says 24-hour camping is permitted. That encourages people to camp on the roadside, not stay at Glen Helen, a local business which pays tax and provides jobs to Territorians. That is what we should be looking at on a smaller scale.
In relation to Tiger Airways - and I made comment in the Central Australia development debate - I have not seen what this government is prepared to do for Tiger Airways. I understand the economic reality if Tiger does not want to return, however, we have to do all we can. It may mean working with Tiger Airways and talking to Jetstar and Airnorth, or meeting with Darwin airport to see what opportunities exist for different flight path arrangements, whether that is Broome, Cairns, or elsewhere. There are strategic opportunities here. I see Alice Springs as a base hub for international airlines coming into Sydney and Melbourne at some time in the future. That might be an unrealistic utopian dream, but we have to work towards those visionary things.
When it comes to tourism, the Territory Wildlife Park has become part of that at the local content level. Reviewing the budget papers and the subsidies provided for wildlife parks, and seeing how much subsidy we provide for each visitor, they are astronomical amounts. You have to question if the private sector could do it cheaper. I do not want to quote a figure because it is a back-of-the-envelope calculation, but the monetary figure provided as a subsidy divided by the number of visitors is quite significant. It provides jobs and is a positive thing, particularly the desert park which does not have as much competition, whereas here we have more private sector competition. Minister, you might want to look at that to see if the private sector might play a role and get some economies of scale. When it is out of government hands, it broadens its horizons and markets itself in a greater way. That is free market enterprise.
I recognise there are difficulties in the tourism sector. Many have come about by poor government management around crime, alcohol, welfare, and lack of product renewal. On the other side, there are external factors: CASA grounding of Tiger Airways, the Australian dollar, and the global financial crisis have compounded, not to create a perfect storm, but to put one of our major industries in the Northern Territory in a difficult position. Some tourism operators are doing well, but they are the fortunate ones who put in place good business practice and are taking a bigger piece out of a smaller pie, which is continuing to decrease.
I encourage the minister to bring a statement on next week about tourism and put forward some strategic directions on where you are heading. Also, take the freedom and liberty to talk in this parliament about some ideas we can throw around the Chamber and chat about. I encourage the Chief Minister to work with the minister for Sport and the Minister for Tourism and get behind Adelaide United. I am a supporter of Adelaide United and have done a fair bit with them. I would be more than willing to help with Adelaide United; whether I can add two cents worth or not. That is an opportunity into China and Asia, and is where our tourism market is in the future. Let us not forget about Alice Springs golf course; it is a fantastic course.
Members: Hear! Hear!
Mr KNIGHT (Business and Employment): Madam Deputy Speaker, I make some brief comments in relation to this MPI. The tourism industry makes up 6.2% of the Northern Territory gross state product and accounts for some $1bn. The grossed up value adds $1.4bn to the Northern Territory. It employs some 10 000 direct workforce, and indirect another 9000. It is a fairly significant part of the economy.
I was perplexed that the shadow tourism spokesperson would bring this on and know nothing about the operations of Tourism NT or the strategies to bring tourists to the Northern Territory. I am gobsmacked by the ignorance of the shadow minister. This is a very important sector and he needs to take it seriously. He has been the shadow for quite some time and to not get basic information, which we are more than happy to provide, is incredible. There is much going on.
As opposed to the contribution from the member for Katherine, the Minister for Tourism gave a comprehensive, detailed analysis of what we are doing for the tourism sector and the problems being faced by it. It is amazing the shadow is bringing this motion forward. I can see why his colleagues have dumped him as shadow Treasurer …
Members interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: He is completely incompetent in that area.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! It is the last day - relevance.
Mr KNIGHT: It is relevant to the MPI.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Resume your seat.
Mr KNIGHT: I will start talking about your golfing abilities on the Alice Springs Golf Course if you want me to. It is a serious matter; this is a serious sector.
I came to the Territory to work in the hospitality and tourism sector 23 years ago. The Territory has an immense number of attractions to promote. I was in Kakadu on Yellow Waters and, as a young 21-year-old, enjoyed myself immensely and met many people. There were many tourists around at that time. I have seen the expansion and modernisation of Kakadu while still retaining its uniqueness. The facilities have improved. It has faced some challenges over time. It is a place Territorians take their friends and family when they visit the Territory.
Much is happening in the Business portfolio. We are including tourism programs within October Business Month to support tourism businesses. We are supporting the hospitality sector; we are facilitating labour agreements. The biggest problem with tourism at the moment is not enough workers as opposed to what you are hearing from the other side about unemployment rates. The biggest thing facing tourism businesses in the Territory is finding enough workers. We have some strategies around that. We have working abroad opportunities in Australia and expos in Dublin, London, and Manchester this year to attract working holidaymakers. Backpackers keep the Territory going throughout the year.
There is much confidence in the market. We have Quest Apartments built at Palmerston and Parap, and it is great to see those new facilities. I have stayed at the one in Parap, and it is nice to see a tall building on the skyline of Palmerston. There is the Signature Lodge development and the Wildman Wilderness Lodge in my electorate, and also the expansion of Darwin International Airport. It is about to tick off the last lot of contracts, and there will then be announcements with regard to the expansion of Darwin International Airport.
The Minister for Tourism, and me to a lesser degree, are involved with the Aviation Hub. Darwin International Airport is a difficult one. It has low numbers but we are required to have an international or national standard of security which is passed on to every ticket issued at the airport and is a real challenge for the operators. We have the highest ticket security charges in Australia and it is something we have been trying to fight by putting submissions to the Productivity Commission to get some reality. National security is only as good as its weakest link, and they should be spreading security across the whole system in Australia, not just going from airport to airport.
It was great to see the Telstra Business Awards recently, and great to see Eldorado Motor Inn win the Telstra regional business award - a great business. It is trying hard to provide a great product. I worked in Tennant Creek at the Bluestone Motor Inn doing some part-time work. In the Centre, the Commonwealth is supporting the Larapinta Trail development.
The member for Braitling talked about China. Engaging with tourist operators was something the Chief Minister and I took up at the World Expo in Shanghai last year. There is one called Ctrip, an amazing organisation with millions of members who receive promotions and information. It is a challenge for us because the middle-class have very limited holidays and are not really the middle-class you would see in Australia as far as disposable income goes. However, it is growing and is a large sector if you can get a small slice of it. Linkages from China into the Northern Territory are challenging as well.
Much is happening, as the minister highlighted. It is important that we do not talk down the Territory and we maintain a positive view. Over the last few years there have been many negative messages about the Territory in the national media, which costs a great deal. Approximately $10m worth of advertising space, in the form of negative messages about the Territory, took place last year.
There is much to offer in the Territory and Tourism NT is doing a fantastic job. I am working with Tourism NT and its promotions on my trips overseas. Whilst we were promoting the Territory and trying to attract working holidaymakers, whilst they are here earning money I want to see them spending money; doing day trips to Litchfield or doing trips from Alice Springs and staying in hotels.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I do not accept this matter of public importance. If the shadow minister is serious he needs to take up the offer of receiving information from Tourism NT. You cannot make an informed judgment unless you have that information. I reject this matter of public importance.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, from my perspective, and estimates has brought this home over my last three years in this Chamber, our Territory wildlife parks were once the jewel of what the previous CLP government brought to the Northern Territory. Kakadu, Uluru and the Devils Marbles are natural. Over the years, the government has been able to provide the Territory Wildlife Park and Alice Springs Desert Park, two major investments and what were once major attractions. My issue with these parks is when you look at the estimates, the figures, and the budget papers, the number of visitors has dropped over the years. These parks are no longer attracting the tourists or local visitors because we are not reinvesting into these parks.
I recently heard the term: ‘No new rides’. That is absolutely true. If you look at Australia’s premium tourist destination, the Gold Coast, tourists visit because of places like Dreamworld and Movie World. A particular clientele go to these major parks. Dreamworld, Movie World, and like tourist parks, reinvest millions and millions of dollars. They know if they do not, they will lose their share of the market big time. In the Northern Territory we have lost our market share because we have not reinvested; we have not provided new rides for people. They do it every year on the Gold Coast, new roller coasters, new water parks, new attractions in the theme parks to bring the tourists. Without it, they will fail, which is what has happened in the Northern Territory.
This government has failed with two of our major investments, the Territory Wildlife Park and the Alice Springs Desert Park. It is astounding when you look at the figures because if you remove the school visits, it is quite damning how many paying tourists go into our parks every year. It is downright scary. What do we do? The member for Braitling asked how to attract people back to the parks. Do we invest public money in the parks? Do we sell them off to private entities, or do we reinvest in private and government partnership to bring these attractions back to the point where they are attracting visitors?
I have seen old plans of the Territory Wildlife Park that showed a ferry terminal where people could come from Darwin without having to drive to get there. I have seen plans with a chair lift from the Territory Wildlife Park to Berry Springs. That would take money. Investing money into attractions like this also attracts tourists, even locals, because they want to return. Those are the type of things we need to do.
I recently took my family to Crocosaurus Cove. Please do not quote me on the figures, but it cost about $84 to take my family. For an additional $4.50 I was asked if I wanted a yearly pass for the family, and I thought: ‘That cannot be right’. For an extra $4.50, I could take my family back any time over the next 12 months. Hell, yes! That was a good deal. I could pay $84 once, or for an additional $4.50 get a yearly pass, which gives me two opportunities. One, if the kids want to go back to Crocosaurus Cove to look at those big crocs they can any time in the next 12 months. The other thing which is probably more important is when we have friends and family in town we will encourage them to go to Crocosaurus Cove because we do not have to pay again. That sounds a bit on the cheap; however, it encourages visitors. I am likely to encourage my friends and family to visit Crocosaurus Cove because I can go for the next 12 months. We have to reinvest if we are to attract tourists.
It was interesting the minister mentioned Oprah Winfrey. We could have had Dr Phil, we could have had Ellen, we could have had a few American entertainers who would attract big audiences; however, the proof is in the pudding. When we know tourist numbers in the Territory are falling, what have been the benefits? Are we competing with other interests? Yes, we are. We are competing with the Aussie dollar at the moment and the attraction for people to travel overseas. Are we competing with Queensland, which suffered Cyclone Yasi and terrible floods last year? That was backed up by the Queensland and Australian governments spending large sums of money to attract people to Queensland. Are we competing with that? Yes, we are. There are a number of competing interests so we have to be better.
Something that was brought to my attention recently which also hurts the tourism industry - most are private businesses and usually pay a 10% commission for on-sold tickets. Whether it is a tour on the harbour or a fishing trip, if you are staying at a hotel or tourist park that sells tickets, a 10% commission is usually paid. In fact, some places charge 12.5% commission. I was astounded to learn that the government charges 25% commission to businesses. Someone has not set up a private business to on-sell tickets for fishing trips, day trips or tours of our parks. This is a government business funded by the taxpayer which charges 25% commission to the hard-working business people to on-sell part of their product. What kind of support is the government giving our tourism industry if it is charging a whopping 25% of the ticket price? That is amazing! That is a big slice of the cherry and, in most cases, most of the profit for the tourist operator …
Mr Westra van Holthe: Plus you have to pay more if you want to be in their magazine.
Mr CHANDLER: Absolutely, and they pay their ongoing fees every year. It is astounding that the government rips off our private tourist operators to the sum of 25%. This government should support our local tourism industry.
There are huge opportunities in tourism but we are competing in heavy times. There are competing interests, and both sides of the Chamber have agreed that is the case. There is only one thing we can do to win; only one thing we can do to better what we are doing today - to do it better. We talk about sharing our story. How long have we had that message? Is it time to revamp it?
A member: Six years.
Mr CHANDLER: That is a long time. I recall Daryl Somers and the ‘You’ll never never know’, a campaign that went around the world. Look at how successful Crocodile Dundee was for the Northern Territory; look at tourist numbers in those days. The Territory provides a unique opportunity for Australians and people right around the world and we need to capitalise on what we have.
We can only do that if we have a government willing to invest in our major infrastructure and support our local tourism industry. When you hear operators are paying whopping 25% commissions back to a government agency funded by the taxpayer, that is damning on this government and shows no support for the Northern Territory tourism industry. You should hang your head in shame at a time when everyone is struggling, particularly in the tourism industry and, with these abhorrent charges, you do not openly support the tourism industry.
We have to invest in new rides, this is the message. We have to reinvest and come up with new rides because if we do not, the tourism industry will continue to flounder.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Deputy Speaker, I will be quick; the member for Greatorex wants to say something.
I would like to speak about that section of tourism sometimes forgotten; the ones we curse if we try to drive from Alice Springs to Darwin in a reasonable time - the grey nomads. They are an important part of our tourism industry we should not lose sight of. It is the road aspect to tourism I would like to speak about tonight.
In general terms, one of the things concerning me is the visitor numbers to our national parks. Our national parks are second to none. We have some beautiful national parks which I try to visit every year, at least one or two. I tried to get to the Dulcie national park this year, which is not quite prepared for tourists; time ran out and I was not able to visit. We have to put more emphasis on promoting our national parks, especially some of smaller ones like Flora River or Keep River. Some of those parks are absolutely beautiful and should not be left out of the tourism picture.
I also wanted to talk about Litchfield. People think Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Ayers Rock, Uluru, all those places. Litchfield has a fantastic number of tourist attractions within the boundaries of the shire. Within an hour or an hour-and-a-half you can have a great day looking at the various tourist options.
We have quite a few conservation parks. At Gunn Point we have the Tree Point Conservation Area. We have Knuckey Lagoon right next door. Ten minutes from there you can be looking at magnificent bird life on Knuckey Lagoon, an area I hope when the government brings out its plan, it will not overdevelop by turning it into a small suburb. It is a very special area close to Darwin, but still needs to be maintained in a rural and environmental environment.
We have Berry Springs Nature Park and the Territory Wildlife Park, two great parks when they are open. Unfortunately, crocodiles seem to be getting in the way at Berry Springs. We also have Howard Springs which, unfortunately, is not as good as it should be. Hopefully, it will after the announcement tenders have been put out for the small water park and landscaping. At the moment it looks quite depressing. Those who used to swim there would find it a bit sad. Hopefully, the changes the government is making will lift it back to its former self and attract more visitors. It used to be one of the most visited parks in the Territory, and is one of the first parks in the Northern Territory.
We have Windows on the Wetlands, sometime called windows on the weed lands because most of the green you see in the Dry Season is mimosa. It is a great little place for people to visit on the way to Kakadu. If you are going to that part of the world there are three jumping crocodile tours. Everyone has seen Brutus. I must give Brutus a rap because the people who run that business live in my electorate just down from me. There are two other jumping crocodile tours and they make a big contribution to tourism in Litchfield.
The World War II heritage sites are something the government has to put more effort into. Work has been done on Strauss and I congratulate the government. It is probably the first work done on Strauss since World War II. Yes, it has done excellent work opening up the old areas where the planes parked. There are three airstrips, Strauss, Livingston, and Sattler, and those strips should be part of a park. The government is taking up the issues in my agreement about developing heritage parks and is including these airstrips in a large heritage park as far wide as Darwin. We need to have a more specific heritage park in the rural area which covers those airstrips. World War II history is unique to the Top End, and for parts of Central Australia and the centre of the Northern Territory. It is an area we need to develop and promote because not only does it teach people about our very important history, it shows you can see where people fought for Australia - the battle of Australia as it has been called.
We have our other great places in the rural area. Going back to the heritage site, people might not know the bicycle path is at last being extended to Howard Springs and, hopefully, will be extended to Coolalinga. The bicycle path is on the old railway line. The line built around the late 1880s is being preserved so when people travel down that bicycle path they will use a piece of really important heritage and something that can develop tourism. Not everyone is going to fly around the country. Many people would like to take in the local scenery and they will be able to do that. Locals will be able to go in reverse because Howard Springs’ people travelling on the old railway line can go all the way to Darwin. That heritage is being preserved by a practical solution - using it as a cycle path. In fact, minister, it should be called the North Australian Rail Trail so people know they are riding on the rail trail. I congratulate the government also for the extension it has done in Katherine, which is great.
I would like to mention the waterfront. I was a critic of some of the things happening at the waterfront, especially the convention centre. We could have had a better design; a stand out feature for Darwin where people could recognise Darwin. Be that as it may, it is a fully booked out convention centre. I went down three weeks ago and, looking at the numbers of people, it has become a key attraction not only for tourists, but for locals. You might be a knocker about what happened there, and I was concerned. Change is always difficult, but there is a full range of restaurants and I went to an Italian restaurant. At one of the auctions I often go to I bought some meal tickets for the Italian restaurant, Il Lido - a fantastic restaurant. There are a number of others. You can get hamburgers, there is a coffee shop, an Irish pub, you can walk amongst the lawns, go sunbathing if that is your thing, go swimming, and you can go into the wave pool. It has certainly boosted the CBD of Darwin as an important attraction.
One other matter is in relation to local tourist attractions, especially caravan parks. Minister for Infrastructure, the signage for caravan parks needs to be far more specific. On Tiger Brennan Drive a little sign saying caravan parks does not really promote tourism. Minister, you and the Minister for Tourism need to sit down with the caravan park people and get some signs up saying which caravan parks are where.
On that note about signs, the signage to Tiger Brennan from the rural area is in the wrong place. I have seen people turning left up Yarrawonga Road instead of turning left onto the exit into Tiger Brennan Drive. For people who are not familiar with it, they can easily take the wrong left hand turn. It might sound all right when you travel that road all the time; however, people are driving up the wrong road. The signage should be past the Yarrawonga intersection so when you see the exit sign to get onto Tiger Brennan Drive to the city you know it is the next exit. It has a 2 km or 1 km - people do not always have time to read that, they are looking for the next sign.
Madam Deputy Speaker, if you are really serious about tourism, you need to ensure signage is not cluttered like in some parts of the rural area, but clear and precise and helps the industry. It should say where the caravan parks are and how to get there such as: Shady Glen, Malak caravan parks or Free Spirit. You can get directions, especially if it is your first time to Darwin. If you are older it can be quite scary to hit a new city. That is one area we need to look at.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Deputy Speaker, it is great to speak about tourism because it is one of my favourite subjects, particularly tourism in Alice Springs. I will focus a little on that. Thank you to the member for Nelson for allowing some time. There is only about 10 minutes left and the member for Sanderson wants to speak on this. We all have a buy-in when it comes to tourism, it is so important to the Territory economy.
I take this opportunity to correct the record with regard to alcohol policy and how that affects tourism. I am not trying to be smart and steer off the subject, but last year the Chief Minister was on ABC radio and when asked by the journalist why the restrictions in Alice Springs were not in Darwin said: ‘Darwin is a bit different inasmuch as we are a capital city which caters for thousands of tourists, not hundreds of tourists’. That was the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and shows how much across tourism in Central Australia he is. He said: ‘Being a capital city we cater for thousands of tourists as opposed to hundreds of tourists like in Alice Springs’. The facts speak for themselves; the government’s own figures speak for themselves.
Fact one is Alice Springs had about 386 000 tourists in the year 2009. Tourism is worth around $300m to the Alice Springs economy each year. In 2009, visitors to Alice Springs spent $1225 per visit, compared to only $1149 in Darwin. Tourism to Alice Springs is very strong and, in many indicators, much stronger than in the Top End. Indeed, tourism in Alice Springs is a 365 day a year industry. It is not seasonal like the Top End. It is all year round and underpins the economy.
Mining is a major economic driver for Central Australia, as is Pine Gap, the joint defence facility, an enormous contributor to the local economy. However, tourism is neck and neck when it comes to the joint defence facility - a massive injection to the economy. The town would be worse off without it and probably a shadow of what it is without tourism.
There are other facts about the Chief Minister’s statement. Many tourists are annoyed to discover they cannot buy takeaway alcohol before 2 pm. We know that. Also, the Chief Minister would never impose the Alice Springs restrictions on Darwin and while we see the ID system imposed here now, we are still able to purchase alcohol at 10 am in the morning. I wanted to clear that up because the Chief Minister was obviously misled or did not understand. It is concerning that the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory did not quite have an understanding of how crucial tourism is to Alice Springs when compared with Darwin.
We can talk about law and order. The member for Braitling touched on it and we often speak about law and order in this House. Law and order is out of control and this government has lost the battle. People in Alice Springs, businesses, and tourism operators, are at wit’s end about what to do. If there is one thing that will detract from tourism - you have the global financial crisis, the Australian dollar versus the greenback, couple that with serious negative press and these operators are in serious trouble. Many do not know what to do. Their numbers are significantly down and have been for some time and they feel it. While some things are out of this government’s hands, there are things the government can do to assist, and that is law and order.
If there is one thing the government can do to help the tourism industry in Central Australia, Alice Springs, and across the Territory - I focus this towards Central Australia and Alice Springs – it is to invest in these law and order issues. We have made our feelings plain. We have made this government acutely aware of how we feel about its approach to crime and law and order policies. It has let down the tourism industry in a big way for a number of years. There is a big opportunity for the government to improve that.
It is a shame Tiger Airways ceased operating; however, it is their own fault. No one should be responsible because this airline was deemed unsafe to fly by the Civil Aviation Authority. It is not good government policy to throw one red cent of taxpayers’ money to attract Tiger back to the marketplace because it was deemed unfit to fly. The Tourism minister should be actively lobbying Tiger to return; fly south, do whatever you can, spend a couple of nights in Melbourne to get them back, but in no way should we be underwriting airlines to come to the Northern Territory. I do not agree with that. We tried it once before. I remember interviewing the member for Johnston on radio in about 2002 regarding Virgin. The government underwrote Virgin and two years later it disappeared. It is a commercial decision; if there was money in it airlines would be flying in. We need to improve the product and people will come. As they say, build it, and we will come.
The Share our Story has run its course. There has been an enormous focus on Indigenous tourism. We seem to have been hijacked by Indigenous tourism and, as important and exciting as it is, for international and interstate visitors unexposed to it, there is more. We need to be showing in our television commercials and our newspaper spreads the main streets of our towns. When you open a newspaper and see Share our Story, all you really see is camping, rock paintings, or some of the natural beauty of the Territory. You do not see anything about shops, or vision or images of townships, which is a shame. To show the lovely, wide, open streets of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek with the restaurants alive and buzzing at night is wonderful. People like to see that as well. They like to know after a week in the scrub they can stay at a 5-star hotel, a 4-star hotel, go to the casino, and all those things you can do in the Territory and Central Australia. Maybe we can look at some of that too. I would like to see some of that happen more often.
The grey nomads are fantastic but the roads need improving. There are serious problems with our roads and they have deteriorated in many areas. Talking to the member for Braitling tonight over dinner, the Alice Springs to Tennant Creek run is really bad and needs a lift. In fact, both the Stuart Highway and the Arnhem Highway are pretty ordinary. If we are going to promote our grey nomads we need to lift the state of our roads.
I pay tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, despite the adversity of missing out on the aeromedical tender for the Top End. They put in much time and energy and felt they had the most competitive tender. Despite that, they are still committed to the region and to tourism. They have just invested $3m into the visitor centre in Alice Springs and are going to invest another $3m. They are going to have a static display of the PC-12 aircraft - the aircraft they operate - in the visitor centre. It is a terrific coffee shop, a great spot, an icon of Australia, and on our doorstep in Alice Springs. There is much to be proud of, and $3m is no small investment by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is committed to Alice Springs and the community. Hats off to those guys.
I did not leave you much time, member for Sanderson; there might be a minute left. I cannot quite read the clock, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is 9 pm, member for Greatorex; there is no time left.
Discussion concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: In accordance with Standing Order 41A, the House will now adjourn.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Madam Speaker, I would like to continue my congratulations for residents in Central Australia in a range of areas.
Tonight I would like to talk about a true Tanami track hero and community spirit. What an amazing person Rob Cook is. This inspirational man completed a 750 km wheelchair trek across the Tanami Desert. Rob Cook, from Suplejack Station near the Western Australian border, has been a quadriplegic since a helicopter accident in 2008. Initially a fundraiser to assist him to finish his Nuffield scholarship studies, his trek became a 24-day journey which raised awareness and has inspired Australians across the country. Driving rain, headwinds, freezing temperatures, and even the risk of frostbite were real challenges confronting Rob and his support person, Luke Bevan. Rob was inspired to keep on wheeling as feedback started trickling back to them.
Rob Cook has raised $50 000, which will be used for his carers to travel overseas with him as he continues his studies. Congratulations to an inspirational hero. Well done, Rob Cook. It is an amazing story.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr HENDERSON: I pay tribute to Alice Springs resident, Mr Steven Smith, who, in the first week of July, clocked up his 50th donation to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Mr Smith is living his adage: it is better to give than to receive, and he has certainly done that.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service acknowledges blood donors are the heroes of many cancer patients, trauma victims, patients undergoing surgery, and those on renal dialysis. Current statistics indicate one in three of us will need blood in our lifetime yet only one in 30 of us donate blood. It is timely to acknowledge people such as Steven Smith for giving to others. Congratulations, Steven.
In the March sittings we raised motions in support of the victims of the Japanese tsunami. People are still going through the process of rebuilding their lives and re-establishing themselves, their families, and their livelihoods. I pay tribute to a Territorian and local Alice Springs man, Simon Dew, who has just returned from three months as a volunteer rescue worker in the Sendai region. Simon lived and worked in Japan for 18 years from the age of 18. When he heard about the devastating tsunami he decided he had to help despite the risk of radiation. NT Corrections CEO, Ken Middlebrook, authorised leave for Simon. His wife held the fort at home with the children. With an old friend from Canada, Simon travelled to the heart of the worst affected area around the Fukushima nuclear power plant. He describes his experience as like going to a war zone without bullets. It was really bizarre. The relief work they did with locals from across the region was commendable. Simon, this parliament commends and acknowledges the important voluntary relief work you performed in Japan. Thank you and well done. It is an amazing story.
To our service clubs: this year, the Lions Club of Alice Springs successfully hosted its 41st Camel Cup. With a crowd of over 4000, a great day was had by one and all. This year there were more than the usual number of thrills and spills from the frisky and unpredictable desert dwellers. Yes, there was even a Chief Minister’s race on the line-up of the nine races. This government supports events such as these and, through our tourism division, was a proud sponsor. Supported also by the Alice Springs Apex Club, over $65 000 was raised. Once expenses are paid, this money is distributed to charities throughout the Central Australia region.
I acknowledge the president of the Lions Club, Mr Ian Rowan, and thank him and his fellow servicemen and women and all the other volunteers who come out of the woodwork during these events for achieving a great outcome for our community.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Alice Springs Town Council. This significant event was celebrated in Alice Springs in early July with an open invitation to the community for the cutting of a huge birthday cake with as many current and ex-aldermen that could be whistled up. Local councils play a vital role in our government structure, and the many citizens who gave their valuable time serving as aldermen is acknowledged through anniversaries such as this.
It was on 5 July 1971 that Alice Springs became a municipality and held its first council meeting. The first mayor of Alice Springs was former Labor MP, Jock Nelson. To the current mayor, Damien Ryan; CEO, Mr Rex Mooney, and all the aldermen, please accept my best wishes and acknowledgement of you, and your predecessors, to the fine institution of the Alice Springs Town Council.
We also have many other Centralians achieving great things. Queen’s Birthday honours to Centralians include Lynne Hanton, a Central Australian ballet teacher for services to ballet in the Northern Territory as a teacher and artistic director; and Veronica Mary Dobson, an Arrernte elder and traditional owner, linguist, naturalist, and ecologist for being dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the language and culture of Aboriginal groups in and around Central Australia for the last 30 years.
Kumantjayi Napanangka’s cultural contribution has been recognised with her posthumous appointment as member of the Order of Australia. Kumantjayi was an admired Aboriginal artist from Kintore who has been recognised for her service to the Arts, to women painters of the Western Desert Art Movement, and to the community of the Northern Territory. In 2008, Kumantjayi won the nation’s most prestigious Aboriginal art prize, the $40 000 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Award.
Congratulations to these three amazing Central Australian women and I congratulate them for being appointed the prestigious Order of the Australian Medal.
Bec Cole, filmmaker/creator of the renowned TV documentary series First Australians has now completed her first feature film, Here I Am. Watch your cinema guide for its release and congratulations to Bec.
Ben Grabham is a fourth time in five years winner of the Finke Desert Race. This is one of the biggest events in Central Australia and is strongly supported by our government. I acknowledge Finke volunteer, Anthony Hoffa, and the 2011 Finke Desert Race hero, Brian Cartwright. To all those who volunteer for the Finke, it is an amazing event every year and gets bigger and better.
Charlie Maher, Alice Springs-based marathon runner and NT Thunder player, is making a real difference through his Everyday Hero webpage. Charlie has raised almost $2000 and has donated it to the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal. The committee, in conjunction with Charlie, has decided this money should be used on something extra for the patients at the Purple House and it will be used for trips out to the country to cook roo tails, eat bush tucker, and have some fun. Sarah Brown, from the Purple House, said: ‘Life for people on dialysis can all be about being sick, so Charlie’s money will go a long way to help the patients get out and do something healthy and what they enjoy’. Well done, Charlie Maher.
In the Barkly, Borroloola star soccer striker Phillip O’Keefe is on his way to China where he will play against some of the best in the world. Phillip O’Keefe will play with the 22 -man Adelaide United squad under the direction of coach, Michael Valkanis. O’Keefe’s goal is to one day play in the Socceroos team representing Australia internationally. Go for it, Phillip! What a fantastic story! Playing in Borroloola; playing with Adelaide United in China. That is a great story.
In the Arts, Maureen Nampijinpa O’Keefe, author from Tennant Creek, is featured in the new anthology produced by IAD Press and the NT Writers Centre. The anthology, launched in Sydney on 21 May at the Sydney Festival, features 22 Indigenous authors diverse in age and background. In this volume titled This country anytime anyway, they share their cultural, artistic, political, and personal interests. Maureen was a star at the events and performed at multiple festival events to capacity crowds and resounding applause. Congratulations, Maureen! It is fantastic a woman from the Barkly is on the national writing scene.
Song People Sessions, funded through the federal government’s maintenance of Indigenous languages and records program and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, was a huge success in Tennant Creek in early July. Clontarf Academy fellows, along with celebrity, Warren H Williams, recorded an album celebrating Tennant Creek and the Warumungu people with contemporary and traditional music. The festival was affirming of Indigenous identity and was important in the reinforcement of maintenance of traditional cultural material and language. It was a fantastic process and congratulations to all who participated.
Congratulations as well to the Northern Territory Library Service. A project initiative of the NT Library, in conjunction with the Elliott library, saw the launching of the community baby book called Welcome Home Baby. This book will help young mothers raise their babies in a healthy way. The book encourages and emphasises the importance of preservation of Indigenous language thus supporting literacy in remote communities. Elliott Kulumindini Arts centre workers provided fantastic artwork and the text in Mudbarra, one of the four languages spoken in the Elliott region. Congratulations to the library service and the local community members of Elliott who participated in these wonderful projects.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I speak about an issue I have been chasing for some time. I am now satisfied I am sufficiently well-informed to speak of it.
As members will be aware, certainly at the opposite side of the House, well before the estimates process I was running inquiries about the success of the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign with some $15m of public expenditure. Some of my questions were answered by Clare Gardiner-Barnes during the estimates process, and I am grateful for that. However, I decided not to pursue the issue until such time as the freedom of information application came back on the briefing notes the government had. I am now satisfied this is a campaign worthy of serious criticism. At the time this briefing note was put together the campaign had been running for about two months. The statistics in the briefing note - I seek leave to table the briefing note.
Leave granted.
Mr ELFERINK: I thank honourable members. The statistics contained in the briefing note make interesting reading. It outlines two periods - January to March 2011 and April to May 2011. The reason those two periods have been identified in the briefing note was the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign was launched in April 2011. It is interesting to note that, in the three months prior to the launch of the campaign MensLine - and I pause to point out to honourable members that MensLine is not located in the Northern Territory; it is a federally-funded telephone service which is located in Victoria.
In the three months prior to the campaign starting in the Northern Territory, of those calls which could be traced, 164 calls were made to MensLine. In the two months after the campaign started, that number dropped to 91 calls. So, despite the fact there was a whole raft of advertising on our televisions, and we continued to see those ads again and again and again, after the campaign started the numbers dropped away. If you want to compare apples with apples, the average in the quarter prior to the campaign starting was 55 calls to MensLine. After the campaign started, that number dropped to 45 calls per month to MensLine. The number of people who identified themselves as domestic violent perpetrators in the quarter January to March was nil, and after the campaign started, three.
Even allowing for more calls from mobiles and the fact some people may not want to identify themselves as domestic violent perpetrators, to have the number of calls drop to that service after a campaign starts, and only three individuals care to identify themselves as domestic violence perpetrators, is not a good expenditure of taxpayers’ money. Three incidents of domestic violence, I do not doubt, are serious. Three instances of domestic violence prevented are doubtless a good outcome. However, it is not a good outcome for a campaign which will ultimately cost $15m of taxpayers’ money.
This government is all about trying to be seen to be doing something. You have to understand this is just an advertising campaign. There is no real follow-up available or traceable to this campaign by any Territory service. The campaign’s telephone number will get you a service out of Victoria, and when you have such a poor response you do not need to hold focus groups to tell you the campaign is not working. You can have focus groups, and many people will tell you they have seen the ads, but in truth those ads are failing to achieve what they have set out to achieve. The only thing they are achieving is spin and trying to make the government look like it is doing something. The government is doing nothing but spending $15m on ads over the next few years. It is time to abandon this advertising campaign because it is not working.
I am certain the $15m being pumped into the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign - for that sort of money there is no shortage of women shelters and other organisations which have a much higher level of contact with domestic violence perpetrators and could bring about much better results than an advertising campaign attracting no one - well, that barely attracts anyone to call. This campaign has failed. There are now fewer people calling the line than there were before the campaign started. If only three people are identifying as domestic violence perpetrators, spend the money in other places because this campaign has been a waste of taxpayers’ money and is nothing more than dressage and drapery in front of a failing, stalling, ageing, and tired Labor government.
It is time this government was honest with Territorians and said: ‘Yes, the campaign has failed; we are pulling the pin and spending the rest of the money in much more productive areas dealing with the same type of issue’. I am sure there is a domestic violence unit and the Police could do with that money. I am sure there are women’s shelters and other non-government organisations which deliver services to battered wives and children that could use that sort of money. It is all about getting the tag line: ‘Written and authorised by the Northern Territory government Darwin’ - that is what it is about. It is no longer about protecting women and children; it is about protecting a Labor government.
I would also like to talk briefly about Fishermans Wharf. An issue was raised with me by people who have to work off the wharf. I have inspected the wharf and, as far as I am concerned, it is well overdue for repair. The Fishermans Wharf area, particularly underneath, is showing signs of serious decay in the reinforcing rods on the structural parts of the wharf. I walked along the sea wall underneath the wharf to look at the state of decay. There are many areas where salt intrusion has found its way into the concrete and the reinforcing rods have expanded and are now shattering the concrete and breaking it away from the structural components of the wharf. It is not just handrails and bollards and a few other cosmetic items; there are structural concerns with the wharf. On the pillars near the sea wall there are very large chunks of rust weighing 20 kg or 30 kg peeling from those pillars holding the wharf up.
I am not saying the wharf is in imminent danger of collapse, but there are issues with its serviceability. Clearly, there are problems with the wharf. I am aware the government has said to Territorians it will be releasing a tender this month for $2m to be expended on the wharf. I put the government on notice that I am keeping a close eye on that tender. I hope these structural issues, as well as the cosmetic issues, are fixed. If they are not, I will add it to my list of things to regularly complain about in this House. People have to run businesses from that wharf and they are not being serviced. This government has been sitting on a report which has identified landings and moorings for small- to medium-sized craft are unavailable in this harbour. I find it astonishing that in a harbour city our interface between city and sea is so poorly maintained and so rare in occurrence.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to talk briefly about a couple of things in my electorate of Stuart and some fantastic initiatives happening in Alice Springs in relation to youth with disabilities. On Wednesday, a resource book for elders with dementia was launched at the aged-care facility in the community of Beswick in my electorate. Although I was unable to attend because of the parliamentary sittings, I have been informed the launch had some 40 Beswick residents and service providers present from not only the region and the community, but even as far away as Darwin.
Everyone who attended the launch enjoyed traditional Aboriginal dancing, particularly by the local people, the White Cockatoo dancers. The book Dementia, Things to Do, outlines activities for Aboriginal people living with dementia and aims to improve their quality of life. It will be a valuable resource for Aboriginal aged-care centres across the Northern Territory and I congratulate the organisations behind this fantastic initiative. Representatives attended from the Roper Gulf Shire, Frontier Services, Golden Chain Services as well as staff from Beswick, Numbulwar, Ngukurr, Barunga, and Manyallaluk aged-care facilities.
I acknowledge and thank Michael Berto, CEO of the Roper Gulf Shire and his staff for coordinating the launch. Also thanks to Vicky Moo from the Beswick aged-care facility for her hard work and dedication at the centre. I also thank the Beswick community for putting on such an enjoyable day.
I would like to inform parliament of an Indigenous art exhibition which opened in Darwin last week for Kuminjay Fencer Napurrula, the award winning desert artist and innovator from the Lajamanu/Katherine region. The retrospective exhibition profiles and celebrates Kuminjay’s original Western Desert style on canvas paintings and the works on paper. Presented by Artback NT in partnership with Mimi Arts and Crafts from Katherine, this exhibition will be the first major survey of the Lajamanu artist’s work and will trace her development as a highly original artist during her 20 years of practice. The exhibition is on display until 28 August 2011 at the Chan Contemporary Art Space right across from us in Parliament House in State Square, Darwin.
I recognise the great work going on at Acacia Hill School in Alice Springs. It is always a hive of activity at Acacia Hill with principal, Mark Killen, and his team doing a great job in what has been a construction site for some time with terrific new facilities going up. Work is taking place at the moment on some new classrooms, expected to be completed in November, while work on the new entrance way should start this month.
I was very excited to hear work on the pool at Acacia Hill will start this year and is expected to be completed next month, providing a great recreation and therapeutic facility. In partnership with the federal government, we are investing heavily on improvements at Acacia Hill. This government has provided $4.8m in capital funding for Acacia Hill School and, through the Building the Education Revolution, facilities at the school were opened earlier this year. A new library and learning technology centre and specialty bathroom were built under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century component. They also upgraded their administration and outdoor area, with remodelling of classrooms, a new verandah, furniture, window tinting, and a portable air cooler. I always enjoy visiting Acacia Hill School and was pleased to support students in accessing programs at the Alice Springs Riding for the Disabled.
Speaking of the Riding for the Disabled, I was very pleased to open their wonderful new facility at Blatherskite Park in Alice Springs on Saturday. The new clubhouse, quite appropriately named the Michele Castagna Clubhouse is a great addition for RDA and the name pays tribute of course to a woman who I am sure many of my colleagues know. Michele, with all the other strings to her bow, was a driving force behind the formation of RDA in Alice Springs in the 1980s and, as she pointed out, it originally started at St Phillip’s school before finding a home at Blatherskite Park.
I was pleased to support the new clubhouse with $60 000 from the Sports Facility Development Grants committed to this new facility. The local community has also supported the development of the new clubhouse with local businesses donating time, materials, and labour, and a team of volunteers working to get it operating. It is a great achievement and demonstrates how the community, government, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers can work together to achieve something really special.
The building gives riders, workers, and volunteers a place to gather out of the weather. It gives them a pleasant place to teach and work, or just relax and watch the horses and riders in the arena. RDA in Alice Springs has also offered the clubhouse as a shared facility to other equestrian groups in the region. RDA in Alice Springs gives people with disabilities and volunteers an opportunity to participate in equestrian activities and therapies, helping develop life skills and improving quality of life. RDA in Alice Springs does great work and is making a real difference to the lives of people. I am proud of this government’s support for the work of the committee, coaches, and volunteers.
I also acknowledge the hard work and passionate commitment of the centre manager and coach, Karen Eva-Stirk, who has done so much to develop RDA in Alice Springs and does a truly amazing job. She is supported by a great committee of volunteers and, of course, her husband, John, who is on the RDA national committee. It was quite funny on Saturday because he turned up a little late and I am sure Karen would have said something about that.
There is so much positive work going on in Alice Springs, especially related to young people. I would like to inform the House of a recent fantastic event at the Alice Springs Youth Hub, Deadly Vibe, which attracted more than 1000 young people during the day and evening for sport and musical events with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Youth Hub is rapidly becoming the place to be for young people in Alice Springs and will be a significant focus for youth events during the upcoming Alice Desert Festival.
Congratulations to Youth Services coordinator, John Adams, and his team, including Matty Day, who does much work around organising youth events. I urge all my colleagues in the House to get on Facebook and see the Alice Springs Youth Hub and keep up with the positive work going on in the youth sector.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I talk about the report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow. This report was tabled in parliament by the Minister for Child Protection today, 11 August 2011. This is effectively the Children’s Commissioner’s right of reply to the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow, which was tabled in parliament earlier this week, on Monday, 8 August 2011.
I do not intend to address the specific content of the report of the Children’s Commissioner; however, I will make some general observations. What is being played out in the public arena is a most unfortunate spat between the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman, two eminent, professional people in our community; two highly regarded child protection experts; two people who have committed a substantial and significant part of their lives and work to the field of child protection in the Northern Territory; two very important people in our community.
This government has dragged these two genuinely committed, dedicated, competent child protection advocates into a public spat. This conflict is the work of the government, fed and watered by this government. It has played these child advocates off against each other. It has deliberately used one to negate the other. It has been playing this game all year, culminating in taking the Ombudsman’s role in child protection away and giving it solely to the Children’s Commissioner in July 2011.
The government has knowingly cultivated a conflict between the Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner and is now relishing in the fact that the focus has been temporarily taken off it and its child protection failures and on to this. This is what happens when a system implodes; people turn on each other. The child protection system is imploding and people are, indeed, turning on each other. People are unhappy with the system and it manifests in conflict. This behaviour is typical of people trying to survive in a system struggling to keep its head above water.
In the Northern Territory child protection system, people are struggling to survive; struggling to keep their heads above water. The staff are struggling to survive, struggling to keep their heads above water. There is a high level of conflict and dissatisfaction within the department. This is what happens when the level of dysfunction is so bad and the level of desperation so high that even professional people of this calibre are turning on each other and find themselves at odds.
The eight members of the external monitoring and reporting committee, in the same way, have been completely compromised by this inept government. Their reputations have been dragged through the mire by this government. They, too, are being used by this government to provide a way out; a smokescreen, a deflection, a diversion from the enormity of the failing child protection system. The allegation that the opposition has slandered members of the external monitoring and reporting committee is a complete fabrication by this government. Anyone who has questions about exactly what was said in parliament this week needs to read Hansard to allay their concerns. We, the opposition, have enormous respect for these professional people. In my speech to parliament on 8 August 2011, I said:
That is far from slander.
The government makes up stories. The government has deliberately stirred up trouble to distract from the real issue of the care and protection of children. This government enjoys the distraction; it takes the heat off. Congratulations, Chief Minister. Congratulations, Minister for Child Protection. You have managed to totally dismantle the pinnacle, the backbone, the strength of the Northern Territory child protection system. The advocates, the watchdogs, the people who have been holding you to account; you have encouraged and facilitated a public dispute between the only two people in the Northern Territory who have been effective as child protection watchdogs.
You have deliberately set the Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner against each other. What a travesty! What a shameful state of affairs this government has manufactured. Shame! Shame! Shame! You have now completely destroyed the child protection system from the top to the bottom. From the top to the bottom, you have left no stone unturned.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Deputy Speaker, I talk about one of the best primary schools in the Northern Territory, Stuart Park Primary School. It is a fantastic place for many reasons. When you visit you get a genuine sense of place and community - there is a positive vibe about Stuart Park Primary School. It is a calming, beautiful place. One of the reasons for that is a lady named Carol Metcalfe, who is leaving after 23-and-a-half years. You do not stay for that long in one school unless you love the place and feel that love back. There is a genuine feeling of moving forward, of kids loving Stuart Park Primary School and parents loving the school. You do not stay as long as Carol has unless you love the place. She did a tremendous job and was an integral part of the school.
On her retirement, she left a legacy that will be remembered for a long time to come. In the time she worked there, in classrooms as an assistant and in the office as administration manager, she was devoted to the school and its community over and above the call of duty. In fact, she spent the last 12-and-a-half months caretaking on the site. The school has been used as a base for the hearing impaired unit and an annexe to Nemarluk School. Her compassion and consideration for all children and their families is renowned. Over the years she has formed many strong relationships which have endured over time. Carol was always seen as someone parents could go to and trust.
Over the years, Carol has assisted in overseeing many large building projects at the school. Not only has she managed the large amounts of money involved, she has been scrupulous in ensuring the school received optimum value for money. Stuart Park Primary School is a richly-resourced school, in large part due to the careful money management exercised by Carol, and it really is a fantastic school. The people are fantastic, the kids are fantastic and it also has amazing grounds. It is not just value for money projects that happen. Very thoughtful, smart projects have happened on-site, and it is a fantastic school campus.
Carol always supported the school council in its endeavours. She served as treasurer of the school council for many years, helping everyone understand the complexities of finances and applying for grants. She was a regular attendee at all fundraisers and assisted, where possible, with organisation. It is due to her diligence that the school has been so well-resourced over the years. Carol was always involved in organising school concerts. She enjoyed preparing food over the weekends prior to concerts as part of the team that organised to feed over 1000 members of the school community. Carol enjoyed having fun and being with the students. Her understanding of children and their needs, and her ability to have fun with them was part of her charm. She was known to take a ride on the flying fox at Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre and encourage students to do the same. Perhaps we can install one in Parliament House; it might create a better mood. Carol will be missed by many at the school. She was highly involved in all aspects of the school, from the after school care facility to employment of cleaners to looking after the needs of students.
Her experience and knowledge have supported the school and its community. We are richer from the efforts of Carol Metcalfe and wish her well on her next journey in life as she enjoys the wide, open road in her new campervan with her husband, Jim.
I thank Bernie Bree, the principal, who helped put together some words on Carol, as did many other members of the school community, from school council chairs to front room staff, back room and the classrooms. There were many good wishes and intentions for Carol, and many people were sad to see her go. She will stay in touch with Stuart Park Primary School as she moves to what she does next.
While we have been here for the last four days, things have happened in the real world. Things keep moving, and there are moments that help you remember your priorities in life. I want to wish the Sweet family, Pompea and David, all the best. They have some health issues with their young son, Harrison. Things are looking good for them at the moment, and I want to say that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
Also, like many, I was very much affected by the passing of Lena Yali and Greg McNamara. We wish the family all the best. I did not know Kevin Taylor but I knew Lena and Greg. It is a tragic how in one moment things can change irrevocably and, like all of us in the Chamber, our love, thoughts, and prayers go to their families, friends, and the young children. It is a terrible tragedy and it reminds you of your priorities in life when things like that can happen in the blink of an eye. I wish them and their families all the best.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I want to cover several things. I have had a number of complaints in relation to the Teacher Registration Board transparency and I will be writing to the minister in relation to those.
We struggle to get teachers to the Northern Territory, particularly to stay for long periods of time. There seems to be an opportunity for some of our teachers who have either retired or would like to semi-retire, to work as assistant teachers or remain in the school system to help out where they can. The teacher registration process could make it difficult given so much training is required to remain current. Some of that training is to do with the curriculum and setting lesson plans, and the reality is fill-in teachers do not have to put together lesson plans - they follow them but do not construct them.
You could put at risk many teachers who have fulfilled a lifetime of educating people around the country or here in the Northern Territory - you may turn them away from being a vital asset with their corporate knowledge, training, and years of experience if you make it too difficult for them to remain, particularly when they have a clear track record of being an excellent teacher. We should encourage them any way we can to stay within the system, even if it is on a part-time basis. I will be writing to the minister to see if we can make the system a little clearer.
I would like to talk about Mitchell Creek, an ongoing concern for many people. Sue McKinnon and Margaret Clinch from the Save the Mitchell Creek Organisation, and a number of other people have been concerned about that area for some time. The development of Johnston and Zuccoli in the future will put that creek under immense pressure as we go forward. Anything we can do now to preserve that area would be greatly appreciated.
Last year I attacked the Environment minister because he had written to the group suggesting the area was not of significance, yet we had the Planning minister write back to the same group suggesting it was an area of significance. I thought it strange that the Planning minister gave it a higher priority than the Environment minister.
In the meantime we have had changes; we had development. I want to remind the Planning minister and the Environment minister of the Palmerston East plan where a large area around Mitchell Creek is protected. Some of the tributaries that run into Mitchell Creek are also protected. Recently, the minister signed off on it at the same time the department met with relevant parties, including Margaret Clinch, saying it was consulting and would listen. We find on the very same day, perhaps even before the meeting, the minister had signed off. It is evidence this government consults with the community and listens when you have ministers signing off on zoning prior to, or the same day, they say they have listened to the community. That does not send a message the government cares about consulting. It made a decision; sorry to the rest of the community.
I ask the minister to seriously look at, as a minimum, where Mitchell Creek is and where the new zoning is. Could the protection zone be taken up to the edge of the extension of Roystonea Avenue? The old Palmerston East plan showed the area protected much more than it does now but has narrowed the gap and constrained the protection zone around Mitchell Creek. We do not want to see in the future, whether it is the city of Palmerston or the Northern Territory government, going to greater expense to clean up an area which, if we protect it now, will be looked after. It will not need to be rehabilitated; it will not need massive amounts of money spent on it if we protect it now.
I ask the minister to look at it again and perhaps take the conservation zone out to at least the edge of Roystonea Avenue. There is nothing between the road and Mitchell Creek. I do not believe there will be any future development in that area. If you are driving down Roystonea Avenue you are talking the left hand side, the eastern side of Roystonea Avenue. If the zoning could be brought up to the edge of Roystonea Avenue you would make many people happy and be doing something to protect Mitchell Creek into the future.
I ask the relevant minister: who is responsible for cleaning the new boat ramps? Everyone has congratulated the government on the East Arm boat ramp as well as the new one at Elizabeth River in Palmerston. I have had a number of complaints about the fish cleaning areas being left in atrocious conditions. That is a sad indictment on our fishermen; they are facilities and they need to be kept clean. The facilities have not been handed over to the council. I am unsure about East Arm because that would be the Trade Development Zone. It is not called that anymore and comes under different management. I would like to know who is responsible for cleaning those areas and whether we could have that looked into because I have had complaints, not necessarily about East Arm, more particularly the Palmerston boat ramp. Who is responsible for cleaning it and can it be sorted out?
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, this Labor government can be characterised in many ways, few of them flattering. It stands accused of being lazy and tired. It is guilty of supporting the live cattle ban that has and will continue to hurt thousands of Territorians; an industry that was the backbone of the Territory economy for decades.
Tonight I would like to speak about something that exemplifies the way this Labor government has tried to run its business for a number of years. Surprisingly, at least to me, the government even considers this a legitimate method of governing this great place. I am referring to government by glossy brochure.
Last week in Katherine we saw yet another example of this government trying to sell its sad and broken image to the good people of the Northern Territory when this brochure was delivered to Katherine homes and post boxes. This is the Katherine plan brochure spruiking the 2011 budget and is the case in point tonight. It purports to be a plan for Katherine, yet so many of the so-called initiatives do not relate specifically to Katherine and, in fact, Katherine was one of the big losers in the 2011 Territory Labor budget.
What galls me most is the deliberate attempt by this government to mislead the people who have received and read this document. I draw your attention to page 1 of this brochure under the heading, ‘Helping Families Get Ahead’. Dot point one says: $820 off the cost of electricity per household. In reading that, some people in Katherine who have brought this to my attention, believed they were about to receive a cheque from the government, or from Power and Water, for $820. They approached my office to ask how they could apply for this concession and what the eligibility requirements were.
The reference to the $820 is the community service obligation, which means Katherine electricity consumers get their power at the same rate as Darwin consumers and the $820 is the extra they would have to pay if the CSO did not exist. It is worth pointing out the CSO was, as far as I understand, a CLP initiative not a Labor initiative and has been around for decades.
What makes it even worse is this Labor government has not told its public servants how to deal with inquiries about this misleading claim. I had cause to ring the Power and Water 1800 number to find out how my constituents could claim this concession but, to cut a long story short, the very attentive young lady I spoke to had no idea about this misleading government advertised concession and went to her supervisor for advice.
I can do nothing but heap praise on Power and Water staff in the call centre for their attempts to satisfy a customer, being me, on the end of the phone. Those poor staff had to resort to speculation. They had no idea about this so-called concession. No one in the Labor government trained them to answer the question the glossy brochure pronounces - a concession claimable by electricity consumers. In its strong desire to provide exemplary customer service, staff had to speculate how I could claim $820. They had no idea. They were left with only one option, to resort to speculation.
Let me tell you what this government, by omission - it did not train its staff - forced this young lady to advise me. This $820, she thought, might relate to, and I quote: ‘Julia Gillard’s carbon tax’. That is what she thought because she had not heard of this concession advertised in the recent glossy brochure delivered to Katherine households and post boxes. I was gobsmacked. In fact, I had to suppress a laugh because it was unspeakable.
It is bad enough that you print these things; you fluff the budget up to make it look like you are doing something for the Northern Territory, to make yourselves look like you are doing something for Katherine. The government promotes itself; that is fine, I have no problems with that. However, when you put a claim like this in a brochure delivered to householders you give them an expectation they can claim an $820 concession from Power and Water. I will quote from an e-mail sent to my office from a fellow couriering this. He said: ‘Hi all, do you know what and who this subsidy applies to as no one I have spoken to knows. Is it based on income or does it apply to all households?’ I have now had to advise this fellow exactly what it is.
Shame on the government for perpetrating this on the people of the Territory. What beggars belief and adds insult to injury is the fact it did not even tell staff how to deal with inquiries about this. It is unbelievable, but understandable, that I got a response like that from the call centre staff because the carbon tax and its effect on the top 500 carbon emitters in the country, Power and Water being one of them, is a topic on everyone’s lips.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would be appalled if the government went on a witch-hunt over this to find that poor public servant, remembering our public servants are doing what they are paid to do - serve the public. The government should hang its heads in shame. Trying to govern using the tried and tested is not working - a glossy brochure method for governing the Territory. It should hang its heads in shame for perpetrating this cruel hoax as well. Worst of all, it should hang its head in shame for putting public servants in the firing line, ill-prepared to deal with calls about how to claim this bogus $820 concession. Shame on the government!
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Year 5/6 Wagaman Primary School students accompanied by Mrs Lisa McLean and Ms Betty Topalov. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
BUSINESS NAMES (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION) REQUEST BILL
(Serial 170)
(Serial 170)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The purpose of this bill is to provide for the parliament of the Northern Territory to formally request the Commonwealth to enact national legislation concerning the registration and use of business names. On 2 July 2009, the members of the Council of Australian Governments signed the intergovernmental agreement for business names. Under that agreement, each government agreed the Commonwealth would enact a national law for the registration and use of business names. The national law would be based, in part, on the referral of powers by the Australian states. When enacted, the law will be administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The national law would only be amended after following consultation and appropriate agreement as set out in the intergovernmental agreement as administered by the Ministerial Council on Corporations.
The Northern Territory’s constitutional position means it has no powers to refer to the Commonwealth in order for the Commonwealth to enact the new law so that it operates in the Northern Territory. However, the Northern Territory strongly supports the need for national business names laws with appropriate constitutional foundations. The government also considers it is desirable that, as far as possible, the Northern Territory legislative structures regarding national schemes mirror those in place between the Commonwealth and the Australian states.
At the same time, the Northern Territory recognises it is necessary that the states and the Northern Territory, and also the Australian Capital Territory, continue to have a significant role in policy development concerning business names matters. Accordingly, the Business Names (National Uniform Legislation) Request Bill 2011 contains a request to the Commonwealth that it enact laws based on the text of the legislation tabled in the parliament of Tasmania. This bill indicates the commitment of the Northern Territory to the new scheme.
Later on, most likely in early 2012, I will introduce legislation providing for the repeal of the Business Names Act and for consequential and transitional matters.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members and table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
PENALTIES AMENDMENT (CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, HEALTH AND
PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES AND RESOURCES) BILL
(Serial 149)
PRIMARY INDUSTRY, FISHERIES AND RESOURCES) BILL
(Serial 149)
Continued from 22 February 2011.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, this is part of the government’s process of reviewing penalties in the Northern Territory. It follows the formula introduced until now, which is the increase of 15% since 2001 to accommodate for CPI, then applying the appropriate penalty units and rounding down to the nearest dollar. This is consistent with what the government has produced in this House recently, and was supported by the opposition. There is no reason this formulae change applied in this legislation requires any further comment than that. If anyone wants to know why we supported the bill I refer them to my last speech relating to exactly the same type of amendments.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for supporting this bill. It is sometimes useful to have the shadow Attorney-General as the shadow Treasurer; they see the sense in shifting from monetary to penalty, which means the penalties can keep pace in real terms as they are adjusted by CPI, which is a result of legislation I introduced and passed as Treasurer. It is a process I outlined at the outset of the policy decision made in the context of a budget two years ago, where we would move through the legislation across all the portfolios of government and take monetary penalties into the expression of penalty units. We have passed a series of like bills, as referred to by the shadow Attorney-General.
This one is sticking to the formula expressed by the government. It is not changing the structural intent of the penalties herein. There is a maximum of 15% increase in penalties to capture the fact many penalties did not increase over a substantial number of years. From here on in they will be adjusted annually by CPI, which is the point of taking the monetary to the penalty units.
Madam Speaker, I thank the opposition for its support of this legislation and I commend it to the House.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
PENALTIES AMENDMENT (CHIEF MINISTER’S AND OTHER PORTFOLIOS) BILL
(Serial 138)
(Serial 138)
Continued from 24 November 2010.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I generally support this bill, however, there is a twitchy problem in the bill which government has acknowledged. I circulated an amendment yesterday because I had not seen one. I was advised this morning I may have been given one during the briefing; I do not recall it. In any instance, my understanding is the legislative drafter has already prepared an amendment on the same topic. Therefore, I signal at the outset we will withdraw our proposed amendment in favour of the Attorney-General’s. She is sitting there nodding, so I presume we have …
Ms Lawrie: It was circulated yesterday on desks. I will get the Table Office to give you another copy now.
Mr ELFERINK: Then, I defer simply to the state of my desk as the reason it may have been missed. Look, there it is.
Madam Speaker, we will be accommodating the government in this issue. The issue arises from the inconsistency between Territory and Commonwealth legislation. The effect of changing these penalty provisions inside this omnibus bill has thrown up an oddity which comes from the operation of section 12 of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act and how it reflects on section 7 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act of the Commonwealth.
For the information of honourable members, section 12, Powers, privileges and immunities of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act says the following.
- The power of the Legislative Assembly conferred by section 6 in relation to the making of laws extends to the making of laws
and immunities so declared do not exceed the powers, privileges and immunities for the time being of the House of Representatives, or of the members or committees of that House,
respectively; and …
Then it goes on to other material.
Section 7 of the Parliamentary Privileges Act of the Commonwealth talks about penalties imposed by Houses, and then talks about exceeding certain amounts - not exceeding $5000, and not exceeding $25 000. The problem is the formula as it has been applied in this omnibus bill has had the effect of pushing certain penalties above those amounts and, indeed, this bill increases penalties from $5000 to 40 penalty units, which is $5440, and from $25 000 for a corporation to 215 penalty units, or $29 240. That then enlivens the operation, if you like, of the federal legislation and it has thrown up this anomalous conflict of powers.
The government has acknowledged this is an issue. I have said in this House before, and I say again, perhaps one of the things the Attorney-General might want to consider is finding an individual and locking them in a room with legislation, and get them to do what members on this side of the House should do as a matter of course, which is attacking that legislation as aggressively as they can to see if it holds up to scrutiny.
We have one such person on our side of the House. I would love to claim I was anywhere near attentive enough to fix something like this; however, if I said that I would be misleading the House. We do have one such person, and we are inordinately grateful for her attention to the work, because this is the sort of thing she often picks up. Once again, her nature and patience with this type of thing needs to be acknowledged in the House today. Whilst this is not a major issue, it is one that, if it finds itself in the right set of circumstances, suddenly becomes problematic for someone. Without knowing who, the person who works for us may well have saved someone much grief down the track. I place on the record my acknowledgement to the staff of the Leader of the Opposition’s office and the particular staff member - who knows who I am talking about - in the same way we acknowledge the hard work and diligence of public servants. I place on the record my gratitude to Frankie.
Other than that, the opposition will support this bill once the appropriate amendments have been made in the committee stage.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the shadow Attorney-General for support of the appropriate amendments at committee stage. I thank him for raising his concerns. You raised at the briefing your concerns of how, in the original drafting form, the penalties going to the Legislative Assembly aspects of this bill were in excess of the penalties set at the Commonwealth level, creating a conflict with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act.
That is really good scrutiny; our system in the Territory holds up to the veracity. Everyone introducing legislation likes to think it is going to be perfect. Of course, we have an enormous amount of very considered legal knowledge within the Department of Justice working with Parliamentary Counsel in drafting, and every Attorney-General hopes that through all those processes everything is perfect when it is introduced. I acknowledge and respect the system where we introduce in one sittings and debate in the second to allow legislation to sit on the statute book and be properly and appropriately scrutinised by opposition, Independents, and others.
In this case, it was Frankie in the Leader of the Opposition’s office. I will call you out, Frankie; well done, mate. It is not the first time you have found an error in technical aspects of government legislation. Government is well served by your endeavours and, ultimately, the Territory is well served by your endeavours. I acknowledge Frankie and the work she has done.
I thank the Solicitor-General for the advice he provided. That highlights where you can get good outcomes from briefings when it comes to technical pieces of legislation. The Department of Justice took on the queries, sought clarification from the Solicitor-General and hence we have committee stage amendments today. Everyone is doing their job and I acknowledge the work of the hard-working officers at Department of Justice and their diligence in going to the Solicitor-General. He always provides the most thorough advice and we are extremely well-served by our Solicitor-General as well. Thanks to everyone involved.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill with committee stage amendments that were passed around the Chamber yesterday.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
In committee:
Madam CHAIR: Honourable members, the committee has before it the Penalties Amendment (Chief Minister’s and Other Portfolios) Bill (Serial 138) together with schedule of amendments No 63 circulated by Ms Lawrie. The member for Port Darwin has withdrawn his Amendment Schedule No 56.
Bill, by leave, taken as a whole.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Chair, I move amendment 63.1 standing in my name.
This amendment extends the long title of the bill to include ‘,and for other purposes’. The reason for this amendment is there are notes inserted for sections 25(1) and 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act. The notes make it clear that the references to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987 are because section 12(a) of the Commonwealth Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 provides that the power of the Legislative Assembly to declare the powers, privileges, and immunities of the Legislative Assembly cannot extend to a declaration which would exceed the powers, privileges, and immunities of the House of Representatives.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Chair, the opposition supports these amendments. I withdraw the amendments circulated yesterday standing in my name in deference to the government’s amendments. I also place on the record my thanks to the Attorney-General for her acknowledgement of Frankie - that is another bottle of wine. Madam Chair, my idea of hell is dying and going to a place where I have to go through legislation at such a level. I place on the record again my gratitude to the people who are prepared to do that type of thing. We accept the amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: I move amendment 63.2 as circulated. This amendment inserts a new amendment to sections 25(1) and 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act. The reason for this amendment is to link the period of imprisonment and amount of pecuniary penalty so they are the same as the periods and amounts specified in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Privileges Act 1987. This ensures no inconsistency is created with section 12(a) of the Commonwealth Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978. Essentially, it picks up the error found by Frankie.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Chair, we will take some advice on this.
Madam Chair, it has come to my attention that sections 20, 21 and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act may run into the same problem. Can the minister advise whether that is the case?
Ms LAWRIE: I table advice from the Solicitor-General dated 18 May 2011. On the final page of that advice the Solicitor-General advises the amendments proposed to sections 20, 21, and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act may proceed. The maxima contained in section 25(5) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act should be left in dollar terms. He gives other advice around that; however, I am happy to table the entire letter.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, if you could. We are on our feet at the moment making this up as we go along. Just out of curiosity, did he say why those sections were unaffected by this hierarchy of powers?
Ms LAWRIE: Section 20(1) of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act - can I call it LAPPA as an acronym?
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, please.
Ms LAWRIE: …provides:
- A person shall not, by fraud, intimidation, force or threat, by the offer or promise of an inducement or benefit, or by other improper means, influence, or attempt to influence another person in respect of any evidence given ….
The penalty is $5000 to $25 000. Section 20(3) says:
- This section does not prevent the imposition of a penalty by the Assembly in respect of an offence against the Assembly …
- There is nothing incongruous in that result. The purpose of the bill is to convert pecuniary penalties for statutory offences into penalty units to enable fines to be increased to keep pace with inflation by a simple amendment to the Penalty Units Act 2009 rather than having to amend each individual act to achieve that result. The provision for pecuniary penalties made under section 25(5) of the LAPPA is unique in the sense that it is not concerned with statutory offences and the maxima are constitutionally tied to the maxima contained in the PPA. An adjustment to the amount of those penalties can and should only be made upon some adjustment to those contained in the PPA rather than as part of an increase of general application to counter inflationary effect. In fact, converting the ...
It then goes on to talk about 25(5).
I will table this and get it quickly around to you. In a nutshell, we sought the Solicitor-General’s advice; he went to only 25, not 20, 21, and 22. We could proceed with the changes to those sections.
Mr ELFERINK: I beg the forbearance of the House for two minutes while I read that section, please.
Madam CHAIR: That is fine, member for Port Darwin.
Ms LAWRIE: While you are having a look I will explain the advice from the Solicitor-General. He has confirmed no change is required to sections 20, 21, and 22 of the Legislative Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act as these sections are not inconsistent with section 12(a) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978.
Mr ELFERINK: I have to defer to the advice from the Northern Territory Solictor-General. Whilst he places on the record the provision for pecuniary penalties made under section 25(5) of LAPPA is unique in the sense it is not concerned with statutory offences, the maxima are constitutionally tied to the maxima in the Power and Privileges Act. An adjustment to the amount of those penalties should only be made upon the adjustment for those contained in the Powers and Privileges Act rather than an increase of the general application to counter inflationary effect. In fact converting the maxima of section 25(5) of LAPPA to penalty units - even if this amount presently fell below the maxima contained in the PPA - would give a significant risk of inconsistency with 12(a) of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not a lawyer, so I deal with these things in simple terms. Sections 20, 21, and 22 are statutory and can be adjusted; 25(5) is legislative and, therefore, is tied to the Commonwealth.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, I understand the Solicitor-General of the Northern Territory’s assertion. He does not take us down the road, specifically, as well as I would have preferred. However, I will defer to his greater knowledge. I would never suggest I could outwit a silk on my feet. Perhaps I could suggest, at some point, a greater explanation - perhaps even a meeting, because I am interested in the topic. Should we ever be in government, I would like to know how this works. Perhaps I can contact your office for a briefing and someone can join the dots for me slowly and carefully. If it throws up a further anomaly, as it probably will not, we come back into this House and tweak it rather than hold this legislation up. Would that be acceptable to you, Attorney-General?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, I would be happy to ensure my office arranges a briefing for you and Frankie.
Mr ELFERINK: I will go to lunch and send Frankie, how does that sound? Thank you, Attorney-General. That business is complete.
Amendment agreed to.
Bill, as amended, agreed to.
Bill to be reported with amendments.
Bill reported; report adopted.
Ms LAWRIE (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note statement – The Century of Northern Australia
Note statement – The Century of Northern Australia
Continued from 10 August 2011.
Madam SPEAKER: The Minister for Education and Training is in continuation with seven minutes.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I devoted yesterday to the very important portfolio area of Education. I now turn to Public and Affordable Housing.
We know the supply of housing will be critical to the development of northern Australia, and we need to ensure housing is an attraction, not a deterrent, for people moving to the Territory to fill jobs that will come with our growing economy. We have elements of our housing strategy and, principally, land to grow. The rapid rate of land turn-off is well-known and has been criticised recently by the opposition, saying we are now turning off land too quickly. The opposition is never satisfied. We will continue to turn-off land at a very rapid rate in Palmerston East, which is growing very quickly. Houses, units, schools, offices, and shops are popping up out there. I advise members opposite to look at what is going on in Palmerston East.
Work on land release in Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek is also under way. We have given the undertaking that 15% of new releases, particularly in Palmerston East, will be set aside for public and affordable housing.
In the bush, as part of SIHIP, we are seeing new subdivisions delivered so more houses can be built to help overcome overcrowding. New places to live - I have already mentioned land release - and we are giving incentives for people to get into their own houses and gain equity in their own investment. In May, the Treasurer announced our $10 000 BuildBonus for people who commit to the construction of a new dwelling by the end of this year, or purchase a newly-built dwelling. We are aiming this at the affordable sector and the BuildBonus is for homes up to a value of $530 000.
The Northern Territory government also offers significant stamp duty concessions to help first homebuyers cover up to $26 730 of stamp duty, and seniors with an $8500 concession to assist them with home ownership. A considerable rebate of $3500 is also offered to non-first homebuyers purchasing homes as a principal place of residence. The Territory government is also helping more people purchase new land and housing packages with our affordable housing initiatives in Bellamack and Larapinta. Most recently, in Johnston we have held ballots to allow low- and middle-income and first homebuyers purchase affordable house and land packages. These have been in high demand and, as more land is ready, there will be more opportunities for people to take up these great offers. Our home ownership scheme, Homestart NT, is another incentive to help more people realise the dream of home ownership.
It is a long journey to home ownership. It is the greatest single investment any family or individual will make. I remember the family journey for my wife and me. We started off in Armidale, New South Wales, with a very modest dwelling, with very modest furnishings. As time went on, we acquired things for our house and moved on. When we returned to Darwin around 1990, we bought a town house in Millner and then moved to our current address in Wagaman, which is a great area. It is a pity it is not in the electorate of Johnston. That is redistribution for you! We are very happy there. Over the years, we have been able to build up our asset base and currently own our own home.
It takes a long time and I encourage young couples to look to the future. You are not going to get the McMansion first off. In fact, you should not be aiming for that. Many people need to start off in a modest way and build as they go. You can look back on those times with affection, although I have to say, when we first got into the housing market I did not look upon the 18% interest rates with much affection. Families are under stress now with rising interest rates and cost of living pressures, but 18% was very difficult. We want more people to get into their own homes through Homestart NT. It is regarded as one of the best home ownership programs in the nation, and has been an incentive for many workers who have journeyed to the Territory to purchase a place and stay. It is a story you will hear from many locals who have settled here.
To ensure the program remains effective, in April this year we reviewed the purchase and income limits. That way, more people can access this home ownership program. Since we increased the limit, more than 60 applications have been received in the past few months. If we look back to 2004, more than 1400 families have bought their home through Homestart NT. I will say that again because it is a great statistic - since 2004 …
Mr GUNNER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time of 10 minutes for the minister to conclude his remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Dr BURNS: I thank my colleagues for the extension of time. More than 1400 families since 2004 have bought their home through Homestart. As government, we are pleased to be doing that. We want to maximise opportunities in northern Australia.
It will be a point of debate during these sittings and ongoing but SIHIP, from a relatively troubled start, is making inroads on arrears in Indigenous housing. The new houses have been widely accepted. There is controversy around the refurbishments, and no doubt the member for Braitling and others will continue that debate. Over 2000 families have had their homes refurbished, rebuilt, or new homes since this program started, which is a positive thing. Numbers to date: 324 new houses have been completed; about 200 under way - that is new houses - 1600 refurbishments and rebuilds have been completed, and work is under way on many more.
New places to rent: many workers coming to the Territory for employment will be seeking rental opportunities, so we are encouraging more construction and investment in housing. We know there is a private rental market with a range of products on offer. We are fast-tracking land release and encouraging more investment in rental housing.
We are currently establishing the affordable rental housing company which will provide rental properties to low- and middle-income earners. We want people in those income brackets to have the opportunity to live and work in the Northern Territory. One of the first things ceded to an affordable rental housing company is the 35 units at Wirrina and a block of land at Driver. We are currently in detailed and complex negotiations with the affordable rental housing company proponents about what other developments there might be. There is quite an amount of money riding on it from both sides so we want to ensure we get our contractual agreements right for the affordable rental housing company, and vice versa.
More public housing: the delivery of public housing so the most vulnerable people in the Territory can participate in the economy and live here is also important. We have invested nearly $50m over three years to build 150 new public housing dwellings. We have a strong focus on delivering housing for seniors with seniors’ villages currently under construction at Bellamack and Larapinta. We are also working to increase supported housing in our urban centres to give people life skills to gain tenancy and help break the cycle of homelessness.
Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the new duplexes being built under the A Place to Call Home initiative. It is a great initiative which will deliver 32 new dwellings with 14 under way, enabling and supporting people with skills to maintain a tenancy and break the cycle of homelessness. In Alice Springs, the visitor park has 150 beds for increased short-term accommodation for visitors.
Under the Australian government’s $55m stimulus package investment, we have delivered a significant number of new accommodations for people in need. This includes: 34 new public housing dwellings; 45 units in the Wirrina redevelopment; 20 units at the St Vincent de Paul facility, Coconut Grove; 28 units at Percy Court in Alice Springs; 18 units at Crerar Road in Darwin; 12 rooms in the Catherine Booth House redevelopment; 8 units at Malak for supported accommodation; a 35 room redevelopment at Bath Street, Alice Springs for supported accommodation; and eight rooms at the Salvation Army, Goyder Street facility in Alice Springs. That is a comprehensive and impressive list of the investments being made by the Commonwealth government with building managed by the Northern Territory government. It is benefiting many non-government organisations; they welcome the activity.
I close with public employment. I am Public Employment minister. When it comes to the prosperity of the Territory and the challenges the future will bring, it is vital we recognise the important contribution of the Northern Territory Public Service. Our public servants deliver services to Territorians across a broad range of vital sectors such as education, health, planning, and infrastructure. We value our public servants and commend their work in what is an evolving and complex environment in the 21st century. Our government has delivered competitive pay and conditions to ensure the Territory public service remains an attractive employer.
It is pleasing to see many of the public service enterprise agreements finalised including the general NT Public Service, the teachers and educators and, of course, police. They are important EBAs and we have approached them in the right spirit. People realise times are tough economically; however, we have tried to give incentives and inducements over a range of things, including parental leave, etcetera, and particularly around professional development to support our public service. We would like to give more but are constrained by a budget.
I can also point out, as Public Employment minister, our public servants, whether they are teachers, nurses, or in other areas, are amongst the best paid in Australia. They are not number one, but they are up in that top bracket and that is where we want them to be. We want to attract and retain the best.
In parliament next week, we will be debating changes to the PSEMA. I will save that until then because we are making some final touches to the legislation.
I commend the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment. Ken Simpson has left and we are going through a recruitment process for the Commissioner’s position. Whoever fills that position will continue the great work Ken Simpson has done with programs to support Indigenous people to increase their skills through mentorship over a range of areas.
I commend our public servants. They do a fantastic job and are a vital part of our government’s effort in this century of northern Australia and as we move day to day in the Territory. Their contribution, support, and commitment is valued by government.
Madam Speaker, in closing, I commend the statement by the Chief Minister. This government has a vision which has been set out in the 2030 strategy and is supporting and implementing all those visionary targets.
Mr HAMPTION (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to support the Chief Minister’s statement on northern Australia and join my colleagues on this side of the House in talking about the vision we, as a united government, have for the Northern Territory over the next few years. I would like to speak on the vision I see as local member of a large and diverse bush electorate in the Northern Territory, the wonderful electorate of Stuart.
When talking about northern Australia and looking backwards, we celebrated 100 years of being a Northern Territory this year and my colleague, the Minister for Statehood, has been a vocal advocate about the last 100 years and also statehood. They are two important things we need to consider, not only as members of this Legislative Assembly, but as Territorians as we go forward.
Talking about the last 100 years, I reflect on the journey my grandparents, Tim and Sarah Hampton, took in the Northern Territory over that time and their days in the Roper River/Borroloola region working with the Aboriginal inland missionaries, establishing Emerald River Mission on Groote Eylandt in the 1920s, and raising 11 sons in tough conditions throughout the Northern Territory from Roper River to Darwin through to Hatches Creek, Barrow Creek, and then finally settling in Alice Springs, where I was born. That journey of my grandparents is one many families are still taking today - probably not in the same conditions or with the same challenges they had, particularly with transport and living conditions in the 1920s and 1930s. There is still that journey many families in the Northern Territory, many coming to the Northern Territory for the first time to settle down with their families, share with my grandparents.
Looking back from a family perspective, I always reflect on the journey of my grandparents and the difficulties they had in those days and raising 11 boys in very rough and isolated conditions. One thing which was a strong foundation for my family was the work ethic. Listening to contributions of members on both sides of the House, it is very much a front and centre issue, as is jobs. It is jobs, jobs, jobs, and economic development. It is important we continue to talk about that, particularly as it was a very basic and important foundation of my grandparents, despite the challenges of the 1920s and 1930s in places like Roper River and Groote Eylandt. They developed early on in their sons a strong work ethic in the mining industry, as well as through the church. That is an important part of our community which we need to continue pushing.
I acknowledge my colleague, minister McCarthy, for her contribution and, as a former Minister for Regional Development, the importance of economic development and jobs, not only in Darwin, Alice Springs, and our regional centres, but also our growth towns. That is a strong foundation of our A Working Future policy and our Territory 2030 policy. We need to be vigilant to get people to work. I agree with every member who has talked about the need for welfare reform. I come from the left of politics; however, there needs to be continuing substantial welfare reform. Welfare reforms have played a role, particularly for people in remote areas over the years. We need continued reform to get people focused on jobs, jobs, jobs. That is an important element of this statement and has been reflected on by previous speakers. Economic development and jobs are critical for northern Australia and the rest of the Territory.
Looking at my electorate, the growth towns policy is very important through the local implementation plans, through Territory 2030. I will continue to keep a close eye on the progress reports of the local implementation plans, particularly for Kalkarindji, Lajamanu and Yuendumu in my electorate. Another important thing I am working on in Yuendumu is the upgrade of the football oval, and linking that to school attendance. Sport is vitally important to many Indigenous communities, and I see the important link to education as well. One of the projects I am working on with the community and the school is linking the upgrade of the football oval to the need to increase school attendance.
I was at Yuendumu last Thursday talking to the school community and the many parents and residents about it. It came up during a Community Cabinet meeting there in 2009, when many of the men said they wanted their footy oval upgraded. I give credit to the Chief Minister who said: ‘We will upgrade it, but you need to increase your school attendance’. That is vitally important and is where the strength of sport can play a big role in the bigger issue of education. In my electorate and northern Australia, the growth towns and the regional economic development strategy are vitally important, and are what I will be working closely with my colleague on.
Turning to my portfolios, the very exciting opportunity that exists within ICT is one portfolio I have thoroughly enjoyed and believe have been able to deliver outcomes on. In relation to northern Australia, ICT is a very strong foundation, along with jobs and economic development, for future growth. Over the past two or three years, we have seen approximately $140m through ICT coming to the Northern Territory in various projects, particularly from the Commonwealth government. I commend Senator Conroy for his support of this investment. That is substantial money. It is not always about money; it is about outcomes. We may not see some of these outcomes through ICT in the next year or two, but we will over the next 10 or 20 years. My focus is closing the digital broadband gap we see between town and bush. The member for Braitling has some great ideas and I am sure is sorry to lose the portfolio. ICT has enormous opportunity. This government has worked very hard lobbying the Commonwealth and Senator Conroy for this infrastructure and will continue to do so.
Regarding NBN, we can have debates and differences of opinion about the best ICT infrastructure for the Northern Territory, particularly for remote communities. We have a competitive fibre link between Darwin and the eastern seaboard in the ground, with $70m spent in the Northern Territory creating around 1000 jobs during the construction of the project. In 2008-09, we had the Online and Communications Council in Alice Springs where we presented the Commonwealth minister, and all ministers, with some of the challenges and ideas we have in the Northern Territory, particularly the opportunities for medical services through Health eTowns. From that conference, some of the strong lobbying and advocacy has come to fruition. Another is the Digital Regions Initiative, which secured approximately $7m in Commonwealth funding for the $16m Health eTowns project.
We are seeing vast improvements in access to specialists and clinicians, as well as better education and social outcomes in our Territory growth towns as it rolls out. We negotiated further funding for the Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access Program of $2.2m over four years. There were issues at Papunya in relation to public access to the Internet. The Remote Indigenous Public Internet Access program will deal with some of the problems in our growth towns. We are gaining infrastructure deployment and increased public Internet access and training across more than 40 remote communities through this program. We have also won second release site status for the roll-out of fibre to homes and businesses in the Darwin area, which means wherever you are in the Northern Territory, you are in a great position to benefit from the NBN.
We will continue to fight hard to deliver the best NBN outcomes for the Territory. I acknowledge the challenges and the different ways we need to get that access to remote communities; however, we cannot underestimate the value of this technology and ICT infrastructure because with it comes economic growth and opportunities for jobs. Northern Australia is really looking to the future; it is all about economic development and jobs.
In my other portfolio areas, particularly around growth, comes the challenge of sustainable growth. As Minister for Climate Change and also Environment, front and centre of my mind is how we continue to grow in a sustainable manner. Our Territory 2030 strategy commits us to managing the Northern Territory’s natural resources according to the principles of ESD, or ecologically sustainable development. A key objective of sustainable living has targets around energy and water use efficiency, contributing to the national targets for greenhouse gas reduction and reducing waste. We are putting our words into action. The member for Fong Lim says: ‘Do not listen to what they say; look at what they do’. If you want to live in a clean and green environment, come to the Northern Territory.
We established the Environment Protection Authority with the function of giving advice and making recommendations to the Territory government, business, and the community, about ESD principles. The principles of ESD are not exclusive to environmental issues but require social and economic development and environmental protection issues are addressed together, and that is acknowledged and factored into policy and program areas. The concept of ESD is based on a long-term integrated approach to development which takes into account the inter-relationships between our environment, the people living in it, and the economy in which we interact on a daily basis. Our approach to ESD will ensure the Territory continues to move forward in a manner that ensures the health and wellbeing of our environment, economy, people, and culture.
The INPEX project is the largest oil and gas development in the Northern Territory and will attract other industries such as transport, health, and professional services to the area. It will showcase the Northern Territory as a region capable of supporting the construction and operation of a major development. The environmental assessment by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport found the project can be managed within the bounds of acceptable environmental impacts provided the environmental commitments, safeguards, and recommendations detailed in its EIS, this assessment report, and the final management plans, are implemented and managed under the environmental management program for the project, and are subject to regular reporting compliance auditing.
The assessment report also identified areas where, despite efforts to mitigate impact, residual environmental detriment is anticipated, such as the loss of monsoon vine forests on the side of the plant and the cumulative effects of the project on significant marine life in Darwin Harbour. The proponent will be expected to implement appropriate offsets to reduce this residual detriment or improve protection for relevant environmental aspects elsewhere. The proponent has subsequently agreed to a social and environmental benefits package comprised of 90 community-based projects which will be funded over 40 years to protect Territory marine life, offset carbon emissions, and create more training and job opportunities for Territorians.
The package includes funding for the savannah burning in the Daly-Wagait region which will reduce the Territory’s CO2 emissions and create job opportunities for Indigenous Territorians. The member for Daly will be working hard on this offset project to create opportunities. The package will also provide seven environmental programs with a focus on protecting dolphins and dugongs in Darwin Harbour and provide job opportunities for Indigenous marine rangers, particularly the Larrakia people. It will also help establish the North Australian Hydrocarbon Centre of Excellence at CDU, which will provide specialist research services and training to the oil and gas industry. This is one example of our commitment to Territory growth through good environmental practices and initiatives.
With growth comes opportunity to support our great Territory lifestyle. The natural environment of the Northern Territory is one of our greatest assets. We have some of the world’s most beautiful, pristine natural environments with some extraordinary wildlife. The Territory also features some of the best national parks and reserves in the world; they are the jewel in the Territory crown. From the Top End to the Red Centre, the Territory government manages the conservation, recreation, and tourism of more than 88 national parks and reserves, including the world renowned Litchfield National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Watarrka National Park, and the West MacDonnell National Park. These national parks receive millions of visitors each year.
The Territory Wildlife Park and the Alice Springs Desert Park are unique visitor experiences for Territorians and tourists alike. Territory Eco-link is a conservation corridor for the 21st century. It will deliver more than 2000 km of link-protected areas by coordinating public and private conservation areas on a large scale.
The Territory’s national parks and reserves provide a foundation for our conservation efforts, but they alone cannot protect our unique plants and animals. Territory Eco-link is a globally significant approach to conservation. It will see the Territory government create partnerships with stakeholders and landowners to achieve more effective and broader conservation outcomes.
By creating these partnerships, common conservation efforts will occur across our wide landscapes and help keep our ecological processes intact. Already, Indigenous ranger groups, pastoralists, and private conservation groups are increasingly undertaking an active role in conservation on their land. The Territory government will assist and enhance these voluntary efforts through Territory Eco-link for the benefit of our environment and all Territorians. Scientific evidence proves properly managed broad scale connections between parks can provide the buffer animals and plants need in the face of change in temperature, rainfall or fire.
Linking these areas will be approached in a series of stages centred on six key individual links which will grow and eventually join landscapes together. Visitor amenities in the Territory’s national parks vary depending on where you go. Most have campgrounds, toilets, and, most importantly, some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. The Territory government is delivering more than $8m in infrastructure over four years to make visitor facilities even better for locals and tourists alike. This will include improvements to boardwalks, toilet blocks, fencing to protect parks from feral animals, improving car parks, sealing access roads and solar lighting. Other highlights include $1.5m for Stage 2 of the fantastic West MacDonnells Visitor Centre in Alice Springs and facilities; $1m for redevelopment works at Litchfield National Park; $1m to upgrade facilities at Nitmiluk National Park; and $500 000 for the Stage 1 restoration works at Howard Springs Nature Park.
In addition to our spectacular natural environment, something else close to my heart is sport. It is a great part of the Territory lifestyle and the Territory has a proud record of hosting premier sporting events of international calibre. These events offer a chance for the Territory to showcase our international sporting facilities against the backdrop of the Territory’s thriving sporting, business, and cultural opportunities.
The Territory hosts many big sporting events throughout the year, including the popular Darwin Cup horse racing carnival, the Alice Springs Cup horse racing carnival, the V8 Supercars, the AFL matches, the international Hottest 7’s Rugby tournament, and the iconic Finke Desert Race in Central Australia. Every second year, the Territory hosts the Arafura Games in Darwin and the Masters Games in Alice Springs. The Arafura Games is now recognised as a leading international sporting competition for developing athletes of the Asia-Pacific region …
Mrs LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! He has run out of time and I want to speak.
Madam SPEAKER: Your time has expired, minister.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Madam Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for presenting his statement, Century of Northern Australia. The Minister for Central Australia told us about the beauty of the Northern Territory - the jewel of the Territory. He has described, quite eloquently, the natural wonders of northern Australia, our parks, our beautiful flora and fauna, the diverse culture, the wonders of places like Kakadu and Litchfield Park, and indeed the coastal paradise we are blessed with. However, what is missing from this statement, and the sentiment we are hearing from the government, is a sense of honesty about aspects of northern Australia which we have to present in a transparent way in parliament.
I am talking about the social problems of the northern part of Australia and the Northern Territory, which floods over into Central Australia. The social problems we are only too aware of in the Northern Territory have been described again and again throughout the reports and various inquiries presented to government, particularly over the last 10 years. We are well aware of them. If you speak about northern Australia, you must account for why things are so bad under this beautiful surface of natural wonder and beauty. How did social problems become so bad in northern Australia, particularly over the last 10 years? Things have deteriorated at a social level.
We are facing social problems in northern Australia, the northern part of the Northern Territory, at an intensity and degree we have never witnessed before. There is no doubt that school attendance and child protection have declined. The rate of notifications received can be partly attributed to different administrative practices; however, we are seeing a breakdown and fragmentation in the social fabric of the northern part of Australia as never seen before. It is indisputable; it is a fact and has been documented. It is knowledge this government has not mentioned in its glowing report of the great things happening in the northern Australia.
I agree with the government that it has made substantial investment in the northern part of Australia. It has spent like never before. It has spent, and spent, and spent. It has been blessed with federal government funds to prop up, repair, and make this part of Australia better. Spending alone does not transpire into good things socially. In the northern part of Australia we have seen money thrown around left, right, and centre. However, the social fabric of the Northern Territory, beyond the glossy blaze we like to talk about, is a society in turmoil - the basket case of Australia. Yes, unfortunately, our colleagues throughout Australia look at the Northern Territory and think: ‘My goodness, what a basket case they are in the Territory’. We know that because they regularly bail us out.
The feds had to come in through the Northern Territory Emergency Response and bail the Northern Territory out. They had solutions this government was incapable of identifying for itself - incapable of making happen. The federal government had to come in, guns blazing, and reform a system that was beyond broken. It was in a state of total dysfunction ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex! Member for Greatorex!
Mrs LAMBLEY: The emergency response was enacted and this government was dragged kicking and screaming into self-reflection, some reform, particularly when it came to the abuse of children on Aboriginal communities. We found, through the emergency response, through the Little Children are Sacred report, that the incidence of child sexual abuse throughout Northern Australia and Central Australia is at a despicable, deplorable, and unprecedented rate and extent to perhaps anywhere else in the world. It is an absolute shame for this government but, more than anything, it is heartbreaking.
From my perspective as the shadow for Child Protection, the flow of information coming to me from people in the community wanting to tell me stories about the incidents of child abuse and neglect in the community is having a personal effect on me, as it should everyone in this room. The stories coming through are consistent with the stories told in the Little Children are Sacred report, the Growing them strong, together report, and other such reports in the last 10 years. Nothing has changed, and the stories I am hearing indicate things are possibly, reluctantly I say, becoming worse. When we talk about northern Australia we cannot pretend all is good. Whilst we are spending vast amounts of taxpayers’ funds on splashing around and indulging ourselves in things we perhaps do not need, we have a child protection system which is completely and utterly broken. How did things get so bad?
An advisor from the Opposition Leader’s office and I recently attended a briefing with the Children’s Commissioner. From his perspective - he is an academic, he does his research - he says school attendance in the Northern Territory has never been so low. That, to me, is even more evidence this system is broken. The northern part of Australia has more social problems than you can poke a stick at, but no, the government wants to talk about its enormous expenditure. The Minister for Central Australia said: ‘Actions speak louder than words’. Where is the evidence we are doing a good job? We have built this; we are throwing money at this, that, and the other. A society in which the social problems are so endemic, so overwhelming and so out of control, with little or no evidence to suggest this government has any control, or any idea how to implement reform, speaks volumes on the wonders of this government to develop the northern part of Australia.
Minister for Child Protection, when it comes to northern Australia, the mobile assessment teams going out to remote parts of the north of Australia assessing child abuse and neglect, the notifications flooding into your department, how is that going? How effective is that? There are two weeks of intense investigations of vast volumes of notifications and then staff have two weeks off to fulfil their administrative requirements, which is fair enough. When you have child sexual abuse, child abuse, physical abuse, and neglect at the scale we have and one mobile assessment team funded by the Northern Territory government - in the last six months minister Jenny Macklin came in and said: ‘Yes, we will fund a second team’. You had trouble staffing the first team so how on earth can you provide an adequate mobile assessment team to every remote community where we know a large proportion of the children are suffering abuse and neglect? How can we even logistically get out there, when you have one, maybe two, up and running mobile assessment teams to assess the notifications of child abuse we know are coming in - that your government has informed us are flooding in?
Then we received the Ombudsman’s report several days ago. One thing which floored me when I read this report was the last page - page 231. When the Growing them strong, together report was released we, the opposition, had a briefing with Dr Howard Bath, chair of the board of inquiry, and Muriel Bamblett, a member of the inquiry committee. They clearly said, in relation to the 147 recommendations in the board of inquiry report, they feared the emphasis on the need for prevention and services based in the community to support the work of the statutory child protection system would not be adequately responded to in a timely fashion by the government.
Do you know what? Their fears have been recognised. Their fears have been completely justified because the last page – 231 - of the Ombudsman’s report includes an attachment. It is a response of the Child Protection Authority, the government, on Family Support Services dated 24 June 2011. She asked the government to provide information on what it was doing to provide preventative family support services in the community. The government has responded:
At the current time the department does not have an evidence based framework to guide future investment in the non-government sector, particularly in relation to the provision of early intervention and prevention programs.
Further:
- The framework will be implemented in collaboration with the non-government sector and Australian government over the coming 18 months.
It is now 10 months since the board of inquiry report became public and the government has had it much longer. We are talking another 18 months. The government is saying it will take over two years to start implementing preventative family support services in communities.
When talking about northern Australia you are talking about the most severe, disturbing, social problems in Australia; they are all collected in the Northern Territory. You are talking about a government that cannot mobilise, cannot fulfil one of the critical requirements outlined in the board of inquiry report into child protection released in October 2010. It cannot provide preventative family support services for over two years. Two years! Two years is a long time; a great deal can happen in two years. I hope in the next two years a great deal will happen in the Northern Territory in politics. I hope this Labor government is thrown out to contemplate all the things it has not done particularly well that it so glowingly wants to talk about in the Century of North Australia. It has stated in writing that it will take two years from the release of the recommendations of the board of inquiry report to address preventative needs, support needs, for children and families in northern Australia and in other parts of the Northern Territory.
I am astounded by that, as I am sure the Ombudsman was when she read it. She attached that response to the last page of her report, which the government is trying hard to dismiss. It dismisses everything I say and twists it around to make the member for Araluen look like the problem when, in fact, we know what the problem is. We have a government that cannot respond to child protection and wants to throw stones, put up smoke screens, and deflect all types of incorrect innuendo because it cannot face the facts. The truth is north Australia is not as pretty as this government would have us believe.
I turn your attention to a Four Corners report. No, not Dangerous Territory - I have done that one to death. I want to turn your attention to a Four Corners program which aired on 26 July 2011, Return to Aurukun. This is the story of an Aboriginal community on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula. Four Corners did a program on the community in 1978 and, 13 years later, went back to this community. Thirteen years later it decided to take another snapshot of how things are going in Aurukun. Aurukun was a basket case. It would not be too offended by me saying in the Northern Territory parliament that in 1978 things were looking pretty grim; things were not good at all. It had a profile like most of the Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory have at the moment: endemic social problems, fragmentation of things, including low attendance at school, alcohol problems, domestic violence, and child abuse - all those things we know exist in most, if not all, Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory.
Aurukun has been reformed. They have implemented radical reforms which have made the community strong again. The reforms are based on welfare. Welfare reforms are at the crux of how it managed to get children back to school, get people off the grog, lower the rates of crime and domestic violence, and generally re-create and strengthen the social fabric of Aurukun. They have done it through welfare reform.
We talk about welfare reform all the time on this side of the House. Do we hear it from the opposite side of the House? Does this Labor government talk about the need for widespread, deep welfare reform in this country? No, because it does not see the need for welfare reform when most sensible people throughout Australia can see welfare has done nothing for the Northern Territory. Here we have a small Aboriginal community in the northern part of Queensland, in the north Australia the Chief Minister’s statement is referring to, that has made welfare reforms. Through collaboration with the federal government, through collaboration with the state government, they have used welfare reforms to change …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time for the member pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of Year 2/3 Wagaman Primary School students accompanied by Miss Gemma Chadbourne and Ms Carol Putica. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
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Mrs LAMBLEY: Madam Speaker, the small Aboriginal community of Aurukun on the western coast of Cape York Peninsula has used welfare reform as a way of reforming the whole society. They are moving forward. They have strengthened their community; they have addressed the social problems that were bringing the community to its knees in 1978. However, the Northern Territory government, this Labor government that loves welfare, loves to see people sitting down all day and playing cards and leading a very futile, frustrating and miserable life - that is what it prefers to do.
I want to hear this government demand from the federal government welfare reform for the future of the Northern Territory, particularly the future of Aboriginal people throughout the Northern Territory. There is no way we can make changes to address these endemic and serious social problems without significant welfare reform. We want to hear a chorus of pleas from this Northern Territory Labor government demanding from its federal counterparts welfare reform come in as soon as possible; that people are encouraged to not sit down and do nothing, they are encouraged to work. Primarily, the only way it can happen - which is the experience of Aurukun and Cape York – is through welfare measures and welfare reform.
When we talk about northern Australia, all is not as it seems - all that glitters is definitely not gold. We have social problems this government does not have the know-how or capacity to change. It cannot do it; it is beyond its realm. We heard the desperate and rather concerning comments from the Minister for Local Government recently saying: ‘We do care’, and I agree. I could see it in her face; she does care. However, caring does not equate to competency, good governance, or making the changes required to turn northern Australia and, indeed, the whole of the Northern Territory, into the place we know it could become.
The Queenslanders, the people of Aurukun, knew what their community could become. They put themselves out. They have taken risks, no doubt. They have had good management, good leadership, and people with insight and dedication who have led them out of a state of dire social fragmentation into a society in which they can stand up and feel proud.
Madam Speaker, I want to feel proud of the Northern Territory. I want to feel proud of northern Australia. I want to feel proud of Central Australia. I want all those people living out bush who feel disenfranchised, who are unhappy, who do not know what it is like to feel safe, to feel proud too.
Mr McCARTHY (Lands and Planning): Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to support the Chief Minister’s statement on the vision for northern Australia. The Chief Minister is a Territorian with vision who leads a united team with vision - a team that reflects all aspects of the Northern Territory community; a very diverse team.
The member for Araluen has given us an impassioned speech. I am going to give her a history lesson. Let us talk politics because, if you want to understand disadvantage, let us talk about how disadvantage is created - and not in the recent one-line media spin from your party.
I will lay my cards on the table. I came to the Northern Territory from the heroin-ravaged western suburbs of Sydney, where the Commonwealth Bank packed up and left town after it was robbed twice in the same day. I came from a city that was out of control. I had a little understanding of social problems. I then went to the northwest of New South Wales and worked with the Indigenous community and a mainstream support town of the wheat and sheep base in northwest New South Wales. I saw real challenges there.
I had a yearning to learn more and wanted to come to country that had no fences. To stand here today as the minister for Lands and Planning, Construction, and infrastructure is quite ironic for a person who was yearning for open country with no fences. I found them over 30 years ago. The Country Liberal Party was running the show. Country Liberal Party policies were the guiding policies of development for northern Australia. I lived under those policies. I have no documents to wave around because the capital works program for the Barkly in those days was less than four pages in some years, and no one would wave them around because there was nothing happening.
Mind you, I will give credit where credit is due. The capital city of Darwin was progressing and a brilliant casino and wonderful resort at Yulara were happening - there were some big developments. I was in the bush where I saw failing policies that did not address the holistic nature of northern Australia - the big picture development. They were very, very blinkered ..
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Fong Lim!
Mr McCARTHY: They were very blinkered, very linear, and had a poor view of people who lived in regional and remote areas. I became involved in politics to directly challenge that. Let us give the member for Araluen one example of school education under the Country Liberal Party. It was fantastic. The Commonwealth was flooding in dollars and we were building schools in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek. You have to look at the architecture to see that era because it was all the same - they were Canberra-designed schools.
Let us talk about what was happening in northern Australia - the big picture. Forty foot Franklin caravans were rolled in and mounted on pads and the wheels were taken off. That sent a brilliant message to the community where the children were being engaged in schools for their first time. Here is your school, but if anything goes wrong we will put the wheels back on and roll it out. We did the best we could. We challenged that government policy. We challenged the policy of community development and we entered a new era of demountable buildings that came in on trucks, were mounted on stumps, and were able to be removed. That sent another very good message to the community.
I am proud to be standing with a government that is serious about infrastructure development and understands northern Australia is the big picture of development. When you look at our policies, our growth town policies, our policies on regional development, our policies on capital cities, our policies around Alice Springs as a major centre in the Northern Territory to deliver a real future for the community, you have a government that understands the real deal …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Mr McCARTHY: That is what the Chief Minister’s statement is all about. In the last 10 years under a Labor government that has built infrastructure, we have seen a world of change. During 27 years under the Country Liberal Party things, no doubt, were changing; however, its policies did not reflect holistic development. When you are not dealing with the whole of society, you will deliver disadvantage as part of failed policies of a government which did not have the vision and did not get it right.
There have been changes, and the Chief Minister brings this statement forward because, as he noted, Access Economics is forecasting annual economic growth in the Territory of 4.2% over the next five years - great news for northern Australia. That economic growth and the jobs that go with it will drive further population boosts, more people, more careers, more opportunities, more schools, more hospitals, and more infrastructure.
Let us look at a capital city, because everywhere needs a capital, a nerve centre, and this government’s policy is about feeding into and off a capital city development. Led by the Chief Minister, this government is responding to ensure the Territory is well-placed to maximise the global opportunities ahead. As Darwin continues its development as part of northern Australia, the gas hub concept of our capital city will be the linchpin in the century of the north. Indeed, the current population forecast estimates an additional 70 000 will call the greater Darwin region home over the next 15 years. These people will need places to live and land to support commercial and industrial developments.
That brings me to the Henderson government’s Greater Darwin Region Land Use Plan released in February - positive public feedback. It is a strategic framework for the release and development of both residential and industrial land towards 2030. It deals with the new principles of urbanism. It deals with a comprehensive mix of both infield and greenfield residential developments, including a new city. If that is not vision, I do not know what is. The Territory is excited about the planning for its new city.
Our government recognises Darwin Harbour and its supporting waterways are the heart of our community, and government will not dam the Elizabeth River. We will not put heavy industry at Glyde Point. Throughout our plan, suitable land is identified for potential commercial and industrial development, including Gunn Point, Berrimah, Winnellie, and growth around Casuarina and Palmerston. Public submissions on the plan are being carefully assessed and I look forward to the next part of this journey when we work with the community to develop the plan further.
Land release: you cannot grow without land release, and when we talk about land release five times faster than ever before in the Territory, we mean it. If you get out in the Territory, you will see land release delivering for our community now and into the future. I was proud to listen to the minister for housing and all that important work, and the government’s policy of allocating 15% of land release to social and affordable housing. It is recognition of the whole community, not just sectors of the community - the holistic picture of that dynamic Northern Territory community.
You only have to look at Palmerston East to see a record land release program in action. To make the program roll-out in step with demand, government has committed $20.3m to continue the headworks at Bellamack, Johnston, and Zuccoli in Palmerston East. The land release program is getting results with more Territorians already calling Bellamack and Johnston home. You have heard my stories of coming into this wonderful capital city, travelling across an electorate one-and-a-half times the size of Victoria, arriving in this capital and going through what used to be scrub land to where families are now living. Kicking the dirt around and seeing the growth of this capital city is truly amazing, and it is an honoured position to be part of that.
Touching quickly on the member for Araluen’s comment, I need to reiterate several stories. I was lucky to get a loop through the south-eastern Barkly Tableland on my way to Darwin so I can comment on the Aboriginal communities I visited. It was a cracker to see the Alekarenge dance festival, and when you have an old boy like Joe Bird who has all these young Indigenous men dressed up in traditional costume and paint, age old patterns painted on their bodies, and when they perform to the tourist crowd and the locals and old Mr Bird says: ‘Now, you young fellas, don’t go out there and just walk around; you stomp that ground and make big dust’. That is what leadership is all about. That festival went on for three days. I must mention Pete, Phycus, and Roo Man, and the hundreds of kids they entertained throughout the festival.
Going into places like Epenarra and Canteen Creek, the Aboriginal communities are proud to show you what they are doing. Let us have some balance in this debate. When I hear those on the other side negative, negative, negative - come to some Indigenous communities in the Barkly, put your diatribe to them and see how far you get. They will not ridicule you, like you do them to the government; they will take you on a journey of learning, they will show you the good things, the efforts and the successes. In Epenarra they will show you developments in that community never seen before - infrastructure, programs, delivery, people confronting the challenges of disadvantage and the challenge of getting your kid to school every day when you are some of the poorest people in our society; the challenges that go with day-to-day life.
We move further east to Canteen Creek and the welding team putting together steps - working with non-Indigenous contractors reinforcing steps for a building project. The school, and the CEO at the school the morning I attended, giving students secondary school in the bush, giving high school students a motivational lecture on local government never before seen under the CLP. Talking to young teachers from all parts of Australia, the common thread is they are there to make a difference. Everyone is digging deep and working to make things better. All I hear, especially from the member for Araluen, is negatives, put downs and terms like ‘basket case’. How dare she? Who does she think she is calling my family a basket case and the constituents I represent basket cases? Get real! Get a life! Start to temper your language. It does not work, it does nothing, your theatre is sad.
Get out and have a good look. Go to Robinson River where they bowl you over. I was taken on a tour which lasted eight-and-a-half hours - they would not let me go. The women’s welding team is completing a contract at the school - a community that has just completed a BER building. They built it themselves. They were very interested in the Liberal Party hogwash about BER infrastructures. They have just created a new classroom, a new library, a staff area, and a flat for visiting officers at the remote community of Robinson River.
In Borroloola, driving over a new bridge on the McArthur River, it is inspiring to see a major piece of infrastructure in our growth town and wondering what the hell all the other earthworks was. Earthworks everywhere! It is the second stage of the sewerage upgrade for the growth town of Borroloola - $14m there; $7m for a bridge. It does not stop there because the people in that growth town have nothing but praise for infrastructure developments, for growth town policy, and plans for their community and for developments. Are they suffering challenges? Of course they are. It is called life in Australia.
The Commonwealth Bank suffered challenges in Greenacre and packed up and left town. We are not packing up and going anywhere. We have dug in; we are here for the long haul. We are about delivering, and land release is one example. Headworks are under way in the new suburb of Zuccoli with a capacity of 1400 lots. Stage 1 of Zuccoli is being developed in partnership with the Land Development Corporation and Urbex and will be delivering 400 residential lots in the first cut.
I spoke about our new city of Weddell; however, let us not stop in the capital city. Let us go down to Alice Springs, the territory of the member for Greatorex. We have to stop a few times on the way. We will take a detour to Maningrida, a growth town with a new subdivision having housing built on it. Then we will slip across to the growth town of Elliott, where there is a new subdivision. Earthworks are going on at this very time in the final trim of a new subdivision in Elliott. We will stop at Tennant Creek and look at a land release program - 54 lots prepared, 200 potential, and 28 sold just to test what Territorians are thinking. They all sold between 8 am and 4 pm to locals and visitors alike interested in investing in the town, and we have the capacity to do much more.
Then we will slip down to Alice Springs, where I have been recently and, member for Greatorex, I did not see you there. It would have been a positive opportunity for you to come out; however, you were obviously still dwelling in your misery and gloom somewhere around the town because we were at a forum which pulled a little more than 80 residents together, people interested in the Inquiry by Design process that is delivering a new part of the community in Alice Springs. The earthworks are taking place, the head services are being put in and the community is celebrating this. We are now talking about the really good principles around urban design; the modern urban principles about sustainable housing and all the things that excite a community when government puts in the foundation stones.
I attended the opening of the largest solar power station in Australia in Alice Springs. I discussed plans with the Aviation Museum of how we can capture the incredible oral history in this place. We have the technology to do it. ‘You have to talk to government, guys; you have to start looking at grants programs’. They are excited, Madam Speaker. It was all positive. When I hear the doom and gloom of the member for Araluen, you would think I should go to Alice Springs with a flak jacket on representing government. No, Alice Springs makes me feel very welcome. I feel very safe - always have. I have walked there for years and played hard there. I feel good about Alice Springs and become inspired when I am in Alice Springs talking to the community. I do not have talk like the member for Araluen. Perhaps she should experience some of the brighter side of life.
Regarding strategic industrial land development, I have touched on the Henderson government’s focus on strategic release of industrial land to support the Territory’s economic growth. The government’s Land Development Corporation is at the front line of this program. It is actively promoting the benefits of establishing the Darwin Business Park for businesses engaged in oil and gas, mining, transport ...
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move that the member be given an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr McCARTHY: Thank you, Madam Speaker and honourable members.
As I was saying, … engaged in oil and gas, mining, transport and logistics industries. The Land Development Corporation will release Stage 2 of the business park in October and, in coming months, will begin the construction of lots near the East Arm boat ramp to further support our marine industry. The Land Development Corporation is also promoting the opportunities on offer for businesses to establish at the Defence Support Hub, as well as the 30 ha common user area in East Arm port.
We have heard the Treasurer talk about Defence and the nature of Defence. This government is preparing for the wonderful opportunities that will come forward with the Defence move north. There is much high-level planning because northern Australia will be the base for our Defence Force in this new century. There is no doubt about that. The Northern Territory will benefit and is extremely strategically well placed to develop those opportunities and welcome the new community that comes to the Territory with our Defence Forces.
Our industrial strategic land release program and development support the growth of key industries around our major economic drivers such as mining, defence, oil and gas. There can be no doubt northern Australia is entering a great period of economic advancement. For the Territory, the INPEX project will be transformational to our economy. The project alone will generate 3000 jobs during construction and up to 300 jobs during the life of the project. That is at the gas plant, and does not take into account the flow-on ripple effect throughout our community through the creation of new jobs and business growth in supporting industries. The Chief Minister has worked extremely hard to give INPEX the certainty it needs to make a final investment decision. We are working together to ensure the Territory is heading in the right direction to meet the opportunities it will deliver.
It is also an opportunity for the rest of the Territory - once again, policy that is delivering for the holistic package. When I travel to the Indigenous communities in my electorate, the growth towns, I have a new mantra for the young people: ‘You know that fly in/fly out? Well, you guys can fly in and fly out? Do you know where you are going to fly in and fly out to? Darwin. That is where it is going to be at if you want to get a grip on the opportunities coming our way, if you want to work with the best trades people in the world and if you want to experience real prosperity to make choices in your life, fly in and fly out’. There are no problems with flying in and flying out from Alice Springs to work on what will be the biggest project ever seen in northern Australia. That opportunity exists at Epenarra, Canteen Creek, Elliott, Mataranka, Pine Creek, or Wadeye. That opportunity exists for northeast Arnhem.
I tell these young people I am not trying to turn them into a miner, a construction worker, a transport worker or a worker in logistics, but have a taste - check it out. Look at how mainstream operates. Pick up the skills you need to take home and make the best choices. Many of these young people are going to continue with that choice, and what a good way to work. Fly in, 14 days on in a supported professional work environment, and seven days off sitting on the river at Robinson River community with a fishing line in the water. I cannot think of anything better. As matter of fact, two of my sons have chosen to go that way. They are well-known to these young people in the Barkly, and I use them all the time as examples of what can be done. This government is about ensuring these kids have that opportunity.
Our mining sector continues to be a major driver in our community and, with exciting mineral exploration projects by companies such as Hess and Minemakers in the Barkly, this will continue. If you do not want to take part in one of the biggest projects ever seen in Darwin, you might want to stay closer to home and engage in phosphate mining, or the mining of copper or gold. You might want to be looking at your own mining operation chasing tin, or you might be looking at the bigger operations of iron ore that will be coming on in what is returning to be the bread basket of minerals for the Northern Territory, the Barkly region.
The Darwin port is positioned to play a pivotal role in the century of northern Australia. East Arm Wharf Facilities Masterplan 2030 is a strategic framework for the expansion of the port to 2030. We are on the right track. We are monitoring markets and opportunities carefully; we are in the game.
Roads infrastructure: I remember those days of the Country Liberal Party well. I remember travelling on the Stuart Highway and Barkly Highway as a single lane goat track. Yes, they were built, and the Commonwealth funded those roads and continues to support our roads infrastructure. It is really nice to work with a Labor federal government to maximise our opportunities, as opposed to those on the opposite side who continually bag out the federal government as they bag out this government and every other thing that conflicts with their Liberal policies. The Henderson government knows the importance of investing in our vast road network to keep the Territory heading in the right direction, opening up supply chains for industry, and improving links to health, education, and community events.
Budget 2011-12 delivers $307m into our road network, including significant new roadworks to improve flood immunity and access. Members will be well aware of the progress on major roads infrastructure across the Territory. Open your eyes, move around, take a look - a new bridge coming out of the ground across the Cullen River …
Mr Knight: And the Daly River.
Mr McCARTHY: The Daly River is next. I have already talked about the McArthur River and flood immunity on the Central Arnhem Road. Road transport infrastructure, road transport logistics into real frontier country of the Northern Territory to benefit growth town development, to support homelands across the area of northeast Arnhem, and now a community is starting to embrace this concept about delivering benefits. When you see a bridge coming out of the earth and major construction projects, when you see an intensive recovery period after a record Wet Season, that is what the Territory is all about; a can-do Territory. It is not about whinging and whining, it is about getting your hands dirty and getting in and working together. It does not stop with what we have already. When we talk about strategic development, let us think of the Arnhem Highway and Jenkins Road. That will support the growth of our mining, and oil and gas projects, including INPEX.
Our government understands economic prosperity will drive social improvements and we want to ensure all Territorians benefit, not just those in town. Roads are an important part of that work, including the development of our Territory growth towns. New projects such as the construction of a high level bridge – let me hear it – on the Daly River, and the sealing of the Umbakumba road will better connect Territorians living in these remote areas and open the way to new business, education, and health.
It is about infrastructure supporting community development, and that is across aerodromes, airstrips, barge landings, bus services - the integrated regional transport strategy never before seen in the Northern Territory
As the Chief Minister highlighted, the growth of the century of north Australia is not without its challenges, and my colleagues have identified the programs and initiatives in place to meet some of these challenges: the commitment to supporting 10 000 apprenticeships and traineeships; the Every Child, Every Day education policy giving our kids the best head start for a bright future; building a world-class workforce with a new focus by Charles Darwin University on the oil and gas industry; a strategic approach led by the Chief Minister for a collaborative approach to building a north Australian workforce with Western Australia and Queensland.
I could talk more about what is happening, because when you are delivering a $1.5bn infrastructure program and sustaining 3000 jobs in Budget 2011-12, there is a great deal happening. We do not have to stop at the Palmerston Water Park; let us talk about the Purkiss Reserve in Tennant Creek, and the incredible development of the infrastructure under a Labor government in downtown Tennant Creek. Guess what? We have some challenges too but we are all working together; we are working through it and we do not like anyone calling us a basket case; we do not like anyone using our name in vain because we are proud of ourselves ...
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McCARTHY: ... and we are proud of having a go. The Henderson government is a do government; a have-a-go government.
Debate suspended.
TABLED PAPERS
Pairing Arrangements -
Members for Wanguri and Brennan; and
Members for Barkly and Macdonnell
Pairing Arrangements -
Members for Wanguri and Brennan; and
Members for Barkly and Macdonnell
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I remind you I had tabled a pair yesterday for the member for Wanguri with the member for Brennan for today between 3 pm and 5 pm.
I also table another pair document relating to the member for Barkly with the member for Macdonnell for the period 6 pm to 8 pm this evening.
MOTION
Note statement – The Century of Northern Australia
Note statement – The Century of Northern Australia
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr BOHLIN (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, it is great to speak on this statement after hearing some of the drivel from the government side. I have listened to the comments made on this statement and it is definitely a puff piece to promote the government’s position. It is a shame it is using public funds to sort out its image crisis, because we know it is afraid of its own image. We have not heard the government talk about its image of late. In fact, it is obsessed with the image of the Country Liberal Party and no more evident than today in that final rant by the Chief Minister during Question Time when he ignored the dorothy dixer from the member for Fannie Bay.
It could not have been an easier dorothy dixer; however, he is so obsessed with the Country Liberal Party because it will support Territory families to get past the pain of a carbon tax, the pain of failed land release policies, and the pain of a basket case government which has left child abuse in tatters and crime running out of control without any sign of arresting it.
I have several portfolios. My colleagues and I cherish the portfolios we have held. They are a great opportunity to get a better insight into what is happening. Ironically, no matter which of my colleagues holds a portfolio, they see the same thread – a failure to plan, a failure to deliver, and an absolute basket case of a government and incompetent ministry which has no leadership or direction. People in the street wonder why we are in such a poor state!
Without doubt, there is a future for the Territory. The Country Liberals will demonstrate its plan over the next 12 months. This government claims ownership of plans released prior to the 2008 election, even as far back as the 2005 election, by the Country Liberals. It takes ownership as if it were the one coming to the table with brilliant new ideas when, in reality, the hospital in Palmerston - it makes for a more humble government to accept the opposition proposed the hospital. Everyone can live with that. During the 2008 election campaign, the Country Liberals proposed a hospital, planned for a hospital. It is sad to see a government saying: ‘We did it’. The public do not forget these things.
It has been great to see advancement in sport over the last few years. It has been great to see AFL programs in the communities. The member for Braitling has been a strong supporter of soccer programs in Central Australia.
There has been a string of fantastic achievements across the Northern Territory by individual people. We have seen many stars come and go. The Territory is lucky place to live. If you are a skilled person there are many opportunities.
It is great to see so many new facilities. It is as if – let us ponder the thought – prior to this Labor government, if you listen to the spin from the Chief Minister and his basket case bunch, there were no facilities. People know the Marrara complex was built under a Country Liberal government and most of the facilities in Alice Springs were built under the Country Liberals. In fact, the highway was built under the Country Liberals. Listening to the member for Barkly earlier today, it is as if the highway is a new phenomenon in the Territory when, he knows in his own heart, it has taken a long time to develop the Territory. No matter what the plans have been, it has been a hard journey.
I remember my father telling stories of delivering the post to Andamooka in South Australia. There were no roads in those days. He recalled times being bogged on sand dunes in two-wheel-drive trucks because there were no roads. It is clear to see all this development has not happened in just the last 10 years, yet we constantly hear the government taking ownership or claiming the CLP built nothing. It is shameful. It is great to see some new schools, new squash courts, the new netball facilities, and additional basketball facilities. It is even great to see the member for Stuart managed to get the basketball stadium in Alice Springs fixed after we brought it to his attention that it needed repair. It is great to see that work has been done.
It has been fantastic to see continued improvements at the Hidden Valley sporting complex, the Finke start/finish line, and the CADRA drag strip. It is fantastic to see the work from CLP days continue today. Let us remember much work has been done over a long time to create the century of the Territory. It is important to remember that before this Labor government much work had already been done. If we listen to this basket case Labor government it would have you believe there were no schools in the Northern Territory until Labor built them.
I support the member for Braitling. Last night he suggested the NBN should be looking at wireless technology in a much stronger light because the flexibility of wireless matches the flexibility and mobility of our society. Fixed lines are, without doubt, on the way out. Fibre to the door or not, they are on the way out. I question how you will get such resources into remote Indigenous communities because it is not on your plan. If we look for the plan, we cannot find one for delivery of the NBN. The plan is sparse and empty.
I enjoyed hearing about Internet public access programs for Indigenous people in remote communities. What would be really good is land tenure in Indigenous communities and some small businesses popping up. Wouldn’t it be great if, instead of a small room for Indigenous people to access a computer in Papunya, it was a full-blown Internet caf employing people, baristas, a cupcake or two - I know the member for Daly likes his cupcakes. Wouldn’t it be great if there was land tenure and a private business in that community had invested to develop its own caf? That would be something to be proud of, not just giving computers and opening a room, but real business opportunities. Wouldn’t it be great if you could go next door and have your hair cut - a small business owned or developed on behalf of Indigenous people and run by indigenous people?
Papunya previously had a bakery. In the 1970s, there were bakeries and butchers in many communities. Why have we gone backwards? We should be going forwards, and we should be ensuring land tenure so we can develop small business. It is ironic Papunya was mentioned because there has been fibre-optic cable there since 2006. The NBN has not all of a sudden brought fibre to Papunya; it has been there for a long time. It is strange how this government wants to take ownership all of a sudden when often those things are already in place.
I touch on Defence and Defence support. Defence has had a long history in the Northern Territory. Being a former Defence person, I came to the Northern Territory in the Army and loved it so much I settled here. I would like to see Defence continue in the Northern Territory; however, it concerns me when I see a Defence Support Hub with nothing happening. It has been used as a puff piece many times. I want to see local businesses tied up in Defence contracts so they continue to prosper. I want to see local businesses supported to receive appropriate training to enable them to secure the new light and medium vehicle servicing repairs contract. I have not seen that; it did not come out in my portfolio briefing. There does not seem to be anything planned or in place to support businesses to get the new light and medium vehicle servicing repairs contract. It would be good to see a plan coming forward sooner than later.
The member for Barkly mentioned how exciting it was to see the new Cullen River Bridge. What is disappointing is 10 km south from the bridge works towards Katherine the road is a mess. This has not just happened this Wet Season. It has deteriorated over a long period and this government has failed to repair it. It is great to see the Cullen River Bridge, but it is a disappointment to drive past the ‘end roadwork’ sign and have your car shaken to bits as it travels along the next 10 km of decimated roads. It has been like that for several years.
It is a shame to see crime out of control in many places. It is a shame to see this government seems to think adding more money is a solution when it is not. It is about individual accountability, about helping people be rehabilitated, and about our habitual drunks policy - a real plan to help Territorians where they cannot help themselves - to make a safer community and plan for a better lifestyle in the Northern Territory, free from harassment and the sights of violence because of alcohol. It is a plan different to the Labor plan; however, we believe our plan has a sound base with real outcomes.
Child protection in the Territory has a disgraceful history under this basket case Labor government. The Little Children are Sacred report was followed by further condemning reports which indicate we continue to slide leaving more and more children at risk. It is not a good look. It is very damning of this government. We have a fantastic shadow minister with passion and a background that will help plan a future, a way forward, get things back on track - real action and make real change because there needs to be real change. We do not need a continuation of committees and consultants to achieve no outcome. Some hard work needs to be done and real action needs to be taken; some responsibility and a plan put forward with a clear outcome and goals set. The housing release plan has been so flaccid it has hurt families and business and will, well into next year, continue to hurt businesses and families.
It all started in 2005 under this government. It reduced land release, took its eye off the ball, and let the people of the Territory suffer bad decisions; a lack of planning and inability to see what was happening despite the calls from opposition to look into it, to do something to speed up land release, and despite this parliament calling for those things …
Mr STYLES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I request an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Mr BOHLIN: The failure to plan has left families hurting and they are leaving the Territory at an astonishing rate. It is not the lower or the upper; it is right smack bang in the middle. The hard-working families of the Territory are leaving, and skilled workers are leaving at a time we most need them.
This morning on the way to parliament I was talking to a builder who had heard of a house in Rosebery which was a great bargain for one person and a painful sale for another. It cost mid-$550 000 to build this house and was sold for $480 000 recently; a loss of well over $80 000, and the house was never lived in. Because the owners needed to offload it for more cash flow, they took an $80 000 loss. That is indicative of how bad business is currently. That same builder said things are quiet at the moment. He is owed over $1m from builders he subcontracts to in Darwin alone. That is not a good sign. Luckily, that builder is in a strong position. He does not owe that $1m to anyone else. He has paid all his bills; however, other builders have debts. That is a large sum of money. He said the market is slow and it has all come down to the government’s failure to release land.
Zuccoli was announced recently and is two years behind time. We started hammering on about land release as soon as we walked into this parliament. Zuccoli is two years behind time. Your own people expected Zuccoli would have turned off 220 blocks by now. All you could manage was to announce the developer, and not a sod of soil turned. That is an embarrassment. Unfortunately, it is the families of the Territory who are hurting the most, and the businesses which make up that fabric of the Territory. They are the ones who have been hurt most by your poor planning and bad governance.
However, there is a much brighter future: a united team of Country Liberals members willing to work with and create communities to build a better future for the Territory, a safer future for the Territory. We have a plan. Some of those plans have been around since the 2008 election campaign. They exist; they were not fictional at the time and are not fictional today. They were real plans. We have a plan to decongest the departments of the red tape of this bureaucracy and get on with doing the job not simply have another committee, as we heard the other day in reply to a question about an empty pool in a community. This government formed a committee to talk about that empty pool. If that is not an indication of a system failure, I am not sure what is. You do not need a committee to talk about an empty pool! You need to get on with doing the job - do your job. You need to get rid of the red tape - have ministers make decisions and say: ‘Yes, let us get this happening. Let us build a future for the Territory’. This side has made that decision. We are working towards a brighter future for the Territory. We have plans for the future of the Territory.
A little over 12 months ago, the Leader of the Opposition introduced planning for greater Darwin - a massive document. It does not outline where every tap will be or every finite decision. It is a plan for the future. It is a plan, one could say, for the next century of the Territory. In comparison, the Northern Territory government with all its bureaucracy, put out a small, meek, and very narrow-minded planning document nearly six months later. The Country Liberals’ plan for greater Darwin is significant. It is vibrant, full of ideas, and it is a starting place. Without doubt, the Northern Territory, a place I am proud to be part of, has a future I am proud to be part of. As part of this strong team, we will ensure the Territory is safer, brighter, and has some vision, families can use the parks and afford a home, kids will love going to school and will receive an education, our children will be better protected, and our police force will be better supported.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I hope we see better results from the basket case government. I believe its day is done, its heart is broken, its will to survive is gone, and its ability to perform is defunct. Thank you for the opportunity to talk on this motion. It is ironic this statement was brought on - another flowery puff piece - and has given us all an opportunity to speak about the future vision we have in opposition, because it is a strong future and will be a proud future.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I agree with the Chief Minister: the future of north Australia is bright. We are resource-rich in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia with our oil and gas reserves and mineral wealth. They can deliver incredible opportunities and we have much work to do to take advantage of them. Today I would like to talk about how we take economic opportunities and deliver a social dividend. I have full confidence we will as our most important resource remains our people. I am excited about the future of the Northern Territory because I am excited about the people living here and what they are capable of. We are, on the whole, a positive bunch who wants to get out and do things. One of the best things about being a member of parliament is we are afforded the opportunity to meet outstanding people, people who do, people who volunteer, people with spirit and endeavour, and, as members of parliament, we can also create opportunities.
One of the most exciting things to happen recently started this year: we will be training our own doctors at Charles Darwin University. As someone who grew up here, being able to receive an education in Darwin, all the way from preschool to a medical degree, is a landmark event in our development. We need more doctors in the Territory, and the best way to do that is train them locally. We are a very positive bunch in the Northern Territory. You would not always believe it when you listen to the opposition. I believe we are positive; we get out there and do things. Being able to go from preschool to a medical degree in the Northern Territory is excellent.
In the past, some of our best and brightest have moved south to study and they do not always come back. By the time they have finished their degree, they have often established themselves in a new community. A medical degree can take six, seven, eight years; a long time for someone in their late teens to be spending in a new place. We will now see people from outside the Territory gain their medical degree in the Territory, and by the time they have finished their degree, many will consider themselves Territorians and be looking to say.
Affordable, accessible, quality healthcare is always a huge focus for a Labor government and is why we work with the federal government to deliver super clinics in Palmerston, a new cancer centre, and employ a record number of nurses. However, training our own doctors is perhaps the most important step of all.
On the weekend, the inaugural TEDxDarwin was hosted at the museum. TED is based on the principle of ideas worth spreading, and TEDx events are local and independently driven. They provide an opportunity for passionate and inspired people to get together and share their ideas. Many people love TED. If you do not know about TED check out TED.com. There are over 900 videos on the site. I always recommend people start with Hans Rosling, one the best speeches; however, there are many things that are creative and inspirational - of people who get out there and do things.
There are many people in Darwin who love the passion, the creative thinking, and the new solutions to old problems you can find on TED.com. They also believe the Territory is a place with plenty of people with great ideas worth spreading, so a few of them have got together and made TEDxDarwin a reality. Jason and Karen Schoolmeester, Ben Gill, Noel Hanssens and Nicholas McGrath did not talk about it, they did it. As a result, on the weekend we saw many passionate people get together and learn, from Chris Garner, about the approach of Marrara Christian School to Indigenous education. The school has seen Year 12 graduation rates go from 2% to 98%. Chris is one of those great Territory stories, born in Scotland and arrived here via England, South Africa and New Zealand. He met his wife here, they are happily married and living in Karama and are not going anywhere.
There was more at TEDxDarwin - Matt Cornell and his journey; Adam Voigt and what he has done with the community to get Rosebery Primary off the ground; how Bindy Isis has made lifting the foot a personal philosophy, Kia Shan finding a way to engage youth, and Caroline in supporting parents and much more.
TEDxDarwin was diverse, inspirational, positive and local. Like everyone else there, I left reaffirmed about the direction of the Territory and the people we have working towards our future.
There are countless examples of the boundless energy of Territorians and their ability to get out and do things. That is why it is a great place to live, and will be an even better place in the future. We have a strong sense of community, and that is not lost as we grow.
To stay local, we have more people choosing to live and work in Parap and Fannie Bay, and I would like to talk about some of the things happening in that area.
The inaugural 0820 Festival at Parap shops celebrated the vibrancy of our local community. My favourite moment was when the Parap Primary School choir sang Shake Your Tail Feather - they got the whole stage rocking. There are many people to thank for bringing the festival together. Emma Pantazis and Sarah Hope were the inspiration and perspiration pulling the festival in and making it happen. They just did it with a sense of community and a sense of place. As we grow, one reason we will not lose it is because Emma and Sarah, and a team of others, got together and started the 0820 Festival. This year was the first of many. That is the spirit of Territorians just getting out and doing things.
Tom Pauling, our Administrator, who we can call our own Fannie Bay man, opened the show. Annie Gaston lent her voice for the whole day as host - a huge effort. The musical entertainment was diverse and many people loved kicking back on a Sunday afternoon and listening to the Sax Season Quartet, Rebel Clef Orchestra, The Young Guns, Dukes Ukulele Kollective, and Misty Atfield and the Velveteens. The first event is always the hardest; however, there will be many more to come. It took a sense of community, a sense of place, and made it real. It is people like that who have the spirit and energy to get things done and make things happen that make it a great place to live. It will continue to be a great place to live.
In many ways Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park are the immediate example of what is happening in Darwin as we grow. As northern Australia embraces its opportunities, as we establish ourselves as a centre of the next century, we see the regeneration of the Stuart Highway. The regeneration started with the rebuilding of Kerry’s. I was at the launch by Hawkins and Clements - who built Kerry’s - on-site at Kerry’s recently.
From there, if you head down the Stuart Highway you can see the transformation of the old Britz site into the new Officeworks. The Osborne’s are going flat stick at The Avenue around the corner, where you can see the new Quest on the old Ross Smith Guesthouse site. There are new offices on the old Fred’s Fuel site, and more offices next to him. Across the road from those offices, another transformation of the old public housing at Wirrina, the Village@Parap, a new way of housing people in the Territory. Next is Armenica; a green office building also built by Hawkins and Clements, the company we started with, so a real regeneration.
There is an amazing story to be told in that area: Stuart Highway, Stuart Park, Fannie Bay, and Parap. It is an exciting time and it is critical that as we grow we plan for the people living and working in these areas. That is why we are working on community gardens at the corner of Parap Road and Stuart Highway, and the old railway corridor behind Framed Art Gallery. We want to make existing open space into active places people will use.
Community gardens are one way to do this and we want to pair that with our work to redevelop the Pitcheneder public housing complex. We want to retain our seniors; they are valuable members of our community. When they leave we lose their ongoing contribution, their corporate knowledge, and often the children and grandchildren follow. We want to keep the family tree in the Territory, root, stick, and branch. That is why we have the Kurringal seniors’ village, the Southern Cross Care development on the old Waratah Oval, and a promise to redevelop Pitcheneder as seniors’ units with over 1000 people who are 60 and over living in Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park. We want them to have the opportunity to retire into the community they live in. That is a critical opportunity and something we are working towards, with one of those projects happening and the other about to happen.
The opportunity will be afforded at Pitcheneder. As part of that redevelopment, we will have community gardens. If you are living on the fourth floor you have the opportunity to keep your thumb green. Many people are making a sea change from a house to a unit because they are tired of picking up palm fronds, and there are many people who want to move into a smaller place and still have a patch of earth they can call their own. Using the corner of Parap Road and Stuart Highway is about using our existing green space smarter. As well as a community garden, we can push Pitcheneder back into the verge when we redevelop it, into line with other houses so it is no closer to the Stuart Highway than any other residents. We can take green space from there and move it onto the corner of Parap Road and Somerville, a land swap if you will, which creates a park that is practical. Parents are not going to let their children play on the verge of the Stuart Highway, but we can be smarter with where our green space is and use it.
At the same time that we redevelop Pitcheneder, we would be redeveloping 10 Parap Road. It would be a mixed development similar to the old Wirrina site. Behind Wirrina, we have the Railway Club. It has an odd-shaped triangle car park on the site. The club has agreed, in principle, to make the triangle car park available as open space if we can accommodate into the 10 Parap Road redevelopment their car parking needs. It is about finding the existing green space we have in that area and using it smarter.
We have also informally approached Darwin City Council about incorporating community parking into the redevelopment of 10 Parap Road. It is open to discussion. We need to work with the council formally as our plans advance, to see car parking in the area incorporated into something which would address the issues that emerge on market days, and will emerge further on week days as the village becomes more popular as more people choose to live and work in Parap, Fannie Bay, and Stuart Park. We need to get ahead of that.
We are already working with Darwin City Council on a new master plan for the Parap pool and old netball courts. We have several pre-conditions on that master plan. With the growth we have in the area, that site had to remain the way it is currently being used: active community sporting space. It is critical that we have a pool, the community tennis courts, and the very popular community netball courts.
We asked the community for ideas and they came in droves. They were drawn into the draft plan, and we will soon be in a position to go back to the community with those plans. We are waiting on the Darwin City Council and Sport and Recreation to get that finalised. You can sum up the draft plans as the same, but better. That clearly meets the spirit of what we set out to do, of what the community wants, and meets the future needs of an area which is becoming more popular as a place to live and work, an area which really demonstrates the growth Darwin will go through as we embrace the future economic opportunities the Chief Minister is talking about. As those opportunities emerge, people have to live somewhere. How do we accommodate them, where do they go, and how do we make those places better: that is what we are trying to achieve in Parap, Fannie Bay and Stuart Park.
The Chief Minister clearly outlined where we are placed economically for the future, what our mineral resources mean and the decisions we are making to embrace that future. It is exciting. We are capable of embracing that future and are walking into it with eyes wide open; we are positive, passionate people tackling our challenges, embracing new ideas, celebrating our sense of community and place and ensuring we do not lose that as we grow; that we stay in the place we are now even though we will get bigger.
We are making those decisions, those plans, the ones we need to make to ensure that as we grow we keep that sense of community and place; we remain a great place to live and work and, in fact, become an even better place to live and work. We will harness our potential and use it to deliver a dividend to the people who live and work here, the ones who are going to make our future a reality.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend the statement to the House.
Mr STYLES (Sanderson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, the ministerial statement, the Century of North Australia, contains some interesting information; however, the government has lost the ability to promote so much more of the Territory. This is quite narrow in its presentation. I asked myself when I read it: where is agribusiness? Where are the service industry and the financial service industries? Where is our link into Asia? Where is secondary industry? We do not see a great deal of that. There does not seem to be a vision here. Where is our biodiversity? Where is our biosecurity? Where is our food production security? Where is our vision for the Douglas Daly? Where is the vision for ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House. This is a very important speech my colleague is giving, and I would like the Chief Minister and his colleagues to be here.
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! The member well knows he cannot allude to the presence or absence of any one member in this House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is correct, member for Braitling. Remember the standing orders. If you are calling attention to a quorum in the House, do so without reflecting on other members.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! I call your attention to the state of the House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
Ms WALKER: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! While the bells are ringing, members are not to leave the House.
Madam ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is correct. A quorum is present.
Mr STYLES: Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, there has been an opportunity to include in this statement so many different things. Young people, students, a range of constituents read these statements and look at what the government is saying. When we look at the ability to inspire people, to give confidence in the future, it is to these documents people look to research - young people at school look to. Reading this, you would say everything is going to be fine if INPEX comes. I believe INPEX will, and it is going to be a great thing for the Northern Territory and will secure the future for most of us, our children, and our grandchildren.
Where is the vision for tourism? There is no renewal in that area. Where is the vision for transport? If you get a little closer to home at the moment, where is the vision for people in the cattle industry? That is not a very good vision. There was an opportunity to include so many of those things. The statement says north Australia will lead the way in creating new jobs and opportunities for our people.
I recently spoke to several young people who were forced to leave the Territory. These are third generation Territory families. Unfortunately, they are leaving because they cannot afford to live here. It saddens me, because some are my friends. I listen to them say: ‘I cannot afford to live here any longer. We are moving to Adelaide where the cost of housing is half the price and the cost of living is cheaper’. What is in it for them? These are our young people. The other side of the House spoke today about stopping the brain drain – it is working on this? Is enough being done to inspire young people to stay? Is enough being done, through programs, to encourage people to buy houses or afford rent? Where is the systemic policy failure that has caused this? Is the government addressing it?
I note some information I received recently. The population increase is now down to 1% and the nett interstate migration is negative. That means some babies are being born here; however, unfortunately, our skilled labour is leaving the Territory, if you listen to the figures, in quite a number for a small place like the Territory. We cannot afford to lose our young mechanics, refrigeration mechanics, electricians, and other skilled labourers. We will need every single one of these people to develop the Territory. Imagine the problems that will occur with INPEX if we do not have the required skilled labour force in situ in the Northern Territory, particularly Darwin.
What happens when these young people leave? They cannot afford housing. There is insufficient housing, which is why the cost has gone through the roof and Darwin has become the most expensive place in Australia to rent a house. People cannot afford to live in a house or start a family. If they do, often they are back home with mum and dad, or there are two or three couples sharing a home, sometimes with little kids. We are creating overcrowding in our urban areas, let alone the overcrowding problem we have in our rural areas.
The other aspect - I have said it in this House before - is you break the fabric of your community and your society when you start losing your kids because they cannot afford to live here. What sort of place is it and where is the government when we are causing this - not in rural areas where hardship sometimes causes young people to leave the land. Many families have kids who cannot afford to stay on the land, mum and dad might not be able to afford to stay on the land, and we have to do as much as we can to assist those people. They are going to be struggling just as kids in urban areas of Darwin and Alice Springs are struggling at the moment. We note in the statement:
- And it will be northern Australia that leads the way in forging new and dynamic relationships with the rapidly growing economies of Asia.
I have spoken to several people from Southeast Asia recently - business people and others – who are looking carefully at not only the government of the Northern Territory, but also the Australian government in relation to how we interact with people in Southeast Asia. They are concerned about sovereign risk and food security. If the government can do this to Indonesia, what can it do to other countries? I have a number of friends living in Malaysia looking to see if their contracts are safe if they do business with Australia, particularly the Northern Territory. Will the same thing happen to them?
This is where we, as a community, are struggling with the leadership of this government. It will not chastise its federal counterparts. The member for Fong Lim spoke on this yesterday and I would like to reiterate it. When the Country Liberals were in government in the Northern Territory, if Canberra, irrespective of whether a Liberal Coalition government or a Labor government was in power, the Country Liberals would take anyone on if it was not good for the Territory. We have so many Territory families still struggling and likely to go to the wall, and we see the Chief Minister saying: ‘Yes, we are going to do this and that’, but I do not see him pulling head-on the Prime Minister of this country saying: ‘It is not good enough, Prime Minister’.
We would like to see that so we can create security for our northern neighbours, our trading partners, and our trade does not suffer. The way business is conducted in Southeast Asia, many times people will not tell you they are going to take their business elsewhere. They vote with their feet and do business elsewhere. It is all very polite, all very cordial; however, they will take their business elsewhere if we do not see leadership from this government in chastising the federal government for the appalling way it handles the cattle industry. Further in the statement it says:
- Indeed, one look at the national economy today - and it is clear that this transformation, this economic power shift, is well and truly under way.
What I hear and see is a federal government which had to intervene in relation to the Little Children are Sacred report. We see the federal government talking about intervening in the protection of children. We hear all types of rumours coming out of Canberra that this government is not performing well. There are reports on the government. The government will say it is doing a good job, I would expect that. However, what it says, the reality, and what people are saying are entirely different things.
I wonder if there will be a second intervention in the Northern Territory to save the government. Here are figures which explain why business competence in the Territory is high. I will quote some figures from the February 2011 Sensis Business Index - Small and Medium Enterprise. The expectations in February 2010 for the future - people who thought sales value would increase - we had plus 46; the size of the workforce was plus 16; a wages bill, capital expenditure and prices. When you go to the June 2011 Sensis Business Index - Small and Medium Enterprise, we look at the actuals. For sales value, which was a plus 46, we see a minus 24; so there is a reduction in confidence. In the size of the workforce, there was an expectation of plus 16, we now have plus one. The wages bill was to go up by plus 19, it is only plus two. People thought prices would go up by plus 25, we are looking at plus 11. In profitability, the expectation of business was yes, we would have increased profitability - it went down to minus 20. Capital expenditure in industry was expected to be minus 5 - it went down to minus 10.
The Chief Minister’s statement says:
- These figures explain why business confidence in the Territory is high and why business confidence in government is the highest in the country, and when business is confident, business will step up and invest …
The figures in the Sensis report tell a completely different story to what the Chief Minister is alluding to in his statement, The Century of North Australia. Perhaps the people on the fifth floor might look at those so they can correct them, or at least not say things like this when it is clear the facts are different. Following on from the last quote in the Chief Minister’s statement:
- … and that means more jobs and more opportunities for Territorians.
I wonder what the breakup is of those jobs and where they are. When we have a 1% increase in population, which is because many children are born in the Northern Territory, and a nett negative interstate migration by skilled workers, what is going to happen. People are trying to coordinate projects in Western Australia, Queensland, and the Territory so this does not happen; however, with such expensive housing, we have a major problem. Further in the statement it says:
- And, importantly, we have achieved all this at a time where our labour force participation rate is close to the highest in the nation.
The government continues to say we have the lowest unemployment figures in the country. When I doorknock my constituents, several have recently told me they are leaving because they cannot afford the rent. If you do not have a job, you cannot afford to live here; it is that simple. If people lose their job and have meagre savings, they have to pack up and leave because they cannot afford to live on social security - not with a couple of kids and other commitments. People need a job. A number of people have been put off recently. Business people tell me they have put people off. I know one guy who has put four people off recently and is working seven days a week struggling to survive.
I would like to know from the government where this fabulous economy is. I can tell this gentleman he is in the wrong place and needs to get into the area the government might enlighten me on so he too can enjoy the fabulous lifestyle of the Northern Territory. The statement says:
- … the Territory economy has never been so well placed.
There are families I would like the Chief Minister to talk to because they might tell him a different story. The figures from the Sensis small and medium business outlook for the Northern Territory show a different picture. I do not blame the government for being optimistic; however, there are underlying issues and systemic policy failures it needs to look at. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge there is a problem so you can deal with it. Even though the government might be relaying a rosy picture for us, I hope it realises there are major underlying issues causing great concern for many constituents in the electorates we all hold. The government would like to keep it going. I hope it does not keep the law and order, health, or education issues going.
When we look at attracting industry and investment, one of the things people look at is the services provided in the Northern Territory. What are the standards of service? People look at the health system, various aspects of law and order, and education. If you want to attract head offices of major companies or create industry, we need people working, living, and enjoying the amenities of the Northern Territory. If you do not have reasonable standards it will be difficult to attract people to run businesses and the expansion the Territory should be able to, and will at some stage in the future, enjoy. These are some of the issues around housing. Even people who work for well-established companies say it is difficult to understand some of the prices they have to pay. We also have to …
Ms PURICK: A point of order, Madam Acting Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed.
Mr STYLES: Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it is nice of you to allow me to continue my speech.
The cost of living: when people are required to move around the countryside, partners often have issues finding a job. Depending on how much companies subsidise housing and other things will depend on whether you can attract people. They come; they may have three, six, nine months before they find a suitable job for their spouse. People would like to buy a house rather than pay rent. People are in an income bracket where they can afford to do that, however, they are coming from areas where salaries are structured in such a way that they cannot believe the cost of housing.
This goes back to land release. I note on the www.housingnt.nt.gov.au website a document called ‘Land Release Darwin and Palmerston’. It says:
- The Territory population is growing at the fast rate of 2.2% per year. Interstate migration has been at its highest in 20 years as people move here to take up opportunities in our strong economy.
I have quoted figures which indicate that may not be the case; however, I would love to be proved wrong. Sadly, I do not think I will be.
This document says we have houses in Lyons, Muirhead, Palmerston, private land developments, Weddell - up to 40 000 people there. When you look at housing figures and see what has occurred in the last four quarters – that information is available from the Internet - house approvals are 533 and units are 879, totalling 1412. I have heard various Treasury projections from the other side of the House, and other government departments which undertake modelling to find out how many dwellings we need, and I hear figures of 1700 - down to 1500 and up to 1800. We are still not delivering sufficient land to cater for this.
Figures for land sales in 2009 show 427 blocks were sold. This is from the 2011 budget. In 2010, there were only 304. That is a minus 28.8% change. We are not seeing more land released; we are seeing fewer blocks of land sold. There were 533 houses approved in 2010 and the beginning of 2011. There must be people who own blocks of land, but when are we going to run out?
I have been in this House for three years and the government has said: ‘We are releasing land. We have this coming on board; we have that coming on board’. All I hear is government rhetoric about land release. We do not see land being sold or houses being built. Builders are telling me they struggle to buy land to build on. Maybe I am talking to the wrong people, but they are contractors who build dwellings and small blocks of units. They are not dreamers; they are building houses for people and developing the suburbs that are available. They tell me there is insufficient land.
We all know insufficient land release has forced prices up, and that is a major problem - not so much for people who already own a home, but for our young people. I see young people with tears in their eyes expressing disappointment they cannot get a home and do not see any hope of buying a home in the Territory so they move south. They do not want to. Grandparents are here, parents are here, but they have to say: ‘Sorry, mum, we have to go’. It is breaking the hearts of families. There are others, obviously, who choose to move elsewhere. Many do not want to move but are being forced to by systemic policy failures of the government in the Northern Territory.
Further into the statement:
- The LNG wave - the next wave of prosperity.
The marine supply base:
- … actively pursuing the development of a marine supply base …
The last time I flew into Darwin I looked at the site from the plane - not much is happening there. The government might say all sorts of things; however, there is no rubber on the road yet. The statement says:
- A MSB will make Darwin well placed to respond to increased opportunities arising from current, new and future activity in the Timor Sea and Browse Basin.
We have to attract people to run those things. Again, you need facilities for staff, for employees and for contractors. They will all need quality products the Northern Territory can supply to encourage them, initially, to come here and, second, to stay.
The member for Fannie Bay spoke about losing seniors. We are losing seniors. We want to attract these people. We want people to buy affordable housing on affordable land. Although the price of housing is more expensive because we have to build homes to code, the price of land is being pushed up by the failure of government to release enough land. We want people to move here, to work here, to enjoy the Territory, to have kids here, and the parents of these children to stay. We do not want people to leave because they cannot afford to live here.
When you talk to some seniors, many have given years to the Territory and, through various circumstances, have been unable to retain or buy a family home. As shadow minister for seniors, I have a constant stream coming into my office saying: ‘I am going to retire in 12 to18 months. Because of various circumstances I am unable to purchase a home or unit and am renting, but when I stop work I will not be able to afford to rent’. They say: ‘I cannot put my name down on a seniors housing list until I hit retirement age and sometimes it is a five-year wait’. That is a scary thought for many people. We wonder why seniors are not staying. Seniors make an enormous contribution to our community. They provide volunteer services for a host of organisations and groups which provide a valuable service to the community and one where the costs cannot be calculated. If government had to pay for those services, they would either not happen or would cost a small fortune. We need to look after these people.
Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, this statement is a missed opportunity to inspire our young people and inspire people to say they have a magnificent future in the Territory. I ask the government to include many of the things I have mentioned in its next statement.
Ms WALKER (Nhulunbuy): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement and thank him for bringing this matter before the House, because it is, as we all know, a very important matter. It is more than just talking about a vision. It is talking about the very real things this government has done and plans it has to continue to do the things we must to support the continued growth of the Territory and its economy for the long-term benefit for all who live, work, and raise a family here.
My contribution to this debate will focus upon my electorate of Nhulunbuy in northeast Arnhem Land and the significant role it has to play and the contribution it makes to driving economic growth and prosperity in the 21st century. As the Chief Minister said, northern Australia will lead the way in creating new jobs and opportunities for people in regional areas like northeast Arnhem Land. Northeast Arnhem Land has a key role to play in that bigger picture.
Recent events in Nhulunbuy served to provide a strong degree of confidence in the future growth of the region. Before I talk about that, it is important to acknowledge the existence of an economy which existed for a few hundred years in northeast Arnhem Land. I am talking about the well-documented economic activity which saw a flourishing trade between Yolngu people and the Macassans. The Macassans would sail to the Arnhem coast with the monsoon winds each year to fish for trepang and would trade goods and items with Yolngu. Evidence of this trade activity shows that trade extended well into Central Australia and beyond. Even Matthew Flinders, during his navigation and mapping of the Arnhem coast in 1801, noted his sighting of a Macassan fishing fleet just northwest of the Gove Peninsula on the English Company Islands. Trade ceased with the introduction of legislation in 1906 in South Australia intended to protect Australia’s territorial integrity. Today, clusters of huge tamarind trees introduced by the Macassans along with shards of broken pottery in the sand show where the Macassans camped and, indeed, their visits are well-recorded in the Yolngu songs and dances.
I provide this history lesson to place on the record the fact that a regional economy existed in northeast Arnhem Land long before any Europeans arrived. If I return to more recent history and events on the Gove Peninsula, the most important news in 42 years came in May with the announcement that lease renewals for the purpose of bauxite mining and alumina processing in Gove were renewed for a further 42 years. Renewal of the Gove leases was a considerable undertaking over a period of close on three years with clan leaders, the Northern Land Council and Rio Tinto Alcan engaged in negotiations throughout this period. It is no secret it was not an easy time for the parties involved, and I add to that the business community of Nhulunbuy, which is outside the negotiations but reliant upon a successful outcome.
Ahead of the finalisation of all the special purpose and special mining leases, the Northern Territory government was in a position in February to make an announcement that government had approved renewal of the special purpose lease over the township. This was especially important so business owners - most of whom own residences for themselves and their employees - could move ahead and plan the future with some certainty, knowing they had secure tenure for at least a further 42 years. I had countless number of these people visit my office asking me to be a signatory witness to the lease documents provided to them by Rio Tinto Alcan as the main leaseholder, and it was with what I recognise as relief amongst these people. Can I add, not one of them had any complaint about the process. To that end, I acknowledge Rio Tinto Alcan’s efforts to make things as seamless as possible for sublessees.
For small and medium businesses in Nhulunbuy, lease renewals have allowed them to plan for future development and opportunities we hope may attract new investors and new businesses. This business confidence is not only good for businesses, it is good for the wider community; consumers such as me and my family because the better the goods and services the more attractive Nhulunbuy is as a town to move to, and it is all about supporting local businesses and local employment.
The remainder of the leases were finalised and signed off and an announcement was made by the federal minister on 27 May. This heralded the fact that discussions between Rio Tinto Alcan, the Northern Land Council, and traditional owners to establish a formal agreement to support the continuation of mining, recognising the rights of traditional owners of the land, and setting out a package of benefits to traditional owners were finalised. So significant was the occasion that a special ceremony was held at Yirrkala on 8 June and, at the invitation of the clans which were signatory to the agreement - the Gumatj, Rirratjingu, and Djapu - many special visitors attended, not the least of whom was Prime Minister Gillard.
Not only does the renewal of leases provide certainty for the townspeople of Nhulunbuy, it provides certainty for Rio Tinto’s mining operations, economic opportunity for the Indigenous traditional owners, new businesses, new ventures, and a new housing subdivision, which is especially welcome given the strong demand for accommodation and an acute shortage of same. These are all part of the mix.
From that will flow training and employment, and it already is. On the day of her visit, the Prime Minister called in to the Rio Tinto Alcan ALERT facility which provides accredited training to Indigenous people at Certificate I and Certificate II levels across a range of trades and vocations. This is a space the government has stepped into in the education and training area, recognising the importance of creating pathways for young people through education and training into a real job. Hence, our commitment to trade training centres: an announcement in November last year of a commitment of $8.5m for trade training centres in Gunbalanya, Jabiru, and Groote Eylandt targeting places with mining at the centre. We have fingers crossed we will have more positive news around additional funding for further trade training centres, including one for Yirrkala.
A highlight of planning for, and managing, economic growth and opportunities in the East Arnhem area is that a significant body of work has been undertaken in the past 12 months to capture the region’s economic data and develop an economic profile for the region. That includes not only my electorate but also the Arnhem electorate. It is the first time such a comprehensive analysis has been captured and published. It provides a blueprint for future development, and I acknowledge the efforts of officers from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services. DBE had a role as well and I thank them for their efforts in developing this report.
Further, and most importantly, I acknowledge and offer my sincere thanks to the local volunteer group of employers, business people, and other stakeholders which makeup the east Arnhem economic development committee chaired by local businessman, John Tourish. I also acknowledge Mr David Suter as the longest serving member of the committee. In fact, Dave has served for many years on this committee. They have worked hard along with other committee members and officers from these agencies to see this document come to fruition. It is the East Arnhem Economic Profile and was launched by the Minister for Local Government in Nhulunbuy on 30 May this year. It is not a sugar-coated or selective look at the region’s economy, but rather an accurate snapshot of what exists, the strengths, the opportunities, as well as the challenges, and the threats to growth. I quote from the executive summary of the document:
- The East Arnhem Economic Profile provides a comprehensive picture of the region’s economy and illustrates the diversity and ingenuity of these remote and otherwise isolated businesses. This profile offers an evidence-based regional snapshot and an overview of Nhulunbuy and the east Arnhem regional economy.
Between 1996 and 2009, the east Arnhem region’s economy grew by just over 55%, with growth expected to continue. The east Arnhem economic outlook is positive as evidenced by the 69% of businesses which indicated confidence in their future performance. Being primarily a mining town, Nhulunbuy contributes an estimated 10% to the NT gross state product …
It is further clear that the high cost of living has an impact on workforce attraction. Higher fuel costs filter all the way through to transport, freight and, ultimately, the cost of living.
While an export-oriented economy will always face potential global uncertainties and volatility, the east Arnhem economy is, on the whole, expected to grow strongly, particularly as demand for our raw materials continues among the Northern Territory’s key trading partners.
In short, the east Arnhem region faces a number of challenges in further diversifying its economy and spreading its base, tapping into a potentially plentiful labour market and responding to the higher costs of living in such an isolated part of the nation. On the other hand, the overall strength of the mining industry and the export markets, as well as the resourcefulness, determination and confidence of the region’s small and medium businesses all indicate that east Arnhem’s economy will continue to grow steadily and strongly over the foreseeable future.
It is interesting, in 20 years of CLP no such study or economic profile of this scale was undertaken for the East Arnhem region because, as we know, the bush and regions like Arnhem were out of sight and out of mind. The CLP was not interested in investing in the bush because it was too far from Darwin and, frankly, not important.
By contrast, this government invested in the East Arnhem region and continues to invest. That investment is not just in infrastructure, importantly, that investment is in people. Let me say a few words about that. We, on this side, know that the key to the future is education. This is why it is the cornerstone of the Territory 2030 strategy and why it underpins the A Working Future policy. Contrary to what is being peddled by the other side about this government perpetuating welfare, nothing could be further from the truth. Whilst we recognise, on a platform of social justice policy, there is a place for welfare, the A Working Future policy is all about that; it is about creating a future for people through work and to break that cycle of welfare.
The recognition of the importance of education within the A Working Future policy has been confirmed, repeatedly, through the local implementation plans signed in our growth towns, not only in my electorate, but across the Territory. Of the seven building blocks in each of the local implementation plans, early childhood and school are front and centre. Let us remember, these local implementation plans have been developed at grassroots level with community members who make up the local reference group working with the three tiers of government, and these reference groups have identified what is important for their future and, not surprisingly, it starts with education.
Contrary to a remark from the member for Braitling recently that mobile preschools are a waste of money - an appalling comment to make and a complete failure to recognise investing in children at a very early age is where we need to be focusing our efforts - we are having good results through that along with the Families As First Teachers program. I note the member for Macdonnell’s comments that there needs to be more of that in her electorate; that expecting one person to travel around one day a week per community is inadequate. There are always things we can do better and we are working to improve and get more of those services out there through mobile preschools and Families as First Teachers.
Education provides children, individuals, and communities with a job, a future, self-determination and economic independence, irrespective of whether they are Indigenous or non-Indigenous. Without education, you have people who are welfare-dependent. As we heard during Tuesday’s debate in this House on the Justice (Corrections) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill, the majority of people in our prisons are all too often people without an education.
This government is committed to supporting the development of Indigenous businesses and services, supporting and training Indigenous people to be part of those businesses, generating economic activity and attracting private enterprise. To that end, I was pleased to see the Minister for Indigenous Development announce recently the biennial Indigenous Economic Development Forum will be held in Darwin in October this year. It was held two years ago in Alice Springs and a number of Indigenous people from my electorate travelled to Alice Springs. People who have small micro-businesses operating on their homelands travelled to Alice Springs to share their story and came back from that experience - some of them had never left the Top End - having found it an incredibly rewarding experience and one that also lifted their self-esteem.
I also acknowledge the Minister for Local Government for her commitment to Indigenous employment in our shires, with a significant funding boost early this year to keep people in jobs to support delivery of municipal services in the shires. In her contribution to the budget debate 2011-12, the minister outlined a $30m package to be rolled out over three years which aims to support the development of the Territory growth towns into economic hubs in the regions, and recognises the growth of commerce and industry has to be supported by a skilled workforce. Therefore, this funding targets Indigenous training and employment.
Let us go back to infrastructure investment in the East Arnhem region. I will start with education infrastructure. I could give a long list of schools which have benefited, but will highlight just a few. As we heard in Question Time today, our Minister for Education and Training did the honours at the official opening of the Baniyala Garrangali School, which is not a BER project but a spend by this government of more than $2m to provide the homeland of Baniyala a full-time school five days a week, transitioning from a homeland learning centre with visiting teachers to small school status. In order to do that, the investment also included housing for teachers. The opening was a special occasion, and I thank the Minister for Education and Training for inviting me to travel with him to Baniyala. Of course, we went at the invitation of senior community man, Mr Djambawa Marawili of the Mapuru clan.
Let us talk about BER, an initiative not supported by those opposite when the legislation was debated in the federal parliament. However, that does not stop them fronting up to all the BER openings, including the Leader of the Opposition and the member for Fong Lim at the opening of the fantastic language centre at Kormilda College where I did the honours on behalf of my federal colleagues several months ago. What a fantastic asset Kormilda College has in that language centre.
The best the member for Braitling can do is bag the BER, bag our schools, bag our kids, and bag our teachers. We heard in his contribution to this debate …
Mr Tollner: And bag the Labor government.
Ms WALKER: And bag the Labor government but no substance from the other side. It is just bag, bag, bag but no substance and no policy, just rhetoric. We heard during the member for Braitling’s contribution to this debate about a visit he made to Maningrida, apparently during the school holidays, so he would not have seen the school operating nor spoken with teachers. Suffice to say, he is an expert ...
Mr GILES: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I have not spoken in this debate so the member might be talking about someone else.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order.
Ms WALKER: Thank you. If it was not in this debate it must have been another one because he talked about the school at Maningrida and held up a photograph. Not only is he an expert in everything, but he is also an expert in architectural aesthetics because he tabled a photograph and branded the new school building as looking like a detention centre. When I started teaching in 1987 at the brand new Palmerston High School built by the CLP, it was only 12 months old. There was no landscaping, and it probably looked like a detention centre. So what? What is really important is what is going on inside that educational space. I, too, would like to table a photograph, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I seek leave to table it.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: Thank you. This is a photograph of the multipurpose hall, a BER project, built at Shepherdson College, Galiwinku on Elcho Island - the government school. It is a fairly plain exterior, and I should add that since this photograph was taken in January it has been completed. I have no doubt the site has been cleaned up and there would be some landscaping going on. Importantly, this building offers a modern cyclone-proof venue which can accommodate the entire school community for assemblies and other gatherings. It has a stage, ablutions, and accommodates indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball. Ask any member at Galiwinku if they think this investment in their school and their kids is worthwhile, and they will tell you without any hesitation, yes, absolutely.
Beyond the investment in education infrastructure in the East Arnhem region, I would like to talk about other investments which aim to manage growth and opportunities in the region.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the member for Nhulunbuy be given an extension of time, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms WALKER: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. Beyond the investment in education infrastructure in the East Arnhem region, I would like to talk about other investments which aim to manage growth and opportunities in the region.
I have heard our Transport minister say on numerous occasions, transport infrastructure has to be the key and the backbone to regional development. It is a huge challenge in the Territory and across north Australia where we have sparse populations with pockets in regional centres like Nhulunbuy, spread across some inhospitable, difficult, if not magnificent, terrain. The Central Arnhem Road into Nhulunbuy stretches 700 km from the Stuart Highway, is mostly dirt and, though well-maintained, closes with Wet Season rains for six months of the year. The $40m to upgrade three crossings will keep the track open longer, make it safer and, importantly, allow alternative access to air and sea freight, and with it, greater competition and greater affordability.
I am pleased to see works on the Mainoru crossing are scheduled for completion before next Wet Season. This will particularly benefit the operators of Bulman Station and also the residents. Following on from that, we hope to hear soon the outcome of negotiations with regard to a passage across the Goyder River, which sits on Aboriginal land trust, so plans can proceed to have this new crossing constructed and from there the Doindji crossing will also be addressed. These crossings sit in the member for Arnhem’s electorate, but she and I both have a vested interest in seeing this upgrade completed, knowing many of our growth towns, their residents and economies are reliant on safe and reliable access routes. Let us add to that the investment in barge landings, which have also been committed to by this government, which will see lighting, hardstand areas, and secure areas installed at places like Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining.
Investing in this infrastructure is a smart investment because transport is such a driver for growth and opportunity. This is why we are trialling several regional bus services, including the one on the Gove Peninsula which has been operating for almost a year now, providing affordable transport between the communities of Gunyangara, Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala. This allows people to travel to work, to shop, to attend appointments, or visit families and friends, and to participate in recreational activities. I recently heard of the very encouraging and positive indicators associated with regional transport with Centre Bus in Central Australia, allowing people in the central region to access affordable and reliable transport to get people into major centres, but importantly, to get them home; get them back to country after that.
Before I close, there is another photograph I would like to table. There has been much language around basket cases, driven by the member for Araluen and picked up by the member for Drysdale. It got me thinking about baskets, quite literally. Let me tell members of this House about some of the very successful Indigenous micro-economies that happen. There are three generations of the one family here from the community of Mapurru. These women are gun basket weavers. The reason they have this business - this escapes the member for Fong Lim when he talks about black holes and why people want to live in these places - is because - I know it is difficult for members opposite to grasp this, and it is difficult for non-Indigenous to grasp this, but I get it - these people are connected to country. There is a connection to country, to ancestral lands, to clan lands, that is inexplicable to some but this is what keeps these people on country. They are a 10 minute charter flight from Elcho Island and, whilst they may visit Elcho Island for certain services, this community of around 100 or so people live there because this is where they choose to be.
In this photograph, we have Julie Anne, Linda, and Roslyn. We have grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter. These baskets are made from materials entirely from their country. They would not go to anyone else’s country to do this. They do it on their country - the natural dyes. I should add the front two ones I purchased myself. I cannot help myself. My husband sees me coming through the door and says: ‘Not another basket!’ I collect them like pieces of art and when I go out I choose which basket I will take with me to put my things in. These baskets are exhibited in galleries in Elcho Island, Yirrkala, the National Gallery, the British museum, and are exhibited and sold for handsome sums in London galleries. I recently visited the Rebecca Hossack gallery in London.
Mr Tollner: I take it none are on welfare.
Ms WALKER: Those who are aged and disabled, like non-Indigenous people, yes, they are on welfare. These people all work. I encourage you to Google ‘Arnhem weavers’ and find out about this business. These people are fiercely independent and live healthy and happy lives. If they have to come into places like Nhulunbuy for medical appointments they are in and out in a day. They do not want to stay. All they want to do is get home to country. I am giving you one small snapshot about what works for people. This is not a black hole; these are strong, healthy people.
Mr Tollner: Hellhole was the word, not black hole.
Ms WALKER: Hellhole, black hole, whatever, member for Fong Lim. I seek leave to table that photograph.
Leave granted.
Ms WALKER: I concur with the sentiments of the Chief Minister and my colleagues on this side of the House: the Territory is on the cusp of an exciting new era, whether it is the mining or gas sector, or on these tiny homelands. It is exciting and I am very confident the East Arnhem region, my home for more than 20 years, is very much part of that growth and a strong contributor to it. It is not only about investment in infrastructure; it is about the investment in people’s lives to build that capacity at individual, family, and community level to grow people to meet the opportunities there for the taking.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I was not going to speak; however, after that speech I thought I might. This motion was put forward by the Chief Minister as a puff piece about the future of the Northern Territory for the next 100 years. The diatribe we heard from the member for Nhulunbuy said nothing about the next 100 years. She might have wanted to show photos and have jokes about school buildings; however, that has nothing to do with the relevance of the debate. She should have been called out on Standing Order 79; I will do it next time.
The purpose of this debate is to have an articulate conversation across the Chamber about the future of the Northern Territory. The Chief Minister raised some points in his statement which I agree and disagree with. We should be talking about fundamental issues such as immigration, developing the Daly agriculture and horticulture …
Ms Walker: Not talking about education, not talking about the rights of Indigenous people, and not talking about homelands. Shame on you!
Mr GILES: Standing Order 51.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! The member for Braitling has the call.
Mr GILES: The member for Nhulunbuy is repetitive, irrelevant to the Chamber, and adds no value to the Territory. She reads from prepared speeches by bureaucrats on the fifth floor; a waste of space.
I would rather talk about the future of the Northern Territory, how we develop the Territory, and the vision for the Territory. Clearly, the member for Nhulunbuy has no vision. She displayed nothing, and I have not heard much at all. People spoke about their portfolios from a ministerial level. I would have liked the debate to discuss immigration in the Northern Territory and how we strategically position ourselves in the Southeast Asia region. For fear of wanting to give all my ideas away to this Chamber, of which no one is here from government …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker!
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is okay, member for Johnston. As the member for Braitling knows, you cannot refer to the presence or absence of anyone in this Chamber.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. I hope I did not …
Ms Scrymgour: Smart arse.
Mr GILES: I ask the member for Arafura to withdraw that comment.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, please withdraw.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: It is the truth; however, I withdraw.
Mr GILES: I ask she …
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: She has withdrawn. Member for Braitling, you have the floor.
Mr GILES: I also ask, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, you make a ruling on swearing in parliament.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member for Arafura has withdrawn. You have the call.
Mr GILES: You can swear and withdraw? No worries.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: She has withdrawn. You have the call and I encourage you to speak.
Mr GILES: As long as we can swear and withdraw at any time we like, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, as you know you cannot swear in this Chamber. You have the call and I ask you to keep speaking.
Mr GILES: Clearly you can.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I did withdraw.
Mr Conlan: You what?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I withdrew what I said.
Mr Conlan: You said: ‘It is the truth but I withdraw’ like a qualification.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have the call.
Members interjecting.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex, the member for Braitling has the call. Member for Braitling, I encourage you to speak.
Mr GILES: You encourage me to speak, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, and I take that encouragement.
I would talk about the vision and the future of the Northern Territory in the next 100 years; however, clearly you guys are not engaged. You have not displayed any vision in this debate. It is fruitless, a wasted exercise, and a waste of time for this debate to continue.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I put the motion.
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker. It is against all the conventions in this House. You would have to put a motion. The Chief Minister has not wrapped up, and I invite the member to give his offering to this Chamber and let us move on with our normal business.
The Speaker is here. She might like to comment about the fact you have moved a motion to finish this debate.
Madam SPEAKER: Is that a separate motion?
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I was seeking some clarification as you came in.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, you have asked …
Mr GILES: I have put the motion.
Madam SPEAKER: You move that the question be put?
Mr GILES: I move that the question be put.
Madam SPEAKER: It is up to the House to decide whether or not the question be put. If that gets up then it is whether the statement be noted. Members will want to hear what happens.
The motion is that the question be put.
The Assembly divided:
Ayes 10 Noes 11
Mr Bohlin Mrs Aagaard
Mr Conlan Dr Burns
Mr Elferink Mr Gunner
Mr Giles Mr Hampton
Mrs Lambley Mr Knight
Mr Mills Ms Lawrie
Ms Purick Mr McCarthy
Mr Styles Ms McCarthy
Mr Tollner Ms Scrymgour
Mr Westra van Holthe Mr Vatskalis
Ms Walker
Motion negatived
Madam SPEAKER: We will continue with the Chief Minister’s statement.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker, it is great to see everyone here. Let me start by saying …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have finished your speech. The motion stops your speech.
Members interjecting.
Mr GILES: I am not questioning your ruling …
Madam SPEAKER: The question being put means the member for Braitling is wishing to finish the debate and, therefore, is saying he has finished his speech.
Mr Elferink: The House has decided the debate should continue, Madam Speaker.
Ms Scrymgour: That is right, and now it is my turn.
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek advice from the Clerk, but it would be very strange for you to continue your speech after that.
Mr ELFERINK: The House has voted down the member’s motion; it obviously expects him to continue.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I request the clock be stopped in case the ruling is the member for Braitling is allowed to continue his remarks.
Madam SPEAKER: I will let the member for Braitling continue. It is fairly irregular I have to say, so it is really more by my grace than anything else, member for Braitling.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to go back to my 17 minutes too, thank you, Madam Speaker.
A point of order, Madam Speaker! I am wondering if the clock can go back to 17 minutes ...
Madam SPEAKER: No, it cannot.
Mr GILES: It cannot, no worries. I will seek an extension.
As I was saying before I was interrupted, this debate should have been about the strategic future of the Northern Territory. The Chief Minister started that in his statement. It was a fluff piece, but that is where he started.
The member for Nhulunbuy’s debate where she held up photos of basket weaving in Nhulunbuy and spoke about the importance of very little, is not about the strategic future of the Northern Territory. The strategic future of the Territory is about positioning the Northern Territory so Darwin is the capital of Southeast Asia and we mirror the image of Melbourne being the representation of Italy and Greece, Sydney the Middle East, and Perth and its relationship to the British and South Africa with regard to their immigration status.
The Northern Territory needs a closer correlation with Southeast Asia, and Darwin needs to take on the status of Australia’s capital of Southeast Asia – the gateway. It sounds simple, but to the north and east of the Northern Territory lies a country of roughly 240 million people – Indonesia – and when you look at trade between the Northern Territory and Indonesia the figures are startling, albeit the Northern Territory only has a population of some 220 000 people. Indonesia, on our doorstep, has 240 million people, Papua New Guinea has four million people, East Timor and others in the Southeast Asian region - there is a significant need for redirection of our economic development towards Southeast Asia that goes across the four pillars of economic development, that being cultural, social, economic, and environmental.
On the social and cultural fronts, there is a significant opportunity for cross-fertilisation of populations. We see that in tourist numbers to Bali; that needs to continue across the Northern Territory and throughout Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia.
The role the Chief Minister played in supporting the Prime Minister’s ban on live cattle put us in a detrimental position, not just in the live cattle industry, but the future of economic development across those four pillars.
I do not see any vision from the government about how these things might progress and what opportunities there are. I have done quite a bit of research into this area over a long period of time. It is interesting to compare sister cities to the mindset of growth towns in the Northern Territory. There could be great relationships across any one of those four pillars between some of our growth towns, some of our urban centres, and areas or towns in Southeast Asia. Sister cities have been set up before with the Northern Territory. Ambon in Indonesia is one, and I have a document relating to signing with a sister city on 23 April 1982 with Darwin and - excuse the pronunciation …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! In accordance with Standing Order 78, I urge that the eight minutes lost by the member during the debate be restored. I point out to you Standing Order 78:
- If the motion be lost the debate will be resumed where it was interrupted and the time taken in deciding the question ‘that the question be now put’ shall not be reckoned as part of the time allotted to the member whose speech was interrupted.
Madam SPEAKER: I will seek some advice from the Clerk. You might note, though, that it was the member who interrupted the debate. I am seeking advice.
Mr Elferink: Yes, speaking …
Madam SPEAKER: You are not speaking to me. I am going to seek advice from someone who knows something about this, member for Port Darwin.
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask you to consider your comment in relation to that. I am guided by standing orders.
Madam SPEAKER: I have sought advice and, on this occasion, I will allow you to have the extra time, member for Braitling. There is also the capacity in the standing orders for me, as Speaker, if I feel the standing orders are being abused deliberately, to interrupt or disrupt the workings of the House, to not allow certain motions. On this occasion, I will give you the extra time, however, member for Braitling, I have to say it is borderline. You have the extra time, which I think would only be about six minutes.
Mr ELFERINK: My understanding was about eight minutes, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: It is three minutes for the ringing of the bells.
Mr ELFERINK: Yes, and then the counting also would have taken four or five …
Madam SPEAKER: The counting does not take that long. It does not take five minutes.
Mr ELFERINK: I seek a ruling, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Eight minutes, I do not think so. I would say seven minutes at the most. Member for Braitling, you have disrupted the House significantly.
Mr GILES: I did not call that point of order.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, you have disrupted the House significantly. You now have seven minutes.
Mr GILES: Thank you, Madam Speaker, and I am not reflecting on your ruling, I am talking about the debate. The debate that occurred before I spoke had nothing to do with the statement at all. It mentioned small electorate issues, not the future of the Northern Territory. That is why I put the motion. If we are going to debate serious things, have your people write proper speeches relating to the subject - the future of the Northern Territory …
Ms Lawrie: He is a bit sensitive.
Mr GILES: It is not about sensitive. It is about your stupid and moronic approach to debates.
Madam Speaker, I was talking about …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Part of the problem this afternoon is the member for Braitling has descended to personal insult on quite a number of occasions. He should get on …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, I ask you to withdraw that last comment, thank you.
Mr GILES: I withdraw.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you.
Mr GILES: I was talking about sister cities. I spoke briefly about Ambon, Kalymnos, Anchorage, which was signed in 1982, Haiku in China, and Dili. They are the five sister cities that have signed with the Northern Territory. Sister cities represent a strategic opportunity for the Northern Territory. Some of our towns are very small in population and trade. There can be a great cultural exchange between some of those sister cities and places throughout Southeast Asia whether it be China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, or elsewhere. We would get a greater cultural exchange - one of the four pillars - greater social exchange with people interacting, which would support our tourism industry, internal and external, to other countries, and the opportunity for the environment in the four pillars for us to share with our nearest neighbours environmental learnings we have in Australia and the Northern Territory, particularly with the topic of interest around Australia at the moment being environmental and climatic.
As a nation, we do quite a bit in Indonesia, particularly in forestry. Some of the environmental learning can be transferred. The ultimate aim would be to develop long-standing trade relationships. Much mining and live cattle relates to Asia. We should be growing that because when you look at the trades figures between the Northern Territory and some of our nearest neighbours of East Timor, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, the numbers are fairly small. I have some information sourced from ABS 5368 on International Trade in Goods and Services in Australia, Table 36G, which is merchandise exports, state of origin, Northern Territory. This shows for financial year 2008-09, merchandise exports from the Northern Territory to East Timor being $22m, to Indonesia being $213m, and PNG $87m.
Particularly with Indonesia, and a population of around 240 million people give or take a couple of million, the opportunity for us as the nearest neighbour - we should have a greater trade relationship, particularly with exports. When you look at the Indonesian figures from the DFAT website on their country profile as it relates to fact sheets around trade, they had a GDP in 2010 of $US706bn and an estimated $US822bn for 2011. The major Australian exports to Indonesia are wheat; live animals, particularly from the Northern Territory; aluminium; and cotton. The imports from Indonesia are crude petroleum; gold; simple wood; and television monitors, projectors, and so forth.
There needs to be investigation, and the Northern Territory government has an opportunity to identify those opportunistic trade elements where we can excel. Is there an opportunity to send minerals to Indonesia? That sounds a simplistic question but we need to look at that when looking at a century long plan for the Northern Territory and northern Australia. I did not see that in debate today at all.
It is interesting when you take out the financial component of live export now the Chief Minister and Julia Gillard have done their best to kill that off, hopefully only temporarily. There is significant shortfall in any export trade to our nearest homes in Indonesia.
Madam Speaker, I had a well-structured speech to give in this regard; however, the government has treated this speech and the statement with disdain and I will not continue. I would like the opportunity to speak on my vision for the Northern Territory and have that relationship with Southeast Asia. Perhaps, when we have a mature government, we can have a proper debate. We will bring that on at a later stage. I have nothing else to say; I am happy for the statement to be noted.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arafura): Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement outlining our government’s plan for the future and our vision, hope, and aspirations for this great place we call home. I want to pick up on the member for Braitling where he said: ‘I do not want to talk about the basket weavers or Aboriginal people on homelands’, and denigrated that economy as not having a link to Southeast Asia. For the member for Braitling’s information, I know the Arts minister would be able to back that and anyone who works in the art and culture field would know that. It shows what an empty vessel these guys are. They talk about how this government is bereft of ideas and there is no intelligence. If you look at the other side, it is bereft of ideas and lacks the intellect to properly debate these things.
If there was anyone with any intellect on that side, those basket weavers in the photo, and the arts and culture industry, would be recognised for their contribution to the economy, not just in the Northern Territory, not just nationally, but also internationally. The ignorance of the member for Braitling astounds me regarding the value to the Northern Territory economy of that art going into Southeast Asia.
I said to the member for Fong Lim earlier, it is obvious when you are an import into the Northern Territory, when you are not part of those communities, you do not see the importance of the link between the culture, the land, the art, and its contribution, not only to the Northern Territory, but also to the families living there. I stand with my colleagues who see the valuable contribution of those women and many of the families who do not live in basket case communities. Many communities in the Northern Territory have input into the Northern Territory community and economy. The Arts area plays a major role in the Northern Territory economy. It contributes to the tourism industry and many other industries.
While the member for Braitling is attempting to sound intelligent by saying: ‘I want a debate about Asia’, he has no understanding whatsoever of the history of the Northern Territory or remote Aboriginal communities and their trade connection with Asia.
That shows blatant ignorance by the member for Braitling who grew up in New South Wales, came to the Territory - yes, he is a Territorian now and that is great. He is an elected member from Alice Springs and has every right to say what he wants. However, God help the Northern Territory if these guys ever win government. This is a side that is bereft of ideas, intellect and understanding. If you cannot understand the contribution Aboriginal basket weavers and culture play in the economy into Asia, and everywhere else, you are a disgrace. If the CLP ever won government, God help the Northern Territory, because …
Mr Conlan: It is the will of the people.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: It is the will of the people. That is right …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Giles: When you resigned you should have stayed …
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling! Member for Greatorex!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I have news for you, mate, I am going to stay around beyond 2012 just to make your life a misery.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, I digress. We had one contribution after the other from the CLP saying: ‘No plans, no vision’. I have listened to member after member – a week in this parliament - constantly talk down the Northern Territory. They even go as far as talking down their own towns. Everyone knows there are problems in our communities and regional towns; no one is denying there are problems. We all know there are problems in Alice Springs and on remote Aboriginal communities. You cannot label every community a basket case, or say all Aboriginal people are welfare bludgers. I was reading the contribution from the member for Braitling when he was saying: ‘The right should be in charge of this; the right has the moral authority to be able to ...’
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I draw your attention to relevance. This is a statement on the future of the Northern Territory, not a forum for the member for Arafura to get even with the member for Braitling. She can do that in her adjournment speech.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, resume your seat. It is a curious point of order from you, I have to say, member for Braitling.
Member for Arafura, if you could speak to the statement. I have to say, member for Arafura, there has been an extraordinary amount of latitude throughout the whole debate.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you, Madam Speaker, I am speaking to the future of the Northern Territory. One day Territorians will exercise their democracy, but God help us if the CLP ever wins government.
The member for Greatorex, what cheek! Talk about calling the kettle - if anyone stretches – the remarks that she is not sticking to script, relevance, you are the master of it, mate.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, can your direct your comments through the Chair, please?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I will, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: What is your point of order?
Mr GILES: Relevance to the statement. This is why it was put in the first place.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Arafura, can you stick to the statement, or a version of it?
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I am sticking to the statement, Madam Speaker. I am talking about the future of the Northern Territory. They were having a go at me asking: ‘Is she standing again?’ The big rumour around the Northern Territory is whether the member for Greatorex is going to stand again? Throw those jibes from that side of the Chamber to me and expect the same.
Does the Northern Territory government have a vision? When you look at the Chief Minister’s statement, one of the things I am proud to be doing - and I have often heard the snide remarks from the other side: ‘Oh, 2030’. I am the Parliamentary Secretary and am fortunate to be working with the Chief Minister to travel around the Northern Territory - not just our urban and regional areas, but also our remote communities - to talk about the Northern Territory government’s vision for education, society, economic sustainability, health and wellbeing, the environment, knowledge, creativity, and innovation. When we talk about education, I pick up on the senseless, inane, childish remark from the member for Greatorex who said: ‘Oh well, failed education minister’. We were fixing up the education system after 26 years - I take my hat off to former CLP ministers; I had great debates with many of them. If you compare the CLP of that era to the CLP sitting opposite, there is no comparison …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex! Member for Greatorex!
One of the things the CLP reviewed was Indigenous education and a number of recommendations were made. They looked at Indigenous education, and a comprehensive report presented the CLP government of that time with a list of recommendations to fix Indigenous education. However, it is black kids out of sight, out of mind, in the bush and, once again, to the CLP government it was out of sight, out of mind; it is only black kids in the bush, we do not need to do anything.
Chris Lugg was the CLP Education minister at the time. With all the recommendations from the Learning Lessons report, he said the government only had to implement four. It would pick up four recommendations from Learning Lessons; that is all it had to do. It did not have to show any commitment because after all, it is just Aboriginal kids, out of sight, out of mind who do not need an education.
When we came to government in 2001, thank God - one of the things the Labor government has always been active on - I pay tribute to that first Cabinet and the passion and commitment of people like Peter Toyne, the then member for Stuart, and Syd Stirling, the former member for Nhulunbuy. They had been in opposition for many years and had encouraged the then CLP Education minister to implement all the recommendations of Learning Lessons so …
Mr Giles: Is that the Bob Collins report?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Braitling!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … the government could turn around the appalling statistics in education where kids were not going to school, you did not have Year 12, and literacy and numeracy skills levels were appalling. One of the things the CLP - these guys are great at covering up their history - did not have the guts to do was put in place a reporting regime; to look at reporting …
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Arafura has had plenty of latitude. I would like to move Standing Order 79, that the member no longer be heard.
Motion negatived.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Thank you to my colleagues. The members for Greatorex and Braitling do not want to hear me because they do not like a good bit of truth. That is it; they do not like the truth …
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Speaker! That is incorrect. We want to hear about Bob Collins.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Braitling, resume your seat and do not make points of order like that; they are not points of order.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: Madam Speaker, the CLP appointed Bob Collins if you want to get into that debate, member for Braitling. The empty vessels on the other side, because they are incapable of intellectual argument or debate, do not like the truth. They stand in this Chamber and we have to listen to their diatribe, their insults, calling our communities basket cases, using every insult and being offensive to people I, and every bush member, represent. We have to listen to the offensive comments from the members opposite and they question relevance! The problem with members opposite is they want to gag debate because they do not like listening to the truth when it is thrown back because they have nothing to offer. They do not bring on debates. Given oppositions are supposed to hold governments to account, they should be offering alternative plans.
The problem with the members for Braitling, Greatorex, Araluen and the rest of them is not one has any vision or plan. You are bereft of ideas; that is the problem. I throw it back at you. The Territory Labor government has a plan, Territory 2030, for our industries.
The member for Sanderson asked why the agricultural industry was not mentioned in the statement. Member for Sanderson, the 2030 plan is about the whole of the Territory. This statement is about northern Australia and its development going forward. I say to the member for Sanderson, look at the 2030 plan. It is talking about Katherine as a regional hub for the Top End with a focus on tourism, transport, agriculture, mining and government services. It is there. We have a plan and a vision to get these industries happening and there has been consultation. I have visited Katherine and held forums regarding 2030. Industry participation is much better and more productive than what we get from the CLP in any discussion or contribution on taking the Territory forward.
The member for Fong Lim was talking yesterday about his favourite subject, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, and how it has prevented economic development in the north. Madam Speaker, I want to grab a map.
Mrs LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move that the member for Arafura be given an extension of time to complete her remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: People are often misinformed and become obsessed with ALRA, Aboriginal land, the economy; it does not add to the economy and there is no future from northern Australia into Asia. One of the biggest contributors, besides live cattle, is our resource industry. Mining and resources are quite large contributors to the Northern Territory economy. I will show this map; maybe I could table this map. If you look at northern Australia you will see misinformation is constantly peddled by members opposite that Aboriginal people on Aboriginal land do not allow exploration or grant mineral exploration licences on their land. If you look at that map it shows there are quite significant exploration licence applications and exploration licences happening on Aboriginal land. For people opposite …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex! Cease interjecting.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: The member for Greatorex should travel around the Northern Territory. Maybe he should get out of Greatorex and into some of these Aboriginal communities and talk to Aboriginal people about what they are doing and how they are doing …
Mr Conlan interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex!
Ms SCRYMGOUR: … because Aboriginal people want economic development. People are not anti-mining. People are not anti- the resource sector, as is often peddled. Yes, there may be individuals who have a view when it comes to certain minerals and that is okay; that is part of democracy, member for Nelson. One day we will have that debate. When you talk to Aboriginal people about the various industries that can and should happen in their communities, they are not against that.
There is a fundamental difference between an act, which is like any other piece of legislation whether it is Territory parliament or federal parliament - bureaucracies administer government work and policies, and there are bureaucracies that administer the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. Too often ignorant people blame the act rather than look at problems with the bureaucracy implementing the act or acting on behalf of Aboriginal people.
Aboriginal people are not against the resource sector; they want it to happen. As part of 2030, there has been much discussion in the various regions to look at how we go forward so it is not just a gas base. I look forward to INPEX. For someone who was born and bred in this town and has seen the development of Darwin going forward, it is a good thing. INPEX will add to that. When you look at the exploration and the potential in many of our regions, that will provide economic drivers for communities to contribute.
The Northern Territory government has a plan. Territory 2030 is a big part of that vision going forward in northern development. It gives us a blueprint for our engagement with the broader community going forward. I fully support our government in moving forward and ensuring we put the Northern Territory in a better position than we found it when we came to government in 2001.
I was here in 2001 and before. I was involved closely with the political scene in the Northern Territory and was not someone who just decided to join a political party. I had been part of the political scene for a long time. When we came to government in 2001 and what we inherited, and what we have built over 10 years - when people on the other side say this government has done nothing they only have to look at electorates like mine where many communities did not have sealed airstrips - places like Maningrida. People at Maningrida were very insulted when the member for Braitling and Senator Scullion visited - some of their comments to the people - talk about disrespect. You could engage people in a better way rather than being pompous and arrogant when you go onto someone’s land.
Nevertheless, the member for Braitling should have looked at Maningrida – I have some photos and will show the member for Braitling what Maningrida school looked like in 2001. The asbestos-ridden buildings there in 2001 - he can look at that, have a joke, and say it looks like a detention centre, and tell me about those buildings a Labor government has spent 10 years putting in place. Madam Speaker, I remember when you were Health minister and we visited Maningrida. The facilities nurses had to sleep in, in those communities, were a disgrace. We expect nurses to work 24/7 in those communities and the infrastructure those nurses had to live in was a disgrace.
The members for Araluen, Braitling, and Greatorex throw their bit in. That is okay, this is a game of politics. However, when you throw back some facts, the glass jaw syndrome on the other side call points of order on relevance. That was the biggest joke of the week: the member for Greatorex calling relevance on me. This man has a track record of standing here, debate after debate, talking about everything other than the topic. It is a bit rich that he calls relevance on me.
Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement. It is a vision for the Northern Territory and is about us going forward. I commend the statement to the House.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
TABLED PAPER
Letter from the Children’s Commissioner Seeking the Speaker’s Authority to Publish a Report
Letter from the Children’s Commissioner Seeking the Speaker’s Authority to Publish a Report
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I received a letter today from the Children’s Commissioner, Dr Howard Bath, seeking the Speaker’s authority to publish a report pursuant to section 278(2) of the Care and Protection of Children Act regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s Report, A Life Long Shadow.
It is advised I have agreed the Commissioner has the Speaker’s authority to publish the report. I table the letter from Dr Bath and I call the Minister for Health.
TABLED PAPER
Report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow
Report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow. This is done pursuant to section 278(2) of the Care and Protection of Children Act.
TABLED PAPER
Pairing Arrangement –
Members for Nightcliff and Fong Lim
Pairing Arrangement –
Members for Nightcliff and Fong Lim
Madam SPEAKER: Before I go on, I have notice of a pair. It is for me with the member for Fong Lim. I thank the member for Fong Lim for this. It was unexpected that I have to go to Brisbane tonight. It is signed by both Whips. Thank you very much, member for Fong Lim. I table that letter.
Mr Tollner: My great pleasure, Madam Speaker.
MOTION
Note Statement – Taking Real Action for Alice Springs
Note Statement – Taking Real Action for Alice Springs
Continued from 31 March 2011.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, this is a resumption of debate on the ministerial statement on Central Australia commenced in the Alice Springs sittings and, even though we are in the Darwin sittings, it is appropriate we follow on from a debate about northern Australia in general to Central Australia in particular. I will make my contribution to this statement.
I support the Chief Minister’s statement on the work the Territory government is doing to deliver better outcomes in Alice Springs and across Central Australia. As the minister responsible for Housing, Education and Training, and Public Employment, I am proud to say I believe we have achieved a great deal in these areas in recent years and our efforts will continue well into the future. I also acknowledge …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! Item 4 on the Notice Paper is Mrs Lambley in continuation with 10 minutes remaining.
Dr BURNS: I apologise to the member for Araluen.
Madam SPEAKER: We can either continue - if something like this happens you need to jump.
Mrs Lambley: Well, I was a bit stunned.
Mr ELFERINK: Madam Speaker, perhaps I can suggest a way through this. If we simply allow the member for Araluen to continue her speech and the full 20 minutes be allotted again to the Leader of Government Business.
Madam SPEAKER: I will be able sort something. Usually you let the person continue and then let the member for Araluen finish after that because we have already started.
Mr Tollner: I bet she would not do it for Gilesey.
Madam SPEAKER: I beg your pardon?
Mr Tollner: I was whispering to my friend, Madam Speaker.
Dr BURNS: Madam Speaker, I am willing to defer to the member for Araluen and resume where I was and hopefully Hansard can put it all together.
Mr Elferink: Thank you very much. I appreciate that.
Madam SPEAKER: On another occasion, member for Araluen, all you need to do is call a point of order and also jump.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was a little slow in catching on to what was happening. Thank you for allowing me to complete my response to the Chief Minister’s ministerial statement on Central Australia. This is the third part of my response. I started on 29 March, the second part was on 30 March, and now I stand before you on 11 August. I am pleased to do so.
I remember the context in which the Chief Minister gave his ministerial statement on Central Australia. It was probably one of the more memorable days for me in parliament during my 10 months. You will remember the day in question. It started with a large group of Alice Springs residents gathering on the lawns of the convention centre and fairly aggressively and loudly expressing their dissatisfaction with this government’s ability to control crime in Alice Springs. It was quite ironic that the Chief Minister was inside delivering his ministerial statement on Alice Springs and Central Australia whilst several hundred people were outside calling for him to answer questions about what he intended to do about the escalating problem of crime on the streets of Alice Springs. He decided he would not address the crowd. I remember feeling very disappointed that the leader of the Northern Territory did not have the courage or conviction to face the people from Central Australia he was talking about in his speech.
Nevertheless, months have marched on and crime is still an enormous problem in Alice Springs. We have recently had the crime statistics prove, yet again, that things are very serious, particularly break-ins. This is an increasingly serious problem in Alice Springs. We can attribute the rise in break-ins mainly to the alcohol policy of this government. Yes, access to alcohol is more difficult so people who have alcohol problems are breaking into people’s houses and stealing it. When the Treasurer, the deputy leader of government, talks about the wonders of the new Enough is Enough, no nonsense, turn the tap off alcohol strategy, once again she needs to reflect on the Alice Springs experience. We are the experts when it comes to alcohol reforms. We have been subjected to them for many years and the minister needs to talk to the people who know all about it, the members for Braitling, Greatorex and me. We know far more than the deputy leader, the Minister for Alcohol Policy, when it comes to how effective or ineffective these policies are in Alice Springs.
This evening I have a few minutes to talk about some of the more current issues in Alice Springs. The first one I draw your attention to is the problem we have in the CBD of Alice Springs. When you talk about the expansion, the commitment, the development of Central Australia, you cannot go past the CBD of Alice Springs. This is probably one of the most sadly neglected CBDs you will find anywhere in Australia. It has not developed at all in the last 10 years. We have had one new building go up in the CBD of Alice Springs in the last 10 years. One privately built building - the Imparja building.
Countering that one new building, we have had probably three or four significant buildings demolished. That is an astounding record for this government when it comes to stimulating growth and assisting the provision of a vibrant, modern amenity in the CBD of Alice Springs. It is quite shaming, and probably what signifies this shameful and disturbing lack of development, in fact a retrograde step in the CBD of Alice Springs, is the story of Melanka backpackers. This was once a thriving mini-metropolis for backpackers. It had 145 beds providing not only an exciting place for international and national tourists to gather, but locals would frequent the nightclub. It was an old building but it had character.
When you look around the streets of Darwin you can see similar facilities in the CBD, but we had the Melanka Lodge in Alice Springs. It was sold several years ago and, in February 2008, the owners decided to close Melanka Lodge. At that stage the owners decided it would become Gilligan’s Resort, a backpackers resort. Alice Springs people were thrilled when they looked at the Centralian Advocate years ago and there was an artist’s impression of this beautiful, modern, exciting facility that was to be Gilligan’s Backpacker Resort. That did not go ahead either and, by the end of November 2008, the investors left town - they took their money elsewhere. It was all too hard to get their project up and running in Alice Springs so they took their money elsewhere.
The Melanka block was on the market again. It was sold, and in 2009 Melanka was demolished. The whole building was demolished. Since then, two years ago or thereabouts, we have had a 1.3 ha vacant block sitting in the middle of the Alice Springs CBD. This is a privately owned block of land. It is now on the market for $7.5m. The point to this story is this land has not been developed for a number of reasons. The main reason is that it is all too hard to invest on the scale required for this block in Alice Springs because of the red tape and bureaucracy this government puts up. It is too expensive and too hard. We have seen other blocks in town where the developers have great ideas and then realise how hideous the government red tape is. They do their sums and try to negotiate with the Development Consent Authority and various people who have responsibility for development and planning. The blocks are put up but they could not be bothered. You do not have to invest your money in Alice Springs; you can invest it in Broome or Cairns. You can go to Port Augusta or somewhere because it is easier to develop a block of land elsewhere.
This government has wrapped up planning so tightly and made it so difficult that people go elsewhere. So, in the CBD of Alice Springs we have these blocks of land. There is one adjacent to K-Mart …
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I move an extension of time for the member to complete her remarks pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mrs LAMBLEY: Madam Speaker, a block of land adjacent to the K-Mart complex was levelled over 10 years ago. I remember the day distinctly. It was Lizzie Milne’s old house, right in the middle of town, a large block - over a quarter of an acre. That block has been levelled, cleared and waiting for development for over 10 years. The main reason it has not been developed is because of the red tape and hideous requirements put on developers which make it unaffordable. These projects are not viable.
The government needs to look at the CBD of Alice Springs and try to facilitate these developments; try to get the CBD of Alice Springs a happening place because when you talk about Central Australia, you really cannot go past the CBD of Alice Springs. As a centre of town like any centre of town in any place throughout Australia, you gravitate there and, for Alice Springs, it has been a painfully long and slow experience in decline, not progress. It is a sad state of affairs when we are seeing more buildings destroyed in the CBD of Alice Springs rather than built.
The second part of the story of the CBD of Alice Springs is the government’s ‘commitment’ - I put that in quotes - to the rejuvenation of the CBD of Alice Springs. This has been on the cards since I was an alderman of the Alice Springs Town Council, between 2004 and 2008. It probably started before then if the truth be known, but let us go back to around 2004. They have consulted and consulted. They have had planning days and invited experts. A consultant from Melbourne was brought up to see how we could beautify and rejuvenate the mall and the CBD of Alice Springs in general. Some fantastic ideas have been developed. We have had imaginative, artistic ideas of how to weave the beautiful Todd River into the experience of the mall, and things that are beyond my comprehension as a fairly unartistic person. Effort and money has gone into consulting and planning and, six or seven years later, has amounted to nothing. We have not seen any rejuvenation of the CBD. Nothing at all has happened.
I spoke to several public servants about this recently and asked them: ‘When are we going to see some action? When is consultation going to stop and action start?’ They were very discreet and loyal in their response, but nodded their heads and said: ‘Yes, perhaps we have done the consultation bit’.
When it comes to commitment by this government to Central Australia, I have to question how genuine it is. The CBD is the pulse, the centre of activity; it is the hive of any community. Darwin has its beautiful Mitchell Street facility. It has the mall, which has recently been beautified and rejuvenated. Everyone in Darwin is as proud as punch, but Alice Springs has, unfortunately, been neglected. Neglect is the key word that comes to mind when I think of this government and its commitment to Alice Springs. There has been no action to help progress the town, the centre of the town, make it look more beautiful, make people feel proud of it, and make people want to go there day or night.
Very little has been done. The things done by this government to improve the safety and security of the streets of Alice Springs, particularly the CBD, have been done under duress. My goodness me, we need lights in the CBD, crime is skyrocketing, people are running around the back streets causing havoc breaking into people’s businesses and vandalising cars. Let us get some lights. What does this government do? It hires a dozen massive floodlights which remained the feature of the town for six months while the government, gee whiz, knee-jerk reaction: we had better install some permanent ones.
These things are so inadequate. It illustrates a lack of genuine commitment, a genuine planning framework for improving Alice Springs - making it better. We have to stand in front of the convention centre during parliament and yell and scream and say: ‘Come on, listen to us. We deserve attention. We deserve the funds, the interest, and the enthusiasm this government gives to Darwin’. You do. I would never criticise the input and efforts this government has made in improving Darwin, but when it comes to Central Australia there is no comparison, it is like chalk and cheese. Everything goes to Darwin and as little as possible to appease the people in Central Australia. Make them shut up and go away is the philosophy of this government. What we have is an ‘eyesore’ when it comes to Melanka. The 1.3 ha block right in the middle of Alice Springs has been levelled for two years. It is an eyesore. The ABC called it ‘vacant block dreaming’. That is pathetic.
The latest proposal for the Melanka block was a $60m investment. A huge amount of money injected into the Alice Springs economy providing a facility to house dozens and dozens of families and working people, and is very much required in Alice Springs. It would have had commercial sites for shops, businesses and offices. It was going to be a spectacular development on a 1.3 ha block in the middle of Alice Springs. That is off the table now. I listened to a panel on local ABC radio in Alice Springs a few weeks ago when it was made public the Melanka block was on the market again. The $60m development proposal was shelved. The owners have decided to pull the pin and spend their money elsewhere. History repeating itself.
I listened to the panel of local experts. There was someone from Desert Knowledge, a local architect, and someone from the tourism industry. The question was asked: ‘How long do you think it will take before we see a development on the site of Melanka Lodge?’ The architect said: ‘Five years’. I thought: bingo. Sadly, but true, that is right; it is going to take another five years because of all the bureaucratic red tape, the obstacles the planning department, DCA, this government, whoever is responsible, puts in front of developers to make it unbearably hard and financially cost inhibitive so they cannot do it.
Madam Speaker, when we talk about Central Australia, when we talk about this government’s commitment, it is not there. There is little evidence to suggest anything except this government always drags its heels, kicking and screaming when it comes to Central Australia and the people of Alice Springs.
Dr BURNS (Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I am sure Hansard will piece it together and overlap. As the minister responsible for Housing, Education and Training and Public Employment, I am proud to say this government has achieved a great deal in these areas in recent years, and our efforts will continue well into the future, although we acknowledge we have much to do. We are under no illusions: we face many challenges in delivering better housing, especially in the bush. We are seeing real inroads thanks to the Alice Springs transformation plan.
I will start with public and affordable housing. Ensuring all Territorians have access to housing is an area the Henderson government is focused on in Central Australia. The Henderson government’s Housing the Territory strategy is driving housing affordability and increased supply. Government is also working towards housing the Territory, and the Territory 2030 strategy aim of achieving a balanced housing market. Buying a home is usually the greatest financial investment a person will make in their life, and we are committed to ensuring more Centralians have the opportunity to become homeowners.
In Alice Springs, we have created opportunities for low- to middle-income earners to buy their own home. Our Homestart NT home ownership program helps Territorians get their foot in the door in the property market. The scheme works because it is flexible and set up to help the buyer succeed as a homeowner. Homestart NT and purchase limits were increased in May to keep pace with changing market conditions. Alice Springs price limits are now $435 000, giving people access to a larger range of properties. I am also glad to report to the House the recent Ridges Estate ballot at Larapinta for affordable land and house packages for first homeowners was a success. The house and land packages were more than $385 000 and will be sold through a public ballot. The ballot was popular and six purchases are now complete with the first slabs expected to be poured shortly. As Kilgariff and land south of The Gap becomes available, we will continue to look at more affordable housing projects targeting low- to middle- income earners.
As well as home ownership options, we are also working towards providing more accommodation for those who do not have the means to purchase property. The Henderson government, in partnership with the Australian government and many non-government organisations, has made a huge impact on supported accommodation in the last 12 months. This is helping reduce homelessness and helping people gain skills to secure long-term accommodation and succeed in an urban tenancy.
The Alice Springs transformation plan is investing $150m and housing is a strong focus. Alice Springs town camps are receiving 85 new houses, and 200 existing houses will receive a refurbishment, or a rebuild. So far, 60 new houses have been built with 21 under construction. Eighty-nine refurbishments and rebuilds have been completed across town camps in Alice Springs and 25 communities in the southern region package spread through Central Australia and the Barkly to make significant improvements to housing. This is making houses safe and liveable for families, and helping ease overcrowding and pressure on other homes within these communities.
Our remote Indigenous housing partnership agreement goes beyond just building better houses. It also creates real training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Territorians. We are exceeding our target of 20% of the SIHIP workforce being Indigenous; it has been consistently over 30%.
Tenants of the Alice Springs town camps and remote community public houses are also benefitting from the new system of tenancy management. Territory Housing policies and procedures are being applied as tenants move into their new or refurbished houses. For tenants, this clearly outlines not only their rights but also their responsibilities in maintaining their property. Also, under the Alice Springs transformation plan, more than 500 extra beds will be provided in Alice Springs. The $11m visitor accommodation park is providing accommodation for 150 visitors to town and the 28-bed transitional housing facility at Percy Court is open. These facilities are helping give people skills to manage public or private housing tenancy in the future. The 35-bedroom lodge has been redeveloped to provide accommodation for people coming to town for medical treatment. The 65-bed Mount Gillen hostel has also opened and provided town camp residents with accommodation during periods while their houses were being refurbished, as well as temporary accommodation for people visiting Alice Springs.
Eight rooms have been built at the Salvation Army, east side, for homeless men, and the Alice Springs transformation plan is achieving results. We are delivering more accommodation and housing which aims to deliver real and sustainable outcomes to help people secure longer term accommodation. We also have a tenancy sustainability program to work with people who need support to become successful tenants in public housing, and work with over 100 households per year in Alice Springs.
Tangentyere and Anglicare work with tenants through a case management approach to enhance their skills to manage a household. Mission Australia has recently received funding for three years through the Alice Springs transformation plan for the provision of intensive tenancy support to 30 of the neediest households in public housing, including town camps, in Alice Springs. This program will be aimed at those households with very little experience in living in urban dwellings.
It is not only Indigenous housing the government is focused on in Central Australia. Construction of the $5.4m 18-unit Larrapinta seniors village has commenced and we are aiming to have that completed by the end of 2011. These units have been specifically designed for senior Territorians and the site will also incorporate return-to-grid solar powered grey water reticulation and a park shelter with barbecue facilities. Local company, Asbuild, is undertaking this work and I am sure there are many seniors in Territory Housing who will welcome the opportunity to live in one of these units. There has also been work in Alice Springs to build six new public housing dwellings under the social housing initiative component of the nation building stimulus package. This has delivered two new four-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom units in Alice Springs.
The Territory government has been working tirelessly to deliver more housing for people in Alice Springs and the remote communities of Central Australia and is making positive inroads.
I turn to my portfolio area of Education and Training. Education and training is a top priority for the Henderson government. We know the foundation for a good life is a sound education and we are working to ensure all Territory children have access to education and training to prepare themselves for life and future employment. Our Smart Territory strategic plan is driving many new initiatives and programs throughout the Territory for school students, teachers and children before they enter school. Attendance is an issue we are very focused on. If a child goes to school every day in Central Australia, they get a great education. Look at the top Northern Territory Certificate of Education students for 2010. Bevan Botha came from Centralian Senior College, and congratulations once again, Bevan, for your excellent work.
We know by tackling alcohol we are supporting parents and families to send kids to school. We want to tackle the grog problem in Central Australia and believe that will have flow-on effects for the education of children. Building better schools has also been a priority in the last few years. This is included in the Territory government’s commitment to provide a $300 000 upgrade to every government primary and group school. We have also made significant investment in the redevelopment of Centralian Middle School with a $9.5m project and students and staff are already enjoying the better facilities. The BER is also ensuring every school in Central Australia benefits from new and improved school buildings. Over $200m is being invested in our government school.
The Territory government has worked hand-in-hand with the Commonwealth and school communities to deliver these important BER projects. These are projects the opposition did not support, even in their own electorates, although a number of them, Madam Deputy Speaker, as you observed before, have been tagging along to the opening ceremonies with big smiles on their faces as if they have some ownership and contribution to this. We are generous. We will let the member for Katherine go to Katherine School of the Air and bask in the glory. We do not want to politicise schools; however, all in this House know the facts.
Mr Westra van Holthe: I wanted to hear the kids ask the Prime Minister the cattle questions.
Dr BURNS: You do not want me to quote what you said about the Kevin Rudd rorting spendathon. I do not think you do. I will not politicise it, member for Katherine. I have it there with a little tag on, along with many other tags. You learn as you go on in this game. You will have a folder with tags as well; it is part and parcel of what we do here.
Delivering more programs to support our students is another important focus of the Henderson government. The Department of Education and Training has engaged the expertise of Professor Geoff Masters from the Australian Council of Education and Research. Professor Masters has met with all principals in Central Australia and visited many schools to help us improve school performance. I understand the member for Brennan is meeting with Professor Masters this afternoon. I look forward to having a conversation with the member for Brennan to hear his views after that brief.
Our efforts to engage students in schools also continue. This year we have provided $252 000 for Alice Springs principals to apply for funding to address specific issues that affect their students and impact on attendance and engagement. Project-specific youth action plan grants were allocated to eight of the nine Alice Springs schools. In addition, nine schools will receive $4000 to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers to engage parents in activities which foster student support.
Other Alice Springs school grants received include:
Acacia Hills School, $11 500 for an employee to work with students using games and props that increase and encourage social cooperation and encouragement;
Our new Every Child, Every Day strategy is in place and includes a strong focus on the bush and engaging Indigenous students in their schooling. One component of our attendance strategy is the Clontarf Football Academy which is making tremendous changes to many young Indigenous boys’ lives in Alice Springs. This program is really focused on Indigenous students. The opposition does not like separate programs. It needs to say whether it would axe the Clontarf program, which is an important partnership between the Commonwealth government, the Territory government and private enterprise. Are you going to be consistent? You say you want mainstream programs for everyone. Are you going to axe the Clontarf Academy or the Sporting Chance for Girls?
You have put a number of positions this week. I would not say they are policy positions; you have put a number of ideological positions. I do not think you have thought them through adequately, members of the opposition, and I have been saying for some time you need to work through your policies and make your policy documents.
I have said a number of times when I was a candidate for the 2001 election - I was the first candidate off the block in Darwin in either June or July 2000. I came on as a candidate and already the group of seven Labor members of this House had a suite of policies in hard copy which were also available on the Internet. When I was doorknocking, or engaged in conversation with people, they would say: ‘What is your policy on Indigenous education; what is your policy on hospitals; what is your policy on recreational angling?’ I could elaborate because I had gone through the policies and sought to understand them. I said: ‘If you want more detail, I will post these policy positions to you’, or hand them to people. Crime was another one. People were very interested in the Labor Party position on crime …
Mr Tollner: It does not have one.
Dr BURNS: We had a policy in 2001, and we have policy positions now ...
Mr Tollner: How did that work for you?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … and legislation. I am saying to you, as an opposition, you need to do some work. You have some printed policies, but you need more and you need more detail so we can have a real policy debate. I have a challenge for you: you have put a position of not having separate systems and everyone should be mainstream. What are you going to do about programs like the Clontarf Academy, which caters for Indigenous …
Mr Tollner: And non-Indigenous.
Dr BURNS: To a much lesser extent. Their focus is on young Indigenous men. People have said to me: ‘Why is it not mainstream?’ At this point in time, the biggest attendance issues are amongst Indigenous males and, to a lesser extent, Indigenous females. Our priority is we have to focus on the group at the greatest risk, and that is the same whether it is in public health or in education. It is all about an evidence-based approach and focusing on the group with the greatest need, but I digress.
Clontarf commenced in Alice Springs in 2007, and in 2011 there are 119 students enrolled at Centralian Middle School; 59 students at Centralian Senior College; and 63 at Yirara College. That is around 240 young Indigenous men and youths at school engaged in life-changing programs. I do not believe anyone criticises the work of the Clontarf Academy; it has done great work.
Attendance has remained approximately 80% since the program commenced in Alice Springs, and we want to roll that program out in the more remote areas as well - we are doing that. To date, there have been impressive outcomes with improvements in student attendance, retention, and behaviour. Last year, Centralian Senior College had nine graduates, six of whom were in employment afterwards. That is a positive outlook for each one of those six. Nine might not sound like much, but it is a start. The number will grow each year in Alice Springs as more boys go through Clontarf. In this case, it is nine Indigenous men who have finished school who otherwise may have dropped out and missed out on an education. I applaud the hard-working staff at the Clontarf Academy in Alice Springs, and I encourage them to keep up the good work. I also commend Gerard Neesham for his vision, commitment, and passion because he has driven much of this.
We have employed new attendance and truancy officers in the Central Australian region. They have conducted an enrolment drive in Alice Springs schools and a number of outlying communities. Now the new school term has …
Mr KNIGHT: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! Pursuant to Standing Order 77, I move an extension of time for the member to complete his remarks.
Motion agreed to.
Dr BURNS: I have asked the attendance and truancy officers throughout the Territory, since the new school term has begun, to not only focus on the urban areas, but also the remote areas. I will be looking forward to reporting to parliament on those results as this term progresses. The attendance and truancy officers will be highly visible in uniforms and marked vehicles although, I am told, sometimes they go around in plain clothes because a few kids do runners on them; however, that is for them to work out. They work with the students, the families, and the schools to boost attendance.
We are also delivering vocational education and training pathways for students in Central Australia. We are committed to building the workforce of the future and ensuring they are skilled up to meet the growing demand for more workers in Alice Springs and surrounding communities. In 2010, a total of 747 218 hours of VET delivery occurred in the Alice Springs region constituting $8m of training to 4007 students. We have met with Commonwealth ministers who are looking at vocational education and training Australia-wide. They want more focused outcomes and we have indicated to the Commonwealth we believe more effort is needed in the Northern Territory, but we will work with them in regard to funding and targets.
The Department of Education and Training will continue working closely with local industries to ensure students have pathways through their schooling to help them get into apprenticeships and traineeships, sending them on a strong career path and working future.
We are also continuing a big effort to deliver more opportunities for children prior to starting school to gain essential early learning and development. This is something Geoff Masters said in his report, and I commend his report to members of this Assembly. He is pointing to greater effort - he has pointed to the things we are already doing – greater effort in the area of early childhood. I have taken his recommendations on board and directed the department to come forward with responses to his recommendations so we can move down this path.
As a part of A Working Future, the Department of Education and Training is integrating child and family services across Territory growth towns. A child and family leader will be employed to coordinate and implement the integration of universal and targeted services across each of the Territory growth towns. This cross-agency executive role will have coordination responsibility for early childhood development services from before birth to eight years of age.
As part of the National Partnership Agreement on Indigenous Early Childhood Development, the Department of Education and Training is integrating children and family services through the establishment of five children and family centres. This government is committed to breaking down the silos. Children and families, health, and education have critical interest in this area; it is essential they work together. One of the locations is Yuendumu, where the Department of Education and Training is establishing child and family centres to national quality standards; including a childcare centre to cater for 50 children. Engagement with the Yuendumu community has commenced, including identification of a site for the centre design, integration of child and family services, and workshop planning and development. Documentation is being finalised to progress to construction tender for the child and family centre.
The Department of Education and Training is also being funded to establish a 40-place childcare facility at Ntaria to be built to national quality standards. Engagement with the community has commenced, including identification of a site and facility design. Documentation is being finalised to progress to construction and tender.
There are also mobile preschools operating around remote Central Australia giving young children access to important development and play opportunities. I listened carefully to what the member for Macdonnell said about mobile preschools, and I will take those issues up with the department. Mobile preschool programs are operating in 18 communities: Wallace Rockhole, Docker River, Finke, Karnte Camp, Nyirripi, Titjikala, Papunya, Haasts Bluff, Watiyawanu, Areyonga, Mount Allan, Laramba, Willowra, Murray Downs, Epenarra, Corella Creek, Mungkarta, and Rockhampton Downs. The program currently employs 18 Indigenous assistant teachers and five mobile preschool teachers. An additional hub was established in Central Australia in 2011 to reduce the time teachers spend travelling and increased the time they spend in each community.
There are four Alice Springs preschools, Bradshaw, Gillen, Larapinta, and Teppa Hill participating in pilots for the delivery of 15 hours preschool per child per week. With universal access funding, Sadadeen Primary School, in partnership with Tangentyere, is providing preschool outreach to Hidden Valley, llpiye-Ilpiye, and Whitegate town camps. Much is happening in Central Australia in education and training.
Finally, public employment: public servants in Central Australia play a vital role in the delivery of services. It is also great to see the Central Australian public service participating in our workforce development program. These include: Public Sector Management Program; Discovery - Women as Leaders Program; the Kigaruk Indigenous Men’s Leadership Development Program; the 360 Degree Feedback Program; and the Remote Workforce Development Program. That last program focuses on the development of employees in regions such as Central Australia. I had the great honour last year of attending the graduation ceremony in Central Australia where 15 public servants from Alice Springs graduated. They were very proud; their families were proud. They had built up a network and were keen to use their skills and apply them in their workplace.
Madam Deputy Speaker, in summary, there is much activity in Central Australia. We also recognise there is much more to do, but we are investing heavily in Central Australia. In the housing area, there has been considerable investment, in partnership with the Commonwealth, and as a government we will continue to invest in Central Australia.
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, it would not be a statement on Central Australia if we did not talk about law and order. Law and order is the number one issue in Alice Springs. I recently analysed crime statistics in Alice Springs and recognised the failures of this government. It was interesting to hear the member for Johnston suggest the CLP needed to come up with policies. He even referred to some of his own when first preselected in 2001. He spoke about the law and order policy of the Labor Party in 2001. If ever you were going to talk about a policy for Central Australia, you would not talk about law and order. It is interesting to see the increase in crime since 2001. It has grown exponentially, whether it is assaults, break-ins, or property crime. I have gone back to March 2005 and looked at crime statistics. Assaults have gone up by 112% since March 2005, an election year. Property crimes have gone up by 95.4% since March 2005 on the six-monthly figures to March this year. Sadly, break-ins have gone up by 307% since March 2005. If you go back to election year 2008, the figures replicate the same analysis; that is, crime continues to rise under this government.
I listened to the debate recently on the minister for corrections’ bill which has now been enacted, the Justice (Corrections) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (Serial 167). The minister said there will be many more community corrections facilities across the Northern Territory. You have to ask why? The reason is the gaols are full.
I have a letter from the minister for corrections which I received on 10 December 2010 explaining the population of correctional centres in the Northern Territory. As at November 2010, in the Darwin Correctional Centre there were 352 secure prisoners and 246 low security prisoners. In the Alice Springs Correctional Centre, there were 368 secure prisoners and 132 open prisoners. The figures are broken down against ethnicity. Nearly 90% of the Territory’s prison population is Indigenous, nearly all are men, and 47% of Territory prisoners return to prison within two years of release. If you look at the Indigenous component, 77% of Indigenous prisoners held in the Northern Territory have previously served time in prison. It makes for very worrying figures indeed.
It is important to reflect on the crime in town and the new bill that has just been passed. When you look back and see a 307% increase in break-ins, you have to break that down to the raw data. In March 2005, for a six-month period, 177 break-ins were recorded. In the March 2011 six-monthly figures, 721 break-ins were recorded. That is nearly 600 additional break-ins. That is 600 businesses that have to replace windows, security systems, build six-foot fences, put barbed wire and razor wire on top, and install security cameras. That is 600 families who have to secure their property, lock up their houses, not leave their window open for a breeze, and ensure their kids are safe in the street.
When we look at assaults we see the number has gone from 440 to 933. That is nearly 500. So, 500 more people have been assaulted in the period from March 2005 to now; nearly two election periods. You have to think about the people on the streets getting bashed. A person on the corner of Undoolya Road and Kurrajong Drive in the member for Greatorex’s electorate, just a week ago, walking home after a night out was beaten up by three blokes looking for a cigarette. You have to think about those people.
Through the summer of 2010-11, I received phone call after phone call, multiple phone calls, from businesses that had been broken into overnight.
It is a repetitious thing. These figures do not record the real crime; the real crime happens when people do not report it. Police are busy chasing crime all the time, people are not recording it. I have doorknocked throughout my electorate and I hear: ‘I have been broken into twice this year, three times this year, a couple of times last year’. ‘Did you report it?’ ‘No’. People are not reporting crime because they cannot get adequate response time from police; police are so busy because crime is out of control. People think: ‘It is not that bad during winter’. During winter we have that downward spike in crime; however, it is still at record levels.
We are all waiting for the crime wave of 2011-12 to hit us. We all know it is coming. You would think the government would be prepared for the crime wave. How prepared is it? It does not even have a permanent head of police in Alice Springs.
We heard yesterday from the member for Macdonnell of Des Rogers allegedly cruising around Central Australia under the guise of the Chief Minister’s office campaigning for the Labor Party for the seat of Macdonnell in next year’s election. You can run campaigns; how outrageous is it that you cannot appoint a head of police. How are you going to have a police engagement strategy with the community for crime prevention leading up to summer? If you cannot appoint a permanent head of police in the southern regional command, how on earth do you expect to reduce crime over the summer period?
You are not coordinating with the shire councils or the mayor of Alice Springs; you are not talking to the people. The only thing happening is the sale of six-foot fences, razor wire, and padlocks in Central Australia. The biggest security threat is your bar fridge or the alcohol you have at home or in your business because of these ridiculous alcohol reforms you have in place.
I have spent much time considering what you are doing with the alcohol reforms. I thought: is it good for the community? Would it make a change? Will women be protected from the cavemen your government thinks Aboriginal men are? Will that work? Look at the figures. Since the reforms, instead of people buying alcohol, they are breaking into premises. You have a 307% increase - more than four times - in break-ins over the five-and-a-half year period of the alcohol reforms. That tells you something. People, if they cannot buy alcohol, will steal it. People in Alice Springs with a chronic alcohol abuse problem, instead of being treated, are becoming criminals because they have to break in to get grog. They enter our gaols and now the minister for Corrections wants to put them on our streets. Instead of a red under the bed, we have a criminal on every corner. Thanks to Labor, that is what is happening. That is the cycle. You ban grog, they break in to get grog, they go to gaol, the gaol is full, and you put them back on the street. The person broken into is now living two doors from the person who broke into their house. It is that ridiculous!
The minister for Business does not do very much. When he wants a policy for Central Australia I will give him one that will support business in Alice Springs - fix the crime! The Minister for Tourism never says much about Alice Springs - hope she does today. Do you want a policy for tourism? Fix the crime! We do not want German backpackers coming to town, being stabbed, ending up in Adelaide and sending messages across German national television saying: ‘Do not go to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory because you will be stabbed and beaten up’. Those international stories happen all the time.
The Chief Minister plays games with community action groups who want to fight this problem by running ads on television to get action from the government. He cannot get the dusty old police van on the street, no matter how much we plead. He cannot get the position of police southern regional command filled on a permanent basis to develop a strategy to fight crime and prevent crime. You would think he could do something. No, he bags out the people who put the ads on television or talk to newspapers. The story in The Times, the English newspaper - everyone is saying: ‘Oh, how dare those people talk about our crime’. Fix the problem! Nine hundred and thirty three people were assaulted in six months. For a small community town, 933 people assaulted, 721 homes broken into, and 2726 with a property offence in a six-month period – 2700-plus property offences in six months must be a world record.
The Chief Minister wants to appoint his Labor mates to jobs in Alice Springs to campaign against other members. How offensive! The child protection system is falling on its knees; report after report after report. Here is another one tabled this afternoon trying to apportion blame. What does the government say about domestic violence and child protection? It tries to segregate and say it is an Indigenous problem and the reason Indigenous men are beating their women is because of some genealogical pathway back to the Neanderthals or the Iron Age Italians and British Neolithic times. What an offensive thing to say! I cannot believe it from a political sense. You get in because of the Aboriginal vote - we all know how it works - and you call them cavemen. You call Aboriginal men of the Northern Territory cavemen and that is why they beat their women. What a disgraceful slur. Graham put out a press release today trying to explain the situation, no doubt under duress. You cannot explain the fact that you have called Aboriginal men ‘cavemen’ and that is why they beat their women. That is just appalling.
When it comes to other forms of development in Central Australia - I pick up on part of what the Education minister said. He spoke about preschools. He tried to paint a rosy picture of education. It is important to remember this is the Education minister, and government, which has delivered the worst school attendance figures on record. When you set a target for Indigenous, separate from non-Indigenous, at 21% of all Indigenous middle school students to attend school, you have already set the bar too low. You are treating people as second-class citizens, but that is what your racist policies do. However, you do not even achieve 21% - make it clear - 15% of all Indigenous students in the middle years Territory-wide turned up in the last financial year. That is a disgrace! If you showed those figures on the international stage, you would be condemned. The United Nations should be asking what you are doing to support Indigenous people - 15% education. Everyone says: ‘Education is the answer’. We hear it all the time but you do nothing about it. Education outcomes are the worst on record. You should hang your head in shame; however, you still take the money from the federal government.
Neolithic education for the cavemen by the Labor Party. The minister spoke about mobile preschools, singing their praises, and read out all the communities they operate in. Perhaps he should have read out attendance figures. When you visit nearly every community he mentioned - where the mobile preschools go with the assistant teachers and the five preschool teachers - there is no one there. They drive eight hours to get to a community and no one turns up. What cost is it to government and the community when no one is there? These are not isolated cases. These are all the time, every week. What is the government doing about that? Nothing.
Let us talk about fires in Central Australia. The Minister for Parks and Wildlife, and Heritage and Environment has responsibility for fires. He was made aware long ago by the Bushfire Council NT in Central Australia that they had not done enough preparation – had not built firebreaks, not enough training and not enough resources. Only one grader, based in Elliott, could be used and there is no way to mobilise it. The shire reform that took all the assets from communities has ensured there is no way shires in those communities can build firebreaks. What happens? Fires - 50 km front through the Barkly. He was warned. I have corresponded with him, asked him questions in estimates; he did nothing. Alice Springs nearly burnt down. Houses in my electorate at Larapinta were under threat and the Golden Mile in the member for Macdonnell’s electorate. Central Australian development - you cannot even build firebreaks.
We can talk about land release and what the government has done, or what the government has not done. The minister for Construction talked about headworks and getting Kilgariff up and running. From what I have seen, grass near the Stuart Highway has been stripped to look like something is being done; however, the government will wait until close to the election to make it look like something is happening. We know how this works don’t we, member for Araluen? This is all just a faade. If the government really cared, it would have done something.
We have a tourism Matter of Public Importance coming on later tonight; however, it is right to mention the tourism industry in this debate. The tourism industry in Central Australia has been hurting for years but, like everything, the government does not care until it hits the hip pocket. Hotels have been closing, beds have been disappearing, and restaurants have been closing. The government will say it is not all doom and gloom. We want restaurants. We have a few; however, we are losing a number of restaurants. When you are losing restaurants, and hotels and beds, it has to be a sign. We knew it was in trouble, but now you are getting trouble in Darwin so you are starting to care. You would think the Minister for Central Australia would have some gumption and stand up for Central Australia. No, he knows he does not have the support of Central Australia and knows his time has come. Perhaps we need to go back to the member for Daly. He lived at Cox Peninsula - catch a ferry, catch a plane and get to Central Australia. He seemed to stand up a little more than the Minister for Central Australia.
We have a problem with Tiger Airways in Alice Springs. The Tourism minister said it was very important we talk about Tiger Airways but nothing has happened. It will not happen. I am not a Berrimah Line person; however, it would only happen if it was in Darwin. There are subsidies for airlines to come to Darwin – a subsidy for this and a subsidy for that. I support economic principles. I am not a big supporter of subsidies, but you have not heard the government talk about subsidies. You have not seen the government attract anyone to town. An estimated 600 people do not come to town every week because of the cancellation of Tiger Airways, and there is an estimated cost of $300 000 a week to our local economy and nothing has happened.
Member for Araluen, we need to see the boss of Tiger in Melbourne. We will see the boss of Jetstar and Airnorth and make things happen ourselves. We solved the problem of crime in Alice Springs last time. We approached the government about a bipartisan approach on the live cattle export after the Chief Minister rolled over like a puppy dog and supported the live cattle ban by Prime Minister Gillard. We had to solve the problems. Maybe we need to lead. Maybe we need to be the government in waiting because people have stopped listening to you and you have stopped acting. We might have to do it ourselves. Member for Araluen, we will arrange that? We can contact those airlines and tell them we want them in Alice Springs and work out a deal to get them there. Let us do it. There are 59 million people in China who want to have an international holiday experience. It would be good to get 10 000 of them to Alice Springs. Why don’t we go to China? What are we going to do? Let us go to China. Let us work it out ourselves because you gumbys cannot work it out.
There is an opportunity for sponsorship on the Tourism minister’s desk. The Sports minister might be interested in this; he is not interested in much else in Central Australia. Adelaide United is looking at sponsorship for the next season. There is an opportunity in tourism for sponsorship by the Territory government, and when they play in the Asian Cup and the Asian League, to get into China and promote the Northern Territory. What an opportunity! It is only $100 000 a year which, for these people who like to waste money, particularly on things like SIHIP, it would be money well spent.
Member for Araluen, it is up to you and me to solve this problem. We will fix it ourselves. The government will not fix it, and we know how well it supports Central Australia – it does not.
Madam Speaker, crime is the biggest problem in Alice Springs. The Chief Minister has got his eye off the ball, the Minister for Central Australia was missing overseas again - run away; had to the hide during the last crime wave and will do it again. We want action on crime and only the Country Liberals can deliver it. 25 August 2012 cannot come soon enough.
Mr VATSKALIS (Health): Madam Speaker, dj vue they call it - something you have seen many times before. Every time the member for Braitling stands up he says the same thing as the member for Greatorex says, who says the same thing as the member for Araluen. I thought he was one of the more intelligent on the other side but I was wrong. He spoke about Alice Springs, quite rightly as it is his constituency. However, you have to remember when you put a place down things happen to its detriment. It is very easy to make claims about Alice Springs’ crime and everything else. We can complain about Alice Springs’ crime and doubt the economy, but we have to ask what we are doing about it. What are we doing as citizens living in Alice Springs?
I have been to Alice Springs. I have been in the Territory since 1993, and since that time have been to Alice Springs many times. I hear what this government is not doing for Alice Springs; however, if you look around Alice Springs and see what this government has done for Alice Springs since 2001 you will see what the CLP did not do for 27 years. My colleague can vouch for this - did Alice Springs have the aquatic centre it has today? Did Alice Springs have the soccer stadium or soccer field it has today? I turned the lights on there. Did Alice Springs have the grandstand it has today? Did Alice Springs have the drag strip it has today? No. The answer to all those things is: ‘No, it did not’.
Did Alice Springs have land release like at Larapinta? I remember that well. I was the minister for Lands at the time we negotiated with Lhere Artepe and we released the first parcel of land in Alice Springs in 25 years, and Alice Springs was supposed to be the cradle of the CLP …
Mr Giles: Rubbish! Rubbish!
Mr VATSKALIS: You were probably not there then and do not remember it. Next time I visit Alice Springs I will show you.
Alice Springs was the cradle of the CLP and what did the CLP do for Alice Springs? Nothing. Many words about what it did for Alice Springs but nothing delivered. If anyone is delivering in Alice Springs it is this government. I challenge you: we can sit side by side and look at the 10 years we have been in government and the last 10 years of the CLP government. Let us see what we did and what the CLP government did for Alice Springs and then you will see the difference.
The opposition is like a lolly. It gets a lolly, runs with it, talks to people, and continues with the same story: ‘This Labor government has done nothing for Alice Springs’ and keeps repeating it. It thinks people are stupid and will believe it. It is the same with the story about cavemen. It tried to say I made this comment about Indigenous people. It is not true. This is not the way it was portrayed because if the opposition had the decency to read the report it would see the context is completely different. I advised Dr Vimpani of the comments recently made by the members for Araluen and Braitling. Dr Vimpani was outraged that he was portrayed as someone prepared to doctor a report because, according to the member for Araluen, he was wined and dined by the government. Dr Vimpani was outraged. This is the Hansard. Do not make me read it again because I will read it again and again …
Mrs Lambley: Show me where I mentioned his name.
Mr VATSKALIS: You called the report sanitised and deceptive because these people were carted around the country and wined and dined.
In regard to the issue of cavemen, Dr Vimpani took the drastic measure yesterday of putting out a media release explaining what happened. I have a copy of his media release and am very impressed. I am going to read it line by line so the people of the Northern Territory know exactly what Dr Vimpani said about the comments that were attributed first to the government and then, when it did not work out, to the committee. The reason they do not like the report and tried to bag it is because it tells people this government is doing something serious about child protection despite the howling from the other side. Let me read what Dr Vimpani said:
- Response to concerns arising from the first report from the Northern Territory Child Protection External Monitoring and Reporting Committee …
Ms LAMBLEY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The minister is not talking about Central Australia. It has no relevance at all to Central Australia.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, member for Araluen. It is a fairly broad-ranging debate about Central Australia.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Considering a significant number of people living in Central Australia are Indigenous, and the comments made by the members for Braitling and Port Darwin called them cavemen, they have a responsibility to advise the Indigenous people of Central Australia this is far from the truth.
Dr Vimpani says:
- The comments made in the External Monitoring and Reporting Committee’s first report of the Northern Territory child protection reforms were drafted by me and approved by other members of the committee.
The comments refer to anthropological evidence of high rates of violence in pre-colonial times amongst Aboriginal males and females that is contained in Peter Sutton’s recent book The Politics of Suffering.
The evidence was included in the report to illustrate that the public health approach to reducing child maltreatment is essential.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Resume you seat, thank you, member for Araluen. I have already ruled on this. It is broad-ranging debate. The member for Braitling spoke about child protection in the same debate so I will allow it. I do not see it as irrelevant. Minister, you have the call.
Mrs Lambley: That is unfair.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Excuse me, minister. Are you reflecting on the Chair, member for Araluen?
Mrs LAMBLEY: It is a legitimate point of order.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Reflecting on the Chair is entirely inappropriate and can see you removed from the Chamber.
Mrs LAMBLEY: I apologise, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Araluen.
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Page 24 of the External Monitoring and Reporting Committee report states:
- Anthropological studies also report evidence of comparatively higher rates of contemporary and pre-colonial interpersonal violence, particularly involving women in remote Australia compared to other populations. In Neolithic British and Iron Age Italian remains, between 7% and 13% show skull fractures compared to 20% or more in Australian pre-colonial remains, with female rates being up to double this (Sutton P, 2011). Minister Macklin reports (June 6, 2011) that Indigenous women and girls currently are 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence assaults than non-Indigenous women. Aboriginal men in Central Australia have acknowledged and apologised for the violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women:
- ‘We acknowledge and say sorry for the hurt, pain and suffering caused by Aboriginal males to our wives, to our children, to our mothers, to our grandmothers, to our granddaughters, to our aunties, to our nieces, and to our sisters…’
That is from the Male Health Summit held at Ross River in June 2008.
Dr Vimpani continues.
- Changes to child protection systems, however laudable and important, will not prevent violence against women and children, an aspiration I would hope we would all share.
Efforts to reduce the drivers of child maltreatment must include acknowledgement of long past and more recent historical circumstances such as colonisation, which have contributed to violence, and encompass efforts to reduce not only community levels of violence but alcohol and other drug abuse which are other well-known precipitants of violence.
My commitment is to work closely with Aboriginal people, including those on the committee, to improve the life chances of all Northern Territory children and young people, especially Aboriginal children and young people who are amongst the most vulnerable.
I am sorry if my choice of words and examples of the range of efforts needed by all of us to reduce child maltreatment has caused offence to some people as it was certainly unintended.
It is signed Professor Graham Vimpani AM, Chair, Northern Territory Child Protection External Monitoring and Reporting Committee, 10 August 2011.
This document clearly shows the comments made by the members for Braitling and Port Darwin are nothing more than an attempt to discredit that report.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr ELFERINK: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The member for Port Darwin has not spoken on this statement. I call relevance.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, member for Port Darwin. Please resume your seat. Minister, if you can bring your comments back to the debate please?
Mr VATSKALIS: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to remind the member for Port Darwin on several occasions he used the words ‘neolithic’ and ‘cavemen’, as did other members.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to talk about Alice Springs because, although I am 1500 km away, I have spent much time there since being elected to parliament, visiting at least once a month.
In March this year, I was in Alice Springs to open the Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar. It is the premium mining conference at which the agency releases geological information to the mining sector. The conference also featured on the international stage, with around 60 Chinese investors, and investors from South America attending. In line with the conference, business-related tourism opportunities had been promoted, with a number of international delegates indulging in a trip to Uluru and around Alice Springs. The opening function this year was held at the Alice Springs Desert Park and was well received by visitors. Of course, in April we were in Alice Springs for the sittings. I was in Central Australia again in June for the launch of the National Disability Services Conference, which focused on the theme ‘Building our Capacity’. I was in Central Australia again for the Alice Springs Show, catching up with locals. I had to table my apologies to the organiser of the Centralian Beef Breeders Association dinner because I had to fly to Indonesia to attend to issues with the live cattle trade market. I also took the opportunity to launch the Agribusiness Industry Strategy in Central Australia at the government’s Arid Zone Research Institute water reuse project.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Alice Springs is not neglected by this government. Alice Springs is a place we visit regularly. We do business there because we believe Alice Springs is vital to the economy of the Territory and important to the social and economic fabric of the Northern Territory.
I have a soft spot for Alice Springs. I visit regularly, I know many people there, and enjoy being in Alice Springs because I spend quite a bit of time out of urban centres in the rest of Australia.
Alice Springs is an important part of the Territory’s economic makeup because it has opportunities. Alice Springs is the social centre, cultural centre, and economic centre for Central Australia. When I am talking about the economic, social and cultural centre, I am not only referring to the Northern Territory; I am referring to Western Australia and South Australia. That can be clearly exhibited by the fact that many people from Western Australia and South Australia go to Alice Springs for their business or to receive medical treatment.
There is no better example than the people from Western Australia and South Australia who receive renal dialysis in Alice Springs. People will travel from Warburton in Western Australia to Alice Springs to receive renal treatment. People will come from the APY lands to receive treatment in Alice Springs despite the fact there are clinics in Whyalla, Port Augusta, and Adelaide. Sometimes that puts us in a difficult position, especially when we do not have enough chairs to accommodate these people. However, we have negotiated agreements with the Western Australian government to accommodate Western Australians coming to Alice Springs and we are negotiating an agreement with the South Australian government for people to receive treatment in Alice Springs.
Alice Springs has enormous opportunities for the people living there. The mining sector is enormous. The supply sector for the mining industry in Alice Springs is enormous. Recently, we found Newmont will put $0.5bn into the Tanami to expand their mine. We also recently learnt there are significant findings of gold by Tanami Gold and Coyote Gold, both of which have to receive supplies from somewhere. The closest urban centre is Alice Springs, and that provides unique opportunities for Alice Springs. We have investments in the Central Australia region such as the Bigrlyi uranium mine which is currently undergoing significant exploration by Energy Metals, a company with a successful partnership with the biggest Chinese company to look for uranium. In addition to that, Thundelarra is another company exploring near the Bigrlyi area for uranium. Deep Yellow is sitting in Napperby looking for exploration and an investor or joint venture partner to organise another mine.
These things do not happen by accident. These things happen thanks to AGES bringing people to Alice Springs to talk about the underground wealth of Alice Springs. People are focusing on the centre of Australia. Significant exploration is taking place in Alice Springs and Central Australia. From Tennant Creek to Alice Springs, you will find more than 12 drilling rigs exploring for a variety of commodities. In Aileron we have Nolans Bore, and south of Tennant Creek the big discovery of phosphate rock by Minemakers, who have to receive supplies from somewhere. One of the closest centres is Alice Springs.
It is not only the mineral wealth of Alice Springs; it is also the fact that Alice Springs has one of the biggest hospitals in the area. Although the member for Greatorex says this is not the best system in the world - we have the worst system in Australia - we have one of the best systems in Australia, and Alice Springs Hospital is one of the best regional hospitals in Australia. We have things in Alice Springs other regional centres of the same size would be envious of. We have equipment, nurses, and doctors in Alice Springs that other regional centres like Geraldton or Bunbury in Western Australia, or some on the eastern seaboard, would be envious of.
Since 2002, we have increased staffing of Alice Springs Hospital by 260. In June 2011, we have 51 additional doctors, 140 additional nurses, and 26 additional professional staff. The Alice Springs Hospital, in 2001, had 165 beds. We added 12 new renal inpatient beds in 2007-08, and 12 new beds for short stay in 2009-10. Alice Springs Hospital is now a 189-bed facility, with plans for further expansion under the national health reforms. We have a new Alice Springs emergency department. We are delivering a $24.7m emergency department in partnership with the Australian government. The tender has been awarded to Lahey Constructions and construction has already commenced. Completion of the emergency department and medical imaging department is estimated by the end of 2012. The design will meet the current and expanding needs of Central Australia, and will provide a safe and modern facility for staff and patients.
There are more specialist services in Alice Springs Hospital than ever before. Intensive care services expanded with 38 more special doctors and nurses in 2004 and 2005, with an $11m investment. We have a community midwifery group practice. We expanded the ENT service. Twenty-nine additional nursing positions were established in 2010 to meet the nursing hours per patient day. We upgraded two operating theatres, and a cancer care coordinator was appointed last year. We expanded cardiac services with a heart-health clinic. Thanks to the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre in Darwin, Alice Springs now has a cancer clinic every month and many people suffering from cancer can receive prompt treatment in the Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre because there are no waiting lists in Alice Springs.
Since 2003, we have upgraded the clinical management wing, the day procedure unit, the paediatric ward, the renal ward, the kitchen, sterilisations, and stairwells. We have a comprehensive remediation program. We are planning redevelopment of the three main operating theatres. Future works will include the medical ward, surgical ward, intensive care units, and high dependency unit. The emergency power, water reticulation, and electrical systems are also undergoing upgrades.
Look at what we have done in Alice Springs in the last 10 years. There are things that were never in Alice Springs before, things that were never delivered under 27 years of CLP government.
Renal dialysis is the big difference between our government and the CLP. The CLP would not provide nor support any renal dialysis services outside the urban centre. The CLP refused to expand services outside RDH and Alice Springs Hospital, and would never provide renal services in remote areas. Today, there has been an additional $30m investment into the health of Territorians with more nephrologists, special renal nurses, and chronic disease prevention health workers. The opposition says: ‘You spend money. Money means nothing; it is the outcome that matters’. Yes, the outcome matters. People with renal disease in the Northern Territory can have the same life span as any other person in Australia with the same condition. This is because of the investment we made in renal dialysis machines, renal dialysis doctors and two clinics. Previously, people would die seven years earlier; today they will live the same time as any other person in Australia and not only in Alice Springs. In Tennant Creek, we have dialysis with eight stations, which will become 16 stations.
We have a renal dialysis bus which we launched during parliament in Alice Springs and operating now. I have seen some incredible photographs of the renal dialysis bus crossing some very difficult terrain to attend people at festivals in different areas around the Northern Territory. Another thing I remember …
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I move that the member be granted an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr VATSKALIS: I appreciate that. Another thing which has made a big difference is volatile substance abuse management. I recall television footage of people in remote communities in Central Australia with a tin to their nose sniffing petrol. Now, thanks to the intervention, thanks to money we spent, and thanks to the press, a specialist has been employed and we do not see that to the same extent. If there is an outbreak, it is immediately curbed by the community.
We have increased resources in remote health across the Central Australia region. Regional support positions have been introduced for better governance and professional skill development. We have specialist paediatric nurses and remote area midwifes. Our local workforce strategy is to grow our own. We educate our own midwives and they stay, and that is very important.
Finally, I would like to talk about child protection in Alice Springs. Not everything is well with child protection. The system has been in crisis for many years. The previous government allocated only $7m. The member for Greatorex was waving about all the reports undertaken by this government - six or seven reports. I asked my office to find out how many reports were undertaken during the 27 years of CLP government in the Northern Territory. We have a system; you evaluate it, you find out if everything is okay and, if not, you fix it. We did not find one report. No reports were undertaken on child protection during the 27 years of CLP government. There were only two discussion papers, one about sexual assault and one other. Next week, I am going to have this report and wave it and say: ‘Twenty-seven years, two discussion papers …’
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Order! Honourable members!
Mr VATSKALIS: … and the only report was the State of Denial by SNAICC, a third party which exposed the CLP for what it was. If it was outside the northern suburbs, out of the urban areas, do not worry about these kids, they do not exist. Pull back, and that is in black and white in the State of Denial.
This government has put serious money, $130m, on top of the current budget. The current budget has gone to $145m a year …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: … $145m a year. I saw the Four Corners report, Return to Aurukun; it was a brilliant program. The member for Araluen said it took 13 years to fix the problems in Aurukun …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: We have been in power 10 years. You had 27 years in power and did not do a thing …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Katherine!
Mr VATSKALIS: Two discussion papers and $7m, that was it. Nothing at all.
What this government has done in Alice Springs for child protection speaks for itself. We have put so much money into it. We have established a sexual assault referral centre, established safe places, and restructured the Department of Children and Families to consist of three operational regions led by regional directors. We have a separate department exclusively for children. Central Australia now has its own regional manager and team of staff with a direct link to the Chief Executive Officer and me as minister. They are not weaving through the labyrinth and maze of a big department to find its way to the CEO and the minister. The manager in Alice Springs will ensure the children and families of the Central Australia are provided with the best service possible.
A $6m incentive-based package that specifically targets remote staff was introduced on 6 January 2011. We can recruit people but can we keep them? No! Let us give them a sweetener to stay here.
Several programs have been introduced in Alice Springs: Life without Barriers, working with children at risk who also have disabilities; Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Targeted Family Support Services; Tangentyere Council Early Childhood Development and Family Support programs; the Youth Street Outreach Service after-hours program targeting youth who frequent the streets at night. Our investment in Alice Springs has been enormous.
We have put serious money and serious effort into Alice Springs, and I would like to ask again: which government released land in Alice Springs after 20 years? The Labor government. Which government opened the suburb of Kilgariff? The Labor government. Who established the grandstand at the big oval? It was the Labor government. Who put lights at the football field and established a football shield? It was this government too. Who rectified the hospital after the disastrous contract issued by the CLP? We are still paying for it, and will be paying for quite a while because it was a disaster. Who is putting in a new accident and emergency department at the Alice Springs hospital? It is the Labor government. Who has put on more doctors, more nurses, more teachers, and more childcare workers? It was the Labor government.
Madam Deputy Speaker, for 27 years the CLP told the people of Alice Springs they were the cradle of the party. ‘We love you’ is the only thing it did. It gave them empty words and nothing else.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Deputy Speaker, I thank all honourable members who contributed to this debate we started in the Alice Springs sittings of parliament and have concluded tonight. Central Australia and Alice Springs are important to the Northern Territory, the heart of the Northern Territory, the heart of Australia. It has been a wide-ranging debate.
With regard to analysis of the debate, if people want to look back at it, you will see it is one of a government with a very strong vision for Central Australia, committed to Central Australia, and making significant investments in Central Australia, particularly in partnership with the Australian government around the Alice Springs transformation plan. All we had from the opposition was talk about all the bad things that have happened in Alice Springs and Central Australia, and acknowledging Central Australia, Alice Springs in particular, went through a tough time earlier this year.
There was nothing positive, nothing visionary, and no policy discussion or commitment. It is sad the CLP members opposite who hold the Alice Springs seats could not talk positively about their town. That is sad because I know many people in Alice Springs and, yes, there are problems; however, they are all very proud of their town. They love living in Alice Springs and would not live anywhere else. It is sad the Central Australian and Alice Springs members talk doom and gloom about the place.
I am very proud of what we have done in Alice Springs and Central Australia. There is much more to do, as there always is, but any objective analysis would see the amount of money, effort and work this government, with the Australian government, is putting into the Alice Springs transformation plan is unprecedented in the history of Alice Springs. You cannot point to any program that has seen $150m invested in Alice Springs, and not see much better social outcomes and life outcomes for people in Alice Springs, and an enormous boost to a small, regional economy at the time of the global financial crisis when private sector investment is drying up, and banks have tightened lending to developers and homebuyers.
This $150m could not have come at a better time, not only for people living in town camps, not only for people living in Alice Springs, but for the economy of Alice Springs. Any acknowledgement of that from members who represent people in Alice Springs? No. All they can do is find fault and doom and gloom.
Eighty-five new houses are to be built across 18 town camps. I cannot recall a building program in the last 25 years that has built 85 new houses in Alice Springs in one program. One hundred and one rebuilds, and 33 refurbishments undertaken. As at 30 June, 60 new houses have already been built, 21 are under construction, and 89 refurbishments and rebuilds completed across town camps in Alice Springs. I have visited a number of those new houses, refurbishments and rebuilds with the Minister for Central Australia, as well as the federal minister for Indigenous affairs and policy. I have spoken to the residents of those new houses, and the pride they feel, the gratitude they have, for being given an opportunity to build a much better life for themselves and their families was very humbling to see, and a great personal outcome. Any acknowledgement of that from members opposite? None at all.
All 200 existing houses in the town camps will be rebuilt or refurbished through this package and, under the Alice Springs transformation plan, more than 500 extra beds are to be provided in Alice Springs. That is an extraordinary achievement. People talk about investment in Darwin; we are not building 500 new beds through social housing programs in Darwin at the moment. That is a very significant commitment to housing in Alice Springs and is providing many important jobs at a point in time where the banks have dried up some of their lending practices.
Another good news story never acknowledged by those opposite is Indigenous employment on SIHIP work has remained at 59% of the workforce - 59% of the workforce on the Alice Springs transformation plan are Indigenous people, and what a fantastic outcome that is.
I congratulate the Alice Springs Town Council for being proactive and being on the various implementation committees, because they are working towards providing full municipal services to the town camps from 1 January 2012. Again, that whole vision of transforming those town camps into suburbs of Alice Springs is taking another step forward. I commend Damien Ryan and his team on the council for working positively towards that.
As well as the town camps, I had the pleasure of being at the opening of the Apmere Mwerre Visitor Park; $11m to secure accommodation for 150 visitors to town. What a fantastic investment in Alice Springs, taking the pressure off the broader community, providing a low-cost accommodation for visitors to town. It has been very successful and a fantastic commitment from the Australian government.
A 28-unit transitional housing facility at Percy Court opened on 7 July to help break the cycle of homelessness and work with people so they can sustain future public and private tenancies. That was a fantastic complex that I also had the opportunity of visiting. The lodge has been redeveloped into a 35-bedroom facility for visitors to town seeking medical treatments. An extra eight beds are operational at the Salvo’s hostel, and a 65-bed Mount Gillen Hostel is providing town camp residents with a place to stay whilst their houses are being refurbished, as well as temporary accommodation for people visiting Alice Springs.
As well as that capital and construction program building 500 new beds, 85 new houses, and supporting a significant amount of the construction activity in the town, the Alice Springs transformation plan has committed nearly $19m out of a total of $25m to expand support services.
That is a significant funding commitment, $150m and not a word of praise from members who represent Alice Springs seats. There are problems with some of those programs and some things could have been done better; however, I would have thought anyone committing $150m to Alice Springs, particularly at this point in the economic cycle on such important housing and social programs - very churlish and narrow-minded of the members who represent those seats and cannot find within themselves a good word to say.
As well as the transformation plan, the new suburb of Kilgariff is rapidly moving forward. There have been planning forums. The headworks are under way, and is great when coming and going from the airport. The emergency department is under way. Unfortunately, I could not be at the opening of the water park in Alice Springs but what a fantastic investment by our government, the Australian government, and the town council - what a fabulous facility. What a fabulous facility for Alice Springs. Could those honourable members opposite say one good word, say: ‘Thank you to the Northern Territory and the Australian governments for building us a water park’. No, they are so churlish and small-minded they could not even acknowledge a fabulous water park. I am sure those members opposite go to the water park with families and friends to celebrate birthdays. With summer coming up it is going to be so popular. But no, so small-minded and churlish they could not even say: ‘Of all the things this evil Labor government has done, cannot get anything right, at least they got that right’. The opposition could not be bothered to do that.
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I would like to point out that of all the things this evil government cannot get right, the water park is pretty good, thank you.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: That was not a point of order. There is no point of order.
Mr Conlan: There you go, we have said it.
Mr HENDERSON: I acknowledge it. We had to drag it out of you kicking and screaming because you could see how childish and churlish you were looking. However, it is on the public record and that is good. It will probably be the only good thing you ever say about the evil Labor government which, as you always say, is out to destroy the Northern Territory. The water park is fantastic.
I pay tribute to Peter Toyne for his time in our first term of government. He was determined to get the grandstand at Traeger Park up and running. I have been to many AFL games at Traeger Park over the last 11 years. Many times when AFL teams have been here all the coaches and players I have spoken to have said: ‘There would not be a better football oval anywhere in country Australia than Traeger Park’. Again, thanks to this Labor government and never acknowledged by those opposite. One of the members mentioned soccer. We put lights up at Ross Park and I was there for the turning on. I can say to the member who was talking about Adelaide United that I am working with my colleague, the Sport minister, and we are very keen for Adelaide United to adopt Alice Springs as their home and yes, we are talking to them. Everyone knows I am a keen soccer supporter and am proud to say I have been invited to be patron of Football Federation Northern Territory and have recently accepted. We are keen to get Adelaide United to commit and partner with Alice Springs.
I could go on and on about the investments we have made. I acknowledge there are still very significant social issues in Alice Springs; however, we are working hard to deal with those issues.
I would like to talk quickly about Power and Water and the investment being made in critical infrastructure for Alice Springs after decades and decades of neglect. In 2008, Power and Water, MAN Diesel, and their contractors, began transforming what was a greenfield site 25 km south of Alice Springs into a 33 megawatt power station with new fuel, wastewater, and water systems in conjunction with necessary supporting infrastructure. This is a vital economic boost to the town at this point in time. The two units arrived early in 2010 at Darwin port. One unit travelled from France and one from Germany at no expense spared to get the best possible generators for Alice Springs. They were transported 1500 km over five days and the project is estimated at $160m, including costs for associated works. That is a very significant investment in Alice Springs.
All future generators are to be located at the Owen Springs Power Station as the generators at Ron Goodin are progressively retired. The contractor has completed site construction, dual fuel commissioning at full load of the three 10.9 dual fuel units is virtually complete, and two high voltage circuits between the Owen Springs Power Station switch yard and Lovegrove substation will transmit the electricity generated into the Alice Springs power network. Switch yard, substation, and transmission works are completed. A number of businesses in Alice Springs have had an enormous amount of work through this program. I congratulate Power and Water for its commitment, wherever possible, to seeing Alice Springs businesses benefit from this $160m investment.
Power and Water is also a participant in a new water conservation project for Alice Springs. The Roe Creek water supply in Alice Springs is a finite resource that is being extracted from underground aquifers. The deeper Power and Water has to put down bores, the more it costs to bring the water to the surface and supply it to customers. The Alice Springs water plan is designed to save up to 1600 million litres of water a year and involves a range of initiatives that includes an expanded water recycling project where customers who are using water from Roe Creek for irrigation will be encouraged to substitute drinking quality water for recycled water. Congratulations again to Power and Water. This consortium involves Power and Water, the Alice Springs Town Council, Tourism NT, the Arid Lands Environment Centre under the COOLmob project, and the department of NRETAS. Fifty percent of the project will be funded by Power and Water and the consortium members and 50% will come from the Commonwealth. It is a $15m project which provides a good economic boost to Alice Springs.
Alice Springs and Central Australia have a very exciting future for those people who believe in the town, as I do. The investments being made now in social infrastructure and hard economic infrastructure through Power and Water are going to stand that town well for many years to come. We are, as a government, committed to continuing to work with the Alice Springs Town Council, the shires, and everyone in the region to build better lives for people in the region and deal with some of the social problems. Any honest analysis of our commitment to Central Australia and the work that is happening in Alice Springs will show my government is committed to Alice Springs and Central Australia. Significant investments are being made.
Madam Speaker, I commend the statement to the House.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Tourism in the Northern Territory
Tourism in the Northern Territory
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Honourable members, the Speaker has received the following letter from the member for Katherine.
- Madam Speaker,
I propose for discussion this day the following definite Matter of Public Importance - the current delicate situation surrounding tourism in the Northern Territory and the future of the industry.
If you have any questions about this matter please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
Willem Westra van Holthe.
Is the proposed discussion supported? It is supported.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, I brought this matter on today because I am very concerned about the state of tourism in the Northern Territory and worried about the future of tourism under the stewardship of the Northern Territory Labor government. I am also worried about the future of tourism under the current minister, who is a nice person and tries hard in her portfolio areas, but lacks any real oomph. She lacks any real energy and vision for the future of tourism in the Northern Territory.
Tourism is one of the three key drivers in the Northern Territory economy. If I turn to the Estimates Committee Hansard from 2010, in her opening statement the minister said:
- It contributes $1.7bn to our economy and supports around 18 000 jobs for Territorians.
That makes it one of the largest employers in the Northern Territory and one of the key economic drivers. In fact, even the government’s own Northern Territory Tourism website tells us one in six people employed in the Territory has a job as a result of the tourism sector, which equates to around 20 000 jobs. It shares the honour of being one the key economic drivers with mining and the cattle industry in the Northern Territory. The fact it shares that position with those economic drivers makes it even more pertinent in the debate on its future.
In the Northern Territory, we have an abundance of mineral resources. There is so much in the ground the future looks extremely bright given projects like Central Petroleum’s joint venture in the coal deposit in the Pedirka Basin, which arguably might be the largest deposit of its kind in not only Australia, but the world. Without peering into the future too much, let us reflect on the new mining projects that have come online in the last few years. That did not take long because those new mining projects that contribute so much to the Northern Territory economy through royalties and job creation have been few and far between. Sure, much has been spent on exploration and the minister for Resources likes to talk it up. I can see the furrowed brows on the other side: ‘Why is he talking about mining? This is a statement on tourism’, but all will become clear member, members for Stuart and Arafura.
Ms Scrymgour: I am listening.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: Thank you, I am pleased you are listening, member for Arafura.
Let us look at the cattle industry, the other key driver of the Northern Territory economy. Joe Ludwig and Julia Gillard have cut the heart out of that and who was standing there while that was happening but the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory. I can barely believe the Chief Minister almost got away with it. I had a man from the land approach me recently saying: ‘Paul Henderson has done a pretty good job on the live cattle industry’. I was very quick to set him right. This Chief Minister and this Labor government supported the live cattle ban, and his massive media machine on the 5th floor and in the NT News spun this to make him look like a hero. Instead, he should be ashamed of himself.
However, this MPI is not about mining, it is not about cattle, but talking about those other key economic drivers provides a context and backdrop which highlights the importance of the tourism industry to the Northern Territory. Mining is stagnant, part of the cattle industry has been cut out, so surely tourism is an important sector in the Northern Territory. However, this government and the minister have no vision for this important sector. We are seeing nothing more than the same old, same old, same old.
This is illustrated by a comment the minister made in her opening statement in the 2011 Estimates Committee hearing. She said, and I quote from the Hansard of the day:
- Tourism NT is focused on aggressively defending its market share from its key source markets and …
Things are tough in the tourism industry and all this government wants to do, all this minister wants to do, is defend the market share. You must be kidding, minister. You should be ashamed of yourself. You want to defend, even aggressively, my goodness me! You could probably blame the person who wrote this for you, but you will find, minister, when you are sitting on this side of the House and have to write your own speeches, you will put a little more heart, soul and thought into what you put down on paper.
That should have read something like: ‘Aggressively attack new markets in order to compensate for the general softening of the sector in traditional and established overseas and domestic markets’. How does that sound? Does that sound a little more visionary? Does that have a little more oomph, a little more energy? That is what you should have said, rather than defend. For goodness sake, I could give defensive statement like that from the comfort of my office. I could defend that too if I was tired and lazy. I could have a defensive attitude if I was devoid of new ideas for driving this important part of the NT economy.
Where have we heard these words before: ‘lazy’, ‘tired’, ‘bereft of new ideas’? These words are becoming more and more relevant to this past-its-use-by-date Labor government. These words exemplify this government. In past times you had some drive, energy, even some good ideas. I give credit where credit is due. You had some good ideas but the government is simply past its use-by date. It is time to go. I hope many of you see the writing on the wall and take the honourable way out. I suspect a few will. Those who are lazy, tired, and ready to call it a day should look forward to political retirement.
I quoted the minister and her sensational idea of aggressively defending the market share and I said tourism was soft. Yes, it is. Even the minister acknowledges things are tough in tourism. In the same opening statement in 2011, the minister talks about the high Australian dollar and weak consumer spending affecting international and domestic markets. The Tourism minister knows tourism is soft, but all she can think of is how to defend, not seek new opportunities. That is quite astounding and shameful.
When talking to tourism operators and industry groups, most feel this government does not take tourism seriously. Like so many other portfolio areas, tourism has seen a succession of different ministers over the last five years: the member for Casuarina; the member for Johnston; the former member for Fannie Bay, Clare Martin; and Lord knows who else. Perhaps some of my longer serving colleagues can fill in the gaps. How can tourism have any real direction when this government does not know who it wants to carry the mantle? It may consider it a junior portfolio. Well, I do not because it is one of the key economic drivers in the Northern Territory.
Earlier this year I went to a conference in Cairns on developing Australia’s north. The conference was largely directed around the tourism sector. I was asked to deliver the keynote address on the economic situation across the top quarter of Australia. It was an interesting and fascinating exercise to go through and gave me cause to research not only the Northern Territory, but what is going on in the northern part of Queensland and Western Australia. Whilst researching the topics relevant to tourism, I came across Queensland’s $10m ‘Nothing Beats Queensland’ marketing campaign. This was an additional campaign in response to the natural disasters in that state to try to revitalise the industry.
What campaign do we have here? Our campaign in the Northern Territory has the acronym of SOS - and save our souls from this moribund government. The ‘Share our Story’ has been around for about six years and I was going to say it is becoming tired and worn out. However, it has gone beyond that because it is now tired and worn out. I have to ask the question of the minister and the government: where has the vision gone? Why are we dragging this outdated brand around with us? It has become a millstone around the neck of tourism in the Northern Territory. It urgently needs refreshing by a dynamic campaign that aggressively chases new markets.
The minister wants to aggressively defend that position instead of coming up with something new and dynamic. It is a small thing but maybe something you could consider - I have an idea for you, minister. Queensland recently announced free transport for backpackers. That may revitalise the backpacker market in Queensland and I am sure businesses would be able to leverage off that. It is something you could consider for the Northern Territory to revitalise that part of our industry which has been flagging for such a long time.
There is more which exemplifies the lack of vision from this government and the minister, whom everyone describes as a lovely lady. One sector of the tourism industry yet to be touched by this government is the higher end of the market - the big spenders, the high rollers. These people have big money to spend and when the Aussie dollar goes up as it has, the GFC strikes, these high-end tourist stay at a $4000 per night hotel instead of a $10 000 per night hotel. To these people, money is almost no object. They expect the best, the highest of standards, and some pretty fine experiences. I am yet to see anything from this government which supports and props up proposals for that high-end market. I am not suggesting the government needs to shell out money and build a new 6-star hotel, but it could start thinking about attractions, experiences, and infrastructure needed to snare some of the big spenders to the Territory.
I am going to quote from the Estimates Committee Hansard because a suggestion about the high-end market was made and I thought: ‘That is not a bad idea’. I asked this question of the minister:
- Minister, what is your commitment to high-end tourism, and in particular, your commitment to establish a multi-user heliport located at the Darwin CBD somewhere?
I have not caught the Minister for Tourism, the member for Arnhem, short for words; however, she was completely bamboozled. Her response was:
- That is a very good question, member for Katherine.
My response:
- You can answer it by saying you have done nothing if you want.
Response from the minister:
- It is a very good question. Would anyone care to respond to it?
Mr Fitzgerald chimed in and said:
- Is that an idea, or is that something that the minister has …
Then it cuts off. It was abundantly clear the Minister for Tourism had not given the idea a thought. A number of operators have been making noises about this type of high-end product for some time. Later the Hansard says it perhaps falls under the Minister for Lands and Planning because it has something to do with the wharf precinct. I would have thought tourism, being such an important economic driver in the Northern Territory, the minister would be beating down the door to the Minister for Lands and Planning saying: ‘Hey, listen, this is an idea we can perhaps do something with’.
I hope the minister has taken that on board. I can give a commitment that under the Country Liberals there will be a tourism heliport within striking distance of the CBD of Darwin. It has been done elsewhere. The classic one is South Bank on the Brisbane River. All the high-end tourist destinations have places like that because they are catering for a market. It is time tourism in the Northern Territory grew up.
This government has relegated tourism to the back blocks. This is evidenced by how often it is discussed in this House - rarely. The case in point is the Chief Minister’s statement on the Century of North Australia this week. The good thing about receiving electronic copies is you can quickly flick through and see if it mentions tourism. Type in ‘tourism’ and there it was - not there. Twenty-two pages and not a single mention of tourism! One of the Northern Territory’s three key economic drivers and it does not rate a mention in the Chief Minister’s statement about the next 100 years in the north of Australia! Where does that come from? Well, I acknowledge the soft contribution the minister made during the debate.
I have been through the five-year tourism strategic plan signed off by the member for Casuarina when he was minister in 2008. It runs until 2012. No discredit to the hard-working public servants who put that together, but it is a very soft document. It should be more specific and contain targeted performance measures where you can say: ‘We have done this; we have done that’. There is nothing like that.
The member for Arafura spoke about 2030 extensively a short time ago. Page 32 of this airy-fairy document which gives no time lines - it is very vague - says:
- While tourism is important to the Territory already, this sector offers real opportunities for growth into regional and remote areas as well as continued growth in larger towns and cities.
Puff piece! Sure, we all know that. Motherhood statement! Thank you for that. Page 38 says:
- Expand the tourism industry in the Northern Territory.
The government will do that by developing a new tourism strategy by 2013. I hope it does because this tourism strategy runs out in 2012. Lord knows, I would expect a new tourism strategy by 2013.
Page 42 talks about the number of Indigenous tourism hubs - let us talk about that. I am running out of time; however, I would expect some infrastructure, not some website stuff. I will refer to the website. A tourism hub, according to this government, is a list of links on a website. This talks about tourism hubs and says there is one in Darwin and one in Central Australia. Although the plan says three, there are only two, and they are only links. That is not a tourism hub. A tourism hub is something like a fishing, hunting, cultural experience at Wadeye.
This government has completely lost its way when it comes to tourism …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, your time has expired.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: … and it is time it made the Northern Territory tourism sector grow up.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Please resume your seat, member for Katherine.
Ms McCARTHY (Tourism): Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to this matter of public importance because tourism in the Northern Territory is important not only to this government, but also to the many businessmen and women who work in the industry - well over 18 000 people across the Northern Territory. I am disappointed the member for Katherine can raise such an important issue in this House without any understanding of the amount of work that goes into tourism across the Northern Territory. In fact, at no stage, has the member for Katherine sought any kind of briefing, understanding, any kind of work with the staff of Tourism NT, or my ministerial office. There has been no communication whatsoever from someone who purports to one day, hopefully, hold a position in government.
In this matter of public importance there was not one mention of the challenges facing our country with the Australian dollar. There was no mention of the effort put into innovative, creative work by the staff of Tourism NT, or by the Northern Territory businesses involved in tourism. Let us look at the challenges facing our business operators across the Northern Territory. Please tell me, member for Katherine, that you have a real understanding of this issue. Please tell me that standing in this House to question and denigrate the work of people in tourism across the Northern Territory is your answer to tourism. Tell me trashing the Territory is not your theme. The consistent theme of the Country Liberals is to trash the Northern Territory.
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The minister well knows we do not trash the Northern Territory; we trash the Labor government and the ministers.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Resume your seat, thanks, member for Katherine.
Ms McCARTHY: This government has a clear understanding of the importance of a thriving tourism sector, so much so that we will never trash the Northern Territory. We will always encourage innovation, creative thinking and vision for the Northern Territory.
The economic circumstances facing Northern Territory tourism operators are incredibly strong, particularly this year. Although there have been signs of a recovery in the global economy, recent natural disasters, the strong Australian dollar, increasing fuel prices, and the impact of the new carbon price scheme will all have some impact. There are many considerations people take into account when considering a holiday in Australia.
Over the past decade, we have seen some unprecedented disasters. We only have to look at Australia. In Queensland alone, the natural disasters are still impacting on tourism. We have had extraordinary challenges here. The Australian dollar is one of those, but we also know we have innovative and creative programs. Let us talk about the Kakadu campaign and look at the way it was constructed - the first in this country to have a visual campaign about Kakadu using 3D vision. When I spoke about that campaign in this House it brought laughter from the other side.
In Central Australia, we have pushed the Red Centre campaign - in February this year and in last year’s early months - over $1.2m in marketing. We have pushed for airline services across the Northern Territory and seen an increase in Qantas flights between Darwin and Canberra. We have seen an increase in Jetstar flights as recent as early this year, when the minister for Business went on the inaugural flight between Manila and Darwin. We have seen Virgin come into Uluru, code-sharing with Etihad in the Middle East and Europe. This government is about pursuing connections for the Northern Territory and business for the Northern Territory, not trashing the Northern Territory.
Reflecting the good news about the Northern Territory, the vision across the north, across the centre that entices travellers to come here, that is what we are about. We also recognise we need to work with people on the ground. With our A Working Future plan for the Northern Territory we want to ensure tourism is part of that for all people across the regions. Last week at the Garma Festival, the one shed that had a number of visitors was the tourism site. I congratulate Timmy and his family for the work they are doing in Arnhem Land with the Indigenous tourism business. Their area was thriving at the Garma Festival.
The basket weaving, which seems to be a real joke to the other side and something the member for Braitling could not accept, brings business and further economic prosperity to the Northern Territory. These Indigenous business hubs are creating and fostering the development of economic prosperity. At the Garma campground, many Balanda people from all over the country and overseas were part of making and weaving baskets and spears, and were supporting Indigenous business. The Yolngu people providing that skill were building their business. That is what we are about in tourism as well. Not just the high-end of tourism, not just the 5-star hotels, which are important to the Northern Territory economy, but we are also about the wonderful campgrounds, the wonderful initiative and skills of our local people who many visitors from around the country and overseas visit.
In this centenary year, we have focused on 100 years of the Northern Territory and over 50 000 years of stories. Do not ever let sharing our story be a shame thing for the Northern Territory or something not worth reflecting the diversity and great culture of this beautiful Northern Territory. Sharing our story: 50 000 years of stories will continue to go on and on.
In this centenary year, the innovation and creativity of that theme saw the Numbulwar Red Flag Dancers shake Federation Square, Melbourne. They walked into the MCG incredibly proud. We had on display the Henley-On-Todd boats and the Beanie Festival in Alice Springs. This was all done through innovative and creative marketing. Thanks to the hard work of the staff, the men and women in Tourism NT, and the many tourism businesses in the Northern Territory.
It is sad if my opposition shadow cannot see the value in that. It makes one wonder how would he sell the Territory. By trashing the Northern Territory; that is how the CLP will sell it. It is doing it now in opposition, and will do it if ever back in government. That is really sad because there are tremendously good men and women out there with skills and stories to share. Stories they are not ashamed to share. Tess Atie with her burgeoning business in Litchfield; a young Indigenous women with a great deal of talent to share and one the Northern Territory can be proud of. This is the type of small business Tourism NT is helping to foster, nurture, develop, and grow, as well as work at the high-end of the market.
The CLP did not want the convention centres. Look at the convention centre at the wharf. The Leader of the Opposition, the member for Blain, did not want it. The convention centre is busy; booked out. The convention centre in Alice Springs is doing well. Skating on Ice in December draws not only tourist and visitors, but our local people.
This is the innovation and creativity this government is proud of; this is what we are about. We are not trashing the Territory; we are encouraging and being proud of the good work taking place across the Northern Territory, especially in light of the enormous challenges in tourism.
I place on the record how disappointed I am that this is the best the member for Katherine can do. He did not seek any briefings on what we are doing with tourism. Even the Northern Territory Muster, when we took businesses to the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, no interest whatsoever by the member for Katherine. When we had the corroboree recently, there was no interest from the member for Katherine. That visit and gain for the Northern Territory - to have such a significant international event right on our doorstep took months of lobbying. My visit to the United Kingdom last year cemented what we were going to do for this important tourism event. No sign of the member for Katherine. In my visits to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and the Middle East, no interest whatsoever from the member for Katherine for a briefing on what we achieved from those visits, even to Germany.
Let us not forget the significance of bringing a fairly strong and major international celebrity to the Northern Territory. Let us not forget we hosted 16 of the 300 American visitors and we lobbied hard from my time in the United Kingdom, from the moment we knew there was a glimmer of a chance to get Oprah Winfrey to the Northern Territory. In September last year, we lobbied hard on behalf of the Northern Territory with tourism businesses across the Northern Territory. We achieved that dream because of the good, coordinated work of men and women across the Northern Territory who believed we had to work together to secure what we wanted - to get Oprah Winfrey to the Northern Territory. And guess what? We did that. And where was the member for Katherine? Still asleep in Katherine and not at all interested. He is now saying we have no vision.
Our vision goes further than trashing the Territory like the CLP. When those 16 visitors flew out to Arnhem Land to a pretty spectacular place in Jawoyn country, where were the questions from the member for Katherine then? Where was the interest to know: ‘Hey, what’s happening?’ No questions, no phone calls, no e-mails, nothing. That is how interested he was in tourism in the Northern Territory; however, if he has woken up, I welcome providing him with a briefing.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I am proud of the team in Tourism NT, the team across Top End Tourism and Central Australian Tourism for doing their utmost in the face of many challenges in the tourism industry. I say: ‘Thank you for the work you are doing. We will continue to work together for the people of the Northern Territory’.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr GILES (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, I listened intently to the comments about basket weaving made by the Minister for Tourism. There was no derogatory comment made about basket weaving when the member for Nhulunbuy made her speech. There was no commentary about the lack of economic importance of tourism. The point I made in the previous debate was about the strategic direction of the Northern Territory into the future, not about basket weaving at the lower level. It was more a senior level debate at the upper echelons. The majority of debates in this Chamber are churlish on both sides. However, it is important we have more senior, adult-like debates. The member for Katherine, my colleague, raised a very important matter - tourism. He castigated the government. Instead of the minister replying from a policy and strategic level and identifying some of the problems in the industry, she chose to take it down to the lower level.
As someone from Alice Springs I recognise tourism is in a difficult situation and has been for some time. The Top End is feeling it more now. Tourism officials have spoken about the haemorrhaging in the tourism market in Alice Springs. I could take cheap jibes and talk about share the story - share the live cattle story and what the Chief Minister and Julia Gillard did to that. I could talk about crime in Alice Springs and how the best way to support tourism in the Territory is reduce crime. I could talk about the carbon tax, which is an important strategic issue. I could talk about the importance of addressing welfare because tourism entrepreneurs will start to drive tourism product renewal and redevelopment. Those are important areas.
We could talk about chronic alcoholism and how that affects tourism, crime, and how tourists do not like the alcohol reforms. However, it is important to take these things to the upper levels and we would be better in this parliament, and be more mature and adult-like, if we started addressing things more strategically and put more thought in rather than cheap jibes.
The tourism sector is in a difficult position. I understand the higher Australian dollar and the downturn internationally. As a point of reference, I looked through Budget Paper No 2 and identified where our visitors come from - intrastate, interstate, or international. The number of international visitors has been declining for quite some time. The member for Katherine spoke about the tourism sector and quoted figures of about $1.6bn or $1.7bn. According to the budget papers it is about $1bn, but that is neither here nor there in this debate. From the research I have conducted, there appears to be a gaping hole in the international tourism sector. There are issues affecting the international tourism sector, and I would have liked the minister to focus on what the government is doing to address some of those concerns? We can have the debate about crime, a very serious issue, but what is the government doing to address that? We all grapple with how to solve some of these problems.
The Chief Minister, in his closing remarks in the last debate, spoke about soccer and Adelaide United. He was unsure who made that point. I did. I have been working with FICA, Football in Central Australia, about that sponsorship and, not being a tourism aficionado, the sponsorship seems to be a good investment into a broadening Asian market where we can start to attract investors.
Page 139 of the Northern Territory Economy paper says:
- The number of international visitors to the Territory has been declining since 2005-06. In 2009-10, the number of international visitors to the Territory decreased by 2.7% to 323 000, the lowest record in 10 years.
It goes on to talk about where our visitors are from, the United Kingdom being the largest, then Germany, Japan, United States of America, France, Italy, Switzerland, and so forth.
With the emerging middle class in Southeast Asia, we need specific strategies developed for that area because there are opportunities. I spoke at estimates about the Alice Springs golf course, of which I am a member. I am involved with many people from the Alice Springs golf course - they need to make some improvements in their management and administrative component. There are some better structures they can build; however, when we have the eighth best desert course in the world - I do not say this as a golfer or parochial Alice Springs person - it is a great tourism product to sell and should be marketed in a better way, whether in conjunction with the casino, the golf course, the Rock, or the Reef. There are opportunities, and now Kalgoorlie golf course is becoming the 10th best desert course in the world, we need to develop different tourism markets.
Strategically, there are some opportunities the minister could look at. I am critical of her in Indigenous affairs, and particularly shire governance; however, tourism is probably her best suite and she could probably drive some of these things forward. There are also other products we can start selling.
The Country Liberals have been widely supportive of the concept of safari hunting in the Northern Territory. The minister for Environment would be well aware of the growth in crocodile numbers and how much of a problem they are to the ecological sustainability of the Northern Territory. There needs to be a reduction in crocodile numbers, not just in the Northern Territory, but the entire continent. The development of a small part of the tourism industry around safari hunting could have a benefit across the board, not just in environmental management, but also tourism and local employment. It has a multiplier effect, and that is the area of strategic argument we should be in. It should be whether we shoot a crocodile or not and how you would facilitate that, rather than the nonsense that goes on in the Chamber. I am making a commitment not to get involved in that lower level stuff anymore because it is embarrassing to the rest of the Northern Territory.
One area I would quickly like to touch on is caravans, or campervans. This is a sore point for many people, particularly our interstate visitors with caravans or campervans who camp at roadside stops. In a competitive marketplace, caravan parks have to compete and have to provide appropriate price structures so people who are there - it could be a backpacker with limited resources or retirees trying not to spend too much money. The caravan parks, roadside stops and rest houses have to provide a positive pricing structure. Driving up and down the track, no matter what highway it is and seeing the rest stops with up to 50 caravans or campervans every night - Devils Marbles chock-a-block - detracts from small business in the Northern Territory.
We need to encourage ways that see greater patronage of our accommodation stops. Sure, the accommodation stops need to ensure they meet the demand for service from tourists; however, building rest stops like the Taj Mahal detract from investing in small business because tourists will not stay at the caravan parks overnight. I am unsure if building barbecues and supplying firewood and other services at rest stops is necessary. Yes, we need rest stops. Stop, revive, survive, every two hours, and bathroom facilities are good for people who are travelling; however, where you are within 80 km or 100 km of a roadhouse, how much of a Taj Mahal rest stop do you need to build?
You have to apply certain sensitivities. You cannot have people driving forever and a day between breaks. Where there are commercial facilities which offer a reasonable service, that should be supported and travellers should be encouraged to use that service, not like at Glen Helen, where a sign at the rest stop says 24-hour camping is permitted. That encourages people to camp on the roadside, not stay at Glen Helen, a local business which pays tax and provides jobs to Territorians. That is what we should be looking at on a smaller scale.
In relation to Tiger Airways - and I made comment in the Central Australia development debate - I have not seen what this government is prepared to do for Tiger Airways. I understand the economic reality if Tiger does not want to return, however, we have to do all we can. It may mean working with Tiger Airways and talking to Jetstar and Airnorth, or meeting with Darwin airport to see what opportunities exist for different flight path arrangements, whether that is Broome, Cairns, or elsewhere. There are strategic opportunities here. I see Alice Springs as a base hub for international airlines coming into Sydney and Melbourne at some time in the future. That might be an unrealistic utopian dream, but we have to work towards those visionary things.
When it comes to tourism, the Territory Wildlife Park has become part of that at the local content level. Reviewing the budget papers and the subsidies provided for wildlife parks, and seeing how much subsidy we provide for each visitor, they are astronomical amounts. You have to question if the private sector could do it cheaper. I do not want to quote a figure because it is a back-of-the-envelope calculation, but the monetary figure provided as a subsidy divided by the number of visitors is quite significant. It provides jobs and is a positive thing, particularly the desert park which does not have as much competition, whereas here we have more private sector competition. Minister, you might want to look at that to see if the private sector might play a role and get some economies of scale. When it is out of government hands, it broadens its horizons and markets itself in a greater way. That is free market enterprise.
I recognise there are difficulties in the tourism sector. Many have come about by poor government management around crime, alcohol, welfare, and lack of product renewal. On the other side, there are external factors: CASA grounding of Tiger Airways, the Australian dollar, and the global financial crisis have compounded, not to create a perfect storm, but to put one of our major industries in the Northern Territory in a difficult position. Some tourism operators are doing well, but they are the fortunate ones who put in place good business practice and are taking a bigger piece out of a smaller pie, which is continuing to decrease.
I encourage the minister to bring a statement on next week about tourism and put forward some strategic directions on where you are heading. Also, take the freedom and liberty to talk in this parliament about some ideas we can throw around the Chamber and chat about. I encourage the Chief Minister to work with the minister for Sport and the Minister for Tourism and get behind Adelaide United. I am a supporter of Adelaide United and have done a fair bit with them. I would be more than willing to help with Adelaide United; whether I can add two cents worth or not. That is an opportunity into China and Asia, and is where our tourism market is in the future. Let us not forget about Alice Springs golf course; it is a fantastic course.
Members: Hear! Hear!
Mr KNIGHT (Business and Employment): Madam Deputy Speaker, I make some brief comments in relation to this MPI. The tourism industry makes up 6.2% of the Northern Territory gross state product and accounts for some $1bn. The grossed up value adds $1.4bn to the Northern Territory. It employs some 10 000 direct workforce, and indirect another 9000. It is a fairly significant part of the economy.
I was perplexed that the shadow tourism spokesperson would bring this on and know nothing about the operations of Tourism NT or the strategies to bring tourists to the Northern Territory. I am gobsmacked by the ignorance of the shadow minister. This is a very important sector and he needs to take it seriously. He has been the shadow for quite some time and to not get basic information, which we are more than happy to provide, is incredible. There is much going on.
As opposed to the contribution from the member for Katherine, the Minister for Tourism gave a comprehensive, detailed analysis of what we are doing for the tourism sector and the problems being faced by it. It is amazing the shadow is bringing this motion forward. I can see why his colleagues have dumped him as shadow Treasurer …
Members interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: He is completely incompetent in that area.
Mr GILES: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! It is the last day - relevance.
Mr KNIGHT: It is relevant to the MPI.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Resume your seat.
Mr KNIGHT: I will start talking about your golfing abilities on the Alice Springs Golf Course if you want me to. It is a serious matter; this is a serious sector.
I came to the Territory to work in the hospitality and tourism sector 23 years ago. The Territory has an immense number of attractions to promote. I was in Kakadu on Yellow Waters and, as a young 21-year-old, enjoyed myself immensely and met many people. There were many tourists around at that time. I have seen the expansion and modernisation of Kakadu while still retaining its uniqueness. The facilities have improved. It has faced some challenges over time. It is a place Territorians take their friends and family when they visit the Territory.
Much is happening in the Business portfolio. We are including tourism programs within October Business Month to support tourism businesses. We are supporting the hospitality sector; we are facilitating labour agreements. The biggest problem with tourism at the moment is not enough workers as opposed to what you are hearing from the other side about unemployment rates. The biggest thing facing tourism businesses in the Territory is finding enough workers. We have some strategies around that. We have working abroad opportunities in Australia and expos in Dublin, London, and Manchester this year to attract working holidaymakers. Backpackers keep the Territory going throughout the year.
There is much confidence in the market. We have Quest Apartments built at Palmerston and Parap, and it is great to see those new facilities. I have stayed at the one in Parap, and it is nice to see a tall building on the skyline of Palmerston. There is the Signature Lodge development and the Wildman Wilderness Lodge in my electorate, and also the expansion of Darwin International Airport. It is about to tick off the last lot of contracts, and there will then be announcements with regard to the expansion of Darwin International Airport.
The Minister for Tourism, and me to a lesser degree, are involved with the Aviation Hub. Darwin International Airport is a difficult one. It has low numbers but we are required to have an international or national standard of security which is passed on to every ticket issued at the airport and is a real challenge for the operators. We have the highest ticket security charges in Australia and it is something we have been trying to fight by putting submissions to the Productivity Commission to get some reality. National security is only as good as its weakest link, and they should be spreading security across the whole system in Australia, not just going from airport to airport.
It was great to see the Telstra Business Awards recently, and great to see Eldorado Motor Inn win the Telstra regional business award - a great business. It is trying hard to provide a great product. I worked in Tennant Creek at the Bluestone Motor Inn doing some part-time work. In the Centre, the Commonwealth is supporting the Larapinta Trail development.
The member for Braitling talked about China. Engaging with tourist operators was something the Chief Minister and I took up at the World Expo in Shanghai last year. There is one called Ctrip, an amazing organisation with millions of members who receive promotions and information. It is a challenge for us because the middle-class have very limited holidays and are not really the middle-class you would see in Australia as far as disposable income goes. However, it is growing and is a large sector if you can get a small slice of it. Linkages from China into the Northern Territory are challenging as well.
Much is happening, as the minister highlighted. It is important that we do not talk down the Territory and we maintain a positive view. Over the last few years there have been many negative messages about the Territory in the national media, which costs a great deal. Approximately $10m worth of advertising space, in the form of negative messages about the Territory, took place last year.
There is much to offer in the Territory and Tourism NT is doing a fantastic job. I am working with Tourism NT and its promotions on my trips overseas. Whilst we were promoting the Territory and trying to attract working holidaymakers, whilst they are here earning money I want to see them spending money; doing day trips to Litchfield or doing trips from Alice Springs and staying in hotels.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I do not accept this matter of public importance. If the shadow minister is serious he needs to take up the offer of receiving information from Tourism NT. You cannot make an informed judgment unless you have that information. I reject this matter of public importance.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, from my perspective, and estimates has brought this home over my last three years in this Chamber, our Territory wildlife parks were once the jewel of what the previous CLP government brought to the Northern Territory. Kakadu, Uluru and the Devils Marbles are natural. Over the years, the government has been able to provide the Territory Wildlife Park and Alice Springs Desert Park, two major investments and what were once major attractions. My issue with these parks is when you look at the estimates, the figures, and the budget papers, the number of visitors has dropped over the years. These parks are no longer attracting the tourists or local visitors because we are not reinvesting into these parks.
I recently heard the term: ‘No new rides’. That is absolutely true. If you look at Australia’s premium tourist destination, the Gold Coast, tourists visit because of places like Dreamworld and Movie World. A particular clientele go to these major parks. Dreamworld, Movie World, and like tourist parks, reinvest millions and millions of dollars. They know if they do not, they will lose their share of the market big time. In the Northern Territory we have lost our market share because we have not reinvested; we have not provided new rides for people. They do it every year on the Gold Coast, new roller coasters, new water parks, new attractions in the theme parks to bring the tourists. Without it, they will fail, which is what has happened in the Northern Territory.
This government has failed with two of our major investments, the Territory Wildlife Park and the Alice Springs Desert Park. It is astounding when you look at the figures because if you remove the school visits, it is quite damning how many paying tourists go into our parks every year. It is downright scary. What do we do? The member for Braitling asked how to attract people back to the parks. Do we invest public money in the parks? Do we sell them off to private entities, or do we reinvest in private and government partnership to bring these attractions back to the point where they are attracting visitors?
I have seen old plans of the Territory Wildlife Park that showed a ferry terminal where people could come from Darwin without having to drive to get there. I have seen plans with a chair lift from the Territory Wildlife Park to Berry Springs. That would take money. Investing money into attractions like this also attracts tourists, even locals, because they want to return. Those are the type of things we need to do.
I recently took my family to Crocosaurus Cove. Please do not quote me on the figures, but it cost about $84 to take my family. For an additional $4.50 I was asked if I wanted a yearly pass for the family, and I thought: ‘That cannot be right’. For an extra $4.50, I could take my family back any time over the next 12 months. Hell, yes! That was a good deal. I could pay $84 once, or for an additional $4.50 get a yearly pass, which gives me two opportunities. One, if the kids want to go back to Crocosaurus Cove to look at those big crocs they can any time in the next 12 months. The other thing which is probably more important is when we have friends and family in town we will encourage them to go to Crocosaurus Cove because we do not have to pay again. That sounds a bit on the cheap; however, it encourages visitors. I am likely to encourage my friends and family to visit Crocosaurus Cove because I can go for the next 12 months. We have to reinvest if we are to attract tourists.
It was interesting the minister mentioned Oprah Winfrey. We could have had Dr Phil, we could have had Ellen, we could have had a few American entertainers who would attract big audiences; however, the proof is in the pudding. When we know tourist numbers in the Territory are falling, what have been the benefits? Are we competing with other interests? Yes, we are. We are competing with the Aussie dollar at the moment and the attraction for people to travel overseas. Are we competing with Queensland, which suffered Cyclone Yasi and terrible floods last year? That was backed up by the Queensland and Australian governments spending large sums of money to attract people to Queensland. Are we competing with that? Yes, we are. There are a number of competing interests so we have to be better.
Something that was brought to my attention recently which also hurts the tourism industry - most are private businesses and usually pay a 10% commission for on-sold tickets. Whether it is a tour on the harbour or a fishing trip, if you are staying at a hotel or tourist park that sells tickets, a 10% commission is usually paid. In fact, some places charge 12.5% commission. I was astounded to learn that the government charges 25% commission to businesses. Someone has not set up a private business to on-sell tickets for fishing trips, day trips or tours of our parks. This is a government business funded by the taxpayer which charges 25% commission to the hard-working business people to on-sell part of their product. What kind of support is the government giving our tourism industry if it is charging a whopping 25% of the ticket price? That is amazing! That is a big slice of the cherry and, in most cases, most of the profit for the tourist operator …
Mr Westra van Holthe: Plus you have to pay more if you want to be in their magazine.
Mr CHANDLER: Absolutely, and they pay their ongoing fees every year. It is astounding that the government rips off our private tourist operators to the sum of 25%. This government should support our local tourism industry.
There are huge opportunities in tourism but we are competing in heavy times. There are competing interests, and both sides of the Chamber have agreed that is the case. There is only one thing we can do to win; only one thing we can do to better what we are doing today - to do it better. We talk about sharing our story. How long have we had that message? Is it time to revamp it?
A member: Six years.
Mr CHANDLER: That is a long time. I recall Daryl Somers and the ‘You’ll never never know’, a campaign that went around the world. Look at how successful Crocodile Dundee was for the Northern Territory; look at tourist numbers in those days. The Territory provides a unique opportunity for Australians and people right around the world and we need to capitalise on what we have.
We can only do that if we have a government willing to invest in our major infrastructure and support our local tourism industry. When you hear operators are paying whopping 25% commissions back to a government agency funded by the taxpayer, that is damning on this government and shows no support for the Northern Territory tourism industry. You should hang your head in shame at a time when everyone is struggling, particularly in the tourism industry and, with these abhorrent charges, you do not openly support the tourism industry.
We have to invest in new rides, this is the message. We have to reinvest and come up with new rides because if we do not, the tourism industry will continue to flounder.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Deputy Speaker, I will be quick; the member for Greatorex wants to say something.
I would like to speak about that section of tourism sometimes forgotten; the ones we curse if we try to drive from Alice Springs to Darwin in a reasonable time - the grey nomads. They are an important part of our tourism industry we should not lose sight of. It is the road aspect to tourism I would like to speak about tonight.
In general terms, one of the things concerning me is the visitor numbers to our national parks. Our national parks are second to none. We have some beautiful national parks which I try to visit every year, at least one or two. I tried to get to the Dulcie national park this year, which is not quite prepared for tourists; time ran out and I was not able to visit. We have to put more emphasis on promoting our national parks, especially some of smaller ones like Flora River or Keep River. Some of those parks are absolutely beautiful and should not be left out of the tourism picture.
I also wanted to talk about Litchfield. People think Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Ayers Rock, Uluru, all those places. Litchfield has a fantastic number of tourist attractions within the boundaries of the shire. Within an hour or an hour-and-a-half you can have a great day looking at the various tourist options.
We have quite a few conservation parks. At Gunn Point we have the Tree Point Conservation Area. We have Knuckey Lagoon right next door. Ten minutes from there you can be looking at magnificent bird life on Knuckey Lagoon, an area I hope when the government brings out its plan, it will not overdevelop by turning it into a small suburb. It is a very special area close to Darwin, but still needs to be maintained in a rural and environmental environment.
We have Berry Springs Nature Park and the Territory Wildlife Park, two great parks when they are open. Unfortunately, crocodiles seem to be getting in the way at Berry Springs. We also have Howard Springs which, unfortunately, is not as good as it should be. Hopefully, it will after the announcement tenders have been put out for the small water park and landscaping. At the moment it looks quite depressing. Those who used to swim there would find it a bit sad. Hopefully, the changes the government is making will lift it back to its former self and attract more visitors. It used to be one of the most visited parks in the Territory, and is one of the first parks in the Northern Territory.
We have Windows on the Wetlands, sometime called windows on the weed lands because most of the green you see in the Dry Season is mimosa. It is a great little place for people to visit on the way to Kakadu. If you are going to that part of the world there are three jumping crocodile tours. Everyone has seen Brutus. I must give Brutus a rap because the people who run that business live in my electorate just down from me. There are two other jumping crocodile tours and they make a big contribution to tourism in Litchfield.
The World War II heritage sites are something the government has to put more effort into. Work has been done on Strauss and I congratulate the government. It is probably the first work done on Strauss since World War II. Yes, it has done excellent work opening up the old areas where the planes parked. There are three airstrips, Strauss, Livingston, and Sattler, and those strips should be part of a park. The government is taking up the issues in my agreement about developing heritage parks and is including these airstrips in a large heritage park as far wide as Darwin. We need to have a more specific heritage park in the rural area which covers those airstrips. World War II history is unique to the Top End, and for parts of Central Australia and the centre of the Northern Territory. It is an area we need to develop and promote because not only does it teach people about our very important history, it shows you can see where people fought for Australia - the battle of Australia as it has been called.
We have our other great places in the rural area. Going back to the heritage site, people might not know the bicycle path is at last being extended to Howard Springs and, hopefully, will be extended to Coolalinga. The bicycle path is on the old railway line. The line built around the late 1880s is being preserved so when people travel down that bicycle path they will use a piece of really important heritage and something that can develop tourism. Not everyone is going to fly around the country. Many people would like to take in the local scenery and they will be able to do that. Locals will be able to go in reverse because Howard Springs’ people travelling on the old railway line can go all the way to Darwin. That heritage is being preserved by a practical solution - using it as a cycle path. In fact, minister, it should be called the North Australian Rail Trail so people know they are riding on the rail trail. I congratulate the government also for the extension it has done in Katherine, which is great.
I would like to mention the waterfront. I was a critic of some of the things happening at the waterfront, especially the convention centre. We could have had a better design; a stand out feature for Darwin where people could recognise Darwin. Be that as it may, it is a fully booked out convention centre. I went down three weeks ago and, looking at the numbers of people, it has become a key attraction not only for tourists, but for locals. You might be a knocker about what happened there, and I was concerned. Change is always difficult, but there is a full range of restaurants and I went to an Italian restaurant. At one of the auctions I often go to I bought some meal tickets for the Italian restaurant, Il Lido - a fantastic restaurant. There are a number of others. You can get hamburgers, there is a coffee shop, an Irish pub, you can walk amongst the lawns, go sunbathing if that is your thing, go swimming, and you can go into the wave pool. It has certainly boosted the CBD of Darwin as an important attraction.
One other matter is in relation to local tourist attractions, especially caravan parks. Minister for Infrastructure, the signage for caravan parks needs to be far more specific. On Tiger Brennan Drive a little sign saying caravan parks does not really promote tourism. Minister, you and the Minister for Tourism need to sit down with the caravan park people and get some signs up saying which caravan parks are where.
On that note about signs, the signage to Tiger Brennan from the rural area is in the wrong place. I have seen people turning left up Yarrawonga Road instead of turning left onto the exit into Tiger Brennan Drive. For people who are not familiar with it, they can easily take the wrong left hand turn. It might sound all right when you travel that road all the time; however, people are driving up the wrong road. The signage should be past the Yarrawonga intersection so when you see the exit sign to get onto Tiger Brennan Drive to the city you know it is the next exit. It has a 2 km or 1 km - people do not always have time to read that, they are looking for the next sign.
Madam Deputy Speaker, if you are really serious about tourism, you need to ensure signage is not cluttered like in some parts of the rural area, but clear and precise and helps the industry. It should say where the caravan parks are and how to get there such as: Shady Glen, Malak caravan parks or Free Spirit. You can get directions, especially if it is your first time to Darwin. If you are older it can be quite scary to hit a new city. That is one area we need to look at.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Deputy Speaker, it is great to speak about tourism because it is one of my favourite subjects, particularly tourism in Alice Springs. I will focus a little on that. Thank you to the member for Nelson for allowing some time. There is only about 10 minutes left and the member for Sanderson wants to speak on this. We all have a buy-in when it comes to tourism, it is so important to the Territory economy.
I take this opportunity to correct the record with regard to alcohol policy and how that affects tourism. I am not trying to be smart and steer off the subject, but last year the Chief Minister was on ABC radio and when asked by the journalist why the restrictions in Alice Springs were not in Darwin said: ‘Darwin is a bit different inasmuch as we are a capital city which caters for thousands of tourists, not hundreds of tourists’. That was the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and shows how much across tourism in Central Australia he is. He said: ‘Being a capital city we cater for thousands of tourists as opposed to hundreds of tourists like in Alice Springs’. The facts speak for themselves; the government’s own figures speak for themselves.
Fact one is Alice Springs had about 386 000 tourists in the year 2009. Tourism is worth around $300m to the Alice Springs economy each year. In 2009, visitors to Alice Springs spent $1225 per visit, compared to only $1149 in Darwin. Tourism to Alice Springs is very strong and, in many indicators, much stronger than in the Top End. Indeed, tourism in Alice Springs is a 365 day a year industry. It is not seasonal like the Top End. It is all year round and underpins the economy.
Mining is a major economic driver for Central Australia, as is Pine Gap, the joint defence facility, an enormous contributor to the local economy. However, tourism is neck and neck when it comes to the joint defence facility - a massive injection to the economy. The town would be worse off without it and probably a shadow of what it is without tourism.
There are other facts about the Chief Minister’s statement. Many tourists are annoyed to discover they cannot buy takeaway alcohol before 2 pm. We know that. Also, the Chief Minister would never impose the Alice Springs restrictions on Darwin and while we see the ID system imposed here now, we are still able to purchase alcohol at 10 am in the morning. I wanted to clear that up because the Chief Minister was obviously misled or did not understand. It is concerning that the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory did not quite have an understanding of how crucial tourism is to Alice Springs when compared with Darwin.
We can talk about law and order. The member for Braitling touched on it and we often speak about law and order in this House. Law and order is out of control and this government has lost the battle. People in Alice Springs, businesses, and tourism operators, are at wit’s end about what to do. If there is one thing that will detract from tourism - you have the global financial crisis, the Australian dollar versus the greenback, couple that with serious negative press and these operators are in serious trouble. Many do not know what to do. Their numbers are significantly down and have been for some time and they feel it. While some things are out of this government’s hands, there are things the government can do to assist, and that is law and order.
If there is one thing the government can do to help the tourism industry in Central Australia, Alice Springs, and across the Territory - I focus this towards Central Australia and Alice Springs – it is to invest in these law and order issues. We have made our feelings plain. We have made this government acutely aware of how we feel about its approach to crime and law and order policies. It has let down the tourism industry in a big way for a number of years. There is a big opportunity for the government to improve that.
It is a shame Tiger Airways ceased operating; however, it is their own fault. No one should be responsible because this airline was deemed unsafe to fly by the Civil Aviation Authority. It is not good government policy to throw one red cent of taxpayers’ money to attract Tiger back to the marketplace because it was deemed unfit to fly. The Tourism minister should be actively lobbying Tiger to return; fly south, do whatever you can, spend a couple of nights in Melbourne to get them back, but in no way should we be underwriting airlines to come to the Northern Territory. I do not agree with that. We tried it once before. I remember interviewing the member for Johnston on radio in about 2002 regarding Virgin. The government underwrote Virgin and two years later it disappeared. It is a commercial decision; if there was money in it airlines would be flying in. We need to improve the product and people will come. As they say, build it, and we will come.
The Share our Story has run its course. There has been an enormous focus on Indigenous tourism. We seem to have been hijacked by Indigenous tourism and, as important and exciting as it is, for international and interstate visitors unexposed to it, there is more. We need to be showing in our television commercials and our newspaper spreads the main streets of our towns. When you open a newspaper and see Share our Story, all you really see is camping, rock paintings, or some of the natural beauty of the Territory. You do not see anything about shops, or vision or images of townships, which is a shame. To show the lovely, wide, open streets of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek with the restaurants alive and buzzing at night is wonderful. People like to see that as well. They like to know after a week in the scrub they can stay at a 5-star hotel, a 4-star hotel, go to the casino, and all those things you can do in the Territory and Central Australia. Maybe we can look at some of that too. I would like to see some of that happen more often.
The grey nomads are fantastic but the roads need improving. There are serious problems with our roads and they have deteriorated in many areas. Talking to the member for Braitling tonight over dinner, the Alice Springs to Tennant Creek run is really bad and needs a lift. In fact, both the Stuart Highway and the Arnhem Highway are pretty ordinary. If we are going to promote our grey nomads we need to lift the state of our roads.
I pay tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, despite the adversity of missing out on the aeromedical tender for the Top End. They put in much time and energy and felt they had the most competitive tender. Despite that, they are still committed to the region and to tourism. They have just invested $3m into the visitor centre in Alice Springs and are going to invest another $3m. They are going to have a static display of the PC-12 aircraft - the aircraft they operate - in the visitor centre. It is a terrific coffee shop, a great spot, an icon of Australia, and on our doorstep in Alice Springs. There is much to be proud of, and $3m is no small investment by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is committed to Alice Springs and the community. Hats off to those guys.
I did not leave you much time, member for Sanderson; there might be a minute left. I cannot quite read the clock, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: It is 9 pm, member for Greatorex; there is no time left.
Discussion concluded.
ADJOURNMENT
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: In accordance with Standing Order 41A, the House will now adjourn.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Madam Speaker, I would like to continue my congratulations for residents in Central Australia in a range of areas.
Tonight I would like to talk about a true Tanami track hero and community spirit. What an amazing person Rob Cook is. This inspirational man completed a 750 km wheelchair trek across the Tanami Desert. Rob Cook, from Suplejack Station near the Western Australian border, has been a quadriplegic since a helicopter accident in 2008. Initially a fundraiser to assist him to finish his Nuffield scholarship studies, his trek became a 24-day journey which raised awareness and has inspired Australians across the country. Driving rain, headwinds, freezing temperatures, and even the risk of frostbite were real challenges confronting Rob and his support person, Luke Bevan. Rob was inspired to keep on wheeling as feedback started trickling back to them.
- We were only three to four days into it when we realised the awareness it was creating on so many different levels especially from farmers throughout Australia that have had workplace injuries and struggled to remain productive. We got feedback from guys who were feeling helpless and not seeing any joy in life and who were really down. Our trip was motivating them to do more with their lives.
Rob Cook has raised $50 000, which will be used for his carers to travel overseas with him as he continues his studies. Congratulations to an inspirational hero. Well done, Rob Cook. It is an amazing story.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr HENDERSON: I pay tribute to Alice Springs resident, Mr Steven Smith, who, in the first week of July, clocked up his 50th donation to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Mr Smith is living his adage: it is better to give than to receive, and he has certainly done that.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service acknowledges blood donors are the heroes of many cancer patients, trauma victims, patients undergoing surgery, and those on renal dialysis. Current statistics indicate one in three of us will need blood in our lifetime yet only one in 30 of us donate blood. It is timely to acknowledge people such as Steven Smith for giving to others. Congratulations, Steven.
In the March sittings we raised motions in support of the victims of the Japanese tsunami. People are still going through the process of rebuilding their lives and re-establishing themselves, their families, and their livelihoods. I pay tribute to a Territorian and local Alice Springs man, Simon Dew, who has just returned from three months as a volunteer rescue worker in the Sendai region. Simon lived and worked in Japan for 18 years from the age of 18. When he heard about the devastating tsunami he decided he had to help despite the risk of radiation. NT Corrections CEO, Ken Middlebrook, authorised leave for Simon. His wife held the fort at home with the children. With an old friend from Canada, Simon travelled to the heart of the worst affected area around the Fukushima nuclear power plant. He describes his experience as like going to a war zone without bullets. It was really bizarre. The relief work they did with locals from across the region was commendable. Simon, this parliament commends and acknowledges the important voluntary relief work you performed in Japan. Thank you and well done. It is an amazing story.
To our service clubs: this year, the Lions Club of Alice Springs successfully hosted its 41st Camel Cup. With a crowd of over 4000, a great day was had by one and all. This year there were more than the usual number of thrills and spills from the frisky and unpredictable desert dwellers. Yes, there was even a Chief Minister’s race on the line-up of the nine races. This government supports events such as these and, through our tourism division, was a proud sponsor. Supported also by the Alice Springs Apex Club, over $65 000 was raised. Once expenses are paid, this money is distributed to charities throughout the Central Australia region.
I acknowledge the president of the Lions Club, Mr Ian Rowan, and thank him and his fellow servicemen and women and all the other volunteers who come out of the woodwork during these events for achieving a great outcome for our community.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Alice Springs Town Council. This significant event was celebrated in Alice Springs in early July with an open invitation to the community for the cutting of a huge birthday cake with as many current and ex-aldermen that could be whistled up. Local councils play a vital role in our government structure, and the many citizens who gave their valuable time serving as aldermen is acknowledged through anniversaries such as this.
It was on 5 July 1971 that Alice Springs became a municipality and held its first council meeting. The first mayor of Alice Springs was former Labor MP, Jock Nelson. To the current mayor, Damien Ryan; CEO, Mr Rex Mooney, and all the aldermen, please accept my best wishes and acknowledgement of you, and your predecessors, to the fine institution of the Alice Springs Town Council.
We also have many other Centralians achieving great things. Queen’s Birthday honours to Centralians include Lynne Hanton, a Central Australian ballet teacher for services to ballet in the Northern Territory as a teacher and artistic director; and Veronica Mary Dobson, an Arrernte elder and traditional owner, linguist, naturalist, and ecologist for being dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the language and culture of Aboriginal groups in and around Central Australia for the last 30 years.
Kumantjayi Napanangka’s cultural contribution has been recognised with her posthumous appointment as member of the Order of Australia. Kumantjayi was an admired Aboriginal artist from Kintore who has been recognised for her service to the Arts, to women painters of the Western Desert Art Movement, and to the community of the Northern Territory. In 2008, Kumantjayi won the nation’s most prestigious Aboriginal art prize, the $40 000 Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Art Award.
Congratulations to these three amazing Central Australian women and I congratulate them for being appointed the prestigious Order of the Australian Medal.
Bec Cole, filmmaker/creator of the renowned TV documentary series First Australians has now completed her first feature film, Here I Am. Watch your cinema guide for its release and congratulations to Bec.
Ben Grabham is a fourth time in five years winner of the Finke Desert Race. This is one of the biggest events in Central Australia and is strongly supported by our government. I acknowledge Finke volunteer, Anthony Hoffa, and the 2011 Finke Desert Race hero, Brian Cartwright. To all those who volunteer for the Finke, it is an amazing event every year and gets bigger and better.
Charlie Maher, Alice Springs-based marathon runner and NT Thunder player, is making a real difference through his Everyday Hero webpage. Charlie has raised almost $2000 and has donated it to the Western Desert Dialysis Appeal. The committee, in conjunction with Charlie, has decided this money should be used on something extra for the patients at the Purple House and it will be used for trips out to the country to cook roo tails, eat bush tucker, and have some fun. Sarah Brown, from the Purple House, said: ‘Life for people on dialysis can all be about being sick, so Charlie’s money will go a long way to help the patients get out and do something healthy and what they enjoy’. Well done, Charlie Maher.
In the Barkly, Borroloola star soccer striker Phillip O’Keefe is on his way to China where he will play against some of the best in the world. Phillip O’Keefe will play with the 22 -man Adelaide United squad under the direction of coach, Michael Valkanis. O’Keefe’s goal is to one day play in the Socceroos team representing Australia internationally. Go for it, Phillip! What a fantastic story! Playing in Borroloola; playing with Adelaide United in China. That is a great story.
In the Arts, Maureen Nampijinpa O’Keefe, author from Tennant Creek, is featured in the new anthology produced by IAD Press and the NT Writers Centre. The anthology, launched in Sydney on 21 May at the Sydney Festival, features 22 Indigenous authors diverse in age and background. In this volume titled This country anytime anyway, they share their cultural, artistic, political, and personal interests. Maureen was a star at the events and performed at multiple festival events to capacity crowds and resounding applause. Congratulations, Maureen! It is fantastic a woman from the Barkly is on the national writing scene.
Song People Sessions, funded through the federal government’s maintenance of Indigenous languages and records program and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training, was a huge success in Tennant Creek in early July. Clontarf Academy fellows, along with celebrity, Warren H Williams, recorded an album celebrating Tennant Creek and the Warumungu people with contemporary and traditional music. The festival was affirming of Indigenous identity and was important in the reinforcement of maintenance of traditional cultural material and language. It was a fantastic process and congratulations to all who participated.
Congratulations as well to the Northern Territory Library Service. A project initiative of the NT Library, in conjunction with the Elliott library, saw the launching of the community baby book called Welcome Home Baby. This book will help young mothers raise their babies in a healthy way. The book encourages and emphasises the importance of preservation of Indigenous language thus supporting literacy in remote communities. Elliott Kulumindini Arts centre workers provided fantastic artwork and the text in Mudbarra, one of the four languages spoken in the Elliott region. Congratulations to the library service and the local community members of Elliott who participated in these wonderful projects.
Mr ELFERINK (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I speak about an issue I have been chasing for some time. I am now satisfied I am sufficiently well-informed to speak of it.
As members will be aware, certainly at the opposite side of the House, well before the estimates process I was running inquiries about the success of the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign with some $15m of public expenditure. Some of my questions were answered by Clare Gardiner-Barnes during the estimates process, and I am grateful for that. However, I decided not to pursue the issue until such time as the freedom of information application came back on the briefing notes the government had. I am now satisfied this is a campaign worthy of serious criticism. At the time this briefing note was put together the campaign had been running for about two months. The statistics in the briefing note - I seek leave to table the briefing note.
Leave granted.
Mr ELFERINK: I thank honourable members. The statistics contained in the briefing note make interesting reading. It outlines two periods - January to March 2011 and April to May 2011. The reason those two periods have been identified in the briefing note was the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign was launched in April 2011. It is interesting to note that, in the three months prior to the launch of the campaign MensLine - and I pause to point out to honourable members that MensLine is not located in the Northern Territory; it is a federally-funded telephone service which is located in Victoria.
In the three months prior to the campaign starting in the Northern Territory, of those calls which could be traced, 164 calls were made to MensLine. In the two months after the campaign started, that number dropped to 91 calls. So, despite the fact there was a whole raft of advertising on our televisions, and we continued to see those ads again and again and again, after the campaign started the numbers dropped away. If you want to compare apples with apples, the average in the quarter prior to the campaign starting was 55 calls to MensLine. After the campaign started, that number dropped to 45 calls per month to MensLine. The number of people who identified themselves as domestic violent perpetrators in the quarter January to March was nil, and after the campaign started, three.
Even allowing for more calls from mobiles and the fact some people may not want to identify themselves as domestic violent perpetrators, to have the number of calls drop to that service after a campaign starts, and only three individuals care to identify themselves as domestic violence perpetrators, is not a good expenditure of taxpayers’ money. Three incidents of domestic violence, I do not doubt, are serious. Three instances of domestic violence prevented are doubtless a good outcome. However, it is not a good outcome for a campaign which will ultimately cost $15m of taxpayers’ money.
This government is all about trying to be seen to be doing something. You have to understand this is just an advertising campaign. There is no real follow-up available or traceable to this campaign by any Territory service. The campaign’s telephone number will get you a service out of Victoria, and when you have such a poor response you do not need to hold focus groups to tell you the campaign is not working. You can have focus groups, and many people will tell you they have seen the ads, but in truth those ads are failing to achieve what they have set out to achieve. The only thing they are achieving is spin and trying to make the government look like it is doing something. The government is doing nothing but spending $15m on ads over the next few years. It is time to abandon this advertising campaign because it is not working.
I am certain the $15m being pumped into the Stop the Hurting, Start the Healing campaign - for that sort of money there is no shortage of women shelters and other organisations which have a much higher level of contact with domestic violence perpetrators and could bring about much better results than an advertising campaign attracting no one - well, that barely attracts anyone to call. This campaign has failed. There are now fewer people calling the line than there were before the campaign started. If only three people are identifying as domestic violence perpetrators, spend the money in other places because this campaign has been a waste of taxpayers’ money and is nothing more than dressage and drapery in front of a failing, stalling, ageing, and tired Labor government.
It is time this government was honest with Territorians and said: ‘Yes, the campaign has failed; we are pulling the pin and spending the rest of the money in much more productive areas dealing with the same type of issue’. I am sure there is a domestic violence unit and the Police could do with that money. I am sure there are women’s shelters and other non-government organisations which deliver services to battered wives and children that could use that sort of money. It is all about getting the tag line: ‘Written and authorised by the Northern Territory government Darwin’ - that is what it is about. It is no longer about protecting women and children; it is about protecting a Labor government.
I would also like to talk briefly about Fishermans Wharf. An issue was raised with me by people who have to work off the wharf. I have inspected the wharf and, as far as I am concerned, it is well overdue for repair. The Fishermans Wharf area, particularly underneath, is showing signs of serious decay in the reinforcing rods on the structural parts of the wharf. I walked along the sea wall underneath the wharf to look at the state of decay. There are many areas where salt intrusion has found its way into the concrete and the reinforcing rods have expanded and are now shattering the concrete and breaking it away from the structural components of the wharf. It is not just handrails and bollards and a few other cosmetic items; there are structural concerns with the wharf. On the pillars near the sea wall there are very large chunks of rust weighing 20 kg or 30 kg peeling from those pillars holding the wharf up.
I am not saying the wharf is in imminent danger of collapse, but there are issues with its serviceability. Clearly, there are problems with the wharf. I am aware the government has said to Territorians it will be releasing a tender this month for $2m to be expended on the wharf. I put the government on notice that I am keeping a close eye on that tender. I hope these structural issues, as well as the cosmetic issues, are fixed. If they are not, I will add it to my list of things to regularly complain about in this House. People have to run businesses from that wharf and they are not being serviced. This government has been sitting on a report which has identified landings and moorings for small- to medium-sized craft are unavailable in this harbour. I find it astonishing that in a harbour city our interface between city and sea is so poorly maintained and so rare in occurrence.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I would like to talk briefly about a couple of things in my electorate of Stuart and some fantastic initiatives happening in Alice Springs in relation to youth with disabilities. On Wednesday, a resource book for elders with dementia was launched at the aged-care facility in the community of Beswick in my electorate. Although I was unable to attend because of the parliamentary sittings, I have been informed the launch had some 40 Beswick residents and service providers present from not only the region and the community, but even as far away as Darwin.
Everyone who attended the launch enjoyed traditional Aboriginal dancing, particularly by the local people, the White Cockatoo dancers. The book Dementia, Things to Do, outlines activities for Aboriginal people living with dementia and aims to improve their quality of life. It will be a valuable resource for Aboriginal aged-care centres across the Northern Territory and I congratulate the organisations behind this fantastic initiative. Representatives attended from the Roper Gulf Shire, Frontier Services, Golden Chain Services as well as staff from Beswick, Numbulwar, Ngukurr, Barunga, and Manyallaluk aged-care facilities.
I acknowledge and thank Michael Berto, CEO of the Roper Gulf Shire and his staff for coordinating the launch. Also thanks to Vicky Moo from the Beswick aged-care facility for her hard work and dedication at the centre. I also thank the Beswick community for putting on such an enjoyable day.
I would like to inform parliament of an Indigenous art exhibition which opened in Darwin last week for Kuminjay Fencer Napurrula, the award winning desert artist and innovator from the Lajamanu/Katherine region. The retrospective exhibition profiles and celebrates Kuminjay’s original Western Desert style on canvas paintings and the works on paper. Presented by Artback NT in partnership with Mimi Arts and Crafts from Katherine, this exhibition will be the first major survey of the Lajamanu artist’s work and will trace her development as a highly original artist during her 20 years of practice. The exhibition is on display until 28 August 2011 at the Chan Contemporary Art Space right across from us in Parliament House in State Square, Darwin.
I recognise the great work going on at Acacia Hill School in Alice Springs. It is always a hive of activity at Acacia Hill with principal, Mark Killen, and his team doing a great job in what has been a construction site for some time with terrific new facilities going up. Work is taking place at the moment on some new classrooms, expected to be completed in November, while work on the new entrance way should start this month.
I was very excited to hear work on the pool at Acacia Hill will start this year and is expected to be completed next month, providing a great recreation and therapeutic facility. In partnership with the federal government, we are investing heavily on improvements at Acacia Hill. This government has provided $4.8m in capital funding for Acacia Hill School and, through the Building the Education Revolution, facilities at the school were opened earlier this year. A new library and learning technology centre and specialty bathroom were built under the Primary Schools for the 21st Century component. They also upgraded their administration and outdoor area, with remodelling of classrooms, a new verandah, furniture, window tinting, and a portable air cooler. I always enjoy visiting Acacia Hill School and was pleased to support students in accessing programs at the Alice Springs Riding for the Disabled.
Speaking of the Riding for the Disabled, I was very pleased to open their wonderful new facility at Blatherskite Park in Alice Springs on Saturday. The new clubhouse, quite appropriately named the Michele Castagna Clubhouse is a great addition for RDA and the name pays tribute of course to a woman who I am sure many of my colleagues know. Michele, with all the other strings to her bow, was a driving force behind the formation of RDA in Alice Springs in the 1980s and, as she pointed out, it originally started at St Phillip’s school before finding a home at Blatherskite Park.
I was pleased to support the new clubhouse with $60 000 from the Sports Facility Development Grants committed to this new facility. The local community has also supported the development of the new clubhouse with local businesses donating time, materials, and labour, and a team of volunteers working to get it operating. It is a great achievement and demonstrates how the community, government, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers can work together to achieve something really special.
The building gives riders, workers, and volunteers a place to gather out of the weather. It gives them a pleasant place to teach and work, or just relax and watch the horses and riders in the arena. RDA in Alice Springs has also offered the clubhouse as a shared facility to other equestrian groups in the region. RDA in Alice Springs gives people with disabilities and volunteers an opportunity to participate in equestrian activities and therapies, helping develop life skills and improving quality of life. RDA in Alice Springs does great work and is making a real difference to the lives of people. I am proud of this government’s support for the work of the committee, coaches, and volunteers.
I also acknowledge the hard work and passionate commitment of the centre manager and coach, Karen Eva-Stirk, who has done so much to develop RDA in Alice Springs and does a truly amazing job. She is supported by a great committee of volunteers and, of course, her husband, John, who is on the RDA national committee. It was quite funny on Saturday because he turned up a little late and I am sure Karen would have said something about that.
There is so much positive work going on in Alice Springs, especially related to young people. I would like to inform the House of a recent fantastic event at the Alice Springs Youth Hub, Deadly Vibe, which attracted more than 1000 young people during the day and evening for sport and musical events with a focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle. The Youth Hub is rapidly becoming the place to be for young people in Alice Springs and will be a significant focus for youth events during the upcoming Alice Desert Festival.
Congratulations to Youth Services coordinator, John Adams, and his team, including Matty Day, who does much work around organising youth events. I urge all my colleagues in the House to get on Facebook and see the Alice Springs Youth Hub and keep up with the positive work going on in the youth sector.
Mrs LAMBLEY (Araluen): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, I talk about the report of the Children’s Commissioner regarding functions referred to in the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow. This report was tabled in parliament by the Minister for Child Protection today, 11 August 2011. This is effectively the Children’s Commissioner’s right of reply to the Ombudsman’s report A Life Long Shadow, which was tabled in parliament earlier this week, on Monday, 8 August 2011.
I do not intend to address the specific content of the report of the Children’s Commissioner; however, I will make some general observations. What is being played out in the public arena is a most unfortunate spat between the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman, two eminent, professional people in our community; two highly regarded child protection experts; two people who have committed a substantial and significant part of their lives and work to the field of child protection in the Northern Territory; two very important people in our community.
This government has dragged these two genuinely committed, dedicated, competent child protection advocates into a public spat. This conflict is the work of the government, fed and watered by this government. It has played these child advocates off against each other. It has deliberately used one to negate the other. It has been playing this game all year, culminating in taking the Ombudsman’s role in child protection away and giving it solely to the Children’s Commissioner in July 2011.
The government has knowingly cultivated a conflict between the Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner and is now relishing in the fact that the focus has been temporarily taken off it and its child protection failures and on to this. This is what happens when a system implodes; people turn on each other. The child protection system is imploding and people are, indeed, turning on each other. People are unhappy with the system and it manifests in conflict. This behaviour is typical of people trying to survive in a system struggling to keep its head above water.
In the Northern Territory child protection system, people are struggling to survive; struggling to keep their heads above water. The staff are struggling to survive, struggling to keep their heads above water. There is a high level of conflict and dissatisfaction within the department. This is what happens when the level of dysfunction is so bad and the level of desperation so high that even professional people of this calibre are turning on each other and find themselves at odds.
The eight members of the external monitoring and reporting committee, in the same way, have been completely compromised by this inept government. Their reputations have been dragged through the mire by this government. They, too, are being used by this government to provide a way out; a smokescreen, a deflection, a diversion from the enormity of the failing child protection system. The allegation that the opposition has slandered members of the external monitoring and reporting committee is a complete fabrication by this government. Anyone who has questions about exactly what was said in parliament this week needs to read Hansard to allay their concerns. We, the opposition, have enormous respect for these professional people. In my speech to parliament on 8 August 2011, I said:
- This committee is made up of eight very distinguished, highly professional people in the area of child protection so we have no question about the credibility of the people on this committee.
That is far from slander.
The government makes up stories. The government has deliberately stirred up trouble to distract from the real issue of the care and protection of children. This government enjoys the distraction; it takes the heat off. Congratulations, Chief Minister. Congratulations, Minister for Child Protection. You have managed to totally dismantle the pinnacle, the backbone, the strength of the Northern Territory child protection system. The advocates, the watchdogs, the people who have been holding you to account; you have encouraged and facilitated a public dispute between the only two people in the Northern Territory who have been effective as child protection watchdogs.
You have deliberately set the Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner against each other. What a travesty! What a shameful state of affairs this government has manufactured. Shame! Shame! Shame! You have now completely destroyed the child protection system from the top to the bottom. From the top to the bottom, you have left no stone unturned.
Mr GUNNER (Fannie Bay): Madam Deputy Speaker, I talk about one of the best primary schools in the Northern Territory, Stuart Park Primary School. It is a fantastic place for many reasons. When you visit you get a genuine sense of place and community - there is a positive vibe about Stuart Park Primary School. It is a calming, beautiful place. One of the reasons for that is a lady named Carol Metcalfe, who is leaving after 23-and-a-half years. You do not stay for that long in one school unless you love the place and feel that love back. There is a genuine feeling of moving forward, of kids loving Stuart Park Primary School and parents loving the school. You do not stay as long as Carol has unless you love the place. She did a tremendous job and was an integral part of the school.
On her retirement, she left a legacy that will be remembered for a long time to come. In the time she worked there, in classrooms as an assistant and in the office as administration manager, she was devoted to the school and its community over and above the call of duty. In fact, she spent the last 12-and-a-half months caretaking on the site. The school has been used as a base for the hearing impaired unit and an annexe to Nemarluk School. Her compassion and consideration for all children and their families is renowned. Over the years she has formed many strong relationships which have endured over time. Carol was always seen as someone parents could go to and trust.
Over the years, Carol has assisted in overseeing many large building projects at the school. Not only has she managed the large amounts of money involved, she has been scrupulous in ensuring the school received optimum value for money. Stuart Park Primary School is a richly-resourced school, in large part due to the careful money management exercised by Carol, and it really is a fantastic school. The people are fantastic, the kids are fantastic and it also has amazing grounds. It is not just value for money projects that happen. Very thoughtful, smart projects have happened on-site, and it is a fantastic school campus.
Carol always supported the school council in its endeavours. She served as treasurer of the school council for many years, helping everyone understand the complexities of finances and applying for grants. She was a regular attendee at all fundraisers and assisted, where possible, with organisation. It is due to her diligence that the school has been so well-resourced over the years. Carol was always involved in organising school concerts. She enjoyed preparing food over the weekends prior to concerts as part of the team that organised to feed over 1000 members of the school community. Carol enjoyed having fun and being with the students. Her understanding of children and their needs, and her ability to have fun with them was part of her charm. She was known to take a ride on the flying fox at Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre and encourage students to do the same. Perhaps we can install one in Parliament House; it might create a better mood. Carol will be missed by many at the school. She was highly involved in all aspects of the school, from the after school care facility to employment of cleaners to looking after the needs of students.
Her experience and knowledge have supported the school and its community. We are richer from the efforts of Carol Metcalfe and wish her well on her next journey in life as she enjoys the wide, open road in her new campervan with her husband, Jim.
I thank Bernie Bree, the principal, who helped put together some words on Carol, as did many other members of the school community, from school council chairs to front room staff, back room and the classrooms. There were many good wishes and intentions for Carol, and many people were sad to see her go. She will stay in touch with Stuart Park Primary School as she moves to what she does next.
While we have been here for the last four days, things have happened in the real world. Things keep moving, and there are moments that help you remember your priorities in life. I want to wish the Sweet family, Pompea and David, all the best. They have some health issues with their young son, Harrison. Things are looking good for them at the moment, and I want to say that our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
Also, like many, I was very much affected by the passing of Lena Yali and Greg McNamara. We wish the family all the best. I did not know Kevin Taylor but I knew Lena and Greg. It is a tragic how in one moment things can change irrevocably and, like all of us in the Chamber, our love, thoughts, and prayers go to their families, friends, and the young children. It is a terrible tragedy and it reminds you of your priorities in life when things like that can happen in the blink of an eye. I wish them and their families all the best.
Mr CHANDLER (Brennan): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I want to cover several things. I have had a number of complaints in relation to the Teacher Registration Board transparency and I will be writing to the minister in relation to those.
We struggle to get teachers to the Northern Territory, particularly to stay for long periods of time. There seems to be an opportunity for some of our teachers who have either retired or would like to semi-retire, to work as assistant teachers or remain in the school system to help out where they can. The teacher registration process could make it difficult given so much training is required to remain current. Some of that training is to do with the curriculum and setting lesson plans, and the reality is fill-in teachers do not have to put together lesson plans - they follow them but do not construct them.
You could put at risk many teachers who have fulfilled a lifetime of educating people around the country or here in the Northern Territory - you may turn them away from being a vital asset with their corporate knowledge, training, and years of experience if you make it too difficult for them to remain, particularly when they have a clear track record of being an excellent teacher. We should encourage them any way we can to stay within the system, even if it is on a part-time basis. I will be writing to the minister to see if we can make the system a little clearer.
I would like to talk about Mitchell Creek, an ongoing concern for many people. Sue McKinnon and Margaret Clinch from the Save the Mitchell Creek Organisation, and a number of other people have been concerned about that area for some time. The development of Johnston and Zuccoli in the future will put that creek under immense pressure as we go forward. Anything we can do now to preserve that area would be greatly appreciated.
Last year I attacked the Environment minister because he had written to the group suggesting the area was not of significance, yet we had the Planning minister write back to the same group suggesting it was an area of significance. I thought it strange that the Planning minister gave it a higher priority than the Environment minister.
In the meantime we have had changes; we had development. I want to remind the Planning minister and the Environment minister of the Palmerston East plan where a large area around Mitchell Creek is protected. Some of the tributaries that run into Mitchell Creek are also protected. Recently, the minister signed off on it at the same time the department met with relevant parties, including Margaret Clinch, saying it was consulting and would listen. We find on the very same day, perhaps even before the meeting, the minister had signed off. It is evidence this government consults with the community and listens when you have ministers signing off on zoning prior to, or the same day, they say they have listened to the community. That does not send a message the government cares about consulting. It made a decision; sorry to the rest of the community.
I ask the minister to seriously look at, as a minimum, where Mitchell Creek is and where the new zoning is. Could the protection zone be taken up to the edge of the extension of Roystonea Avenue? The old Palmerston East plan showed the area protected much more than it does now but has narrowed the gap and constrained the protection zone around Mitchell Creek. We do not want to see in the future, whether it is the city of Palmerston or the Northern Territory government, going to greater expense to clean up an area which, if we protect it now, will be looked after. It will not need to be rehabilitated; it will not need massive amounts of money spent on it if we protect it now.
I ask the minister to look at it again and perhaps take the conservation zone out to at least the edge of Roystonea Avenue. There is nothing between the road and Mitchell Creek. I do not believe there will be any future development in that area. If you are driving down Roystonea Avenue you are talking the left hand side, the eastern side of Roystonea Avenue. If the zoning could be brought up to the edge of Roystonea Avenue you would make many people happy and be doing something to protect Mitchell Creek into the future.
I ask the relevant minister: who is responsible for cleaning the new boat ramps? Everyone has congratulated the government on the East Arm boat ramp as well as the new one at Elizabeth River in Palmerston. I have had a number of complaints about the fish cleaning areas being left in atrocious conditions. That is a sad indictment on our fishermen; they are facilities and they need to be kept clean. The facilities have not been handed over to the council. I am unsure about East Arm because that would be the Trade Development Zone. It is not called that anymore and comes under different management. I would like to know who is responsible for cleaning those areas and whether we could have that looked into because I have had complaints, not necessarily about East Arm, more particularly the Palmerston boat ramp. Who is responsible for cleaning it and can it be sorted out?
Mr WESTRA van HOLTHE (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, this Labor government can be characterised in many ways, few of them flattering. It stands accused of being lazy and tired. It is guilty of supporting the live cattle ban that has and will continue to hurt thousands of Territorians; an industry that was the backbone of the Territory economy for decades.
Tonight I would like to speak about something that exemplifies the way this Labor government has tried to run its business for a number of years. Surprisingly, at least to me, the government even considers this a legitimate method of governing this great place. I am referring to government by glossy brochure.
Last week in Katherine we saw yet another example of this government trying to sell its sad and broken image to the good people of the Northern Territory when this brochure was delivered to Katherine homes and post boxes. This is the Katherine plan brochure spruiking the 2011 budget and is the case in point tonight. It purports to be a plan for Katherine, yet so many of the so-called initiatives do not relate specifically to Katherine and, in fact, Katherine was one of the big losers in the 2011 Territory Labor budget.
What galls me most is the deliberate attempt by this government to mislead the people who have received and read this document. I draw your attention to page 1 of this brochure under the heading, ‘Helping Families Get Ahead’. Dot point one says: $820 off the cost of electricity per household. In reading that, some people in Katherine who have brought this to my attention, believed they were about to receive a cheque from the government, or from Power and Water, for $820. They approached my office to ask how they could apply for this concession and what the eligibility requirements were.
The reference to the $820 is the community service obligation, which means Katherine electricity consumers get their power at the same rate as Darwin consumers and the $820 is the extra they would have to pay if the CSO did not exist. It is worth pointing out the CSO was, as far as I understand, a CLP initiative not a Labor initiative and has been around for decades.
What makes it even worse is this Labor government has not told its public servants how to deal with inquiries about this misleading claim. I had cause to ring the Power and Water 1800 number to find out how my constituents could claim this concession but, to cut a long story short, the very attentive young lady I spoke to had no idea about this misleading government advertised concession and went to her supervisor for advice.
I can do nothing but heap praise on Power and Water staff in the call centre for their attempts to satisfy a customer, being me, on the end of the phone. Those poor staff had to resort to speculation. They had no idea about this so-called concession. No one in the Labor government trained them to answer the question the glossy brochure pronounces - a concession claimable by electricity consumers. In its strong desire to provide exemplary customer service, staff had to speculate how I could claim $820. They had no idea. They were left with only one option, to resort to speculation.
Let me tell you what this government, by omission - it did not train its staff - forced this young lady to advise me. This $820, she thought, might relate to, and I quote: ‘Julia Gillard’s carbon tax’. That is what she thought because she had not heard of this concession advertised in the recent glossy brochure delivered to Katherine households and post boxes. I was gobsmacked. In fact, I had to suppress a laugh because it was unspeakable.
It is bad enough that you print these things; you fluff the budget up to make it look like you are doing something for the Northern Territory, to make yourselves look like you are doing something for Katherine. The government promotes itself; that is fine, I have no problems with that. However, when you put a claim like this in a brochure delivered to householders you give them an expectation they can claim an $820 concession from Power and Water. I will quote from an e-mail sent to my office from a fellow couriering this. He said: ‘Hi all, do you know what and who this subsidy applies to as no one I have spoken to knows. Is it based on income or does it apply to all households?’ I have now had to advise this fellow exactly what it is.
Shame on the government for perpetrating this on the people of the Territory. What beggars belief and adds insult to injury is the fact it did not even tell staff how to deal with inquiries about this. It is unbelievable, but understandable, that I got a response like that from the call centre staff because the carbon tax and its effect on the top 500 carbon emitters in the country, Power and Water being one of them, is a topic on everyone’s lips.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I would be appalled if the government went on a witch-hunt over this to find that poor public servant, remembering our public servants are doing what they are paid to do - serve the public. The government should hang its heads in shame. Trying to govern using the tried and tested is not working - a glossy brochure method for governing the Territory. It should hang its heads in shame for perpetrating this cruel hoax as well. Worst of all, it should hang its head in shame for putting public servants in the firing line, ill-prepared to deal with calls about how to claim this bogus $820 concession. Shame on the government!
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016