2007-08-22
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery and the Ministerial Officers’ Gallery of family and friends of the late Mr Paul Sitzler. I particularly draw your attention to His Honour the Administrator, Mr Ted Egan AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Ms Nerys Evans; Mrs Minna Sitzler AM, a former Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory and widow of the late Mr Paul Sitzler; Mrs Shelley Forester, Ben and Nick Forester, family of the late Mr Paul Sitzler. I have also been advised that Mr Nick Sitzler and his wife, Silke, and his son, Andreas, who are in Europe would like to be acknowledged as having wanted to be here today but, unfortunately, could not attend.
Also in the Speaker’s Gallery we have Mrs Josephine Stone AM, and I believe that Mr Shane Stone AC PGDK QC, former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, will also be joining us this morning.
On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I also draw your attention to the presence in the public gallery of Year 6/7 students from St Andrew’s Primary School accompanied by Carly Monro, and Year 6/7 Gray Primary School students accompanied by Kate Phillips. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: It is with deep regret that I advise honourable members of the death, on 15 June 2007, of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, a pioneer of the Territory’s construction industry, a highly-respected businessman, and a dedicated community worker. I ask honourable members, on completion of debate, to stand in silence for one minute as a mark of respect.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Mr Paul Sitzler OAM
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move - That this Assembly express its deep regret at the passing of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, a man who helped build and modernise the Territory and contributed so much to the community, and tender its profound sympathy to his family who are here today.
The passing of Paul Sitzler in June was greeted with sadness by many Territorians. Paul was a great Territorian, a pioneer who, along with his brother, Peter, helped build a great Territory company and shape the place we live in today.
Like many Territorians, Paul came to this land from another place. He was born in Germany in 1930 and, together with 38 other German building tradesmen, arrived in Melbourne by boat at the age of 21. He settled in Morwell in Victoria and found work in a briquette factory and a brown coal gasification plant before moving west to Adelaide. It was while he was there, working with a farmer in the Adelaide Hills clearing scrub, that he first began learning English.
In 1953, while attending an English class at the Lutheran church hall in Adelaide, Paul met RA Drogemuller, a meeting that would change the course of his life. Mr Drogemuller was looking for a carpenter to work in Alice Springs and, within days, Paul had accepted the job and moved. At that time, Alice Springs had a population of 2200, and tradesmen, not surprisingly, were scarce. There were opportunities for motivated young men who were willing to learn and work hard. Paul never looked back.
The following year he sent his younger brother, Peter, the fare to join him in Australia, and the brothers were reunited in Alice Springs. When work was slow in the Alice, Paul and Peter went bush and helped build schools and health clinics in places like Yuendumu and Lajamanu, known as Hooker Creek.
Paul met his wife Minna, formerly our Deputy of the Administrator, while he worked for her father, Pastor Albrecht, at the Finke River Mission block at the Gap. They were married in 1959 after she returned to Alice Springs from Adelaide where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. Two years later, Paul and Minna travelled to Germany for a year to spend time in Paul’s home town. While there, Minna gave birth to their first daughter, Shelley. In 1963, back in Alice Springs, life became even busier with the birth of twins, Nicholas and Katrina.
The Sitzler dynasty really began in 1957 when Paul and Peter decided to work as a business partnership. They continued their work on smaller building projects for about four years before receiving their first big contract in 1962. It involved building offices, houses, a school and an eating house at Areyonga, and so began a remarkable journey for one of the Territory’s premier building companies. Minna was the camp cook on the Areyonga project but it was the only time the Sitzler brothers ever had their wives work with them. I am told that both Paul and Peter said it was to ‘keep the peace’.
The brothers continued their work out bush with the aim of making enough money to set up a decent plant and buy a good backhoe and tip truck. They were the first subcontractors involved in the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap doing the concreting work. In 1967, they bought a crane to build the Catholic Church in Alice Springs. They then built Stage 1 of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic School, the Baptist Church in Yuendumu, and the Lutheran Church at the Gap. Their partnership was superseded in 1967 when they formed their company Sitzler Brothers.
Following Cyclone Tracy, work dried up in Alice Springs and they decided to expand their interest into Darwin and started competing for contracts in 1977. They did not get established until the mid-1980s and their first $1m contract was for the Ron Goodin Power Station. The Sitzler stamp can now be seen all over the Territory: OLSH’s Sadadeen Campus; the Greatorex Building; the Peter Sitzler Building which houses Tourism NT; the Alice Springs Convention Centre; parts of Yulara Resort; and the Ford Plaza, now Alice Plaza, just to name a few. In Darwin, Sitzler Brothers built the Naval Base at Humpty Doo, the Anglican Cathedral, aircraft hangers for the Navy, and Army buildings at the NORFORCE Headquarters.
Paul retired from the business early in 1988 due to ill health and his brother, Peter, passed away in 1992. The company was taken over by Peter’s son, Michael, and his business partners Barry Klaebe and Steve Margetic.
Paul was a member of a number of service clubs including Apex and Rotary. He was chairman of the local Bicentenary Committee and represented the southern region on the Darwin Bicentenary Council. He was the foundation individual member of the Charles Darwin University Foundation established in 1993, and with Minna, founding member of the Government House Foundation.
In 1998, Paul received the Order of Australia Medal for service to construction development and our community in the Territory, particularly through the service clubs of which he was a member. Paul is survived by Minna; daughters, Shelley and Katrina; son, Nicholas, and five grandchildren, Ben, Nicholas, Edward, Sophie and Andreas.
He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his work, and his community, and for his love of our wonderful Northern Territory. This city, indeed the whole of the Territory, is indebted to Paul Sitzler. He was a true gentleman and a remarkable Territorian.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the government for bringing on this condolence motion to honour a great pioneer of the Territory and a wonderful man, Paul Sitzler.
I have talked about Paul and the contribution he has made to the Territory before in this parliament. I am greatly saddened to do so again in these circumstances. It is, however, an opportunity to honour him and to celebrate his life. It is also an opportunity to do so in front of members of his family and so many of his friends, and to place just some of his achievements on the Parliamentary Record, which I am sure will be read by future generations of Sitzlers.
Members will be interested to know that this week, Paul and Minna’s son, Nick, will conduct a memorial service in Haiterbach in Germany with Paul’s sister and her family, and it is fitting that his life is celebrated by these two significant events in the same week.
Much has been said and written about Paul’s life, and you would expect that to be so, given his long, varied and significant contribution. The last time I spoke about Paul in this parliament, it was to congratulate the Sitzler family on the 45th anniversary of Sitzler Brothers. I talked about some of the things he and his brother, Peter, had achieved. I intend to repeat some of those comments today.
Paul led an interesting life and his contribution to the development of the Territory cannot and should not ever be underestimated.
Paul Otto Sitzler was born on 7 March 1930 and died unexpectedly on 15 June 2007. In 1951, Paul left his home town of Haiterbach in Germany with 38 other tradesmen to sail to Australia. He worked in Victoria and South Australia and he performed a few different jobs before meeting a bloke from Alice Springs who was looking for a carpenter. Paul jumped at the chance.
Paul arrived in Alice Springs in May 1953 when Alice had a population of only 2000 people. In 1954, he sent the fare to his brother, Peter, in Germany to join him. They worked for a few people until about 1957 when they started their own business and the partnership PO and EW Sitzler began, which later became a company in 1967.
In 1962, they got their first big contract of $50 000 to build offices, houses, a school and an eating house at Areyonga, which then took 12 hours to reach from Alice Springs. They then worked at Hermannsburg, Yuendumu and many other remote communities and did so for many years. In the late 1960s the company expanded and, as has already been said, they were the first subcontractors for the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap.
They did many things, but it is fair to say that they went through a church building phase, building the Catholic Church, the Baptist Church at Yuendumu, and the Lutheran Church in the Gap. I am sure Minna will not mind me saying that it is a bit of a joke in the family that they never made any money out of building churches and they actually lost money on the Catholic Church. I think it is partly because Paul was so generous and did not feel good about charging what he should have for all of the work they did.
Nevertheless, Sitzler Brothers went from strength to strength. Paul said in an interview in 1998 that they were always lucky because they had a good bank. He said:
One need only look around Alice Springs to see the contribution Sitzler Brothers made to the town. They built many buildings, among them are the Tourist Commission building, now known as the Peter Sitzler Building, Ford Plaza, Minerals House, the FAI Building, the Centrepoint building and the Diplomat Hotel, just to name a few.
As the company grew so did the areas in which they worked. Sitzler Brothers started a branch in Darwin in about 1977. The buildings they built include the Humpty Doo Naval Base, Kings Canyon Resort, Ayers Rock Resort, the Palmerston Civic Centre, the Anglican Cathedral in Darwin, the Darwin Institute of Technology, and many others.
Paul retired from the business in about 1988 but always maintained a very keen interest in the company and its development, and was always very proud of what it achieved. He was right to be proud. As young men from Germany, over a 40-year period, Paul and his brother, Peter, built buildings around the Territory in urban centres and remote areas. The names of many of the buildings have changed but the buildings remain as a permanent reminder of their hard work - and what hard work it must have been in those early days, in the heat and without the modern comforts or technologies that we have today.
Madam Speaker, Peter and Paul epitomised the great pioneering spirit of the Northern Territory: if you work hard, be creative, and you are prepared to take a few risks, you will be rewarded. As we know the name of Sitzler is carried on by Paul’s nephew, Michael, in the Sitzler Brothers business. The company is Territory owned and has significant involvement in developments in Darwin and has, it is fair to say, become an iconic Territory company.
The company has also undertaken work in Adelaide. Very recently, Paul’s grandson, Edward, was in the city and saw a Sitzlers sign attached to Hungry Jacks in Rundle Mall. Edward was having a bit of a giggle and when asked by his mother why he was giggling he said: ‘Grandpa hated Hungry Jacks’. She assured him that his pride in the company would have outweighed his dislike of Hungry Jacks!
Paul had a few good personal mottos by which he lived. One of them, as Shelley knows, is ‘always pay your bills’. Another one is ‘you have to do what is right’. He did both and he instilled those and so many more important values in his children Shelley, Nick and Katrina, of whom he was so very proud.
It would be wrong, though, to think of Paul Sitzler only as a builder and a businessman. His involvement and participation in the company is well known and well documented. His work in the community included membership of Apex, Rotary, the Bicentennial Council and the Parole Board, to name a few. His contribution to the community and the construction industry earned him an OAM several years ago.
Paul was an extremely generous man and, at his funeral, his daughter, Katrina, told the story of a Bosnian man in Alice Springs who many years ago went to Paul for help. The man had gained refugee status but he could not afford to bring his family out from Bosnia. Paul offered to pay for the entire family - and there were about half a dozen of them - to come to Australia. Many years later, he received a letter from a woman who was from that family. She was a little girl when she and her family arrived in the country, thanks to Paul’s generosity. She told him about her life’s journey and expressed her heartfelt appreciation about what Paul and Minna had done for them and detailed how she used the gift given to her of living in a peaceful and free country.
I know others will talk today about Paul’s work in the building and construction industry, and his many achievements, and I look forward to hearing their contributions. However, I would like to talk about Paul, the husband, father and grandfather.
Paul married Minna, daughter of Pastor Albrecht from Hermannsburg in 1959. In his interview in 1998, Paul said that Minna,
That policy seemed to serve everybody very well, as Paul’s loving relationship with both his brother and his wife endured. The Sitzler wives supported their husbands and businesses in every way and, no doubt, there were strains in those early years when their husbands went bush for long periods of time.
Minna’s own contribution to the Territory has also been significant. As we know, she was the first Deputy of the Administrator and, indeed, sat in this parliament when the 9th Assembly commenced in October 2001. I remember sitting here as a new member of parliament looking around at the sea of faces and not seeing very many people I knew. What a relief it was to see Minna and Paul sitting over there only a few metres away.
After so many years in Alice Springs, Paul and Minna left about five years ago to live in Adelaide. They bought a fabulous house on East Terrace, but it required significant renovation. Much to Paul’s almost constant frustration, Minna threw herself into it. It consumed a lot of time and, as Paul often reminded her, not an insubstantial amount of money. Paul eventually gave up complaining and let Minna get on with things. He probably would have said he gave up whingeing about it just to make life easier, but my guess is that he knew it would make Minna very happy; he loved her dearly and wanted to see her happy. I know that he ended up sharing her pride in the work she did to make it the great family home it has become.
Those first couple of years in Adelaide were very hard, I believe, for Paul. He lived almost all of his adult life in Alice Springs, and moving to the city presented difficulties. However, in addition to being a little close to their dear friends, Herman and Ruth Weber, there was one thing that made it utterly wonderful for him, and that was the opportunity to see more of his daughter, Katrina, her husband and their two children, Sophie and Edward. Paul’s daughter, Shelley, and her children, Ben and Nicholas, lived in Alice Springs for many years before moving to Darwin, and they all knew of Paul’s extraordinarily loving and generous relationship he had with her children. Showering the grandkids with gifts and experience and love was what Paul did. The move to Adelaide ensured that Katrina would now get to see this on a weekly and, at times, daily basis. He really was the adored and adoring grandpa.
I cannot possibly talk about Paul without mentioning the newest grandchild, Andreas Alexander. As the other grandchildren were getting older, Nick and his wife, Silke, produced grandchild No 5 last year. Paul adored him. Andreas Alexander will not know his grandpa like his cousins, but he will come to know how very lucky he was to have Paul in his life, albeit for a short time. I am sure that Paul’s grandchildren will always know what a wonderful man Paul was, and I am hopeful that one day they will read this condolence motion and know not only that he was wonderful to and for them, but that his contribution to the Territory was very special and important too.
When talking about Paul Sitzler’s life, anyone who knows him cannot fail to mention his beloved forest. In the mid-1980s, he called a man in Adelaide he knew well and said he wanted to buy a forest – and he ultimately did. He missed the Black Forest in Germany and his forest in South Australia was a pretty good substitute. His grandchildren called it ‘Grandpa’s Forest’, and Paul’s children and grandchildren and their friends played in it for many years. Paul often said that it was his one non-performing asset.
Paul’s family intends to celebrate his life in his spiritual home by having a ceremony soon where each of the grandchildren will plant a tree and a piece of Central Australian stone will bear an inscription. What a fitting memorial.
Paul’s funeral and the wake afterwards was a celebration of Paul’s life. Friends came from all over the country, including many from the Territory, to be there. Minna later said that she was overwhelmed by how many people were there and was a little surprised. I and others were not surprised at all because we know how loved Paul was and how many close friends from all walks of life they have made over many years, and the very special relationship we all have with them.
Many things can, have, and will be said about Paul Sitzler. His role in the early development of the Territory, and his contribution, will in so many ways stand forever. However, I believe Paul would like to be remembered most of all for the love of his family. His greatest joy was his family and he lived for each and every one of them. I have often said to Minna that she has been blessed. She has been blessed in so many ways but, most importantly, she has been blessed with a wonderful family and a dearly loved and loving husband.
As you expressed, Min, after Paul’s death:
May Paul and the happy times and bygone days grow more wonderful in your hearts. Our thoughts are with you, and this parliament and, in turn the people of the Northern Territory, offer our very sincere condolences. And I offer you, as always, my love and friendship.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Madam Speaker, this morning I pay tribute to Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, and extend my sympathies to his family and friends. Paul was, indeed, a great Territorian. There are few who can leave us content in the knowledge that they truly did contribute in such a significant way for such a long period of time.
As you know, Madam Speaker, the Territory has many who have come here from other places and who have assumed the mantle of community builders and pioneers across a wide range of fields. The Sitzlers were no different. Paul came to Australia from Germany when he was 21 years of age, and a few years later he brought his brother, Peter, out to join him in Alice. Together they forged a partnership that helped build and modernise the Territory. The Sitzler legacy will survive for many generations.
There are enduring monuments to Paul Sitzler throughout the Territory. Communities far and wide have benefited from Paul and Peter’s vision, skill and tireless effort. The result is facilities that we can all justly feel proud of: Yulara Resort, the Alice Plaza, many schools, health clinics, hospitals and churches - and the list goes on. Their vision has created a great Territory company and provided the strongest of foundations for Sitzler, under the stewardship of Michael, to continue to build and modernise the Territory.
Paul Sitzler was more than just a businessman. He was a son, husband, father and grandfather. Paul’s upbringing sounded more difficult than most, living through World War II in Haiterbach in Germany where he was brought up on a small farm living a frugal existence. He seized the opportunity to leave Germany and came to Australia to ply his trade as a builder and worked hard to develop a future for himself. However, he never forgot his roots and, as a measure of his generosity, he financially supported his father and his sister whom he left in Germany, and he paid for his brother, Peter, to join him in Alice Springs so that he could also pursue a prosperous future.
Paul’s life has been one of reinventing and recasting himself as the conditions of his life dictated. His capacity to change would seem part of his secret to his success. He made the brave decision, as I said, to leave his family and migrate to Australia. He worked hard to learn English and broaden his social network beyond his German colleagues with whom he immigrated. He had a preparedness to learn new building industry techniques when he got here, and his willingness to pursue alternative employment and farming, land clearing, or building in very remote areas demonstrated his capacity to change.
His character did not alter as he aged. Paul was obviously an advocate of lifetime learning and he undertook further study in retirement to improve his computer skills and also learned to speak Italian.
Paul was dedicated to the community of Alice Springs and freely gave many hours to Rotary and to advisory boards and foundations. His service to the community was acknowledged with the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal to him in 1998, an accolade richly deserved.
Paul was a dedicated family man. He loved his family and he bent over backwards to spend time with them and to help them out. He spent considerable time after his retirement carrying out renovations for family members. Some might say he worked harder in retirement than he did before - and that is saying something.
It can be reasonably said that Paul and his passing, through his contribution to our community, leaves the Territory a much better place than when he arrived. Paul is survived by his wife, Minna; his eldest daughter, Shelley; twins, Nicholas and Katrina; his son-in-law, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Silke; and his five grandchildren, Ben, Edward, Nick, Sophie and Andreas.
Mr Sitzler touched the lives of Territorians, indigenous and non-indigenous. I pass on my sincerest respect and condolences to all the Sitzler family.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Madam Speaker, I support the condolence motion for the Sitzler family on the passing of Paul Otto Sitzler, OAM, and extend my sympathy and love to his family.
The Northern Territory and, indeed Australia, has been built by migrants such as Paul Sitzler. Paul arrived in Melbourne in 1951 and, at the time, as a German national he was classified as an enemy alien. We can all appreciate that when Paul came to Australia how difficult it was, especially when his understanding of English was still very limited. When Paul moved to Adelaide he attended English classes. Little did he know then that he would meet a person who would offer him a position in the heart of Australia as a carpenter.
Not long after arriving in Alice Springs, Paul assisted with his youngest brother’s airfare and Peter also arrived in Alice Springs. Both brothers realised the opportunities that abounded in Central Australia and, in 1957, formed a partnership that, in 1967, became one of the most successful construction companies in the Northern Territory - Sitzler Brothers, a company which is now one of the Territory’s icons in the business area. In a little over 45 years, Peter and Paul Sitzler grew Sitzler Brothers into one of the largest construction companies in the Northern Territory and it is still privately owned. Not many businesses can boast of so many years of continued successful service in an industry that copes with differing economic climates.
In 1959, a lovely young lady captured Paul’s heart, and Paul and Minna were married and their family grew with the additions of Shelley and the twins, Katrina and Nicholas. Paul was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and he adored his five grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Edward, Sophie and Andreas.
Madam Speaker, where would we be without the faith and commitment of this early pioneer of the building industry? From small things, big things grow. From the hard work out bush, from Yuendumu, Hooker Creek, Areyonga and the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap, their business partnership grew. We can see a career by the buildings that Sitzler Brothers are famous for such as the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches in Alice Springs, the FAI Building, and the more recent Alice Springs Convention Centre. As in Paul’s own words, he was a builder of churches and dunnies. It did not matter what the actual job was, he always cared for the job 100% with the same meticulous attention to detail.
Paul was also a member of Rotary and Apex, and a companion of the university, and received the Order of Australia Medal in 1998.
It is difficult to condense such a visionary’s life into words. He will be remembered as a committed family man and his legacy lives on. He will be extremely proud of the accolades that Sitzler Brothers received at last Friday night’s Territory Construction Awards for the Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park which was constructed by his company. The award category was the Commercial Building Construction for over $10m and recognised, once again, that the business established over 45 years ago, now managed by Paul’s nephew, Michael and Steve Margetic, will continue to provide the Territory with outstanding buildings.
I attended Paul’s funeral, which was held in Adelaide, and later the gathering at his family home. I had the opportunity to listen to stories about Paul and his achievements, and to see some of the displayed photos that recorded Paul’s early days in his motherland and his later days in his new country. It was particularly touching that, at the end of the funeral service, we were offered twigs of pine tree to place next to Paul’s coffin, a wonderful and most appropriate way to farewell a man who was born in Germany’s Black Forest region but made Central Australia home.
It is a sad time for his family, but it should also be a proud time. I share some of Paul’s experiences. It takes a lot of strength as a young man to leave your country, your family and your friends. At the time Paul came here, he would not see his family for many years. It also shows the strength of the man who did not hesitate to leave his country and his family to come to the other side of the world, to the centre of Australia, and not only create one of the iconic companies of the Territory, but also to create a family legacy. The family should be very proud because Paul left behind not only Sitzler Brothers, but a number of young Territorians who should be very proud to carry into the future the name Sitzler.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, my contribution will be brief. Everyone has been eloquent in describing Paul’s life and contribution to the Territory.
I need to say to Minna and her family I do remember you and Paul. We lived in Gall Street and the Sitzlers lived around the corner in McKay Street. I taught Shelley at Ross Park, and as Katrina reminded me, she and Nicholas were born in the same year as my son. They walked the long walk home from school, down the lane, which is only one block, but I remember it seemed a long way for the kids.
Minna, you and Paul created a wonderful family atmosphere. You were there for your kids. Paul was one of those people who said: ‘I am willing to work. I have such a good work ethic, and I am willing to contribute’, because what he did was build the foundations for Alice Springs.
Katrina, in 1963 when you were born, I remember there were only about 3000 people in Alice Springs. Going bush was pretty tough work. We did not have all the mod cons and the refrigerators, airconditioned cars, and things like that. Paul and his brother, Peter, did it tough. They did the hard yards. Of course, Minna knows all about that. Minna, if I am correct, Hermannsburg this year is celebrating 130 years of the Lutheran mission. I have been invited there in September. You and Paul are part of Hermannsburg's history and you helped Paul and contributed to his success.
There are so many milestones and icons in the Territory about which we will say: ‘Paul Sitzler had input into these’. That is what makes people who came so long ago such strong pioneers. You can stand up proudly and say: ‘Look what the Sitzler family has contributed to our Territory’.
How it must have seem far away to Paul to come from his home and family in Germany. It is literally a world away, yet Paul did it. He was willing to get in and ensure he raised a family in the best possible way.
Minna, it is tough. I am not good at condolence motions, as people in this House know. It is tough when you lose someone so suddenly and unexpectedly. Your memories and the love you had for each other will see you through. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I know you have strength behind you, having them with you. Remember that there are many of us who are thinking of you at this sad time.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I express my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM. The passing of Mr Sitzler has impacted on many Territorians, including my own family. My father, Dennis Jordan, was an employee of Sitzler Brothers for almost 20 years and had a sincere respect for Mr Sitzler.
My father has told me many times how Sitzler Brothers gave him the opportunity to be a part of building the Territory and to contribute, in a small way, to the success of the company. He also said that the reason the company grew in size and reputation was because they were business people and builders who would not accept anything but the highest degree of excellence in all of their projects and dealings. This dedication came from the top, from the founding partners, Paul and Peter, and continues on today.
My condolences are offered to the extended Sitzler family. Thank you for a long, valued and continuing contribution to the Northern Territory.
In my father’s words, Mr Paul Sitzler was a true Territory gentleman who will be missed. His passing represents a profound loss to the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I also extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Sitzler. I thank honourable members for their contributions to the motion.
Motion agreed to.
Madam SPEAKER: I ask members to observe one minute’s silence.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank honourable members.
I advise that morning tea is being served in the Speaker’s Suite for family and friends of Mr Sitzler, and any members who would like to join me and the family.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Interstate Aged Care Visit
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I inform the House that early next month I will lead a delegation to Victoria to investigate options for meeting the needs of senior Territorians. The visit will provide insight into a range of policy and operational issues, as well as an opportunity for government and key industry members to form a common understanding about how we accommodate the needs of senior Territorians in the future.
According to the 2006 Census, there are over 38 000 senior Territorians who call the Territory home. This represents nearly 20% of our total population. There has also been a 27% increase in the number of Territorians aged over 65 years in the past five years. This is a clear sign that we have an ageing population, and that we need to plan sensibly and strategically for the future. A major priority for us is to provide a range of housing and care options to help senior Territorians make the choices that suit their needs and circumstances. To ensure that we do this effectively, staged housing and care facilities operating in Australia need to be examined, especially those that are leading the way in providing contemporary services and programs for seniors.
We are faced with two key challenges in this area. In the medium term, we must provide the best and most appropriate housing and care for a population that is spread across a very large geographical area. The longer-term challenge is to find the best possible locations for older Territorians to live. They need to be close to family, public transport, shops, hospitals and other services.
Victoria was chosen as a preferred jurisdiction to visit because it is considered a national leader in aged care and ageing issues. We will examine a number of retirement villages that offer a wide range of services, including independent and supported aged-care facilities. Victoria has a good policy platform that underpins service and program delivery to seniors.
I will be accompanied to Victoria by a group of industry representatives, including the President of the Council on the Ageing, Brian Hilder; the Executive Director of the Council, Graeme Suckling; and senior Territorian with a long interest in accommodation options, Annette Milikins.
The Council on the Ageing is the Northern Territory’s peak advocacy body for seniors’ issues and is committed to the need to plan for future service and accommodation needs. We believe their input is vital if we are to effectively meet the needs of senior Territorians in the years and decades ahead. I have written to many senior Territorians about the trip. My office has received numerous phone calls and letters in response. Suggestions include consideration of a visitor’s unit for residents to share with visiting relatives and friends; the need to have the complex close to hospital, shops and transport routes; IT capabilities in rooms as more are using the Internet; community facilities such as a pool table and piano, clothes dryer in preference to outside clotheslines; consideration to allow pets; and, most importantly, affordability.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I look forward to my visit to Victoria with this representative trio of senior Territorians, and to reporting to the House the outcomes of that trip.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for her report. I am very supportive of this study trip to look at seniors’ residential care throughout Australia and, also, to Victoria. I am very supportive of something happening in the Northern Territory. As the Chief Minister said, the statistics of senior Territorians wanting to say here are increasing as time goes by. It is really important that they are given the opportunity of affordable-type housing and care.
It is very important to look at - and I know the Chief Minister has said that this will happen - all levels of care; that is, from independent to hostel-type to full nursing care. That is very important when somebody is reaching their more mature years; to know wherever they are living they are going to have ongoing support. I can relate to it because my mother is in that type of care at the moment. It is a relief for her to not have to worry as, if she does need some extra care, there is a nursing home care within that facility.
I am very supportive of this. I encourage the Chief Minister to look at regional areas as well, because there is a need in all of the towns, but especially in the larger towns in the first instance, to establish senior residential care, and the opportunity to have all different levels. There are some strata-type homes in the Masonic Village where my mother lives. People can actually buy a three-bedroom strata title unit, a two-bedroom unit, a single bedroom unit, or hostel-type care.
I encourage this trip. I am looking forward to listening to the report on your return.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Mr Deputy Speaker, my first interstate trip as a member of this parliament was to Melbourne, courtesy of a previous Chief Minister, Mr Tuxworth, and previous NT Nationals representative in this parliament, Enzo Floriani, who both, after they left this parliament, went into the business of aged-care facilities. I also went to a conference of aged-care facilitators in Melbourne at that time and was very encouraged by what I saw.
What probably does not encourage me is that, in the rural area especially, in my part of the world, we have no aged-care facilities. I put this suggestion to the Chief Minister: there is a lot of government land in the rural area, and land actually quite close to Palmerston. Many rural people would like to stay rural, if you know what I mean, and not disappear into the northern suburbs of Darwin. There is room for an aged-care facility in the rural area which would provide aged-care facilities both for Palmerston and Darwin. Lambrick Avenue runs straight into Howard Springs Road, which goes past a large amount of Crown land near Kowandi North, the Defence establishment area. That could be an area that the government should look at.
The government should look at considering, basically, giving that land to a suitable provider. Once again, if the government sells that land it adds to the unaffordability of what we are trying to provide. I believe they should put it out to a range of tenders to see who can come up with the best design that includes the dependent, semi-dependent and fully independent facilities that we need; who can keep it in a rural atmosphere to what we are trying to provide; and keep it affordable. That is the key. We are losing Territorians; they are going south - I see it all the time - because they do not feel there is a place suitable for them in the Northern Territory. I hope you take those comments on when you go on your trip south.
Dr BURNS (Health): Mr Deputy Speaker, each year the Australian government publishes information on service trends and performance of public hospitals at a state/territory and national levels. The State of our Public Hospitals June 2007 report details the performance of our hospitals for the 2005-06 years. This report confirms (1) that NT hospitals are the busiest in the country; (2) the demand on our hospitals is increasing; and (3) extra resources we are putting into the system mean that we perform well compared to other jurisdictions.
The 2007 report shows that, compared to the rest of Australia, the Northern Territory was one of only three jurisdictions in which 100% of public hospitals and beds were accredited. We have the busiest emergency departments with 705 presentations per 1000 population with the Australian average being 223. We have the highest number of elective surgery admissions per head of population at 36 per 1000 population with the Australian average at 26. We have the most number of hospital beds with 3.6 hospital beds per 1000 population; the Australian average is 2.6. We have the highest number of admissions of public hospitals per head of population at 529 per 1000 population with the Australian average being 210. Most of our public hospital admitted patients are public patients at 97%, with only 1% being private; the Australian average is 87% and 4% respectively.
Our performance on all these indicators reflects the Territory’s challenges in delivering health services to a relatively small, largely remote and culturally diverse population, a large proportion of which are indigenous people who have high rates of chronic disease.
The Territory government spends significantly more than any other jurisdiction on hospitals. In fact, we spend more than double the national average on our hospitals at $1407 per person per year compared to the Australian average of $665 per person per year.
There is no doubt that we are working hard to provide quality hospital services across the Territory. I have given priority to ensuring that we improve our performance in two key areas: first, elective surgery, and second, emergency departments.
The state of our hospital report shows the Northern Territory elective surgery waiting times are the third best in Australia - a median waiting time of 30 days. However, we note that some people have being waiting too long for their surgery and on some indicators we fall behind recommended waiting times.
Therefore, in April 2007, I announced an initiative to target people who have being waiting the longest for their elective surgery, and I have already reported on significant progress in regards to this initiative. I will report again on this in the near future. The impact of this blitz will be reflected in future state of our hospital reports.
Our emergency departments are staffed with highly professional staff and, particularly in the Royal Darwin Hospital ED, they are working hard to meet the increasing demands they face every day and night. The Northern Territory emergency departments are the busiest in the country impacting on waiting times in ED. We are rated 7th in Australia. The median waiting time is 35 minutes compared to the national average of 24 minutes, with 60% of patients seen within the recommended time. We are tackling this issue with a number of strategies to improve the flow of patients through the hospital: an additional six fully staff beds at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2006-07; a further 12 beds at both Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital in 2007-08; and improved support for discharge. We are also spending $6m for a major upgrade to the ED in Alice Springs Hospital. In addition, in August 2006, we implemented the Royal Darwin Hospital Rapid Admission and Planning Unit with nine beds expanding to 24 beds later this year. Since opening, the unit has treated 2034 patients and decreased the average wait time in the ED of patients requiring admission for surgery from 18 to less than seven hours.
I am confident these strategies will go a long way to reduce demand on our emergency departments over the coming months. Our hospitals are working hard and are recognised nationally for their performance. They will continue to improve with the increased resources this government has provided them.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Health minister for his report. As you are aware, I am new to this portfolio. I have received a briefing from the Health minister on Monday, and I thank him for providing that to me. As we know, Health is a big job that covers many areas and comes with its fair share of concerns, and that goes without saying: sufficient staffing, shorter waiting lists and, as the minister states in his report, NT hospitals are some of the busiest in the country.
It is a big job, emphasised by the figures the minister just quoted. I look forward to receiving further briefings on the Health portfolio in the near future from the minister.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arts and Museums): Mr Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to report to the House a significant increase in major film activity in the Northern Territory since the establishment of the Northern Territory Film Office three years ago.
It operates on limited resources but has achieved much in recent times. As part of the Darwin Festival, we recently saw another successful staging of Fist Full of Films, supported by the Film Office and, this year, also by Tourism NT. The Messages Sticks film festival was also shown as part of the Darwin Festival, and featured the latest short films from filmmakers such as Warwick Thornton, Sonja Dare, Trish Morton-Jones, and Dena Curtis.
Trish and Dena’s careers have been assisted by Film Office. In addition, the Film Office has supplied direct and indirect support to a number of major film and television productions filmed in parts of the Northern Territory. Each has had a direct impact on the local economy. Each has employed local filmmakers and actors. Each has spent significant amounts of money on local supplies of goods and services.
Last year saw the Territory production company, CAAMA Productions, behind the 13-part children’s series Double Trouble, which has been co-funded by Disney and the Nine Network. The Northern Territory government granted $243 000 as a location incentive and to support employment, and particularly indigenous employment outcomes. Thirty-one Territorians were employed as crew. Nine of the key cast were Territorians. Of these, the majority were indigenous. In addition, over 100 people were employed as paid extras in Alice Springs, the majority being indigenous, in particular children.
Many Territory businesses were involved, with around 90 local companies and businesses benefiting from this spend. Double Trouble spent approximately $700 000 directly in the local economy in Alice Springs, and will be shown in Cannes this October.
Rogue is a film about the Northern Territory’s perennial nightmare of a giant croc gone bad. It premiered recently in Darwin, again as part of the Darwin Festival. The Film Office was involved with the location scouting and winning the production for the Northern Territory. It could just as easily have gone to Western Australia or Queensland, and producer, Greg McLean, praised the Film Office for its role in facilitating much of the work and getting the film on the ground in the Territory. It filmed in the Northern Territory for six weeks during 2005. The Northern Territory government’s main support through the Film Office was logistical and included the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service. Rogue injected $1.5m directly into the Northern Territory economy, and employed approximately 45 locals in a variety of roles on set, including as runners, supporting with transport, in the arts department and animal handling.
The film showcases spectacular Territory locations, including Kakadu, Ubirr, Red Lily and Nitmiluk, and was described by Greg McLean as ‘a $30m advertisement for the Northern Territory’. The production company is Miramax and Rogue will be widely distributed internationally. Village Roadshow agreed to the international premiere of the film to the public in Darwin during the Darwin Festival, and it will be released nationally in November.
The Northern Territory Film Office was involved with location scouting for Australia in 2005 and succeeded in ‘wooing’ the production to the Northern Territory for the crucial shooting at Stokes Hill Wharf. Filming took place in Darwin from 2 to 11 July this year for what its director, Baz Luhrmann, has described as an ‘epic historical romance’.
The Northern Territory government approved a grant of $200 000 as a location incentive to assist Bazmark with the production costs in the Territory. Additional logistics support was provided to filming on Stokes Hill Wharf, which allowed it to remain open for the entire filming period. The Department of the Chief Minister assisted in coordinating this. The Northern Territory Film Office provided assistance with advice throughout the lead-up during the filming in relation to crew and extras support. A number of Territorians were employed on the production and, again, there was an enormous amount of positive publicity for the Northern Territory from which we will all benefit, especially in the important tourism sector.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report. There is no doubt that anything to do with crocs always sells well for the Northern Territory, and it is also a good promotion for the Northern Territory. However, I did not get an invitation to the opening. I presume that I was just meant to go along at my own leisure.
I would like to ask the minister: we promote and encourage the development of the Northern Territory through films and production, and we supported Baz Luhrmann with $200 000 from the Territory government, and we have had other international companies come here. What about our local industry? What about supporting our local film producers? We have some very talented people in the Northern Territory who are able to utilise that talent by employing Territorians, keeping their skills here and producing items for the Northern Territory Tourist Commission and the Northern Territory government at a much cheaper rate than bringing somebody in from overseas or interstate. Perhaps the minister, in her reply, would be able to tell me what support is being offered to the individual film producers we have here in the Northern Territory, who are very talented and very skilled.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I agree with the member for Katherine, and that is the feedback that I have: it seems to be the local filmmakers who are missing out on the government’s electoral promise to support the industry. The $200 000 that the Territory government put into Baz Luhrmann’s movie was about the equivalent of what is given for the budget for the department and the amount of grants that go to filmmakers. They tell me they spend weeks getting a $10 000 grant from the department. There is heaps of paperwork and bureaucracy trying to acquit it; it is just such a difficult task for them to actually get any cooperation or assistance from the local department.
Yes, it is good to have a film office, but you seem to be supporting interstate and overseas people far more than you are supporting the local filmmakers. They may be small bickies in your mind but, for the benefit that they actually give to the Territory, they are not. I know you have reiterated that, saying it creates the image of what happens in the Territory so well. However, there are people who spend time producing educational programs, like Yamba, which is often watched by very young children before they go to school. We know there are so many more things that could be done but we need to have the support of government to do it.
My feedback is that if you really want to build a sustainable industry, and especially one that we recognise as important, then you should be putting your dollars into Territory filmmakers and not those from interstate and overseas. Our filmmakers in Alice Springs often find the New South Wales government is far more ready to put in dollars, and the films are often being filmed around Broken Hill and other parts of Australia when they should be filmed in the Territory.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arts and Museums): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution to the statement. I have had a number of discussions with many local filmmakers. They have been very well supported. Sure, we need to get more resources to that, but they have had a lot of support through the Northern Territory Film Office. Bear in mind, three years ago, the film office simply did not exist. Regarding bringing in international and other expertise, that has been applauded by local filmmakers because we do need to get that exposure here in the Territory.
Five Territorians gained professional experience through paid mentoring attachments working alongside all of the professionals during all of these shoots, so that is certainly something that previously was not there. These included two local Alice Springs-based filmmakers and three from Darwin. A number of other Territorians were employed on the production, including camera department, the production department and assisting with indigenous cast. That is the level of expertise that we need to bring in both nationally and internationally to expose the Territory ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Dr BURNS (Alcohol Policy): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
Over the past six years, this government has enacted a range of measures to address harmful alcohol consumption in the Territory. We have taken a number of significant steps in this regard and we are prepared to undertake further measures. The purpose of this bill is to introduce urgent reforms to the Liquor Act. Some measures have been contemplated for some time, while others are as a result of the release of the inquiry into the protection of Aboriginal children from sexual abuse.
The Northern Territory government is committed to protecting indigenous children from any form of abuse. It has acknowledged that alcohol is a contributing factor to abuse. The Northern Territory government has already introduced many reforms aimed at reducing the harm of liquor in our community. The Northern Territory Licensing Commission has done some excellent work in this area.
The Liquor Act provides for three types of liquor restrictions: general restricted areas, public restricted areas, and private restricted areas. In considering these declarations, the Licensing Commission involves communities and industry to encourage a cooperative approach to liquor management. These reforms in no way undermine or change these processes for most cases, but it has been acknowledged that sometimes a situation is so urgent that time is not available to consult and seek cooperation. These reforms empower the Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing to respond urgently to liquor-related harm in any Territory community. In essence, the bill achieves the following reforms:
ministerial power to impose a new category of declaration, special restricted areas;
ministerial power to impose special licence conditions;
ministerial power to impose a liquor supply plan;
improvement to the return of seized vehicle provision;
increased police search powers; and
prohibits licensees with takeaway licences from accepting book-up as a payment for goods, unless exempted.
A special restricted area declaration is similar to a general restricted area where any designated area can be declared liquor free. The effect of a declaration is that no liquor can be brought, possessed, within a person’s control, consumed or otherwise disposed of within a restricted area unless they have a permit or licence to do so. A failure to comply with a restriction may result in a maximum fine of $1000 or six months imprisonment.
Police will be given wider powers to make random searches of vehicles or people suspected of grog running intro restricted areas. They will be able to make searches elsewhere - for instance, a person’s house - if they have reasonable suspicion of a breach. Police will be able to issue on-the-spot fines or prosecute offenders in the court. As the responsible minister, I will be able to make such a declaration if I believe there is an urgent need to do so and that it is in the wellbeing of affected communities, and I have considered all circumstances for those affected communities.
While the Commonwealth’s Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007 at present only provides for liquor restrictions on Aboriginal communities, the Territory bill is broader. For example, the minister may impose restrictions on common areas of Territory Housing complexes where there are antisocial problems. The reforms in this bill will dovetail with the amendments being made to the Liquor Act by the Commonwealth government. While it is envisaged that the Commonwealth amendments will be in place for five years, it is possible they could be lifted earlier. Once the Commonwealth’s restrictions are removed, the Northern Territory ministerial powers can be invoked if necessary. We do not support all of the specific changes being made at the Commonwealth level, but we see the importance of cooperation in dealing with the difficult social issues being experienced by some Territorians.
While I will have the capacity to make urgent decisions according to the circumstances, I can also seek the view of the Licensing Commission prior to making a declaration, or anyone else may assist me. I will also be required to notify any decision regarding a declaration in the Gazette and table my decision in parliament within six sitting days of my decision.
To complement this ministerial discretion, I will also be able to impose special licence conditions on licensees where it is necessary for the wellbeing of communities affected by a special restricted area declaration. This may include conditions such as reduced trading hours, or restricting the type of liquor sold. I am required to table any decision in this respect in parliament within six sitting days of the decision. I will also have the capacity to issue, modify or revoke alcohol permits in a special restricted area. I can only issue a new permit if I am satisfied that it is in the wellbeing of the affected communities, after considering the views of the affected communities and after being satisfied there will be no harm to the affected communities if I grant the permit.
I will also be able to use special restricted area declarations, special licence conditions and permit provisions to impose a liquor supply plan where necessary. A liquor supply plan is an overall strategy for a particular area or region designed to regulate the supply of liquor to achieve harm minimisation goals. It generally involves modifying licence conditions to regulate an aspect of liquor supply such as the time of that supply or the type of liquor sold.
Goods, including vehicles, seized under general restricted areas can still be forfeited if the owner is the offending party. The bill also improves the current process for the return of seized goods, including vehicles, for breaches of general restricted areas. Currently, return of goods requires a decision from the Licensing Commission or me. This has proved a slow process as the Licensing Commission and I need time to be informed about the offence and whether the applicant is implicated in that offence. The new provisions will provide that the Commissioner of Police will have jurisdiction to return goods until the end of a court proceeding for the related criminal offence. Once a court proceeding has ended the owner or interested party of the goods must apply to the court within 60 days. A failure to apply for the goods will result in them being forfeited to the Northern Territory government. This will provide a much quicker process.
This process will apply to breaches of general restricted areas and special restricted areas. However, in regard to special restricted areas, goods can be seized but cannot be forfeited. If the offender is the owner of the goods they will be able to apply to the court after a decision has been made or, if no charges have been laid to the Commissioner of Police, for their return. If they fail to do so then it will become the property of the Northern Territory government. This concession is made on the basis that special restricted areas imposed are not arrived at by a considered and consultative process.
Finally, this bill will prohibit takeaway licensees from accepting book-up as a form of payment for goods unless they have an exemption from this prohibition. As members are aware, book-up describes a range of practices where traders may have restricted or unrestricted access to a consumer’s bank account or credit. It includes practices such as traders keeping people’s credit or debit cards, access to the consumer’s Internet banking, and retaining blank signed cheques. Currently, book-up is only prohibited for takeaway sales of liquor. This change will prevent licensees selling liquor by book-up under the guise of other goods. Any offence will be deemed to be a breach of an owner’s licence conditions. These reforms will not remove licences or permits that currently exist in areas that I declare as special restricted areas.
A review shall be conducted on permits and licences to ensure they are compatible with the new restrictions. If not, I will consider using my powers to remedy this.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members and table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Family and Community Services): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The primary purpose of this bill is the care and protection of children and young people, including the care and protection of children at risk of harm and exploitation, such as child abuse and neglect. The bill also emphasises the need to intervene early to prevent children’s exposure to harm, and to support families to care adequately for their children. The bill repeals the Community Welfare Act which commenced in 1984. It is important legislation, a key component in a range of measures taken by a civil and caring society such as ours to protect and care for its more vulnerable members.
We all know the impact and legacy of past child welfare policies and legislation on Aboriginal Territorians. The Community Welfare Act that this bill replaces took a significant and positive step forward by acknowledging the damage done by these misguided policies and practices, recognising the importance of family, community and culture within Aboriginal society, and ensuring that Aboriginal children removed from their families because of concerns about their safety would, wherever possible, be placed with their extended family or other Aboriginal community members.
The Community Welfare Act was also the first Australian legislation to make the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect mandatory by all members of the population. It has served Territorians well. However, it reflects the values and practices of the people of the Territory more than 20 years ago. It is now time to update and build on this experience to provide legislation that is in keeping with the current thinking and action.
The Community Welfare Act has been reviewed and all aspects of its operations examined. Expert advice has been taken, an extensive literature review has been made, and interstate and overseas practices examined. Further, a Territory-wide consultation process was developed. This involved running 26 public forums and actively engaging with a number of special interest groups, and with various Northern Territory government departments. All of these processes have informed the drafting of this bill.
The bill I am introducing today provides a modern and contemporary legislative framework to ensure that children and young people in the Northern Territory are safe and well cared for within their families, and by other persons or organisations having responsibilities in relation to children. The key characteristics of the new legislation, compared with existing legislation, involve:
a comprehensive approach that includes measures to prevent harm and exploitation of children;
continuing the support for young people leaving the care of the CEO from 18 years of age until they have reached 25 years of age;
provision to move a child to a safe place;
broadening the scope of regulated children’s services; and
provision for the establishment of review teams and a Child Death Review and Prevention Committee.
I will now describe in more detail each of the chapters that comprise the bill.
Chapter 1 introduces the bill, establishing specific objects and principles and defining key terms and concepts. Part 1.2 describes what the act is about. Of particular note is that the act provides for the care and protection of persons under the age of 18 years, referred to as ‘children’ in the bill, with provision for the care and protection of certain young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who have been children in the CEO’s care. I draw members’ attention to this first section, as it encapsulates the new approach in this legislation.
The objects of the bill seek to go beyond the immediate protection and safety of children, and are as follows:
Part 1.3 of the bill includes guiding principles to assist interpretation and implementation of the act. This is an innovation of the previous act, reflecting interstate and overseas practice. It also reflects community interest in having an explicit statement about the beliefs that guide the intent and operation of the legislation incorporated into the bill.
Included in these principles is recognition that families have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of children while society, as a whole, has a responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of children, and to support families in that task. Principles are also set out in relation to dealing with children and decisions involving them. The best interest of the child is established as the paramount concern, and a basis is described for determining these interests.
Section 12 of this part outlines principles specific to Aboriginal children. In particular, there is explicit recognition of the major role of kinship groups, representative organisations and communities in promoting the wellbeing of the Aboriginal children.
Part 1.4 describes an expanded range of key terms and concepts, including when a child is in the need of protection, and parental responsibility for a child.
Chapter 2 is concerned with safeguarding the wellbeing of children. It lists powers and obligations in the CEO of the department administering the act. This is a shift from the present act, which assigns a number of these powers to the responsible minister. It makes transparent the reality of day-to-day responsibility for the operations of the legislation, and it is consistent with the current public administrative practice. The first part of this chapter deals with these powers and obligations.
Division 2 of this part continues the current general reporting obligations on anyone who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is in need of protection; that is, that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, harm or exploitation because of an act or omission of the parent of the child. Mandatory reporting by all Territorians is an acknowledgement that the protection of children and young people is everybody’s business.
However, as part of the bill I introduce today, the government will be extending mandatory reporting so that anyone working in child-related employment must now also report concerns that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, harm or exploitation when it is believed that a person other than the child’s parent or guardian has committed it. In the first instance, these reports are to be made to the police as they will essentially be criminal rather than protective matters. Child-related employment is defined under section 184 of the bill as any work that involves, or may potentially involve, contact with children, including: child protection services; children’s services as defined under Chapter 4 of the bill; education services; juvenile detention services; hospitals and other health facilities; clubs and associations, including sports clubs where there is a significant child membership; religious organisations; and a number of other services. For example, under the new mandatory reporting requirement, a teacher is now mandated to report her or his suspicions that another member of staff, or some other person who is not the child’s parent, is sexually abusing a child. Similarly, a childcare centre staff member is mandated to report their suspicion that a child is being physically abused by another staff member, or by another member of the public.
Professionals and other staff already have the right, and professional and ethical obligations, to report suspected harm or exploitation of a child by someone other than a parent or caregiver. Extending the mandatory requirements will provide greater security and clarity of action for those who identify suspected harm or exploitation, and demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children from harm. It is consistent with mandatory reporting provisions in other jurisdictions, which mandate some professionals to report suspected harm of a child, regardless of whether the person harming the child is a parent. The division also includes protection for persons who make a report in good faith, and the duties of the party to whom a report is made.
Division 3 establishes the power of the CEO to make inquiries and to investigate reports. This division provides the CEO with greater powers to make inquiries if there are concerns about a child’s wellbeing, and to seek information from a range of agencies involved with the child or family.
Division 4 is established to ensure that the CEO has sufficient powers to perform the functions required under the act. It is accepted wisdom these days that ‘one size does not fit all’ when responding to concerns about children’s care. Families having difficulty coping with or raising a child or children require a carefully tailored response that equips them to look after their child or children well. This division ensures the CEO can request assistance from public authorities, assist others to better coordinate their services to children and families, to arrange for services to support families, and to arrange for the temporary placement of a child who is residing with their parent if it will safeguard or promote the wellbeing of the child.
Division 5 ensures that, as far as possible, the wellbeing of a child is safeguarded and promoted through agreements between parents of the child and other interested parties. Included in this division is a provision for family mediation conferences to be convened to discuss the best means of safeguarding or promoting a child’s wellbeing.
Division 6 of this part ensures that the CEO has the power to take urgent action for children who might be in need of protection. These provisions clearly give effect to the primacy of family responsibility for raising children. It is only when a child is in need of protection and there is an urgent need to safeguard a child’s wellbeing that the state will intervene, take the child into provisional protection, and then only as a necessary short-term measure.
Division 7, Subdivision 1 introduces a new power for authorised officers to move a child to a safe place. The object here is to enable officers to take actions, on a temporary basis and in limited circumstances, to ensure that a child is removed from a situation where their wellbeing is at risk, such as when a child is found on the streets at night without adequate supervision. Under this subdivision, an authorised person can take custody of the child and move them to a designated ‘safe place’ until the child can be returned to a parent’s care. A safe place does not include a prison, lock-up or other places of detention. Authorised officers are required to take all necessary steps to inform a parent of the child and/or the CEO of their action. Moving a child to a safe place is intended to be a protective measure and not a basis for intervention to prevent criminal activity. It is also important to note that parental rights and responsibility for the child are not limited by actions under this section.
Subdivision 2 establishes the power of restraint, search and seizure to prevent a specified child from being harmed or from harming others. It sets out the way in which any searches must be conducted.
Subdivision 3 enables the issue of a warrant by a magistrate for the purposes of investigation, monitoring or apprehending a child in the CEO’s care, and provides for the execution of a warrant. It establishes an offence for non-compliance with a warrant.
Part 2.2 defines and makes provisions for a child in the CEO’s care. A new requirement is introduced that requires a care plan to be developed for each child in the CEO’s care, and provision is made for a regular review of these plans. Although this is current child protection procedure, including this requirement in legislation reflects the importance attached to planning and monitoring to ensure ongoing attention is paid to each child’s care and wellbeing.
Division 4 of this part requires the CEO to enter into a placement arrangement for a child in his or her care. These arrangements may be with a parent, another family member, or other individuals approved by the CEO. A child is to be appropriately informed about a proposed placement arrangement.
Division 5 is a new initiative in keeping with the current views of the state as a parent. It is designed to support a young person who has left the CEO’s care. Part 2.2, Division 1 defines a young person leaving the care of the CEO as someone who has ceased to be in the CEO’s care and is aged between 15 and 25 years of age. Most young people moving into adulthood require continuing support as they establish their adult life. Young people can be vulnerable during this period of transition, yet most young people have the support of their families to assist them to make the transition to independent living as adults.
Until now, a young person leaving the care of the CEO at the age of 18 has not been entitled to further assistance that a family might usually provide. This provision enables support to be provided by the CEO up until the young person reaches the age of 25, if required. This may take the form of providing child-related services, information and advisory services, and financial assistance. It is a clear responsibility of the state to provide this help and I am personally gratified to introduce it.
Part 2.3 of this chapter sets out the powers of the court to protect children by establishing appropriate judicial processes. There will be family matters jurisdiction vested with the local court, where applications for a range of orders will be heard and determined. The best interests of the child are to be the paramount consideration when making determinations. Arrangements for the conduct of the court are set out including continuation of the use of balance of probabilities as the standard of proof, and the restrictions on publication of proceedings of the court.
Division 4 under this part describes the making of orders for a child, and the powers of authorised officers under this part. These are the mechanisms for state intervention to require parental action or restraint from action, or to remove a child from their parent or parents and, as such, deserve elaboration to this Assembly. These orders are intended to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing which, in some instances, can only be assured by such intervention.
Subdivision 1 allows for provision for the application for a Temporary Protection Order if the CEO reasonably believes that a child is in need of protection and the proposed order is urgently needed to safeguard the child’s wellbeing. Subdivision 2 allows provision for the CEO to apply to the court for an Assessment Order for a child to authorise the carrying out of an assessment if a protection order is not in force for the child and the CEO reasonably believes that the proposed assessment is necessary in order to determine whether the child is in need of protection.
Subdivision 3 has provisions for the CEO to apply to the court for a Protection Order for a child if the CEO reasonably believes that the child is in need of protection and the proposed order is the best means to safeguard the child’s wellbeing. There are also provisions under this type of order for the CEO to impose supervision directions on a parent to do, or to stop doing, something directly related to the protection of a child. The directions can also prevent a parent’s contact with a child, or to require contact only when a specified person is present. There are also provisions for directions in regard to giving the daily care and control of the child to a specified person.
Under a Protection Order, directions may be given giving parental responsibility for the child to a specified person for a period not exceeding two years. This is seen as short-term parental responsibility direction. A long-term parental responsibility direction under a Protection Order gives the parental responsibility for the child to a specified person for a specified period that exceeds two years and ends before the child attains the age of 18 years. At the same time, it is recognised that, in most cases, a child removed from parents’ care will wish to maintain contact with their parents or other family members. Provisions in this bill ensure that a parent is able to be informed about the care of their child and that there are opportunities for maintaining contact between the child and their family.
The process of making an application for these orders is set out, requiring that the child’s parents are respondents. Although practised already, the bill also introduces the use of court-ordered mediation conferences in which the facts of the matter may be established, care arrangements reviewed and recommendations made, or agreements reached on the best means of safeguarding a child’s wellbeing.
These are serious decisions affecting the lives of children and young people. The range of orders available and the consideration that the court must make are there to ensure that the best interests of the child are served by whatever order is made. In reaching a decision about orders, the court is required to take into account the outcome of any mediation conference, together with the wishes of the child, the child’s parent or persons having parental responsibility, or other persons with a direct or significant interest in the wellbeing of the child. The court is also required to consider any report by the CEO, and the needs of the child for long-term stability and security. An order ceases to have effect when the child turns 18 years of age.
The balance of this division deals with procedural arrangements and obligations of a person granted short- or long-term parental responsibility, including a requirement that the child be provided with opportunity to have contact with their parents and other family members as often as is reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances.
Division 5 makes provision allowing the court to adjourn proceedings. Adjournments may only be granted in specified circumstances, and must take into account the best interests of the child. Reasons for adjourning proceedings must be given by the court and must be compelling.
Division 6 of this part provides for an appeal to the Supreme Court against any decision of the court other than a decision to make a Temporary Protection Order. On appeal, the Supreme Court may confirm the decision, vary it, or set it aside and substitute another decision.
Division 7 deals with other procedural matters, some of which are new. For example, the court may order that a legal practitioner separately represent the child if this is considered to be in the child’s best interests. The role, functions and qualifications of such a legal representative are established.
Part 2.4 sets out the provision and conditions that enable Child Protection Orders and child protection proceedings to be transferred between the Territory and another jurisdiction so that children may be protected under the orders when moving from one jurisdiction to another, and to facilitate the timely and expeditious determination of those proceedings. Amendments were made to incorporate national model legislation to achieve this object in the existing Community Welfare Act in November 2002. These amendments have essentially been retained in this bill.
Madam Speaker, there has been strong community support for new legislation to ensure that emphasis is given to preventing problems before they arise. Chapter 3 sets out provisions for the prevention of harm and exploitation of children. The object of this part is to ensure that individuals who pose an unacceptable risk of harm or exploitation to children are prevented from having contact with children through their employment.
This section contains two new measures in particular. Part 3.1 introduces a requirement for screening for child-related employment. I referred to this screening earlier. Employment screening is but one component of a range of measures that ensure that children attending services and programs are safe. However, it is an important expression of the shared responsibility we have for children’s safety.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, would you pause while I acknowledge some people in the gallery? Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the gallery of local, interstate and overseas visitors as part of the Parliament House public tour program. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear.
Ms SCRYMGOUR: I am very grateful for that interval, Madam Speaker.
Many providers of services for children in the Northern Territory already undertake appropriate background screening of their staff. Of particular mention here is the approach adopted by the Australian Sports Commission which has initiated a national approach to promoting child-safe organisations which includes the screening of staff and volunteers. Other groups where screening takes place include churches, Scouts and Guides, childcare services, and the teacher registration system.
As noted earlier, child-related employment is defined under Part 3.1 of the bill. It defines a range of agencies or settings where screening will become mandatory for both paid employment purposes and for people who wish to voluntarily work with children. The main exceptions to screening are children under 15 years of age, and parents who wish to volunteer to work with a group of children, which includes at least one of their own children in an educational setting, children’s service or club or association. To be exempt, such work must be performed under the supervision under someone who holds a child-related employment clearance, and the work must not require an overnight stay. This will enable parents to attend school excursions or help out at their child’s sports club without the need to be screened, unless they want to participate in events, such as school camps, which involve overnight stays.
Provisions have been made for the establishment of a screening authority to be known as SAFE-NT, which will be developed under the auspices of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services. SAFE-NT will receive and process child-related employment applications, and determine the suitability of the applicant. A suitability notice will be issued, which will be current for two years. This may take the form of a card, similar to the ‘Blue Card’ used in Queensland. There are clear benefits in having a central agency undertaking this role. At the moment, on application to the Northern Territory Police, criminal history is provided to the person nominated on the form, usually for employment screening purposes. The requesting person or persons assess and make decisions about the suitability of the applicant without the benefit of consistent guidelines. A screening authority will provide protection to both applicants and employers, and simplify the current arrangements by use of a single suitability notice rather than the multiple clearances now required when working in more than one area of child-related employment. This will also bring the Territory in line with other Australian jurisdictions that currently have such legislation. Work is also under way nationally to adopt a consistent approach to the screening process and to facilitate exchange of information.
Part 3.2 of this chapter legislates to prevent the exploitation of children in their employment. By and large, it retains the restraints in employment of children under the age of 15 years that are incorporated in the current Community Welfare Act. A child in this age group must not be employed after 10 pm or before 6 am. A parent must not permit or require the child to perform any work that is harmful to the child’s physical, mental or emotional wellbeing, or that exploits the child sexually or in other forms. There are provisions made for the CEO to give written notice to the parent of a child to prohibit that child’s employment if the child’s wellbeing is, or is likely to be, jeopardised by that employment. These constraints are necessary measures in a society that is serious about ensuring that children and young people get the best possible start in life.
Part 3.3 of this chapter creates a further capacity to prevent harm to children and young people by establishing a Child Death Review and Prevention Committee. The object of this part is to prevent child deaths in the Territory by conducting research, maintaining a child deaths database, and developing appropriate policy responses to address child deaths and their causes. The committee will consider both morbidity and mortality issues. The committee is to report annually on their findings to the responsible minister, who will table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly.
The Territory has a high incidence of injury to children and a high infant mortality rate. This new measure provides a focal point for continuing attention to be paid to reducing these rates and to raising public awareness about the issues.
Chapter 4 of the bill relates to the regulation of children’s services. Its object is to ensure the wellbeing of children who are under the care of the providers of children’s services. This section provides definitions and descriptions of the type of children’s services, including home-based services, services requiring licences, and services which are required to be registered. The bill regulates services provided to children less than 13 years of age at a place other than the child’s usual place of residence. It does not include care provided by family members, babysitting services, tutoring, educational programs, or health services programs.
Part 4.2 outlines the key obligations and responsibilities for providers and responsible persons and other persons. It is an offence under this section of the bill for a person to provide children’s services unless they are registered or licensed.
Part 4.3 outlines services provided under licence. This includes the application of a licence, granting a licence, and conditions and terms of the licence. It also addresses issues pertaining to the need to display the licence and provisions for suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence, and a requirement to report change of circumstances and continuation of services under certain conditions.
Part 4.4 provides a new provision which allows for services to be provided under an action plan agreement with the CEO. This measure is intended to acknowledge the circumstances of childcare services that are under development or operating in remote Aboriginal communities. It is recognised that such services may not have operated in these locations previously, and that time can be required to develop the infrastructure and capacity to comply with the licence standards. The action plan agreement is designed to assist childcare services to gradually meet the requirements imposed on a licence holder.
Part 4.5 relates to services provided by a registered operator, including provisions relating to application for registration, conditions of registration, and when registration ceases to be in force.
Part 4.6 sets out arrangements for monitoring compliance. It provides for an authorised officer to exercise powers to enter and inspect places, access written and electronic data to monitor compliance of services, thereby ensuring the wellbeing of children.
Part 4.7 lists the decisions that can be subject to review. The clause also states the procedures that must be followed in respect of each decision that may be reviewed. It also allows for the establishment of a review panel and the responsibility of this panel.
Part 4.8 refers to the development of regulations to underpin licensing and regulation of children’s services which must be consistent with this chapter.
Part 5 of this bill establishes the position of Children’s Commissioner for the Northern Territory. As defined in Division 1, the object is to ensure the wellbeing of ‘protected children’ - that is, children who are the subject of the exercise of a power or exercise of a function under Chapter 2 of this act - and the monitoring of the implementation of government decisions arising from the Northern Territory Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse. This is a statutory, independent role, equipped to keep a public eye out for the interests of children who have had contact with the child protection system and to ensure that services, systems, and policies serve them well.
The commissioner has a brief to receive complaints about services provided to ‘protected children’, from a protected child, from an adult who was previously a protected child, or from an adult acting on the behalf of a protected child. These protected children are those who are most likely to require our assurance that they have been fairly dealt with, and that they have being provided with adequate services.
Division 2 sets out procedural arrangements for making complaints, and the matters of such complaints. The basis for assessing and dealing with complaints, and the commissioner’s powers to obtain information, is also established in this division.
Division 3 requires the commissioner to lodge an annual report with the minister, which is then tabled in this Assembly within six sitting days following its receipt. On request from the commissioner, the Speaker may authorise the commissioner to publish the report in the public interest. The commissioner may also lodge, at the minister’s request or if the commissioner considers it appropriate to do so, other reports with the minister in relation to the commissioner’s functions, which may include the result of the monitoring of the implementation of government decisions arising from the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse. These reports will also be tabled in this Assembly.
Divisions 4, 5 and 6 of this part deal with the disclosure of confidential information, immunity, and administrative matters associated with the operation of this office. Of particular note is that the commissioner is appointed for a period of five years, and is eligible for reappointment.
Establishment of this role represents a maturing of the system we have in place for the care and protection of children. It is a significant step forward for the Northern Territory, one that brings us into line with national directions. Establishing the independent commissioner’s position demonstrates that this government is not afraid to look into the mirror and address any problems with our child protection system. Nor is it afraid to have scrutiny of the responses that are being made to address the recommendations arising from the Little Children are Sacred report. Overall, it will make us better placed to tackle some of the underlying problems that contribute to poor outcomes and quality of life for some of the most vulnerable children growing up in the Territory.
Part 5.2 establishes Review Teams. The object of this part is to ensure that services provided to children and other people as a result of the exercise of a power or performance of a function under Chapter 2 are of a high standard. Review Team members are appointed by the CEO, with a brief to review services provided to a person who has been, or is, a protected child or family member of that child, or other services connected with a function under the act. The team may make recommendations to the CEO and ensure that recommendations are implemented. Reports are required and they are also provided to the Children’s Commissioner. This is a further measure intended to promote the best possible quality of service and systems.
Part 5.3 describes the general offences provided for under this bill. They include obstruction of someone exercising a power under the act, impersonation of an officer; provision of false or misleading information; and disclosure of a child’s identity.
Part 5.4 deals with other administrative matters including authorisation of officers under the act, and providing the Administrator with regulation-making powers.
Parts 5.5 and 5.6 provide for the repeal of previous acts, and identify a range of transitional matters and consequential amendments that are required once the act is finalised.
Madam Speaker, child protection work is a difficult job. The CEO and child protection staff are often criticised, yet the work undertaken is essential for the protection of the most vulnerable group in our community. My experience is that people working in these fields are highly committed and caring professionals who are carrying out their roles to the best of their ability. I recognise that no system is perfect and that we must always strive for improvements to ensure the needs of children and families can be met as effectively as possible. However, it must be recognised that over the last four years in particular, considerable effort has gone into reforming the way the Territory’s child protection system works and to place it on a path of continuous improvement.
The release of the Little Children are Sacred report from the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children against Sexual Abuse has provided many recommendations for change. It has also highlighted that, while governments must take a lead role, the responsibility for caring for children rests not only with government but also with the entire community.
In conclusion, this bill represents a major reform that delivers on government’s commitment to updating existing legislation to provide a contemporary framework for action to protect and care for our children. The bill not only brings the Territory into line with other Australian jurisdictions, in a number of ways it goes further. It provides the basis for concerted community, government and non-government effort to ensure that every Territory child and young person is safe and well cared for. I commend the bill to the House.
Debate adjourned.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 101)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr McADAM (Local Government): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
I am pleased to bring before this Assembly the Local Government Amendment Bill 2007. The purpose of this bill is to amend the Local Government Act and the Associations Act, to introduce restructuring orders in the Local Government Act, and to convert the Association councils providing local government services from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act.
The first part of the bill deals with restructuring orders. This part of the bill gives the minister power to make a range of orders which are considered necessary or desirable to facilitate the restructuring of local government in the Northern Territory.
Members are aware that government is reforming the system of local government in the Territory and is introducing a new framework based on municipalities and shires, and providing for the incorporation of the whole of the Northern Territory.
A Local Government Advisory Board has been established to provide advice to me as minister on key aspects of the reform process, including shire and ward boundaries, regional management plans, and legislative amendments to the Local Government Act to provide for the reform.
The advisory board comprises members drawn from key stakeholder groups including the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, otherwise known as LGANT; the Local Government Managers’ Association; the Chamber of Commerce; the NT Cattlemen’s Association; the Australian Services Union; the NT Minerals Council; the land councils of the Northern Territory; the Australian government; and regional representatives from the north and the south of the Northern Territory. Mr Patrick Dodson was appointed as the independent chair of the advisory board, and he has been of great assistance in guiding the business of the board and being available to attend particular meetings of the transition committees that have been established in every shire area.
The advisory board held its first meeting in February 2007 and has continued to meet monthly, alternating between Alice Springs and Darwin. The board has already provided me with much useful advice on major issues of policy and matters of community interest. I am pleased to report that the implementation of the reform of local government is proceeding reasonably well.
The key milestones established in the implementation plan are being met in a timely manner. Stakeholders and officers of my department have been contributing to the progress of the reform with energy and commitment. The major task of collecting a comprehensive data set on sources of income, services, assets and population profiles on all existing councils is virtually complete. This data will be crucial for the preparation of strategic and operational service plans for the shires that are soon to be developed in conjunction with the transition committees.
The bill to amend the Local Government Act and the Associations Act that I am speaking to today is a forerunner to the comprehensive review of the act that will provide for all aspects of the reform. This review has commenced and there will be broad consultation on its recommendations between August and November this year.
However, the bill before you today has a dual purpose. The first purpose is to enable me, as Minister for Local Government, to make restructuring orders. These are the orders necessary to provide for all transitional arrangements that have to be put in place to bring about the establishment of the new shire councils. I will able, by a restructuring order, to create prospective councils which will become the fully-fledged new councils on 1 July 2008. This will ensure that the new shire entity is clearly evident and transparent during its development.
The other purpose of the bill is to convert the association councils, performing local government functions, from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act. This action is necessary to assist the eventual integration of all existing councils, other than the four large municipal councils, within the new shires under the one act.
In relation to the restructuring orders, these are required for the implementation of the many structural changes that will be necessary both before and after the establishment of the shires on 1 July 2008. Restructuring orders have been used by ministers in other jurisdictions for this same purpose.
The matters that I want to deal with promptly through restructuring orders are the creation of prospective councils and to exempt all councils, other than municipals, from having any elections between now and 1 July 2008. There are nearly 20 elections that fall due over the coming 12 months that, under existing legislation, I am unable to cancel despite many requests from councils to do so. My intention will be to avoid the expense and inconvenience of elections so close to the introduction of the shires and to provide some stability to councils as they prepare for the changeover. I will appoint a manager to each prospective council, who will employ a Chief Executive Officer and a Corporate Services Director. These people can begin the task of establishing administrative systems, charts of accounts, and other arrangements to ensure that the shires will be ready to commence full operation on 1 July 2008.
When the government makes the decision to settle the shire and ward boundaries, following advice from members of the transition committees and the Local Government Advisory Board, as Minister for Local Government, I will make a restructuring order to formally gazette the shire boundaries. Restructuring orders can also be used, for example, for the adoption of initial shire plans; organisation structures; dissolution of existing councils; transfer of property, rights and liabilities; employment protection for staff; and the calling of the first shire elections in October 2008.
I now turn to the second part of the bill, which provides for the conversion of the 22 association councils providing local government services from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act. The reason for converting these association councils to the Local Government Act is to assist the orderly transition to the new shires. It will be crucial in the lead-up to the new system that the management of existing councils remains as stable as possible. Where this is not the case, as minister, I need to be able to intervene quickly to address any serious matters of mismanagement, misappropriation or non-performance generally. The Associations Act does not allow me this capacity as of now. Such a situation represents an unacceptable risk in the lead-up to the establishment of the shires.
In addition, the orderly transition of the shires will be considerably enhanced with the association councils being incorporated under the Local Government Act, as many issues, including the transfer of assets and liabilities, regionalisation of service delivery planning, and new funding arrangements will be simplified. When converted to the Local Government Act, the association councils will become community government councils for a short duration leading up to 1 July 2008. At this time, all existing councils falling within the boundaries of the new shires will be dissolved and integrated within the new local government arrangements.
The association councils will still retain their corporate identity and their names until this time. Also, the property, income, rights and liabilities of the associations will remain undisturbed. There has been a deliberate effort to minimise the changes required. The associations will retain the same provisions in their constitutions other than for any necessary changes, such as the need to have a defined area for the delivery of local government services.
A ‘note’ has been placed in the amendments bill under clause 114(b) to highlight the fact that the conversion of the associations to the Local Government Act is an interim measure to assist transition to the new shires. This note has been written into the bill in recognition of the sensitivities regarding this matter.
The two purposes of the draft bill I have spoken about are both concerned with the transition to the new system of local government in the Territory. These measures are to facilitate that transition.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members, and I table the explanatory statement to accompany the bill.
Debate adjourned.
Madam SPEAKER: I advise of the presence in the gallery of Parliament House public tour program participants. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear.
Continued from 21 August 2007.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, this would have to be one of the most important items of legislation we have had introduced into this House that creates changes for Territorians. I am amazed that we are going to have one minister speak to it, we have had one member of the opposition speak to it, and no one else. Where are the voices of the backbenchers if they think this is such good legislation to support? Why are we not hearing their voices? Why are they not saying: ‘Yes, this is great’? I get the feeling they are being a bit timid about it. If they really believe in it, let them stand up and speak about it.
Mr Burke: Have some patience.
Mrs BRAHAM: Well, I just think it is amazing. It is important. Many Territorians are going to see it as affecting them. When you make major changes like this, at least in this parliament we should hear the voices of people either supporting the legislation or not supporting it. That is what I cannot understand. You are just sitting there saying nothing. So that means: ‘Yes, we agree. We have nothing to offer, nothing to say’? Okay, so be it.
Getting back to the legislation, you have to start asking many questions. Who is this legislation being targeted at? Is it the 31% of the 35 000 licensed drivers that the statistics show us would have demerit points at any given time? Is it a revenue-raising exercise, as there will be so many drivers who will have demerit points? Is it aimed at those drivers who do not have licences? I do not think so. One of the statistics that has been given to us includes pedestrians, passengers, drivers, but we are still not sure how many of those are actually unlicensed so, obviously, those people who cause the havoc on our roads will not be affected by the law. I am not sure whether it will totally deter all those fatal accidents and the serious fatalities that occur here. I hope it does. If we are going to make such a major change to our traffic system, then I hope it does.
We keep hearing that alcohol, speed and fatigue have been identified as the major contributing factors. Will having demerit points stop people drinking alcohol to excess? Will having demerit points stop people speeding? Will having demerit points stop people driving too long? I guess the ultimate aim is to use it as a deterrent for drivers. I am not convinced it will. Will having demerit points stop those unlicensed drivers who jump in unregistered cars and cause havoc on our roads? No, they will not.
Therefore, who are we actually targeting? Are we targeting the good people who very rarely infringe on our roads? I would hope not, but I do not see it will affect them anyway. Are we actually aiming at that middle group who may do something wrong occasionally? In my mind, we should be targeting those who cause serious accidents. In the second reading speech, the minister says: ‘The demerit points scheme is one element of the Martin government’s road strategy’. Minister, when you reply, will you tell me what other strategies are going to be implemented with this particular one? In isolation, I do not believe it is going to make much difference.
I wonder whether losing your licence will deter those drivers who are reckless and still continue to drive without a licence. We have to aim at more than just saying: ‘You are losing your licence through demerit points’. We have to be much tougher. I hope that is what the minister will tell us; that other penalties are being toughened for some of the driving offences that do cause the problem.
Something that I believe we would like to see which would help stop the road carnage we are experiencing at the moment is better roads; it is as simple as that, better roads. More sealed roads in the bush and better signage on bends so people know to slow down. We have irresponsible drivers on the road and, as I say, I do not believe demerit points are going to stop them driving irresponsibly. However, if we want to take care of our other drivers, then we have to ensure that road conditions are safe.
What about our overseas tourists? Many of them come into the Territory and hire those hi-top vans. Do they have the education they should have before they get on to our roads? It would be interesting to see the statistics of how many of them have rolled their vehicles. We hear about them quite often in the Centre, because they go onto the side of the road and flip over, as you know. Will overseas tourists be given better instruction and education before they are allowed to hire vehicles?
Can the minister tell me if the government is going to continue funding the DTAL program? I believe the DTAL program is important in our high schools, and certainly it is for our learners and probationers. What about the remote communities? Can you give me some statistics on how it is being implemented in the remote communities? If we are going to have young teenagers in remote communities getting their licence, do they have the same opportunities to do DTAL as those in town do? Who is putting them through the learning process? Who is ensuring, before they jump in the car, that they have their licence? Do they have L-plates on? Do they have their P-plates on? I know it is happening in towns but, let us face it, many of our accidents are people from bush communities who have not had that opportunity to have that driver education. Perhaps the minister can tell me that because I just do not believe demerit points on their own will do what you want to do.
I notice on 1 September - how many days is that? - nine days time, this is going to be implemented. After that date, if you infringe, you might lose a demerit point. Where is the education program for people on the streets? I have not seen anything by way of television advertisements …
Ms Lawrie: We have to pass the legislation first.
Mrs BRAHAM: Well, you are going to do it all in a week? Wow! That is really going to get the message all round the Territory.
Ms Lawrie: Ready to go – comprehensive.
Mrs BRAHAM: I am interested to see it. I hope it is not going to be just television because many people perhaps will not be watching …
Ms Lawrie: Print, radio.
Mrs BRAHAM: Are you going to do it on all the stations that are covered?
Ms Lawrie: Big package, ready to go.
Mrs BRAHAM: Are you getting it out to schools? Are you getting it into communities? It will be interesting to see, minister, and you can tell us all that in your reply. In nine days time when the demerit points scheme is going to be implemented, I hope people will know exactly what is going on. It will be interesting to know also what it is going to cost. How much will it cost to implement this system? That is the most important thing of all.
I hope it does decrease carnage on the roads. Let us face it; no one likes to see the terrible accidents occur. No one likes to see passengers thrown out of their vehicles, young children thrown off the back of utes, or people who bump into road trains. I still cannot get over the headlines which said something about The Ghan: ‘the train crashes into a truck’ when, in fact, it was the truck that crashed into the train. To me, it is bad reporting.
A part of your act says that the driver will lose demerit points if a child does not have a seat belt on, but it does not say that the driver will lose demerit points if adult passengers do not have a seat belt on. Is that not a little inconsistent? Are you going to change that so the driver has to be responsible for everyone in that car having seat belts on, or will you impose a separate penalty on those people who do not have seat belts on?
Ms Lawrie: You got that in the briefing, Loraine.
Mrs BRAHAM: No, we did not.
Ms Lawrie: Yes, you did.
Mrs BRAHAM: No, we did not. You were not there, minister.
I believe that we may have to tighten up some of the other fines and penalties for traffic offences. In saying that, I am still not totally convinced that you are going to make much difference. The television station 7 Central which we get in Alice Springs - I do not think you get that here in Darwin - runs many Queensland-based advertisements. Every long weekend they advise penalties of double the demerit points. Are we going to have that in the Territory? Is the minister going to suddenly implement that, as other states in Australia have done? Is that what we are going to see? Is this flow-on effect going to occur? Is there some tied funding from the federal government? Are you doing it to step in line with the rest of Australia because of federal funding?
Ms Lawrie: No.
Mrs BRAHAM: No? That is okay.
I am pleased we do have traffic patrols back on our roads. They have been quietly going about their business and doing a good job. The demands on the police, with the introduction of regulations in many areas, are huge. Yes, I know you keep saying we are going to have 20 more police or X number of police, but you are putting a lot on the police. I hope the resources are there to ensure that with these laws that we are introducing - be they alcohol, child abuse prevention or whatever - there are enough people there to do the job.
I notice that the member for Nelson has put forward an amendment. People have smirked and laughed at it. It is a bit like an incentive. If you do not do anything wrong, we will reward you, we will give you a discount on your registration. We worked out that, perhaps by the time you are 65, you might not have to pay any registration at all because you have so many bonuses. That is probably being a bit frivolous to the member for Nelson. What he is trying to say is that we have so many restrictions, so many laws imposed upon us we never seem to see the good people in our Territory rewarded in any way. They are the ones who suffer continually because of the bad behaviour of a few. It would be nice for government to think about this amendment. It might seem a bit frivolous to them but, somewhere along the way, you also have to recognise that two-thirds of the drivers on the roads do not have accidents and have not caused problems; 31% have. However, there are many drivers who drive safely every day without causing any problems to anyone else on the road.
It is interesting that the member for Katherine says she does not support this act. I take it that that is the CLP stand on this. I would have liked to have heard more members of the parliament tell us what they think about it, even though they probably would have just said they support the government’s introduction of it.
Feedback in the community to date - because I do not think it is really well known enough - is: ‘Oh, are they? I did not know that’. I guess it is because there was a bit of a flurry when people said it was being introduced but, since then, there has not been much in the media about it. There is no point in saying: ‘We have to wait until it has passed’. We all know it is going to pass; let us face it, government has the numbers. It is going to come as a bit of a rude awakening to people out there, particularly people from interstate. As members know, this will be an Australia-wide transfer of information so that if you go interstate and run a red light, that demerit point is going to affect your demerit points up here and vice versa.
I am not saying that the grey nomads are the ones who do the damage, but if they come up here and infringe, then it is also going to affect their licence interstate. I say to you that most Territorians do not know that. They do not realise that going interstate and getting an infringement notice there – come on, we all know when we are driving south around Marla, around Port Augusta, if you are not doing 100 km/h, you are likely to get sprung - is going to affect their demerit points back here. That is something, minister, that you have to do a lot of educating about. This is going to happen in nine days time and there are many people who do not realise that this is going to affect them.
We have to change driver attitude, and I am not quite sure how you do that. It is driver attitude of the young, the irresponsible, who cause the mayhem on our roads. It is not the good people who drive safely. The irresponsible driver has a ‘do not care’ attitude and they do not realise the ramifications of the effect of what they do. Minister, when you are talking about education and implementation in a week’s time all in the one breath, you also need to do the positive as well as the negative. You have to say to those drivers who do drive sensibly and responsibly: ‘It is not going to affect you if you continue to go in that way’.
I do not believe that your demerit points will prevent those irresponsible people. You need to get the cooperation of many people. Let us face it: many of our accidents involve people in communities, or people driving on community roads or bush roads. You need to gain their confidence and to ensure they pass on the message to people when they leaving the communities. In Alice Springs, the advertisements by Philip Alice from Santa Teresa about having your seatbelt on are effective - people see those. However, there are also some very effective television advertisements run by the Queensland government. They are quite shocking in the way they are presented. If the shock effect is good, perhaps we should be using them. All in all, we will be interested to see what happens. I will be like everyone else; I will scream when I lose my first demerit point. I hope I do not ...
Ms Lawrie: Member for Braitling, I hope you do not break the law.
Mrs BRAHAM: I hope I don’t, too, but there is always the chance that any of us could, at any time, for all sorts of reasons. When you give your response, give us some feedback on all those issues I raised because there are many people in the Territory who do not know that this is going to happen and how it is going to affect them.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, I support my colleague, the minister for Transport, and her Transport Legislation (Demerit Points) Amendment Bill.
The Northern Territory Road Safety Task Force report is very clear about the safety of our roads. Sadly, the task force found the risk of being killed on Northern Territory roads is three times greater than anywhere else in Australia. In fact, not only are Territorians at three times the risk of being killed in car crashes than other Australians, we are at greater risk of being killed in crashes than other road users elsewhere in the developed world.
The member for Braitling raised a range of issues including increases in fines and penalties. I point her towards the report, Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative. There are 21 recommendations in there and, as you are aware, government has already moved to implement a significant number of those recommendations. This is one of them. There are some outstanding and yet to be introduced. Government is acting on the report, which was evidence-based. It was a very important report. When a responsible government is in receipt of such disturbing facts and report, we have a responsibility to act. We have done that through the road safety reform package that we initiated in response to the task force report.
It is very important to go to the rationale of the road safety package that was outlined in the report on page 3. It said:
There you have it; it is about sanctions. As has been outlined, the range of sanctions that were comparatively low in the Territory compared with elsewhere in Australia have been put to about the mid-range. Enforcement? Yes, we have invested significantly in enforcement. A Traffic Branch has been reinstituted after it was taken away by the previous government about a decade ago. We have highway patrols operating out of Katherine and Alice Springs, and remote area patrols. The whole enforcement issue is very important. Education is another one.
I am trying to emphasise that this is an integrated package. You can pick bits out and say: ‘Demerits are not going to work’, and ‘Here is this bit of research that questions this part of the operation of demerits’, but what we are looking at is an integrated package. That is very important to remember.
I was minister in this area for some time, and I suppose this report and what flows from it grew up when I was minister. What really impressed me was the Victorian experience. Since 1989, they have had a 54% reduction in their road deaths. Victoria has been held up as an example all around the world. Someone from the United States’ Department of Transportation actually had a look at what had happened in Victoria. The key findings there were, first, the importance of an evidence-driven strategy focusing on major problems and proposing known and effective mechanisms. The strategy must include targets and monitoring mechanisms, committed political leadership supported by committed leadership from agencies responsible for implementing the plan, and cooperation between the key agencies responsible for implementing the plan. That is at the crux of it. I believe demerit points are an integral part, and have been an integral part of what has happened in Victoria.
I will come a bit later on to some of the discussion that the member for Katherine had about some of the research and review of the literature that she has done. I was very impressed by the contribution of the member for Katherine. She raised some very important points and I will address them in what I have to say today.
This demerit points package is part of what we are introducing. Demerit points are an accepted part of the road safety strategies of governments around the world. New South Wales has had a demerit point system since 1969, and countries like the USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Austria have all introduced demerit points systems as part of their road safety strategies.
When we look at road safety and the road toll in other states in Australia and the Australian average, with time there has been a significant decrease since the 1980s as many of these strategies have been implemented. In the Territory, although there has been a decrease, it has not been as significant as what has happened elsewhere in Australia and it has not reduced the road toll to the levels of what we have elsewhere in Australia. In fact, we are over two times the road toll in the Territory compared with the rest of Australia.
No one is pretending that the demerit points system alone is a safe magic bullet, but demerit points will play a valuable role as part of a range of measures this government is introducing to save Territorians and their families from the trauma and misery of serious car crashes.
On page 50 of this report, we look at repeat offenders. It is laid out there that the rate of repeat speeding offences in the Northern Territory is alarming. Statistics from the Northern Territory Police reveal that, during the three years 2003 to 2005, a total of 44 276 people were issued with 74 531 speeding fines. Of these, 18.4% were issued with two speeding fines, 7.7% were issued with three speeding fines, and 7.3% were issued between four and 10 speeding fines, and 134 people were issued with 11 or more speeding fines, with the worst speeding offender being issued with 47 fines in the three-year period. Here we have repeat offenders with no sanctions against them and, obviously, a demerit …
Mr Wood: Yes, and you could disqualify them using existing laws.
Dr BURNS: Just show some courtesy, member for Nelson, please.
Mr Wood: I am sorry.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: You will get your chance.
Mr Wood: You mob do not interrupt?
Dr BURNS: I am having my say now, and what I am saying is - and you do not like it - that there are repeat offenders with no sanctions on them.
What we also find - and the evidence shows and the member for Katherine acknowledged this in some of what she had to say - was that offending behaviour has been shown to slow amongst a significant set of drivers when they accumulate demerit points. The member for Katherine said that yesterday. She also said that those who were most likely to be involved in crashes had significantly more demerit points than those who would not. So we have two things at work here. One, we have one group of drivers who are sensible, if you like - I forget the exact terminology that the member for Katherine used. However, people will say: ‘Oh, hold on, I have accumulated a few demerit points here. I had better be careful how I drive. I do not want to accumulate any more. My livelihood, my life, my social life is at stake here. I will slow my behaviour’.
There is another group of people - and it does not matter which law in the universe you are talking about - who are going to try to ignore and break that law and just be basic anarchists. That is what the member for Katherine was saying yesterday. That is the group we are going to be taking off the road, because they are going to have their licence taken off them by the demerit points system. It is common sense. That is why I support the demerit points system. It was not an argument that the member for Katherine expanded on, although I do commend her for her offering yesterday. I thought it was well researched and she raised some valid points. That is my response to the issues that the member for Katherine raised yesterday.
As Health Minister, I have spoken to enough health professionals to understand the reality of serious of car crashes. Our health professionals, the people on the frontline dealing with the results of car crashes, have publicly endorsed our efforts to turn around the Territory’s tragic road safety record. We have a big problem here; there are many people injured and dying on our roads. The carnage has to stop.
I will say just one other thing: this is a voluntary scheme; you do not have to join it. You have to transgress the law that exists to get a demerit point. It is as simple as that. I have been living in the Territory on and off for 30 years. I did live away from the Territory for a period during the 1980s. I cannot remember ever having received a traffic fine in the Northern Territory. It is a very small number of people - and it is in the report here somewhere, member for Nelson …
Mrs Braham: 31%.
Dr BURNS: A small percentage of people …
Mr Wood: Yes, one in three - 370 people. There are 119 600 not affected.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … who actually progress to have their licence taken off them. It says:
The majority of citizens are not going to be affected by this. It is only going to be those people who transgress and, particularly, those people who are repeat offenders who previously had no sanctions on them at all. I emphasise again: this is a voluntary scheme and you do not have to join it.
However, to get back to health, which is something I am concerned about. We are talking about rights and privileges and all the rest of it. Weigh that against losing a loved one - a son or a daughter - in a traffic accident. We are a government that is prepared to take hard decisions and hard steps. This is one of them. I am not pretending that, along with speed limits, it is popular. I know that both this measure and the speed limits measure are not popular. However, I believe that it will have a positive effect. I believe it will save lives. That is why I am standing here today and speaking for this bill; because I deeply believe that it will.
We had a previous CLP government that really let the road safety thing bubble along - or the lack of it - for a long time. We are a government that is getting out and doing something. We will get whacked for it; I know that. The member for Nelson is going to get up and play his populist politics as he does – his flat earth politics. Let him do it. However, I know that at the end of the day this is going to save lives, and that is why I am standing up here in this parliament and speaking for this bill.
The statistics are irrefutable that, basically, we do have a big problem. We are a government that commissioned the report, just like the Little Children are Sacred report. We are acting on the recommendations of that report. It is also a furphy for anyone to pretend that this is a revenue-raising measure. It is not a revenue-raising measure, nor are the police going to tighten up the laws so that if you are 1 km/h over you are going to get pinged and it is going to mean revenue in the government coffers. Of course not. The traffic laws are going to be administered the same way as they always have. That is the fact of the matter.
It is true that our younger drivers - and it is something that the member for Katherine raised yesterday - are statistically a greater risk every time they get behind a wheel. They are overrepresented in the crash statistics and the mortality statistics. We are implementing a graduated driver licensing scheme to try to reduce the amount of death and carnage in that particular age group. I am hopeful that the demerit points system can play a role in reducing the carnage in that particular age group also.
If we are talking about hoons, it is another way that hoons, if they transgress the law - ultimately demerit points are another worry along with losing their car - that they are going to have to worry about.
Basically, we have introduced categories for demerit points which include drink driving with a blood alcohol less than 0.08; speeding; failure to wear seat belts; using hand-held phones while driving and while displaying an L- or P-plate; disobeying traffic signals; and disobeying level crossing signals. In all, there will be some 23 separate traffic offences which will attract demerit points. Most offences covered by the system attract three points; driving without L- or P-plates will earn young drivers loss of two points, and the category for hand-held phones does apply just to young drivers on those plates. Twelve to 15 demerit points over three years will mean a three-month suspension of licence; 16 to 19 points will earn a four-month suspension; and 20 or more points will mean five months suspension.
These are very important steps, and we are intent on introducing them. It is a system which penalises repeat offenders. It is not a revenue-raising measure. It is also a pretty stark way of warning someone ‘if you keep on this path you are going to lose your licence’.
It is a measure that I can commend. In the Territory we will have fewer offences that attract demerit points than other places, so we should see an even lower proportion of drivers being affected.
I commend this bill to the House. The road toll is unacceptably high. Every road death or major road trauma is an additional cost for the Territory financially. From memory, it totalled some $300m per annum if you add up all the health costs, and people’s loss of productivity. It is a huge cost for the Northern Territory. A government must do what it can to try to protect its citizens, particularly its young citizens. The introduction of demerit points, I believe, will help us save lives of Territorians. I have said that I do not believe it is a magic solution, but I do believe that an integrated plan such as this, which focuses on all aspects, sanctions, education and enforcement, will be successful. We should get behind this measure and stand up to be counted.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Deputy Speaker, the honourable member in his support of this bill - which I do not support - made claims that members opposite were engaging in populist politics. I would like to know what the claims made by the honourable member with regards to removing traffic lights was about, which has not occurred. Also …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I did not make a claim of removing traffic lights as the member for Blain is trying to assert. I said that I was against the unnecessary proliferation of traffic lights. That is what I said. I did not say I was going to remove all traffic lights.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I did not hear the comment in relation to what the Minister for Health said. Minister, if you would you like to make a personal explanation, please do. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, please continue.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Second was the pseudo - as we now know - outrage in the lead-up to the last election when there was a suggestion that speed limits were going to be threatened in the Northern Territory. It is now just appalling to see the hypocrisy of those opposite now taking a contrary position when it suits them. On one hand, they are happy to take a position to defend something in the interests of populism but, when it comes to another time, you have a completely different position, and the same earnest and sincere folk are standing up and saying exactly the opposite to what they once held dear.
Finally, there have been strong positions held popularly regarding demerit points. Now we have a completely opposite position. We are expected to believe that this is well considered, deeply thought out and very sincere. It comes from a mindset that has greater confidence in systems than in people. We are talking about another layer to try to achieve a systemic response when, really, we should be looking at people themselves and finding the most effective means to change the behaviour of an individual person. How do you do that? You have sufficient measures at your disposal now to do that.
I urge you to consider the tweaking of the very strategies that you already have at your disposal such as alcohol in drivers. You have the means to change driver behaviour by increasing the number of breathalyser checks on drivers if you are genuine about achieving the objective that we all want to see achieved. You do not have to have another bureaucratic layer put on top. How much does this layer cost? We do not know. How much is it going to slow down the whole system of operation? We do not know. I suspect it is something that allows those who have a belief that systems and structures solve problems not believe that people are the ones who solve problems. It is people who take responsibility for their own actions and, if they cross the line, you have the means to be able to bring them up short such as a breathalyser check and the penalties that you have already outlined. They could be more strategically focused.
You do not have to go down this extra step. You walk away with a sense that you have done something significant. You put a new regime, another layer of bureaucracy on top and you walk away thinking you have done a wonderful thing. Not necessarily. I come from Western Australia. They have a system in place there which is the same kind of murkiness that operates there. There is no clear evidence that it has made a significant change to driver behaviour. There are many other ways that you can affect people’s behaviour; that is, if you consider how you engage a person.
The number of breathalyser checks really exposed how genuine government was with regards to their range of strategies that they wanted to employ to change driver behaviour. We want it changed, but you do not have to go the whole hog and say: ‘Isn’t that a pretty piece of work? It is just like all the states and now I feel comfortable’. I do not think you are really confident because you know it is alcohol. You know that you can take the progressive step and really up the ante with breathalyser checks. We discovered all the well intentioned actions of government resulted, in fact, in the system conducting fewer breathalyser checks than before.
We have had the imposition of a reduction of speed on roads. That may make you feel good because you have done something that appears to be right, but it is not necessarily producing the outcome you desire. If the outcome you desire is a sense that we put in a new system in place that looks good, you have your outcome. However, if it has changed driver behaviour, we can see the evidence whether it has or has not. What it has done, in terms of driver behaviour, means that I now spend my time driving down the highway looking more at my speedo than at the road. I am more conscious now of the speed than the conditions ...
Ms Lawrie: Do you have cruise control?
Mr MILLS: No, I do not. I look at my dial to ensure that I am staying within the limits. Once, I knew my vehicle, I knew the conditions and I knew what I was capable of managing, and I made a different level of consideration as to my own decisions and how I was going to drive. It did not necessarily mean that I was trying to go as fast as I possibly could. I am a responsible person. I took responsibility for my own decisions. Now, I am having to look at the dial because a caucus has decided that I have to now watch the dial. They may feel comfortable about that, but I have had a sense of freedom and personal responsibility diminished, as other people have.
If we want to strengthen our society, our community, we need to breathe life into that sense of personal responsibility. Now, I am finding NT government vehicles passing me as I am driving along watching the dial instead of the road, as many others are. That is because, I guess, that in certain departments, they are pretty thin on the ground - that is, those who are working remote - and they are rushing from place to place, and trying their best to get there, I presume, just to cover for them. However, I am being passed by other vehicles. We are all now aware of this magical, safe …
Mr Bonson: Is that an observation or comment?
Members interjecting.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: The point of this is that something that you once opposed in the interests of gaining popular support prior to an election is now something you have implemented now that you have a vast majority and this misguided notion, by putting in new systems, that you are going to achieve something in the greater good.
However, we are not enhancing the personal responsibility that people need to take. There are plenty of measures that you can apply, and apply effectively, if you are serious.
Government is making this decision. They have had different positions when it suits their political fortune. Now, they have a rush of blood and they are off and racing down this track. I believe you are making a serious mistake. You are going to be changing people’s behaviour, indeed. You are going to transfer their responsibility, generally, more to the state. They will now expect government to take greater care of them, because government is now taking care for everything that was once a personal responsibility. Now you are uploading it, and people will now start to not take personal responsibility. That will be slightly less, because the role of government is increasing: they care so much they will pass all sorts of legislation to care for you. They put all sorts of systems in place to keep you safe. You do not have to worry too much about anything, because government is here to look after you. That, in fact, has a negative effect. People expect, then, government to take this role.
I believe that, as a society, we need to go down another track. This is an example that some folk may well be nourished by; that this sort of approach is going to produce some kind of outcome that is beneficial. I argue the contrary. You have enough at your disposal to enhance that sense of personal responsibility without having to go down this track, and achieve our objectives in the short- and long-term. You have already had demonstrated, very tragically so, that the attempt to change driver behaviour has not produced the dramatic results that we all anticipated and hoped for, that we wanted. I have seen a fatality on the road, and that was something that was horrible to see. I want to see people take responsibility. The one that I saw was a result of alcohol and speed. I do not believe …
Mr Bonson: We are just disagreeing how you effect it, is that the question? We are not disagreeing on the principle.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Millner!
Members interjecting.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: For the reasons I have outlined, I do not believe it is a necessary step for government to take. They have decided to take it. I believe it is ill-considered. I believe it is, in fact, nave, and it will not enhance our chances of achieving the objectives that we all desire to be achieved; that is, people taking greater responsibility and care on the road. Other states have not reinforced my belief in anything contrary to what I have just said. I believe that, within our disposal, we have adequate measures to rein in irresponsible drivers. I know that we hold up Victoria as a great example but, by contrast, the Northern Territory is vastly different jurisdiction. I still have a belief that Territorians, if approached respectfully, can change their behaviour. We need to put more of an effort into education, and tighten and strengthen the delivery of education for young drivers if we are serious about this. We need to look at those who run red lights, and focus our energies on that rather than this broad response that is going to consume a lot of bureaucratic energy into some new system that is really going to target the same people, when you could have that same resource targeted right onto the ground to those who cross the line.
Therefore, Mr Deputy Speaker, I do not support it. The CLP does not support the introduction of demerit points; it is misguided.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Mr Deputy Speaker, it has been an interesting debate. The opposition’s position on this is not surprising and, I have to say, incredibly disappointing. The tone of the former principal’s lecture, the member for Blain, was that it is ill-considered and nave, and ill-thought out.
I will point out to the member for Blain Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative, the NT Road Safety Task Force report. If you have not read it, I strongly recommend that you do. The demerit points scheme that we are introducing through the passage of this legislation which comes into effect on 1 September was one of the key recommendations of the task force. The people who sat on the task force came from a range of expertise - transport, health, and police expertise. They were all long-term Territorians, each having lived in the Territory for over 20 years, and all experienced, capable experts. To call this response that they have recommended, and the government has been bold enough to adopt, ‘ill-considered’ and ‘nave’ is an absolute slap in the face to the experts.
You are calling Jim Lloyd, your own Liberal mate Roads minister, ill-considered and nave. He fully supports the introduction of demerit points. He has called for it for years. We know the history of the Territory. We know that previous CLP Cabinets flirted with introducing demerit points schemes; knew that they have their role to play in an overall package of preventative measures to deal with the unacceptable road trauma in the Territory. We know the debates of the past, and they backed away. They were too politically lily-livered to take on the tough measures the government should adopt in good public policy to address the unacceptable road trauma.
Member for Katherine, you can smirk, which surprises me because you, better than most of us in this Chamber, understand the effects of road trauma on the lives of Territorians who have to pick up the shattered pieces that are the consequence. A Territorian dies on our roads every week; and nine are seriously injured. We have three times the national road toll. Even if you take on the spurious argument that I hear from members of the opposition from time to time, including the Independents: ‘Oh, but that is indigenous Territorians’. I think: ‘Hello! We are talking about Territorians here. It is not a race-based issue here’. Even if you take out the indigenous statistics from those horrendous road trauma statistics, we are still twice the national average in our road toll.
A response is long overdue, and it was the Martin Labor government that had the strength, under the previous minister of Transport, the now Minister for Health, and the Chief Minister’s guidance, to embark down the road of requesting a Road Safety Task Force report. We did not give them a charter of ‘thou shalt come back with these recommendations’. We let the experts do their job and come back with their views on what needs to be done.
The CLP opposition has announced that they will oppose the bill. They have also stated that this bill will make our roads safer. We find ourselves in a somewhat remarkable position here. On ABC radio, the member for Katherine was speaking about demerit points and said:
It is not just Fay Miller who argues that demerit points make our roads safer. The insurance industry has an obvious interest in road safety, and they do extensive research on the methods that best achieve road safety outcomes. As Trent Sayer from AAMI said when this legislation was introduced:
By admitting that demerit points will make our roads safer but then refusing to support them, the opposition is clearly saying that they are putting politics before saving lives. The CLP has argued that demerit points have not worked in other states. There is not one single government or opposition at the Commonwealth, state or territory level in Australia that agrees with them. The fact is that you are three times more likely to be killed on our roads than anywhere else in Australia. Road tolls in many other states are now at record lows.
The member for Katherine specifically referred to South Australia. She said that demerit points had failed there. Last year, South Australia had their lowest road toll since records were kept. Demerit points have helped achieve that. If we can cut our road toll in half like several other states, then I will be very relieved because lives will have been saved.
The member for Katherine referred to several reports or studies to try to support her opposition to a demerit points system. Not one of these reports suggested that a demerit points system did not work – quite the opposite. The first report she referred to was the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1994. She failed to mention that this report made 10 recommendations to expand and increase the Victorian demerit points system. The recommendations were accepted and Victoria’s road toll has subsequently plummeted. She then referred to a Monash University Accident Research Centre study. I have been to the university and spoken to the experts there. I can tell you that they are very supportive of demerit points. To suggest that they are opposed to demerit points would be like suggesting the CLP supports the waterfront. It simply flies in the face of years of public statements.
I challenge the member for Katherine: contact the Monash Accident Research Centre and ask them to endorse your suggestion that their research does not support demerit points. The member for Katherine then referred to a report from the University of Sienna in Italy. The very first sentence of this report points out that demerit points are acceptable throughout most of the developed world. The report is an analysis of different components and strategies within a demerit points system and the effects of these strategies on different demographies. The member for Katherine has form on this misrepresentation of academic reports. In May this year, she put out a media release suggesting that an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report supported a CLP stance on speed limits. The report said no such thing. Again, I challenge the member for Katherine to contact the author of the report and ask him to come out and agree with her. I can tell you that he will not – quite the opposite.
In debate on demerit points, the member for Katherine raised the issue of cyclists wearing helmets and she stated:
This is false. The government rejects demerit points for cyclists. Many cyclists do not have a driver’s licence so I am not sure how the CLP plans to implement that suggestion. It is compulsory for both adults and children to wear a helmet when cycling on the road.
Mrs Miller: No, it is a choice for adults.
Ms LAWRIE: I pick up the interjection. The member for Katherine says no, that is not true. I refer you to the legislation. On bike paths where there is no interaction with traffic it is not compulsory for an adult to wear a helmet.
In the debate the CLP claimed that:
The most disappointing aspect of this statement is that, clearly, they did not even bother to read the legislation. The demerit points are particularly tough on young drivers. L- and P-plate drivers have a stricter threshold of five points within 12 months. Demerit points also crack down on young drivers using mobile phones, and the anti-hooning offences that attract demerit points are clearly aimed at our young men. It is another case of the CLP saying they are opposed to demerit points but that, indeed, they should be tougher.
We also saw this position in relation to alcohol when the CLP said they opposed demerit points, but they should be higher for drink driving. The CLP has failed to recognise that drink driving involves serious licence suspensions. You lose your licence and you get demerit points, which will still be sitting there when you get your licence back. The CLP, in their response, outlined a remarkable theory that because people with a high number of demerit points tend to be more likely to be involved in a crash, therefore, we should not have demerit points. This is like saying repeat property crime offenders are more likely to commit property crimes and, therefore, we should scrap property crime offences. It is bizarre
The CLP has said that demerit points will penalise people who only occasionally speed a little. Again, they have completely missed the point of demerit points. People in this category have little to fear from demerit points. The whole point is that they do not adversely affect infrequent offenders. They only adversely affect the kind of person who gets caught breaking the law 47 times in three years as we have seen in the Territory. Under the CLP’s approach, this hoon has nothing to worry about and can continually put the lives of responsible drivers and their families at risk.
Finally, the government rejects the CLP’s position that regular users of the road, such as truck and taxi drivers, should not have to comply with the road laws to the same extent as other road users,. Most members of the community expect our professionally trained drivers to obey the road laws just the same as the rest of us.
The member for Nelson made some positive comments in relation to the intention of demerit points, but he flagged he would oppose the bill. His main reason for opposing the bill was that he thought we should be minimalist and not have unnecessary legislation, and the principle of demerit points could be done through simply suspending licences based on repeated infringements of certain offences. This is not minimalist.
Member for Nelson, what you proposed would require a system to keep track of exactly how many times every driver has infringed every particular offence and monitor up to half a dozen trigger points rather than one. Interaction with other jurisdictions, which all have different systems, would be a logistical and administrative nightmare. The only option would be to not interact with the other states which would mean interstate drivers would be free to infringe on our roads while the locals cannot. I do not think that you understand the suggestion would require a whole new customised IT system built from scratch and numerous staff employed to administer it. With the demerit points system, we are picking up on a national scheme with proven systems. Our model is minimalist compared with yours.
Member for Nelson, you thought that we were using a sledge hammer to crack a peanut. It is true that very few people will lose their licence as a result of demerit points, but that is because we are targeting the hoons. While these hoons may not make up a large percentage of the population, they put the lives of every other road user in danger. As the member for Katherine said, demerit points make our roads safer and so they help everyone.
The member for Nelson also questioned why we have demerit points for using a mobile phone when there are other potential distractions. It was not really clear whether he was advocating people should be penalised for changing a cassette or, in modern parlance, a CD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified four types of driver distraction: visual, that is things you see; auditory, things you hear; physical, things you do with your hands; and cognitive, things you think about. Using a mobile phone ticks all four boxes. The use of hand-held mobile phones is banned in all Australian states and territories and penalties apply for non-compliance.
The member for Nelson also had this curious position of arguing against the demerit points system but then argued for additional offences and more points for certain offences. He talked about how people in the rural area should be given some sort of concession because they have less access to alternative transport. Then he argued that we should be confiscating people’s cars. Are you suggesting that this would also not apply in the rural area?
Mr Wood: No, I just want more buses.
Ms LAWRIE: The member for Nelson raised education. Well, member for Nelson, 11 of the 21 Road Safety Task Force recommendations that the government has accepted, funded and is implementing, all involve education and awareness. I can confirm that, once this bill is passed, we will conduct an awareness campaign to inform the public on how the demerit points system works. Additionally, as people accrue the points they will be sent information explaining the system.
The member for Nelson is often talking about cracking down on hoons, but this bill does that. The contribution of the member for Nelson certainly suggested that you thought the bill would improve road safety. You support the concept that hoons are serious repeat offenders and that they should lose their licence. I know you have indicated that you intend to oppose it, but I ask you: do you think it will improve road safety? Do you think that hoons should lose their licence? Then shouldn’t you be supporting this bill today? You may not think the bill is perfect, but if you think it will save lives then you should vote for it accordingly.
Turning to the member for Nelson’s amendment, I support the intent of the amendment. However, the first and most important point is that this amendment is not relevant to the main target of demerit points: our young drivers. The amendments that you are proposing would not apply to those most at risk of killing themselves and others. Demerit points are particularly tough on our young L- and P-plate drivers. The incentive that the member for Nelson proposes simply would not apply to them. You would need three years and a full licence before any concession kicked in. A high percentage of young drivers do not own their own vehicle and, hence, would not benefit from a registration concession.
A couple of other points. There is already a considerable financial incentive not to get demerit points; that is, every offence that attracts demerit points also attracts an existing fine - fines that this government has, in many cases, doubled in previous legislation. Demerit points specifically target the kind of person who simply ignores the financial implications of their irresponsible driving. We are talking about people, and we have seen the example, who get 47 offences in three years. They have copped 47 fines, so a discount off their registration is hardly likely to alter their driving record.
There is also complexity around the licence versus registration component of the amendment. Licences are not linked to registration. People with company cars would miss out on the incentive. People whose family car is registered under the family company for tax reasons would simply miss out on the incentive. Registration is only a small component of the annual registration fees. Insurance fees are the largest component ...
Mr Wood: Yes, we are including that.
Ms LAWRIE: No other state has this scheme. Even without it, experience …
Mr Wood: We would be leading the way.
Ms LAWRIE: Let me finish. Even without it, experience in other states show that 70% of drivers do not get demerit points. Under the proposed amendment, up to 70% of the population could get up to 60% discount. We are talking tens of millions of dollars per year. Let us say it is $23m, for argument’s sake, member for Nelson. A significant hit. It would absolutely limit the government’s capacity to keep up our record spending on road safety initiatives. Critically important to this is our record spending on fixing up the Territory road network. Only 23% of our road network is sealed.
Member for Nelson, you have a bush electorate. You know how much needs to be spent to play catch-up, to get our road network to a point where it could be considered safe. Too many Territorians are losing their lives on our narrow bush roads which have eroding shoulders or, in some cases, no shoulders and, in other cases, single lanes with big trucks coming down them - let alone trying to look at the fatigue rest stop areas that we need to put in under national regimes. I reiterated this to the Commonwealth government on many occasions. Just as we know that successive Commonwealth governments have failed the Territory on a range of basic infrastructure post-self-government and even pre-self-government, the roads network has being underfunded by the Commonwealth. I cannot, in all conscience, say: ‘Let us take $23m out of our capacity to address a core safety concern’, which is increasing our roads funding - which this government absolutely has done and continues to do. I repeat: this year’s Territory roads budget is a record $180m. We have increased the repairs and maintenance, up $7.5m this year, but with a forward commitment publicly announced into the tens of millions of dollars. I am not going to back away from taking the arguments to the Commonwealth regarding all of the road funding. They could dip into their $19bn surplus and give us a fraction of that to address our unsafe roads.
Therefore, member for Nelson, under the amendment, after 18 years of good driving if you get caught once, maybe at 15 km/h over the limit, your 18 years of good driving record will be wiped out under your amendment - back to square one.
The demerit points scheme is about targeting those who continually break the law, not punishing those who break the law once every 18 years ...
Mr Wood: That is not punishing them; they just do not get the discount.
Ms LAWRIE: Oh, yes, they will be pretty upset about losing the discount on their registration, Gerry. They would see that as a punishment, mate. Go and have a talk to someone about that one.
Additionally, according to the amendments as written, you could lose your licence for a serious drink-driving offence but still keep your registration discount.
Lastly, this amendment is about paying people to obey the law. Fundamentally, the member for Nelson’s amendment is about paying people to obey the law. Well, we do not do that. We do not believe it is the role of government to pay people to obey the law. We heard the member for Blain on his usual rant about personal responsibility. What kind of personal responsibility is occurring when you are paying someone to break the law?
I thank the Minister for Health for contributing in today’s debate on demerit points. He clearly articulated it was no easy decision for government to take; to first of all seek a no-holds-barred road safety task force report. It was no easy decision to step through each of those comprehensive, tough measures in the 21 recommendations and adopt them. We knew we were tackling some Territory icons in those. We knew we would cop a bit of a political beating from some - and I emphasise some - members of the community. Quite frankly, I have had many mums and dads come up to me as minister for Transport and say: ‘Thank you. Thank you for introducing speed limits. I am no longer as scared driving to Katherine as I used to be when lunatics would speed up behind me, close on my tail and risk my life, my kid’s lives, and their lives in impatent overtaking’. They also said: ‘Demerit points will not affect me because I do not break the laws. I do not speed, I do not run red lights, and I do not drink and drive’.
Our demerit points scheme has been fair. As minister for Transport, I stood up and said to the public: ‘We will introduce a fair scheme. Unlike other jurisdictions you will not be attracting demerit points for failing to indicate when you move to change lanes’, or for having the broken tail light, an example the member for Nelson used yesterday. We are very clearly targeting the main causes of our road trauma in our demerit point scheme. Other schemes have hundreds of different infringements that attract demerit points. Ours is very clearly targeting people who fail to wear seat belts, who speed, who drink and drive, who run red lights, and who fail to deal with level crossings appropriately, the hoon behaviour on our roads, and the dangers of young drivers using hand-held mobile phones. They target very clearly, very specifically, the main causes of our road trauma.
We did not introduce hundreds of demerit point attracting infringements like other jurisdictions have. Yes, we will interact with the other states and territories, because we recognise people move around. Defence families come and go from the Territory, tourists come and go from the Territory, so there has to be that interaction with the other schemes around Australia. I thank the Minister for Health for talking about the importance of the entire package of road safety reforms of which demerit points are one part.
I was at Alice Springs at a function and someone came up to me and said: ‘Thank you. I am an ambulance driver. I too often pick up broken bodies on our roads. I am sick of it. Thank you for your government being bold enough to introduce a range of road safety reforms and whilst some of them may not be particularly popular with some people’, that ambo driver looked me in the eye and said, ‘I believe they are going to save lives. At least you are having a go at trying to save our road trauma’. That is a message we got very clearly from the AMA, and from the doctors and nurses of the emergency departments.
For those people who oppose the demerit points scheme, this is my challenge: talk to the people who daily deal with the road trauma, with the lives of Territorians shattered, with the families’ abject grief, the death and, importantly, the serious injuries on our roads every week. One person dies and nine are seriously injured every week. Demerit points have been proven to address repeat dangerous driving behaviour. It is about changing the culture of our road users.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
In committee:
Clauses 1 to 3, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 4:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.1. This amendment reflects the amalgamation of the demerit points schedule and the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule which is dealt with within amendment 22.4. Amendment 22.4 only amalgamates information previously provided. No demerit points offences or point values have been added or changed.
Amendment agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.2. Clause 4, section 33B is amended by omitting section 33B(2) and substituting new sections 33B(2) and (3). Section 33B includes when an interstate driver becomes liable to suspension because of demerit points reaching the suspension threshold. This amendment ensures that the suspension threshold for interstate full licence holders is the same as Territory full licence holders. This means that any demerit points licence sanction can be recognised across Australian jurisdictions.
Mr WOOD: Mr Chairman, I was wondering if you could explain this a little more clearly. Section 33B(2) says:
Looking at section 33B(2)(a)(ii):
Then section 33B(3) says:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I am advised that it picks up overseas licence holders as well as interstate licence holders.
Mr WOOD: Thank you. So an overseas licence holder, where there are no demerit points systems, then would not come under the normal number of demerit points? You would have five only?
Ms LAWRIE: That is right; five within 12 months.
Mr WOOD: I will give you an example in reverse. The Northern Territory does not have demerit points, not quite yet. When we drive interstate, are we hit with a similar rule?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, there is a similar rule regarding visiting drivers in other jurisdictions and the application of demerit points. There are overseas people coming in on a work permit situation who are here for a period of time.
Mr WOOD: Right. Then my follow-up question is: why has five been picked? What is the reasoning? What is wrong with a driver from England? We may have a problem with people driving on the other side of the road, but why have you picked five instead of 12?
Ms LAWRIE: It reflects the fact that our road conditions are different from overseas road conditions. That is one point. The other point is that on the full points, if you like, on a full licence - the 12 points over the three years - the type of drivers we are picking up are those who are here for about one to two years, so the other full provisions would not be the appropriate ones to apply.
Amendment agreed to.
Mr WOOD: Mr Chairman, I move an amendment to insert a new Division 6A. I listened to the minister’s response to my proposed amendment. I understand that there could be various options in relation to what I am suggesting. I am proposing this as a serious option. There was a tendency by the minister to give a slant on this particular amendment to make it look like the government was paying you to be a good driver, and if you did get a demerit point and had to go back to your original registration fee, you are being punished.
I do not think it is in the same form of punishment as losing your licence. You still have to pay, you were not taken off the road; you just did not get the discount. In relation to the government paying you to be a good person on the road, I would put it that the government is encouraging you to drive well by not having to pay as much for your registration.
My argument is, and I deviate slightly, because you said this would cost the government $28m, well …
Ms Lawrie: No. I said tens of millions and I gave you a hypothetical example.
Mr WOOD: All right, so you have a hypothetical amount of money, but this money - tell me if I am wrong - you were referring to was the money that is collected for third party insurance; that is, to cover the cost of injured people in accidents?
Ms Lawrie: This would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: No, I am saying this comes out of your registration fee, which is a small amount for rego.
Ms Lawrie: No hypothecation - it would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: The registration fee itself is relatively small, the large part of your rego is your third party is insurance. That is the large amount; that is …
Ms Lawrie: But to attach it to the demerit points scheme, it would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: I am saying …
Ms Lawrie: Twenties of millions of dollars off the Roads budget
Mr WOOD: Right. The logic behind what I am trying to do is that, if most of our third party registration is in place because of accidents, if you can encourage people not to have accidents, which means that fewer people are injured, you would not need as much money to pay for those injuries. So if you can do something to encourage those people to drive better, using that fund of money, which we call a third party fund, then surely there is some sense in that. Whether it is 10%, or 2% or 3%, we could argue about that. The principle behind what was being done is to say, you are bringing in another system - do not forget this is a parallel system of punishment; you already have a system of punishment which says you get disqualified for drink driving, and you can get hit with fairly severe fines for not having your seatbelts on. However, at the same time we will have a parallel set of punishments, which are demerit points, and when they add up to something you get hit again.
I am saying, if you are going to put all that sort of stick approach why do you not try to put some carrot? Why do you not try to encourage people? It would be good PR for the government. I do not think taking the demerit points away is necessarily a good thing - when I say that the government’s approach to the demerit points is not necessarily popular. What I am saying is if you are trying to sell something that you believe is not popular, here is a way of at least doing that.
I take exception, as it tends to be inferred that when a person on this side of the House says that he does not support the demerit points but thinks we could do it this way, therefore, I am a supporter of people dying on the road. I hear these stories about the ambulance drivers. I do not want people to die on the roads. I do not want car accidents. I am not looking at a minimalist approach. If it was a minimalist approach we probably would not have any laws. I am just saying that if you tinkered with the existing laws we probably could achieve the same thing. I know you do not agree with that; that is fair enough. I am not here to die on the stake for it, but I do not believe that, because I have a different point of view, I am supporting a regime which is going to support more people dying on the road. I am not coming from that point of view.
People could say I was populist; I heard it today. You could say introducing this was populist. I could also say, on your side of the House, minister, that the safety report said all highways should be 110 km/h. You knew that would be extremely unpopular. You went out and got the evidence which helped you make a decision which was less unpopular, which was 130 km/h. Do not tell me people in this parliament do not at times make decisions which have a slight popular tinge to them but, at the same time …
A member: Responsible.
Mr WOOD: Well, yes, we do sometimes.
A member: We are showing leadership. I would not say it is popular.
Mr WOOD: I am not denying that either. I am saying that there are other points of view. I am giving a different point of view; it does not make me a supporter of people driving badly. It just says you are increasing the bureaucracy and the amount of work that our administrators and our bureaucracy have to do. You could do it cheaper and just as effectively without increasing the laws.
If you are going down the path of demerit points, have a look at the amendment I am putting forward. I am interested to know whether the government - even though I know it is not going to support the amendment - even if it does not support the amendment, will at least consider looking at some reward program for people who do drive well. That would be something we can lead Australia in. We do not have many drivers; we are not New South Wales. Why don’t we encourage those people to drive well?
In the end, many of these people we are talking about, the 1% or 2% of people driving around in unregistered cars, live in the bush. Many of those people would be Aboriginal people. That is the reality. Many of those people keep driving. Why do we not add a little carrot to the process and see if we can encourage those people to do the best thing …
Ms Lawrie: It is called enforcement, Gerry. There are going to be police out there.
Mr WOOD: That might be the case, but I hope that when the minister says ‘I do not support this amendment’, she will at least support the concept. I ask the government to at least consider some sort of reward process that would promote good driving without just a punitive requirement this existing legislation will have when it comes through.
Ms LAWRIE: I thank the member for Nelson for his intent. I know he takes his role in here very seriously. He gave a lot of consideration to the legislation and identified this amendment. As I said in my wrapping-up, I support the intent of the amendment; however, it is unworkable and impractical. As I explained, it would not target the people we need to really target to change their behaviour, which is the young drivers, the ones who are 20 times more likely to kill or hurt themselves and others, because it excludes the L-platers and P-platers in the amendment.
It would be a bureaucratic administrative disaster. You would have to set up a whole IT system, that no one has developed and does not exist or operate anywhere, from scratch. You would also have to have a lot of administrative staff in place because, as I explained, they would be tracking a myriad of different infringements rather than one points system. Administratively and bureaucratically, it would be a disaster, Gerry. It just is not workable. Though I support the intent, it is not just workable. The government cannot support the amendment.
Amendment negatived.
Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 5 and 6, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 7:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.3. Clause 7 is amended by removing reference to Schedule 1A and substituting Schedule 1. This reflects the amalgamation of the demerit points schedule and the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule which is dealt with in amendment 22.4.
Amendment agreed to.
Clause 7, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 8 to 16, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 17:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I invite defeat of clause 17. This makes way for the replacement of demerit points Schedule 1A with a new amalgamated Schedule 1 which incorporates demerit points schedule with the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule – this is dealt with in amendment 22.4.
Clause 17 negatived.
Proposed new clause 17:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.4 to insert a new clause 17. This is the new amalgamated Schedule 1 to the Traffic Regulations which incorporates the demerit point schedule with the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule. This is an amalgamation of information previously provided. No demerit points offences or point values have been added or changed. The Traffic Infringement Schedule has not been changed except to specify offence sources. This improves the transparency of the demerit points scheme.
New clause 17 agreed to.
Remainder of the bill, by leave, taken as a whole and agreed to.
Bill reported; report adopted.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I put on the record my thanks to the Road Safety Task Force experts who came up with the report and, importantly, the staff of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, particularly in the area of road safety. They have worked tirelessly in bringing the range of recommendations and report to fruition. Particularly difficult, of course, was implementing a whole new system of demerit points. I thank them for the commitment and dedication they have shown in taking on an extremely difficult and complex task, and keeping it well within the time lines to see implementation effective as of 1 September. I also thank the staff in my office.
Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Madam SPEAKER: I am going to call on the Minister for Child Protection, whom I have given leave to provide information to a question asked at Question Time today.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Child Protection)(by leave): Madam Speaker, in Question Time today, the Leader of the Opposition asked a question of the Chief Minister, which was referred to me as Minister for Child Protection, about the reporting of child abuse. She asked me to advise the Chamber of the apprehension and conviction rates of indigenous and non-indigenous child sex offenders in the Northern Territory.
As the Leader of the Opposition knows, the figures to which she was referring are given and analysed on pages 250 to 252 of the Wild/Anderson report. The Leader of the Opposition should have a look at those pages because she will be able to get the information required on those pages.
Continued from 21 August 2007.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement in relation to Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage. This is yet another landmark statement to the House, and an action plan to combat the huge disadvantage and the issues within remote and regional indigenous communities. This report goes beyond the Wild/Anderson report into the sexual abuse of children in remote communities, and it needs to.
The report highlighted the systemic problems in communities, the levels of sexual abuse, alcohol abuse and a whole range of issues in those communities. That needs to be tackled. However, the underlying causes of those problems need to also be tackled or we will always be spending countless millions of dollars on putting endless bandaids on significant problems. This is what the Closing the Gap initiative goes to. It is an intergenerational plan of action to directly target both the symptoms and causes of disadvantage in the community.
I would like to move through some of the report and make some specific references to my electorate. Alcohol and drugs are a huge problem within remote communities and in my electorate. There are countless roadhouses, pubs and regional towns which have numerous liquor outlets, so the addition of eight new alcohol compliance inspectors is welcome. We need to not only address issues of the supply of takeaway alcohol, but we also manage the supply of alcohol within the premises of liquor outlets. Eight new inspectors are certainly going to be welcome at a cost of $1.35m, which is a huge injection.
The licensing identification system, the idEye as it is commonly known, is something that both the member for Katherine and I have being calling for in Katherine for quite some time, since our visit to Groote Eylandt where we saw the system in place. It is sad that the member for Braitling did not come on that trip because she is one person coming out against it. It might have changed her opinion of the system because it has certainly had a huge impact on the lives of both drinkers and non-drinkers and support staff within that community and the economic development of the area. So, $3.77m going into a licensing identification system is welcome. I would like to see it rolled out throughout the Katherine region, not just Katherine, and I will be lobbying the minister concerned about expanding it through Timber Creek and the Port Keats/Daly area. Those communities, once I supplied the information to them, are certainly taken by the concept. It is an extra tool. It is not a silver bullet, but it is an extra tool in curbing those problems.
Return to Country, getting people from Katherine, especially back out into the VRD, Barkly or Roper regions is something that is also needed.
Regional alcohol management strategies are most needed. I will be asking the minister for a combined Port Keats/Daly strategy to look at alcohol issues in that catchment area, which extends to Hayes Creek and Adelaide River where people travel to get alcohol. The VRD region is an area I would like to see a lot of work going into. I am very impressed that Timber Creek is mentioned here; there is an issue with alcohol supply and management.
The child protection area is very dear to my heart and is an area that the report highlighted. It was a huge part of their work, the primary part of their work, and part of this initiative is directly going to the child protection area. One of the recommendations of the report was to appoint a Children’s Commissioner, and this is backed by $1.6m to support that role. That commissioner will have a lot of responsibility monitoring the operations of the new legislation which we have had introduced today, and working through investigations and monitoring the implementation of all the initiatives around child protection within this plan.
I mentioned the legislation that was introduced today. The cost of bringing that act into place and the Community Welfare Act is $800 000. The government is backing this legislation with significant amounts of money.
One of the big problems on the communities is education about child abuse. It may seem a little strange for people who live in urban centres, but there needs to be a clear understanding of what abuse is, and what neglect is. That needs to be articulated in language and any means possible to get through to communities, and I believe they will respond. There is $440 000 committed to providing information about people’s legal position, what community standards should be, what the impact is of child abuse, and the reporting and hotlines that are available. Even in my regional towns, people are very interested in the hotlines, about making reports, and looking after children within their community who are not their own. That is welcomed. I believe a key part of combating child abuse and neglect in communities is getting the community on side, and that is done through education.
The plan also provides for residential care for young people at risk. Last year, I wrote to the Minister for Housing in relation to a property in Katherine which was being sold by Territory Housing, about anticipating the outcomes of the Wild/Anderson report and the need for a facility for children at risk who needed to be housed in emergency situations in areas where they can receive specialist services and feel protected. The property concerned was not suitable, but I was encouraged by the minister, who highlighted another premises owned by Territory Housing. I will continue those discussions with the minister to look at initiatives within this report and that property. Katherine desperately needs a place where children from either the township or outlying areas can be taken and looked after and have specialist help.
What is also being proposed is a network of Aboriginal child protection and care services, with an expansion of the services in Katherine and also Darwin. Darwin services the northern part of my electorate, so that is welcome.
SARC, the Sexual Assault Referral Centres, have done a terrific job. With the resources they have, they have done excellent work in the Top End. It is great to see the commitment to the Katherine region is highlighted in this report by the establishment of a SARC unit in Katherine. SARC centres are going to have 12 additional counsellors to provide counselling, medical intervention and therapy for those children affected. It is putting the resources where they are very much needed.
There has been much talk about CAT, the Child Abuse Task Force, and the good work that they have been doing. The task force will now be able to do an even better job with an extra 23 FACS staff and 24 police. Those staff and the rolling through of those police officers so they gain better skills in the way they interview children to gain better conviction rates in legal cases is welcome. The $29m going into expanding the task force is a great injection of money.
The recruitment of 10 additional student counsellors is also welcomed. Schools are an opportunity to not only educate children generally, but also to educate them about what is right and wrong with the treatment they receive, and an opportunity to look at health needs and other aspects. Putting those school counsellors in is welcomed.
Having a remote electorate, it is great to see an injection of $11m and 16 additional police officers into a remote policing strategy. Those police, when they are targeted, have a great effect. Problems are contained when there is a big police presence. There is need for the Commonwealth government to finally start to learn that, for most of the time, communities are fairly quiet and then they flare up and you need quite significant resources to quell problems. Having a task force which goes into a community is a good way to go, and the extra 16 officers are most welcome.
Regarding the establishment of 10 community courts, I have many community courts operating in my electorate and it will be good to see more of those rolled out throughout the Northern Territory, with more Corrections officers. The development of the indigenous family violence offender program had a degree of success and rolling it out even further would be very welcome. Katherine, again, gets a lot of attention with the witness assistance services being provided at a cost of nearly $1m. That will be supporting those people who are brave enough to come forward and continue with legal cases.
The integrated community-based family violence program has a huge commitment of nearly $8m. For that program, I will be lobbying the minister quite vigorously about starting a regional program across the Port Keats/Daly area and, also, with my colleague, the member for Stuart, about getting a program established throughout the VRD, including my area of Timber Creek. This program will help prevent family violence and provide support to victims of family violence, and also identify and address the factors leading to the violence, and provide support care. It is an holistic program, and well resourced by this government.
Government has also backed up its initiatives in the bush with the dollars and legislation. The introduction of family violence legislation later this year will certainly add weight and confidence to people in the bush that they can tackle family violence. Just as an anecdote, there is the experience in Timber Creek where an female Aboriginal Community Police Officer really promoted DVOs. The women got onside and there were quite a number of DVOs issued. It kept the men in line, through education. The women understood the laws that they had available to them and the men understood what was acceptable behaviour. This new legislation will add strength to that and also combat that terrible area.
Rehabilitation is a key part of turning around sexual offenders. I do not claim to know everything about sexual offences. However, these people do things for varying reasons and, if we can get them to change their lives, change the way they believe they can behave, it will help stop the great hurt that goes on in society. These people do a great deal of damage to individuals around them. That rehabilitation program has a lot of money committed to it, $4.4m, and I hope it works.
Gambling is a big practice in my electorate and there needs to be real engagement with the people about gambling. It is a financial burden and can be quite financially destructive on families. It is a huge social problem. The people in the bush need a great deal of discussion, negotiation, and education about what gambling does, and try to negotiate a way through it.
Health is a huge area. On Monday this week, many members of this House travelled to Borroloola to attend the funeral of the member for Arnhem’s mother, who was only 54 - a very young lady. When we talk about Aboriginal disadvantage we talk about life expectancies, and 54 is very young. She suffered from the complications of diabetes, a chronic disease. There is no way you are going to advance and promote Aboriginal people without addressing the chronic health problems.
There is a huge input of money into early childhood, where it needs to be. I would like to see many of these early childhood and family services run in my communities. I will be talking to the minister about the establishment of family centres, programs for antenatal care and maternity care. There are a whole lot of issues there.
There is a huge amount of money being committed by this government in a previous statement of $100m over five years; a small jurisdiction but a whole lot of money going into a key area of disadvantage within the Territory. The growth of the communities needs to be backed up with attracting staff, and $42m has been put into government employee housing. That is a huge boost of confidence in putting housing in for those staff, along with more teachers, classrooms, attendance teams, homeland learning centres, and community centres - a whole range of things that this initiative actually does to combat those areas of disadvantage.
We also need to keep on eye on those downside areas, those areas where we need to put the bandaids on, to try to help people up. On the other side we need to boost economic development. It is the only way forward; we can actually lift people out of the poverty that they suffer.
$286m is a huge injection from a very small jurisdiction. It goes on top of everything else that we have done. It is a very well thought-out response. It has taken us a few months to come up with the response to the report. It goes beyond the recommendations in the report; it is an intergenerational plan.
This is in comparison to the Commonwealth government’s initiative for which, apparently, the minister, Mr Brough - with a few advisors, no doubt Wayne Gibbons - had a cup of coffee and came up with all these initiatives to solve all these problems. These were decided over three days. I would just like to let the House know what they announced and what is real out on those communities that they have identified.
They talked about banning grog. Some of those 73 communities are in my electorate. Bulla community is dry; Amanbidji community is dry; Kybrook is dry; Daly River is dry and it manages its own club and pub; Peppimenarti is dry and manages its own club; Palumpa is dry; and Wadeye is dry. So, banning alcohol in these towns where it is already banned seems bizarre.
Health checks: Bulla has already done their health checks - annual health checks are done by Katherine West Health Board. The same with Amanbidji. Kybrook’s checks have already been done. Daly River not only do annual school screens but they do GAA - this is zero to four - checks three times a year. Peppimenarti did their checks last week.
Mr BONSON: Madam Speaker, I move that the member for Daly be granted an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr KNIGHT: Thank you, I will not be long. Peppimenarti did their health checks last week. We told the Commonwealth that we are doing them. We are doing them all; they are 95% of the communities they will do. They said: ‘No, we are still coming’. They are still coming to do health checks which have already been done. Acacia Larrakia community has already done the school screenings. Wadeye does most of the kids who come to school. There is a real issue with education there and everybody recognises that. It was highlighted through the COAG trial and everybody is trying to work on it. They did 90% of the children in the community aged zero to four.
This is a health clinic which has a great relationship with the community. They have many health staff, Aboriginal Health Workers, who know the families and the community. The Commonwealth government is going to come in and set up these little dongas that are going in this week and, somehow, they are going to gain the trust of the community, everyone is going to line up like little mission kids, and they are going to all go through this health screening which has already been done. This initiative of health checks on communities, which have already been done, is absolutely bizarre.
Access to communities and the abolition of the permit system is very strange. Most members have been to communities. They are visited by police, NT Health staff, Commonwealth health staff, Commonwealth FaCSIA staff, local government staff, Legislative Assembly committees, Housing staff, Power and Water, contractors, NLC staff, Transport and Works staff, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner’s staff, the Ombudsman’s Office staff, magistrates, lawyers, and teachers. Somehow, there is a veil of silence, but I tell you what: all the visitor accommodation and airlines that I try to get on are booked up with all these staff going down to these apparently secretive communities. It is an absolute furphy that these communities are locked away. They are overrun with Commonwealth and Northern Territory white public servants going into these communities. Yet, somehow, no one picks up what is going on.
Mal Brough needs to have a good hard look at himself when he is talking about the permit system because he does not understand it. The permit system gives control. It gives an extra tool of control to evict undesirable people - hawkers, drug dealers, paedophiles – and get them out of the community. Those communities are vulnerable to people going in, and I have seen the system used. Travelling road shows go in and they strip the community of money, and off they go. The traditional owners see those things and they move them on.
On the issue of compulsory acquisition of townships, the Wadeye community has been trying to negotiate with both governments and there has been haggling going on. The Northern Territory government has been trying to come up with a lease and they would have got there. It was a long-term lease. Now the Commonwealth government has come over the top and said: ‘Righto. Five years, bang, gone’. I went out there last week and sit down with the local traditional owners and Boniface Perdjert, and they are absolutely bewildered. They were negotiating in good faith with the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments about a long-term lease because they are dispossessed. Their whole clan estate is taken over by a massive town. They have nowhere to go hunting or on bush holidays because their clan estate has been taken up by a township of people from other places. They want compensation, and so they should. They are absolutely bewildered by the lack of trust that has gone on.
The survey teams are going into communities and apparently making all these wish lists. At Kybrook, they were promising an airstrip, a police station - promising all these things. People on the communities are saying this is good, but none of that stuff will materialise. Is there a need to do these surveys? The Commonwealth government, through ATSIC, and through ATSIS into ICCs, have had community profiles for the last two decades. They do CHIN surveys, as the Minister for Family and Children’s Services said. They do them on a regular basis and they have all the information. Why must they go into these communities and trawl through peoples’ houses and the streets in Army fatigues scaring people?
For attendance rates, they could ring the NT government Department of Employment, Education and Training. They can press a button and it comes off SAMS with all the attendance rates, etcetera. But no; they have to go into the schools and make a big deal, get the front page of the paper saying they are going to get all these kids to school.
Many of my community members are absolutely bewildered. If the Commonwealth government thinks it is going to achieve a damn thing on these communities by muscling up to Aboriginal people in the bush, they have another think coming. People will bail up and they will not achieve a damn thing.
I am heartened by the response that we have come up with today. Closing the Gap is thorough. It incorporates the recommendations of the Wild/Anderson report but goes beyond. I look forward to doing as much as I can whilst I am in this place and, as a local member, achieving the goals set out in the report – goals which put the onus not only on the Northern Territory government but on communities as well. The challenge has been set for all of us. I look forward to working with the communities and working within this government to achieve those things. I recommend the statement to the House.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, this is the most important statement delivered in this House since self-government: Closing the Gap, the Northern Territory Indigenous Plan of Action. I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is taking action on these most serious matters. Many long-term residents of the Northern Territory and, indeed, born and bred residents of the Northern Territory, have a vast knowledge of the issues surrounding the make-up of the Northern Territory, particularly the relationship between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people. Over a long period of time, there have been many social commentators. There have been many observations from many of these local individuals, born and bred or long-term residents and, indeed, people who have only arrived in the last few years. Everyone has made their home here, and everyone is part of the Territory as we know it at present, and of its future. People deciding to participate in that future will read our contributions to closing the gap of indigenous disadvantage and see it as truly a generational plan of action.
I would like to talk on two aspects. First, unfortunately, I have to highlight to this House that I will be taking a critical look at the member for Araluen, the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. I found it quite shameful after reading it in the Daily Hansard and investigating the comments made. The second thing I will do is give a positive response to what the Territory government will be doing in the face of really dramatic circumstances for all Territorians.
I noticed in the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution that she was highly critical of the report. She, in fact, dismissed the report as not making any sense. Anyone who reads that will find that it is a pretty fair assessment. Over 80% of it is a critical analysis of the report, with no reflection on any good that is coming out of the report. What we have seen – and what I am ashamed of in this country – is the political use of this report, both at a federal and local level. The reality is that most genuine people of the Northern Territory feel sickened by some of the descriptions that are in the report, but are also hopeful that there is possible change in the future, and that government and members of this House will show leadership.
I will start with one negative critique of the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. I hope she is listening somewhere within this building and I hope she comes down and faces the music, because I am just ashamed at what I have read. She talked about Dr Anne Cossins’ independent analysis, which she, obviously, commissioned. She has spoken about it to the media and in this House. I have yet to see the independent analysis produced in any hard copy. I am wondering if any of the media has seen that independent analysis. I am wondering if anyone in this House has this independent analysis. In fact, I challenge the Leader of the Opposition to table that independent analysis so all of us can have a look at what the independent analysis suggested was wrong with the report and how it could be made better. Let us face it, if there are fair dinkum suggestions in there, let us pick them up.
I noticed in her contribution, though, she spent about two paragraphs talking about Dr Annie Cossins’ independent analysis. I will quote what she said:
One, that is:
So, of 97, apparently there is one, but we have not seen the independently produced critique:
Well, which ones?
I will touch on that. This is the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. This is her opinion. We have not seen the independent analysis.
I will list some of the people who are involved in this report. They include Pat Anderson, a born and bred Territorian with over 40 years of experience in the health field in indigenous administration. Apparently, she has no knowledge or understanding of these issues. We are talking about Rex Wild, a former Director of Public Prosecutions of the Northern Territory for some 10 years; 30 years in the legal profession, and with an understanding of prosecution of serious matters in these cases. Apparently, he has no understanding according to the Leader of the Opposition.
What the Leader of the Opposition does not understand is how the Territory works. I am not surprised she does not understand; she has not been here that long, and that is a reality. That is why she keeps making these classic mistakes. These individuals have foundations within the Territory. I do not know Dr Cossins; I do not know what her background is. However, I will read the background of some of the people who contributed to this report. This is who the Leader of the Opposition has criticised. She spent one-and-half paragraphs talking about what Dr Cossins said, and then at least another 25 paragraphs talking about her opinion. What is her professional background to make these decisions? It is very cunning how she does it. Have a look at the Daily Hansard. One-and-a-half paragraphs of professionals’ opinion, and then her own opinion critiquing and criticising this report.
Many people who have any corporate knowledge of this House or any history of this Territory would understand that that 1998 Constitutional Affairs committee report was one of the most researched reports in the history of this House, and Julie Nicholson was a senior officer on it.
Here we had the Leader of the Opposition spending her whole contribution giving her personal opinion about a critique on this report, attacking the professional basis of this report and the professionals who contributed to it. Shame! Shame on her!
Here we have the most controversial report that we have had for some time in the Territory. From this, a generational national plan of action from John Howard and his government, and we have the member for Araluen – the Opposition Leader – giving her personal opinion and critique, criticising the professional opinion of the authors of this report.
We all know that the member for Araluen has not been in the Territory for 25 years. Or the member for Greatorex. They do not have a corporate knowledge of what happens. They do not know what relationships are. They have been here two years. They do not know the real people of the Northern Territory but they are trying to contribute. I will reach my hand out to them and offer them an education on what I know. I ask them to read this report and understand. Forget about the rhetoric of their leader, forget about it. This report is written by long-term Territorians, born and bred, people who have been here for 25 and 30 years. The member for Greatorex, okay, two or three years, has a corporate knowledge about period of time – great. Hopefully, he is going to stay here for a long time ...
Mr Conlan: What is two or three years?
Mr BONSON: How long have you been here?
Mr Conlan: Seven.
Mr BONSON: Seven. Seven years’ corporate knowledge.
Mr Conlan: A bit longer than two or three though.
Mr BONSON: That is fantastic. I will correct it. I do not know you. Seven years’ corporate knowledge.
This is the same report that the Leader of the Opposition has criticised. We look at who was the expert reference group:
These are the people your leader criticised, and what a joke.
Professor Paul Torzillo …
Professor – okay, we have solicitor Jodeen Carney, great, fantastic.
This is clown face over here, getting up and bagging this report.
She apparently knows nothing if you ask the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Conlan: A lot of long-term Territorians and born and bred Territorians put her there.
Mr BONSON: Excuse me?
Mr Conlan: I said a lot of long-term and born and bred Territorians put her in this position.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! There is no cross-chatter. Member for Greatorex, cease interjecting.
Mr BONSON: Well, let us hope she listens to them.
According to the Leader of the Opposition, he knows nothing.
Apparently, she knows nothing according to the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Charlie King …
Mr Mills: Come on, you are exaggerating.
Mr BONSON: Read the contribution. I will read it word for word if you want. Read it.
A well-known Territorian, born and bred, and years and years in this field.
That is what I think of the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution: it is her own opinion. If she wants to criticise this report, please, I ask all members, table the independent analysis. Table it and let us see what it is. As far as I know, it has not been done in the media or this House. Let us have a look at it and, if there are any good ideas, maybe we will pick them up. Bring it out.
Why am I passionate about this? Why am I fired up about this? This is about kids, Madam Speaker. This is about people making political points from kids, which is shameful. Why am I part of this government? We have had an internal debate over many weeks and months about what we will do about this report. I am proud to be standing behind a Chief Minister who governs for all Territorians. I am glad to be standing behind a Chief Minister who has put her money where her mouth is and who has drawn up a plan. I tell you what: we all know what the needs are within the Territory. A starting point would be for minister Mal Brough and members of the Howard government to come forward and at least match this contribution $1-for-$1. We are asking for more. Let us see it.
We have heard much rhetoric through different media sources from both tiers of government. I would like to deal with the positive response to a really serious and unfortunately tragic circumstance. I would like to read from Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage – A Generational Plan of Action. I am disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has not come down to face the music …
Mrs MILLER: Madam Speaker, a point of order! I believe that the member is not to refer to the absence of someone from the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, that is correct. Member for Millner, I ask you to withdraw those comments.
Mr BONSON: I withdraw that, Madam Speaker. I look forward to the Leader of the Opposition putting a substantive response and options as the alternative government in the coming days and weeks of this Assembly. However, I do not hold my breath.
I would like to mention the resources for those people who might read this in the Parliamentary Record at some stage. The Northern Territory government has committed $286.43m to its five year action in implementing Closing the Gap. This commitment includes $79.36m for child protection. We have heard the Chief Minister and a number of ministers talk about this today. It is all new money within our budget and means to try to address some of these issues.
There is $38.61m to implement the remote area policing strategy, community justice and other safety measures; $10.11m for alcohol and drug management; $23.4m to achieve better health outcomes; $42.32m for housing indigenous communities; $7.68m towards education; and $13m to improving indigenous economic development ...
Mr WARREN: Madam Speaker, I move so much of standing orders be suspended as would preclude the member for Millner from completing his speech.
Madam SPEAKER: As you would be aware, member for Goyder, we do not suspend standing orders for the extension of time in a normal debate. I will accept you moving an extension of 10 minutes for the member for Millner to continue his speech, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Mr WARREN: I will accept that.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Goyder.
Motion agreed to.
Mr BONSON: ... $8.95m towards better cross-cultural understanding and engagement in service delivery. The package includes 223 positions. I want to put this on the record, because these are identified positions that we are going to fill. We can be held accountable by the opposition, by independent observers. This is a very courageous move by this Territory government. It shows a check list that will be checked against. Unlike some of the rhetoric that came from the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution, we are putting it out there.
This is what we want to achieve and we will be criticised if we do not achieve those things: one Children’s Commissioner; 10 child protection workers; 37 additional specialist Family and Children’s Services staff; 40 remote police strategy and consultative task force; four alcohol specialist rehabilitation workers; 26 family violence support workers; 10 school councils; 10 Community Corrections officers; 47 teachers and assistant teachers for remote schools and preschools; three specialist Department of Employment, Education and Training staff; two court clinicians; one witness assistance officer; eight alcohol compliance inspectors; one Aboriginal and Islander Education Coordinator; and 23 specialist FACS staff for the Child Abuse Task Force.
The report sadly outlined some horrendous circumstances and gave great detail of evidence from many different communities over a long period of time - expert advice and grassroots evidence. It painted a picture that needed urgent action, and I am proud to be part of a government which is taking steps to do that.
We are doing it in a number of ways. We have had a number of people talk about the legislative reform, the child protection legislation, and bringing forward the police and justice, the family violence, alcohol and drugs. I know the Minister for Health and Alcohol Policy is very keen to see that the rivers of grog are stopped, and so am I. Under the Local Government Amendment Bill reforms, I am looking forward to seeing some real results, including governance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this has to be a two-way street, and it has to be. Government is there to deliver services. I have spoken many times over the last six years about the NT and Commonwealth governments only having to provide the services that every Australian citizen in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, etcetera, would expect: the right to school, health, and employment – no more, no less. It is up to us as a Territory government, and the Commonwealth government, to provide services that every Australian citizen expects to receive. Then it is up to Aboriginal people to make the most of those services. I believe sending kids to school is one of the big issues that this government has identified. We have a number of bush members who have come forward and said that this is No 1 of the priorities. I look forward to supporting every member of this House, the opposition, the Independents and in government, to ensuring that this occurs.
I will not go too much further into detail on many of the different aspects of the report, because I am running out of time. What I would like to talk about is the role of indigenous Territorians identified by the Chief Minister. She talked about local government reform, but she also talked about local community boards. Local community boards will provide an important avenue for negotiating strong partnerships between communities and government under Closing the Gap. This report identified - for whatever reasons, whoever is to blame, it does not matter - Aboriginal people are not engaging in mainstream health, education, or policing. Somehow, we have to break through that barrier. These local community boards could be this vehicle and it is a magnificent initiative.
Over the next five years, the Northern Territory government will establish local community boards to allow community representation and involvement in local government, promote indigenous leadership and provide the basis for indigenous people to meet their obligations to build a better future for their children at an additional cost of $3m; provide police to support local community governments at a cost of $5m.
While on indigenous Territorians, the Northern Territory government is also seeking the support and commitment of indigenous Territorians to work together and overcome indigenous disadvantage. Indigenous Territorians can assist in implementing the actions under Closing the Gap by committing to support school attendance, working with the police to stamp out violence and antisocial issues, adopting preventative health measures, accessing health services regularly, identifying opportunities and assisting economic development, and working with governments to develop and implement policies and programs for indigenous people.
An Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council will be established, comprising indigenous leaders, representatives from indigenous organisations, and peak bodies. This group will advise government on issues affecting indigenous Territorians, facilitate community input, and participate in Closing the Gap and oversee its implementation. It is expected that this group will be involved in developing a future version of Closing the Gap, including identifying further targets and actions for the next 10, 15 and 20 years.
Many members of this House, including government members, and many other social commentators over the last few months, have identified that this Little Children are Sacred report not only describes a tragic circumstance, but also gives us hope that there is a magnificent opportunity here, as a Territory government in conjunction with the Commonwealth government which, unfortunately, we can honestly say that we have not been consulted on anything …
Mr Conlan: Just as well Mal Brough forced your hand.
Mrs Miller: Yes! You are not wrong!
Mr Conlan: If Mal had not identified it, you would not have …
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr BONSON: The election will come and go in November, possibly, then, after that election, I sincerely hope, for the benefit of all Territorians, that we can work together because we might get back some sensibilities about these issues. It will not be played out in the NT News or on the radio. It will not be played out on television. It will be played out on the ground where it needs to be, at the grassroots.
To Pat Anderson, with 40 years experience, who was criticised by the Leader of the Opposition, I apologise. Not every member of this House undermines your professional capacity. In fact, we thank you for the evidence and the report that you produced, and its recommendations. To Rex Wild, former DPP and a legal professional for many years in the Northern Territory, I personally apologise for the Leader of the Opposition’s critical analysis and personal opinion of what you have produced. To all the long-term professionals and locals who were involved - Julie Nicholson, Dr Adam Tomison, Stewart O’Connell, Barbara Kelly, Noelle Chandler, Professor Paul Torzillo, Professor Dorothy Scott, Ms Barbara Cummings, Mr John Ah Kit, Ms Stephanie Bell and Mr Charlie King - I apologise for the unwarranted and, in fact, un-based in any type of science, criticism of your report. It is all personal based. That your many years of service to not only the Territory community but to the child protection area, should be tarnished in this way is disgraceful. I will be sending you this transcript.
I hope you look at the Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage and the generational plan for what it is: a genuine attempt to try to make change. I hope you dismiss the Leader of the Opposition’s trying to make some type of political advantage from the kids. All members in this House, I suppose, are genuine, and want to see genuine outcomes. Each member in their electorate has a role and responsibility to work the best they can to stamp out any type of child abuse - sexual or physical - to any child; black or while, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.
I look forward to working with all those genuine people, including the Chief Minister and other ministers of the Territory Labor government in finally having planned for the way forward to closing the gap between the indigenous disadvantaged and mainstream advantaged.
Debate adjourned.
Mr VATSKALIS (Regional Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, regional development is central to the sustainable economic development of the Northern Territory. The Martin Labor government is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for those who reside in arid and semi-arid areas of the Northern Territory. This is why our government is a strong supporter of Desert Knowledge Australia which is lead by its chairperson, Hon Fred Chaney AO.
It is a very significant research effort that is headquartered in Alice Springs at the new Business and Innovation Centre at DKA. The Northern Territory government has been a key partner in the CRC, not only through Desert Knowledge Australia but also through a number of other departments. The CRC is presently consulting with a range of potential partners, including our government, to develop the investment case for its funding application from 2010 to 2017. Desert Knowledge Australia is playing an active role in this.
The Desert Peoples Centre is a partnership between the Batchelor Institute and the Centre for Appropriate Technology to provide training and education to desert Aboriginal people. The Desert Peoples Centre will be located within the Desert Knowledge Precinct. The first five buildings will be completed by the end of the year, with more buildings coming online over the following years.
The Desert Peoples Centre aims to be a ‘catalyst for change’ in the desert by using an innovative mix of on-site teaching, distance education, and short-term campus-based teaching to provide learning opportunities for remote Aboriginal people. The Desert Peoples Centre Board recently appointed a business development manager who will be temporarily accommodated at the Business Innovation Centre until the Desert Peoples Centre facilities are available.
The key aspect of desert knowledge is the active partnering between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, as I mentioned earlier. This was evident when representatives of the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation became signatories to the Desert Knowledge Precinct Indigenous Land Use Agreement and, through this, played an active role in the official opening of the Business and Innovation Centre. Nominations for all advertised DKA employee positions have been sought from Lhere Artepe, in line with the compensation clause of the ILUA.
Indigenous involvement clauses have been written into the tender document for the Desert Peoples Centre, commencing with Building Themes 1 and 3, and will continue through all future stages. Representatives of the Desert Peoples Centre participated in planning the recent Desert Knowledge Precinct public open day. Guided tours of the Desert Peoples Centre construction site were conducted by members of the Desert Peoples Centre Board, and tours of the Stolen Generations Memorial Garden were conducted by members of the Stolen Generation Committee.
In conclusion, I thank Hon Fred Chaney for his leadership, and his board members and, of course, the good work done by Mr John Huigen, the CEO of DKA.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Mr NATT (Mines and Energy): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the statement by the Minister for Regional Development on desert knowledge. In doing so, I wish to outline the considerable and valued contributions made by my Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines throughout arid regions. I continue to be amazed by the enthusiasm for new and innovative approaches by my agency and its partners in finding novel solutions, and their endeavours in the area of desert knowledge is testament to this.
When recently in Alice Springs, I took the opportunity to view the Desert Knowledge Precinct, the innovative research under way at my department’s Arid Zone Research institute, known as AZRI, and the Alice Springs water recycling scheme.
My colleague, the Minister for Regional Development, outlined the role of the Desert Knowledge Precinct as ‘the national headquarters of desert knowledge and a key node in the desert knowledge networks’. The Desert Knowledge Precinct represents a joint investment of $30m in Alice Springs, and this government is a keen investor and supporter. Around $20m has been sourced for the Desert Peoples facility, $2.5m for the Business and Innovation Centre, and the remainder for headworks and services at the site.
My department is involved in facilitating the solar technology demonstration facility at the Desert Knowledge Precinct. This will see $2.55m dedicated to this unique and innovative facility. This site will demonstrate a vast array of commercially available solar technology at one location, including solar dishes; photovoltaic - various commercial suppliers of solar panels for electricity; solar water pumping systems; and a range of solar technology of interest to the pastoral industry. It will be an interactive site for anyone who has an interest in solar technology. Funding has been secured through the Renewable Remote Power Generation program, which is administered by my department.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct also houses the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, commonly known as the Desert Knowledge CRC. This research is focused on creating sustainable desert livelihoods and communities. The Desert Knowledge CRC has a budget of over $90m over the life of the centre, and has 28 partners throughout Australia and over 200 researchers working on CRC research. My department, as a keen partner, is now assisting the CRC in preparing its next bid for funding, which is due by mid-2008. If successful, this will see the continuation of the CRC from 2010 to 2017.
Whilst in Alice Springs, I viewed the Desert Knowledge CRC’s bush foods systems research trial under way at AZRI. Members may be aware that there has been significant wild harvest of Australian native foods throughout our arid regions over the past 30 years or so. A reliance on wild harvesting of bush foods means that there are seasonal peaks and troughs. This, in itself, creates marketing challenges, with a number of communities keen to examine the cultivation of native bush foods. The bush foods program seeks to provide an increased and more consistent source of supply to complement rather than replace the wild harvest of bush foods. Its aim is not only to increase supply, but to provide a stake for indigenous involvement in the industry. This means more jobs for regional communities.
Research into the cultivation of native bush tomatoes has commenced at Arid Zone Research Institute. Research is being undertaken by the Desert Knowledge CRC in conjunction with my department. It is also part of a national program aimed at strengthening the bush food industry across desert Australia. Cultivation plots have been established to trial a variety of bush tomato seedlings sourced from throughout Central Australia. This research is focused on the biology, genetics and plant improvement, including genetic markers and post-harvest controls. This research has identified simple pest control systems to combat problems experienced throughout the trials. In viewing the grow-out trial plots, I met with the project leader and the researchers. They are very enthusiastic about the initial outcomes and, although the native bush tomatoes were affected by frost, I am told that the initial outcomes are encouraging.
My agency is also a partner in innovative research to improve the economic viability of arid pastoral properties through the 21st Century Pastoralism Project. The 21st Century Pastoralism Project is a partnership arrangement between the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines and the Desert Knowledge CRC. The key aim of this project is to increase the economic viability of the pastoral enterprises within the arid regions of Australia. The two current research areas for the project are the Cattle and Country and Utilising Technology.
Cattle and Country is about increasing the engagement of indigenous pastoralists through evaluating current approaches to indigenous pastoral development. Put simply, it means more jobs in regional communities. This has two areas of focus. The first is evaluating the Northern Territory’s Indigenous Pastoral Program (IPP) and the Western Australian Kimberly Indigenous Management Support Service to assess the individual programs against their proposed outcomes and to look for areas of commonality between the two. The IPP will lead to an increase in indigenous participation in our pastoral industry while endeavouring to bring suitable land into sustainable production.
We are currently faced with a growing and increasing younger indigenous population, combined with increasing difficulty of finding and retaining workers on pastoral properties in our regions. This has been identified as one of the most significant issues facing the pastoral industry, and is an issue that the IPP is tackling. The IPP is implementing a number of initiatives to attract and retain young indigenous people in jobs within the pastoral industry. The strategy includes pre-employment training to ensure a base level of skills required for entry into the pastoral workforce followed by on-the-job training. It is about providing real and meaningful jobs in our regions. Mentoring is also provided, and will include mentors for indigenous trainees and, additionally, an employment liaison officer to mentor employers of the indigenous Territorians in the cattle industry.
While the more senior managers within the pastoral industry have worked with indigenous people over many years and understand some of the cultural issues, today’s younger managers have not had the same level of engagement. For this reason, they have lesser understanding of some of the cultural issues that have to be considered when working with indigenous people. The employment liaison officer will be working with the industry to provide operational advice and assistance in resolving day-to-day issues as they arise. Additionally, they will provide strategic advice to the Indigenous Pastoral Program on areas that can be improved while delivering the employment outcomes sought.
We continue to support a multi-agency approach in ‘growing’ cattle numbers on indigenous land and increasing indigenous participation in the Territory’s pastoral industry. In Central Australia, the Indigenous Pastoral Program is delivering real outcomes with around 20 000 more cattle being run. It has also created indigenous jobs in fencing, stock work and natural resource management programs.
The second area of focus within the Cattle on Country program is the Indigenous Pastoral Employment Review. This has been jointly sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia and the Indigenous Land Corporation. The aim of the review is to identify effective methods and opportunities of increasing indigenous employment in the northern pastoral industry.
The Telemetry Project is the key focus within the Utilising Technology stream and is primarily aimed at reducing cost of operation on the pastoral enterprise through automation and through more precise animal management. It is a rather exciting program examining the use of technology and wireless data transmission for the automation of a range of tasks for pastoralists. It is about being clever and working smarter.
This project has three individual areas of focus. The first is testing commercially available telemetry systems on arid pastoral properties to provide independent information on the costs, benefits and reliability of current telemetry systems. The second area is the development of a Cattle Walk-Over Weighbridge and Remote Drafting systems which can be linked to telemetry systems to allow remote animal performance monitoring and remote animal management. Video-streaming back to the homestead will provide ‘real time’ information from various locations around the pastoral property and may allow pastoralists to monitor multiple watering points, or the condition of the paddock pasture, or self-mustering points, from the kitchen table or home office.
It has also been suggested to me by some pastoralists that this technology may allow pastoralists to utilise individual NLIS cattle electronic identification tags and an in-field cattle walk-over weighing for ‘real time’ monitoring of the performance of the herd. The use of this technology may also see remote drafting prototypes in which cattle in the field can be managed by the homestead office.
The final part of the research focused on integrating Sparse Ad-hoc Networks for Deserts, or SANDS, technologies into commercial pastoral telemetry systems. The aim is to provide improved remote video monitoring and high speed wireless data transfer. My department’s AZRI is focused on research and development in our arid regions. AZRI is strategically located adjacent to the Desert Knowledge precinct and has a notable national and international record of research in the arid zones of Australia covering the pastoral and horticulture industries and, more recently, the mining sector.
The AZRI site brings together a range of government agencies including DPIFM, Parks NT, the weeds and water resource depots of the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. The Central Land Management Association and Wild Care have support facilities here as well. DPIFM’s regional teams work in rangeland research, animal production, animal and plant biosecurity, a potable water laboratory, indigenous pastoral and horticultural programs, and minerals and energy exploration and mining.
These programs make effective contributions to the desert knowledge industry and are a priority for the Northern Territory government. Most of the core programs currently carried out at AZRI involve inter-agency cooperation and linkages with other industry stakeholders, Northern Territory government departments and non-government organisations, and Commonwealth and state agencies. This is most important in a continuing environment of skill shortages and ensuring the delivery of agreed outcomes.
An example of this cooperative approach includes the Watersmart Pastoral Production program. It almost goes without saying, but pastoral production in an arid environment relies on using water wisely. The watersmart program is about combining the best of what is known about grazing strategies and the best technologies in stock, water storage and delivery. The way water is delivered to stock, where watering points are located and how they are managed have a tremendous impact on the profitability and sustainability of pastoral enterprises. Its success is due to case study demonstration sites and developing options for both corporate and family-owned properties.
Members would be aware that my department’s AZRI is an integral partner in the Alice Springs water recycling scheme. This is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Power and Water Corporation and the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines for water reuse in the arid centre. Power and Water has invested $10.4m in research, development and infrastructure to produce high-quality water for reuse. The 6 km pipeline from Blatherskite Park to the reuse site and Soil Aquifer Treatment basins at the AZRI is already in place.
For those living in Alice Springs, they may have noticed the purple-coloured pipe being installed from Blatherskite Park south along the Stuart Highway, or the purple piping at the CRC and AZRI designating that it is carrying recycled water. A dissolved air flotation plant and soil aquifer treatment facility will be commissioned shortly and it will remove the majority of nitrogen and phosphorus in waste water, thereby improving its sustainability for irrigation. The water will be chlorinated prior to being piped to AZRI.
I had the opportunity to visit and view the treatment facilities at Blatherskite Park with the architect incorporating the innovative approaches in energy-efficient design in every facet of the construction of the facility, including the control room and the industrial facilities housing the water treatment plant. Three Soil Aquifer Treatment basins have been constructed at AZRI. These will allow this water to be accumulated underground, thereby creating a ‘water bank’. Using bores, this water can be recovered for the expansion of our horticulture industry in Central Australia. A large area of treeless, well-drained soil suitable for commercial horticulture development has been identified. It is expected there will be a keen interest in the site for a range of horticultural crops and may include table grapes, citrus, melons, asparagus and bush foods, all of which have been trialled at AZRI.
The Public Environmental Review has been accepted by the minister for the Environment. The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority has issued an authority certificate for the AZRI water reuse site, including the Soil Aquifer Treatment ponds. The successful implementation of the commercial water reuse project in Central Australia will expand the knowledge of water recycling throughout the Northern Territory.
The Minister for Regional Development encapsulated what desert knowledge is all about when he said: ‘A strong facet of desert knowledge concept is the partnership of indigenous and non-indigenous desert Australians to build a better future for all desert Australians, and based on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’.
National networks have been formed and a strong productive organisation has been created and a national headquarters built in Alice Springs. This has not occurred simply by chance, rather as part of an ongoing commitment with our partners. Alice Springs is now placed as the undisputed national leader in desert knowledge and a key node in desert knowledge networks. My agency continues to be a key, and keen, partner in desert knowledge, particularly through the Arid Zone Research Institute located in Alice Springs.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, after listening to the minister, one would be forgiven for thinking that desert knowledge was purely of a product of the Martin Labor government. This government regularly engages in the rewriting of history to suit its own ends, and this is no exception to that rule. I draw the member’s attention to the comments in the ministerial statement where the minister says: ‘The Martin Labor government is committed to the people of Central Australia and that is why we and the Australian government provided $30.22m for Stage 1 of the development of the Desert Knowledge Precinct’.
There are several points to be made from this quote, beginning with the observation that it is a party political broadcast on behalf of the ALP. The reference to the Australian government, after labelling the efforts of the Martin Labor government, smacks at the lowest of orders. If it is going to be the Martin Labor government, then the reference should be to the Howard Liberal National Coalition government. But, sadly, in these days of relentless propaganda, the rule is to take everything and give nothing.
The second and more important point to make about the $30m contribution is that more than two-thirds of that contribution was made by the Howard Liberal National Coalition government. Further, the arrangements for the establishment of the Desert Knowledge CRC were put in place by the Burke CLP government, including the commitments to the future funding of the project.
Why, after six years of Martin Labor government, have there been lengthy delays in the development of the project? If there is a single example of how long those delays were taking, then the removal of the sign from the front of the institution proudly displaying the words ‘Avenue of Knowledge’ is the prime example. Why was the sign removed? Because it pointed to a dead end for nearly two years. It became a running local joke in Alice Springs to call it the ‘cul de sac of knowledge’. I am heartened to see that the cul de sac has finally been turned into the Avenue of Knowledge as was promised.
I also note that the minister mentions Mr Bruce Walker. Dr Walker was, in many ways, the driving force to establish this whole organisation. To merely mention him is a little like saying that some bloke called Einstein had something to do with the general theory of relativity. This is the problem with rewriting history, because the people who drive things are often forgotten by those people trying to claim responsibility. Few people in this place will not remember his persistent knocking on doors in the late 1990s to try to attract government attention to this project. Few in this place will remember the tireless efforts by this man to drive the project forward. As the politicians gather around the hearth to bask in the warm glow of their successes, and probably at the moment in the cool of Central Australia, what they forget is the fuel for the knowledge of this centre was grown and stoked by people like Dr Walker. This minister has happened to forget to even call Dr Walker by his title, let alone give him the dues that he should be given for his heroic efforts to get a handful of politicians to sign the cheques.
That is all that has really happened in this instance: a handful of politicians have signed the cheques. The rest of the work has been done by the public servants and boards to get this project up and running. This project is not a product of any great political vision or direction. The vision and direction came from the Bruce Walkers of the world. What he was able to do was to demonstrate the need for this centre. After that, a group of politicians sat around in Cabinet, had a chat about it, and signed off on it. Then, further work needed to be done, and none of that was done by the politicians. It was all left to public servants and board members.
Another interesting thing worth noting is that this statement does not really tell us anything new. It appears to be little more than a filibuster to take up some time in parliament. Nothing in this statement announces anything. That is not to diminish the value of what has been done at the Desert Knowledge Centre but, rather, it demonstrates the political predisposition to claim responsibility for other people’s successes. That attitude is reflected in this little gem from the minister:
This, then, brings me to another aspect of loose language in the ministerial statement. The minister said:
The minister went on to say that wealth creation is a guiding principle for the organisation. Oh, really? What is more important than the paramount or the principle? Prosperity sharing is the redistribution of wealth.
Finally, this government shows a little of its purported left wing colours. Not much, mind you, but just a hint. They have an economic policy that is geared to redistribution of wealth through property sharing philosophies. The problem is that I do not see any legislation before this House that supports that foremost objective. There are no attempts by this government other than through the usual raft of taxes to redistribute wealth or to share prosperity. The fact is that, unless there are legislative instruments to support the concept of ‘prosperity sharing’, it is just a slogan. Under this government, like all governments in the OECD, if a person wants a share of the prosperity then they have to make an effort to get it. A slice of the prosperity is not shared, it is earned.
We have been attempting for years to engage in a form of prosperity sharing with the Territory’s indigenous community, and look where that has taken us. Indigenous people, by the Treasurer’s own admission, receive funding at a ration of 2:1 in the Territory, but it has not made any real difference to the mire they have found themselves in. However, if that wealth was earned and, consequently valued, then it would make a massive difference.
This brings me to the principle of wealth creation which is a principle of Desert Knowledge. This attracts me as being much more sensible. Wealth creation is so much more understandable than prosperity sharing, as it seeks to create new wealth, rather than simply reshuffling existing wealth.
Where is the one area that the focus has been completely missing in the Territory’s indigenous community? Wealth generation by indigenous people themselves. Aboriginal people have had the land available to them to generate wealth, and the capacity, with others, so that the land could be made valuable in an economic sense, as well as a spiritual and an ecological sense. The problem is that successive governments, particularly federal governments, have failed to create an environment in which wealth generation is possible.
The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act creates a system of land ownership and management which is simply not conducive to investment. It is nothing short of astonishing that we have been surprised by the outcomes in these places when the legislative instruments which govern them have been so aggressively isolationist. If there were substantial numbers of people in remote areas, both in the Top End and in Central Australia, who had the capacity to generate wealth from their property, either by existing means or by means of new technologies generated by desert knowledge, you would have a solution to many of the problems we so often talk about in this House.
In summary, this is an unremarkable statement about a most remarkable project. When this project really hits its straps there will, doubtless, be other politicians who will line up to be counted amongst its successors and, as I said, there is a political maximum which goes something like ‘success has 1000 fathers, and a failure is an orphan’. Seeing the minister in here claiming ownership of this reassures me that it is proceeding well, and there are better things to come.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct, I understand, is to have some 30 buildings there. Could the minister explain in his reply, if that is so, who will be the people who live there, how will they be selected, and what will their role be in the Desert Knowledge Precinct? The Desert Knowledge CRC is obviously going to carry out a wide range of research over a period of time. Will the results of this research be made public, and will you be giving ongoing reports to the Assembly?
It is pleasing to see Desert Knowledge Australia promoting itself so widely. In the first instance, they are going to be holding a workshop at the Sustainable Economic Growth at the Regional Australia 2007 in Wollongong on 19 September. This annual conference is well attended, and it should be a great promotion for the DKA and Central Australia.
Mr Deputy Speaker, despite the lengthy delays in announcing the ‘road to nowhere’ from a dead end to where it is a present - and it is growing - I believe this development and a combined government financial initiative will bring economic benefits to Central Australia for a long time, and well into the future. I am looking forward to hearing updates in the Assembly. I attended the opening of the Desert Knowledge Precinct together with other members of the Assembly. It was well attended on a freezing cold morning.
I also want to make mention of Athol Wark who does such a great job with bush tucker promotions. I know Athol gets support from government, and I sincerely hope that continues so that he can promote bush tucker further as he does such a good job. I also wish the CEO and the board of Desert Knowledge Australia, especially John Huigen, every success. I know there is a lot of effort being put into ensuring the success of the centre.
I do support it. However, I do not like seeing government decide they are going to take all the credit. It is a combined effort, and it was certainly the dream of somebody long before you came in. I thank the minister for his statement, and look forward to further statements.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the Minister for Regional Development’s statement on Desert Knowledge Australia.
It is appropriate before I go into my response to acknowledge Mr Anthony Yoffa, who is in the House this evening. Mr Yoffa is the current President of the Finke Desert Race, truly an international event. It just shows you the effort, commitment and dedication of Centralians who put their hearts and souls into getting real outcomes not dissimilar to the Desert Knowledge Australia project. Anthony, on behalf of everyone in this House, I thank you and your committee for your outstanding contribution through the Finke Desert Race. We know that under your stewardship, it will go on to become a bigger and greater event. Thank you very much.
The minister has outlined the history, purpose and activities of Desert Knowledge Australia. The Desert Knowledge movement has emerged from grassroots community consultation with support from government initiatives such as Alice in 10. The movement gathered momentum through the energy and drive of organisations such as the Centre for Appropriate Technology, the Batchelor Institute and various government agencies such as the departments of the Chief Minister, Business and Regional Development, and Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines.
I want to make a comment in respect to the response by the member for Katherine, the shadow spokesperson on Regional Development. It is important that this project is above party politics. I do not think it really matters who approached who or at what point in time. The fact is that someone in Alice Springs some time ago had the vision, along with a group of people, and saw great value in this particular project. They obviously approached the Chief Minister at the time - and it could well have been Denis Burke - who also shared their vision. The point I want to make to the member for Katherine is that we, too, share that vision, and I would like to think that everyone in this House shares the vision of the Desert Knowledge combined programs in Central Australia.
There are many dedicated people involved in this project. They sit on the various boards of Desert Knowledge Australia, the Desert Knowledge CRC and the Desert Peoples Centre. A little later, I will incorporate into the Parliamentary Record the names of those people who have played a very important role, not only over the last few years but over previous years, which gave fruition to this great project.
It is a union of smart people, smart organisations and smart ideas. Desert Knowledge Australia is the formalisation of a union in true partnership to create opportunities and meet desert challenges. The Desert Knowledge Precinct is the physical manifestation of that partnership, a meeting place for those with desert expertise, a place to collaborate to share and develop ideas and market them for the benefit of desert living.
I intend to focus on the specific activities of Desert Knowledge Australia, demonstrating the major contributions it makes and will make to developing and sustaining Central Australia. Contributions to the development of the local tourism industry, environmental sustainability, education, training, employment and research relating to local people and their activities are the basis of the important work of Desert Knowledge Australia. The significance of the tourism industry to Central Australia will be well understood by all members.
In that context, I first intend to outline the Our Outback Project. The tourism industry is particularly vulnerable to events often beyond the control of those who work and run businesses in that industry. Factors such as natural disasters, terrorism, adverse media reporting, collapse of airlines, diseases such as bird flu, and economic uncertainty will impact upon the viability of the tourism industry. A combination of these factors has applied to the Australian tourism industry over recent years.
The National Centre for Studies in Travel and Tourism has worked, in conjunction with Desert Knowledge Australia, to create Our Outback Project. Our Outback Project is intended to coordinate and develop cross-border tourism in outback areas. Areas, as we know, are not constrained by the borders of states and territories, so it follows that neither should tourism operators. As part of Our Outback Project, a study was undertaken of 12 outback regions throughout Australia. Of these 12, five regions were located in the Northern Territory – Katherine, the Tablelands, MacDonnell, Alice Springs and the Peterman area. Arising out of the study, a range of strategies will be put in place. It is important, particularly in the Territory, that any tourism development strategy assists smaller operators. We know that from little things, big things grow.
Also in Central Australia, the key objective is to support the development of new tourism products, creating business and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people, supporting them out of the passive welfare trap. The strategy for cross-border tourism is consistent with the policy to assist the development of our smaller operators by allowing the flow of innovation across borders, as well as enabling the sharing of limited resources. It is also fundamentally important to bring economic and social benefits to our bush communities.
As a result of the study, a comprehensive action plan has been developed under five specific headings – leadership and coordination; positioning and brand management; access to infrastructure and investment; information, research and communications; and industry capacity building, products and experience. Within these strategic objectives, specific actions will be put in place in a coordinated and calculated way. I have every confidence that the work being undertaken by Desert Knowledge Australia will, in a meaningful way, contribute to the development and sustainability of tourism in our outback communities.
Of course, the environment is of fundamental importance to the ongoing viability of the tourism industry. Desert Knowledge Australia has also been instrumental in leading environmental consciousness in Central Australia. COOLmob is a network of Alice Springs households committed to helping the environment.
COOLmob is jointly supported by an initiative of Desert Knowledge Australia and the Arid Lands Environment Centre. COOLmob has developed a range of activities, including providing energy saving information for members, and discounts from supporting businesses. There is also a system in place that provides a discounted home audit for members; a range of workshops, discussion sessions and presentations; retrofitting days at local hardware shops; and visits to demonstration gardens and retrofitted houses. A simple example of how COOLmob operates in Alice Springs is the Loaner Bag project. This project aims to rid Alice Springs of plastic bags. The Loaner Bag project provides free, reusable shopping bags that can either be reused by the shopper or returned to the retailer to be used by the next customer.
Another example of COOLmob’s practical assistance to the people of Central Australia is the booklet, Greenhouse Friendly Action in Central Australia. This 32-page booklet has been put together to demonstrate some simple and effective ways to lower your energy use and greenhouse emissions. In addition to the positive environmental impact, such measures have the added benefit of reducing power bills for those participating. The booklet includes energy saving information on all aspects of house and lifestyle, including advice for fellow members on actions that have worked for them.
It is pleasing to see the environmental benefits that are accruing to Central Australia as a result of the work of Desert Knowledge Australia. Some of the contemporary challenges facing Australia and, indeed the world, are magnified in rural and remote areas.
As with the environment, the issue of skills shortages is amongst a list of vexing issues facing Australia. Desert Knowledge Australia facilitates the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce in order to address a skills imbalance in Central Australia. It is imperative to upskill as many Australians as possible to meet the challenge of the future. There is a large potential workforce in Central Australia comprised of local people. The upskilling of these locals reduces the need for importing skills from interstate and, in some cases, overseas. In addition, providing meaningful employment opportunities is one of the best ways to overcome social disadvantage.
The intention of the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce is to provide demonstrable improvement in education, training and employment outcomes for the indigenous people of Central Australia. The task force is comprised of a range of community organisations and government agencies, as an initiative of indigenous organisations themselves in Central Australia.
The first initiative of the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce was the creation of the Alice Springs Partnership for Success program. The program is a genuine partnership between the NT Department of Employment, Education and Training, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, Centrecorp and the Polly Farmer Foundation. The program is being run out of Centralian College and will improve attendance and retention rates for indigenous students at secondary education level. Improved outcomes will include a higher rate of completion of Year 12 and transition to tertiary education. There will also be more students entering vocational education and training and securing apprenticeships and, subsequently, skilled employment. The strength of the Partnership for Success program is the active involvement of parents, family and home support for students. Students also receive targeted support through mentoring, tutorial assistance, after school hours support in a school resource centre, and opportunities to access part-time employment throughout Years 10 to 12.
Essential to the successful intervention in education, training and employment outcomes is the effective use of research. An important partner the Desert Knowledge consortium is the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre. Both Desert Knowledge Australia and the Desert Knowledge CRC have grown out of the Desert Knowledge movement and are based in Alice Springs. The CRC is a research and brokerage institution that links researchers with partners in this vital area of endeavour. The focus of the CRC is to provide useful outcomes with commercial benefits for desert people. It is important to understand the significance of organisations such as the Desert Knowledge CRC in light of the emphasis being placed on economic development in indigenous communities.
A striking example of the partnerships being developed by Desert Knowledge CRC is the Aboriginal mobility research being undertaken in conjunction with the Tangentyere Council. On 26 June this year, the Tangentyere Council officially became the 28th partner of Desert Knowledge CRC. The partnership formalises the collaboration and relationship between Desert Knowledge CRC and Tangentyere Council with a study of town camps and indigenous people in public housing. Information being obtained by this research into the indigenous mobility patterns is essential to underpin sound policies and programs, for example, in relation to health services and housing.
I quote Jan Ferguson, Managing Director of Desert Knowledge CRC. She said:
This research and other work being carried out by the Desert Knowledge group is also important in involving local indigenous people in the research itself. For too long, indigenous people have been the subject of research but not active participants in designing, informing and implementing research. This is now, thankfully, changing with the full support of the partners in Desert Knowledge.
In summary, this is probably one of the most important projects happening in Central Australia in respect to long-term sustainability in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. I would like to think that, into the future, regardless of which government is in power, it is very important that we recognise the cutting edge of this project in its application, not only here in Australia but at an international level.
I mentioned earlier in my speech that I wanted to pay tribute to some of the people who have been involved in this and, having done so, I readily acknowledge that there are some people out there whom perhaps I have not incorporated because there are various views around the place as to who started which and at what particular point in time. I can go back to the early 1990s and the late 1980s where people were talking about this project. It is important to understand that whoever started it, their vision was shared by so many going forward and so many who have been involved in this particular project previously.
Obviously, the Northern Territory government together with the South Australian government and the Western Australian government appoints members to the board of Desert Knowledge Australia. I acknowledge Hon Fred Chaney. Fred’s contribution to Australia is well known and it is important that he has seen fit to provide leadership and stewardship in this very important project. Equally so in respect of Mr Harold Furber. Mr Furber is a local indigenous man in Alice Springs, who grew up in Alice and has been involved in a whole range of projects. I know that he shares the commitment and dedication of many of his peers in driving this project forward. Mr Alwyn McKenzie is from Port Augusta in South Australia. Ms Sharon Hocking is from Broken Hill in New South Wales. Mr John Baskerville is well known to this House. Beryl Meiklejohn is from Queensland. Ms Janet Turner lectures at the IAD in Alice Springs. Dr Bruce Walker is the CEO for the Centre for Appropriate Technology. Mr Des Rogers is a local indigenous person and also a local business person. Mrs Kathy Finlayson is from Western Australia. Mr John Huigen is the present CEO and previously worked with the Ngaanyatjarra Council. I thank all those people for the outstanding work they are doing.
I also pay tribute to other people who have been involved in the project: Mr James Bray, the Chair of the Centre for Appropriate Technology; Rosie Kunoth-Monks, chair of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Mr Harold Furber provides ongoing support; Noel Hayes is a Kaytej man at Ali Curung who has lived and worked in the Barkly region; Jeannie Herbert is Director of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Barbara Richards is local to Alice Springs and is the Campus Coordinator of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Alice Springs Campus and a member of the Batchelor Council; Dr Bruce Walker is the CEO of the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs, a member of the Desert Knowledge Australia Board, a member of the NT Research Innovation Board and President of NT Cricket; and Kim Jenkinson is from DEET.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, what a good news story. Desert Knowledge Australia is such a good news story that I endorse pretty much everything the Minister for Central Australia had to say. In fact, he has stolen my thunder to such an extent I doubt there is much point in me going through everything I wanted to because it would simply be repeating what the Minister for Central Australia had to say.
This is a good news story, and very good for the people of Central Australia in particular, but also the people of the Territory and Australia generally. The member for Katherine made the point that this was the CLP’s idea. We often come into this Chamber and talk about whose idea it was. We do know that the CLP was strongly involved at the beginning, and that they did what a good government should do - they facilitated the ideas of others. They helped this very creative and very innovative concept get off the ground. That is the role of any government. I am very pleased to see this government moving in the same direction because that is their job.
It is, nevertheless, a little disappointing that throughout the minister’s statement, he seeks to create the impression, in my view, that it really was the Labor government’s idea. Rather than playing tit-for-tat, I simply make the point that in these sorts of things, the government does not need to go out of their way to heap praise on the CLP, but you might have liked, minister, to have included that the Desert Knowledge movement was born in 2000 and that was when the community and government formed the Desert Knowledge Steering Committee. The CLP was in office. This government did not even have to say in the statement it was the CLP but, in order for this statement to be an accurate historical record, they could have at least put in the date.
In the same vein, it was disappointing that, although there was a reference to Hon Mark Vaile on page 13 at the opening of the Desert Knowledge Business and Innovation Centre on 8 June, nowhere in the statement is the point made that it is the Commonwealth government which is a major partner in this project. The impression seems to be created that Mark Vaile turned up and participated. It was much more than that. The Commonwealth government, as members of this Territory government well know, played a key role. That is why there was a joint opening. That is why a minister of the federal government and minister of the Territory government shared the honours. They did the right thing and, yet, we have a statement that does not acknowledge any support from the federal government.
There is a reference in the minister’s statement on page 15, which deals with the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre:
I am having a guess at this, but I am thinking that $90m is a joint contribution from the Commonwealth and the Territory. If I am wrong, I am happy to be mistaken. However, how would you know, given the way it is expressed very deliberately in this statement that in relation to the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, it has a budget of $90m? The reader might take the view that the Territory government is extremely generous. If, indeed, it is the case that the Territory government has provided $90m for the life of the centre, then that is a view that many people could reasonably take. I have a sneaking suspicion that the $90m is a joint contribution from the Territory and federal governments.
Putting all of that to one side, even though this government goes to great lengths to distance itself from the CLP, and when members of government are particularly cranky, go out of their way to pour buckets of bile over the former CLP administration, on occasions this government looks remarkably similar to former CLP governments. Indeed, there is a certain convenience exercised by this government when it suits. We see it on two levels. When it suits them, they love the Commonwealth government. They talk about working partnerships. It is just a big love-in. When it does not suit them, they do not like the Commonwealth government, and we heard that in the comments of the Deputy Chief Minister in Question Time yesterday.
Similarly in relation to the CLP, they love the CLP, although they do not like to say it, when the CLP did good things. Equally, when it does not suit this government, they pour buckets of bile all over them. However, there is a sameness of language when you look at the minister’s statements delivered today and what was said as early as 1999. I do not mean sameness in the member for Sanderson’s way with language; I mean a sameness in its intent and the shared vision to which both governments would subscribe.
I did a search this morning and found that, on 23 November 1999, the then Deputy Chief Minister said:
That was pretty much what the minister said in his statement and, indeed, to his credit, the Minister for Central Australia was saying in his contribution.
I found that on 3 July 2001, then Chief Minister, Denis Burke, when talking about Foundations for our Future, said:
He went on to say a quite a few other things in relation to the Desert Knowledge Project. I note that, on 5 July, Tim Baldwin said:
That is Foundation for our Future:
There was vision and commitment from as early as 1999.
I am glad to see this government is supportive of Desert Knowledge Australia - it should be. As I said, there is a sameness of language. I believe there is a sameness of commitment in wanting to see this exciting project reach its full potential. I, for one, am a strong supporter of it.
I note that the government could not resist the temptation to say, on page 13 - and I guess I put this by way of being a conclusion - that:
Well, only 16% of them in the electorate of Greatorex took that view. I commend the government, both on its optimism and its apparent commitment, and we hope that you follow through with that commitment. You should be committed to the people of Central Australia. The fact that you saw fit to include it in your statement is curious, to say the least.
Nevertheless, this statement by the Minister for Regional Development is welcomed. This is an exciting project. This can take Central Australia, the Territory and, indeed, our nation, places it has never been before, and it has been ongoing from before this government. I do not say for a moment it was all the CLP’s idea. I do not know; I suspect it was not. In fact, I am fairly confident it was the idea of so many people who really wanted to develop opportunities in Central Australia with this exciting project.
Both sides of politics support it, both sides of politics applaud it, and both sides of politics wish everyone involved the very best in their future endeavours. I feel confident that both sides of politics admire very much all of those people who have given so much of their lives to this exciting project and continue to do so. On behalf of the opposition, and I feel certain on behalf of everyone in the Chamber, I wish them well and thank them very much for their efforts.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on Desert Knowledge this evening. Picking up from the Leader of the Opposition’s comments - a very strange contribution from the Leader of the Opposition, who also represents an electorate in Alice Springs – she did not really address the content of the statement at all regarding the visionary work that is going to emanate from the Desert Knowledge Precinct over the next many years. There was no contribution from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the vision that the board has for the precinct and the various components of the precinct. It was just a very brief, 10-minute tilt about whose idea it was, and then out the door. I would have thought that a member from Alice Springs would have put a lot more work into a response regarding this statement, acknowledging individuals in Central Australia who have been absolutely passionate about this project for many years, as my colleague, the Minister for Central Australia, did. She did not mention any of those people – had a bit of a spray and out of the door. A very strange contribution from the Leader of the Opposition tonight ...
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! The Leader of Government Business is referring to the Leader of the Opposition in her absence, by saying ‘out the door’.
Mr HENDERSON: Oh, okay. Well picked up, member for Greatorex. I withdraw that she was off out the door. However, a very cursory commitment and contribution in debate tonight.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct and the institutions which will be working from there are certainly the biggest initiative in taking Alice Springs into the future, giving it a very real presence in the future of this country, in developing knowledge and economic and educational outcomes from arid areas around the world. I am surprised she did not have a little more to say about it.
I was the minister with carriage for this particular project for a couple of years, and I cannot begin to say whose idea it was or when it was. When I was the minister I was certainly taken aside very early on in the piece, and it was a bit confusing about who was going to fund what part and what the Commonwealth was going to fund and what the Territory was going to fund, and whether other tertiary institutions from around Australia were going to contribute. There were questions like who was going to be in the precinct and who was going to be out of the precinct. It was a very fluid time and it was pretty hard to get your head across it. I was pulled aside by three people at the Office of Central Australia – Rosie Kunoth-Monks, Harold Furber, and Dr Bruce Walker, who sat me down with the plans and the vision that had evolved over many years. Success has many fathers, but their passion for this project and the opportunities that this project has to make a very real difference to the lives of indigenous people from Central Australia, hooked me into the vision, even though the vision was emerging at the time.
I do not know who the idea came from, but credit to the previous government which picked up the baton in the first leg of the relay. I suppose we are into the second and third leg of the relay and, in a few years time, when the precinct is complete and the structures and people have moved in and we are working from that area, the fourth leg of the relay is going to be about delivering on that vision.
One important aspect of the Desert Peoples Centre is the opportunity it provides to the Batchelor Institute for Indigenous Tertiary Education and the Centre for Appropriate Technology to work together to develop better innovative links between education, training and employment services to achieve more positive and sustainable outcomes. The objectives are to increase Certificate III and Certificate IV commencements and completions within the Desert Peoples Centre, and match training for job opportunities to employer and community needs.
I am just talking about the Desert Peoples Centre here. I suppose those key objectives are absolutely vital to the future of many indigenous people in Central Australia; to lift the education and training of indigenous people so they can participate in the workforce in the broader economy, and to see more of those indigenous students achieve at a Certificate III and Certificate IV level to match that training with job opportunities.
Travelling around the Territory, talking to any business out there, any business within any sector, we all know they are all looking for people to work for them. There is a huge untapped pool of labour and skills in Central Australia which needs to be developed. We all know that it is not going to be easy but it is part of the vision. I commend the Desert Peoples Centre for having that vision. The activities undertaken by DPC are additional to and different from the education and training services currently provided by BIITE and CAT, so it is about developing and building on those services. The services go beyond conventional education activities.
The DPC will provide coordination and brokerage of training services - anybody who has tried to get their head around the Vocational Education and Training sector knows how complex that area is, with the myriad of different programs, funding streams and training qualifications, so it is a very important brokerage service: promotion for capacity strengthening and the development of sustainable livelihoods; advocacy for indigenous ideas and knowledge; and networking - linking individuals and communities to employment and training service providers, governments, business and industry. Much of the missing link is connecting up people who are doing conventional training and undertaking training courses and linking those with the jobs that are available.
If I could be so bold, I see that another step of the evolution for the directors of the Desert Peoples Centre is to formally put together a sponsorship package for business and industry in Central Australia in terms of those businesses and industries which want to source new trained labour for their businesses and industries to be formal partners with the DPC, perhaps in an adopt-a-school type model, and work with the DPC to provide real pathways for people into jobs. I certainly see that that is going to emerge from the Desert Peoples Centre. In this way, DPC complements a focus of Jobs Plan 3 to form partnership and linkages, as I said, across the education sectors, and across the community, government and industry.
Learning will be related, wherever possible, to real needs and service requirements in communities to build capacity to support indigenous people to manage and maintain these services. Already there have been some significant strides made. I know my colleague, the Housing Minister, met with a business in Alice Springs recently that is committed to taking onboard adult apprentices from indigenous communities in terms of housing construction in Alice Springs …
Mr McAdam: Murray River North.
Mr HENDERSON: Yes, Murray River North. I saw the media release and I knew you were going down to speak to the people who own and work in the business. It is just one of those stories that gives you hope. There are large numbers of people, but it is a start and the commitment made by the company and by those adults in rolling up their sleeves and getting qualified and into the workforce. More of that is going to come from this Desert Knowledge Precinct.
The $17m Stage 1 DPC complex is due for completion by the end of 2008 and will cater for up to 700 students undertaking both VET and higher education. I know the Leader of the Opposition sneers and derides and says that the Territory government does not care about Central Australia. Yes, we got a bit of a thumping in the by-election and that is fine. They have been running that line very hard for the last couple of years. However, this is a very significant financial investment in an institution that is going to cater for up to 700 students at the Desert Knowledge Precinct.
Under the DPC’s thematic approach to training, the first teaching buildings completed will be the Wellbeing and Human Services buildings. They will be used to deliver certificate courses predominately Certificate II in Community Services, Children’s Services; Certificate III in Aboriginal Health Work Clinical; Certificate I in Community Services Work; and Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. Given the investments that this government is making in bridging the gap reforms the Chief Minister announced a couple of days ago, we certainly need more indigenous health workers, children’s services workers in the community services sector, and people working in alcohol and other drugs and rehabilitation services. Therefore, the completion of the facility, and training and the need for the jobs that are going to be available are starting to line up pretty well.
The second building package centres on the themes of livelihoods and economic futures, technology and infrastructure. When completed in December 2008, they will be used to deliver courses predominantly in community maintenance, broadcasting, remote area operations, applied design and technology, and automotive.
Stage 2 of the DPC encompasses the development of human expression and the language and culture themes. When complete, the campus will cater for up to 1100 full-time students. This is a significant development for Alice Springs and Central Australia.
The DPC concept recognises that learning is not confined to certificates and qualifications. Some individuals will aspire to and have the educational foundation to pursue nationally recognised qualifications. For others, their learning needs and aspirations will be met through engagement of communities in learning and building sustainable livelihoods.
Whilst the facilities at the Desert Knowledge Precinct will provide the hub, there will be satellite learning on communities. This will assist to develop flexible, local skills pools to service and attract new and existing industry to desert communities. That is what the broader focus of the Desert Knowledge Precinct is all about. It is about sustainability. It is about understanding how to develop economic and social structures in remote communities that are sustainable. That means more and more communities being sustainable in an economic sense rather than a sense that the government is the sole provider of services and jobs in those communities, and actually transforming that knowledge of how to live in the arid climates of the world and turn that knowledge into economic opportunities and then capitalising on those.
It is a fairly esoteric concept. With the work happening here is enhanced through the work of the CRC, the reality is that once this precinct is complete, I know the board is seeking philanthropic contributions and direct investment from people in the technology sectors to set up in the precinct and capitalise and assist in the development of research. All of this is going to be emerging over the years and decades ahead.
With the DPC, we will also be a significant collaborator in desert research and the translating of that research into innovative products and services to support enhanced livelihoods for people who live in arid regions. Through its close involvement with both Aboriginal desert communities and the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, it will provide a link between indigenous holders of desert knowledge and the researchers at the CRC.
It is a very broad vision that will be crystallised and further developed as those buildings go up at the precinct, as people start to move into those buildings, and as the training is starting to be provided. By the end of 2008, up to 1100 places will be available at the precinct. It really is only left up to the imagination, I suppose, as to where this precinct is going to be in 10, 15, 20 years time.
With the commitment and the quality of the people on the board, the commitment of this government, future Territory governments and the Commonwealth government, and the increasing collaboration with tertiary institutions around Australia, I believe if appropriate opportunities are provided, into the future there may be some concessions that the Commonwealth government of whichever hue might be able to provide. These concessions could be in research and development, tax concessions, and direct investment from industry in research and development. This could be a very powerful institution that is unique in what is happening around the world and something that is going to turn lives around for hundreds and probably thousands of indigenous people over many years to come.
That is the broad vision that was outlined to me some three years ago, it must have been, by Rosie Kunoth-Monks, Harold Furber and Dr Bruce Walker. I know they pursue that vision today.
I thank Fred Chaney, the Chair of the Board. I was the minister who jointly appointed Mr Chaney a couple of years ago now. With his passion and commitment from day one in improving the lives of indigenous people in Australia, the work that he has done with Reconciliation Australia, I know that he is deeply committed to this institution and is putting in all the energy he has to ensuring that the vision is achieved.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the minister’s statement.
Debate adjourned.
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Dhimurru and Laynhapuy Rangers have completed training and assessments for a restricted coxswain ticket through Charles Darwin University. The training involved everything from the correct use and maintenance of the vessel, to safety, instrument use and actual operation of the vessel on the water. The ticket is a new initiative to enable sea rangers to operate boats out to two nautical miles offshore and, for Dhimurru, it is the first time it has been applied to a vessel up to 8 m long. The training is seen as a stepping stone to achieving the full coxswain ticket which will then enable the vessel to be used out to 15 nautical miles. Dhimurru will then be able to utilise it in a range of activities including search and rescue, coastal surveillance and commercial charter work. I congratulate the Dhimurru and Laynhapuy Rangers as they continue to develop new skills and initiatives as indigenous rangers for our region.
Nhulunbuy’s Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger, Phil Wise, and his colleague, Dhimurru Sea Ranger, Djawulu Mununggurr, have been sponsored by the University of Tasmania to deliver a presentation in Hobart for their Parks, People and Passions forum series. Their presentation, Both Ways: Land Management in North East Arnhem Land, focuses on joint management partnerships, and has a particular focus on the work carried out in the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area near Nhulunbuy. Through their ‘Both Ways’ management, they are able to exchange traditional knowledge and contemporary land management with their ongoing projects. The Dhimurru Land Management Corporation has continued to initiate training and employment for local indigenous people in a positive and structured way for many years. I commend them on their success.
Alcan Learning Educational Regional Training, otherwise known as ALERT, has officially opened its doors and, through this indigenous training program, plans to release a steady stream of work-ready Yolngu people into the labour market. A partnership between Alcan Gove and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has resulted in 15 indigenous trainees recruited into the 36-month training program. ALERT provides training to afford real and long-term, permanent mainstream jobs. It covers a wide range of subjects where trainees learn skills that will assist in all areas of their life. An important part of the program is to improve English and numeracy levels. The ALERT program is supported by the local community, the indigenous clans and local employers, including Alcan. On completion of the program, trainees will graduate with a Certificate I in Resource and Infrastructure Operations, a nationally recognised qualification.
My best wishes to Alcan, the supervisors, Craig Bonney, Damien Djerrkura, and Russell Jeffrey, who have worked through the process from day one, and the trainees.
The Northern Territory Licensing Commission has conducted its final hearing to declare east Arnhem Land a general restricted area. The takeaway liquor permit system should be operating within three months. My thanks to the East Arnhem Harmony Mawaya Mala Committee for their dedication over the past two-and-a-half years in assisting to resolve the alcohol issues within the region. The committee, comprising of community members and organisations providing services to communities, has met on a monthly basis in a voluntary capacity together with the subcommittees, in identifying a number of issues which need to be addressed prior to formal hearings.
My thanks to John Cook, who initially took on the coordinator’s role, and to Jodi Mather who, with her legal background, has completed the report in a very thorough and professional manner. Jodi has made her mark in town involved with this work. Her husband is a constable with the local police and they are a great couple, and a great addition to Nhulunbuy.
I turn to some of the issues raised by the member for Braitling yesterday during Question Time, and later during adjournment, regarding break-ins of businesses involving five juveniles. I can confirm that the children in question have been diverted from the court system. I will not discuss the matter in detail while the diversion process is under way, other than to acknowledge there has been a delay of four months due, in part, to the logistics in a case involving so many young people. I agree with the member for Braitling that that sort of delay is too long. The whole point of diversion is to confront young people with the consequences of their behaviour, and to support them to not repeat or escalate offending. A long delay for young people leaves too much distance between the offences and making them face up to what they have done. Importantly, victims need to know that the harm they have suffered has been addressed seriously.
I am writing to the Police minister to ensure the two agencies, Justice and Police, quickly streamline this process to get the most out of juvenile diversion for both offenders and victims. I pointed out earlier today that for some young people the current diversion system just does not work. Young people who are apprehended time and again, who appear regularly in our courts, who flout bail conditions, and hold contempt for the diversion scheme, must be held to account and penalised for their behaviour.
That is why I recently directed the Department of Justice, in conjunction with police and FACS, to urgently develop a comprehensive proposal to deal with this hardcore minority of juvenile offenders, and work intensively with their families to ensure parental responsibilities are met. This will be before government for consideration shortly. An important component of such a scheme could be youth camps for children at risk. It would not be an alternative to Don Dale. Serious offenders who pose a risk to the community must be detained in a proper correctional facility.
As I announced last month, and elaborated on earlier today, work has commenced on investigating sites focusing on Central Australia, costings, and facilities which would be required. There would be an emphasis on the camps providing vocational training, particularly in the pastoral industry, so young people coming out of the camp will come out with some discipline, structure, goals and skills. Again, I have prioritised the project and directed options be presented to government as soon as possible.
I want to touch on the issue of compensation raised by the member for Braitling where a juvenile is not diverted. The Youth Justice Court can make orders for compensation. While the section does not transfer responsibility for compensation from a youth to their parents, compensation can be payable through performance of service. This is a practical measure and ensures young people are forced to face up to what they have done, as well as directly help the victims. I am surprised the provision is not used more regularly. I encourage the court to use it wherever practical. Civil remedies are also available to victims through the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act which allows victims to claim the cost of damage intentionally cause by children from their parents. The maximum amount to be claimed is $5000. I trust this is of assistance. I thank the member for Braitling for bringing it to my attention. I will write to her to set out in more detail this response, and actions available to victims in these situations.
I take the opportunity while I am on my feet to straighten out some confusion the Leader of the Opposition has with the waterfront. I know she, and the opposition generally, do not like the waterfront. In fact, they hate it. They try to talk it down at every opportunity. Nonetheless, she has a responsibility to be honest with her commentary and her questions. Yesterday, for example, she picked a figure from the Auditor-General’s report, and then had the audacity to compare it to the sum used for Closing the Gap - $286m - ignoring completely, of course, the significant return the government will receive from sales over time.
For the record, the waterfront project is expected to cost government around $149m. The private sector is paying for the rest of the project; well in excess of $1bn. This is not a bad investment …
Mr Henderson: Not a bad return.
Mr STIRLING: No, not a bad return for the taxpayer in the context of the whole project. Our careful management means there will be an increase in returns from apartment sales as a direct result of the government’s decision to lock in our returns to final sale prices. The convention centre is expected to generate an additional $193m for tourism over 20 years and the waterfront will provide a wider economic benefit of $350m. Other benefits of the project include 1200 construction jobs with more than 85% of those contracts going to local companies worth about $135m so far. I would have thought that was something to commend and salute in itself.
The waterfront will include a convention centre, seawall, wave lagoon, parklands, promenades, hotels, apartments, retail and commercial properties. I cannot wait to see this more fully developed than what it is. I have watched with growing interest the convention centre coming out of the ground and taking shape. It is just going to be a tremendous frontispiece for Darwin when it is more complete than it is. I urge the Leader of the Opposition, when she wants to attack and criticise the waterfront because of her loathing for the whole project – that is fine; we do not ask that she embrace and love the waterfront. She obviously hates it and that is fine. However, she does have the responsibility to be honest with the figures that she throws around in relation to the project.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arafura): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I offer my congratulations to the Territory winners of awards in the Eureka Prize which is Australia’s most prestigious award for Excellence in Science. Maningrida science teacher, Mason Scholes, was awarded the $10 000 Holmes Court-UTS Eureka Prize for Science Teaching for his brilliant work with senior high students. The grand old man of western Arnhem Land stone country, Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek OAM, is the leading partner of the team which took the inaugural IAG Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change.
Both prizes have been awarded to projects in the same part of remote Aboriginal land and both combine traditional Aboriginal knowledge and skills with western scientific method and knowledge, which is an outstanding and well deserved credit to all concerned.
Mason Scholes scientific teaching was part of a Junior Rangers program developed through the school in conjunction with local land and sea management programs. Amongst other things, the program has discovered up to 45 new species of spiders in the Maningrida area.
The West Arnhem Land Wildfire Abatement scheme (WALFA)has, over a decade, combined traditional fire management regimes with western science to reduce wildfires, to promote biodiversity, and create a greenhouse gas abatement scheme which in its first year reduced CO2 emissions by 256 000 tonnes, which is double its original estimate. This has been carried out by ranger groups across western and south-western Arnhem Land and has been backed by payments from the Darwin gas plant of $1m a year over 17 years as greenhouse abatement training. The programs are strongly linked and show the way forward for real jobs for the people of the region.
At the moment, the federal government is saying that CDEP will be abolished by 30 June 2008, and land management programs such as we have seen with the WALFA project across the Territory are heavily dependent on CDEP support. It should put its money where its mouth is and increase funding to traditional and western land management and scientific education in bush schools through programs such as VET to meet growing demands for skilled traditional land and sea management ranger positions. Western Arnhem Land is the last place we should find a skills shortage. In turn, those positions should be funded by the Commonwealth in recognition that they are real jobs with an absolute benefit to the nation’s environment and national commitment to greenhouse gas abatement.
I am immensely proud that both projects have been carried out in the fantastic electorate of Arafura. Anyone who knows old Lofty knows it is his knowledge and expertise making WALFA the project and success it is today. He is certainly well deserving of that award.
Regarding the changing aspects of the permit system, Maningrida and the Bawinanga Association have commissioned some consultants to look at what some of those adverse socioeconomic impacts would be if you were to remove the permit system. The opening of the township means unfettered access into the community. It may severely damage a $2m art industry and undermine the Australian government’s focus on law and order through associated increases in crime. Removing CDEP, particularly with the Aboriginal art industry, would have a real impact across our Aboriginal art industry.
The report from Bawinanga finds problems with the quarantining proposal, but they are saying that it is taking away some responsibility. Until we know clearly how the Australian government’s plan will deal with the non-nuclear nature of indigenous families and high mobility, and how some of that is going to work - they were looking forward to working with the Commonwealth and trying to get some further information. Many people want to know how this is going to be tied to school attendance. When I was talking to people in many of the communities, they were not opposed to the welfare reforms as such. They wanted a bit more information and clarity about how these reforms were going to work regarding school attendance. I do not think that too many communities were against some of that. What people found offensive was the lack of information and detail.
The research done in some of the areas through Maningrida to look at the decision to abolish CDEP and its impact showed that most people who go from CDEP to the work for the dole program are likely to experience a significant drop in pay, which could act as a serious disincentive to work. Maningrida is a place where CDEP has probably been used most effectively as a lever. I know there are many Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory where CDEP has been a successful lever in training and developing people to go into full-time work.
Maningrida has four stores operating; you see employment of local people in those shops and the training and development. There is the very successful Djelk Ranger program which runs a nursery and crocodile eggs project. They have also entered into an agreement with the Northern Territory government through the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries for mud crabs. This is an organisation whose private turnover is quite significant. What impact will this intervention have on a community like that? I am not saying that Maningrida does not have problems; this community has problems like many other communities. It has had two very highly publicised cases which I cannot talk about because they are in the court system. The community has dealt with it. I have worked with that community since the 1990s. To see the change in the community over that time, particularly the anger and the wanting to deal with child abuse, child sexual abuse - and not just amongst the women but also the men.
I spent a week working with the community trying to provide them with the information about the intervention - or lack of information - we were getting and trying to translate that to the people and getting them to understand what was happening, but also calming some of the fears of people in those communities.
In Maningrida, the men feel totally helpless and that they have been tarred with a terrible brush. Many of them are good, honest, hard-working males. They work hard for their families, they are strong family men, and they are strong in their culture and tradition. They were feeling very let down and betrayed through this whole process. The women were also feeling the same.
Maningrida is a progressive community. Much development happened there. There have been good results from the school. It was our Labor government, since being elected in 2001, which has put over $2m in capital funding into the school. That capital funding has provided better classrooms and resources for that community. Secondary education has been established in Maningrida, and a number of students have now gone through the secondary education program over the last three years. When you see those kids graduating and the pride those families have in their children, and you see those children now going into full-time jobs, you know that this is not a basket case community. It would pay for people to become better informed about some of the communities. Yes, it has problems, but they are working on those problems.
The science project at the school is fantastic for all of the school. Mason has done a fantastic job with many of those young men, and linked that through the land management program. Pamela Hepburn, the principal, and all the teachers at Maningrida have done a fantastic job in trying to get many kids to come back to school.
The Bawinanga Association’s work with the sea and land management program is great and for those rangers with the WALFA project to receive the award was fantastic. Bawinanga is just one partner in that. I have to congratulate the Jawoyn Association as well because they are part of this big investment with this science project. It is a proud moment to be a member of the science province of western Arnhem Land.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for giving me the jump.
I would like to talk in adjournment tonight about a range of functions and activities in and around the electorate of Wanguri over the last few weeks. The Islamic Society of the Northern Territory recently held an Islamic Awareness Week, running from 21 June this year. I attended a number of events during the Awareness Week, and the open day which was held at the Islamic Society’s Mosque in Wanguri was a fabulous day. Many people from the community attended. I was also engaged in a forum that was held to discuss misconceptions about the Muslim faith. A visiting scholar was brought up from Brisbane who took many questions from around 100 people who were there that night, asking about all sorts of issues relating to Islam, the war on terror, the Islamic faith and how it operates and compares to the Christian faith. I learned much that evening. I congratulate the Islamic Society of the Northern Territory, the organising committee, particularly the president, Dr Waqar Ahmad, who works at our university.
The community is a very harmonious community. It is a community that has opened up its mosque. Its religious Imam at the mosque took questions on the day regarding the difficulties that people of the Islamic faith face in regards to all of the issues around the world today. They took a very big step forward to dispelling many of the myths around the Islamic faith. I thank the community, which took a very big initiative on board. There was a lot of hard work done in preparing all the activities of the week. Many people from around Darwin benefited from the activities in the week, and the capacity and ability to actually talk to people from the community. The Islamic Society has just started to lay the foundations for their new community hall in Wanguri, and that is going to be a great asset for the community.
It is always a great weekend when the V8s are in town. This year, the 10th year of Darwin hosting the V8s, was another fantastic weekend. I had the opportunity of attending the track on Friday together with some students from the schools in my electorate at the Chief Minister’s marquee, which offered great trackside views. The students from Wanguri, Leanyer, St Andrew’s, and Holy Spirit were all extremely well behaved and enjoyed the Chief Minister’s hospitality and watching the cars.
I also had an opportunity to provide two V8 hot passes to a person at Leanyer Primary School who does an absolutely fantastic job looking after the grounds of the school. The school always looks absolutely immaculate. Michael Guest and his son had an opportunity to attend the V8s. Michael, thank you from me, as local member, for the great job you do around the school.
The new neighbourhood centre in the suburb of Lyons opened on 12 July. The new suburb is coming along at great speed now and our newest neighbours are now moving in. I attended the opening of the new community centre on 12 July with my colleague, the member for Casuarina. Officially, the suburb is in his electorate, but it adjoins mine. The member for Casuarina and I have worked very cooperatively with the developers and the community. It is great to see this new development, and the 700 new homes are coming along strongly.
The display houses are just about to be built and it will not be long before the residents of Lyons become fully functioning members of our wonderful community. Congratulations once again to Geoff Smith and Sharon Feist and everyone else in the Lyons development team. I will see them all at the community fair they are having at Lyons on Sunday.
The Darwin Show on 26 July has come and gone for another year. I had a great weekend at the show for three days, and enjoyed the fun with my family. Sideshow alley was great. It was a fantastic weekend. All of the work that is put in by the volunteers and the Show Society is absolutely fabulous. I congratulate my department, which won the Best Stall at the show this year, as well as the Best Government Stall. It was a real focus on reading to children. There was a big, very brightly coloured reading chair, and it was very popular with celebrities taking their time to read to children. I certainly enjoyed the stories that I read to a group of kids. To the department: you put a lot of effort in this year and it was rewarded with a couple of wins.
Thank you to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Senior Territorians who hosted the Seniors Month morning tea at Parliament House last week. I enjoyed catching up with some of the seniors from Leanyer and Wanguri. I am sure that a couple of my favourites from the Leanyer Seniors Village - Coral Crombie-Brown and Aunty Hilda Muir who many people in this Assembly know - enjoyed themselves a great deal. It is great seeing our senior Territorians come together, catching up with each other, sharing memories and having a wonderful time. It is always great to see the seniors.
On 10 August, I went to our seniors village on Leanyer Drive and hosted a Neighbourhood Watch meeting with the police and representatives from Territory Housing. The community hall there has, unfortunately, been broken into a couple of times and the seniors lost their television and video recorder. The Neighbourhood Watch crew was there to do a security audit and there was an opportunity for the seniors to talk to the police. I thank John and Nali Smith who helped organise the meeting, and representatives from Territory Housing for attending and following up on the issues raised.
A couple of weekends ago, I hosted a breakfast barbecue for the residents of Leanyer and Wanguri and it was a huge turn out. We got through 4 kg of bacon and six dozen eggs in about an hour-and-a-half, Chief Minister.
Ms Martin: They eat well in the north, don’t they?
Mr HENDERSON: They certainly pounced. I think we had well over 150 people turn up over a couple of hours and it was a big success. Sausage sizzles in the afternoon do not quite get that turn-up, but I reckon bacon and eggs at around 9.30 on a Sunday morning is what works.
On Saturday, 11 August, I had the honour of being the MC at Wanguri Primary School’s Quiz Night at the Casuarina Club to help them fundraise for their upcoming trip to Canberra. The students at Wanguri are going to Canberra for 10 days. They are fundraising like crazy to offset the cost. It was a great night. Nearly 100 people turned up to the quiz night. It was absolutely fantastic. I will speak more about Wanguri Primary School’s trip to Canberra in future adjournments. I particularly thank the Darwin RSL which has donated $5000 to the school to assist the students with that particular trip. It is an extraordinarily generous donation from the RSL.
Last weekend I took my children to witness the spectacle of the Darwin Rodeo at Robby Robbins Reserve, not Freds Pass. I do not know where I was. I was off the cuff. It was a cold, wet night. It was really like a Melbourne evening; it was really quite strange. It was a fabulous night. I thank the Rotary Club of Darwin North and the Australian Professional Rodeo Association for putting on a fabulous event. I thank Eddie Josephs, Jim Trobbiani, Rose Smith, Stephen Miles and Bob Tormey who made up the organising committee of the rodeo. A big well done to Kelly Bergemeister who was crowned the Rodeo Queen just before the rodeo. It is the Rotary Club’s aim to make the Darwin Rodeo one of the best three in Australia and it was a fantastic event. There was a big turn out. I wish Stephen Miles and his wife a speedy recovery from a nasty motor vehicle accident that they had. Stephen was not able to attend the rodeo.
School attendance is vital for any child’s education. Tonight, I table a list of students from Leanyer Primary School. Every student on this list has gone to school for every single day of Semester 1 this year. I congratulate Henry Grey and all of the teachers at Leanyer Primary School. It is a school that is well known for its academic excellence. Henry Grey is a very well regarded and respected principal in our wonderful education system. As minister, attendance has been one of the key themes that I have been pushing the department to focus on, and when these students here turn up every single day for Semester 1 this year it is a great tribute. I table those student’s names.
I would like to plug the St Andrew’s School play. The students and staff are preparing their school play, Wonder in Aliceland, which is taking place at the Italian Club on Thursday and Friday next week. The play is a take on the classic Alice in Wonderland, and I am certainly going to be taking my gorgeous seven-year-old daughter, Isobel along to see that next Thursday night. In adjournment in the next sitting, I will be able to tell everyone if it was a fantastic night. I am absolutely sure it will be and thank the people who are participating in advance.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I advise the parliament about a couple of things that have happened in Alice Springs. First is the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. On 10 August, we had the 5th Annual Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. As always, it was a fabulous day full of fun, laughter and in some cases, tears, for all players and sponsors.
I cannot be accurate about the number, but 240 to 260 enthusiastic women participated in this wonderful event which, for the last five years, has proved a sensational fundraiser for breast cancer research. Prior to this year’s Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day, the organisers - and until this year, I and my electorate officer were two of them - have raised in excess of $50 000. That has been an amazing achievement in itself, one of which we are all proud. This year, I am advised that the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day organisers can proudly boast an exceptional fundraising achievement of something in the vicinity of $20 000.
This year, all funds raised will be split 50:50 between breast cancer research, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the local Zonta Club in Alice Springs which will provide hands-on support for women upon their return to Alice Springs following treatment. This is a valuable service provided by Zonta. I know the members of Zonta, of which I was one once, will be very committed to this.
As for breast cancer research, not enough can be done. On a personal note, I was advised only a few days ago that my mother’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mother has flown interstate to be with her and she underwent surgery yesterday. Although I have had a close friend with breast cancer, I have never had a family member with breast cancer. I guess it shows that this is a very important issue and one which every member of the parliament, the Territory and this country, wants to see overcome. One way of doing that is to ensure that better and more research is undertaken.
This year, somewhat unusually for the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day, the day was preceded by a Thursday evening cocktail party at the Alice Springs Golf Club. A representative from the National Breast Cancer Foundation detailed how the money the Alice Springs community has raised over the years has helped and how far breast cancer research has progressed in the past five years. The results in breast cancer research are very encouraging but, like all medical research, there is so much more to be done.
The Breast Cancer Golf Day is seen as the daytime event for Alice Springs. The numbers just keep increasing and there were many people on waiting lists this year, as there have been in years gone by. As usual, there were many awards presented for the best dressed teams, worst dressed teams, best teams, worst playing teams, best dressed golf buggy, longest drive and so on. I place on the Parliamentary Record my thanks to Deb Pepper, Karen Jones and Jo Hannsen who worked very hard to ensure that the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day was a success.
There were so many sponsors. It is often difficult to get sponsorship for anything in this day and age, but this golf day is very good at attracting great sponsorship. There are two sponsors in particular whom I would like to highlight. One is Tony Connole at Centralian Motors who donated many things as well as participated on one of the holes. In particular, he donated a Mercedes Benz to be driven for a week by the winner of the straightest drive. I am very pleased to say that Vicki Johannsen, playing in the team that I was playing in, won that prize and, as we speak, I believe she is driving around in a Mercedes Benz. I also thank Nick Hill at the Alice Springs Wine Club for his assistance. He is a regular at this golf day. My sincere thanks to him for his generosity. Of course, sponsorship is not just confined to those very nice men. Many other men and women and businesses in the community participate. Thanks and congratulations to all those involved in the success of this year’s Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. I sincerely look forward to participating again next year and contributing where I can in being part of an enormous group in Alice Springs which contributes to breast cancer research, as well as support for sufferers of breast cancer in Alice Springs.
I now turn to National Tree Day and how it was celebrated in my electorate. I was very happy that the Alice Springs Town Council chose to conduct the tree planting in Finlayson Street in the electorate of Araluen. Residents in the vicinity of the park – and it is a great park in Finlayson Street - were also delighted with the opportunity it provided; namely to enhance the local park and make it a great place for children and adults to relax, play and interact with the natural environment, and for residents generally to enjoy the increased amenity of the park from their properties. It was on Sunday, 29 July, the day after the Greatorex by-election as it happened. I and many others turned up to participate. I also planted a tree. I went there with some friends, some of them young children, and they planted trees as well. It was a great success. Many hundreds of trees, native trees and shrubs, and ground covers were planted, and I look forward to seeing them grow over the years. Once all the trees were planted, individually irrigated and mulched, the park looked absolutely fabulous. The Alice Springs Town Council has also replaced the slippery dip and has programmed for the repair of other play equipment and facilities in the park. I thank the council for their efforts in that regard as well. Congratulations to all of those who participated in the National Tree Day celebration. I hope, for residents surrounding Finlayson Street and the park, as well as residents in Finlayson Street, that they will continue to derive great pleasure from the park, particularly now that it has so many trees in it.
As we know, tree planting makes a positive difference to our environment, and the benefits reach into schools and communities and also help our precious native animals and plants survive in Australia’s diverse natural settings. The planting of the local native trees helps to provide food and shelter for native wildlife and so on. Lisa Scott, in particular, a well-known resident in Finlayson Street, has been very active trying to do what she can to improve the park. I have met with Lisa many times and I know that she was also very pleased to participate on the day and see the great results.
National Tree Day is sponsored nationally by Toyota and the AMP Foundation. I thank Peter Kittle Toyota and its entire staff – and there are a great many of them - who turned up on the day and made the day very enjoyable, as well as putting in some hard work along the way. Other local participants included Origin Gas, which provided the drinks. Sausage sandwiches were courtesy of the Rotary Club of Alice Springs – a big thank you to them. Face painting and balloon art was courtesy of Miss Balloon, and valuable on-the-ground technical support by the Alice Springs Town Council. It was a great day and a great community event. It was great to see so many kids planting trees, and also to see so many people from the local community participating, many of whom live well beyond Finlayson Street. With those comments, I will conclude.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, in late June, I joined Dr Jeannie Herbert at Parliament House to launch the first partnership agreement between the Batchelor Institute and the Territory government. The signing of the agreement marked an important step forward for the Territory and for Aboriginal Territorians. It will expand our existing relationship with the Institute and work towards improving economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians. It will also build on our commitment to provide better education and training programs that are linked to real jobs in communities across the Territory. It is these kinds of partnerships that will ensure more people graduate in our remote communities, and that more people enrol in training across the Territory. That, of course, will mean more jobs for more people in their own communities, more teachers and nurses, more local business people, tourism operators, and tradespeople. That is good for Aboriginal Territorians, and good for their communities.
The event was very well attended. Charlie King did a great job as MC. It was a disappointment that our keynote speaker, Rose Kunoth-Monks was unable to attend. Rose is the Chair of the Batchelor Institute, and I know many people were looking forward to her speak. Dr Herbert stepped in, though, and read Rose’s speech, and it was well received.
Four Batchelor Institute representatives - Dr Herbert, Deputy Director Tom Evison, Pat Coles and Dr Tony Mordini - will work with senior government officials to govern the agreement. I wish them all the best. If we get it right, the benefits will be far-reaching for the Territory. I hope the next three years will produce outcomes of which we can all be proud.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the Public Sector Management program graduation ceremony in Darwin, and helping the Commissioner for Public Employment, Ken Simpson, present certificates to the graduates. I always look forward to this event, and not just because it celebrates the accomplishments of a number of high achieving Territorians. It is also an important day for the Territory. As you would be aware, our public sector has been instrumental in the growth and development we have seen in recent times. It has played a crucial role in creating the lifestyle so many Territorians enjoy today.
The Public Sector Management program represents a major investment in our public service, and in the future of the Territory. The program brings the latest skills and knowledge to the public sector, and plays a key role in developing our next generation of leaders. It was great to see so many friends and family members at the graduation, and it made for a great atmosphere. There were parents and friends who came from interstate and overseas for the event and you could see how proud they were.
Congratulations to all the agencies which encouraged and sponsored their managers during two years of study. Their foresight and support of their staff is why the public sector will continue to play a key role in moving the Territory ahead. On behalf of everyone in this House, congratulations to all the graduates and the very best of luck in the future.
India at Mindil is one of Darwin’s great cultural festivals. In fact, not many realise it is now Australia’s biggest and best attended Indian cultural festival. The atmosphere at this year’s event was wonderful and, as usual, the food, the music and the dance, the fashion, and the various cultural activities were top quality.
We were honoured this year to have Mr Vinod Kumar, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, at the event. He was there with the visiting dance group from AP Folk, Tribal and Cultural Association of India who performed brilliantly.
India at Mindil is great for Darwin and the Top End, and it is a big part of our wonderful Territory lifestyle. That is why we are so proud to support this event. The success of the festival has much to do with the drive and commitment of the Indian Cultural Society. They do a marvellous job organising the festival. I extend a special thanks to Shaik Hakeem, the society’s president, Ram Kumar, the festival’s Cultural Coordinator, and everyone else who was involved. Well done, and congratulations.
I want to say a few words about one of the Territory’s business success stories. Last month, I had the pleasure of helping those at Knight Frank officially open their new Darwin office. There was a good turn out with quite a few interstate people attending the event. The new office is impressive, it is accessible - there is no better location than the mall - and I am sure it will serve the company well. It certainly beats the 12 m2 office Peter McVann started out with at Jape Homemaker Village in 1999.
Their new premises is a great example of the confidence we are seeing in the future of Darwin, and it says a lot about the confidence Territorians have in Knight Frank. I congratulate Matthew Knight, David Woolford, Peter McVann, and everyone in the Knight Frank team. You have done a great job, and I wish you all the best for the future.
Last month, I also had the pleasure of helping induct Rotary’s new District Governor at their changeover ceremony which was held in Parliament House. It is an important occasion for Rotary. This year’s ceremony had added significance with Joanne Schilling becoming our District’s first female governor. Joanne is a great choice, not just because she is a talented woman, but because she is a dedicated Rotarian with proven leadership qualities, and a broad knowledge of the organisation. On behalf of all of us, I wish Joanne the very best in her role. I thank outgoing District Governor, Craig Bowen, for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.
Rotary is an organisation that continues to make a real difference in our community. Their influence is significant. We know all about their involvement in various humanitarian efforts, their support of charities and their hosting of important Territory events like the Darwin Rodeo, Beat the Heat, or the Pride in Workmanship awards. Rotary’s presence in the Territory has helped make our society a more tolerant and compassionate place. To Joanne and everyone involved with Rotary, thank you for your efforts and the best of luck in the future.
Last month I also had the pleasure of opening the inaugural TOGART Contemporary Art Award exhibition in Parliament House. As members would be aware, the exhibition was displayed in the Hall and is the product of the vision and drive of Ervin Vidor and the TOGA Group. I know that like us, Ervin believes our new waterfront precinct will play an important role in the cultural life of Darwin and TOGART is proof of their long-term commitment to arts in the Territory.
The exhibition was stunning. The works were diverse, 28 in all, black and white artists side by side, different cultural and stylistic perspectives, but it came together beautifully. Margie West was responsible for the hanging of the exhibition and she certainly deserves special praise. As I said at the launch, Parliament House has never looked so good. To give you an idea of how popular the exhibition was, around 700 people took time to vote in the $5000 People’s Choice award. I am told that every work received votes, which says a lot about the quality of the works. Arnhem Land artist, Wukun Wanambi, from Buku Larrngay Mulka took out the prize for his bark of swirling fish titled Bamarrungu. Darwin artist, Chayni Henry, won the $15 000 inaugural TOGART Contemporary Art award for her work, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. I am sure her work would strike a chord with anybody from this part of the world. To Chayni and Wukun and to all the artists, congratulations. Congratulations also to members of the preselection panel – Felicity Green, Koolpinyah Barns, Steve Eland, Allison Gray, Renai Grace and Sarah Scott. To Ervin Vidor and the TOGA Group, you have created something special, thank you.
This year was the 10th time we have hosted a round of the V8 Supercar championship series and, as usual, motor sports fans turned up in force to support the event. It was an exciting weekend - thrills, spills and some great racing. Each year, the V8s draw between 35 000 and 40 000 people to Hidden Valley, 4500 of those coming from interstate specifically for the event. The number of racegoers who have upgraded to corporate marquees has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, there were 5800 in all this year; a record which gives you an idea of how the event is growing. That makes Hidden Valley the third largest corporate event of the 13 rounds of the championship behind Adelaide’s Clipsall 500 and Gold Coast Indy. We should be proud of that achievement and that level of support.
That support extends to the drivers and teams. They regard Hidden Valley as one of their favourite destinations behind Adelaide’s Clipsall 500 and Bathurst which, of course, is huge. Around 500 volunteers worked over the V8 Supercar weekend. Many of these people have worked at all 10 events and NT Major Events Company acknowledged their contribution by giving them commemorative anniversary carry bags and shirts. I thank those volunteers for their magnificent efforts. Their hard work and dedication are a big reason why this event has been so successful.
To give you an idea of how much is involved in organising an event like the Supercars, just look at the contribution our local businesses made. They provided everything from generators, marquees and shade, scaffolding, giant screens and water barriers through to all the furniture and fittings, portable buildings, toilets, merchandise, road sweepers, water trucks, fire extinguishers, cleaning and sanitary services and food and catering. A fantastic effort. Our free bus services were very popular. They carried just under 20 000 people to and from the track over the three days. So to all the drivers, many thanks. It was a great event and a great success.
My thanks must also go to V8 Supercars Australia and particularly to Chairman, Tony Cochrane, and Chief Executive, Wayne Cattach. To our wonderful naming sponsor, SKYCITY, General Manager, Andrew Wilson, and Assistant General Manager, Emmanuel Cruz, deserve special praise. Finally to Paul Cattermole and his team at Major Events Company, again a great job at making the V8 Supercars one of the Territory’s very best event.
The Fannie Bay History and Heritage Society do a great job in researching and studying the history of Fannie Bay and Parap. The group was founded in 2001 by Barbara James, a very dear friend of mine who sadly died a few years ago, and Eve Gibson, who has since moved to Tasmania, although we still speak to her, that notwithstanding. I am pleased to say their legacy lives on. The work of the society includes the preservation of places and objects of historical interest and they share this with the community through a program of lectures, exhibitions, printing and publications. It is not only locals who benefit from their work, but also tourists visiting our town. Historical tourism is now a growth industry right around Australia, and Fannie Bay has many short stories to share.
This month, Seniors Month, the society is running History Mystery tours throughout Parap, Fannie Bay and the gardens. With a grant from the Office of Senior Territorians, they have hired the Tour Tub to ferry seniors around the area’s historically significant sites. The tours run for an hour every Tuesday and Thursday right throughout August and have proved, so far, a bit of a hit. I am hopeful these tours continue in the future. They are a great way for local residents, especially students and younger people, to learn more about our history. The society also has an oral history project under way which involves recording the stories of long-term residents of Fannie Bay and Parap, and next year will be closely involved with Parap Primary School’s 50th anniversary.
I acknowledge the dedication of society president, Judy Boland. Judy teaches at Darwin High School and is passionate about promoting and preserving our history. I also acknowledge Wendy Macdonald, Jean Vickery, Ron Weepers, Peter Radtke, Austin Asche, Brian and Mary Joyce, Betty Vogel, Heather Sjoberg, Helen Galton, Annette Milikins and Dr Mick Myers. Thank you for all your tireless efforts.
Staff and students from St John’s College travelled to Japan in June for a study tour and, by all accounts, they had a wonderful time. One of the highlights of their trip was visiting Sugao School and staying with host families for two nights. Students from Sugao School visit St John’s College each year and they were thrilled to be able to meet up again in their own country and show off their own culture. Other highlights of the visit included a sightseeing tour of Tokyo, which would have been a real eye opener for students who are used to the laid back style of Darwin, and a visit to Mt Fuji and the beautiful lakes area. Of course, Disneyland proved a great hit.
There were 15 students on the study tour which was led by principal, Sister Philippa Murphy. She was assisted by three staff members, Myra Beckley, Anne Tan and Lorraine McCleary. The lucky students who went to Japan on that exchange were: Tenneil Beckley, Stephanie Dunkel, Abbey Devereux, Nelies Stien Oktovina Karubaba, Mina Natkime, Austin Gloria Paramita Bagre, Patricia Novelista Ormuseray, Meredith Waterhouse, Alveen Alex, Soleman Wellem Sarwom, Adrian Andhika Thie, Arthur Septian Israelo Bagre, Mario De Venansius, Ferdinand Imbiri and Keirin Steadman. They were great Territory ambassadors one and all and I certainly hope they had a great trip.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I talk about two great Territorians who have recently passed away. The first person I would like to speak about is Anthony ‘John’ Wills.
Anthony ‘John’ Wills was born on 13 August 1941 and passed away on 5 August 2007. He was the beloved husband of Glenda; loving father of Nathan, Russel, Peter and Maurice; father-in-law of Bronwyn and Birgit; devoted grandfather of Natasha, Phil, Travis, Damien, Loyola, Jerone, Sheldon, Kanisha and Freya; and great-grandfather of Jias.
He was the son of Thora and Anthony, nephew of Eileen and Pat, brother of Robert or Bob, Laurie and Frank. Acknowledged by Phyllis Glasson, his sister; son-in-law of Leah and Phil (Condy) Canuto; brother-in-law of Lee, Christine, Lulu, Evelyn, Loyola and George Hodges, Cecilia and Clifford Daddow, Condy and Mary Canuto, Patricia and Eddie Watkins, Nannette and Thalep Ahmat, John Canuto, Jane Matthews, Azlea Parker, Lenora and Paul, and Peter Canuto.
Anthony ‘John’ Wills was a well-known Territorian. His family have been in the Territory many generations. Anthony was known for his sense of humour but, as his son said in his eulogy, he was a bit of a mongrel as well. He enjoyed his football, his family, having a punt and being a ‘knock around’ sort of bloke in his day. He had close connections, not only with Darwin, but with Cairns, and worked for over 30 years with the Darwin City Council and was well respected by all his colleagues.
His son, Russel, gave one of the most fantastic eulogies that I have heard, at a graveside ceremony at the Darwin General Cemetery. It was great to see all the old local families and all the friends of Anthony ‘John’ Wills turn up and show their respect, not only for him and to remember his life, but also respect for his wife, his sons and his remaining family. I was honoured to be there to participate. The Wills family are relations of mine and I know that Nathan, Russel, Peter and Maurice, and Glenda will be missing their father and husband for some time yet. He had a long battle with illness, and we know that Anthony will be in a better place. To all the Wills family, I know that many families and many locals over many decades wish you all the best and have deep sympathy and send their condolences to you.
The next person I would like to speak about is the late Joseph Gregory Cooper. Joseph Gregory Cooper, known as Joe Joe, was born on 21 February 1953 and passed away on 24 June 2007. He was the second eldest son of Ronald and Barbara Cooper; brother to Rueben, Ronald Jr, Robert, Dennis and John; father to Debbie, Allison, Deanne, Kenny, Shelby and Logan; father-in-law to Michael, Shane and Sharon; grandfather to Samara, Peter, Brandon, Isa, Benjamine, Alisha, Tyra and Marlee-Jo; nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many and family relation to the Bonson clan. I read from the funeral booklet:
It was a classic, old-style Darwin funeral, with many of the long-term locals turning up to the cathedral on Smith Street, and it was standing room only. Joe would have appreciated that. Many people actually drove out to Arnhem Land. I heard there were over 100 people who attended funeral services in Arnhem Land and buried him and remembered him and had a good time.
One of the songs he had written was read in the church. I thought it would be appropriate to leave us with the last thoughts of Joe Joe Cooper. His song was called Light from Heaven:
My final comment about Joe Joe Cooper was that he was also a well-known larrikin around town. He had an ‘office’ space at the old Beachfront. I know many of long-term drinkers will miss him and his good sense of humour as the sun sets. I know his family, which is a well-known Territory family, the Cooper family, will miss him deeply. No doubt, they will continue to have good times singing, hunting, fishing and gathering together as one of the true, big families of the Northern Territory.
The last thing that I will talk about is a top award for my local primary school, Ludmilla, which has been doing a fantastic job for many years. The principal, Helen Southam and all the staff, including young Damian Zammit, deserve all the accolades that they have received. Ludmilla services a particular type of clientele, which includes Defence Force, local Territorians, plus the Bagot community. They have many different tasks that they face and many different challenges that they meet every day.
They have won a fantastic award. That award was given by the Commonwealth Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Hon Julie Bishop MP. The award was celebrating literacy and numeracy achievements in Australia. This is from the media release of 16 August 2007:
One of which was Ludmilla:
Literacy and numeracy are foundation skills for a successful education and productive life, improving and encouraging high school retention rates, and leads to improved employment opportunities and enhances economic prosperity.
I know that the school council and the school community are very proud. There is a newspaper article recognising this. The headline is ‘Top award for Ludmilla’:.
The staff and the council understand that there is a unique dynamic to Ludmilla school and they work very hard to ensure that every student succeeds. The school council, recently elected at an AGM on 13 March, is: Chairperson, Mick Purcell, a good friend of mine and very hard worker for the community and supports the school by sending all his children there; Secretary, Jenny McClelland; and Treasurer, Marnie Richards. Committee members are Bernie Davies, Eva Petterson, Kylie Carthew-Evans, Lottie Nefiodovas, Ellen Kerr and Anna Simpson. The RAAF Preschool representative is Tammie Carlile; Ludmilla Preschool representative is Jane Dawe; and teacher representatives are Jenny Sherrington and Cassandra Duykers. The Principal is Helen Southam.
I congratulate Ludmilla School and all of their staff and all the kids for their successful award.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I acknowledge a significant event in the Northern Territory and Australia with the Darwin Parachute Club hosting the Biannual Boogie in Batchelor which occurred on the 28 July to 4 August. This is Australia’s premiere skydiving event and some 130 skydivers from all parts of Australia, Europe and Japan came to Batchelor for this event.
Over that week they had something like 2700 parachute descents from 14 000 feet. They had two 16-place Cessna Caravans as well as a helicopter on site to do that. Those planes take 16 passengers and they had events where they had 32 jumpers coming down all at once. So it was quite spectacular. This event has been going on for almost 30 years and it is well placed on the Australian skydiving calendar for all skydivers in the nation.
It was originally known as Rel Week. It started in Katherine in the late 1970s to provide Territory skydivers with the opportunity to improve their skills in the areas of freefalling which is called rel-work and canopy-related work which is called CReW, by bringing up the best skydivers in Australia to coach the locals. In the mid-1990s, the event moved to Batchelor because it rained in Katherine and the name Boogie in Batchelor was adopted. The event there includes free flying, sky surfing, cross-country free fall in bird-man suits, as well as the traditional rel-work and CReW.
The Boogie has been the catalyst for many Territory skydivers to become Australian champions and go on to become professional skydivers and also commercial pilots. It attracts both male and female skydivers from teenagers up to their 60 and 70s. There is even a 72-year-old actively skydiving in Australia. It attracts people from all walks of life: doctors, nurses, vets, lawyers, all types of people, professional and non-professional. There are certain groups within the skydiving community. One is called the POPS, Parachutists Over Phorty, and the SOS, Skydivers Over Sixty. As I said, they cater for all age groups and they certainly get into it, as I saw when I was down there.
The southern skydivers are not only attracted to the Boogie because of their top-class coaching, but also because of the blue skies we have in the Territory, the warm weather and the uniqueness of the area.
I was down there for the opening, and they were getting right in to it. My opinion is that they are all junkies and are hooked on adrenaline – not the synthetic kind, but the natural variety. It was contagious, and I was certainly caught up in their enthusiasm, all but my fear.
The event was very well run. The Darwin Parachute Club members were great hosts. They provided tours through the Top End. There were trips to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, to the Jumping Croc cruises, barra fishing and crabbing. Many stayed on for the great Darwin Cup and experienced the Mindil Beach Markets, house boats on Corroboree Billabong and some other exploring. They were certainly well looked after by the Darwin Parachute Club.
The club has certainly done a lot with its facility at Batchelor. The Northern Territory government donated about $35 000 to build a verandah, and what they have built is probably worth five times that. They used the $35 000 for materials and had a working bee. It is fantastic to see what they did there. It is a great facility and they add to it each year, with everyone pitching in.
The parachute club is led by their President, Keith Atkins, who is a great guy. He is a typical Territorian who loves his parachuting and everything else that goes with the Territory. The Secretary is Rebecca Fauntleroy, who also contributed a great deal during the week. The Treasurer is Kim Hedley and the Chief Instructor is Terry King, who were both instrumental in making the week a great success. The committee is made up of Alistair Bates, Roger Clifton, Trevor Collins, Dan and Sharni Short, Paul O’Dwyer, Toni Amiet, Deb Holt, Dion Mewburn, Kellie Fraser, Donna Ferguson, Blake Palmer, Michael Hotham, Ashley Smith, Kirk Allison, Phil Irlam and Tom Maher. They do a fantastic job. They were flat out all week, but it did not affect them a great deal. They were caught up in the excitement of parachuting with a great many of their friends, with the aid of some great aircraft. They were jumping from great heights, too.
The parachute club would like me to acknowledge the support they have received from the Northern Territory government and the Coomalie Community Government Council. They provide great support, as do other businesses and individuals in the Batchelor community who have taken them under their wing. They get the parachutists back from time to time with various events they have around Batchelor, so it was great to see.
Organisation for the 2009 Boogie in Batchelor is well under way. I will finish with their philosophy, which is: ‘Why fall – skies call – that’s all!’ I thank Tom and Trevor for all their help in getting me down there. I had a great time, and I hope my next experience skydiving is a little more relaxed and I can enjoy the moment of being scared out of my wits. Well done, Darwin Parachuting Club, and all those who work with it.
I acknowledge students who are doing great work in the 21 schools in the Daly electorate. At Taminmin High, I acknowledge the excellent work of Bonnie Hageman in Year 12, and also Horas Oppusunggu in Year 11. They are doing great work in the school, and I hope they continue to keep it up.
The Katherine School of the Air is a fantastic facility looking after kids in remote areas, and providing a high level of education. It is using the latest equipment we can provide, and I hope we can expand the bandwidth they have so they can have two-way vision and sound. At the moment, only each end can see each other and I hope we can get more resources in to expand the bandwidth and speed it up. The April awards I presented at the school went to Jack Sears, who is in the lower school, and Ben Ranacher in the upper school. Ben is from Bulloo River towards the Western Australia border, and I think everyone would know that famous cattle station. Great work. Jack and Ben; keep it up.
The May awards were won by Jessica Deeth in the lower school who is from Larrimah, which is 200 km down the track from Katherine, and Kate Lumsden who is from Kalkarindji. I am sure the member for Stuart passes on his congratulations to Kate. They have a few students from Kalkarindji who get stuck into the education opportunities offered by the School of the Air.
Our Lady the Sacred Heart School at Wadeye is doing great work. They are trying to achieve some significant results in difficult circumstances. I congratulate Anne Rebgets and Tobias Nganbe for all their work inspiring the teaching staff, and trying to generate education priorities within the community. They have recently won eight Enterprise Education grants, which is great work to attract those grants amongst everything else they do during the day in their school.
Recently at an athletics carnival in Darwin a number of OLSH school students won awards. Year 5 students who were chosen to attend were: Larry Anglitchi, who came second in the 200 m; Thaddeus Kauri; Hillary Kolumboort; Peter John Berida; Elvina Nemarluk; Daisyaria Tipoura, who came first in the 300 m, and third in the 200 m; June Kinthari; and Josephine Tchinbururr. Congratulations to those children. When bush kids come to Darwin, they tend to do very well, and we have to try to give them the opportunities. There is not necessarily Little Athletics operating on the remote communities to give the kids regular training in running, discus, and javelin sports, however, they certainly do succeed when they come to Darwin and we have to try to help them more.
The Year 12 students attended the Katherine Rural College to complete their second-stage horticultural course. Priscilla Dumoo Virginia Bunduck, Zippy Bunduck, Augustine Bunduck, Mark Parmbuk, Issac Kungul, Alex Lantjin, Janette Muriel, Amanda Kungul, and Lucille Kinthari all travelled to Katherine and on to Mataranka Station to learn about garden propagation and crop growing. I think they enjoyed their time there. It gives them more VET education experiences and I hope they look further into advancing in that area.
At the Peppimenarti School, the excellence in attendance, literacy, and behaviour went to David Russell, a Transition student who is apparently doing great work. He is well recognised by the teaching staff. I congratulate David and I hope he keeps up the good work. I am sure he will, as do all the kids at Peppimenarti. I look forward to catching up with them next time I visit their community.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw your attention to the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery and the Ministerial Officers’ Gallery of family and friends of the late Mr Paul Sitzler. I particularly draw your attention to His Honour the Administrator, Mr Ted Egan AO, Administrator of the Northern Territory and Ms Nerys Evans; Mrs Minna Sitzler AM, a former Deputy of the Administrator of the Northern Territory and widow of the late Mr Paul Sitzler; Mrs Shelley Forester, Ben and Nick Forester, family of the late Mr Paul Sitzler. I have also been advised that Mr Nick Sitzler and his wife, Silke, and his son, Andreas, who are in Europe would like to be acknowledged as having wanted to be here today but, unfortunately, could not attend.
Also in the Speaker’s Gallery we have Mrs Josephine Stone AM, and I believe that Mr Shane Stone AC PGDK QC, former Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, will also be joining us this morning.
On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I also draw your attention to the presence in the public gallery of Year 6/7 students from St Andrew’s Primary School accompanied by Carly Monro, and Year 6/7 Gray Primary School students accompanied by Kate Phillips. On behalf of honourable members, I extend a warm welcome to our visitors.
Members: Hear, hear!
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Death of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM
Death of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM
Madam SPEAKER: It is with deep regret that I advise honourable members of the death, on 15 June 2007, of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, a pioneer of the Territory’s construction industry, a highly-respected businessman, and a dedicated community worker. I ask honourable members, on completion of debate, to stand in silence for one minute as a mark of respect.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Mr Paul Sitzler OAM
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move - That this Assembly express its deep regret at the passing of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, a man who helped build and modernise the Territory and contributed so much to the community, and tender its profound sympathy to his family who are here today.
The passing of Paul Sitzler in June was greeted with sadness by many Territorians. Paul was a great Territorian, a pioneer who, along with his brother, Peter, helped build a great Territory company and shape the place we live in today.
Like many Territorians, Paul came to this land from another place. He was born in Germany in 1930 and, together with 38 other German building tradesmen, arrived in Melbourne by boat at the age of 21. He settled in Morwell in Victoria and found work in a briquette factory and a brown coal gasification plant before moving west to Adelaide. It was while he was there, working with a farmer in the Adelaide Hills clearing scrub, that he first began learning English.
In 1953, while attending an English class at the Lutheran church hall in Adelaide, Paul met RA Drogemuller, a meeting that would change the course of his life. Mr Drogemuller was looking for a carpenter to work in Alice Springs and, within days, Paul had accepted the job and moved. At that time, Alice Springs had a population of 2200, and tradesmen, not surprisingly, were scarce. There were opportunities for motivated young men who were willing to learn and work hard. Paul never looked back.
The following year he sent his younger brother, Peter, the fare to join him in Australia, and the brothers were reunited in Alice Springs. When work was slow in the Alice, Paul and Peter went bush and helped build schools and health clinics in places like Yuendumu and Lajamanu, known as Hooker Creek.
Paul met his wife Minna, formerly our Deputy of the Administrator, while he worked for her father, Pastor Albrecht, at the Finke River Mission block at the Gap. They were married in 1959 after she returned to Alice Springs from Adelaide where she trained as a kindergarten teacher. Two years later, Paul and Minna travelled to Germany for a year to spend time in Paul’s home town. While there, Minna gave birth to their first daughter, Shelley. In 1963, back in Alice Springs, life became even busier with the birth of twins, Nicholas and Katrina.
The Sitzler dynasty really began in 1957 when Paul and Peter decided to work as a business partnership. They continued their work on smaller building projects for about four years before receiving their first big contract in 1962. It involved building offices, houses, a school and an eating house at Areyonga, and so began a remarkable journey for one of the Territory’s premier building companies. Minna was the camp cook on the Areyonga project but it was the only time the Sitzler brothers ever had their wives work with them. I am told that both Paul and Peter said it was to ‘keep the peace’.
The brothers continued their work out bush with the aim of making enough money to set up a decent plant and buy a good backhoe and tip truck. They were the first subcontractors involved in the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap doing the concreting work. In 1967, they bought a crane to build the Catholic Church in Alice Springs. They then built Stage 1 of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic School, the Baptist Church in Yuendumu, and the Lutheran Church at the Gap. Their partnership was superseded in 1967 when they formed their company Sitzler Brothers.
Following Cyclone Tracy, work dried up in Alice Springs and they decided to expand their interest into Darwin and started competing for contracts in 1977. They did not get established until the mid-1980s and their first $1m contract was for the Ron Goodin Power Station. The Sitzler stamp can now be seen all over the Territory: OLSH’s Sadadeen Campus; the Greatorex Building; the Peter Sitzler Building which houses Tourism NT; the Alice Springs Convention Centre; parts of Yulara Resort; and the Ford Plaza, now Alice Plaza, just to name a few. In Darwin, Sitzler Brothers built the Naval Base at Humpty Doo, the Anglican Cathedral, aircraft hangers for the Navy, and Army buildings at the NORFORCE Headquarters.
Paul retired from the business early in 1988 due to ill health and his brother, Peter, passed away in 1992. The company was taken over by Peter’s son, Michael, and his business partners Barry Klaebe and Steve Margetic.
Paul was a member of a number of service clubs including Apex and Rotary. He was chairman of the local Bicentenary Committee and represented the southern region on the Darwin Bicentenary Council. He was the foundation individual member of the Charles Darwin University Foundation established in 1993, and with Minna, founding member of the Government House Foundation.
In 1998, Paul received the Order of Australia Medal for service to construction development and our community in the Territory, particularly through the service clubs of which he was a member. Paul is survived by Minna; daughters, Shelley and Katrina; son, Nicholas, and five grandchildren, Ben, Nicholas, Edward, Sophie and Andreas.
He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his work, and his community, and for his love of our wonderful Northern Territory. This city, indeed the whole of the Territory, is indebted to Paul Sitzler. He was a true gentleman and a remarkable Territorian.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I thank the government for bringing on this condolence motion to honour a great pioneer of the Territory and a wonderful man, Paul Sitzler.
I have talked about Paul and the contribution he has made to the Territory before in this parliament. I am greatly saddened to do so again in these circumstances. It is, however, an opportunity to honour him and to celebrate his life. It is also an opportunity to do so in front of members of his family and so many of his friends, and to place just some of his achievements on the Parliamentary Record, which I am sure will be read by future generations of Sitzlers.
Members will be interested to know that this week, Paul and Minna’s son, Nick, will conduct a memorial service in Haiterbach in Germany with Paul’s sister and her family, and it is fitting that his life is celebrated by these two significant events in the same week.
Much has been said and written about Paul’s life, and you would expect that to be so, given his long, varied and significant contribution. The last time I spoke about Paul in this parliament, it was to congratulate the Sitzler family on the 45th anniversary of Sitzler Brothers. I talked about some of the things he and his brother, Peter, had achieved. I intend to repeat some of those comments today.
Paul led an interesting life and his contribution to the development of the Territory cannot and should not ever be underestimated.
Paul Otto Sitzler was born on 7 March 1930 and died unexpectedly on 15 June 2007. In 1951, Paul left his home town of Haiterbach in Germany with 38 other tradesmen to sail to Australia. He worked in Victoria and South Australia and he performed a few different jobs before meeting a bloke from Alice Springs who was looking for a carpenter. Paul jumped at the chance.
Paul arrived in Alice Springs in May 1953 when Alice had a population of only 2000 people. In 1954, he sent the fare to his brother, Peter, in Germany to join him. They worked for a few people until about 1957 when they started their own business and the partnership PO and EW Sitzler began, which later became a company in 1967.
In 1962, they got their first big contract of $50 000 to build offices, houses, a school and an eating house at Areyonga, which then took 12 hours to reach from Alice Springs. They then worked at Hermannsburg, Yuendumu and many other remote communities and did so for many years. In the late 1960s the company expanded and, as has already been said, they were the first subcontractors for the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap.
They did many things, but it is fair to say that they went through a church building phase, building the Catholic Church, the Baptist Church at Yuendumu, and the Lutheran Church in the Gap. I am sure Minna will not mind me saying that it is a bit of a joke in the family that they never made any money out of building churches and they actually lost money on the Catholic Church. I think it is partly because Paul was so generous and did not feel good about charging what he should have for all of the work they did.
Nevertheless, Sitzler Brothers went from strength to strength. Paul said in an interview in 1998 that they were always lucky because they had a good bank. He said:
- Quite often, a bank gives you an umbrella and when it rains they take it away. Our bank left us with the umbrella.
One need only look around Alice Springs to see the contribution Sitzler Brothers made to the town. They built many buildings, among them are the Tourist Commission building, now known as the Peter Sitzler Building, Ford Plaza, Minerals House, the FAI Building, the Centrepoint building and the Diplomat Hotel, just to name a few.
As the company grew so did the areas in which they worked. Sitzler Brothers started a branch in Darwin in about 1977. The buildings they built include the Humpty Doo Naval Base, Kings Canyon Resort, Ayers Rock Resort, the Palmerston Civic Centre, the Anglican Cathedral in Darwin, the Darwin Institute of Technology, and many others.
Paul retired from the business in about 1988 but always maintained a very keen interest in the company and its development, and was always very proud of what it achieved. He was right to be proud. As young men from Germany, over a 40-year period, Paul and his brother, Peter, built buildings around the Territory in urban centres and remote areas. The names of many of the buildings have changed but the buildings remain as a permanent reminder of their hard work - and what hard work it must have been in those early days, in the heat and without the modern comforts or technologies that we have today.
Madam Speaker, Peter and Paul epitomised the great pioneering spirit of the Northern Territory: if you work hard, be creative, and you are prepared to take a few risks, you will be rewarded. As we know the name of Sitzler is carried on by Paul’s nephew, Michael, in the Sitzler Brothers business. The company is Territory owned and has significant involvement in developments in Darwin and has, it is fair to say, become an iconic Territory company.
The company has also undertaken work in Adelaide. Very recently, Paul’s grandson, Edward, was in the city and saw a Sitzlers sign attached to Hungry Jacks in Rundle Mall. Edward was having a bit of a giggle and when asked by his mother why he was giggling he said: ‘Grandpa hated Hungry Jacks’. She assured him that his pride in the company would have outweighed his dislike of Hungry Jacks!
Paul had a few good personal mottos by which he lived. One of them, as Shelley knows, is ‘always pay your bills’. Another one is ‘you have to do what is right’. He did both and he instilled those and so many more important values in his children Shelley, Nick and Katrina, of whom he was so very proud.
It would be wrong, though, to think of Paul Sitzler only as a builder and a businessman. His involvement and participation in the company is well known and well documented. His work in the community included membership of Apex, Rotary, the Bicentennial Council and the Parole Board, to name a few. His contribution to the community and the construction industry earned him an OAM several years ago.
Paul was an extremely generous man and, at his funeral, his daughter, Katrina, told the story of a Bosnian man in Alice Springs who many years ago went to Paul for help. The man had gained refugee status but he could not afford to bring his family out from Bosnia. Paul offered to pay for the entire family - and there were about half a dozen of them - to come to Australia. Many years later, he received a letter from a woman who was from that family. She was a little girl when she and her family arrived in the country, thanks to Paul’s generosity. She told him about her life’s journey and expressed her heartfelt appreciation about what Paul and Minna had done for them and detailed how she used the gift given to her of living in a peaceful and free country.
I know others will talk today about Paul’s work in the building and construction industry, and his many achievements, and I look forward to hearing their contributions. However, I would like to talk about Paul, the husband, father and grandfather.
Paul married Minna, daughter of Pastor Albrecht from Hermannsburg in 1959. In his interview in 1998, Paul said that Minna,
- … was our camp cook in Areyonga. That was the only time she worked for us. Peter and I had a rule that our wives should not work in the company to keep the peace.
That policy seemed to serve everybody very well, as Paul’s loving relationship with both his brother and his wife endured. The Sitzler wives supported their husbands and businesses in every way and, no doubt, there were strains in those early years when their husbands went bush for long periods of time.
Minna’s own contribution to the Territory has also been significant. As we know, she was the first Deputy of the Administrator and, indeed, sat in this parliament when the 9th Assembly commenced in October 2001. I remember sitting here as a new member of parliament looking around at the sea of faces and not seeing very many people I knew. What a relief it was to see Minna and Paul sitting over there only a few metres away.
After so many years in Alice Springs, Paul and Minna left about five years ago to live in Adelaide. They bought a fabulous house on East Terrace, but it required significant renovation. Much to Paul’s almost constant frustration, Minna threw herself into it. It consumed a lot of time and, as Paul often reminded her, not an insubstantial amount of money. Paul eventually gave up complaining and let Minna get on with things. He probably would have said he gave up whingeing about it just to make life easier, but my guess is that he knew it would make Minna very happy; he loved her dearly and wanted to see her happy. I know that he ended up sharing her pride in the work she did to make it the great family home it has become.
Those first couple of years in Adelaide were very hard, I believe, for Paul. He lived almost all of his adult life in Alice Springs, and moving to the city presented difficulties. However, in addition to being a little close to their dear friends, Herman and Ruth Weber, there was one thing that made it utterly wonderful for him, and that was the opportunity to see more of his daughter, Katrina, her husband and their two children, Sophie and Edward. Paul’s daughter, Shelley, and her children, Ben and Nicholas, lived in Alice Springs for many years before moving to Darwin, and they all knew of Paul’s extraordinarily loving and generous relationship he had with her children. Showering the grandkids with gifts and experience and love was what Paul did. The move to Adelaide ensured that Katrina would now get to see this on a weekly and, at times, daily basis. He really was the adored and adoring grandpa.
I cannot possibly talk about Paul without mentioning the newest grandchild, Andreas Alexander. As the other grandchildren were getting older, Nick and his wife, Silke, produced grandchild No 5 last year. Paul adored him. Andreas Alexander will not know his grandpa like his cousins, but he will come to know how very lucky he was to have Paul in his life, albeit for a short time. I am sure that Paul’s grandchildren will always know what a wonderful man Paul was, and I am hopeful that one day they will read this condolence motion and know not only that he was wonderful to and for them, but that his contribution to the Territory was very special and important too.
When talking about Paul Sitzler’s life, anyone who knows him cannot fail to mention his beloved forest. In the mid-1980s, he called a man in Adelaide he knew well and said he wanted to buy a forest – and he ultimately did. He missed the Black Forest in Germany and his forest in South Australia was a pretty good substitute. His grandchildren called it ‘Grandpa’s Forest’, and Paul’s children and grandchildren and their friends played in it for many years. Paul often said that it was his one non-performing asset.
Paul’s family intends to celebrate his life in his spiritual home by having a ceremony soon where each of the grandchildren will plant a tree and a piece of Central Australian stone will bear an inscription. What a fitting memorial.
Paul’s funeral and the wake afterwards was a celebration of Paul’s life. Friends came from all over the country, including many from the Territory, to be there. Minna later said that she was overwhelmed by how many people were there and was a little surprised. I and others were not surprised at all because we know how loved Paul was and how many close friends from all walks of life they have made over many years, and the very special relationship we all have with them.
Many things can, have, and will be said about Paul Sitzler. His role in the early development of the Territory, and his contribution, will in so many ways stand forever. However, I believe Paul would like to be remembered most of all for the love of his family. His greatest joy was his family and he lived for each and every one of them. I have often said to Minna that she has been blessed. She has been blessed in so many ways but, most importantly, she has been blessed with a wonderful family and a dearly loved and loving husband.
As you expressed, Min, after Paul’s death:
- Happy times and bygone days are never lost. In truth, they grow more wonderful within the hearts that keep them.
May Paul and the happy times and bygone days grow more wonderful in your hearts. Our thoughts are with you, and this parliament and, in turn the people of the Northern Territory, offer our very sincere condolences. And I offer you, as always, my love and friendship.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Madam Speaker, this morning I pay tribute to Mr Paul Sitzler OAM, and extend my sympathies to his family and friends. Paul was, indeed, a great Territorian. There are few who can leave us content in the knowledge that they truly did contribute in such a significant way for such a long period of time.
As you know, Madam Speaker, the Territory has many who have come here from other places and who have assumed the mantle of community builders and pioneers across a wide range of fields. The Sitzlers were no different. Paul came to Australia from Germany when he was 21 years of age, and a few years later he brought his brother, Peter, out to join him in Alice. Together they forged a partnership that helped build and modernise the Territory. The Sitzler legacy will survive for many generations.
There are enduring monuments to Paul Sitzler throughout the Territory. Communities far and wide have benefited from Paul and Peter’s vision, skill and tireless effort. The result is facilities that we can all justly feel proud of: Yulara Resort, the Alice Plaza, many schools, health clinics, hospitals and churches - and the list goes on. Their vision has created a great Territory company and provided the strongest of foundations for Sitzler, under the stewardship of Michael, to continue to build and modernise the Territory.
Paul Sitzler was more than just a businessman. He was a son, husband, father and grandfather. Paul’s upbringing sounded more difficult than most, living through World War II in Haiterbach in Germany where he was brought up on a small farm living a frugal existence. He seized the opportunity to leave Germany and came to Australia to ply his trade as a builder and worked hard to develop a future for himself. However, he never forgot his roots and, as a measure of his generosity, he financially supported his father and his sister whom he left in Germany, and he paid for his brother, Peter, to join him in Alice Springs so that he could also pursue a prosperous future.
Paul’s life has been one of reinventing and recasting himself as the conditions of his life dictated. His capacity to change would seem part of his secret to his success. He made the brave decision, as I said, to leave his family and migrate to Australia. He worked hard to learn English and broaden his social network beyond his German colleagues with whom he immigrated. He had a preparedness to learn new building industry techniques when he got here, and his willingness to pursue alternative employment and farming, land clearing, or building in very remote areas demonstrated his capacity to change.
His character did not alter as he aged. Paul was obviously an advocate of lifetime learning and he undertook further study in retirement to improve his computer skills and also learned to speak Italian.
Paul was dedicated to the community of Alice Springs and freely gave many hours to Rotary and to advisory boards and foundations. His service to the community was acknowledged with the awarding of the Order of Australia Medal to him in 1998, an accolade richly deserved.
Paul was a dedicated family man. He loved his family and he bent over backwards to spend time with them and to help them out. He spent considerable time after his retirement carrying out renovations for family members. Some might say he worked harder in retirement than he did before - and that is saying something.
It can be reasonably said that Paul and his passing, through his contribution to our community, leaves the Territory a much better place than when he arrived. Paul is survived by his wife, Minna; his eldest daughter, Shelley; twins, Nicholas and Katrina; his son-in-law, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Silke; and his five grandchildren, Ben, Edward, Nick, Sophie and Andreas.
Mr Sitzler touched the lives of Territorians, indigenous and non-indigenous. I pass on my sincerest respect and condolences to all the Sitzler family.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Madam Speaker, I support the condolence motion for the Sitzler family on the passing of Paul Otto Sitzler, OAM, and extend my sympathy and love to his family.
The Northern Territory and, indeed Australia, has been built by migrants such as Paul Sitzler. Paul arrived in Melbourne in 1951 and, at the time, as a German national he was classified as an enemy alien. We can all appreciate that when Paul came to Australia how difficult it was, especially when his understanding of English was still very limited. When Paul moved to Adelaide he attended English classes. Little did he know then that he would meet a person who would offer him a position in the heart of Australia as a carpenter.
Not long after arriving in Alice Springs, Paul assisted with his youngest brother’s airfare and Peter also arrived in Alice Springs. Both brothers realised the opportunities that abounded in Central Australia and, in 1957, formed a partnership that, in 1967, became one of the most successful construction companies in the Northern Territory - Sitzler Brothers, a company which is now one of the Territory’s icons in the business area. In a little over 45 years, Peter and Paul Sitzler grew Sitzler Brothers into one of the largest construction companies in the Northern Territory and it is still privately owned. Not many businesses can boast of so many years of continued successful service in an industry that copes with differing economic climates.
In 1959, a lovely young lady captured Paul’s heart, and Paul and Minna were married and their family grew with the additions of Shelley and the twins, Katrina and Nicholas. Paul was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and he adored his five grandchildren, Benjamin, Nicholas, Edward, Sophie and Andreas.
Madam Speaker, where would we be without the faith and commitment of this early pioneer of the building industry? From small things, big things grow. From the hard work out bush, from Yuendumu, Hooker Creek, Areyonga and the Joint Defence Facility at Pine Gap, their business partnership grew. We can see a career by the buildings that Sitzler Brothers are famous for such as the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches in Alice Springs, the FAI Building, and the more recent Alice Springs Convention Centre. As in Paul’s own words, he was a builder of churches and dunnies. It did not matter what the actual job was, he always cared for the job 100% with the same meticulous attention to detail.
Paul was also a member of Rotary and Apex, and a companion of the university, and received the Order of Australia Medal in 1998.
It is difficult to condense such a visionary’s life into words. He will be remembered as a committed family man and his legacy lives on. He will be extremely proud of the accolades that Sitzler Brothers received at last Friday night’s Territory Construction Awards for the Darwin Football Stadium at Larrakia Park which was constructed by his company. The award category was the Commercial Building Construction for over $10m and recognised, once again, that the business established over 45 years ago, now managed by Paul’s nephew, Michael and Steve Margetic, will continue to provide the Territory with outstanding buildings.
I attended Paul’s funeral, which was held in Adelaide, and later the gathering at his family home. I had the opportunity to listen to stories about Paul and his achievements, and to see some of the displayed photos that recorded Paul’s early days in his motherland and his later days in his new country. It was particularly touching that, at the end of the funeral service, we were offered twigs of pine tree to place next to Paul’s coffin, a wonderful and most appropriate way to farewell a man who was born in Germany’s Black Forest region but made Central Australia home.
It is a sad time for his family, but it should also be a proud time. I share some of Paul’s experiences. It takes a lot of strength as a young man to leave your country, your family and your friends. At the time Paul came here, he would not see his family for many years. It also shows the strength of the man who did not hesitate to leave his country and his family to come to the other side of the world, to the centre of Australia, and not only create one of the iconic companies of the Territory, but also to create a family legacy. The family should be very proud because Paul left behind not only Sitzler Brothers, but a number of young Territorians who should be very proud to carry into the future the name Sitzler.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, my contribution will be brief. Everyone has been eloquent in describing Paul’s life and contribution to the Territory.
I need to say to Minna and her family I do remember you and Paul. We lived in Gall Street and the Sitzlers lived around the corner in McKay Street. I taught Shelley at Ross Park, and as Katrina reminded me, she and Nicholas were born in the same year as my son. They walked the long walk home from school, down the lane, which is only one block, but I remember it seemed a long way for the kids.
Minna, you and Paul created a wonderful family atmosphere. You were there for your kids. Paul was one of those people who said: ‘I am willing to work. I have such a good work ethic, and I am willing to contribute’, because what he did was build the foundations for Alice Springs.
Katrina, in 1963 when you were born, I remember there were only about 3000 people in Alice Springs. Going bush was pretty tough work. We did not have all the mod cons and the refrigerators, airconditioned cars, and things like that. Paul and his brother, Peter, did it tough. They did the hard yards. Of course, Minna knows all about that. Minna, if I am correct, Hermannsburg this year is celebrating 130 years of the Lutheran mission. I have been invited there in September. You and Paul are part of Hermannsburg's history and you helped Paul and contributed to his success.
There are so many milestones and icons in the Territory about which we will say: ‘Paul Sitzler had input into these’. That is what makes people who came so long ago such strong pioneers. You can stand up proudly and say: ‘Look what the Sitzler family has contributed to our Territory’.
How it must have seem far away to Paul to come from his home and family in Germany. It is literally a world away, yet Paul did it. He was willing to get in and ensure he raised a family in the best possible way.
Minna, it is tough. I am not good at condolence motions, as people in this House know. It is tough when you lose someone so suddenly and unexpectedly. Your memories and the love you had for each other will see you through. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I know you have strength behind you, having them with you. Remember that there are many of us who are thinking of you at this sad time.
Ms SACILOTTO (Port Darwin): Madam Speaker, I express my sincere condolences to the family of Mr Paul Sitzler OAM. The passing of Mr Sitzler has impacted on many Territorians, including my own family. My father, Dennis Jordan, was an employee of Sitzler Brothers for almost 20 years and had a sincere respect for Mr Sitzler.
My father has told me many times how Sitzler Brothers gave him the opportunity to be a part of building the Territory and to contribute, in a small way, to the success of the company. He also said that the reason the company grew in size and reputation was because they were business people and builders who would not accept anything but the highest degree of excellence in all of their projects and dealings. This dedication came from the top, from the founding partners, Paul and Peter, and continues on today.
My condolences are offered to the extended Sitzler family. Thank you for a long, valued and continuing contribution to the Northern Territory.
In my father’s words, Mr Paul Sitzler was a true Territory gentleman who will be missed. His passing represents a profound loss to the Territory.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I also extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Sitzler. I thank honourable members for their contributions to the motion.
Motion agreed to.
Madam SPEAKER: I ask members to observe one minute’s silence.
Members rose and observed one minute’s silence.
Madam SPEAKER: I thank honourable members.
I advise that morning tea is being served in the Speaker’s Suite for family and friends of Mr Sitzler, and any members who would like to join me and the family.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Interstate Aged Care Visit
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I inform the House that early next month I will lead a delegation to Victoria to investigate options for meeting the needs of senior Territorians. The visit will provide insight into a range of policy and operational issues, as well as an opportunity for government and key industry members to form a common understanding about how we accommodate the needs of senior Territorians in the future.
According to the 2006 Census, there are over 38 000 senior Territorians who call the Territory home. This represents nearly 20% of our total population. There has also been a 27% increase in the number of Territorians aged over 65 years in the past five years. This is a clear sign that we have an ageing population, and that we need to plan sensibly and strategically for the future. A major priority for us is to provide a range of housing and care options to help senior Territorians make the choices that suit their needs and circumstances. To ensure that we do this effectively, staged housing and care facilities operating in Australia need to be examined, especially those that are leading the way in providing contemporary services and programs for seniors.
We are faced with two key challenges in this area. In the medium term, we must provide the best and most appropriate housing and care for a population that is spread across a very large geographical area. The longer-term challenge is to find the best possible locations for older Territorians to live. They need to be close to family, public transport, shops, hospitals and other services.
Victoria was chosen as a preferred jurisdiction to visit because it is considered a national leader in aged care and ageing issues. We will examine a number of retirement villages that offer a wide range of services, including independent and supported aged-care facilities. Victoria has a good policy platform that underpins service and program delivery to seniors.
I will be accompanied to Victoria by a group of industry representatives, including the President of the Council on the Ageing, Brian Hilder; the Executive Director of the Council, Graeme Suckling; and senior Territorian with a long interest in accommodation options, Annette Milikins.
The Council on the Ageing is the Northern Territory’s peak advocacy body for seniors’ issues and is committed to the need to plan for future service and accommodation needs. We believe their input is vital if we are to effectively meet the needs of senior Territorians in the years and decades ahead. I have written to many senior Territorians about the trip. My office has received numerous phone calls and letters in response. Suggestions include consideration of a visitor’s unit for residents to share with visiting relatives and friends; the need to have the complex close to hospital, shops and transport routes; IT capabilities in rooms as more are using the Internet; community facilities such as a pool table and piano, clothes dryer in preference to outside clotheslines; consideration to allow pets; and, most importantly, affordability.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I look forward to my visit to Victoria with this representative trio of senior Territorians, and to reporting to the House the outcomes of that trip.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Chief Minister for her report. I am very supportive of this study trip to look at seniors’ residential care throughout Australia and, also, to Victoria. I am very supportive of something happening in the Northern Territory. As the Chief Minister said, the statistics of senior Territorians wanting to say here are increasing as time goes by. It is really important that they are given the opportunity of affordable-type housing and care.
It is very important to look at - and I know the Chief Minister has said that this will happen - all levels of care; that is, from independent to hostel-type to full nursing care. That is very important when somebody is reaching their more mature years; to know wherever they are living they are going to have ongoing support. I can relate to it because my mother is in that type of care at the moment. It is a relief for her to not have to worry as, if she does need some extra care, there is a nursing home care within that facility.
I am very supportive of this. I encourage the Chief Minister to look at regional areas as well, because there is a need in all of the towns, but especially in the larger towns in the first instance, to establish senior residential care, and the opportunity to have all different levels. There are some strata-type homes in the Masonic Village where my mother lives. People can actually buy a three-bedroom strata title unit, a two-bedroom unit, a single bedroom unit, or hostel-type care.
I encourage this trip. I am looking forward to listening to the report on your return.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Mr Deputy Speaker, my first interstate trip as a member of this parliament was to Melbourne, courtesy of a previous Chief Minister, Mr Tuxworth, and previous NT Nationals representative in this parliament, Enzo Floriani, who both, after they left this parliament, went into the business of aged-care facilities. I also went to a conference of aged-care facilitators in Melbourne at that time and was very encouraged by what I saw.
What probably does not encourage me is that, in the rural area especially, in my part of the world, we have no aged-care facilities. I put this suggestion to the Chief Minister: there is a lot of government land in the rural area, and land actually quite close to Palmerston. Many rural people would like to stay rural, if you know what I mean, and not disappear into the northern suburbs of Darwin. There is room for an aged-care facility in the rural area which would provide aged-care facilities both for Palmerston and Darwin. Lambrick Avenue runs straight into Howard Springs Road, which goes past a large amount of Crown land near Kowandi North, the Defence establishment area. That could be an area that the government should look at.
The government should look at considering, basically, giving that land to a suitable provider. Once again, if the government sells that land it adds to the unaffordability of what we are trying to provide. I believe they should put it out to a range of tenders to see who can come up with the best design that includes the dependent, semi-dependent and fully independent facilities that we need; who can keep it in a rural atmosphere to what we are trying to provide; and keep it affordable. That is the key. We are losing Territorians; they are going south - I see it all the time - because they do not feel there is a place suitable for them in the Northern Territory. I hope you take those comments on when you go on your trip south.
State of our Hospitals
Dr BURNS (Health): Mr Deputy Speaker, each year the Australian government publishes information on service trends and performance of public hospitals at a state/territory and national levels. The State of our Public Hospitals June 2007 report details the performance of our hospitals for the 2005-06 years. This report confirms (1) that NT hospitals are the busiest in the country; (2) the demand on our hospitals is increasing; and (3) extra resources we are putting into the system mean that we perform well compared to other jurisdictions.
The 2007 report shows that, compared to the rest of Australia, the Northern Territory was one of only three jurisdictions in which 100% of public hospitals and beds were accredited. We have the busiest emergency departments with 705 presentations per 1000 population with the Australian average being 223. We have the highest number of elective surgery admissions per head of population at 36 per 1000 population with the Australian average at 26. We have the most number of hospital beds with 3.6 hospital beds per 1000 population; the Australian average is 2.6. We have the highest number of admissions of public hospitals per head of population at 529 per 1000 population with the Australian average being 210. Most of our public hospital admitted patients are public patients at 97%, with only 1% being private; the Australian average is 87% and 4% respectively.
Our performance on all these indicators reflects the Territory’s challenges in delivering health services to a relatively small, largely remote and culturally diverse population, a large proportion of which are indigenous people who have high rates of chronic disease.
The Territory government spends significantly more than any other jurisdiction on hospitals. In fact, we spend more than double the national average on our hospitals at $1407 per person per year compared to the Australian average of $665 per person per year.
There is no doubt that we are working hard to provide quality hospital services across the Territory. I have given priority to ensuring that we improve our performance in two key areas: first, elective surgery, and second, emergency departments.
The state of our hospital report shows the Northern Territory elective surgery waiting times are the third best in Australia - a median waiting time of 30 days. However, we note that some people have being waiting too long for their surgery and on some indicators we fall behind recommended waiting times.
Therefore, in April 2007, I announced an initiative to target people who have being waiting the longest for their elective surgery, and I have already reported on significant progress in regards to this initiative. I will report again on this in the near future. The impact of this blitz will be reflected in future state of our hospital reports.
Our emergency departments are staffed with highly professional staff and, particularly in the Royal Darwin Hospital ED, they are working hard to meet the increasing demands they face every day and night. The Northern Territory emergency departments are the busiest in the country impacting on waiting times in ED. We are rated 7th in Australia. The median waiting time is 35 minutes compared to the national average of 24 minutes, with 60% of patients seen within the recommended time. We are tackling this issue with a number of strategies to improve the flow of patients through the hospital: an additional six fully staff beds at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2006-07; a further 12 beds at both Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital in 2007-08; and improved support for discharge. We are also spending $6m for a major upgrade to the ED in Alice Springs Hospital. In addition, in August 2006, we implemented the Royal Darwin Hospital Rapid Admission and Planning Unit with nine beds expanding to 24 beds later this year. Since opening, the unit has treated 2034 patients and decreased the average wait time in the ED of patients requiring admission for surgery from 18 to less than seven hours.
I am confident these strategies will go a long way to reduce demand on our emergency departments over the coming months. Our hospitals are working hard and are recognised nationally for their performance. They will continue to improve with the increased resources this government has provided them.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Health minister for his report. As you are aware, I am new to this portfolio. I have received a briefing from the Health minister on Monday, and I thank him for providing that to me. As we know, Health is a big job that covers many areas and comes with its fair share of concerns, and that goes without saying: sufficient staffing, shorter waiting lists and, as the minister states in his report, NT hospitals are some of the busiest in the country.
It is a big job, emphasised by the figures the minister just quoted. I look forward to receiving further briefings on the Health portfolio in the near future from the minister.
Economic Benefits of NT Film Industry
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arts and Museums): Mr Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to report to the House a significant increase in major film activity in the Northern Territory since the establishment of the Northern Territory Film Office three years ago.
It operates on limited resources but has achieved much in recent times. As part of the Darwin Festival, we recently saw another successful staging of Fist Full of Films, supported by the Film Office and, this year, also by Tourism NT. The Messages Sticks film festival was also shown as part of the Darwin Festival, and featured the latest short films from filmmakers such as Warwick Thornton, Sonja Dare, Trish Morton-Jones, and Dena Curtis.
Trish and Dena’s careers have been assisted by Film Office. In addition, the Film Office has supplied direct and indirect support to a number of major film and television productions filmed in parts of the Northern Territory. Each has had a direct impact on the local economy. Each has employed local filmmakers and actors. Each has spent significant amounts of money on local supplies of goods and services.
Last year saw the Territory production company, CAAMA Productions, behind the 13-part children’s series Double Trouble, which has been co-funded by Disney and the Nine Network. The Northern Territory government granted $243 000 as a location incentive and to support employment, and particularly indigenous employment outcomes. Thirty-one Territorians were employed as crew. Nine of the key cast were Territorians. Of these, the majority were indigenous. In addition, over 100 people were employed as paid extras in Alice Springs, the majority being indigenous, in particular children.
Many Territory businesses were involved, with around 90 local companies and businesses benefiting from this spend. Double Trouble spent approximately $700 000 directly in the local economy in Alice Springs, and will be shown in Cannes this October.
Rogue is a film about the Northern Territory’s perennial nightmare of a giant croc gone bad. It premiered recently in Darwin, again as part of the Darwin Festival. The Film Office was involved with the location scouting and winning the production for the Northern Territory. It could just as easily have gone to Western Australia or Queensland, and producer, Greg McLean, praised the Film Office for its role in facilitating much of the work and getting the film on the ground in the Territory. It filmed in the Northern Territory for six weeks during 2005. The Northern Territory government’s main support through the Film Office was logistical and included the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service. Rogue injected $1.5m directly into the Northern Territory economy, and employed approximately 45 locals in a variety of roles on set, including as runners, supporting with transport, in the arts department and animal handling.
The film showcases spectacular Territory locations, including Kakadu, Ubirr, Red Lily and Nitmiluk, and was described by Greg McLean as ‘a $30m advertisement for the Northern Territory’. The production company is Miramax and Rogue will be widely distributed internationally. Village Roadshow agreed to the international premiere of the film to the public in Darwin during the Darwin Festival, and it will be released nationally in November.
The Northern Territory Film Office was involved with location scouting for Australia in 2005 and succeeded in ‘wooing’ the production to the Northern Territory for the crucial shooting at Stokes Hill Wharf. Filming took place in Darwin from 2 to 11 July this year for what its director, Baz Luhrmann, has described as an ‘epic historical romance’.
The Northern Territory government approved a grant of $200 000 as a location incentive to assist Bazmark with the production costs in the Territory. Additional logistics support was provided to filming on Stokes Hill Wharf, which allowed it to remain open for the entire filming period. The Department of the Chief Minister assisted in coordinating this. The Northern Territory Film Office provided assistance with advice throughout the lead-up during the filming in relation to crew and extras support. A number of Territorians were employed on the production and, again, there was an enormous amount of positive publicity for the Northern Territory from which we will all benefit, especially in the important tourism sector.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for her report. There is no doubt that anything to do with crocs always sells well for the Northern Territory, and it is also a good promotion for the Northern Territory. However, I did not get an invitation to the opening. I presume that I was just meant to go along at my own leisure.
I would like to ask the minister: we promote and encourage the development of the Northern Territory through films and production, and we supported Baz Luhrmann with $200 000 from the Territory government, and we have had other international companies come here. What about our local industry? What about supporting our local film producers? We have some very talented people in the Northern Territory who are able to utilise that talent by employing Territorians, keeping their skills here and producing items for the Northern Territory Tourist Commission and the Northern Territory government at a much cheaper rate than bringing somebody in from overseas or interstate. Perhaps the minister, in her reply, would be able to tell me what support is being offered to the individual film producers we have here in the Northern Territory, who are very talented and very skilled.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I agree with the member for Katherine, and that is the feedback that I have: it seems to be the local filmmakers who are missing out on the government’s electoral promise to support the industry. The $200 000 that the Territory government put into Baz Luhrmann’s movie was about the equivalent of what is given for the budget for the department and the amount of grants that go to filmmakers. They tell me they spend weeks getting a $10 000 grant from the department. There is heaps of paperwork and bureaucracy trying to acquit it; it is just such a difficult task for them to actually get any cooperation or assistance from the local department.
Yes, it is good to have a film office, but you seem to be supporting interstate and overseas people far more than you are supporting the local filmmakers. They may be small bickies in your mind but, for the benefit that they actually give to the Territory, they are not. I know you have reiterated that, saying it creates the image of what happens in the Territory so well. However, there are people who spend time producing educational programs, like Yamba, which is often watched by very young children before they go to school. We know there are so many more things that could be done but we need to have the support of government to do it.
My feedback is that if you really want to build a sustainable industry, and especially one that we recognise as important, then you should be putting your dollars into Territory filmmakers and not those from interstate and overseas. Our filmmakers in Alice Springs often find the New South Wales government is far more ready to put in dollars, and the films are often being filmed around Broken Hill and other parts of Australia when they should be filmed in the Territory.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arts and Museums): Madam Speaker, I thank both members for their contribution to the statement. I have had a number of discussions with many local filmmakers. They have been very well supported. Sure, we need to get more resources to that, but they have had a lot of support through the Northern Territory Film Office. Bear in mind, three years ago, the film office simply did not exist. Regarding bringing in international and other expertise, that has been applauded by local filmmakers because we do need to get that exposure here in the Territory.
Five Territorians gained professional experience through paid mentoring attachments working alongside all of the professionals during all of these shoots, so that is certainly something that previously was not there. These included two local Alice Springs-based filmmakers and three from Darwin. A number of other Territorians were employed on the production, including camera department, the production department and assisting with indigenous cast. That is the level of expertise that we need to bring in both nationally and internationally to expose the Territory ...
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
LIQUOR LEGISLATION AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 113)
(Serial 113)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Dr BURNS (Alcohol Policy): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
Over the past six years, this government has enacted a range of measures to address harmful alcohol consumption in the Territory. We have taken a number of significant steps in this regard and we are prepared to undertake further measures. The purpose of this bill is to introduce urgent reforms to the Liquor Act. Some measures have been contemplated for some time, while others are as a result of the release of the inquiry into the protection of Aboriginal children from sexual abuse.
The Northern Territory government is committed to protecting indigenous children from any form of abuse. It has acknowledged that alcohol is a contributing factor to abuse. The Northern Territory government has already introduced many reforms aimed at reducing the harm of liquor in our community. The Northern Territory Licensing Commission has done some excellent work in this area.
The Liquor Act provides for three types of liquor restrictions: general restricted areas, public restricted areas, and private restricted areas. In considering these declarations, the Licensing Commission involves communities and industry to encourage a cooperative approach to liquor management. These reforms in no way undermine or change these processes for most cases, but it has been acknowledged that sometimes a situation is so urgent that time is not available to consult and seek cooperation. These reforms empower the Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing to respond urgently to liquor-related harm in any Territory community. In essence, the bill achieves the following reforms:
ministerial power to impose a new category of declaration, special restricted areas;
ministerial power to impose special licence conditions;
ministerial power to impose a liquor supply plan;
improvement to the return of seized vehicle provision;
increased police search powers; and
prohibits licensees with takeaway licences from accepting book-up as a payment for goods, unless exempted.
A special restricted area declaration is similar to a general restricted area where any designated area can be declared liquor free. The effect of a declaration is that no liquor can be brought, possessed, within a person’s control, consumed or otherwise disposed of within a restricted area unless they have a permit or licence to do so. A failure to comply with a restriction may result in a maximum fine of $1000 or six months imprisonment.
Police will be given wider powers to make random searches of vehicles or people suspected of grog running intro restricted areas. They will be able to make searches elsewhere - for instance, a person’s house - if they have reasonable suspicion of a breach. Police will be able to issue on-the-spot fines or prosecute offenders in the court. As the responsible minister, I will be able to make such a declaration if I believe there is an urgent need to do so and that it is in the wellbeing of affected communities, and I have considered all circumstances for those affected communities.
While the Commonwealth’s Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Northern Territory National Emergency Response and Other Measures) Act 2007 at present only provides for liquor restrictions on Aboriginal communities, the Territory bill is broader. For example, the minister may impose restrictions on common areas of Territory Housing complexes where there are antisocial problems. The reforms in this bill will dovetail with the amendments being made to the Liquor Act by the Commonwealth government. While it is envisaged that the Commonwealth amendments will be in place for five years, it is possible they could be lifted earlier. Once the Commonwealth’s restrictions are removed, the Northern Territory ministerial powers can be invoked if necessary. We do not support all of the specific changes being made at the Commonwealth level, but we see the importance of cooperation in dealing with the difficult social issues being experienced by some Territorians.
While I will have the capacity to make urgent decisions according to the circumstances, I can also seek the view of the Licensing Commission prior to making a declaration, or anyone else may assist me. I will also be required to notify any decision regarding a declaration in the Gazette and table my decision in parliament within six sitting days of my decision.
To complement this ministerial discretion, I will also be able to impose special licence conditions on licensees where it is necessary for the wellbeing of communities affected by a special restricted area declaration. This may include conditions such as reduced trading hours, or restricting the type of liquor sold. I am required to table any decision in this respect in parliament within six sitting days of the decision. I will also have the capacity to issue, modify or revoke alcohol permits in a special restricted area. I can only issue a new permit if I am satisfied that it is in the wellbeing of the affected communities, after considering the views of the affected communities and after being satisfied there will be no harm to the affected communities if I grant the permit.
I will also be able to use special restricted area declarations, special licence conditions and permit provisions to impose a liquor supply plan where necessary. A liquor supply plan is an overall strategy for a particular area or region designed to regulate the supply of liquor to achieve harm minimisation goals. It generally involves modifying licence conditions to regulate an aspect of liquor supply such as the time of that supply or the type of liquor sold.
Goods, including vehicles, seized under general restricted areas can still be forfeited if the owner is the offending party. The bill also improves the current process for the return of seized goods, including vehicles, for breaches of general restricted areas. Currently, return of goods requires a decision from the Licensing Commission or me. This has proved a slow process as the Licensing Commission and I need time to be informed about the offence and whether the applicant is implicated in that offence. The new provisions will provide that the Commissioner of Police will have jurisdiction to return goods until the end of a court proceeding for the related criminal offence. Once a court proceeding has ended the owner or interested party of the goods must apply to the court within 60 days. A failure to apply for the goods will result in them being forfeited to the Northern Territory government. This will provide a much quicker process.
This process will apply to breaches of general restricted areas and special restricted areas. However, in regard to special restricted areas, goods can be seized but cannot be forfeited. If the offender is the owner of the goods they will be able to apply to the court after a decision has been made or, if no charges have been laid to the Commissioner of Police, for their return. If they fail to do so then it will become the property of the Northern Territory government. This concession is made on the basis that special restricted areas imposed are not arrived at by a considered and consultative process.
Finally, this bill will prohibit takeaway licensees from accepting book-up as a form of payment for goods unless they have an exemption from this prohibition. As members are aware, book-up describes a range of practices where traders may have restricted or unrestricted access to a consumer’s bank account or credit. It includes practices such as traders keeping people’s credit or debit cards, access to the consumer’s Internet banking, and retaining blank signed cheques. Currently, book-up is only prohibited for takeaway sales of liquor. This change will prevent licensees selling liquor by book-up under the guise of other goods. Any offence will be deemed to be a breach of an owner’s licence conditions. These reforms will not remove licences or permits that currently exist in areas that I declare as special restricted areas.
A review shall be conducted on permits and licences to ensure they are compatible with the new restrictions. If not, I will consider using my powers to remedy this.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members and table a copy of the explanatory statement.
Debate adjourned.
CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN BILL
(Serial 112)
(Serial 112)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Family and Community Services): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
The primary purpose of this bill is the care and protection of children and young people, including the care and protection of children at risk of harm and exploitation, such as child abuse and neglect. The bill also emphasises the need to intervene early to prevent children’s exposure to harm, and to support families to care adequately for their children. The bill repeals the Community Welfare Act which commenced in 1984. It is important legislation, a key component in a range of measures taken by a civil and caring society such as ours to protect and care for its more vulnerable members.
We all know the impact and legacy of past child welfare policies and legislation on Aboriginal Territorians. The Community Welfare Act that this bill replaces took a significant and positive step forward by acknowledging the damage done by these misguided policies and practices, recognising the importance of family, community and culture within Aboriginal society, and ensuring that Aboriginal children removed from their families because of concerns about their safety would, wherever possible, be placed with their extended family or other Aboriginal community members.
The Community Welfare Act was also the first Australian legislation to make the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect mandatory by all members of the population. It has served Territorians well. However, it reflects the values and practices of the people of the Territory more than 20 years ago. It is now time to update and build on this experience to provide legislation that is in keeping with the current thinking and action.
The Community Welfare Act has been reviewed and all aspects of its operations examined. Expert advice has been taken, an extensive literature review has been made, and interstate and overseas practices examined. Further, a Territory-wide consultation process was developed. This involved running 26 public forums and actively engaging with a number of special interest groups, and with various Northern Territory government departments. All of these processes have informed the drafting of this bill.
The bill I am introducing today provides a modern and contemporary legislative framework to ensure that children and young people in the Northern Territory are safe and well cared for within their families, and by other persons or organisations having responsibilities in relation to children. The key characteristics of the new legislation, compared with existing legislation, involve:
a comprehensive approach that includes measures to prevent harm and exploitation of children;
continuing the support for young people leaving the care of the CEO from 18 years of age until they have reached 25 years of age;
provision to move a child to a safe place;
broadening the scope of regulated children’s services; and
provision for the establishment of review teams and a Child Death Review and Prevention Committee.
I will now describe in more detail each of the chapters that comprise the bill.
Chapter 1 introduces the bill, establishing specific objects and principles and defining key terms and concepts. Part 1.2 describes what the act is about. Of particular note is that the act provides for the care and protection of persons under the age of 18 years, referred to as ‘children’ in the bill, with provision for the care and protection of certain young people between the ages of 15 and 25 who have been children in the CEO’s care. I draw members’ attention to this first section, as it encapsulates the new approach in this legislation.
The objects of the bill seek to go beyond the immediate protection and safety of children, and are as follows:
To promote the wellbeing of children, including:
Part 1.3 of the bill includes guiding principles to assist interpretation and implementation of the act. This is an innovation of the previous act, reflecting interstate and overseas practice. It also reflects community interest in having an explicit statement about the beliefs that guide the intent and operation of the legislation incorporated into the bill.
Included in these principles is recognition that families have the primary responsibility for the upbringing and development of children while society, as a whole, has a responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing of children, and to support families in that task. Principles are also set out in relation to dealing with children and decisions involving them. The best interest of the child is established as the paramount concern, and a basis is described for determining these interests.
Section 12 of this part outlines principles specific to Aboriginal children. In particular, there is explicit recognition of the major role of kinship groups, representative organisations and communities in promoting the wellbeing of the Aboriginal children.
Part 1.4 describes an expanded range of key terms and concepts, including when a child is in the need of protection, and parental responsibility for a child.
Chapter 2 is concerned with safeguarding the wellbeing of children. It lists powers and obligations in the CEO of the department administering the act. This is a shift from the present act, which assigns a number of these powers to the responsible minister. It makes transparent the reality of day-to-day responsibility for the operations of the legislation, and it is consistent with the current public administrative practice. The first part of this chapter deals with these powers and obligations.
Division 2 of this part continues the current general reporting obligations on anyone who has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is in need of protection; that is, that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, harm or exploitation because of an act or omission of the parent of the child. Mandatory reporting by all Territorians is an acknowledgement that the protection of children and young people is everybody’s business.
However, as part of the bill I introduce today, the government will be extending mandatory reporting so that anyone working in child-related employment must now also report concerns that a child has suffered, or is likely to suffer, harm or exploitation when it is believed that a person other than the child’s parent or guardian has committed it. In the first instance, these reports are to be made to the police as they will essentially be criminal rather than protective matters. Child-related employment is defined under section 184 of the bill as any work that involves, or may potentially involve, contact with children, including: child protection services; children’s services as defined under Chapter 4 of the bill; education services; juvenile detention services; hospitals and other health facilities; clubs and associations, including sports clubs where there is a significant child membership; religious organisations; and a number of other services. For example, under the new mandatory reporting requirement, a teacher is now mandated to report her or his suspicions that another member of staff, or some other person who is not the child’s parent, is sexually abusing a child. Similarly, a childcare centre staff member is mandated to report their suspicion that a child is being physically abused by another staff member, or by another member of the public.
Professionals and other staff already have the right, and professional and ethical obligations, to report suspected harm or exploitation of a child by someone other than a parent or caregiver. Extending the mandatory requirements will provide greater security and clarity of action for those who identify suspected harm or exploitation, and demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children from harm. It is consistent with mandatory reporting provisions in other jurisdictions, which mandate some professionals to report suspected harm of a child, regardless of whether the person harming the child is a parent. The division also includes protection for persons who make a report in good faith, and the duties of the party to whom a report is made.
Division 3 establishes the power of the CEO to make inquiries and to investigate reports. This division provides the CEO with greater powers to make inquiries if there are concerns about a child’s wellbeing, and to seek information from a range of agencies involved with the child or family.
Division 4 is established to ensure that the CEO has sufficient powers to perform the functions required under the act. It is accepted wisdom these days that ‘one size does not fit all’ when responding to concerns about children’s care. Families having difficulty coping with or raising a child or children require a carefully tailored response that equips them to look after their child or children well. This division ensures the CEO can request assistance from public authorities, assist others to better coordinate their services to children and families, to arrange for services to support families, and to arrange for the temporary placement of a child who is residing with their parent if it will safeguard or promote the wellbeing of the child.
Division 5 ensures that, as far as possible, the wellbeing of a child is safeguarded and promoted through agreements between parents of the child and other interested parties. Included in this division is a provision for family mediation conferences to be convened to discuss the best means of safeguarding or promoting a child’s wellbeing.
Division 6 of this part ensures that the CEO has the power to take urgent action for children who might be in need of protection. These provisions clearly give effect to the primacy of family responsibility for raising children. It is only when a child is in need of protection and there is an urgent need to safeguard a child’s wellbeing that the state will intervene, take the child into provisional protection, and then only as a necessary short-term measure.
Division 7, Subdivision 1 introduces a new power for authorised officers to move a child to a safe place. The object here is to enable officers to take actions, on a temporary basis and in limited circumstances, to ensure that a child is removed from a situation where their wellbeing is at risk, such as when a child is found on the streets at night without adequate supervision. Under this subdivision, an authorised person can take custody of the child and move them to a designated ‘safe place’ until the child can be returned to a parent’s care. A safe place does not include a prison, lock-up or other places of detention. Authorised officers are required to take all necessary steps to inform a parent of the child and/or the CEO of their action. Moving a child to a safe place is intended to be a protective measure and not a basis for intervention to prevent criminal activity. It is also important to note that parental rights and responsibility for the child are not limited by actions under this section.
Subdivision 2 establishes the power of restraint, search and seizure to prevent a specified child from being harmed or from harming others. It sets out the way in which any searches must be conducted.
Subdivision 3 enables the issue of a warrant by a magistrate for the purposes of investigation, monitoring or apprehending a child in the CEO’s care, and provides for the execution of a warrant. It establishes an offence for non-compliance with a warrant.
Part 2.2 defines and makes provisions for a child in the CEO’s care. A new requirement is introduced that requires a care plan to be developed for each child in the CEO’s care, and provision is made for a regular review of these plans. Although this is current child protection procedure, including this requirement in legislation reflects the importance attached to planning and monitoring to ensure ongoing attention is paid to each child’s care and wellbeing.
Division 4 of this part requires the CEO to enter into a placement arrangement for a child in his or her care. These arrangements may be with a parent, another family member, or other individuals approved by the CEO. A child is to be appropriately informed about a proposed placement arrangement.
Division 5 is a new initiative in keeping with the current views of the state as a parent. It is designed to support a young person who has left the CEO’s care. Part 2.2, Division 1 defines a young person leaving the care of the CEO as someone who has ceased to be in the CEO’s care and is aged between 15 and 25 years of age. Most young people moving into adulthood require continuing support as they establish their adult life. Young people can be vulnerable during this period of transition, yet most young people have the support of their families to assist them to make the transition to independent living as adults.
Until now, a young person leaving the care of the CEO at the age of 18 has not been entitled to further assistance that a family might usually provide. This provision enables support to be provided by the CEO up until the young person reaches the age of 25, if required. This may take the form of providing child-related services, information and advisory services, and financial assistance. It is a clear responsibility of the state to provide this help and I am personally gratified to introduce it.
Part 2.3 of this chapter sets out the powers of the court to protect children by establishing appropriate judicial processes. There will be family matters jurisdiction vested with the local court, where applications for a range of orders will be heard and determined. The best interests of the child are to be the paramount consideration when making determinations. Arrangements for the conduct of the court are set out including continuation of the use of balance of probabilities as the standard of proof, and the restrictions on publication of proceedings of the court.
Division 4 under this part describes the making of orders for a child, and the powers of authorised officers under this part. These are the mechanisms for state intervention to require parental action or restraint from action, or to remove a child from their parent or parents and, as such, deserve elaboration to this Assembly. These orders are intended to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing which, in some instances, can only be assured by such intervention.
Subdivision 1 allows for provision for the application for a Temporary Protection Order if the CEO reasonably believes that a child is in need of protection and the proposed order is urgently needed to safeguard the child’s wellbeing. Subdivision 2 allows provision for the CEO to apply to the court for an Assessment Order for a child to authorise the carrying out of an assessment if a protection order is not in force for the child and the CEO reasonably believes that the proposed assessment is necessary in order to determine whether the child is in need of protection.
Subdivision 3 has provisions for the CEO to apply to the court for a Protection Order for a child if the CEO reasonably believes that the child is in need of protection and the proposed order is the best means to safeguard the child’s wellbeing. There are also provisions under this type of order for the CEO to impose supervision directions on a parent to do, or to stop doing, something directly related to the protection of a child. The directions can also prevent a parent’s contact with a child, or to require contact only when a specified person is present. There are also provisions for directions in regard to giving the daily care and control of the child to a specified person.
Under a Protection Order, directions may be given giving parental responsibility for the child to a specified person for a period not exceeding two years. This is seen as short-term parental responsibility direction. A long-term parental responsibility direction under a Protection Order gives the parental responsibility for the child to a specified person for a specified period that exceeds two years and ends before the child attains the age of 18 years. At the same time, it is recognised that, in most cases, a child removed from parents’ care will wish to maintain contact with their parents or other family members. Provisions in this bill ensure that a parent is able to be informed about the care of their child and that there are opportunities for maintaining contact between the child and their family.
The process of making an application for these orders is set out, requiring that the child’s parents are respondents. Although practised already, the bill also introduces the use of court-ordered mediation conferences in which the facts of the matter may be established, care arrangements reviewed and recommendations made, or agreements reached on the best means of safeguarding a child’s wellbeing.
These are serious decisions affecting the lives of children and young people. The range of orders available and the consideration that the court must make are there to ensure that the best interests of the child are served by whatever order is made. In reaching a decision about orders, the court is required to take into account the outcome of any mediation conference, together with the wishes of the child, the child’s parent or persons having parental responsibility, or other persons with a direct or significant interest in the wellbeing of the child. The court is also required to consider any report by the CEO, and the needs of the child for long-term stability and security. An order ceases to have effect when the child turns 18 years of age.
The balance of this division deals with procedural arrangements and obligations of a person granted short- or long-term parental responsibility, including a requirement that the child be provided with opportunity to have contact with their parents and other family members as often as is reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances.
Division 5 makes provision allowing the court to adjourn proceedings. Adjournments may only be granted in specified circumstances, and must take into account the best interests of the child. Reasons for adjourning proceedings must be given by the court and must be compelling.
Division 6 of this part provides for an appeal to the Supreme Court against any decision of the court other than a decision to make a Temporary Protection Order. On appeal, the Supreme Court may confirm the decision, vary it, or set it aside and substitute another decision.
Division 7 deals with other procedural matters, some of which are new. For example, the court may order that a legal practitioner separately represent the child if this is considered to be in the child’s best interests. The role, functions and qualifications of such a legal representative are established.
Part 2.4 sets out the provision and conditions that enable Child Protection Orders and child protection proceedings to be transferred between the Territory and another jurisdiction so that children may be protected under the orders when moving from one jurisdiction to another, and to facilitate the timely and expeditious determination of those proceedings. Amendments were made to incorporate national model legislation to achieve this object in the existing Community Welfare Act in November 2002. These amendments have essentially been retained in this bill.
Madam Speaker, there has been strong community support for new legislation to ensure that emphasis is given to preventing problems before they arise. Chapter 3 sets out provisions for the prevention of harm and exploitation of children. The object of this part is to ensure that individuals who pose an unacceptable risk of harm or exploitation to children are prevented from having contact with children through their employment.
This section contains two new measures in particular. Part 3.1 introduces a requirement for screening for child-related employment. I referred to this screening earlier. Employment screening is but one component of a range of measures that ensure that children attending services and programs are safe. However, it is an important expression of the shared responsibility we have for children’s safety.
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Visitors
Visitors
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, would you pause while I acknowledge some people in the gallery? Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the gallery of local, interstate and overseas visitors as part of the Parliament House public tour program. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear.
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Ms SCRYMGOUR: I am very grateful for that interval, Madam Speaker.
Many providers of services for children in the Northern Territory already undertake appropriate background screening of their staff. Of particular mention here is the approach adopted by the Australian Sports Commission which has initiated a national approach to promoting child-safe organisations which includes the screening of staff and volunteers. Other groups where screening takes place include churches, Scouts and Guides, childcare services, and the teacher registration system.
As noted earlier, child-related employment is defined under Part 3.1 of the bill. It defines a range of agencies or settings where screening will become mandatory for both paid employment purposes and for people who wish to voluntarily work with children. The main exceptions to screening are children under 15 years of age, and parents who wish to volunteer to work with a group of children, which includes at least one of their own children in an educational setting, children’s service or club or association. To be exempt, such work must be performed under the supervision under someone who holds a child-related employment clearance, and the work must not require an overnight stay. This will enable parents to attend school excursions or help out at their child’s sports club without the need to be screened, unless they want to participate in events, such as school camps, which involve overnight stays.
Provisions have been made for the establishment of a screening authority to be known as SAFE-NT, which will be developed under the auspices of the Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services. SAFE-NT will receive and process child-related employment applications, and determine the suitability of the applicant. A suitability notice will be issued, which will be current for two years. This may take the form of a card, similar to the ‘Blue Card’ used in Queensland. There are clear benefits in having a central agency undertaking this role. At the moment, on application to the Northern Territory Police, criminal history is provided to the person nominated on the form, usually for employment screening purposes. The requesting person or persons assess and make decisions about the suitability of the applicant without the benefit of consistent guidelines. A screening authority will provide protection to both applicants and employers, and simplify the current arrangements by use of a single suitability notice rather than the multiple clearances now required when working in more than one area of child-related employment. This will also bring the Territory in line with other Australian jurisdictions that currently have such legislation. Work is also under way nationally to adopt a consistent approach to the screening process and to facilitate exchange of information.
Part 3.2 of this chapter legislates to prevent the exploitation of children in their employment. By and large, it retains the restraints in employment of children under the age of 15 years that are incorporated in the current Community Welfare Act. A child in this age group must not be employed after 10 pm or before 6 am. A parent must not permit or require the child to perform any work that is harmful to the child’s physical, mental or emotional wellbeing, or that exploits the child sexually or in other forms. There are provisions made for the CEO to give written notice to the parent of a child to prohibit that child’s employment if the child’s wellbeing is, or is likely to be, jeopardised by that employment. These constraints are necessary measures in a society that is serious about ensuring that children and young people get the best possible start in life.
Part 3.3 of this chapter creates a further capacity to prevent harm to children and young people by establishing a Child Death Review and Prevention Committee. The object of this part is to prevent child deaths in the Territory by conducting research, maintaining a child deaths database, and developing appropriate policy responses to address child deaths and their causes. The committee will consider both morbidity and mortality issues. The committee is to report annually on their findings to the responsible minister, who will table a copy of the report in the Legislative Assembly.
The Territory has a high incidence of injury to children and a high infant mortality rate. This new measure provides a focal point for continuing attention to be paid to reducing these rates and to raising public awareness about the issues.
Chapter 4 of the bill relates to the regulation of children’s services. Its object is to ensure the wellbeing of children who are under the care of the providers of children’s services. This section provides definitions and descriptions of the type of children’s services, including home-based services, services requiring licences, and services which are required to be registered. The bill regulates services provided to children less than 13 years of age at a place other than the child’s usual place of residence. It does not include care provided by family members, babysitting services, tutoring, educational programs, or health services programs.
Part 4.2 outlines the key obligations and responsibilities for providers and responsible persons and other persons. It is an offence under this section of the bill for a person to provide children’s services unless they are registered or licensed.
Part 4.3 outlines services provided under licence. This includes the application of a licence, granting a licence, and conditions and terms of the licence. It also addresses issues pertaining to the need to display the licence and provisions for suspension, revocation or surrender of a licence, and a requirement to report change of circumstances and continuation of services under certain conditions.
Part 4.4 provides a new provision which allows for services to be provided under an action plan agreement with the CEO. This measure is intended to acknowledge the circumstances of childcare services that are under development or operating in remote Aboriginal communities. It is recognised that such services may not have operated in these locations previously, and that time can be required to develop the infrastructure and capacity to comply with the licence standards. The action plan agreement is designed to assist childcare services to gradually meet the requirements imposed on a licence holder.
Part 4.5 relates to services provided by a registered operator, including provisions relating to application for registration, conditions of registration, and when registration ceases to be in force.
Part 4.6 sets out arrangements for monitoring compliance. It provides for an authorised officer to exercise powers to enter and inspect places, access written and electronic data to monitor compliance of services, thereby ensuring the wellbeing of children.
Part 4.7 lists the decisions that can be subject to review. The clause also states the procedures that must be followed in respect of each decision that may be reviewed. It also allows for the establishment of a review panel and the responsibility of this panel.
Part 4.8 refers to the development of regulations to underpin licensing and regulation of children’s services which must be consistent with this chapter.
Part 5 of this bill establishes the position of Children’s Commissioner for the Northern Territory. As defined in Division 1, the object is to ensure the wellbeing of ‘protected children’ - that is, children who are the subject of the exercise of a power or exercise of a function under Chapter 2 of this act - and the monitoring of the implementation of government decisions arising from the Northern Territory Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse. This is a statutory, independent role, equipped to keep a public eye out for the interests of children who have had contact with the child protection system and to ensure that services, systems, and policies serve them well.
The commissioner has a brief to receive complaints about services provided to ‘protected children’, from a protected child, from an adult who was previously a protected child, or from an adult acting on the behalf of a protected child. These protected children are those who are most likely to require our assurance that they have been fairly dealt with, and that they have being provided with adequate services.
Division 2 sets out procedural arrangements for making complaints, and the matters of such complaints. The basis for assessing and dealing with complaints, and the commissioner’s powers to obtain information, is also established in this division.
Division 3 requires the commissioner to lodge an annual report with the minister, which is then tabled in this Assembly within six sitting days following its receipt. On request from the commissioner, the Speaker may authorise the commissioner to publish the report in the public interest. The commissioner may also lodge, at the minister’s request or if the commissioner considers it appropriate to do so, other reports with the minister in relation to the commissioner’s functions, which may include the result of the monitoring of the implementation of government decisions arising from the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse. These reports will also be tabled in this Assembly.
Divisions 4, 5 and 6 of this part deal with the disclosure of confidential information, immunity, and administrative matters associated with the operation of this office. Of particular note is that the commissioner is appointed for a period of five years, and is eligible for reappointment.
Establishment of this role represents a maturing of the system we have in place for the care and protection of children. It is a significant step forward for the Northern Territory, one that brings us into line with national directions. Establishing the independent commissioner’s position demonstrates that this government is not afraid to look into the mirror and address any problems with our child protection system. Nor is it afraid to have scrutiny of the responses that are being made to address the recommendations arising from the Little Children are Sacred report. Overall, it will make us better placed to tackle some of the underlying problems that contribute to poor outcomes and quality of life for some of the most vulnerable children growing up in the Territory.
Part 5.2 establishes Review Teams. The object of this part is to ensure that services provided to children and other people as a result of the exercise of a power or performance of a function under Chapter 2 are of a high standard. Review Team members are appointed by the CEO, with a brief to review services provided to a person who has been, or is, a protected child or family member of that child, or other services connected with a function under the act. The team may make recommendations to the CEO and ensure that recommendations are implemented. Reports are required and they are also provided to the Children’s Commissioner. This is a further measure intended to promote the best possible quality of service and systems.
Part 5.3 describes the general offences provided for under this bill. They include obstruction of someone exercising a power under the act, impersonation of an officer; provision of false or misleading information; and disclosure of a child’s identity.
Part 5.4 deals with other administrative matters including authorisation of officers under the act, and providing the Administrator with regulation-making powers.
Parts 5.5 and 5.6 provide for the repeal of previous acts, and identify a range of transitional matters and consequential amendments that are required once the act is finalised.
Madam Speaker, child protection work is a difficult job. The CEO and child protection staff are often criticised, yet the work undertaken is essential for the protection of the most vulnerable group in our community. My experience is that people working in these fields are highly committed and caring professionals who are carrying out their roles to the best of their ability. I recognise that no system is perfect and that we must always strive for improvements to ensure the needs of children and families can be met as effectively as possible. However, it must be recognised that over the last four years in particular, considerable effort has gone into reforming the way the Territory’s child protection system works and to place it on a path of continuous improvement.
The release of the Little Children are Sacred report from the Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children against Sexual Abuse has provided many recommendations for change. It has also highlighted that, while governments must take a lead role, the responsibility for caring for children rests not only with government but also with the entire community.
In conclusion, this bill represents a major reform that delivers on government’s commitment to updating existing legislation to provide a contemporary framework for action to protect and care for our children. The bill not only brings the Territory into line with other Australian jurisdictions, in a number of ways it goes further. It provides the basis for concerted community, government and non-government effort to ensure that every Territory child and young person is safe and well cared for. I commend the bill to the House.
Debate adjourned.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 101)
Bill presented and read a first time.
Mr McADAM (Local Government): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
I am pleased to bring before this Assembly the Local Government Amendment Bill 2007. The purpose of this bill is to amend the Local Government Act and the Associations Act, to introduce restructuring orders in the Local Government Act, and to convert the Association councils providing local government services from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act.
The first part of the bill deals with restructuring orders. This part of the bill gives the minister power to make a range of orders which are considered necessary or desirable to facilitate the restructuring of local government in the Northern Territory.
Members are aware that government is reforming the system of local government in the Territory and is introducing a new framework based on municipalities and shires, and providing for the incorporation of the whole of the Northern Territory.
A Local Government Advisory Board has been established to provide advice to me as minister on key aspects of the reform process, including shire and ward boundaries, regional management plans, and legislative amendments to the Local Government Act to provide for the reform.
The advisory board comprises members drawn from key stakeholder groups including the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, otherwise known as LGANT; the Local Government Managers’ Association; the Chamber of Commerce; the NT Cattlemen’s Association; the Australian Services Union; the NT Minerals Council; the land councils of the Northern Territory; the Australian government; and regional representatives from the north and the south of the Northern Territory. Mr Patrick Dodson was appointed as the independent chair of the advisory board, and he has been of great assistance in guiding the business of the board and being available to attend particular meetings of the transition committees that have been established in every shire area.
The advisory board held its first meeting in February 2007 and has continued to meet monthly, alternating between Alice Springs and Darwin. The board has already provided me with much useful advice on major issues of policy and matters of community interest. I am pleased to report that the implementation of the reform of local government is proceeding reasonably well.
The key milestones established in the implementation plan are being met in a timely manner. Stakeholders and officers of my department have been contributing to the progress of the reform with energy and commitment. The major task of collecting a comprehensive data set on sources of income, services, assets and population profiles on all existing councils is virtually complete. This data will be crucial for the preparation of strategic and operational service plans for the shires that are soon to be developed in conjunction with the transition committees.
The bill to amend the Local Government Act and the Associations Act that I am speaking to today is a forerunner to the comprehensive review of the act that will provide for all aspects of the reform. This review has commenced and there will be broad consultation on its recommendations between August and November this year.
However, the bill before you today has a dual purpose. The first purpose is to enable me, as Minister for Local Government, to make restructuring orders. These are the orders necessary to provide for all transitional arrangements that have to be put in place to bring about the establishment of the new shire councils. I will able, by a restructuring order, to create prospective councils which will become the fully-fledged new councils on 1 July 2008. This will ensure that the new shire entity is clearly evident and transparent during its development.
The other purpose of the bill is to convert the association councils, performing local government functions, from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act. This action is necessary to assist the eventual integration of all existing councils, other than the four large municipal councils, within the new shires under the one act.
In relation to the restructuring orders, these are required for the implementation of the many structural changes that will be necessary both before and after the establishment of the shires on 1 July 2008. Restructuring orders have been used by ministers in other jurisdictions for this same purpose.
The matters that I want to deal with promptly through restructuring orders are the creation of prospective councils and to exempt all councils, other than municipals, from having any elections between now and 1 July 2008. There are nearly 20 elections that fall due over the coming 12 months that, under existing legislation, I am unable to cancel despite many requests from councils to do so. My intention will be to avoid the expense and inconvenience of elections so close to the introduction of the shires and to provide some stability to councils as they prepare for the changeover. I will appoint a manager to each prospective council, who will employ a Chief Executive Officer and a Corporate Services Director. These people can begin the task of establishing administrative systems, charts of accounts, and other arrangements to ensure that the shires will be ready to commence full operation on 1 July 2008.
When the government makes the decision to settle the shire and ward boundaries, following advice from members of the transition committees and the Local Government Advisory Board, as Minister for Local Government, I will make a restructuring order to formally gazette the shire boundaries. Restructuring orders can also be used, for example, for the adoption of initial shire plans; organisation structures; dissolution of existing councils; transfer of property, rights and liabilities; employment protection for staff; and the calling of the first shire elections in October 2008.
I now turn to the second part of the bill, which provides for the conversion of the 22 association councils providing local government services from the Associations Act to the Local Government Act. The reason for converting these association councils to the Local Government Act is to assist the orderly transition to the new shires. It will be crucial in the lead-up to the new system that the management of existing councils remains as stable as possible. Where this is not the case, as minister, I need to be able to intervene quickly to address any serious matters of mismanagement, misappropriation or non-performance generally. The Associations Act does not allow me this capacity as of now. Such a situation represents an unacceptable risk in the lead-up to the establishment of the shires.
In addition, the orderly transition of the shires will be considerably enhanced with the association councils being incorporated under the Local Government Act, as many issues, including the transfer of assets and liabilities, regionalisation of service delivery planning, and new funding arrangements will be simplified. When converted to the Local Government Act, the association councils will become community government councils for a short duration leading up to 1 July 2008. At this time, all existing councils falling within the boundaries of the new shires will be dissolved and integrated within the new local government arrangements.
The association councils will still retain their corporate identity and their names until this time. Also, the property, income, rights and liabilities of the associations will remain undisturbed. There has been a deliberate effort to minimise the changes required. The associations will retain the same provisions in their constitutions other than for any necessary changes, such as the need to have a defined area for the delivery of local government services.
A ‘note’ has been placed in the amendments bill under clause 114(b) to highlight the fact that the conversion of the associations to the Local Government Act is an interim measure to assist transition to the new shires. This note has been written into the bill in recognition of the sensitivities regarding this matter.
The two purposes of the draft bill I have spoken about are both concerned with the transition to the new system of local government in the Territory. These measures are to facilitate that transition.
Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members, and I table the explanatory statement to accompany the bill.
Debate adjourned.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: I advise of the presence in the gallery of Parliament House public tour program participants. On behalf of all honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear.
TRANSPORT LEGISLATION (DEMERIT POINTS) AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 106)
(Serial 106)
Continued from 21 August 2007.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, this would have to be one of the most important items of legislation we have had introduced into this House that creates changes for Territorians. I am amazed that we are going to have one minister speak to it, we have had one member of the opposition speak to it, and no one else. Where are the voices of the backbenchers if they think this is such good legislation to support? Why are we not hearing their voices? Why are they not saying: ‘Yes, this is great’? I get the feeling they are being a bit timid about it. If they really believe in it, let them stand up and speak about it.
Mr Burke: Have some patience.
Mrs BRAHAM: Well, I just think it is amazing. It is important. Many Territorians are going to see it as affecting them. When you make major changes like this, at least in this parliament we should hear the voices of people either supporting the legislation or not supporting it. That is what I cannot understand. You are just sitting there saying nothing. So that means: ‘Yes, we agree. We have nothing to offer, nothing to say’? Okay, so be it.
Getting back to the legislation, you have to start asking many questions. Who is this legislation being targeted at? Is it the 31% of the 35 000 licensed drivers that the statistics show us would have demerit points at any given time? Is it a revenue-raising exercise, as there will be so many drivers who will have demerit points? Is it aimed at those drivers who do not have licences? I do not think so. One of the statistics that has been given to us includes pedestrians, passengers, drivers, but we are still not sure how many of those are actually unlicensed so, obviously, those people who cause the havoc on our roads will not be affected by the law. I am not sure whether it will totally deter all those fatal accidents and the serious fatalities that occur here. I hope it does. If we are going to make such a major change to our traffic system, then I hope it does.
We keep hearing that alcohol, speed and fatigue have been identified as the major contributing factors. Will having demerit points stop people drinking alcohol to excess? Will having demerit points stop people speeding? Will having demerit points stop people driving too long? I guess the ultimate aim is to use it as a deterrent for drivers. I am not convinced it will. Will having demerit points stop those unlicensed drivers who jump in unregistered cars and cause havoc on our roads? No, they will not.
Therefore, who are we actually targeting? Are we targeting the good people who very rarely infringe on our roads? I would hope not, but I do not see it will affect them anyway. Are we actually aiming at that middle group who may do something wrong occasionally? In my mind, we should be targeting those who cause serious accidents. In the second reading speech, the minister says: ‘The demerit points scheme is one element of the Martin government’s road strategy’. Minister, when you reply, will you tell me what other strategies are going to be implemented with this particular one? In isolation, I do not believe it is going to make much difference.
I wonder whether losing your licence will deter those drivers who are reckless and still continue to drive without a licence. We have to aim at more than just saying: ‘You are losing your licence through demerit points’. We have to be much tougher. I hope that is what the minister will tell us; that other penalties are being toughened for some of the driving offences that do cause the problem.
Something that I believe we would like to see which would help stop the road carnage we are experiencing at the moment is better roads; it is as simple as that, better roads. More sealed roads in the bush and better signage on bends so people know to slow down. We have irresponsible drivers on the road and, as I say, I do not believe demerit points are going to stop them driving irresponsibly. However, if we want to take care of our other drivers, then we have to ensure that road conditions are safe.
What about our overseas tourists? Many of them come into the Territory and hire those hi-top vans. Do they have the education they should have before they get on to our roads? It would be interesting to see the statistics of how many of them have rolled their vehicles. We hear about them quite often in the Centre, because they go onto the side of the road and flip over, as you know. Will overseas tourists be given better instruction and education before they are allowed to hire vehicles?
Can the minister tell me if the government is going to continue funding the DTAL program? I believe the DTAL program is important in our high schools, and certainly it is for our learners and probationers. What about the remote communities? Can you give me some statistics on how it is being implemented in the remote communities? If we are going to have young teenagers in remote communities getting their licence, do they have the same opportunities to do DTAL as those in town do? Who is putting them through the learning process? Who is ensuring, before they jump in the car, that they have their licence? Do they have L-plates on? Do they have their P-plates on? I know it is happening in towns but, let us face it, many of our accidents are people from bush communities who have not had that opportunity to have that driver education. Perhaps the minister can tell me that because I just do not believe demerit points on their own will do what you want to do.
I notice on 1 September - how many days is that? - nine days time, this is going to be implemented. After that date, if you infringe, you might lose a demerit point. Where is the education program for people on the streets? I have not seen anything by way of television advertisements …
Ms Lawrie: We have to pass the legislation first.
Mrs BRAHAM: Well, you are going to do it all in a week? Wow! That is really going to get the message all round the Territory.
Ms Lawrie: Ready to go – comprehensive.
Mrs BRAHAM: I am interested to see it. I hope it is not going to be just television because many people perhaps will not be watching …
Ms Lawrie: Print, radio.
Mrs BRAHAM: Are you going to do it on all the stations that are covered?
Ms Lawrie: Big package, ready to go.
Mrs BRAHAM: Are you getting it out to schools? Are you getting it into communities? It will be interesting to see, minister, and you can tell us all that in your reply. In nine days time when the demerit points scheme is going to be implemented, I hope people will know exactly what is going on. It will be interesting to know also what it is going to cost. How much will it cost to implement this system? That is the most important thing of all.
I hope it does decrease carnage on the roads. Let us face it; no one likes to see the terrible accidents occur. No one likes to see passengers thrown out of their vehicles, young children thrown off the back of utes, or people who bump into road trains. I still cannot get over the headlines which said something about The Ghan: ‘the train crashes into a truck’ when, in fact, it was the truck that crashed into the train. To me, it is bad reporting.
A part of your act says that the driver will lose demerit points if a child does not have a seat belt on, but it does not say that the driver will lose demerit points if adult passengers do not have a seat belt on. Is that not a little inconsistent? Are you going to change that so the driver has to be responsible for everyone in that car having seat belts on, or will you impose a separate penalty on those people who do not have seat belts on?
Ms Lawrie: You got that in the briefing, Loraine.
Mrs BRAHAM: No, we did not.
Ms Lawrie: Yes, you did.
Mrs BRAHAM: No, we did not. You were not there, minister.
I believe that we may have to tighten up some of the other fines and penalties for traffic offences. In saying that, I am still not totally convinced that you are going to make much difference. The television station 7 Central which we get in Alice Springs - I do not think you get that here in Darwin - runs many Queensland-based advertisements. Every long weekend they advise penalties of double the demerit points. Are we going to have that in the Territory? Is the minister going to suddenly implement that, as other states in Australia have done? Is that what we are going to see? Is this flow-on effect going to occur? Is there some tied funding from the federal government? Are you doing it to step in line with the rest of Australia because of federal funding?
Ms Lawrie: No.
Mrs BRAHAM: No? That is okay.
I am pleased we do have traffic patrols back on our roads. They have been quietly going about their business and doing a good job. The demands on the police, with the introduction of regulations in many areas, are huge. Yes, I know you keep saying we are going to have 20 more police or X number of police, but you are putting a lot on the police. I hope the resources are there to ensure that with these laws that we are introducing - be they alcohol, child abuse prevention or whatever - there are enough people there to do the job.
I notice that the member for Nelson has put forward an amendment. People have smirked and laughed at it. It is a bit like an incentive. If you do not do anything wrong, we will reward you, we will give you a discount on your registration. We worked out that, perhaps by the time you are 65, you might not have to pay any registration at all because you have so many bonuses. That is probably being a bit frivolous to the member for Nelson. What he is trying to say is that we have so many restrictions, so many laws imposed upon us we never seem to see the good people in our Territory rewarded in any way. They are the ones who suffer continually because of the bad behaviour of a few. It would be nice for government to think about this amendment. It might seem a bit frivolous to them but, somewhere along the way, you also have to recognise that two-thirds of the drivers on the roads do not have accidents and have not caused problems; 31% have. However, there are many drivers who drive safely every day without causing any problems to anyone else on the road.
It is interesting that the member for Katherine says she does not support this act. I take it that that is the CLP stand on this. I would have liked to have heard more members of the parliament tell us what they think about it, even though they probably would have just said they support the government’s introduction of it.
Feedback in the community to date - because I do not think it is really well known enough - is: ‘Oh, are they? I did not know that’. I guess it is because there was a bit of a flurry when people said it was being introduced but, since then, there has not been much in the media about it. There is no point in saying: ‘We have to wait until it has passed’. We all know it is going to pass; let us face it, government has the numbers. It is going to come as a bit of a rude awakening to people out there, particularly people from interstate. As members know, this will be an Australia-wide transfer of information so that if you go interstate and run a red light, that demerit point is going to affect your demerit points up here and vice versa.
I am not saying that the grey nomads are the ones who do the damage, but if they come up here and infringe, then it is also going to affect their licence interstate. I say to you that most Territorians do not know that. They do not realise that going interstate and getting an infringement notice there – come on, we all know when we are driving south around Marla, around Port Augusta, if you are not doing 100 km/h, you are likely to get sprung - is going to affect their demerit points back here. That is something, minister, that you have to do a lot of educating about. This is going to happen in nine days time and there are many people who do not realise that this is going to affect them.
We have to change driver attitude, and I am not quite sure how you do that. It is driver attitude of the young, the irresponsible, who cause the mayhem on our roads. It is not the good people who drive safely. The irresponsible driver has a ‘do not care’ attitude and they do not realise the ramifications of the effect of what they do. Minister, when you are talking about education and implementation in a week’s time all in the one breath, you also need to do the positive as well as the negative. You have to say to those drivers who do drive sensibly and responsibly: ‘It is not going to affect you if you continue to go in that way’.
I do not believe that your demerit points will prevent those irresponsible people. You need to get the cooperation of many people. Let us face it: many of our accidents involve people in communities, or people driving on community roads or bush roads. You need to gain their confidence and to ensure they pass on the message to people when they leaving the communities. In Alice Springs, the advertisements by Philip Alice from Santa Teresa about having your seatbelt on are effective - people see those. However, there are also some very effective television advertisements run by the Queensland government. They are quite shocking in the way they are presented. If the shock effect is good, perhaps we should be using them. All in all, we will be interested to see what happens. I will be like everyone else; I will scream when I lose my first demerit point. I hope I do not ...
Ms Lawrie: Member for Braitling, I hope you do not break the law.
Mrs BRAHAM: I hope I don’t, too, but there is always the chance that any of us could, at any time, for all sorts of reasons. When you give your response, give us some feedback on all those issues I raised because there are many people in the Territory who do not know that this is going to happen and how it is going to affect them.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, I support my colleague, the minister for Transport, and her Transport Legislation (Demerit Points) Amendment Bill.
The Northern Territory Road Safety Task Force report is very clear about the safety of our roads. Sadly, the task force found the risk of being killed on Northern Territory roads is three times greater than anywhere else in Australia. In fact, not only are Territorians at three times the risk of being killed in car crashes than other Australians, we are at greater risk of being killed in crashes than other road users elsewhere in the developed world.
The member for Braitling raised a range of issues including increases in fines and penalties. I point her towards the report, Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative. There are 21 recommendations in there and, as you are aware, government has already moved to implement a significant number of those recommendations. This is one of them. There are some outstanding and yet to be introduced. Government is acting on the report, which was evidence-based. It was a very important report. When a responsible government is in receipt of such disturbing facts and report, we have a responsibility to act. We have done that through the road safety reform package that we initiated in response to the task force report.
It is very important to go to the rationale of the road safety package that was outlined in the report on page 3. It said:
- For a road safety strategy to be effective it must be an integrated evidence-driven package of complementary measures which addresses all three elements of sanctions, enforcement and education. Most importantly, there must be strong and committed political leadership fully supported by the agencies responsible for implementing the package.
There you have it; it is about sanctions. As has been outlined, the range of sanctions that were comparatively low in the Territory compared with elsewhere in Australia have been put to about the mid-range. Enforcement? Yes, we have invested significantly in enforcement. A Traffic Branch has been reinstituted after it was taken away by the previous government about a decade ago. We have highway patrols operating out of Katherine and Alice Springs, and remote area patrols. The whole enforcement issue is very important. Education is another one.
I am trying to emphasise that this is an integrated package. You can pick bits out and say: ‘Demerits are not going to work’, and ‘Here is this bit of research that questions this part of the operation of demerits’, but what we are looking at is an integrated package. That is very important to remember.
I was minister in this area for some time, and I suppose this report and what flows from it grew up when I was minister. What really impressed me was the Victorian experience. Since 1989, they have had a 54% reduction in their road deaths. Victoria has been held up as an example all around the world. Someone from the United States’ Department of Transportation actually had a look at what had happened in Victoria. The key findings there were, first, the importance of an evidence-driven strategy focusing on major problems and proposing known and effective mechanisms. The strategy must include targets and monitoring mechanisms, committed political leadership supported by committed leadership from agencies responsible for implementing the plan, and cooperation between the key agencies responsible for implementing the plan. That is at the crux of it. I believe demerit points are an integral part, and have been an integral part of what has happened in Victoria.
I will come a bit later on to some of the discussion that the member for Katherine had about some of the research and review of the literature that she has done. I was very impressed by the contribution of the member for Katherine. She raised some very important points and I will address them in what I have to say today.
This demerit points package is part of what we are introducing. Demerit points are an accepted part of the road safety strategies of governments around the world. New South Wales has had a demerit point system since 1969, and countries like the USA, Canada, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Austria have all introduced demerit points systems as part of their road safety strategies.
When we look at road safety and the road toll in other states in Australia and the Australian average, with time there has been a significant decrease since the 1980s as many of these strategies have been implemented. In the Territory, although there has been a decrease, it has not been as significant as what has happened elsewhere in Australia and it has not reduced the road toll to the levels of what we have elsewhere in Australia. In fact, we are over two times the road toll in the Territory compared with the rest of Australia.
No one is pretending that the demerit points system alone is a safe magic bullet, but demerit points will play a valuable role as part of a range of measures this government is introducing to save Territorians and their families from the trauma and misery of serious car crashes.
On page 50 of this report, we look at repeat offenders. It is laid out there that the rate of repeat speeding offences in the Northern Territory is alarming. Statistics from the Northern Territory Police reveal that, during the three years 2003 to 2005, a total of 44 276 people were issued with 74 531 speeding fines. Of these, 18.4% were issued with two speeding fines, 7.7% were issued with three speeding fines, and 7.3% were issued between four and 10 speeding fines, and 134 people were issued with 11 or more speeding fines, with the worst speeding offender being issued with 47 fines in the three-year period. Here we have repeat offenders with no sanctions against them and, obviously, a demerit …
Mr Wood: Yes, and you could disqualify them using existing laws.
Dr BURNS: Just show some courtesy, member for Nelson, please.
Mr Wood: I am sorry.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: You will get your chance.
Mr Wood: You mob do not interrupt?
Dr BURNS: I am having my say now, and what I am saying is - and you do not like it - that there are repeat offenders with no sanctions on them.
What we also find - and the evidence shows and the member for Katherine acknowledged this in some of what she had to say - was that offending behaviour has been shown to slow amongst a significant set of drivers when they accumulate demerit points. The member for Katherine said that yesterday. She also said that those who were most likely to be involved in crashes had significantly more demerit points than those who would not. So we have two things at work here. One, we have one group of drivers who are sensible, if you like - I forget the exact terminology that the member for Katherine used. However, people will say: ‘Oh, hold on, I have accumulated a few demerit points here. I had better be careful how I drive. I do not want to accumulate any more. My livelihood, my life, my social life is at stake here. I will slow my behaviour’.
There is another group of people - and it does not matter which law in the universe you are talking about - who are going to try to ignore and break that law and just be basic anarchists. That is what the member for Katherine was saying yesterday. That is the group we are going to be taking off the road, because they are going to have their licence taken off them by the demerit points system. It is common sense. That is why I support the demerit points system. It was not an argument that the member for Katherine expanded on, although I do commend her for her offering yesterday. I thought it was well researched and she raised some valid points. That is my response to the issues that the member for Katherine raised yesterday.
As Health Minister, I have spoken to enough health professionals to understand the reality of serious of car crashes. Our health professionals, the people on the frontline dealing with the results of car crashes, have publicly endorsed our efforts to turn around the Territory’s tragic road safety record. We have a big problem here; there are many people injured and dying on our roads. The carnage has to stop.
I will say just one other thing: this is a voluntary scheme; you do not have to join it. You have to transgress the law that exists to get a demerit point. It is as simple as that. I have been living in the Territory on and off for 30 years. I did live away from the Territory for a period during the 1980s. I cannot remember ever having received a traffic fine in the Northern Territory. It is a very small number of people - and it is in the report here somewhere, member for Nelson …
Mrs Braham: 31%.
Dr BURNS: A small percentage of people …
Mr Wood: Yes, one in three - 370 people. There are 119 600 not affected.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Dr BURNS: … who actually progress to have their licence taken off them. It says:
- Information from other jurisdictions indicates that on average 31% of licensed drivers have demerit points at any given time. This equates to approximately 37 000 licensed drivers in the NT. It is anticipated that 1 - 2% of those would progress to either having their licence suspended via the system, or entering into a good behaviour option to allow them to keep their licence.
The majority of citizens are not going to be affected by this. It is only going to be those people who transgress and, particularly, those people who are repeat offenders who previously had no sanctions on them at all. I emphasise again: this is a voluntary scheme and you do not have to join it.
However, to get back to health, which is something I am concerned about. We are talking about rights and privileges and all the rest of it. Weigh that against losing a loved one - a son or a daughter - in a traffic accident. We are a government that is prepared to take hard decisions and hard steps. This is one of them. I am not pretending that, along with speed limits, it is popular. I know that both this measure and the speed limits measure are not popular. However, I believe that it will have a positive effect. I believe it will save lives. That is why I am standing here today and speaking for this bill; because I deeply believe that it will.
We had a previous CLP government that really let the road safety thing bubble along - or the lack of it - for a long time. We are a government that is getting out and doing something. We will get whacked for it; I know that. The member for Nelson is going to get up and play his populist politics as he does – his flat earth politics. Let him do it. However, I know that at the end of the day this is going to save lives, and that is why I am standing up here in this parliament and speaking for this bill.
The statistics are irrefutable that, basically, we do have a big problem. We are a government that commissioned the report, just like the Little Children are Sacred report. We are acting on the recommendations of that report. It is also a furphy for anyone to pretend that this is a revenue-raising measure. It is not a revenue-raising measure, nor are the police going to tighten up the laws so that if you are 1 km/h over you are going to get pinged and it is going to mean revenue in the government coffers. Of course not. The traffic laws are going to be administered the same way as they always have. That is the fact of the matter.
It is true that our younger drivers - and it is something that the member for Katherine raised yesterday - are statistically a greater risk every time they get behind a wheel. They are overrepresented in the crash statistics and the mortality statistics. We are implementing a graduated driver licensing scheme to try to reduce the amount of death and carnage in that particular age group. I am hopeful that the demerit points system can play a role in reducing the carnage in that particular age group also.
If we are talking about hoons, it is another way that hoons, if they transgress the law - ultimately demerit points are another worry along with losing their car - that they are going to have to worry about.
Basically, we have introduced categories for demerit points which include drink driving with a blood alcohol less than 0.08; speeding; failure to wear seat belts; using hand-held phones while driving and while displaying an L- or P-plate; disobeying traffic signals; and disobeying level crossing signals. In all, there will be some 23 separate traffic offences which will attract demerit points. Most offences covered by the system attract three points; driving without L- or P-plates will earn young drivers loss of two points, and the category for hand-held phones does apply just to young drivers on those plates. Twelve to 15 demerit points over three years will mean a three-month suspension of licence; 16 to 19 points will earn a four-month suspension; and 20 or more points will mean five months suspension.
These are very important steps, and we are intent on introducing them. It is a system which penalises repeat offenders. It is not a revenue-raising measure. It is also a pretty stark way of warning someone ‘if you keep on this path you are going to lose your licence’.
It is a measure that I can commend. In the Territory we will have fewer offences that attract demerit points than other places, so we should see an even lower proportion of drivers being affected.
I commend this bill to the House. The road toll is unacceptably high. Every road death or major road trauma is an additional cost for the Territory financially. From memory, it totalled some $300m per annum if you add up all the health costs, and people’s loss of productivity. It is a huge cost for the Northern Territory. A government must do what it can to try to protect its citizens, particularly its young citizens. The introduction of demerit points, I believe, will help us save lives of Territorians. I have said that I do not believe it is a magic solution, but I do believe that an integrated plan such as this, which focuses on all aspects, sanctions, education and enforcement, will be successful. We should get behind this measure and stand up to be counted.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Deputy Speaker, the honourable member in his support of this bill - which I do not support - made claims that members opposite were engaging in populist politics. I would like to know what the claims made by the honourable member with regards to removing traffic lights was about, which has not occurred. Also …
Dr BURNS: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! I did not make a claim of removing traffic lights as the member for Blain is trying to assert. I said that I was against the unnecessary proliferation of traffic lights. That is what I said. I did not say I was going to remove all traffic lights.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: I did not hear the comment in relation to what the Minister for Health said. Minister, if you would you like to make a personal explanation, please do. Deputy Leader of the Opposition, please continue.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. Second was the pseudo - as we now know - outrage in the lead-up to the last election when there was a suggestion that speed limits were going to be threatened in the Northern Territory. It is now just appalling to see the hypocrisy of those opposite now taking a contrary position when it suits them. On one hand, they are happy to take a position to defend something in the interests of populism but, when it comes to another time, you have a completely different position, and the same earnest and sincere folk are standing up and saying exactly the opposite to what they once held dear.
Finally, there have been strong positions held popularly regarding demerit points. Now we have a completely opposite position. We are expected to believe that this is well considered, deeply thought out and very sincere. It comes from a mindset that has greater confidence in systems than in people. We are talking about another layer to try to achieve a systemic response when, really, we should be looking at people themselves and finding the most effective means to change the behaviour of an individual person. How do you do that? You have sufficient measures at your disposal now to do that.
I urge you to consider the tweaking of the very strategies that you already have at your disposal such as alcohol in drivers. You have the means to change driver behaviour by increasing the number of breathalyser checks on drivers if you are genuine about achieving the objective that we all want to see achieved. You do not have to have another bureaucratic layer put on top. How much does this layer cost? We do not know. How much is it going to slow down the whole system of operation? We do not know. I suspect it is something that allows those who have a belief that systems and structures solve problems not believe that people are the ones who solve problems. It is people who take responsibility for their own actions and, if they cross the line, you have the means to be able to bring them up short such as a breathalyser check and the penalties that you have already outlined. They could be more strategically focused.
You do not have to go down this extra step. You walk away with a sense that you have done something significant. You put a new regime, another layer of bureaucracy on top and you walk away thinking you have done a wonderful thing. Not necessarily. I come from Western Australia. They have a system in place there which is the same kind of murkiness that operates there. There is no clear evidence that it has made a significant change to driver behaviour. There are many other ways that you can affect people’s behaviour; that is, if you consider how you engage a person.
The number of breathalyser checks really exposed how genuine government was with regards to their range of strategies that they wanted to employ to change driver behaviour. We want it changed, but you do not have to go the whole hog and say: ‘Isn’t that a pretty piece of work? It is just like all the states and now I feel comfortable’. I do not think you are really confident because you know it is alcohol. You know that you can take the progressive step and really up the ante with breathalyser checks. We discovered all the well intentioned actions of government resulted, in fact, in the system conducting fewer breathalyser checks than before.
We have had the imposition of a reduction of speed on roads. That may make you feel good because you have done something that appears to be right, but it is not necessarily producing the outcome you desire. If the outcome you desire is a sense that we put in a new system in place that looks good, you have your outcome. However, if it has changed driver behaviour, we can see the evidence whether it has or has not. What it has done, in terms of driver behaviour, means that I now spend my time driving down the highway looking more at my speedo than at the road. I am more conscious now of the speed than the conditions ...
Ms Lawrie: Do you have cruise control?
Mr MILLS: No, I do not. I look at my dial to ensure that I am staying within the limits. Once, I knew my vehicle, I knew the conditions and I knew what I was capable of managing, and I made a different level of consideration as to my own decisions and how I was going to drive. It did not necessarily mean that I was trying to go as fast as I possibly could. I am a responsible person. I took responsibility for my own decisions. Now, I am having to look at the dial because a caucus has decided that I have to now watch the dial. They may feel comfortable about that, but I have had a sense of freedom and personal responsibility diminished, as other people have.
If we want to strengthen our society, our community, we need to breathe life into that sense of personal responsibility. Now, I am finding NT government vehicles passing me as I am driving along watching the dial instead of the road, as many others are. That is because, I guess, that in certain departments, they are pretty thin on the ground - that is, those who are working remote - and they are rushing from place to place, and trying their best to get there, I presume, just to cover for them. However, I am being passed by other vehicles. We are all now aware of this magical, safe …
Mr Bonson: Is that an observation or comment?
Members interjecting.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: The point of this is that something that you once opposed in the interests of gaining popular support prior to an election is now something you have implemented now that you have a vast majority and this misguided notion, by putting in new systems, that you are going to achieve something in the greater good.
However, we are not enhancing the personal responsibility that people need to take. There are plenty of measures that you can apply, and apply effectively, if you are serious.
Government is making this decision. They have had different positions when it suits their political fortune. Now, they have a rush of blood and they are off and racing down this track. I believe you are making a serious mistake. You are going to be changing people’s behaviour, indeed. You are going to transfer their responsibility, generally, more to the state. They will now expect government to take greater care of them, because government is now taking care for everything that was once a personal responsibility. Now you are uploading it, and people will now start to not take personal responsibility. That will be slightly less, because the role of government is increasing: they care so much they will pass all sorts of legislation to care for you. They put all sorts of systems in place to keep you safe. You do not have to worry too much about anything, because government is here to look after you. That, in fact, has a negative effect. People expect, then, government to take this role.
I believe that, as a society, we need to go down another track. This is an example that some folk may well be nourished by; that this sort of approach is going to produce some kind of outcome that is beneficial. I argue the contrary. You have enough at your disposal to enhance that sense of personal responsibility without having to go down this track, and achieve our objectives in the short- and long-term. You have already had demonstrated, very tragically so, that the attempt to change driver behaviour has not produced the dramatic results that we all anticipated and hoped for, that we wanted. I have seen a fatality on the road, and that was something that was horrible to see. I want to see people take responsibility. The one that I saw was a result of alcohol and speed. I do not believe …
Mr Bonson: We are just disagreeing how you effect it, is that the question? We are not disagreeing on the principle.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Millner!
Members interjecting.
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: For the reasons I have outlined, I do not believe it is a necessary step for government to take. They have decided to take it. I believe it is ill-considered. I believe it is, in fact, nave, and it will not enhance our chances of achieving the objectives that we all desire to be achieved; that is, people taking greater responsibility and care on the road. Other states have not reinforced my belief in anything contrary to what I have just said. I believe that, within our disposal, we have adequate measures to rein in irresponsible drivers. I know that we hold up Victoria as a great example but, by contrast, the Northern Territory is vastly different jurisdiction. I still have a belief that Territorians, if approached respectfully, can change their behaviour. We need to put more of an effort into education, and tighten and strengthen the delivery of education for young drivers if we are serious about this. We need to look at those who run red lights, and focus our energies on that rather than this broad response that is going to consume a lot of bureaucratic energy into some new system that is really going to target the same people, when you could have that same resource targeted right onto the ground to those who cross the line.
Therefore, Mr Deputy Speaker, I do not support it. The CLP does not support the introduction of demerit points; it is misguided.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Mr Deputy Speaker, it has been an interesting debate. The opposition’s position on this is not surprising and, I have to say, incredibly disappointing. The tone of the former principal’s lecture, the member for Blain, was that it is ill-considered and nave, and ill-thought out.
I will point out to the member for Blain Safer Road Use: A Territory Imperative, the NT Road Safety Task Force report. If you have not read it, I strongly recommend that you do. The demerit points scheme that we are introducing through the passage of this legislation which comes into effect on 1 September was one of the key recommendations of the task force. The people who sat on the task force came from a range of expertise - transport, health, and police expertise. They were all long-term Territorians, each having lived in the Territory for over 20 years, and all experienced, capable experts. To call this response that they have recommended, and the government has been bold enough to adopt, ‘ill-considered’ and ‘nave’ is an absolute slap in the face to the experts.
You are calling Jim Lloyd, your own Liberal mate Roads minister, ill-considered and nave. He fully supports the introduction of demerit points. He has called for it for years. We know the history of the Territory. We know that previous CLP Cabinets flirted with introducing demerit points schemes; knew that they have their role to play in an overall package of preventative measures to deal with the unacceptable road trauma in the Territory. We know the debates of the past, and they backed away. They were too politically lily-livered to take on the tough measures the government should adopt in good public policy to address the unacceptable road trauma.
Member for Katherine, you can smirk, which surprises me because you, better than most of us in this Chamber, understand the effects of road trauma on the lives of Territorians who have to pick up the shattered pieces that are the consequence. A Territorian dies on our roads every week; and nine are seriously injured. We have three times the national road toll. Even if you take on the spurious argument that I hear from members of the opposition from time to time, including the Independents: ‘Oh, but that is indigenous Territorians’. I think: ‘Hello! We are talking about Territorians here. It is not a race-based issue here’. Even if you take out the indigenous statistics from those horrendous road trauma statistics, we are still twice the national average in our road toll.
A response is long overdue, and it was the Martin Labor government that had the strength, under the previous minister of Transport, the now Minister for Health, and the Chief Minister’s guidance, to embark down the road of requesting a Road Safety Task Force report. We did not give them a charter of ‘thou shalt come back with these recommendations’. We let the experts do their job and come back with their views on what needs to be done.
The CLP opposition has announced that they will oppose the bill. They have also stated that this bill will make our roads safer. We find ourselves in a somewhat remarkable position here. On ABC radio, the member for Katherine was speaking about demerit points and said:
- Yes, it is a deterrent and it makes it safe on the road. Absolutely.
It is not just Fay Miller who argues that demerit points make our roads safer. The insurance industry has an obvious interest in road safety, and they do extensive research on the methods that best achieve road safety outcomes. As Trent Sayer from AAMI said when this legislation was introduced:
- Demerit points seem to influence drivers’ behaviour more than anything
By admitting that demerit points will make our roads safer but then refusing to support them, the opposition is clearly saying that they are putting politics before saving lives. The CLP has argued that demerit points have not worked in other states. There is not one single government or opposition at the Commonwealth, state or territory level in Australia that agrees with them. The fact is that you are three times more likely to be killed on our roads than anywhere else in Australia. Road tolls in many other states are now at record lows.
The member for Katherine specifically referred to South Australia. She said that demerit points had failed there. Last year, South Australia had their lowest road toll since records were kept. Demerit points have helped achieve that. If we can cut our road toll in half like several other states, then I will be very relieved because lives will have been saved.
The member for Katherine referred to several reports or studies to try to support her opposition to a demerit points system. Not one of these reports suggested that a demerit points system did not work – quite the opposite. The first report she referred to was the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1994. She failed to mention that this report made 10 recommendations to expand and increase the Victorian demerit points system. The recommendations were accepted and Victoria’s road toll has subsequently plummeted. She then referred to a Monash University Accident Research Centre study. I have been to the university and spoken to the experts there. I can tell you that they are very supportive of demerit points. To suggest that they are opposed to demerit points would be like suggesting the CLP supports the waterfront. It simply flies in the face of years of public statements.
I challenge the member for Katherine: contact the Monash Accident Research Centre and ask them to endorse your suggestion that their research does not support demerit points. The member for Katherine then referred to a report from the University of Sienna in Italy. The very first sentence of this report points out that demerit points are acceptable throughout most of the developed world. The report is an analysis of different components and strategies within a demerit points system and the effects of these strategies on different demographies. The member for Katherine has form on this misrepresentation of academic reports. In May this year, she put out a media release suggesting that an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report supported a CLP stance on speed limits. The report said no such thing. Again, I challenge the member for Katherine to contact the author of the report and ask him to come out and agree with her. I can tell you that he will not – quite the opposite.
In debate on demerit points, the member for Katherine raised the issue of cyclists wearing helmets and she stated:
- At the present moment young people have to wear a helmet or else they receive an infringement. When you are an adult you do not have to wear a helmet.
This is false. The government rejects demerit points for cyclists. Many cyclists do not have a driver’s licence so I am not sure how the CLP plans to implement that suggestion. It is compulsory for both adults and children to wear a helmet when cycling on the road.
Mrs Miller: No, it is a choice for adults.
Ms LAWRIE: I pick up the interjection. The member for Katherine says no, that is not true. I refer you to the legislation. On bike paths where there is no interaction with traffic it is not compulsory for an adult to wear a helmet.
In the debate the CLP claimed that:
- The demerits system does nothing to target young men and young people specifically.
The most disappointing aspect of this statement is that, clearly, they did not even bother to read the legislation. The demerit points are particularly tough on young drivers. L- and P-plate drivers have a stricter threshold of five points within 12 months. Demerit points also crack down on young drivers using mobile phones, and the anti-hooning offences that attract demerit points are clearly aimed at our young men. It is another case of the CLP saying they are opposed to demerit points but that, indeed, they should be tougher.
We also saw this position in relation to alcohol when the CLP said they opposed demerit points, but they should be higher for drink driving. The CLP has failed to recognise that drink driving involves serious licence suspensions. You lose your licence and you get demerit points, which will still be sitting there when you get your licence back. The CLP, in their response, outlined a remarkable theory that because people with a high number of demerit points tend to be more likely to be involved in a crash, therefore, we should not have demerit points. This is like saying repeat property crime offenders are more likely to commit property crimes and, therefore, we should scrap property crime offences. It is bizarre
The CLP has said that demerit points will penalise people who only occasionally speed a little. Again, they have completely missed the point of demerit points. People in this category have little to fear from demerit points. The whole point is that they do not adversely affect infrequent offenders. They only adversely affect the kind of person who gets caught breaking the law 47 times in three years as we have seen in the Territory. Under the CLP’s approach, this hoon has nothing to worry about and can continually put the lives of responsible drivers and their families at risk.
Finally, the government rejects the CLP’s position that regular users of the road, such as truck and taxi drivers, should not have to comply with the road laws to the same extent as other road users,. Most members of the community expect our professionally trained drivers to obey the road laws just the same as the rest of us.
The member for Nelson made some positive comments in relation to the intention of demerit points, but he flagged he would oppose the bill. His main reason for opposing the bill was that he thought we should be minimalist and not have unnecessary legislation, and the principle of demerit points could be done through simply suspending licences based on repeated infringements of certain offences. This is not minimalist.
Member for Nelson, what you proposed would require a system to keep track of exactly how many times every driver has infringed every particular offence and monitor up to half a dozen trigger points rather than one. Interaction with other jurisdictions, which all have different systems, would be a logistical and administrative nightmare. The only option would be to not interact with the other states which would mean interstate drivers would be free to infringe on our roads while the locals cannot. I do not think that you understand the suggestion would require a whole new customised IT system built from scratch and numerous staff employed to administer it. With the demerit points system, we are picking up on a national scheme with proven systems. Our model is minimalist compared with yours.
Member for Nelson, you thought that we were using a sledge hammer to crack a peanut. It is true that very few people will lose their licence as a result of demerit points, but that is because we are targeting the hoons. While these hoons may not make up a large percentage of the population, they put the lives of every other road user in danger. As the member for Katherine said, demerit points make our roads safer and so they help everyone.
The member for Nelson also questioned why we have demerit points for using a mobile phone when there are other potential distractions. It was not really clear whether he was advocating people should be penalised for changing a cassette or, in modern parlance, a CD. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has identified four types of driver distraction: visual, that is things you see; auditory, things you hear; physical, things you do with your hands; and cognitive, things you think about. Using a mobile phone ticks all four boxes. The use of hand-held mobile phones is banned in all Australian states and territories and penalties apply for non-compliance.
The member for Nelson also had this curious position of arguing against the demerit points system but then argued for additional offences and more points for certain offences. He talked about how people in the rural area should be given some sort of concession because they have less access to alternative transport. Then he argued that we should be confiscating people’s cars. Are you suggesting that this would also not apply in the rural area?
Mr Wood: No, I just want more buses.
Ms LAWRIE: The member for Nelson raised education. Well, member for Nelson, 11 of the 21 Road Safety Task Force recommendations that the government has accepted, funded and is implementing, all involve education and awareness. I can confirm that, once this bill is passed, we will conduct an awareness campaign to inform the public on how the demerit points system works. Additionally, as people accrue the points they will be sent information explaining the system.
The member for Nelson is often talking about cracking down on hoons, but this bill does that. The contribution of the member for Nelson certainly suggested that you thought the bill would improve road safety. You support the concept that hoons are serious repeat offenders and that they should lose their licence. I know you have indicated that you intend to oppose it, but I ask you: do you think it will improve road safety? Do you think that hoons should lose their licence? Then shouldn’t you be supporting this bill today? You may not think the bill is perfect, but if you think it will save lives then you should vote for it accordingly.
Turning to the member for Nelson’s amendment, I support the intent of the amendment. However, the first and most important point is that this amendment is not relevant to the main target of demerit points: our young drivers. The amendments that you are proposing would not apply to those most at risk of killing themselves and others. Demerit points are particularly tough on our young L- and P-plate drivers. The incentive that the member for Nelson proposes simply would not apply to them. You would need three years and a full licence before any concession kicked in. A high percentage of young drivers do not own their own vehicle and, hence, would not benefit from a registration concession.
A couple of other points. There is already a considerable financial incentive not to get demerit points; that is, every offence that attracts demerit points also attracts an existing fine - fines that this government has, in many cases, doubled in previous legislation. Demerit points specifically target the kind of person who simply ignores the financial implications of their irresponsible driving. We are talking about people, and we have seen the example, who get 47 offences in three years. They have copped 47 fines, so a discount off their registration is hardly likely to alter their driving record.
There is also complexity around the licence versus registration component of the amendment. Licences are not linked to registration. People with company cars would miss out on the incentive. People whose family car is registered under the family company for tax reasons would simply miss out on the incentive. Registration is only a small component of the annual registration fees. Insurance fees are the largest component ...
Mr Wood: Yes, we are including that.
Ms LAWRIE: No other state has this scheme. Even without it, experience …
Mr Wood: We would be leading the way.
Ms LAWRIE: Let me finish. Even without it, experience in other states show that 70% of drivers do not get demerit points. Under the proposed amendment, up to 70% of the population could get up to 60% discount. We are talking tens of millions of dollars per year. Let us say it is $23m, for argument’s sake, member for Nelson. A significant hit. It would absolutely limit the government’s capacity to keep up our record spending on road safety initiatives. Critically important to this is our record spending on fixing up the Territory road network. Only 23% of our road network is sealed.
Member for Nelson, you have a bush electorate. You know how much needs to be spent to play catch-up, to get our road network to a point where it could be considered safe. Too many Territorians are losing their lives on our narrow bush roads which have eroding shoulders or, in some cases, no shoulders and, in other cases, single lanes with big trucks coming down them - let alone trying to look at the fatigue rest stop areas that we need to put in under national regimes. I reiterated this to the Commonwealth government on many occasions. Just as we know that successive Commonwealth governments have failed the Territory on a range of basic infrastructure post-self-government and even pre-self-government, the roads network has being underfunded by the Commonwealth. I cannot, in all conscience, say: ‘Let us take $23m out of our capacity to address a core safety concern’, which is increasing our roads funding - which this government absolutely has done and continues to do. I repeat: this year’s Territory roads budget is a record $180m. We have increased the repairs and maintenance, up $7.5m this year, but with a forward commitment publicly announced into the tens of millions of dollars. I am not going to back away from taking the arguments to the Commonwealth regarding all of the road funding. They could dip into their $19bn surplus and give us a fraction of that to address our unsafe roads.
Therefore, member for Nelson, under the amendment, after 18 years of good driving if you get caught once, maybe at 15 km/h over the limit, your 18 years of good driving record will be wiped out under your amendment - back to square one.
The demerit points scheme is about targeting those who continually break the law, not punishing those who break the law once every 18 years ...
Mr Wood: That is not punishing them; they just do not get the discount.
Ms LAWRIE: Oh, yes, they will be pretty upset about losing the discount on their registration, Gerry. They would see that as a punishment, mate. Go and have a talk to someone about that one.
Additionally, according to the amendments as written, you could lose your licence for a serious drink-driving offence but still keep your registration discount.
Lastly, this amendment is about paying people to obey the law. Fundamentally, the member for Nelson’s amendment is about paying people to obey the law. Well, we do not do that. We do not believe it is the role of government to pay people to obey the law. We heard the member for Blain on his usual rant about personal responsibility. What kind of personal responsibility is occurring when you are paying someone to break the law?
I thank the Minister for Health for contributing in today’s debate on demerit points. He clearly articulated it was no easy decision for government to take; to first of all seek a no-holds-barred road safety task force report. It was no easy decision to step through each of those comprehensive, tough measures in the 21 recommendations and adopt them. We knew we were tackling some Territory icons in those. We knew we would cop a bit of a political beating from some - and I emphasise some - members of the community. Quite frankly, I have had many mums and dads come up to me as minister for Transport and say: ‘Thank you. Thank you for introducing speed limits. I am no longer as scared driving to Katherine as I used to be when lunatics would speed up behind me, close on my tail and risk my life, my kid’s lives, and their lives in impatent overtaking’. They also said: ‘Demerit points will not affect me because I do not break the laws. I do not speed, I do not run red lights, and I do not drink and drive’.
Our demerit points scheme has been fair. As minister for Transport, I stood up and said to the public: ‘We will introduce a fair scheme. Unlike other jurisdictions you will not be attracting demerit points for failing to indicate when you move to change lanes’, or for having the broken tail light, an example the member for Nelson used yesterday. We are very clearly targeting the main causes of our road trauma in our demerit point scheme. Other schemes have hundreds of different infringements that attract demerit points. Ours is very clearly targeting people who fail to wear seat belts, who speed, who drink and drive, who run red lights, and who fail to deal with level crossings appropriately, the hoon behaviour on our roads, and the dangers of young drivers using hand-held mobile phones. They target very clearly, very specifically, the main causes of our road trauma.
We did not introduce hundreds of demerit point attracting infringements like other jurisdictions have. Yes, we will interact with the other states and territories, because we recognise people move around. Defence families come and go from the Territory, tourists come and go from the Territory, so there has to be that interaction with the other schemes around Australia. I thank the Minister for Health for talking about the importance of the entire package of road safety reforms of which demerit points are one part.
I was at Alice Springs at a function and someone came up to me and said: ‘Thank you. I am an ambulance driver. I too often pick up broken bodies on our roads. I am sick of it. Thank you for your government being bold enough to introduce a range of road safety reforms and whilst some of them may not be particularly popular with some people’, that ambo driver looked me in the eye and said, ‘I believe they are going to save lives. At least you are having a go at trying to save our road trauma’. That is a message we got very clearly from the AMA, and from the doctors and nurses of the emergency departments.
For those people who oppose the demerit points scheme, this is my challenge: talk to the people who daily deal with the road trauma, with the lives of Territorians shattered, with the families’ abject grief, the death and, importantly, the serious injuries on our roads every week. One person dies and nine are seriously injured every week. Demerit points have been proven to address repeat dangerous driving behaviour. It is about changing the culture of our road users.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
In committee:
Clauses 1 to 3, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 4:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.1. This amendment reflects the amalgamation of the demerit points schedule and the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule which is dealt with within amendment 22.4. Amendment 22.4 only amalgamates information previously provided. No demerit points offences or point values have been added or changed.
Amendment agreed to.
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.2. Clause 4, section 33B is amended by omitting section 33B(2) and substituting new sections 33B(2) and (3). Section 33B includes when an interstate driver becomes liable to suspension because of demerit points reaching the suspension threshold. This amendment ensures that the suspension threshold for interstate full licence holders is the same as Territory full licence holders. This means that any demerit points licence sanction can be recognised across Australian jurisdictions.
Mr WOOD: Mr Chairman, I was wondering if you could explain this a little more clearly. Section 33B(2) says:
- A person also reaches the suspension threshold if …
Looking at section 33B(2)(a)(ii):
- Subject to subsection (3), a visiting driver ...
Then section 33B(3) says:
- Subsection (2) does not apply to a visiting driver who holds a licence or permit from another jurisdiction unless the licence or permit is equivalent to a licence mentioned in subsection 2(a)(i).
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I am advised that it picks up overseas licence holders as well as interstate licence holders.
Mr WOOD: Thank you. So an overseas licence holder, where there are no demerit points systems, then would not come under the normal number of demerit points? You would have five only?
Ms LAWRIE: That is right; five within 12 months.
Mr WOOD: I will give you an example in reverse. The Northern Territory does not have demerit points, not quite yet. When we drive interstate, are we hit with a similar rule?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, there is a similar rule regarding visiting drivers in other jurisdictions and the application of demerit points. There are overseas people coming in on a work permit situation who are here for a period of time.
Mr WOOD: Right. Then my follow-up question is: why has five been picked? What is the reasoning? What is wrong with a driver from England? We may have a problem with people driving on the other side of the road, but why have you picked five instead of 12?
Ms LAWRIE: It reflects the fact that our road conditions are different from overseas road conditions. That is one point. The other point is that on the full points, if you like, on a full licence - the 12 points over the three years - the type of drivers we are picking up are those who are here for about one to two years, so the other full provisions would not be the appropriate ones to apply.
Amendment agreed to.
Mr WOOD: Mr Chairman, I move an amendment to insert a new Division 6A. I listened to the minister’s response to my proposed amendment. I understand that there could be various options in relation to what I am suggesting. I am proposing this as a serious option. There was a tendency by the minister to give a slant on this particular amendment to make it look like the government was paying you to be a good driver, and if you did get a demerit point and had to go back to your original registration fee, you are being punished.
I do not think it is in the same form of punishment as losing your licence. You still have to pay, you were not taken off the road; you just did not get the discount. In relation to the government paying you to be a good person on the road, I would put it that the government is encouraging you to drive well by not having to pay as much for your registration.
My argument is, and I deviate slightly, because you said this would cost the government $28m, well …
Ms Lawrie: No. I said tens of millions and I gave you a hypothetical example.
Mr WOOD: All right, so you have a hypothetical amount of money, but this money - tell me if I am wrong - you were referring to was the money that is collected for third party insurance; that is, to cover the cost of injured people in accidents?
Ms Lawrie: This would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: No, I am saying this comes out of your registration fee, which is a small amount for rego.
Ms Lawrie: No hypothecation - it would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: The registration fee itself is relatively small, the large part of your rego is your third party is insurance. That is the large amount; that is …
Ms Lawrie: But to attach it to the demerit points scheme, it would come out of the Transport budget.
Mr WOOD: I am saying …
Ms Lawrie: Twenties of millions of dollars off the Roads budget
Mr WOOD: Right. The logic behind what I am trying to do is that, if most of our third party registration is in place because of accidents, if you can encourage people not to have accidents, which means that fewer people are injured, you would not need as much money to pay for those injuries. So if you can do something to encourage those people to drive better, using that fund of money, which we call a third party fund, then surely there is some sense in that. Whether it is 10%, or 2% or 3%, we could argue about that. The principle behind what was being done is to say, you are bringing in another system - do not forget this is a parallel system of punishment; you already have a system of punishment which says you get disqualified for drink driving, and you can get hit with fairly severe fines for not having your seatbelts on. However, at the same time we will have a parallel set of punishments, which are demerit points, and when they add up to something you get hit again.
I am saying, if you are going to put all that sort of stick approach why do you not try to put some carrot? Why do you not try to encourage people? It would be good PR for the government. I do not think taking the demerit points away is necessarily a good thing - when I say that the government’s approach to the demerit points is not necessarily popular. What I am saying is if you are trying to sell something that you believe is not popular, here is a way of at least doing that.
I take exception, as it tends to be inferred that when a person on this side of the House says that he does not support the demerit points but thinks we could do it this way, therefore, I am a supporter of people dying on the road. I hear these stories about the ambulance drivers. I do not want people to die on the roads. I do not want car accidents. I am not looking at a minimalist approach. If it was a minimalist approach we probably would not have any laws. I am just saying that if you tinkered with the existing laws we probably could achieve the same thing. I know you do not agree with that; that is fair enough. I am not here to die on the stake for it, but I do not believe that, because I have a different point of view, I am supporting a regime which is going to support more people dying on the road. I am not coming from that point of view.
People could say I was populist; I heard it today. You could say introducing this was populist. I could also say, on your side of the House, minister, that the safety report said all highways should be 110 km/h. You knew that would be extremely unpopular. You went out and got the evidence which helped you make a decision which was less unpopular, which was 130 km/h. Do not tell me people in this parliament do not at times make decisions which have a slight popular tinge to them but, at the same time …
A member: Responsible.
Mr WOOD: Well, yes, we do sometimes.
A member: We are showing leadership. I would not say it is popular.
Mr WOOD: I am not denying that either. I am saying that there are other points of view. I am giving a different point of view; it does not make me a supporter of people driving badly. It just says you are increasing the bureaucracy and the amount of work that our administrators and our bureaucracy have to do. You could do it cheaper and just as effectively without increasing the laws.
If you are going down the path of demerit points, have a look at the amendment I am putting forward. I am interested to know whether the government - even though I know it is not going to support the amendment - even if it does not support the amendment, will at least consider looking at some reward program for people who do drive well. That would be something we can lead Australia in. We do not have many drivers; we are not New South Wales. Why don’t we encourage those people to drive well?
In the end, many of these people we are talking about, the 1% or 2% of people driving around in unregistered cars, live in the bush. Many of those people would be Aboriginal people. That is the reality. Many of those people keep driving. Why do we not add a little carrot to the process and see if we can encourage those people to do the best thing …
Ms Lawrie: It is called enforcement, Gerry. There are going to be police out there.
Mr WOOD: That might be the case, but I hope that when the minister says ‘I do not support this amendment’, she will at least support the concept. I ask the government to at least consider some sort of reward process that would promote good driving without just a punitive requirement this existing legislation will have when it comes through.
Ms LAWRIE: I thank the member for Nelson for his intent. I know he takes his role in here very seriously. He gave a lot of consideration to the legislation and identified this amendment. As I said in my wrapping-up, I support the intent of the amendment; however, it is unworkable and impractical. As I explained, it would not target the people we need to really target to change their behaviour, which is the young drivers, the ones who are 20 times more likely to kill or hurt themselves and others, because it excludes the L-platers and P-platers in the amendment.
It would be a bureaucratic administrative disaster. You would have to set up a whole IT system, that no one has developed and does not exist or operate anywhere, from scratch. You would also have to have a lot of administrative staff in place because, as I explained, they would be tracking a myriad of different infringements rather than one points system. Administratively and bureaucratically, it would be a disaster, Gerry. It just is not workable. Though I support the intent, it is not just workable. The government cannot support the amendment.
Amendment negatived.
Clause 4, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 5 and 6, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 7:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.3. Clause 7 is amended by removing reference to Schedule 1A and substituting Schedule 1. This reflects the amalgamation of the demerit points schedule and the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule which is dealt with in amendment 22.4.
Amendment agreed to.
Clause 7, as amended, agreed to.
Clauses 8 to 16, by leave, taken together and agreed to.
Clause 17:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I invite defeat of clause 17. This makes way for the replacement of demerit points Schedule 1A with a new amalgamated Schedule 1 which incorporates demerit points schedule with the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule – this is dealt with in amendment 22.4.
Clause 17 negatived.
Proposed new clause 17:
Ms LAWRIE: Mr Chairman, I move amendment 22.4 to insert a new clause 17. This is the new amalgamated Schedule 1 to the Traffic Regulations which incorporates the demerit point schedule with the existing Traffic Regulations Traffic Infringement Schedule. This is an amalgamation of information previously provided. No demerit points offences or point values have been added or changed. The Traffic Infringement Schedule has not been changed except to specify offence sources. This improves the transparency of the demerit points scheme.
New clause 17 agreed to.
Remainder of the bill, by leave, taken as a whole and agreed to.
Bill reported; report adopted.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I put on the record my thanks to the Road Safety Task Force experts who came up with the report and, importantly, the staff of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, particularly in the area of road safety. They have worked tirelessly in bringing the range of recommendations and report to fruition. Particularly difficult, of course, was implementing a whole new system of demerit points. I thank them for the commitment and dedication they have shown in taking on an extremely difficult and complex task, and keeping it well within the time lines to see implementation effective as of 1 September. I also thank the staff in my office.
Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
ANSWER TO QUESTION
Child Sexual Abuse – Conviction Rates
Child Sexual Abuse – Conviction Rates
Madam SPEAKER: I am going to call on the Minister for Child Protection, whom I have given leave to provide information to a question asked at Question Time today.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Child Protection)(by leave): Madam Speaker, in Question Time today, the Leader of the Opposition asked a question of the Chief Minister, which was referred to me as Minister for Child Protection, about the reporting of child abuse. She asked me to advise the Chamber of the apprehension and conviction rates of indigenous and non-indigenous child sex offenders in the Northern Territory.
As the Leader of the Opposition knows, the figures to which she was referring are given and analysed on pages 250 to 252 of the Wild/Anderson report. The Leader of the Opposition should have a look at those pages because she will be able to get the information required on those pages.
MOTION
Note Statement – Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage
Note Statement – Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage
Continued from 21 August 2007.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the Chief Minister’s statement in relation to Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage. This is yet another landmark statement to the House, and an action plan to combat the huge disadvantage and the issues within remote and regional indigenous communities. This report goes beyond the Wild/Anderson report into the sexual abuse of children in remote communities, and it needs to.
The report highlighted the systemic problems in communities, the levels of sexual abuse, alcohol abuse and a whole range of issues in those communities. That needs to be tackled. However, the underlying causes of those problems need to also be tackled or we will always be spending countless millions of dollars on putting endless bandaids on significant problems. This is what the Closing the Gap initiative goes to. It is an intergenerational plan of action to directly target both the symptoms and causes of disadvantage in the community.
I would like to move through some of the report and make some specific references to my electorate. Alcohol and drugs are a huge problem within remote communities and in my electorate. There are countless roadhouses, pubs and regional towns which have numerous liquor outlets, so the addition of eight new alcohol compliance inspectors is welcome. We need to not only address issues of the supply of takeaway alcohol, but we also manage the supply of alcohol within the premises of liquor outlets. Eight new inspectors are certainly going to be welcome at a cost of $1.35m, which is a huge injection.
The licensing identification system, the idEye as it is commonly known, is something that both the member for Katherine and I have being calling for in Katherine for quite some time, since our visit to Groote Eylandt where we saw the system in place. It is sad that the member for Braitling did not come on that trip because she is one person coming out against it. It might have changed her opinion of the system because it has certainly had a huge impact on the lives of both drinkers and non-drinkers and support staff within that community and the economic development of the area. So, $3.77m going into a licensing identification system is welcome. I would like to see it rolled out throughout the Katherine region, not just Katherine, and I will be lobbying the minister concerned about expanding it through Timber Creek and the Port Keats/Daly area. Those communities, once I supplied the information to them, are certainly taken by the concept. It is an extra tool. It is not a silver bullet, but it is an extra tool in curbing those problems.
Return to Country, getting people from Katherine, especially back out into the VRD, Barkly or Roper regions is something that is also needed.
Regional alcohol management strategies are most needed. I will be asking the minister for a combined Port Keats/Daly strategy to look at alcohol issues in that catchment area, which extends to Hayes Creek and Adelaide River where people travel to get alcohol. The VRD region is an area I would like to see a lot of work going into. I am very impressed that Timber Creek is mentioned here; there is an issue with alcohol supply and management.
The child protection area is very dear to my heart and is an area that the report highlighted. It was a huge part of their work, the primary part of their work, and part of this initiative is directly going to the child protection area. One of the recommendations of the report was to appoint a Children’s Commissioner, and this is backed by $1.6m to support that role. That commissioner will have a lot of responsibility monitoring the operations of the new legislation which we have had introduced today, and working through investigations and monitoring the implementation of all the initiatives around child protection within this plan.
I mentioned the legislation that was introduced today. The cost of bringing that act into place and the Community Welfare Act is $800 000. The government is backing this legislation with significant amounts of money.
One of the big problems on the communities is education about child abuse. It may seem a little strange for people who live in urban centres, but there needs to be a clear understanding of what abuse is, and what neglect is. That needs to be articulated in language and any means possible to get through to communities, and I believe they will respond. There is $440 000 committed to providing information about people’s legal position, what community standards should be, what the impact is of child abuse, and the reporting and hotlines that are available. Even in my regional towns, people are very interested in the hotlines, about making reports, and looking after children within their community who are not their own. That is welcomed. I believe a key part of combating child abuse and neglect in communities is getting the community on side, and that is done through education.
The plan also provides for residential care for young people at risk. Last year, I wrote to the Minister for Housing in relation to a property in Katherine which was being sold by Territory Housing, about anticipating the outcomes of the Wild/Anderson report and the need for a facility for children at risk who needed to be housed in emergency situations in areas where they can receive specialist services and feel protected. The property concerned was not suitable, but I was encouraged by the minister, who highlighted another premises owned by Territory Housing. I will continue those discussions with the minister to look at initiatives within this report and that property. Katherine desperately needs a place where children from either the township or outlying areas can be taken and looked after and have specialist help.
What is also being proposed is a network of Aboriginal child protection and care services, with an expansion of the services in Katherine and also Darwin. Darwin services the northern part of my electorate, so that is welcome.
SARC, the Sexual Assault Referral Centres, have done a terrific job. With the resources they have, they have done excellent work in the Top End. It is great to see the commitment to the Katherine region is highlighted in this report by the establishment of a SARC unit in Katherine. SARC centres are going to have 12 additional counsellors to provide counselling, medical intervention and therapy for those children affected. It is putting the resources where they are very much needed.
There has been much talk about CAT, the Child Abuse Task Force, and the good work that they have been doing. The task force will now be able to do an even better job with an extra 23 FACS staff and 24 police. Those staff and the rolling through of those police officers so they gain better skills in the way they interview children to gain better conviction rates in legal cases is welcome. The $29m going into expanding the task force is a great injection of money.
The recruitment of 10 additional student counsellors is also welcomed. Schools are an opportunity to not only educate children generally, but also to educate them about what is right and wrong with the treatment they receive, and an opportunity to look at health needs and other aspects. Putting those school counsellors in is welcomed.
Having a remote electorate, it is great to see an injection of $11m and 16 additional police officers into a remote policing strategy. Those police, when they are targeted, have a great effect. Problems are contained when there is a big police presence. There is need for the Commonwealth government to finally start to learn that, for most of the time, communities are fairly quiet and then they flare up and you need quite significant resources to quell problems. Having a task force which goes into a community is a good way to go, and the extra 16 officers are most welcome.
Regarding the establishment of 10 community courts, I have many community courts operating in my electorate and it will be good to see more of those rolled out throughout the Northern Territory, with more Corrections officers. The development of the indigenous family violence offender program had a degree of success and rolling it out even further would be very welcome. Katherine, again, gets a lot of attention with the witness assistance services being provided at a cost of nearly $1m. That will be supporting those people who are brave enough to come forward and continue with legal cases.
The integrated community-based family violence program has a huge commitment of nearly $8m. For that program, I will be lobbying the minister quite vigorously about starting a regional program across the Port Keats/Daly area and, also, with my colleague, the member for Stuart, about getting a program established throughout the VRD, including my area of Timber Creek. This program will help prevent family violence and provide support to victims of family violence, and also identify and address the factors leading to the violence, and provide support care. It is an holistic program, and well resourced by this government.
Government has also backed up its initiatives in the bush with the dollars and legislation. The introduction of family violence legislation later this year will certainly add weight and confidence to people in the bush that they can tackle family violence. Just as an anecdote, there is the experience in Timber Creek where an female Aboriginal Community Police Officer really promoted DVOs. The women got onside and there were quite a number of DVOs issued. It kept the men in line, through education. The women understood the laws that they had available to them and the men understood what was acceptable behaviour. This new legislation will add strength to that and also combat that terrible area.
Rehabilitation is a key part of turning around sexual offenders. I do not claim to know everything about sexual offences. However, these people do things for varying reasons and, if we can get them to change their lives, change the way they believe they can behave, it will help stop the great hurt that goes on in society. These people do a great deal of damage to individuals around them. That rehabilitation program has a lot of money committed to it, $4.4m, and I hope it works.
Gambling is a big practice in my electorate and there needs to be real engagement with the people about gambling. It is a financial burden and can be quite financially destructive on families. It is a huge social problem. The people in the bush need a great deal of discussion, negotiation, and education about what gambling does, and try to negotiate a way through it.
Health is a huge area. On Monday this week, many members of this House travelled to Borroloola to attend the funeral of the member for Arnhem’s mother, who was only 54 - a very young lady. When we talk about Aboriginal disadvantage we talk about life expectancies, and 54 is very young. She suffered from the complications of diabetes, a chronic disease. There is no way you are going to advance and promote Aboriginal people without addressing the chronic health problems.
There is a huge input of money into early childhood, where it needs to be. I would like to see many of these early childhood and family services run in my communities. I will be talking to the minister about the establishment of family centres, programs for antenatal care and maternity care. There are a whole lot of issues there.
There is a huge amount of money being committed by this government in a previous statement of $100m over five years; a small jurisdiction but a whole lot of money going into a key area of disadvantage within the Territory. The growth of the communities needs to be backed up with attracting staff, and $42m has been put into government employee housing. That is a huge boost of confidence in putting housing in for those staff, along with more teachers, classrooms, attendance teams, homeland learning centres, and community centres - a whole range of things that this initiative actually does to combat those areas of disadvantage.
We also need to keep on eye on those downside areas, those areas where we need to put the bandaids on, to try to help people up. On the other side we need to boost economic development. It is the only way forward; we can actually lift people out of the poverty that they suffer.
$286m is a huge injection from a very small jurisdiction. It goes on top of everything else that we have done. It is a very well thought-out response. It has taken us a few months to come up with the response to the report. It goes beyond the recommendations in the report; it is an intergenerational plan.
This is in comparison to the Commonwealth government’s initiative for which, apparently, the minister, Mr Brough - with a few advisors, no doubt Wayne Gibbons - had a cup of coffee and came up with all these initiatives to solve all these problems. These were decided over three days. I would just like to let the House know what they announced and what is real out on those communities that they have identified.
They talked about banning grog. Some of those 73 communities are in my electorate. Bulla community is dry; Amanbidji community is dry; Kybrook is dry; Daly River is dry and it manages its own club and pub; Peppimenarti is dry and manages its own club; Palumpa is dry; and Wadeye is dry. So, banning alcohol in these towns where it is already banned seems bizarre.
Health checks: Bulla has already done their health checks - annual health checks are done by Katherine West Health Board. The same with Amanbidji. Kybrook’s checks have already been done. Daly River not only do annual school screens but they do GAA - this is zero to four - checks three times a year. Peppimenarti did their checks last week.
Mr BONSON: Madam Speaker, I move that the member for Daly be granted an extension of time pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr KNIGHT: Thank you, I will not be long. Peppimenarti did their health checks last week. We told the Commonwealth that we are doing them. We are doing them all; they are 95% of the communities they will do. They said: ‘No, we are still coming’. They are still coming to do health checks which have already been done. Acacia Larrakia community has already done the school screenings. Wadeye does most of the kids who come to school. There is a real issue with education there and everybody recognises that. It was highlighted through the COAG trial and everybody is trying to work on it. They did 90% of the children in the community aged zero to four.
This is a health clinic which has a great relationship with the community. They have many health staff, Aboriginal Health Workers, who know the families and the community. The Commonwealth government is going to come in and set up these little dongas that are going in this week and, somehow, they are going to gain the trust of the community, everyone is going to line up like little mission kids, and they are going to all go through this health screening which has already been done. This initiative of health checks on communities, which have already been done, is absolutely bizarre.
Access to communities and the abolition of the permit system is very strange. Most members have been to communities. They are visited by police, NT Health staff, Commonwealth health staff, Commonwealth FaCSIA staff, local government staff, Legislative Assembly committees, Housing staff, Power and Water, contractors, NLC staff, Transport and Works staff, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner’s staff, the Ombudsman’s Office staff, magistrates, lawyers, and teachers. Somehow, there is a veil of silence, but I tell you what: all the visitor accommodation and airlines that I try to get on are booked up with all these staff going down to these apparently secretive communities. It is an absolute furphy that these communities are locked away. They are overrun with Commonwealth and Northern Territory white public servants going into these communities. Yet, somehow, no one picks up what is going on.
Mal Brough needs to have a good hard look at himself when he is talking about the permit system because he does not understand it. The permit system gives control. It gives an extra tool of control to evict undesirable people - hawkers, drug dealers, paedophiles – and get them out of the community. Those communities are vulnerable to people going in, and I have seen the system used. Travelling road shows go in and they strip the community of money, and off they go. The traditional owners see those things and they move them on.
On the issue of compulsory acquisition of townships, the Wadeye community has been trying to negotiate with both governments and there has been haggling going on. The Northern Territory government has been trying to come up with a lease and they would have got there. It was a long-term lease. Now the Commonwealth government has come over the top and said: ‘Righto. Five years, bang, gone’. I went out there last week and sit down with the local traditional owners and Boniface Perdjert, and they are absolutely bewildered. They were negotiating in good faith with the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments about a long-term lease because they are dispossessed. Their whole clan estate is taken over by a massive town. They have nowhere to go hunting or on bush holidays because their clan estate has been taken up by a township of people from other places. They want compensation, and so they should. They are absolutely bewildered by the lack of trust that has gone on.
The survey teams are going into communities and apparently making all these wish lists. At Kybrook, they were promising an airstrip, a police station - promising all these things. People on the communities are saying this is good, but none of that stuff will materialise. Is there a need to do these surveys? The Commonwealth government, through ATSIC, and through ATSIS into ICCs, have had community profiles for the last two decades. They do CHIN surveys, as the Minister for Family and Children’s Services said. They do them on a regular basis and they have all the information. Why must they go into these communities and trawl through peoples’ houses and the streets in Army fatigues scaring people?
For attendance rates, they could ring the NT government Department of Employment, Education and Training. They can press a button and it comes off SAMS with all the attendance rates, etcetera. But no; they have to go into the schools and make a big deal, get the front page of the paper saying they are going to get all these kids to school.
Many of my community members are absolutely bewildered. If the Commonwealth government thinks it is going to achieve a damn thing on these communities by muscling up to Aboriginal people in the bush, they have another think coming. People will bail up and they will not achieve a damn thing.
I am heartened by the response that we have come up with today. Closing the Gap is thorough. It incorporates the recommendations of the Wild/Anderson report but goes beyond. I look forward to doing as much as I can whilst I am in this place and, as a local member, achieving the goals set out in the report – goals which put the onus not only on the Northern Territory government but on communities as well. The challenge has been set for all of us. I look forward to working with the communities and working within this government to achieve those things. I recommend the statement to the House.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, this is the most important statement delivered in this House since self-government: Closing the Gap, the Northern Territory Indigenous Plan of Action. I am proud to be part of a Labor government that is taking action on these most serious matters. Many long-term residents of the Northern Territory and, indeed, born and bred residents of the Northern Territory, have a vast knowledge of the issues surrounding the make-up of the Northern Territory, particularly the relationship between Aboriginal people and non-Aboriginal people. Over a long period of time, there have been many social commentators. There have been many observations from many of these local individuals, born and bred or long-term residents and, indeed, people who have only arrived in the last few years. Everyone has made their home here, and everyone is part of the Territory as we know it at present, and of its future. People deciding to participate in that future will read our contributions to closing the gap of indigenous disadvantage and see it as truly a generational plan of action.
I would like to talk on two aspects. First, unfortunately, I have to highlight to this House that I will be taking a critical look at the member for Araluen, the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. I found it quite shameful after reading it in the Daily Hansard and investigating the comments made. The second thing I will do is give a positive response to what the Territory government will be doing in the face of really dramatic circumstances for all Territorians.
I noticed in the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution that she was highly critical of the report. She, in fact, dismissed the report as not making any sense. Anyone who reads that will find that it is a pretty fair assessment. Over 80% of it is a critical analysis of the report, with no reflection on any good that is coming out of the report. What we have seen – and what I am ashamed of in this country – is the political use of this report, both at a federal and local level. The reality is that most genuine people of the Northern Territory feel sickened by some of the descriptions that are in the report, but are also hopeful that there is possible change in the future, and that government and members of this House will show leadership.
I will start with one negative critique of the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. I hope she is listening somewhere within this building and I hope she comes down and faces the music, because I am just ashamed at what I have read. She talked about Dr Anne Cossins’ independent analysis, which she, obviously, commissioned. She has spoken about it to the media and in this House. I have yet to see the independent analysis produced in any hard copy. I am wondering if any of the media has seen that independent analysis. I am wondering if anyone in this House has this independent analysis. In fact, I challenge the Leader of the Opposition to table that independent analysis so all of us can have a look at what the independent analysis suggested was wrong with the report and how it could be made better. Let us face it, if there are fair dinkum suggestions in there, let us pick them up.
I noticed in her contribution, though, she spent about two paragraphs talking about Dr Annie Cossins’ independent analysis. I will quote what she said:
- Dr Cossins concluded that some of the recommendations were not focused on particular outcomes or objectives; that much of the report had not conducted an up-to-date literature search on the profiles of sex offenders and the causes of child sexual abuse; and that there was a failure in the report to make any concrete recommendations to address barriers associated with prosecuting child sex offences. She observed that one of the recommendations …
One, that is:
- … had not been well thought out or researched …
So, of 97, apparently there is one, but we have not seen the independently produced critique:
- … and she was critical of some recommendations …
Well, which ones?
- … on the basis that they should have been the subject of a research project by suitably qualified people.
I will touch on that. This is the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution. This is her opinion. We have not seen the independent analysis.
I will list some of the people who are involved in this report. They include Pat Anderson, a born and bred Territorian with over 40 years of experience in the health field in indigenous administration. Apparently, she has no knowledge or understanding of these issues. We are talking about Rex Wild, a former Director of Public Prosecutions of the Northern Territory for some 10 years; 30 years in the legal profession, and with an understanding of prosecution of serious matters in these cases. Apparently, he has no understanding according to the Leader of the Opposition.
What the Leader of the Opposition does not understand is how the Territory works. I am not surprised she does not understand; she has not been here that long, and that is a reality. That is why she keeps making these classic mistakes. These individuals have foundations within the Territory. I do not know Dr Cossins; I do not know what her background is. However, I will read the background of some of the people who contributed to this report. This is who the Leader of the Opposition has criticised. She spent one-and-half paragraphs talking about what Dr Cossins said, and then at least another 25 paragraphs talking about her opinion. What is her professional background to make these decisions? It is very cunning how she does it. Have a look at the Daily Hansard. One-and-a-half paragraphs of professionals’ opinion, and then her own opinion critiquing and criticising this report.
- Julie Nicholson, Executive Officer. Julie has a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and more than 20 years NT government experience in policy and administration. Her previous positions have included research officer to the NT Administrator, and Executive Officer to the Legislative Assembly Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee in respect of its Inquiry into the 1998 Statehood Referendum …
Many people who have any corporate knowledge of this House or any history of this Territory would understand that that 1998 Constitutional Affairs committee report was one of the most researched reports in the history of this House, and Julie Nicholson was a senior officer on it.
- … Senior Ministerial Officer, and Director of the Cabinet Office in the Department of the Chief Minister.
- Dr Adam Tomison, Director of Policy and Research. Adam is a psychologist who has been involved in combating family violence for more than 16 years. He is a well-known expert in the field of child abuse, the prevention of child abuse and other family violence, and the operation of child protection and family support systems.
Here we had the Leader of the Opposition spending her whole contribution giving her personal opinion about a critique on this report, attacking the professional basis of this report and the professionals who contributed to it. Shame! Shame on her!
- Stewart O’Connell, Senior Policy Officer. Stewart is a Territory bred and educated lawyer who has worked extensively with and for Aboriginal people. He has substantial experience working in remote communities. Stewart is passionate about assisting Aboriginal people to formulate and implement their own solutions to developing a better quality of life and to taking more control of their destiny.
- Barbara Kelly, Senior Research Officer. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Social Work (UNSW) and a Masters of Social Work (Monash). Barbara has extensive experience working in child protection in the areas of operations, management and policy. She has also been a lecturer in the Social Work degree course at CDU and, over the past 25 years, has lived and worked in a range of regional and remote NT communities.
Here we have the most controversial report that we have had for some time in the Territory. From this, a generational national plan of action from John Howard and his government, and we have the member for Araluen – the Opposition Leader – giving her personal opinion and critique, criticising the professional opinion of the authors of this report.
- Noelle Chandler, administration. Noelle has more than 25 years experience in executive information coordination in administrative areas within Northern Territory government agencies.
We all know that the member for Araluen has not been in the Territory for 25 years. Or the member for Greatorex. They do not have a corporate knowledge of what happens. They do not know what relationships are. They have been here two years. They do not know the real people of the Northern Territory but they are trying to contribute. I will reach my hand out to them and offer them an education on what I know. I ask them to read this report and understand. Forget about the rhetoric of their leader, forget about it. This report is written by long-term Territorians, born and bred, people who have been here for 25 and 30 years. The member for Greatorex, okay, two or three years, has a corporate knowledge about period of time – great. Hopefully, he is going to stay here for a long time ...
Mr Conlan: What is two or three years?
Mr BONSON: How long have you been here?
Mr Conlan: Seven.
Mr BONSON: Seven. Seven years’ corporate knowledge.
Mr Conlan: A bit longer than two or three though.
Mr BONSON: That is fantastic. I will correct it. I do not know you. Seven years’ corporate knowledge.
This is the same report that the Leader of the Opposition has criticised. We look at who was the expert reference group:
- This consisted of the following personnel, each an expert in his is her own field and who each gave generously of their knowledge and provided encouragement and support.
These are the people your leader criticised, and what a joke.
Professor Paul Torzillo …
Professor – okay, we have solicitor Jodeen Carney, great, fantastic.
- Senior Respiratory Physician, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Dr Torzillo has a 25-year interest and involvement with Aboriginal health and a 14-year involvement with Nganampa Health Council.
This is clown face over here, getting up and bagging this report.
- Professor Dorothy Scott, Director, Australian Centre for Child Protection, University of South Australia.
She apparently knows nothing if you ask the Leader of the Opposition.
- Mrs Barbara Cummings. Long-term indigenous social justice advocate. Current member of Danila Dilba Board. Founding Member of FORWAARD, Danila Dilba, Minbani, NAIDOC, Karu. Long-term Board member of Karu. Instigator of the Stolen Generations campaign.
Mr Conlan: A lot of long-term Territorians and born and bred Territorians put her there.
Mr BONSON: Excuse me?
Mr Conlan: I said a lot of long-term and born and bred Territorians put her in this position.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! There is no cross-chatter. Member for Greatorex, cease interjecting.
Mr BONSON: Well, let us hope she listens to them.
- Mr John Ah Kit. Advisor to the Jawoyn Association. Former Minister for Community Development and Minister Assisting the Chief Minister on Indigenous Affairs. Previously Executive Director, Jawoyn Association. Director, Northern Land Council and Executive Director, Katherine Kalano Association.
According to the Leader of the Opposition, he knows nothing.
- Ms Stephanie Bell. Director, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. Chairperson of AMSANT. Chair of the NT Aboriginal Health Forum and of the NT Health Advisory Council.
Apparently, she knows nothing according to the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Charlie King …
Mr Mills: Come on, you are exaggerating.
Mr BONSON: Read the contribution. I will read it word for word if you want. Read it.
- … Chairperson of the NT government’s Family and Community Services Advisory Committee. Indigenous child protection advocate.
A well-known Territorian, born and bred, and years and years in this field.
That is what I think of the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution: it is her own opinion. If she wants to criticise this report, please, I ask all members, table the independent analysis. Table it and let us see what it is. As far as I know, it has not been done in the media or this House. Let us have a look at it and, if there are any good ideas, maybe we will pick them up. Bring it out.
Why am I passionate about this? Why am I fired up about this? This is about kids, Madam Speaker. This is about people making political points from kids, which is shameful. Why am I part of this government? We have had an internal debate over many weeks and months about what we will do about this report. I am proud to be standing behind a Chief Minister who governs for all Territorians. I am glad to be standing behind a Chief Minister who has put her money where her mouth is and who has drawn up a plan. I tell you what: we all know what the needs are within the Territory. A starting point would be for minister Mal Brough and members of the Howard government to come forward and at least match this contribution $1-for-$1. We are asking for more. Let us see it.
We have heard much rhetoric through different media sources from both tiers of government. I would like to deal with the positive response to a really serious and unfortunately tragic circumstance. I would like to read from Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage – A Generational Plan of Action. I am disappointed that the Leader of the Opposition has not come down to face the music …
Mrs MILLER: Madam Speaker, a point of order! I believe that the member is not to refer to the absence of someone from the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Yes, that is correct. Member for Millner, I ask you to withdraw those comments.
Mr BONSON: I withdraw that, Madam Speaker. I look forward to the Leader of the Opposition putting a substantive response and options as the alternative government in the coming days and weeks of this Assembly. However, I do not hold my breath.
- Closing the Gap is the Northern Territory’s Indigenous Generational Plan, aimed at closing the gap in outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Territorians. It contains a vision and objectives for the future socio-economic wellbeing of Indigenous Territorians and sets ambitious but achievable targets for the next 5, 10 and 20 years. It also identifies priority areas for action in the next 5 years, based on the best available evidence of which actions will have the greatest impact.
On 15 June 2007, the Board of Inquiry into the Protection of Aboriginal Children from Sexual Abuse … released its findings. The Inquiry report included 97 recommendations across 22 themes, addressing the child protection system, as well as broader social and economic factors including housing, unemployment, offender rehabilitation, health, alcohol misuse and education.
While the Northern Territory government supports the messages and recommendations of the Inquiry, additional areas need to be addressed if we are to overcome Indigenous disadvantage within a generation. Closing the Gap goes beyond the recommendations of the Inquiry to provide a framework for overcoming Indigenous disadvantage.
I would like to mention the resources for those people who might read this in the Parliamentary Record at some stage. The Northern Territory government has committed $286.43m to its five year action in implementing Closing the Gap. This commitment includes $79.36m for child protection. We have heard the Chief Minister and a number of ministers talk about this today. It is all new money within our budget and means to try to address some of these issues.
There is $38.61m to implement the remote area policing strategy, community justice and other safety measures; $10.11m for alcohol and drug management; $23.4m to achieve better health outcomes; $42.32m for housing indigenous communities; $7.68m towards education; and $13m to improving indigenous economic development ...
Mr WARREN: Madam Speaker, I move so much of standing orders be suspended as would preclude the member for Millner from completing his speech.
Madam SPEAKER: As you would be aware, member for Goyder, we do not suspend standing orders for the extension of time in a normal debate. I will accept you moving an extension of 10 minutes for the member for Millner to continue his speech, pursuant to Standing Order 77.
Mr WARREN: I will accept that.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you, member for Goyder.
Motion agreed to.
Mr BONSON: ... $8.95m towards better cross-cultural understanding and engagement in service delivery. The package includes 223 positions. I want to put this on the record, because these are identified positions that we are going to fill. We can be held accountable by the opposition, by independent observers. This is a very courageous move by this Territory government. It shows a check list that will be checked against. Unlike some of the rhetoric that came from the Leader of the Opposition’s contribution, we are putting it out there.
This is what we want to achieve and we will be criticised if we do not achieve those things: one Children’s Commissioner; 10 child protection workers; 37 additional specialist Family and Children’s Services staff; 40 remote police strategy and consultative task force; four alcohol specialist rehabilitation workers; 26 family violence support workers; 10 school councils; 10 Community Corrections officers; 47 teachers and assistant teachers for remote schools and preschools; three specialist Department of Employment, Education and Training staff; two court clinicians; one witness assistance officer; eight alcohol compliance inspectors; one Aboriginal and Islander Education Coordinator; and 23 specialist FACS staff for the Child Abuse Task Force.
The report sadly outlined some horrendous circumstances and gave great detail of evidence from many different communities over a long period of time - expert advice and grassroots evidence. It painted a picture that needed urgent action, and I am proud to be part of a government which is taking steps to do that.
We are doing it in a number of ways. We have had a number of people talk about the legislative reform, the child protection legislation, and bringing forward the police and justice, the family violence, alcohol and drugs. I know the Minister for Health and Alcohol Policy is very keen to see that the rivers of grog are stopped, and so am I. Under the Local Government Amendment Bill reforms, I am looking forward to seeing some real results, including governance.
The Chief Minister pointed out that this has to be a two-way street, and it has to be. Government is there to deliver services. I have spoken many times over the last six years about the NT and Commonwealth governments only having to provide the services that every Australian citizen in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, etcetera, would expect: the right to school, health, and employment – no more, no less. It is up to us as a Territory government, and the Commonwealth government, to provide services that every Australian citizen expects to receive. Then it is up to Aboriginal people to make the most of those services. I believe sending kids to school is one of the big issues that this government has identified. We have a number of bush members who have come forward and said that this is No 1 of the priorities. I look forward to supporting every member of this House, the opposition, the Independents and in government, to ensuring that this occurs.
I will not go too much further into detail on many of the different aspects of the report, because I am running out of time. What I would like to talk about is the role of indigenous Territorians identified by the Chief Minister. She talked about local government reform, but she also talked about local community boards. Local community boards will provide an important avenue for negotiating strong partnerships between communities and government under Closing the Gap. This report identified - for whatever reasons, whoever is to blame, it does not matter - Aboriginal people are not engaging in mainstream health, education, or policing. Somehow, we have to break through that barrier. These local community boards could be this vehicle and it is a magnificent initiative.
Over the next five years, the Northern Territory government will establish local community boards to allow community representation and involvement in local government, promote indigenous leadership and provide the basis for indigenous people to meet their obligations to build a better future for their children at an additional cost of $3m; provide police to support local community governments at a cost of $5m.
While on indigenous Territorians, the Northern Territory government is also seeking the support and commitment of indigenous Territorians to work together and overcome indigenous disadvantage. Indigenous Territorians can assist in implementing the actions under Closing the Gap by committing to support school attendance, working with the police to stamp out violence and antisocial issues, adopting preventative health measures, accessing health services regularly, identifying opportunities and assisting economic development, and working with governments to develop and implement policies and programs for indigenous people.
An Indigenous Affairs Advisory Council will be established, comprising indigenous leaders, representatives from indigenous organisations, and peak bodies. This group will advise government on issues affecting indigenous Territorians, facilitate community input, and participate in Closing the Gap and oversee its implementation. It is expected that this group will be involved in developing a future version of Closing the Gap, including identifying further targets and actions for the next 10, 15 and 20 years.
Many members of this House, including government members, and many other social commentators over the last few months, have identified that this Little Children are Sacred report not only describes a tragic circumstance, but also gives us hope that there is a magnificent opportunity here, as a Territory government in conjunction with the Commonwealth government which, unfortunately, we can honestly say that we have not been consulted on anything …
Mr Conlan: Just as well Mal Brough forced your hand.
Mrs Miller: Yes! You are not wrong!
Mr Conlan: If Mal had not identified it, you would not have …
Mr DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr BONSON: The election will come and go in November, possibly, then, after that election, I sincerely hope, for the benefit of all Territorians, that we can work together because we might get back some sensibilities about these issues. It will not be played out in the NT News or on the radio. It will not be played out on television. It will be played out on the ground where it needs to be, at the grassroots.
To Pat Anderson, with 40 years experience, who was criticised by the Leader of the Opposition, I apologise. Not every member of this House undermines your professional capacity. In fact, we thank you for the evidence and the report that you produced, and its recommendations. To Rex Wild, former DPP and a legal professional for many years in the Northern Territory, I personally apologise for the Leader of the Opposition’s critical analysis and personal opinion of what you have produced. To all the long-term professionals and locals who were involved - Julie Nicholson, Dr Adam Tomison, Stewart O’Connell, Barbara Kelly, Noelle Chandler, Professor Paul Torzillo, Professor Dorothy Scott, Ms Barbara Cummings, Mr John Ah Kit, Ms Stephanie Bell and Mr Charlie King - I apologise for the unwarranted and, in fact, un-based in any type of science, criticism of your report. It is all personal based. That your many years of service to not only the Territory community but to the child protection area, should be tarnished in this way is disgraceful. I will be sending you this transcript.
I hope you look at the Closing the Gap of Indigenous Disadvantage and the generational plan for what it is: a genuine attempt to try to make change. I hope you dismiss the Leader of the Opposition’s trying to make some type of political advantage from the kids. All members in this House, I suppose, are genuine, and want to see genuine outcomes. Each member in their electorate has a role and responsibility to work the best they can to stamp out any type of child abuse - sexual or physical - to any child; black or while, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.
I look forward to working with all those genuine people, including the Chief Minister and other ministers of the Territory Labor government in finally having planned for the way forward to closing the gap between the indigenous disadvantaged and mainstream advantaged.
Debate adjourned.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
Desert Knowledge Australia
Desert Knowledge Australia
Mr VATSKALIS (Regional Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, regional development is central to the sustainable economic development of the Northern Territory. The Martin Labor government is committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for those who reside in arid and semi-arid areas of the Northern Territory. This is why our government is a strong supporter of Desert Knowledge Australia which is lead by its chairperson, Hon Fred Chaney AO.
One strong facet of the Desert Knowledge concept is the partnership between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians to build a better future for all arid region Australians. It is paramount this occurs as prosperity sharing is the foremost objective of the Northern Territory government’s just released Economic Development Framework. This framework recognises a range of social factors such as housing, health, liveability, leadership, safety, and town planning which contribute to a stronger economy. Desert Knowledge Australia understands the unique challenges and opportunities that require innovation and strong leadership.
From small beginnings, the grassroots Desert Knowledge movement has achieved much for the alignment of numerous partners based on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Already national networks have been formed, and strong productive organisations have been created in a national headquarters built in Alice Springs. This could not have been achieved without the solid support of our government as a key partner in the negotiations. This investment has secured for Alice Springs the headquarters of this growing field of study, and the Northern Territory is the national and, in coming years, the international leader in the movement.
Desert Knowledge Australia leads a broad coalition of organisations and participants in the Desert Knowledge philosophy. In this statement I will attempt to provide the sense of the depth, breadth, and national impact of Desert Knowledge.
Desert Knowledge Australia was created as a statutory corporation through the Desert Knowledge Australia Act passed by this House in 2003. Desert Knowledge Australia’s guiding principles of sustainability, harmony, and wealth creation directs its efforts to provide real outcomes for desert Australians. Desert Knowledge Australia works for all deserts. Desert Knowledge Australia undertakes four major activities:
knowledge identification and development: actively identifies, creates, or develops ideas and know-how (desert knowledge);
knowledge transfer: promotes and communicates good desert knowledge and the value of desert knowledge;
knowledge leverage: creates and/or facilitates partnerships to maximise benefits, including development of local and national networks; and
knowledge infrastructure: provides enabling infrastructure, both physical and virtual.
As I previously mentioned, the DKA board is chaired by Hon Fred Chaney AO, an eminent Australian with a strong and long track record working with desert people. I acknowledge the board which is made up of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, with nominees of the Prime Minister, and the Premiers of Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland, as well as from broader desert knowledge participants - so it has relevant national and professional governance.
The board members are:
Deputy Chairperson, Mr Harold Furber, a local Aboriginal man with a wealth of experience. Mr Furber is also the Chair of the Desert Peoples Centre, a board member of the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, and a member of the Desert Knowledge Peoples Centre Planning Committee;
Mr Alwyn McKenzie is the appointee of the South Australian government and is based in Port Augusta;
Ms Sharon Hocking serves on a number of committee and boards and is an active member of her local community in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Ms Hocking currently runs her own business and is president of the Broken Hill Chamber of Commerce;
Mrs Beryl Meiklejohn has a Batchelor of Health Studies (Nursing) and is an Aboriginal lecturer in the Faculty of Health at Queensland University;
Ms Janet Turner lectures for the Institute of Aboriginal Development as a language and schools coordinator. She is also a member of the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, and IAD board member;
Mr Bruce Walker is currently the CEO of the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs. The Centre for Appropriate Technology is devoted to securing sustainable livelihoods through appropriate technology and training to indigenous communities. Mr Walker is an active member of the Northern Territory Research and Innovation Board;
Mr Des Rogers, a local Alice Springs businessman, has developed, owned and operated a number of businesses in the town, such as Red Centre Produce, and is now an owner of the local business Peppered Black;
Ms Kathy Finlayson lived and worked on a Leonora pastoral property for 30 years and has chaired many boards, including the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission, Kalgoorlie Board of Curtin University and Northern Goldfields District Health Advisory Council; and
Mr John Baskerville is the Northern Territory government’s senior representative in the southern region of Australia’s Northern Territory. Mr Baskerville is employed by the Department of the Chief Minister in Alice Springs and oversees the Northern Territory government’s whole-of-government business activities.
Mr Deputy Speaker, there is another gentleman from Western Australia whom we have approached. It would be inappropriate for me to mention his name at this time. I place on record this government’s appreciation to Mr Daniel Tucker, who resigned from the board recently, for his great service to Desert Knowledge Australia.
The board has recently completed its latest planning process, which builds on the corporation’s strong track record in national cross-border business networking; identifies a number of new strategic activities aimed at broadening the corporation’s breadth; strengthens its engagement with the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and other partners; and takes the next steps in establishing the Desert Knowledge Precinct as a nationally recognised centre for research, training and desert knowledge commercial activities.
A key example of the principle of partnering to overcome distance, isolation and competitive disadvantage in the desert is the business networking activity of Desert Knowledge Australia. Two projects managed by Desert Knowledge Australia have demonstrated that small and medium enterprises across desert Australia can benefit through building collaborative networks, especially if a range of technologies are used.
The Linked Business networks project DKA, in collaboration with Desert Knowledge CRC, AusIndustry, Telstra and 15 other partner organisations including DBERD, established a business networks across five Australian regions of which Central Australia is one. The others are Mt Isa, Broken Hill, Upper Spencer Gulf and the Kalgoorlie region. The networks provide links for industry in the mining services, sustainable building, tourism and bush product sectors. These networks have created in excess of $6m in business for SMEs across desert Australia, as well as providing excellent forums for professional development, collaborative marketing, and knowledge sharing about local, national and international developments.
The Our Outback Project, in collaboration with AusIndustry, Tourism Australia and a range of other partner organisations including Tourism NT, developed an action plan for outback tourism, and an implementation committee with cross-border participation is moving on the plan.
Importantly, strong corporate and regional support has been secured by DKA for a proposal to further develop business networks and expand the work into a total of nine desert regions. This proposal will have a $10m budget over three years, and Desert Knowledge Australia is in the process of final consideration by other funding partners.
Many of the businesses at the recent DBERD-organised Mining Supply Seminar and Expo held in Alice Springs in March this year were members of the DKA mining industry network. This network is currently exploring collaborative projects in association with the Upper Spencer Gulf network.
The recently published Central Australian bush foods map was a product of the bush products and local foods network. The map highlights the restaurants and shops where bush products can be purchased, and identifies the region from where they are sourced. The Desert Knowledge CRC and the Central Australian bush foods group, along with DBERD, were part of this collaboration.
DKA continues to play its role in the Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob network of 500 households in Alice Springs committed to reducing their environmental impact. Other regions have now indicated they are interested in duplicating this very successful program in their towns.
An inter-regional video network group meets every six weeks via video conference, linking Alice Springs and Tennant Creek with other regional centres across desert Australia. One aspect of this interaction is that at each meeting individual stakeholders feature a showcase topic. Recent topics have been outcomes from Desert Knowledge CRC’s research projects with the pastoral industry; learnings from the Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob; and introduction of the Polly Farmer Foundation to Port Augusta. Upcoming meetings will showcase models of indigenous enterprise development and strategies used to address remote and regional housing shortages.
DKA was asked by local Aboriginal groups to facilitate the establishment of an Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce for Alice Springs, which brings together indigenous business, including Centrecorp, the Central Land Council, Tangentyere Job Shop, Footsteps Forward, DEET, DEST, the Alice Springs Town Council and other local stakeholders. The task force aims to build improved education, training and employment outcomes for indigenous people and actively works towards changing attitudes in relation to indigenous education, training and employment in Alice Springs.
The task force has attracted the Partnership for Success program to Alice Springs, in a partnership between DEET, DEST and Centrecorp and the Graeme (Polly) Farmer Foundation. This program provides support and mentoring to indigenous secondary students to help them achieve Year 12 and, then, a university place, apprenticeship or job. A number of indigenous and non-indigenous participating organisations or departments have contributed funds to employ an executive officer for the task force, who is employed through Desert Knowledge Australia and accommodated at the Desert Knowledge Business and Innovation.
The precinct is the national headquarters of Desert Knowledge and a key node in the desert knowledge networks. The Martin Labor government is committed to the people of Central Australia, and that is why we and the Australian government provided $30.2m for Stage 1 development of the Desert Knowledge Precinct. Of this budget, $19.5m is for the design and construction of the Desert Peoples Centre facility; $2.5m for the Business and Innovation Centre; and the remainder is for the headworks and services to the site. There has been no other government in the history of the Northern Territory which has injected this amount of funds into Alice Springs for the benefit of those living in Central Australia.
The Desert Knowledge Business and Innovation Centre was opened on 8 June 2007 by the Deputy of the Administrator, Ms Pat Miller; the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Mark Vaile MP; and me at a ceremony attended by 185 people. I acknowledge that the Minister for Central Australia was also there to witness this great achievement.
The public open day in late July attracted over a 1000 people, highlighting the interest and support of desert knowledge in the local community.
DKA also houses the Desert Knowledge CRC, and is the temporary headquarters of the Desert Peoples Centre. Funding for the recurrent costs for the Precinct and Business and Innovation Centre has been provided by DBERD, lifting the Desert Knowledge Australia budget from $676 000 to $926 000 per annum. A contract has been awarded to Sitzler Bros to build the first five buildings for the Desert Peoples Centre. Completion of this work is on target for December 2007, in preparation for the 2008 school year.
I had the pleasure to announce at the very successful Desert Knowledge Symposium held in early November 2006 in Alice Springs, that a solar demonstration facility worth $2.5m will be built at the precinct. The contracts between all parties were signed on 8 June 2007. Expressions of interest for demonstrators have been issued and responses will be assessed by the end of August. Once the headworks are designed and built, the first of the demonstrators will begin moving in by early 2008.
Desert Knowledge Australia played a key role in bringing together the key partners for the successful bid by Alice Springs as a Solar City, which attracted over $20m to the town and will further strengthen Alice Springs as a smart, forward-looking desert knowledge centre. The solar demonstration facility will be linked to the Solar City initiatives.
The Desert Knowledge CRC is an early initiative of the desert knowledge movement. It has a budget of over $90m for the life of the Centre, has 28 partners throughout Australia, and over 200 researchers working on Desert Knowledge CRC research. It has a focus on research that will help to create sustainable desert livelihoods and communities. It has a broad research portfolio, but some examples include:
bush products and local foods;
It is a very significant research effort that is headquartered in Alice Springs at the new Business and Innovation Centre at DKA. The Northern Territory government has been a key partner in the CRC, not only through Desert Knowledge Australia but also through a number of other departments. The CRC is presently consulting with a range of potential partners, including our government, to develop the investment case for its funding application from 2010 to 2017. Desert Knowledge Australia is playing an active role in this.
The Desert Peoples Centre is a partnership between the Batchelor Institute and the Centre for Appropriate Technology to provide training and education to desert Aboriginal people. The Desert Peoples Centre will be located within the Desert Knowledge Precinct. The first five buildings will be completed by the end of the year, with more buildings coming online over the following years.
The Desert Peoples Centre aims to be a ‘catalyst for change’ in the desert by using an innovative mix of on-site teaching, distance education, and short-term campus-based teaching to provide learning opportunities for remote Aboriginal people. The Desert Peoples Centre Board recently appointed a business development manager who will be temporarily accommodated at the Business Innovation Centre until the Desert Peoples Centre facilities are available.
The key aspect of desert knowledge is the active partnering between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, as I mentioned earlier. This was evident when representatives of the Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation became signatories to the Desert Knowledge Precinct Indigenous Land Use Agreement and, through this, played an active role in the official opening of the Business and Innovation Centre. Nominations for all advertised DKA employee positions have been sought from Lhere Artepe, in line with the compensation clause of the ILUA.
Indigenous involvement clauses have been written into the tender document for the Desert Peoples Centre, commencing with Building Themes 1 and 3, and will continue through all future stages. Representatives of the Desert Peoples Centre participated in planning the recent Desert Knowledge Precinct public open day. Guided tours of the Desert Peoples Centre construction site were conducted by members of the Desert Peoples Centre Board, and tours of the Stolen Generations Memorial Garden were conducted by members of the Stolen Generation Committee.
In conclusion, I thank Hon Fred Chaney for his leadership, and his board members and, of course, the good work done by Mr John Huigen, the CEO of DKA.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Mr NATT (Mines and Energy): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the statement by the Minister for Regional Development on desert knowledge. In doing so, I wish to outline the considerable and valued contributions made by my Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines throughout arid regions. I continue to be amazed by the enthusiasm for new and innovative approaches by my agency and its partners in finding novel solutions, and their endeavours in the area of desert knowledge is testament to this.
When recently in Alice Springs, I took the opportunity to view the Desert Knowledge Precinct, the innovative research under way at my department’s Arid Zone Research institute, known as AZRI, and the Alice Springs water recycling scheme.
My colleague, the Minister for Regional Development, outlined the role of the Desert Knowledge Precinct as ‘the national headquarters of desert knowledge and a key node in the desert knowledge networks’. The Desert Knowledge Precinct represents a joint investment of $30m in Alice Springs, and this government is a keen investor and supporter. Around $20m has been sourced for the Desert Peoples facility, $2.5m for the Business and Innovation Centre, and the remainder for headworks and services at the site.
My department is involved in facilitating the solar technology demonstration facility at the Desert Knowledge Precinct. This will see $2.55m dedicated to this unique and innovative facility. This site will demonstrate a vast array of commercially available solar technology at one location, including solar dishes; photovoltaic - various commercial suppliers of solar panels for electricity; solar water pumping systems; and a range of solar technology of interest to the pastoral industry. It will be an interactive site for anyone who has an interest in solar technology. Funding has been secured through the Renewable Remote Power Generation program, which is administered by my department.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct also houses the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, commonly known as the Desert Knowledge CRC. This research is focused on creating sustainable desert livelihoods and communities. The Desert Knowledge CRC has a budget of over $90m over the life of the centre, and has 28 partners throughout Australia and over 200 researchers working on CRC research. My department, as a keen partner, is now assisting the CRC in preparing its next bid for funding, which is due by mid-2008. If successful, this will see the continuation of the CRC from 2010 to 2017.
Whilst in Alice Springs, I viewed the Desert Knowledge CRC’s bush foods systems research trial under way at AZRI. Members may be aware that there has been significant wild harvest of Australian native foods throughout our arid regions over the past 30 years or so. A reliance on wild harvesting of bush foods means that there are seasonal peaks and troughs. This, in itself, creates marketing challenges, with a number of communities keen to examine the cultivation of native bush foods. The bush foods program seeks to provide an increased and more consistent source of supply to complement rather than replace the wild harvest of bush foods. Its aim is not only to increase supply, but to provide a stake for indigenous involvement in the industry. This means more jobs for regional communities.
Research into the cultivation of native bush tomatoes has commenced at Arid Zone Research Institute. Research is being undertaken by the Desert Knowledge CRC in conjunction with my department. It is also part of a national program aimed at strengthening the bush food industry across desert Australia. Cultivation plots have been established to trial a variety of bush tomato seedlings sourced from throughout Central Australia. This research is focused on the biology, genetics and plant improvement, including genetic markers and post-harvest controls. This research has identified simple pest control systems to combat problems experienced throughout the trials. In viewing the grow-out trial plots, I met with the project leader and the researchers. They are very enthusiastic about the initial outcomes and, although the native bush tomatoes were affected by frost, I am told that the initial outcomes are encouraging.
My agency is also a partner in innovative research to improve the economic viability of arid pastoral properties through the 21st Century Pastoralism Project. The 21st Century Pastoralism Project is a partnership arrangement between the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines and the Desert Knowledge CRC. The key aim of this project is to increase the economic viability of the pastoral enterprises within the arid regions of Australia. The two current research areas for the project are the Cattle and Country and Utilising Technology.
Cattle and Country is about increasing the engagement of indigenous pastoralists through evaluating current approaches to indigenous pastoral development. Put simply, it means more jobs in regional communities. This has two areas of focus. The first is evaluating the Northern Territory’s Indigenous Pastoral Program (IPP) and the Western Australian Kimberly Indigenous Management Support Service to assess the individual programs against their proposed outcomes and to look for areas of commonality between the two. The IPP will lead to an increase in indigenous participation in our pastoral industry while endeavouring to bring suitable land into sustainable production.
We are currently faced with a growing and increasing younger indigenous population, combined with increasing difficulty of finding and retaining workers on pastoral properties in our regions. This has been identified as one of the most significant issues facing the pastoral industry, and is an issue that the IPP is tackling. The IPP is implementing a number of initiatives to attract and retain young indigenous people in jobs within the pastoral industry. The strategy includes pre-employment training to ensure a base level of skills required for entry into the pastoral workforce followed by on-the-job training. It is about providing real and meaningful jobs in our regions. Mentoring is also provided, and will include mentors for indigenous trainees and, additionally, an employment liaison officer to mentor employers of the indigenous Territorians in the cattle industry.
While the more senior managers within the pastoral industry have worked with indigenous people over many years and understand some of the cultural issues, today’s younger managers have not had the same level of engagement. For this reason, they have lesser understanding of some of the cultural issues that have to be considered when working with indigenous people. The employment liaison officer will be working with the industry to provide operational advice and assistance in resolving day-to-day issues as they arise. Additionally, they will provide strategic advice to the Indigenous Pastoral Program on areas that can be improved while delivering the employment outcomes sought.
We continue to support a multi-agency approach in ‘growing’ cattle numbers on indigenous land and increasing indigenous participation in the Territory’s pastoral industry. In Central Australia, the Indigenous Pastoral Program is delivering real outcomes with around 20 000 more cattle being run. It has also created indigenous jobs in fencing, stock work and natural resource management programs.
The second area of focus within the Cattle on Country program is the Indigenous Pastoral Employment Review. This has been jointly sponsored by Meat and Livestock Australia and the Indigenous Land Corporation. The aim of the review is to identify effective methods and opportunities of increasing indigenous employment in the northern pastoral industry.
The Telemetry Project is the key focus within the Utilising Technology stream and is primarily aimed at reducing cost of operation on the pastoral enterprise through automation and through more precise animal management. It is a rather exciting program examining the use of technology and wireless data transmission for the automation of a range of tasks for pastoralists. It is about being clever and working smarter.
This project has three individual areas of focus. The first is testing commercially available telemetry systems on arid pastoral properties to provide independent information on the costs, benefits and reliability of current telemetry systems. The second area is the development of a Cattle Walk-Over Weighbridge and Remote Drafting systems which can be linked to telemetry systems to allow remote animal performance monitoring and remote animal management. Video-streaming back to the homestead will provide ‘real time’ information from various locations around the pastoral property and may allow pastoralists to monitor multiple watering points, or the condition of the paddock pasture, or self-mustering points, from the kitchen table or home office.
It has also been suggested to me by some pastoralists that this technology may allow pastoralists to utilise individual NLIS cattle electronic identification tags and an in-field cattle walk-over weighing for ‘real time’ monitoring of the performance of the herd. The use of this technology may also see remote drafting prototypes in which cattle in the field can be managed by the homestead office.
The final part of the research focused on integrating Sparse Ad-hoc Networks for Deserts, or SANDS, technologies into commercial pastoral telemetry systems. The aim is to provide improved remote video monitoring and high speed wireless data transfer. My department’s AZRI is focused on research and development in our arid regions. AZRI is strategically located adjacent to the Desert Knowledge precinct and has a notable national and international record of research in the arid zones of Australia covering the pastoral and horticulture industries and, more recently, the mining sector.
The AZRI site brings together a range of government agencies including DPIFM, Parks NT, the weeds and water resource depots of the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. The Central Land Management Association and Wild Care have support facilities here as well. DPIFM’s regional teams work in rangeland research, animal production, animal and plant biosecurity, a potable water laboratory, indigenous pastoral and horticultural programs, and minerals and energy exploration and mining.
These programs make effective contributions to the desert knowledge industry and are a priority for the Northern Territory government. Most of the core programs currently carried out at AZRI involve inter-agency cooperation and linkages with other industry stakeholders, Northern Territory government departments and non-government organisations, and Commonwealth and state agencies. This is most important in a continuing environment of skill shortages and ensuring the delivery of agreed outcomes.
An example of this cooperative approach includes the Watersmart Pastoral Production program. It almost goes without saying, but pastoral production in an arid environment relies on using water wisely. The watersmart program is about combining the best of what is known about grazing strategies and the best technologies in stock, water storage and delivery. The way water is delivered to stock, where watering points are located and how they are managed have a tremendous impact on the profitability and sustainability of pastoral enterprises. Its success is due to case study demonstration sites and developing options for both corporate and family-owned properties.
Members would be aware that my department’s AZRI is an integral partner in the Alice Springs water recycling scheme. This is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Power and Water Corporation and the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines for water reuse in the arid centre. Power and Water has invested $10.4m in research, development and infrastructure to produce high-quality water for reuse. The 6 km pipeline from Blatherskite Park to the reuse site and Soil Aquifer Treatment basins at the AZRI is already in place.
For those living in Alice Springs, they may have noticed the purple-coloured pipe being installed from Blatherskite Park south along the Stuart Highway, or the purple piping at the CRC and AZRI designating that it is carrying recycled water. A dissolved air flotation plant and soil aquifer treatment facility will be commissioned shortly and it will remove the majority of nitrogen and phosphorus in waste water, thereby improving its sustainability for irrigation. The water will be chlorinated prior to being piped to AZRI.
I had the opportunity to visit and view the treatment facilities at Blatherskite Park with the architect incorporating the innovative approaches in energy-efficient design in every facet of the construction of the facility, including the control room and the industrial facilities housing the water treatment plant. Three Soil Aquifer Treatment basins have been constructed at AZRI. These will allow this water to be accumulated underground, thereby creating a ‘water bank’. Using bores, this water can be recovered for the expansion of our horticulture industry in Central Australia. A large area of treeless, well-drained soil suitable for commercial horticulture development has been identified. It is expected there will be a keen interest in the site for a range of horticultural crops and may include table grapes, citrus, melons, asparagus and bush foods, all of which have been trialled at AZRI.
The Public Environmental Review has been accepted by the minister for the Environment. The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority has issued an authority certificate for the AZRI water reuse site, including the Soil Aquifer Treatment ponds. The successful implementation of the commercial water reuse project in Central Australia will expand the knowledge of water recycling throughout the Northern Territory.
The Minister for Regional Development encapsulated what desert knowledge is all about when he said: ‘A strong facet of desert knowledge concept is the partnership of indigenous and non-indigenous desert Australians to build a better future for all desert Australians, and based on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’.
National networks have been formed and a strong productive organisation has been created and a national headquarters built in Alice Springs. This has not occurred simply by chance, rather as part of an ongoing commitment with our partners. Alice Springs is now placed as the undisputed national leader in desert knowledge and a key node in desert knowledge networks. My agency continues to be a key, and keen, partner in desert knowledge, particularly through the Arid Zone Research Institute located in Alice Springs.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, after listening to the minister, one would be forgiven for thinking that desert knowledge was purely of a product of the Martin Labor government. This government regularly engages in the rewriting of history to suit its own ends, and this is no exception to that rule. I draw the member’s attention to the comments in the ministerial statement where the minister says: ‘The Martin Labor government is committed to the people of Central Australia and that is why we and the Australian government provided $30.22m for Stage 1 of the development of the Desert Knowledge Precinct’.
There are several points to be made from this quote, beginning with the observation that it is a party political broadcast on behalf of the ALP. The reference to the Australian government, after labelling the efforts of the Martin Labor government, smacks at the lowest of orders. If it is going to be the Martin Labor government, then the reference should be to the Howard Liberal National Coalition government. But, sadly, in these days of relentless propaganda, the rule is to take everything and give nothing.
The second and more important point to make about the $30m contribution is that more than two-thirds of that contribution was made by the Howard Liberal National Coalition government. Further, the arrangements for the establishment of the Desert Knowledge CRC were put in place by the Burke CLP government, including the commitments to the future funding of the project.
Why, after six years of Martin Labor government, have there been lengthy delays in the development of the project? If there is a single example of how long those delays were taking, then the removal of the sign from the front of the institution proudly displaying the words ‘Avenue of Knowledge’ is the prime example. Why was the sign removed? Because it pointed to a dead end for nearly two years. It became a running local joke in Alice Springs to call it the ‘cul de sac of knowledge’. I am heartened to see that the cul de sac has finally been turned into the Avenue of Knowledge as was promised.
I also note that the minister mentions Mr Bruce Walker. Dr Walker was, in many ways, the driving force to establish this whole organisation. To merely mention him is a little like saying that some bloke called Einstein had something to do with the general theory of relativity. This is the problem with rewriting history, because the people who drive things are often forgotten by those people trying to claim responsibility. Few people in this place will not remember his persistent knocking on doors in the late 1990s to try to attract government attention to this project. Few in this place will remember the tireless efforts by this man to drive the project forward. As the politicians gather around the hearth to bask in the warm glow of their successes, and probably at the moment in the cool of Central Australia, what they forget is the fuel for the knowledge of this centre was grown and stoked by people like Dr Walker. This minister has happened to forget to even call Dr Walker by his title, let alone give him the dues that he should be given for his heroic efforts to get a handful of politicians to sign the cheques.
That is all that has really happened in this instance: a handful of politicians have signed the cheques. The rest of the work has been done by the public servants and boards to get this project up and running. This project is not a product of any great political vision or direction. The vision and direction came from the Bruce Walkers of the world. What he was able to do was to demonstrate the need for this centre. After that, a group of politicians sat around in Cabinet, had a chat about it, and signed off on it. Then, further work needed to be done, and none of that was done by the politicians. It was all left to public servants and board members.
Another interesting thing worth noting is that this statement does not really tell us anything new. It appears to be little more than a filibuster to take up some time in parliament. Nothing in this statement announces anything. That is not to diminish the value of what has been done at the Desert Knowledge Centre but, rather, it demonstrates the political predisposition to claim responsibility for other people’s successes. That attitude is reflected in this little gem from the minister:
- There has been no other government in the history of the Northern Territory which has injected this amount of funds into Alice Springs for the benefit of those living in Central Australia.
This, then, brings me to another aspect of loose language in the ministerial statement. The minister said:
- It is paramount this occurs as prosperity sharing is the foremost objective of the Northern Territory government’s just released Economic Development Framework.
The minister went on to say that wealth creation is a guiding principle for the organisation. Oh, really? What is more important than the paramount or the principle? Prosperity sharing is the redistribution of wealth.
Finally, this government shows a little of its purported left wing colours. Not much, mind you, but just a hint. They have an economic policy that is geared to redistribution of wealth through property sharing philosophies. The problem is that I do not see any legislation before this House that supports that foremost objective. There are no attempts by this government other than through the usual raft of taxes to redistribute wealth or to share prosperity. The fact is that, unless there are legislative instruments to support the concept of ‘prosperity sharing’, it is just a slogan. Under this government, like all governments in the OECD, if a person wants a share of the prosperity then they have to make an effort to get it. A slice of the prosperity is not shared, it is earned.
We have been attempting for years to engage in a form of prosperity sharing with the Territory’s indigenous community, and look where that has taken us. Indigenous people, by the Treasurer’s own admission, receive funding at a ration of 2:1 in the Territory, but it has not made any real difference to the mire they have found themselves in. However, if that wealth was earned and, consequently valued, then it would make a massive difference.
This brings me to the principle of wealth creation which is a principle of Desert Knowledge. This attracts me as being much more sensible. Wealth creation is so much more understandable than prosperity sharing, as it seeks to create new wealth, rather than simply reshuffling existing wealth.
Where is the one area that the focus has been completely missing in the Territory’s indigenous community? Wealth generation by indigenous people themselves. Aboriginal people have had the land available to them to generate wealth, and the capacity, with others, so that the land could be made valuable in an economic sense, as well as a spiritual and an ecological sense. The problem is that successive governments, particularly federal governments, have failed to create an environment in which wealth generation is possible.
The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act creates a system of land ownership and management which is simply not conducive to investment. It is nothing short of astonishing that we have been surprised by the outcomes in these places when the legislative instruments which govern them have been so aggressively isolationist. If there were substantial numbers of people in remote areas, both in the Top End and in Central Australia, who had the capacity to generate wealth from their property, either by existing means or by means of new technologies generated by desert knowledge, you would have a solution to many of the problems we so often talk about in this House.
In summary, this is an unremarkable statement about a most remarkable project. When this project really hits its straps there will, doubtless, be other politicians who will line up to be counted amongst its successors and, as I said, there is a political maximum which goes something like ‘success has 1000 fathers, and a failure is an orphan’. Seeing the minister in here claiming ownership of this reassures me that it is proceeding well, and there are better things to come.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct, I understand, is to have some 30 buildings there. Could the minister explain in his reply, if that is so, who will be the people who live there, how will they be selected, and what will their role be in the Desert Knowledge Precinct? The Desert Knowledge CRC is obviously going to carry out a wide range of research over a period of time. Will the results of this research be made public, and will you be giving ongoing reports to the Assembly?
It is pleasing to see Desert Knowledge Australia promoting itself so widely. In the first instance, they are going to be holding a workshop at the Sustainable Economic Growth at the Regional Australia 2007 in Wollongong on 19 September. This annual conference is well attended, and it should be a great promotion for the DKA and Central Australia.
Mr Deputy Speaker, despite the lengthy delays in announcing the ‘road to nowhere’ from a dead end to where it is a present - and it is growing - I believe this development and a combined government financial initiative will bring economic benefits to Central Australia for a long time, and well into the future. I am looking forward to hearing updates in the Assembly. I attended the opening of the Desert Knowledge Precinct together with other members of the Assembly. It was well attended on a freezing cold morning.
I also want to make mention of Athol Wark who does such a great job with bush tucker promotions. I know Athol gets support from government, and I sincerely hope that continues so that he can promote bush tucker further as he does such a good job. I also wish the CEO and the board of Desert Knowledge Australia, especially John Huigen, every success. I know there is a lot of effort being put into ensuring the success of the centre.
I do support it. However, I do not like seeing government decide they are going to take all the credit. It is a combined effort, and it was certainly the dream of somebody long before you came in. I thank the minister for his statement, and look forward to further statements.
Mr McADAM (Central Australia): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I support the Minister for Regional Development’s statement on Desert Knowledge Australia.
It is appropriate before I go into my response to acknowledge Mr Anthony Yoffa, who is in the House this evening. Mr Yoffa is the current President of the Finke Desert Race, truly an international event. It just shows you the effort, commitment and dedication of Centralians who put their hearts and souls into getting real outcomes not dissimilar to the Desert Knowledge Australia project. Anthony, on behalf of everyone in this House, I thank you and your committee for your outstanding contribution through the Finke Desert Race. We know that under your stewardship, it will go on to become a bigger and greater event. Thank you very much.
The minister has outlined the history, purpose and activities of Desert Knowledge Australia. The Desert Knowledge movement has emerged from grassroots community consultation with support from government initiatives such as Alice in 10. The movement gathered momentum through the energy and drive of organisations such as the Centre for Appropriate Technology, the Batchelor Institute and various government agencies such as the departments of the Chief Minister, Business and Regional Development, and Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines.
I want to make a comment in respect to the response by the member for Katherine, the shadow spokesperson on Regional Development. It is important that this project is above party politics. I do not think it really matters who approached who or at what point in time. The fact is that someone in Alice Springs some time ago had the vision, along with a group of people, and saw great value in this particular project. They obviously approached the Chief Minister at the time - and it could well have been Denis Burke - who also shared their vision. The point I want to make to the member for Katherine is that we, too, share that vision, and I would like to think that everyone in this House shares the vision of the Desert Knowledge combined programs in Central Australia.
There are many dedicated people involved in this project. They sit on the various boards of Desert Knowledge Australia, the Desert Knowledge CRC and the Desert Peoples Centre. A little later, I will incorporate into the Parliamentary Record the names of those people who have played a very important role, not only over the last few years but over previous years, which gave fruition to this great project.
It is a union of smart people, smart organisations and smart ideas. Desert Knowledge Australia is the formalisation of a union in true partnership to create opportunities and meet desert challenges. The Desert Knowledge Precinct is the physical manifestation of that partnership, a meeting place for those with desert expertise, a place to collaborate to share and develop ideas and market them for the benefit of desert living.
I intend to focus on the specific activities of Desert Knowledge Australia, demonstrating the major contributions it makes and will make to developing and sustaining Central Australia. Contributions to the development of the local tourism industry, environmental sustainability, education, training, employment and research relating to local people and their activities are the basis of the important work of Desert Knowledge Australia. The significance of the tourism industry to Central Australia will be well understood by all members.
In that context, I first intend to outline the Our Outback Project. The tourism industry is particularly vulnerable to events often beyond the control of those who work and run businesses in that industry. Factors such as natural disasters, terrorism, adverse media reporting, collapse of airlines, diseases such as bird flu, and economic uncertainty will impact upon the viability of the tourism industry. A combination of these factors has applied to the Australian tourism industry over recent years.
The National Centre for Studies in Travel and Tourism has worked, in conjunction with Desert Knowledge Australia, to create Our Outback Project. Our Outback Project is intended to coordinate and develop cross-border tourism in outback areas. Areas, as we know, are not constrained by the borders of states and territories, so it follows that neither should tourism operators. As part of Our Outback Project, a study was undertaken of 12 outback regions throughout Australia. Of these 12, five regions were located in the Northern Territory – Katherine, the Tablelands, MacDonnell, Alice Springs and the Peterman area. Arising out of the study, a range of strategies will be put in place. It is important, particularly in the Territory, that any tourism development strategy assists smaller operators. We know that from little things, big things grow.
Also in Central Australia, the key objective is to support the development of new tourism products, creating business and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people, supporting them out of the passive welfare trap. The strategy for cross-border tourism is consistent with the policy to assist the development of our smaller operators by allowing the flow of innovation across borders, as well as enabling the sharing of limited resources. It is also fundamentally important to bring economic and social benefits to our bush communities.
As a result of the study, a comprehensive action plan has been developed under five specific headings – leadership and coordination; positioning and brand management; access to infrastructure and investment; information, research and communications; and industry capacity building, products and experience. Within these strategic objectives, specific actions will be put in place in a coordinated and calculated way. I have every confidence that the work being undertaken by Desert Knowledge Australia will, in a meaningful way, contribute to the development and sustainability of tourism in our outback communities.
Of course, the environment is of fundamental importance to the ongoing viability of the tourism industry. Desert Knowledge Australia has also been instrumental in leading environmental consciousness in Central Australia. COOLmob is a network of Alice Springs households committed to helping the environment.
COOLmob is jointly supported by an initiative of Desert Knowledge Australia and the Arid Lands Environment Centre. COOLmob has developed a range of activities, including providing energy saving information for members, and discounts from supporting businesses. There is also a system in place that provides a discounted home audit for members; a range of workshops, discussion sessions and presentations; retrofitting days at local hardware shops; and visits to demonstration gardens and retrofitted houses. A simple example of how COOLmob operates in Alice Springs is the Loaner Bag project. This project aims to rid Alice Springs of plastic bags. The Loaner Bag project provides free, reusable shopping bags that can either be reused by the shopper or returned to the retailer to be used by the next customer.
Another example of COOLmob’s practical assistance to the people of Central Australia is the booklet, Greenhouse Friendly Action in Central Australia. This 32-page booklet has been put together to demonstrate some simple and effective ways to lower your energy use and greenhouse emissions. In addition to the positive environmental impact, such measures have the added benefit of reducing power bills for those participating. The booklet includes energy saving information on all aspects of house and lifestyle, including advice for fellow members on actions that have worked for them.
It is pleasing to see the environmental benefits that are accruing to Central Australia as a result of the work of Desert Knowledge Australia. Some of the contemporary challenges facing Australia and, indeed the world, are magnified in rural and remote areas.
As with the environment, the issue of skills shortages is amongst a list of vexing issues facing Australia. Desert Knowledge Australia facilitates the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce in order to address a skills imbalance in Central Australia. It is imperative to upskill as many Australians as possible to meet the challenge of the future. There is a large potential workforce in Central Australia comprised of local people. The upskilling of these locals reduces the need for importing skills from interstate and, in some cases, overseas. In addition, providing meaningful employment opportunities is one of the best ways to overcome social disadvantage.
The intention of the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce is to provide demonstrable improvement in education, training and employment outcomes for the indigenous people of Central Australia. The task force is comprised of a range of community organisations and government agencies, as an initiative of indigenous organisations themselves in Central Australia.
The first initiative of the Indigenous Education and Employment Taskforce was the creation of the Alice Springs Partnership for Success program. The program is a genuine partnership between the NT Department of Employment, Education and Training, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, Centrecorp and the Polly Farmer Foundation. The program is being run out of Centralian College and will improve attendance and retention rates for indigenous students at secondary education level. Improved outcomes will include a higher rate of completion of Year 12 and transition to tertiary education. There will also be more students entering vocational education and training and securing apprenticeships and, subsequently, skilled employment. The strength of the Partnership for Success program is the active involvement of parents, family and home support for students. Students also receive targeted support through mentoring, tutorial assistance, after school hours support in a school resource centre, and opportunities to access part-time employment throughout Years 10 to 12.
Essential to the successful intervention in education, training and employment outcomes is the effective use of research. An important partner the Desert Knowledge consortium is the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre. Both Desert Knowledge Australia and the Desert Knowledge CRC have grown out of the Desert Knowledge movement and are based in Alice Springs. The CRC is a research and brokerage institution that links researchers with partners in this vital area of endeavour. The focus of the CRC is to provide useful outcomes with commercial benefits for desert people. It is important to understand the significance of organisations such as the Desert Knowledge CRC in light of the emphasis being placed on economic development in indigenous communities.
A striking example of the partnerships being developed by Desert Knowledge CRC is the Aboriginal mobility research being undertaken in conjunction with the Tangentyere Council. On 26 June this year, the Tangentyere Council officially became the 28th partner of Desert Knowledge CRC. The partnership formalises the collaboration and relationship between Desert Knowledge CRC and Tangentyere Council with a study of town camps and indigenous people in public housing. Information being obtained by this research into the indigenous mobility patterns is essential to underpin sound policies and programs, for example, in relation to health services and housing.
I quote Jan Ferguson, Managing Director of Desert Knowledge CRC. She said:
- This mobility is a necessary fact of life in the desert but it’s not well enough understood …
Decision-makers need to better understand the reasons why and how people move around so they can develop good policies and practices.
This research and other work being carried out by the Desert Knowledge group is also important in involving local indigenous people in the research itself. For too long, indigenous people have been the subject of research but not active participants in designing, informing and implementing research. This is now, thankfully, changing with the full support of the partners in Desert Knowledge.
In summary, this is probably one of the most important projects happening in Central Australia in respect to long-term sustainability in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. I would like to think that, into the future, regardless of which government is in power, it is very important that we recognise the cutting edge of this project in its application, not only here in Australia but at an international level.
I mentioned earlier in my speech that I wanted to pay tribute to some of the people who have been involved in this and, having done so, I readily acknowledge that there are some people out there whom perhaps I have not incorporated because there are various views around the place as to who started which and at what particular point in time. I can go back to the early 1990s and the late 1980s where people were talking about this project. It is important to understand that whoever started it, their vision was shared by so many going forward and so many who have been involved in this particular project previously.
Obviously, the Northern Territory government together with the South Australian government and the Western Australian government appoints members to the board of Desert Knowledge Australia. I acknowledge Hon Fred Chaney. Fred’s contribution to Australia is well known and it is important that he has seen fit to provide leadership and stewardship in this very important project. Equally so in respect of Mr Harold Furber. Mr Furber is a local indigenous man in Alice Springs, who grew up in Alice and has been involved in a whole range of projects. I know that he shares the commitment and dedication of many of his peers in driving this project forward. Mr Alwyn McKenzie is from Port Augusta in South Australia. Ms Sharon Hocking is from Broken Hill in New South Wales. Mr John Baskerville is well known to this House. Beryl Meiklejohn is from Queensland. Ms Janet Turner lectures at the IAD in Alice Springs. Dr Bruce Walker is the CEO for the Centre for Appropriate Technology. Mr Des Rogers is a local indigenous person and also a local business person. Mrs Kathy Finlayson is from Western Australia. Mr John Huigen is the present CEO and previously worked with the Ngaanyatjarra Council. I thank all those people for the outstanding work they are doing.
I also pay tribute to other people who have been involved in the project: Mr James Bray, the Chair of the Centre for Appropriate Technology; Rosie Kunoth-Monks, chair of Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Mr Harold Furber provides ongoing support; Noel Hayes is a Kaytej man at Ali Curung who has lived and worked in the Barkly region; Jeannie Herbert is Director of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; Barbara Richards is local to Alice Springs and is the Campus Coordinator of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Alice Springs Campus and a member of the Batchelor Council; Dr Bruce Walker is the CEO of the Centre for Appropriate Technology in Alice Springs, a member of the Desert Knowledge Australia Board, a member of the NT Research Innovation Board and President of NT Cricket; and Kim Jenkinson is from DEET.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I commend the minister’s statement to the House.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, what a good news story. Desert Knowledge Australia is such a good news story that I endorse pretty much everything the Minister for Central Australia had to say. In fact, he has stolen my thunder to such an extent I doubt there is much point in me going through everything I wanted to because it would simply be repeating what the Minister for Central Australia had to say.
This is a good news story, and very good for the people of Central Australia in particular, but also the people of the Territory and Australia generally. The member for Katherine made the point that this was the CLP’s idea. We often come into this Chamber and talk about whose idea it was. We do know that the CLP was strongly involved at the beginning, and that they did what a good government should do - they facilitated the ideas of others. They helped this very creative and very innovative concept get off the ground. That is the role of any government. I am very pleased to see this government moving in the same direction because that is their job.
It is, nevertheless, a little disappointing that throughout the minister’s statement, he seeks to create the impression, in my view, that it really was the Labor government’s idea. Rather than playing tit-for-tat, I simply make the point that in these sorts of things, the government does not need to go out of their way to heap praise on the CLP, but you might have liked, minister, to have included that the Desert Knowledge movement was born in 2000 and that was when the community and government formed the Desert Knowledge Steering Committee. The CLP was in office. This government did not even have to say in the statement it was the CLP but, in order for this statement to be an accurate historical record, they could have at least put in the date.
In the same vein, it was disappointing that, although there was a reference to Hon Mark Vaile on page 13 at the opening of the Desert Knowledge Business and Innovation Centre on 8 June, nowhere in the statement is the point made that it is the Commonwealth government which is a major partner in this project. The impression seems to be created that Mark Vaile turned up and participated. It was much more than that. The Commonwealth government, as members of this Territory government well know, played a key role. That is why there was a joint opening. That is why a minister of the federal government and minister of the Territory government shared the honours. They did the right thing and, yet, we have a statement that does not acknowledge any support from the federal government.
There is a reference in the minister’s statement on page 15, which deals with the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre:
- It has a budget of $90m for the life of the centre.
I am having a guess at this, but I am thinking that $90m is a joint contribution from the Commonwealth and the Territory. If I am wrong, I am happy to be mistaken. However, how would you know, given the way it is expressed very deliberately in this statement that in relation to the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, it has a budget of $90m? The reader might take the view that the Territory government is extremely generous. If, indeed, it is the case that the Territory government has provided $90m for the life of the centre, then that is a view that many people could reasonably take. I have a sneaking suspicion that the $90m is a joint contribution from the Territory and federal governments.
Putting all of that to one side, even though this government goes to great lengths to distance itself from the CLP, and when members of government are particularly cranky, go out of their way to pour buckets of bile over the former CLP administration, on occasions this government looks remarkably similar to former CLP governments. Indeed, there is a certain convenience exercised by this government when it suits. We see it on two levels. When it suits them, they love the Commonwealth government. They talk about working partnerships. It is just a big love-in. When it does not suit them, they do not like the Commonwealth government, and we heard that in the comments of the Deputy Chief Minister in Question Time yesterday.
Similarly in relation to the CLP, they love the CLP, although they do not like to say it, when the CLP did good things. Equally, when it does not suit this government, they pour buckets of bile all over them. However, there is a sameness of language when you look at the minister’s statements delivered today and what was said as early as 1999. I do not mean sameness in the member for Sanderson’s way with language; I mean a sameness in its intent and the shared vision to which both governments would subscribe.
I did a search this morning and found that, on 23 November 1999, the then Deputy Chief Minister said:
- The Desert Knowledge Consortium, a group promoting arid zone knowledge, has developed a prospectus explaining the desert knowledge economy. Benefits are expected to arise from opportunities for small business and tourism, social and economic development, and education and training.
That was pretty much what the minister said in his statement and, indeed, to his credit, the Minister for Central Australia was saying in his contribution.
I found that on 3 July 2001, then Chief Minister, Denis Burke, when talking about Foundations for our Future, said:
- One project I would like to mention is the Desert Knowledge Project, which has been developed under the auspices of Alice in Ten. This is an exciting and innovative concept to develop collaboration between government agencies, non-government organisations, industry and businesses in Central Australia.
He went on to say a quite a few other things in relation to the Desert Knowledge Project. I note that, on 5 July, Tim Baldwin said:
- One of the foundations …
That is Foundation for our Future:
- … platforms which has been mentioned is to diversify the economy through service industry growth, and this platform is becoming known as Industries for the 21st Century. One exciting venture is the Desert Knowledge Project which aims to position Alice Springs as a world centre of excellence in remote and arid area knowledge: technology, infrastructure, horticulture, lifestyle, natural environment, Aboriginal art and culture, pastoral, solar and alternative technology and other research and development initiatives.
There was vision and commitment from as early as 1999.
I am glad to see this government is supportive of Desert Knowledge Australia - it should be. As I said, there is a sameness of language. I believe there is a sameness of commitment in wanting to see this exciting project reach its full potential. I, for one, am a strong supporter of it.
I note that the government could not resist the temptation to say, on page 13 - and I guess I put this by way of being a conclusion - that:
- The Martin Labor government is committed to the people of Central Australia.
Well, only 16% of them in the electorate of Greatorex took that view. I commend the government, both on its optimism and its apparent commitment, and we hope that you follow through with that commitment. You should be committed to the people of Central Australia. The fact that you saw fit to include it in your statement is curious, to say the least.
Nevertheless, this statement by the Minister for Regional Development is welcomed. This is an exciting project. This can take Central Australia, the Territory and, indeed, our nation, places it has never been before, and it has been ongoing from before this government. I do not say for a moment it was all the CLP’s idea. I do not know; I suspect it was not. In fact, I am fairly confident it was the idea of so many people who really wanted to develop opportunities in Central Australia with this exciting project.
Both sides of politics support it, both sides of politics applaud it, and both sides of politics wish everyone involved the very best in their future endeavours. I feel confident that both sides of politics admire very much all of those people who have given so much of their lives to this exciting project and continue to do so. On behalf of the opposition, and I feel certain on behalf of everyone in the Chamber, I wish them well and thank them very much for their efforts.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on Desert Knowledge this evening. Picking up from the Leader of the Opposition’s comments - a very strange contribution from the Leader of the Opposition, who also represents an electorate in Alice Springs – she did not really address the content of the statement at all regarding the visionary work that is going to emanate from the Desert Knowledge Precinct over the next many years. There was no contribution from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the vision that the board has for the precinct and the various components of the precinct. It was just a very brief, 10-minute tilt about whose idea it was, and then out the door. I would have thought that a member from Alice Springs would have put a lot more work into a response regarding this statement, acknowledging individuals in Central Australia who have been absolutely passionate about this project for many years, as my colleague, the Minister for Central Australia, did. She did not mention any of those people – had a bit of a spray and out of the door. A very strange contribution from the Leader of the Opposition tonight ...
Mr CONLAN: A point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker! The Leader of Government Business is referring to the Leader of the Opposition in her absence, by saying ‘out the door’.
Mr HENDERSON: Oh, okay. Well picked up, member for Greatorex. I withdraw that she was off out the door. However, a very cursory commitment and contribution in debate tonight.
The Desert Knowledge Precinct and the institutions which will be working from there are certainly the biggest initiative in taking Alice Springs into the future, giving it a very real presence in the future of this country, in developing knowledge and economic and educational outcomes from arid areas around the world. I am surprised she did not have a little more to say about it.
I was the minister with carriage for this particular project for a couple of years, and I cannot begin to say whose idea it was or when it was. When I was the minister I was certainly taken aside very early on in the piece, and it was a bit confusing about who was going to fund what part and what the Commonwealth was going to fund and what the Territory was going to fund, and whether other tertiary institutions from around Australia were going to contribute. There were questions like who was going to be in the precinct and who was going to be out of the precinct. It was a very fluid time and it was pretty hard to get your head across it. I was pulled aside by three people at the Office of Central Australia – Rosie Kunoth-Monks, Harold Furber, and Dr Bruce Walker, who sat me down with the plans and the vision that had evolved over many years. Success has many fathers, but their passion for this project and the opportunities that this project has to make a very real difference to the lives of indigenous people from Central Australia, hooked me into the vision, even though the vision was emerging at the time.
I do not know who the idea came from, but credit to the previous government which picked up the baton in the first leg of the relay. I suppose we are into the second and third leg of the relay and, in a few years time, when the precinct is complete and the structures and people have moved in and we are working from that area, the fourth leg of the relay is going to be about delivering on that vision.
One important aspect of the Desert Peoples Centre is the opportunity it provides to the Batchelor Institute for Indigenous Tertiary Education and the Centre for Appropriate Technology to work together to develop better innovative links between education, training and employment services to achieve more positive and sustainable outcomes. The objectives are to increase Certificate III and Certificate IV commencements and completions within the Desert Peoples Centre, and match training for job opportunities to employer and community needs.
I am just talking about the Desert Peoples Centre here. I suppose those key objectives are absolutely vital to the future of many indigenous people in Central Australia; to lift the education and training of indigenous people so they can participate in the workforce in the broader economy, and to see more of those indigenous students achieve at a Certificate III and Certificate IV level to match that training with job opportunities.
Travelling around the Territory, talking to any business out there, any business within any sector, we all know they are all looking for people to work for them. There is a huge untapped pool of labour and skills in Central Australia which needs to be developed. We all know that it is not going to be easy but it is part of the vision. I commend the Desert Peoples Centre for having that vision. The activities undertaken by DPC are additional to and different from the education and training services currently provided by BIITE and CAT, so it is about developing and building on those services. The services go beyond conventional education activities.
The DPC will provide coordination and brokerage of training services - anybody who has tried to get their head around the Vocational Education and Training sector knows how complex that area is, with the myriad of different programs, funding streams and training qualifications, so it is a very important brokerage service: promotion for capacity strengthening and the development of sustainable livelihoods; advocacy for indigenous ideas and knowledge; and networking - linking individuals and communities to employment and training service providers, governments, business and industry. Much of the missing link is connecting up people who are doing conventional training and undertaking training courses and linking those with the jobs that are available.
If I could be so bold, I see that another step of the evolution for the directors of the Desert Peoples Centre is to formally put together a sponsorship package for business and industry in Central Australia in terms of those businesses and industries which want to source new trained labour for their businesses and industries to be formal partners with the DPC, perhaps in an adopt-a-school type model, and work with the DPC to provide real pathways for people into jobs. I certainly see that that is going to emerge from the Desert Peoples Centre. In this way, DPC complements a focus of Jobs Plan 3 to form partnership and linkages, as I said, across the education sectors, and across the community, government and industry.
Learning will be related, wherever possible, to real needs and service requirements in communities to build capacity to support indigenous people to manage and maintain these services. Already there have been some significant strides made. I know my colleague, the Housing Minister, met with a business in Alice Springs recently that is committed to taking onboard adult apprentices from indigenous communities in terms of housing construction in Alice Springs …
Mr McAdam: Murray River North.
Mr HENDERSON: Yes, Murray River North. I saw the media release and I knew you were going down to speak to the people who own and work in the business. It is just one of those stories that gives you hope. There are large numbers of people, but it is a start and the commitment made by the company and by those adults in rolling up their sleeves and getting qualified and into the workforce. More of that is going to come from this Desert Knowledge Precinct.
The $17m Stage 1 DPC complex is due for completion by the end of 2008 and will cater for up to 700 students undertaking both VET and higher education. I know the Leader of the Opposition sneers and derides and says that the Territory government does not care about Central Australia. Yes, we got a bit of a thumping in the by-election and that is fine. They have been running that line very hard for the last couple of years. However, this is a very significant financial investment in an institution that is going to cater for up to 700 students at the Desert Knowledge Precinct.
Under the DPC’s thematic approach to training, the first teaching buildings completed will be the Wellbeing and Human Services buildings. They will be used to deliver certificate courses predominately Certificate II in Community Services, Children’s Services; Certificate III in Aboriginal Health Work Clinical; Certificate I in Community Services Work; and Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs. Given the investments that this government is making in bridging the gap reforms the Chief Minister announced a couple of days ago, we certainly need more indigenous health workers, children’s services workers in the community services sector, and people working in alcohol and other drugs and rehabilitation services. Therefore, the completion of the facility, and training and the need for the jobs that are going to be available are starting to line up pretty well.
The second building package centres on the themes of livelihoods and economic futures, technology and infrastructure. When completed in December 2008, they will be used to deliver courses predominantly in community maintenance, broadcasting, remote area operations, applied design and technology, and automotive.
Stage 2 of the DPC encompasses the development of human expression and the language and culture themes. When complete, the campus will cater for up to 1100 full-time students. This is a significant development for Alice Springs and Central Australia.
The DPC concept recognises that learning is not confined to certificates and qualifications. Some individuals will aspire to and have the educational foundation to pursue nationally recognised qualifications. For others, their learning needs and aspirations will be met through engagement of communities in learning and building sustainable livelihoods.
Whilst the facilities at the Desert Knowledge Precinct will provide the hub, there will be satellite learning on communities. This will assist to develop flexible, local skills pools to service and attract new and existing industry to desert communities. That is what the broader focus of the Desert Knowledge Precinct is all about. It is about sustainability. It is about understanding how to develop economic and social structures in remote communities that are sustainable. That means more and more communities being sustainable in an economic sense rather than a sense that the government is the sole provider of services and jobs in those communities, and actually transforming that knowledge of how to live in the arid climates of the world and turn that knowledge into economic opportunities and then capitalising on those.
It is a fairly esoteric concept. With the work happening here is enhanced through the work of the CRC, the reality is that once this precinct is complete, I know the board is seeking philanthropic contributions and direct investment from people in the technology sectors to set up in the precinct and capitalise and assist in the development of research. All of this is going to be emerging over the years and decades ahead.
With the DPC, we will also be a significant collaborator in desert research and the translating of that research into innovative products and services to support enhanced livelihoods for people who live in arid regions. Through its close involvement with both Aboriginal desert communities and the Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre, it will provide a link between indigenous holders of desert knowledge and the researchers at the CRC.
It is a very broad vision that will be crystallised and further developed as those buildings go up at the precinct, as people start to move into those buildings, and as the training is starting to be provided. By the end of 2008, up to 1100 places will be available at the precinct. It really is only left up to the imagination, I suppose, as to where this precinct is going to be in 10, 15, 20 years time.
With the commitment and the quality of the people on the board, the commitment of this government, future Territory governments and the Commonwealth government, and the increasing collaboration with tertiary institutions around Australia, I believe if appropriate opportunities are provided, into the future there may be some concessions that the Commonwealth government of whichever hue might be able to provide. These concessions could be in research and development, tax concessions, and direct investment from industry in research and development. This could be a very powerful institution that is unique in what is happening around the world and something that is going to turn lives around for hundreds and probably thousands of indigenous people over many years to come.
That is the broad vision that was outlined to me some three years ago, it must have been, by Rosie Kunoth-Monks, Harold Furber and Dr Bruce Walker. I know they pursue that vision today.
I thank Fred Chaney, the Chair of the Board. I was the minister who jointly appointed Mr Chaney a couple of years ago now. With his passion and commitment from day one in improving the lives of indigenous people in Australia, the work that he has done with Reconciliation Australia, I know that he is deeply committed to this institution and is putting in all the energy he has to ensuring that the vision is achieved.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I support the minister’s statement.
Debate adjourned.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Dhimurru and Laynhapuy Rangers have completed training and assessments for a restricted coxswain ticket through Charles Darwin University. The training involved everything from the correct use and maintenance of the vessel, to safety, instrument use and actual operation of the vessel on the water. The ticket is a new initiative to enable sea rangers to operate boats out to two nautical miles offshore and, for Dhimurru, it is the first time it has been applied to a vessel up to 8 m long. The training is seen as a stepping stone to achieving the full coxswain ticket which will then enable the vessel to be used out to 15 nautical miles. Dhimurru will then be able to utilise it in a range of activities including search and rescue, coastal surveillance and commercial charter work. I congratulate the Dhimurru and Laynhapuy Rangers as they continue to develop new skills and initiatives as indigenous rangers for our region.
Nhulunbuy’s Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Ranger, Phil Wise, and his colleague, Dhimurru Sea Ranger, Djawulu Mununggurr, have been sponsored by the University of Tasmania to deliver a presentation in Hobart for their Parks, People and Passions forum series. Their presentation, Both Ways: Land Management in North East Arnhem Land, focuses on joint management partnerships, and has a particular focus on the work carried out in the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area near Nhulunbuy. Through their ‘Both Ways’ management, they are able to exchange traditional knowledge and contemporary land management with their ongoing projects. The Dhimurru Land Management Corporation has continued to initiate training and employment for local indigenous people in a positive and structured way for many years. I commend them on their success.
Alcan Learning Educational Regional Training, otherwise known as ALERT, has officially opened its doors and, through this indigenous training program, plans to release a steady stream of work-ready Yolngu people into the labour market. A partnership between Alcan Gove and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has resulted in 15 indigenous trainees recruited into the 36-month training program. ALERT provides training to afford real and long-term, permanent mainstream jobs. It covers a wide range of subjects where trainees learn skills that will assist in all areas of their life. An important part of the program is to improve English and numeracy levels. The ALERT program is supported by the local community, the indigenous clans and local employers, including Alcan. On completion of the program, trainees will graduate with a Certificate I in Resource and Infrastructure Operations, a nationally recognised qualification.
My best wishes to Alcan, the supervisors, Craig Bonney, Damien Djerrkura, and Russell Jeffrey, who have worked through the process from day one, and the trainees.
The Northern Territory Licensing Commission has conducted its final hearing to declare east Arnhem Land a general restricted area. The takeaway liquor permit system should be operating within three months. My thanks to the East Arnhem Harmony Mawaya Mala Committee for their dedication over the past two-and-a-half years in assisting to resolve the alcohol issues within the region. The committee, comprising of community members and organisations providing services to communities, has met on a monthly basis in a voluntary capacity together with the subcommittees, in identifying a number of issues which need to be addressed prior to formal hearings.
My thanks to John Cook, who initially took on the coordinator’s role, and to Jodi Mather who, with her legal background, has completed the report in a very thorough and professional manner. Jodi has made her mark in town involved with this work. Her husband is a constable with the local police and they are a great couple, and a great addition to Nhulunbuy.
I turn to some of the issues raised by the member for Braitling yesterday during Question Time, and later during adjournment, regarding break-ins of businesses involving five juveniles. I can confirm that the children in question have been diverted from the court system. I will not discuss the matter in detail while the diversion process is under way, other than to acknowledge there has been a delay of four months due, in part, to the logistics in a case involving so many young people. I agree with the member for Braitling that that sort of delay is too long. The whole point of diversion is to confront young people with the consequences of their behaviour, and to support them to not repeat or escalate offending. A long delay for young people leaves too much distance between the offences and making them face up to what they have done. Importantly, victims need to know that the harm they have suffered has been addressed seriously.
I am writing to the Police minister to ensure the two agencies, Justice and Police, quickly streamline this process to get the most out of juvenile diversion for both offenders and victims. I pointed out earlier today that for some young people the current diversion system just does not work. Young people who are apprehended time and again, who appear regularly in our courts, who flout bail conditions, and hold contempt for the diversion scheme, must be held to account and penalised for their behaviour.
That is why I recently directed the Department of Justice, in conjunction with police and FACS, to urgently develop a comprehensive proposal to deal with this hardcore minority of juvenile offenders, and work intensively with their families to ensure parental responsibilities are met. This will be before government for consideration shortly. An important component of such a scheme could be youth camps for children at risk. It would not be an alternative to Don Dale. Serious offenders who pose a risk to the community must be detained in a proper correctional facility.
As I announced last month, and elaborated on earlier today, work has commenced on investigating sites focusing on Central Australia, costings, and facilities which would be required. There would be an emphasis on the camps providing vocational training, particularly in the pastoral industry, so young people coming out of the camp will come out with some discipline, structure, goals and skills. Again, I have prioritised the project and directed options be presented to government as soon as possible.
I want to touch on the issue of compensation raised by the member for Braitling where a juvenile is not diverted. The Youth Justice Court can make orders for compensation. While the section does not transfer responsibility for compensation from a youth to their parents, compensation can be payable through performance of service. This is a practical measure and ensures young people are forced to face up to what they have done, as well as directly help the victims. I am surprised the provision is not used more regularly. I encourage the court to use it wherever practical. Civil remedies are also available to victims through the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act which allows victims to claim the cost of damage intentionally cause by children from their parents. The maximum amount to be claimed is $5000. I trust this is of assistance. I thank the member for Braitling for bringing it to my attention. I will write to her to set out in more detail this response, and actions available to victims in these situations.
I take the opportunity while I am on my feet to straighten out some confusion the Leader of the Opposition has with the waterfront. I know she, and the opposition generally, do not like the waterfront. In fact, they hate it. They try to talk it down at every opportunity. Nonetheless, she has a responsibility to be honest with her commentary and her questions. Yesterday, for example, she picked a figure from the Auditor-General’s report, and then had the audacity to compare it to the sum used for Closing the Gap - $286m - ignoring completely, of course, the significant return the government will receive from sales over time.
For the record, the waterfront project is expected to cost government around $149m. The private sector is paying for the rest of the project; well in excess of $1bn. This is not a bad investment …
Mr Henderson: Not a bad return.
Mr STIRLING: No, not a bad return for the taxpayer in the context of the whole project. Our careful management means there will be an increase in returns from apartment sales as a direct result of the government’s decision to lock in our returns to final sale prices. The convention centre is expected to generate an additional $193m for tourism over 20 years and the waterfront will provide a wider economic benefit of $350m. Other benefits of the project include 1200 construction jobs with more than 85% of those contracts going to local companies worth about $135m so far. I would have thought that was something to commend and salute in itself.
The waterfront will include a convention centre, seawall, wave lagoon, parklands, promenades, hotels, apartments, retail and commercial properties. I cannot wait to see this more fully developed than what it is. I have watched with growing interest the convention centre coming out of the ground and taking shape. It is just going to be a tremendous frontispiece for Darwin when it is more complete than it is. I urge the Leader of the Opposition, when she wants to attack and criticise the waterfront because of her loathing for the whole project – that is fine; we do not ask that she embrace and love the waterfront. She obviously hates it and that is fine. However, she does have the responsibility to be honest with the figures that she throws around in relation to the project.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Arafura): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I offer my congratulations to the Territory winners of awards in the Eureka Prize which is Australia’s most prestigious award for Excellence in Science. Maningrida science teacher, Mason Scholes, was awarded the $10 000 Holmes Court-UTS Eureka Prize for Science Teaching for his brilliant work with senior high students. The grand old man of western Arnhem Land stone country, Lofty Bardayal Nadjamerrek OAM, is the leading partner of the team which took the inaugural IAG Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change.
Both prizes have been awarded to projects in the same part of remote Aboriginal land and both combine traditional Aboriginal knowledge and skills with western scientific method and knowledge, which is an outstanding and well deserved credit to all concerned.
Mason Scholes scientific teaching was part of a Junior Rangers program developed through the school in conjunction with local land and sea management programs. Amongst other things, the program has discovered up to 45 new species of spiders in the Maningrida area.
The West Arnhem Land Wildfire Abatement scheme (WALFA)has, over a decade, combined traditional fire management regimes with western science to reduce wildfires, to promote biodiversity, and create a greenhouse gas abatement scheme which in its first year reduced CO2 emissions by 256 000 tonnes, which is double its original estimate. This has been carried out by ranger groups across western and south-western Arnhem Land and has been backed by payments from the Darwin gas plant of $1m a year over 17 years as greenhouse abatement training. The programs are strongly linked and show the way forward for real jobs for the people of the region.
At the moment, the federal government is saying that CDEP will be abolished by 30 June 2008, and land management programs such as we have seen with the WALFA project across the Territory are heavily dependent on CDEP support. It should put its money where its mouth is and increase funding to traditional and western land management and scientific education in bush schools through programs such as VET to meet growing demands for skilled traditional land and sea management ranger positions. Western Arnhem Land is the last place we should find a skills shortage. In turn, those positions should be funded by the Commonwealth in recognition that they are real jobs with an absolute benefit to the nation’s environment and national commitment to greenhouse gas abatement.
I am immensely proud that both projects have been carried out in the fantastic electorate of Arafura. Anyone who knows old Lofty knows it is his knowledge and expertise making WALFA the project and success it is today. He is certainly well deserving of that award.
Regarding the changing aspects of the permit system, Maningrida and the Bawinanga Association have commissioned some consultants to look at what some of those adverse socioeconomic impacts would be if you were to remove the permit system. The opening of the township means unfettered access into the community. It may severely damage a $2m art industry and undermine the Australian government’s focus on law and order through associated increases in crime. Removing CDEP, particularly with the Aboriginal art industry, would have a real impact across our Aboriginal art industry.
The report from Bawinanga finds problems with the quarantining proposal, but they are saying that it is taking away some responsibility. Until we know clearly how the Australian government’s plan will deal with the non-nuclear nature of indigenous families and high mobility, and how some of that is going to work - they were looking forward to working with the Commonwealth and trying to get some further information. Many people want to know how this is going to be tied to school attendance. When I was talking to people in many of the communities, they were not opposed to the welfare reforms as such. They wanted a bit more information and clarity about how these reforms were going to work regarding school attendance. I do not think that too many communities were against some of that. What people found offensive was the lack of information and detail.
The research done in some of the areas through Maningrida to look at the decision to abolish CDEP and its impact showed that most people who go from CDEP to the work for the dole program are likely to experience a significant drop in pay, which could act as a serious disincentive to work. Maningrida is a place where CDEP has probably been used most effectively as a lever. I know there are many Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory where CDEP has been a successful lever in training and developing people to go into full-time work.
Maningrida has four stores operating; you see employment of local people in those shops and the training and development. There is the very successful Djelk Ranger program which runs a nursery and crocodile eggs project. They have also entered into an agreement with the Northern Territory government through the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries for mud crabs. This is an organisation whose private turnover is quite significant. What impact will this intervention have on a community like that? I am not saying that Maningrida does not have problems; this community has problems like many other communities. It has had two very highly publicised cases which I cannot talk about because they are in the court system. The community has dealt with it. I have worked with that community since the 1990s. To see the change in the community over that time, particularly the anger and the wanting to deal with child abuse, child sexual abuse - and not just amongst the women but also the men.
I spent a week working with the community trying to provide them with the information about the intervention - or lack of information - we were getting and trying to translate that to the people and getting them to understand what was happening, but also calming some of the fears of people in those communities.
In Maningrida, the men feel totally helpless and that they have been tarred with a terrible brush. Many of them are good, honest, hard-working males. They work hard for their families, they are strong family men, and they are strong in their culture and tradition. They were feeling very let down and betrayed through this whole process. The women were also feeling the same.
Maningrida is a progressive community. Much development happened there. There have been good results from the school. It was our Labor government, since being elected in 2001, which has put over $2m in capital funding into the school. That capital funding has provided better classrooms and resources for that community. Secondary education has been established in Maningrida, and a number of students have now gone through the secondary education program over the last three years. When you see those kids graduating and the pride those families have in their children, and you see those children now going into full-time jobs, you know that this is not a basket case community. It would pay for people to become better informed about some of the communities. Yes, it has problems, but they are working on those problems.
The science project at the school is fantastic for all of the school. Mason has done a fantastic job with many of those young men, and linked that through the land management program. Pamela Hepburn, the principal, and all the teachers at Maningrida have done a fantastic job in trying to get many kids to come back to school.
The Bawinanga Association’s work with the sea and land management program is great and for those rangers with the WALFA project to receive the award was fantastic. Bawinanga is just one partner in that. I have to congratulate the Jawoyn Association as well because they are part of this big investment with this science project. It is a proud moment to be a member of the science province of western Arnhem Land.
Mr HENDERSON (Wanguri): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the member for Daly for giving me the jump.
I would like to talk in adjournment tonight about a range of functions and activities in and around the electorate of Wanguri over the last few weeks. The Islamic Society of the Northern Territory recently held an Islamic Awareness Week, running from 21 June this year. I attended a number of events during the Awareness Week, and the open day which was held at the Islamic Society’s Mosque in Wanguri was a fabulous day. Many people from the community attended. I was also engaged in a forum that was held to discuss misconceptions about the Muslim faith. A visiting scholar was brought up from Brisbane who took many questions from around 100 people who were there that night, asking about all sorts of issues relating to Islam, the war on terror, the Islamic faith and how it operates and compares to the Christian faith. I learned much that evening. I congratulate the Islamic Society of the Northern Territory, the organising committee, particularly the president, Dr Waqar Ahmad, who works at our university.
The community is a very harmonious community. It is a community that has opened up its mosque. Its religious Imam at the mosque took questions on the day regarding the difficulties that people of the Islamic faith face in regards to all of the issues around the world today. They took a very big step forward to dispelling many of the myths around the Islamic faith. I thank the community, which took a very big initiative on board. There was a lot of hard work done in preparing all the activities of the week. Many people from around Darwin benefited from the activities in the week, and the capacity and ability to actually talk to people from the community. The Islamic Society has just started to lay the foundations for their new community hall in Wanguri, and that is going to be a great asset for the community.
It is always a great weekend when the V8s are in town. This year, the 10th year of Darwin hosting the V8s, was another fantastic weekend. I had the opportunity of attending the track on Friday together with some students from the schools in my electorate at the Chief Minister’s marquee, which offered great trackside views. The students from Wanguri, Leanyer, St Andrew’s, and Holy Spirit were all extremely well behaved and enjoyed the Chief Minister’s hospitality and watching the cars.
I also had an opportunity to provide two V8 hot passes to a person at Leanyer Primary School who does an absolutely fantastic job looking after the grounds of the school. The school always looks absolutely immaculate. Michael Guest and his son had an opportunity to attend the V8s. Michael, thank you from me, as local member, for the great job you do around the school.
The new neighbourhood centre in the suburb of Lyons opened on 12 July. The new suburb is coming along at great speed now and our newest neighbours are now moving in. I attended the opening of the new community centre on 12 July with my colleague, the member for Casuarina. Officially, the suburb is in his electorate, but it adjoins mine. The member for Casuarina and I have worked very cooperatively with the developers and the community. It is great to see this new development, and the 700 new homes are coming along strongly.
The display houses are just about to be built and it will not be long before the residents of Lyons become fully functioning members of our wonderful community. Congratulations once again to Geoff Smith and Sharon Feist and everyone else in the Lyons development team. I will see them all at the community fair they are having at Lyons on Sunday.
The Darwin Show on 26 July has come and gone for another year. I had a great weekend at the show for three days, and enjoyed the fun with my family. Sideshow alley was great. It was a fantastic weekend. All of the work that is put in by the volunteers and the Show Society is absolutely fabulous. I congratulate my department, which won the Best Stall at the show this year, as well as the Best Government Stall. It was a real focus on reading to children. There was a big, very brightly coloured reading chair, and it was very popular with celebrities taking their time to read to children. I certainly enjoyed the stories that I read to a group of kids. To the department: you put a lot of effort in this year and it was rewarded with a couple of wins.
Thank you to the Chief Minister and the Minister for Senior Territorians who hosted the Seniors Month morning tea at Parliament House last week. I enjoyed catching up with some of the seniors from Leanyer and Wanguri. I am sure that a couple of my favourites from the Leanyer Seniors Village - Coral Crombie-Brown and Aunty Hilda Muir who many people in this Assembly know - enjoyed themselves a great deal. It is great seeing our senior Territorians come together, catching up with each other, sharing memories and having a wonderful time. It is always great to see the seniors.
On 10 August, I went to our seniors village on Leanyer Drive and hosted a Neighbourhood Watch meeting with the police and representatives from Territory Housing. The community hall there has, unfortunately, been broken into a couple of times and the seniors lost their television and video recorder. The Neighbourhood Watch crew was there to do a security audit and there was an opportunity for the seniors to talk to the police. I thank John and Nali Smith who helped organise the meeting, and representatives from Territory Housing for attending and following up on the issues raised.
A couple of weekends ago, I hosted a breakfast barbecue for the residents of Leanyer and Wanguri and it was a huge turn out. We got through 4 kg of bacon and six dozen eggs in about an hour-and-a-half, Chief Minister.
Ms Martin: They eat well in the north, don’t they?
Mr HENDERSON: They certainly pounced. I think we had well over 150 people turn up over a couple of hours and it was a big success. Sausage sizzles in the afternoon do not quite get that turn-up, but I reckon bacon and eggs at around 9.30 on a Sunday morning is what works.
On Saturday, 11 August, I had the honour of being the MC at Wanguri Primary School’s Quiz Night at the Casuarina Club to help them fundraise for their upcoming trip to Canberra. The students at Wanguri are going to Canberra for 10 days. They are fundraising like crazy to offset the cost. It was a great night. Nearly 100 people turned up to the quiz night. It was absolutely fantastic. I will speak more about Wanguri Primary School’s trip to Canberra in future adjournments. I particularly thank the Darwin RSL which has donated $5000 to the school to assist the students with that particular trip. It is an extraordinarily generous donation from the RSL.
Last weekend I took my children to witness the spectacle of the Darwin Rodeo at Robby Robbins Reserve, not Freds Pass. I do not know where I was. I was off the cuff. It was a cold, wet night. It was really like a Melbourne evening; it was really quite strange. It was a fabulous night. I thank the Rotary Club of Darwin North and the Australian Professional Rodeo Association for putting on a fabulous event. I thank Eddie Josephs, Jim Trobbiani, Rose Smith, Stephen Miles and Bob Tormey who made up the organising committee of the rodeo. A big well done to Kelly Bergemeister who was crowned the Rodeo Queen just before the rodeo. It is the Rotary Club’s aim to make the Darwin Rodeo one of the best three in Australia and it was a fantastic event. There was a big turn out. I wish Stephen Miles and his wife a speedy recovery from a nasty motor vehicle accident that they had. Stephen was not able to attend the rodeo.
School attendance is vital for any child’s education. Tonight, I table a list of students from Leanyer Primary School. Every student on this list has gone to school for every single day of Semester 1 this year. I congratulate Henry Grey and all of the teachers at Leanyer Primary School. It is a school that is well known for its academic excellence. Henry Grey is a very well regarded and respected principal in our wonderful education system. As minister, attendance has been one of the key themes that I have been pushing the department to focus on, and when these students here turn up every single day for Semester 1 this year it is a great tribute. I table those student’s names.
I would like to plug the St Andrew’s School play. The students and staff are preparing their school play, Wonder in Aliceland, which is taking place at the Italian Club on Thursday and Friday next week. The play is a take on the classic Alice in Wonderland, and I am certainly going to be taking my gorgeous seven-year-old daughter, Isobel along to see that next Thursday night. In adjournment in the next sitting, I will be able to tell everyone if it was a fantastic night. I am absolutely sure it will be and thank the people who are participating in advance.
Ms CARNEY (Araluen): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I advise the parliament about a couple of things that have happened in Alice Springs. First is the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. On 10 August, we had the 5th Annual Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. As always, it was a fabulous day full of fun, laughter and in some cases, tears, for all players and sponsors.
I cannot be accurate about the number, but 240 to 260 enthusiastic women participated in this wonderful event which, for the last five years, has proved a sensational fundraiser for breast cancer research. Prior to this year’s Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day, the organisers - and until this year, I and my electorate officer were two of them - have raised in excess of $50 000. That has been an amazing achievement in itself, one of which we are all proud. This year, I am advised that the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day organisers can proudly boast an exceptional fundraising achievement of something in the vicinity of $20 000.
This year, all funds raised will be split 50:50 between breast cancer research, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the local Zonta Club in Alice Springs which will provide hands-on support for women upon their return to Alice Springs following treatment. This is a valuable service provided by Zonta. I know the members of Zonta, of which I was one once, will be very committed to this.
As for breast cancer research, not enough can be done. On a personal note, I was advised only a few days ago that my mother’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mother has flown interstate to be with her and she underwent surgery yesterday. Although I have had a close friend with breast cancer, I have never had a family member with breast cancer. I guess it shows that this is a very important issue and one which every member of the parliament, the Territory and this country, wants to see overcome. One way of doing that is to ensure that better and more research is undertaken.
This year, somewhat unusually for the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day, the day was preceded by a Thursday evening cocktail party at the Alice Springs Golf Club. A representative from the National Breast Cancer Foundation detailed how the money the Alice Springs community has raised over the years has helped and how far breast cancer research has progressed in the past five years. The results in breast cancer research are very encouraging but, like all medical research, there is so much more to be done.
The Breast Cancer Golf Day is seen as the daytime event for Alice Springs. The numbers just keep increasing and there were many people on waiting lists this year, as there have been in years gone by. As usual, there were many awards presented for the best dressed teams, worst dressed teams, best teams, worst playing teams, best dressed golf buggy, longest drive and so on. I place on the Parliamentary Record my thanks to Deb Pepper, Karen Jones and Jo Hannsen who worked very hard to ensure that the Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day was a success.
There were so many sponsors. It is often difficult to get sponsorship for anything in this day and age, but this golf day is very good at attracting great sponsorship. There are two sponsors in particular whom I would like to highlight. One is Tony Connole at Centralian Motors who donated many things as well as participated on one of the holes. In particular, he donated a Mercedes Benz to be driven for a week by the winner of the straightest drive. I am very pleased to say that Vicki Johannsen, playing in the team that I was playing in, won that prize and, as we speak, I believe she is driving around in a Mercedes Benz. I also thank Nick Hill at the Alice Springs Wine Club for his assistance. He is a regular at this golf day. My sincere thanks to him for his generosity. Of course, sponsorship is not just confined to those very nice men. Many other men and women and businesses in the community participate. Thanks and congratulations to all those involved in the success of this year’s Women’s Breast Cancer Golf Day. I sincerely look forward to participating again next year and contributing where I can in being part of an enormous group in Alice Springs which contributes to breast cancer research, as well as support for sufferers of breast cancer in Alice Springs.
I now turn to National Tree Day and how it was celebrated in my electorate. I was very happy that the Alice Springs Town Council chose to conduct the tree planting in Finlayson Street in the electorate of Araluen. Residents in the vicinity of the park – and it is a great park in Finlayson Street - were also delighted with the opportunity it provided; namely to enhance the local park and make it a great place for children and adults to relax, play and interact with the natural environment, and for residents generally to enjoy the increased amenity of the park from their properties. It was on Sunday, 29 July, the day after the Greatorex by-election as it happened. I and many others turned up to participate. I also planted a tree. I went there with some friends, some of them young children, and they planted trees as well. It was a great success. Many hundreds of trees, native trees and shrubs, and ground covers were planted, and I look forward to seeing them grow over the years. Once all the trees were planted, individually irrigated and mulched, the park looked absolutely fabulous. The Alice Springs Town Council has also replaced the slippery dip and has programmed for the repair of other play equipment and facilities in the park. I thank the council for their efforts in that regard as well. Congratulations to all of those who participated in the National Tree Day celebration. I hope, for residents surrounding Finlayson Street and the park, as well as residents in Finlayson Street, that they will continue to derive great pleasure from the park, particularly now that it has so many trees in it.
As we know, tree planting makes a positive difference to our environment, and the benefits reach into schools and communities and also help our precious native animals and plants survive in Australia’s diverse natural settings. The planting of the local native trees helps to provide food and shelter for native wildlife and so on. Lisa Scott, in particular, a well-known resident in Finlayson Street, has been very active trying to do what she can to improve the park. I have met with Lisa many times and I know that she was also very pleased to participate on the day and see the great results.
National Tree Day is sponsored nationally by Toyota and the AMP Foundation. I thank Peter Kittle Toyota and its entire staff – and there are a great many of them - who turned up on the day and made the day very enjoyable, as well as putting in some hard work along the way. Other local participants included Origin Gas, which provided the drinks. Sausage sandwiches were courtesy of the Rotary Club of Alice Springs – a big thank you to them. Face painting and balloon art was courtesy of Miss Balloon, and valuable on-the-ground technical support by the Alice Springs Town Council. It was a great day and a great community event. It was great to see so many kids planting trees, and also to see so many people from the local community participating, many of whom live well beyond Finlayson Street. With those comments, I will conclude.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, in late June, I joined Dr Jeannie Herbert at Parliament House to launch the first partnership agreement between the Batchelor Institute and the Territory government. The signing of the agreement marked an important step forward for the Territory and for Aboriginal Territorians. It will expand our existing relationship with the Institute and work towards improving economic and social outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians. It will also build on our commitment to provide better education and training programs that are linked to real jobs in communities across the Territory. It is these kinds of partnerships that will ensure more people graduate in our remote communities, and that more people enrol in training across the Territory. That, of course, will mean more jobs for more people in their own communities, more teachers and nurses, more local business people, tourism operators, and tradespeople. That is good for Aboriginal Territorians, and good for their communities.
The event was very well attended. Charlie King did a great job as MC. It was a disappointment that our keynote speaker, Rose Kunoth-Monks was unable to attend. Rose is the Chair of the Batchelor Institute, and I know many people were looking forward to her speak. Dr Herbert stepped in, though, and read Rose’s speech, and it was well received.
Four Batchelor Institute representatives - Dr Herbert, Deputy Director Tom Evison, Pat Coles and Dr Tony Mordini - will work with senior government officials to govern the agreement. I wish them all the best. If we get it right, the benefits will be far-reaching for the Territory. I hope the next three years will produce outcomes of which we can all be proud.
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the Public Sector Management program graduation ceremony in Darwin, and helping the Commissioner for Public Employment, Ken Simpson, present certificates to the graduates. I always look forward to this event, and not just because it celebrates the accomplishments of a number of high achieving Territorians. It is also an important day for the Territory. As you would be aware, our public sector has been instrumental in the growth and development we have seen in recent times. It has played a crucial role in creating the lifestyle so many Territorians enjoy today.
The Public Sector Management program represents a major investment in our public service, and in the future of the Territory. The program brings the latest skills and knowledge to the public sector, and plays a key role in developing our next generation of leaders. It was great to see so many friends and family members at the graduation, and it made for a great atmosphere. There were parents and friends who came from interstate and overseas for the event and you could see how proud they were.
Congratulations to all the agencies which encouraged and sponsored their managers during two years of study. Their foresight and support of their staff is why the public sector will continue to play a key role in moving the Territory ahead. On behalf of everyone in this House, congratulations to all the graduates and the very best of luck in the future.
India at Mindil is one of Darwin’s great cultural festivals. In fact, not many realise it is now Australia’s biggest and best attended Indian cultural festival. The atmosphere at this year’s event was wonderful and, as usual, the food, the music and the dance, the fashion, and the various cultural activities were top quality.
We were honoured this year to have Mr Vinod Kumar, the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, at the event. He was there with the visiting dance group from AP Folk, Tribal and Cultural Association of India who performed brilliantly.
India at Mindil is great for Darwin and the Top End, and it is a big part of our wonderful Territory lifestyle. That is why we are so proud to support this event. The success of the festival has much to do with the drive and commitment of the Indian Cultural Society. They do a marvellous job organising the festival. I extend a special thanks to Shaik Hakeem, the society’s president, Ram Kumar, the festival’s Cultural Coordinator, and everyone else who was involved. Well done, and congratulations.
I want to say a few words about one of the Territory’s business success stories. Last month, I had the pleasure of helping those at Knight Frank officially open their new Darwin office. There was a good turn out with quite a few interstate people attending the event. The new office is impressive, it is accessible - there is no better location than the mall - and I am sure it will serve the company well. It certainly beats the 12 m2 office Peter McVann started out with at Jape Homemaker Village in 1999.
Their new premises is a great example of the confidence we are seeing in the future of Darwin, and it says a lot about the confidence Territorians have in Knight Frank. I congratulate Matthew Knight, David Woolford, Peter McVann, and everyone in the Knight Frank team. You have done a great job, and I wish you all the best for the future.
Last month, I also had the pleasure of helping induct Rotary’s new District Governor at their changeover ceremony which was held in Parliament House. It is an important occasion for Rotary. This year’s ceremony had added significance with Joanne Schilling becoming our District’s first female governor. Joanne is a great choice, not just because she is a talented woman, but because she is a dedicated Rotarian with proven leadership qualities, and a broad knowledge of the organisation. On behalf of all of us, I wish Joanne the very best in her role. I thank outgoing District Governor, Craig Bowen, for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.
Rotary is an organisation that continues to make a real difference in our community. Their influence is significant. We know all about their involvement in various humanitarian efforts, their support of charities and their hosting of important Territory events like the Darwin Rodeo, Beat the Heat, or the Pride in Workmanship awards. Rotary’s presence in the Territory has helped make our society a more tolerant and compassionate place. To Joanne and everyone involved with Rotary, thank you for your efforts and the best of luck in the future.
Last month I also had the pleasure of opening the inaugural TOGART Contemporary Art Award exhibition in Parliament House. As members would be aware, the exhibition was displayed in the Hall and is the product of the vision and drive of Ervin Vidor and the TOGA Group. I know that like us, Ervin believes our new waterfront precinct will play an important role in the cultural life of Darwin and TOGART is proof of their long-term commitment to arts in the Territory.
The exhibition was stunning. The works were diverse, 28 in all, black and white artists side by side, different cultural and stylistic perspectives, but it came together beautifully. Margie West was responsible for the hanging of the exhibition and she certainly deserves special praise. As I said at the launch, Parliament House has never looked so good. To give you an idea of how popular the exhibition was, around 700 people took time to vote in the $5000 People’s Choice award. I am told that every work received votes, which says a lot about the quality of the works. Arnhem Land artist, Wukun Wanambi, from Buku Larrngay Mulka took out the prize for his bark of swirling fish titled Bamarrungu. Darwin artist, Chayni Henry, won the $15 000 inaugural TOGART Contemporary Art award for her work, Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. I am sure her work would strike a chord with anybody from this part of the world. To Chayni and Wukun and to all the artists, congratulations. Congratulations also to members of the preselection panel – Felicity Green, Koolpinyah Barns, Steve Eland, Allison Gray, Renai Grace and Sarah Scott. To Ervin Vidor and the TOGA Group, you have created something special, thank you.
This year was the 10th time we have hosted a round of the V8 Supercar championship series and, as usual, motor sports fans turned up in force to support the event. It was an exciting weekend - thrills, spills and some great racing. Each year, the V8s draw between 35 000 and 40 000 people to Hidden Valley, 4500 of those coming from interstate specifically for the event. The number of racegoers who have upgraded to corporate marquees has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, there were 5800 in all this year; a record which gives you an idea of how the event is growing. That makes Hidden Valley the third largest corporate event of the 13 rounds of the championship behind Adelaide’s Clipsall 500 and Gold Coast Indy. We should be proud of that achievement and that level of support.
That support extends to the drivers and teams. They regard Hidden Valley as one of their favourite destinations behind Adelaide’s Clipsall 500 and Bathurst which, of course, is huge. Around 500 volunteers worked over the V8 Supercar weekend. Many of these people have worked at all 10 events and NT Major Events Company acknowledged their contribution by giving them commemorative anniversary carry bags and shirts. I thank those volunteers for their magnificent efforts. Their hard work and dedication are a big reason why this event has been so successful.
To give you an idea of how much is involved in organising an event like the Supercars, just look at the contribution our local businesses made. They provided everything from generators, marquees and shade, scaffolding, giant screens and water barriers through to all the furniture and fittings, portable buildings, toilets, merchandise, road sweepers, water trucks, fire extinguishers, cleaning and sanitary services and food and catering. A fantastic effort. Our free bus services were very popular. They carried just under 20 000 people to and from the track over the three days. So to all the drivers, many thanks. It was a great event and a great success.
My thanks must also go to V8 Supercars Australia and particularly to Chairman, Tony Cochrane, and Chief Executive, Wayne Cattach. To our wonderful naming sponsor, SKYCITY, General Manager, Andrew Wilson, and Assistant General Manager, Emmanuel Cruz, deserve special praise. Finally to Paul Cattermole and his team at Major Events Company, again a great job at making the V8 Supercars one of the Territory’s very best event.
The Fannie Bay History and Heritage Society do a great job in researching and studying the history of Fannie Bay and Parap. The group was founded in 2001 by Barbara James, a very dear friend of mine who sadly died a few years ago, and Eve Gibson, who has since moved to Tasmania, although we still speak to her, that notwithstanding. I am pleased to say their legacy lives on. The work of the society includes the preservation of places and objects of historical interest and they share this with the community through a program of lectures, exhibitions, printing and publications. It is not only locals who benefit from their work, but also tourists visiting our town. Historical tourism is now a growth industry right around Australia, and Fannie Bay has many short stories to share.
This month, Seniors Month, the society is running History Mystery tours throughout Parap, Fannie Bay and the gardens. With a grant from the Office of Senior Territorians, they have hired the Tour Tub to ferry seniors around the area’s historically significant sites. The tours run for an hour every Tuesday and Thursday right throughout August and have proved, so far, a bit of a hit. I am hopeful these tours continue in the future. They are a great way for local residents, especially students and younger people, to learn more about our history. The society also has an oral history project under way which involves recording the stories of long-term residents of Fannie Bay and Parap, and next year will be closely involved with Parap Primary School’s 50th anniversary.
I acknowledge the dedication of society president, Judy Boland. Judy teaches at Darwin High School and is passionate about promoting and preserving our history. I also acknowledge Wendy Macdonald, Jean Vickery, Ron Weepers, Peter Radtke, Austin Asche, Brian and Mary Joyce, Betty Vogel, Heather Sjoberg, Helen Galton, Annette Milikins and Dr Mick Myers. Thank you for all your tireless efforts.
Staff and students from St John’s College travelled to Japan in June for a study tour and, by all accounts, they had a wonderful time. One of the highlights of their trip was visiting Sugao School and staying with host families for two nights. Students from Sugao School visit St John’s College each year and they were thrilled to be able to meet up again in their own country and show off their own culture. Other highlights of the visit included a sightseeing tour of Tokyo, which would have been a real eye opener for students who are used to the laid back style of Darwin, and a visit to Mt Fuji and the beautiful lakes area. Of course, Disneyland proved a great hit.
There were 15 students on the study tour which was led by principal, Sister Philippa Murphy. She was assisted by three staff members, Myra Beckley, Anne Tan and Lorraine McCleary. The lucky students who went to Japan on that exchange were: Tenneil Beckley, Stephanie Dunkel, Abbey Devereux, Nelies Stien Oktovina Karubaba, Mina Natkime, Austin Gloria Paramita Bagre, Patricia Novelista Ormuseray, Meredith Waterhouse, Alveen Alex, Soleman Wellem Sarwom, Adrian Andhika Thie, Arthur Septian Israelo Bagre, Mario De Venansius, Ferdinand Imbiri and Keirin Steadman. They were great Territory ambassadors one and all and I certainly hope they had a great trip.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I talk about two great Territorians who have recently passed away. The first person I would like to speak about is Anthony ‘John’ Wills.
Anthony ‘John’ Wills was born on 13 August 1941 and passed away on 5 August 2007. He was the beloved husband of Glenda; loving father of Nathan, Russel, Peter and Maurice; father-in-law of Bronwyn and Birgit; devoted grandfather of Natasha, Phil, Travis, Damien, Loyola, Jerone, Sheldon, Kanisha and Freya; and great-grandfather of Jias.
He was the son of Thora and Anthony, nephew of Eileen and Pat, brother of Robert or Bob, Laurie and Frank. Acknowledged by Phyllis Glasson, his sister; son-in-law of Leah and Phil (Condy) Canuto; brother-in-law of Lee, Christine, Lulu, Evelyn, Loyola and George Hodges, Cecilia and Clifford Daddow, Condy and Mary Canuto, Patricia and Eddie Watkins, Nannette and Thalep Ahmat, John Canuto, Jane Matthews, Azlea Parker, Lenora and Paul, and Peter Canuto.
Anthony ‘John’ Wills was a well-known Territorian. His family have been in the Territory many generations. Anthony was known for his sense of humour but, as his son said in his eulogy, he was a bit of a mongrel as well. He enjoyed his football, his family, having a punt and being a ‘knock around’ sort of bloke in his day. He had close connections, not only with Darwin, but with Cairns, and worked for over 30 years with the Darwin City Council and was well respected by all his colleagues.
His son, Russel, gave one of the most fantastic eulogies that I have heard, at a graveside ceremony at the Darwin General Cemetery. It was great to see all the old local families and all the friends of Anthony ‘John’ Wills turn up and show their respect, not only for him and to remember his life, but also respect for his wife, his sons and his remaining family. I was honoured to be there to participate. The Wills family are relations of mine and I know that Nathan, Russel, Peter and Maurice, and Glenda will be missing their father and husband for some time yet. He had a long battle with illness, and we know that Anthony will be in a better place. To all the Wills family, I know that many families and many locals over many decades wish you all the best and have deep sympathy and send their condolences to you.
The next person I would like to speak about is the late Joseph Gregory Cooper. Joseph Gregory Cooper, known as Joe Joe, was born on 21 February 1953 and passed away on 24 June 2007. He was the second eldest son of Ronald and Barbara Cooper; brother to Rueben, Ronald Jr, Robert, Dennis and John; father to Debbie, Allison, Deanne, Kenny, Shelby and Logan; father-in-law to Michael, Shane and Sharon; grandfather to Samara, Peter, Brandon, Isa, Benjamine, Alisha, Tyra and Marlee-Jo; nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many and family relation to the Bonson clan. I read from the funeral booklet:
- Joseph Gregory Cooper, also well known as Joe Joe and Big Jim, was born at the old Darwin Hospital on 21 February 1953. He was the second eldest son of the six boys to Ronald Senior and Barbara Cooper, brother to Rueben, Robbie, Ronald, Dennis and John. Joseph, as a very young child, started his life in Parap Camp. The family then moved to 54 Playford Street, Fannie Bay. This was home. It was the place to meet and gather with family and friends from all walks of life. Playford Street was affectionately called ‘the boys home’. Many happy times were spent by all. It was also a place to meet to go hunting and fishing with all the uncles, aunties, pops, sisters-in-law, cousins and children. It was a place to be with family and friends. We would see Joe Joe fixing up fishing nets ready for big fish, getting fishing lines ready and having a laugh and joking around with the family and friends, telling them stories of the good times. After the fishing and the hunting, family and friends would gather for a feast of fresh fish, mud crabs, long bums, pipis, periwinkles, goose, wallaby, whatever you could think of, it was on the menu, for Joe Joe was a very good hunter and fisherman.
Joseph worked for many years in different work fields, driving trucks, road plant equipment and was a bus driver. He also worked as a bouncer in many of the Darwin pubs and clubs. Joe was a very good sportsman and played footie for his beloved Buffaloes Club, and also played Rugby League with the RSL Club.
Joseph is the father of six beautiful children, Debbie, Allison, Deanne, Kenny, Shelby and Logan. He spent many happy times with them, all in many different ways, showing his children the way of our Aboriginal culture, our country and teaching them how to survive from the land and the sea. Joe’s children cherished him with all their hearts. He was true to them always and gave them love and care, for he loved them with all his heart. Joseph loved the social life. Everyone was always welcome to gather at his place to share the good times of laughter, music, guitar playing, writing music, and telling stories. Joe Joe met with many people from all walks of life and they too, were always welcome to join the gathering and listen to Joe Joe’s stories and the laughs they had on the way when fishing and hunting.
Joe Joe always had this cheeky smile, which would have you wondering what he was thinking. It was his smile of appreciation of life to be able to have family and friends being a part of his life in one way or in another.
Joseph loved animals, nature and gardening. When he would return to his country in Arnhem Land, Wilagi Outstation, you would seeing him sitting at the front of his home place, looking out to sea, admiring nature’s gift and what it has to offer, and enjoying that peacefulness of the land and the sea. Then, the moment would change from peacefulness to liveliness with all the family and friends gathering to go hunting or fishing. It was the place to be. Wherever Joe Joe was, you were bound to have a good laugh and good times. He was a great man who loved hunting and fishing.
Joseph would get his guitar out by the campfire and start tuning it up, to play us his favourite songs or music that he had written himself. Some were of good humour, others were about the love for life and the good times. Joe Joe could play all night with all his friends and family. Especially the children would sit, listen and admire this great man of wisdom and music. There were so many happy memories and stories to tell of Joe Joe, who we all loved so dearly. We will cherish every moment we had with him for he was a great man and will never be forgotten. He is in all our hearts forever.
Joseph will be cherished and missed by his entire family, his mother, Barbara, brothers, sisters-in-law, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and all our extended families who admired his love for life and his ability to enjoy it to the fullest. Joseph’s children and family and friends were by his bedside each and every precious day until it was time to say goodbye. We thank all families and friends for their support during these times.
It was a classic, old-style Darwin funeral, with many of the long-term locals turning up to the cathedral on Smith Street, and it was standing room only. Joe would have appreciated that. Many people actually drove out to Arnhem Land. I heard there were over 100 people who attended funeral services in Arnhem Land and buried him and remembered him and had a good time.
One of the songs he had written was read in the church. I thought it would be appropriate to leave us with the last thoughts of Joe Joe Cooper. His song was called Light from Heaven:
- I saw the lights from heaven and the light led me to you.
Was it a sign from above, telling me you are the one for me.
If you believe in falling stars
Then you must believe in Heaven above,
And light from up above that led me to you.
Heaven knows, you and I were meant for one another.
Could it be true, that you are my life,
Time girl, could it be love, from Heaven,
For me and you
And the light that led me to you,
My lovely one, my lovely one
La-la-la-la-la-la-la.
My final comment about Joe Joe Cooper was that he was also a well-known larrikin around town. He had an ‘office’ space at the old Beachfront. I know many of long-term drinkers will miss him and his good sense of humour as the sun sets. I know his family, which is a well-known Territory family, the Cooper family, will miss him deeply. No doubt, they will continue to have good times singing, hunting, fishing and gathering together as one of the true, big families of the Northern Territory.
The last thing that I will talk about is a top award for my local primary school, Ludmilla, which has been doing a fantastic job for many years. The principal, Helen Southam and all the staff, including young Damian Zammit, deserve all the accolades that they have received. Ludmilla services a particular type of clientele, which includes Defence Force, local Territorians, plus the Bagot community. They have many different tasks that they face and many different challenges that they meet every day.
They have won a fantastic award. That award was given by the Commonwealth Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Hon Julie Bishop MP. The award was celebrating literacy and numeracy achievements in Australia. This is from the media release of 16 August 2007:
- The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today announced the 15 exceptional winners of the National Literacy and Numeracy Week (NLNW), 2007 Excellence Awards for Schools.
One of which was Ludmilla:
- Celebrating the awards at a ceremony in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra, the minister proudly presented each of the winning schools with their $10 000 award.
- ‘The theme for NLNW this year is “Making a Difference” and I commend all these schools for making a major contribution to Australian education. They are highlighting the benefits that come from meeting the literacy and numeracy needs of their students, and achieving significantly improved outcomes’, minister Bishop said.
Literacy and numeracy are foundation skills for a successful education and productive life, improving and encouraging high school retention rates, and leads to improved employment opportunities and enhances economic prosperity.
I know that the school council and the school community are very proud. There is a newspaper article recognising this. The headline is ‘Top award for Ludmilla’:.
- Ludmilla Primary has won a $10 000 national literacy and numeracy award.
The school won the award for their accelerated literacy program, now it is sixth year.
Principal Helen Southam said the program had consistently improved reading and writing, and had been enhanced through the use of interactive whiteboards.
The staff and the council understand that there is a unique dynamic to Ludmilla school and they work very hard to ensure that every student succeeds. The school council, recently elected at an AGM on 13 March, is: Chairperson, Mick Purcell, a good friend of mine and very hard worker for the community and supports the school by sending all his children there; Secretary, Jenny McClelland; and Treasurer, Marnie Richards. Committee members are Bernie Davies, Eva Petterson, Kylie Carthew-Evans, Lottie Nefiodovas, Ellen Kerr and Anna Simpson. The RAAF Preschool representative is Tammie Carlile; Ludmilla Preschool representative is Jane Dawe; and teacher representatives are Jenny Sherrington and Cassandra Duykers. The Principal is Helen Southam.
I congratulate Ludmilla School and all of their staff and all the kids for their successful award.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I acknowledge a significant event in the Northern Territory and Australia with the Darwin Parachute Club hosting the Biannual Boogie in Batchelor which occurred on the 28 July to 4 August. This is Australia’s premiere skydiving event and some 130 skydivers from all parts of Australia, Europe and Japan came to Batchelor for this event.
Over that week they had something like 2700 parachute descents from 14 000 feet. They had two 16-place Cessna Caravans as well as a helicopter on site to do that. Those planes take 16 passengers and they had events where they had 32 jumpers coming down all at once. So it was quite spectacular. This event has been going on for almost 30 years and it is well placed on the Australian skydiving calendar for all skydivers in the nation.
It was originally known as Rel Week. It started in Katherine in the late 1970s to provide Territory skydivers with the opportunity to improve their skills in the areas of freefalling which is called rel-work and canopy-related work which is called CReW, by bringing up the best skydivers in Australia to coach the locals. In the mid-1990s, the event moved to Batchelor because it rained in Katherine and the name Boogie in Batchelor was adopted. The event there includes free flying, sky surfing, cross-country free fall in bird-man suits, as well as the traditional rel-work and CReW.
The Boogie has been the catalyst for many Territory skydivers to become Australian champions and go on to become professional skydivers and also commercial pilots. It attracts both male and female skydivers from teenagers up to their 60 and 70s. There is even a 72-year-old actively skydiving in Australia. It attracts people from all walks of life: doctors, nurses, vets, lawyers, all types of people, professional and non-professional. There are certain groups within the skydiving community. One is called the POPS, Parachutists Over Phorty, and the SOS, Skydivers Over Sixty. As I said, they cater for all age groups and they certainly get into it, as I saw when I was down there.
The southern skydivers are not only attracted to the Boogie because of their top-class coaching, but also because of the blue skies we have in the Territory, the warm weather and the uniqueness of the area.
I was down there for the opening, and they were getting right in to it. My opinion is that they are all junkies and are hooked on adrenaline – not the synthetic kind, but the natural variety. It was contagious, and I was certainly caught up in their enthusiasm, all but my fear.
The event was very well run. The Darwin Parachute Club members were great hosts. They provided tours through the Top End. There were trips to Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, to the Jumping Croc cruises, barra fishing and crabbing. Many stayed on for the great Darwin Cup and experienced the Mindil Beach Markets, house boats on Corroboree Billabong and some other exploring. They were certainly well looked after by the Darwin Parachute Club.
The club has certainly done a lot with its facility at Batchelor. The Northern Territory government donated about $35 000 to build a verandah, and what they have built is probably worth five times that. They used the $35 000 for materials and had a working bee. It is fantastic to see what they did there. It is a great facility and they add to it each year, with everyone pitching in.
The parachute club is led by their President, Keith Atkins, who is a great guy. He is a typical Territorian who loves his parachuting and everything else that goes with the Territory. The Secretary is Rebecca Fauntleroy, who also contributed a great deal during the week. The Treasurer is Kim Hedley and the Chief Instructor is Terry King, who were both instrumental in making the week a great success. The committee is made up of Alistair Bates, Roger Clifton, Trevor Collins, Dan and Sharni Short, Paul O’Dwyer, Toni Amiet, Deb Holt, Dion Mewburn, Kellie Fraser, Donna Ferguson, Blake Palmer, Michael Hotham, Ashley Smith, Kirk Allison, Phil Irlam and Tom Maher. They do a fantastic job. They were flat out all week, but it did not affect them a great deal. They were caught up in the excitement of parachuting with a great many of their friends, with the aid of some great aircraft. They were jumping from great heights, too.
The parachute club would like me to acknowledge the support they have received from the Northern Territory government and the Coomalie Community Government Council. They provide great support, as do other businesses and individuals in the Batchelor community who have taken them under their wing. They get the parachutists back from time to time with various events they have around Batchelor, so it was great to see.
Organisation for the 2009 Boogie in Batchelor is well under way. I will finish with their philosophy, which is: ‘Why fall – skies call – that’s all!’ I thank Tom and Trevor for all their help in getting me down there. I had a great time, and I hope my next experience skydiving is a little more relaxed and I can enjoy the moment of being scared out of my wits. Well done, Darwin Parachuting Club, and all those who work with it.
I acknowledge students who are doing great work in the 21 schools in the Daly electorate. At Taminmin High, I acknowledge the excellent work of Bonnie Hageman in Year 12, and also Horas Oppusunggu in Year 11. They are doing great work in the school, and I hope they continue to keep it up.
The Katherine School of the Air is a fantastic facility looking after kids in remote areas, and providing a high level of education. It is using the latest equipment we can provide, and I hope we can expand the bandwidth they have so they can have two-way vision and sound. At the moment, only each end can see each other and I hope we can get more resources in to expand the bandwidth and speed it up. The April awards I presented at the school went to Jack Sears, who is in the lower school, and Ben Ranacher in the upper school. Ben is from Bulloo River towards the Western Australia border, and I think everyone would know that famous cattle station. Great work. Jack and Ben; keep it up.
The May awards were won by Jessica Deeth in the lower school who is from Larrimah, which is 200 km down the track from Katherine, and Kate Lumsden who is from Kalkarindji. I am sure the member for Stuart passes on his congratulations to Kate. They have a few students from Kalkarindji who get stuck into the education opportunities offered by the School of the Air.
Our Lady the Sacred Heart School at Wadeye is doing great work. They are trying to achieve some significant results in difficult circumstances. I congratulate Anne Rebgets and Tobias Nganbe for all their work inspiring the teaching staff, and trying to generate education priorities within the community. They have recently won eight Enterprise Education grants, which is great work to attract those grants amongst everything else they do during the day in their school.
Recently at an athletics carnival in Darwin a number of OLSH school students won awards. Year 5 students who were chosen to attend were: Larry Anglitchi, who came second in the 200 m; Thaddeus Kauri; Hillary Kolumboort; Peter John Berida; Elvina Nemarluk; Daisyaria Tipoura, who came first in the 300 m, and third in the 200 m; June Kinthari; and Josephine Tchinbururr. Congratulations to those children. When bush kids come to Darwin, they tend to do very well, and we have to try to give them the opportunities. There is not necessarily Little Athletics operating on the remote communities to give the kids regular training in running, discus, and javelin sports, however, they certainly do succeed when they come to Darwin and we have to try to help them more.
The Year 12 students attended the Katherine Rural College to complete their second-stage horticultural course. Priscilla Dumoo Virginia Bunduck, Zippy Bunduck, Augustine Bunduck, Mark Parmbuk, Issac Kungul, Alex Lantjin, Janette Muriel, Amanda Kungul, and Lucille Kinthari all travelled to Katherine and on to Mataranka Station to learn about garden propagation and crop growing. I think they enjoyed their time there. It gives them more VET education experiences and I hope they look further into advancing in that area.
At the Peppimenarti School, the excellence in attendance, literacy, and behaviour went to David Russell, a Transition student who is apparently doing great work. He is well recognised by the teaching staff. I congratulate David and I hope he keeps up the good work. I am sure he will, as do all the kids at Peppimenarti. I look forward to catching up with them next time I visit their community.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016