2008-02-14
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of friends and family of the late Mr Chittock.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, it is with deep regret that I advise of the death on 25 December of Mr Alf Chittock, a much-loved member of the Tennant Creek community for nearly six decades.
Honourable members, there will be a motion of condolence and I will be calling on the Chief Minister shortly. At the conclusion of the motion I will be asking members to stand for one minute in silence as a mark of respect.
I call the Chief Minister.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly express its deep regret at the death of Mr Alf Chittock, a long-term resident and former Mayor of Tennant Creek, and tender its profound sympathy to his family and friends.
Madam Speaker, I mark the life of a great Territorian, Alf Chittock, whose life in so many ways epitomised the spirit of the Northern Territory, and whose time with us was emblematic of the history of one of our oldest and most important towns, Tennant Creek. Indeed, I am advised by the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly that Alf is the first resident of Tennant Creek to be accorded a formal parliamentary condolence in the history of this place.
In honouring the life of this wonderful man, we are also commemorating a way of life that has, in some sense, disappeared. After all, it would not be too common for us in these more genteel days to celebrate someone who spent many years operating as an illegal SP bookie. Yet, Alf was far more than the holder of a punter’s dreams on a Saturday afternoon.
For nearly 60 years, Alf committed himself to Tennant Creek and the wider Barkly area. In doing so, he became a much-loved icon of the region, combining activities as a successful businessman with a deep commitment to community service for his fellow citizens.
Alf came to Tennant Creek from Adelaide in 1949, to work for his cousin, Dick Turner, at the Tennant Creek Battery. He had only made it to the Army during the war on a second attempt, having initially being knocked back on medical grounds. He had also worked during the war at a General Motors plant in Adelaide, knocking out barrels for six inch guns.
However, he had a few more tricks up his sleeve than mechanical abilities. After working with Dick Turner at the battery, he also worked on the crushers at the wolfram mine at Wauchope, even taking out a mining lease himself. Whatever else it achieved, it gave Alf a bit of a financial stake when he bought into one of the local butcher shops in Tennant Creek. Whilst he had been a ‘butcher’s boy’ in a relative’s shop as a youngster, he had a chance to work at Jim Taylor’s butcher shop in Tennant Creek. Alf described it as an odd bit of good fortune, and what follows is a quote from Alf:
He did more than that. He went on to buy Taylor’s share and then to buy another butcher shop in town. There would have been a few jokes around the traps in those days because Alf also set up his butcher shop as the local SP. You can imagine unlucky losers complaining about being skinned on the races but, in those days in towns like Tennant Creek, it was a necessary if less than legal service, especially in a town that was experiencing a mining boom at the time. Alf later went legit as he became an official legally-sanctioned bookie, a role he performed until the establishment of the TAB in the 1980s.
As well as his various successful business interests over the years, Alf was a pioneer of local government in Tennant Creek, not only in the town that was well and truly his home, but Territory-wide. He was appointed as a member of the first government-controlled Town Management Board in 1966. In 1972, after reforms in local government, he became the first citizen-elected board chairman and, six years later, Alf joined the original ‘gang of four’ – the Territory’s first mayors of fully-elected municipal governments in the Northern Territory. He went on to serve as mayor for a decade.
Although he was described as being a hard taskmaster on council, fellow councillor, Tony Boulter, also described his role as being a man of the people who had the town’s interests at heart: ‘Alf made it feel like a town without losing that flavour of Tennant Creek’.
In between all of this was Alf’s great love – Emmy James. Although they had met in 1957 when Emmy was working as a local barmaid, they did not move in together for another 18 years. After his death, Emmy was to describe Alf as ‘in a class of his own - always laughing and loving life’. Much of that love of life was surely evidenced by his constant involvement in community service. He really was one of those people who was always around to give a helping hand.
He was a leading light behind the establishment of the Memorial Club, running his famous Wednesday night chook raffle until his 90s. He also lent a hand to Lions, the Buffaloes, Sporties and Legacy and, in later years, Tennant Creek Seniors.
He was also an honoured and long-time member of the Australian Labor Party. Indeed, he was awarded life membership of the Northern Territory’s oldest political party. His great sense of humour was an obvious help in the many years of political wilderness - and it certainly was - to the party that he loved. Labor’s victory in 2001 was very much a reward for so many years of faith.
It was only in the last few months of this great old man’s life that he was forced to move away from his loved home town of Tennant Creek, spending his last months near medical treatment here in Darwin. He died on Christmas Day at the great age of 94. He really was one of those rare individuals who helped create the times around him as he helped build Tennant Creek. The Order of Australia Medal he was awarded in 1979 summed up only part of his life. In various ways, he was still to serve the people of the Barkly for nearly another three decades.
Madam Speaker, he is survived by his life partner, Emmy. On behalf of the people of the Northern Territory, I pass on my sincere condolences to Emmy, as well as Alf’s many friends in the Northern Territory and beyond. He was a great Territorian and a wonderful character.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw to your attention the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of the former member for Stuart, Dr Peter Toyne, looking very well. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, at the outset I need to say that I had not had the opportunity to meet Mr Chittock; however, in the reading of his story, it is warming to see the contribution made by one who came almost by accident to the Territory in 1949 for a period of three weeks and stayed to make such an investment and leave such a legacy.
Anyone with a love for the Territory and an interest in the history of the Territory finds that many of the stories come from Tennant Creek. It is, indeed, fitting that we remember this man and the legacy he has left for the community of Tennant Creek. I was pleased to hear that this is the first time that a resident of Tennant Creek has been honoured in such a way. It is a special day for that very special Territory community of Tennant Creek.
Like many of us, Alf came by accident, as referred to, with a sense of adventure. He came to a place where there was freedom and opportunity, just to have a look around. He decided to stay. At that time, many were similarly attracted to the Northern Territory. It is interesting to hear the stories of being involved in activities that are of interest to the community which, at that stage, were illegal. However, they fulfilled a very important role. It is very fitting to see that, when there was the need for that to be legitimised, he was offered the licence - which is saying a lot for the spirit in which he conducted his business, the reason he did so, and to be afforded that honour and that legitimisation of an activity that was important to that community. That little story says much.
When we hear the stories that emanate from Tennant Creek and the Barkly, we learn about the Territory. You can see that Alf was not only a man who fitted that landscape, but one who influenced it and epitomised that which is unique to Tennant Creek. He was one who was less than comfortable with the world of the southern states but, like so many of his kind, he was happy to forgo the comfort and pleasantries of civilisation for the liberty of a world where a free man was measured by who he was and not by any other standard. The Territory of those times was a place of nearly unbridled freedom and opportunity.
With the passing of Alf, a band of our rich tapestry of history has faded. That is why it is important to honour his passing in this way. As the chains of regulations bind and shackle us more and more each passing year, and as administrations find ways of intruding on our lives, it is important to remember the times and Territory of the past – now less like the place that Alf came to all those years ago.
As communications and modern transport technology continually shrink the planet, those good old days withdraw increasingly into the romantic musings of people such as me who look back and meet the people who had their history deeply rooted in this place. That is not to say, however, that Alf was a man who hid himself here. The type of character he was has been reflected so many times in our history. He was a doer, someone who wanted to contribute and to make where he lived a better place - and he did that. He contributed by taking an untamed and wild place and making it a place that people came to visit and wanted to stay.
Tennant Creek grew and, as it grew, it finally needed its own representation. Alf became the first Mayor of the frontier town because he believed in the place, believed in the people, and he loved that place. There are many pioneers in the Territory and many moved on. In a vote of confidence in where he lived, he stayed and continued to live in Tennant Creek, the town he helped to build. A town is not buildings - it is people. That is the legacy that is left.
Interestingly, his official reason for staying was: ‘Darwin was too hot and humid, Adelaide was too cold, Alice Springs was too cold too, and Tennant suits me’. However, if I understand his sister correctly, it also had much to do with the community of people in which he lived and whom he loved. May he rest in peace.
Mr McADAM (Barkly): Madam Speaker, I support the condolence motion for Mr Alfred Chittock. In doing so, I pay my most humble and heartfelt respect to a great man and a truly great Territorian. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge all his friends and family who are here today. I thank you for your attendance.
Alfred Ernest Chittock was born on 31 August 1913, and was raised in Brompton, South Australia, in those days a classic working-class suburb of factories and workers’ cottages. Alf trained as a first-class fitter and turner and, by all accounts, was very skilled in his trade. I remember the pride with which he spoke of his work as a young man, a first-class tradesman supporting the war effort with his work, machining gun barrels for the diggers and gunners on active service.
In 1949, like so many others at the end of the war, it was time for Alf to seek adventure, and a better life in another place. For Alf, this meant Tennant Creek. I also remember Alf for his total commitment to Tennant Creek, the Barkly and the Northern Territory, both as a businessman and a generous and warm human being. His contributions to the Tennant Creek community are legendary. One wonders where to start in describing all that he has done.
Alf is remembered in Tennant for his lifelong support of the Tennant Creek Memorial Club, the Sporties Club, the Tigers Baseball Club, the Returned Services League, Legacy, Tennant Creek Senior Citizens, and many other organisations, too many to mention. It is important to understand his commitment to the community and the people. He was legendary for his chook raffles, which he ran for the RSL, the Senior Citizens and Legacy - and did so for many years. Right up until almost the day he left, he was still out in the community selling chook raffle tickets. I have been told that there are other people in that community who are going to continue that legacy. That is a personal response to the sort of man that he was. It is important to note that many of these organisations are proud to have Alf as a life member in recognition of his service. One wonders if there was an organisation that Alf did not support, and just how he fitted it into his busy life.
Alf’s other great community service was Local Government. Alf was a valued member of the Tennant Creek Town Management Board from 1966 and the Board Chairman for 10 years. With self-government in 1978 came the establishment of the Tennant Creek Town Council. Alf, by popular acclaim, was elected Tennant’s first Mayor. Alf held that position with great distinction from 1978 to 1988. Many of the facilities, assets and services enjoyed by today’s residents can be attributed to the good work of Alf and his fellow councillors in those early formative years of the Tennant Creek Town Council. He also showed the way, when it was not fashionable to do so, in developing partnerships among organisations, especially actively encouraging partnerships with local indigenous organisations.
In 1979, his work for the town of Tennant Creek was given wider recognition with him being awarded the well-deserved honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia. Where would we be without those in our community who give so much of their time and energy to the wellbeing of their home town and fellow citizens? Alf embodied this spirit, throwing himself with gusto into all sorts of support for the community, particularly his 20 years involvement in community governance.
The Chief Minister mentioned Alf’s association with the Labor Party. As most people would be aware, Alf was a life member of the Labor Party. Alf joined the Hindmarsh Branch of the Australian Labor Party in South Australia in 1934 where he was active in both its political and social activities. In 1940, Mr Chittock joined the Woodville Branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, characterising a period of industrial and political partnership where he was elected as the AEU representative on the state Labor Council. Over the next five years, Alf was active in the Labor Party dealing with policy development and the annual Australian Labor Party South Australian Branch Conference.
Upon arriving in the Territory in 1949, Alf joined the local branch and developed a great friendship with two serving Labor members, Jock Nelson and Len Purkiss. During this period, Alf worked on various party platforms including preselection for a Territory seat. The important point here is that, with the exception of maybe a couple of years, he was a member of the Labor Party for 73 years. Whatever your political persuasions might be, we have to acknowledge that. I reckon 73 years is a great effort aligned to any party.
As the local member, I am often asked what is so special about Tennant Creek. The answer, of course, is the people. One of the very special people who helped Tennant shape its character was the lovable, irrepressible Alf Chittock. Remembering Alf’s smile or the smile that he brought to people’s faces, we will remember him for his fun-filled approach to life, his love for his community, and his joy in exploring all that life had to offer. He was a fine leader, ambassador and representative of the community, leading by example: a fair go for everyone, a just reward for hard work, and joining in to help others through the good times and the bad.
I also pay a tribute to Alf for his role in my life and his importance to me as a friend. He was a man of generous spirit, aspiring soul and an endless source of wisdom and inspiration. I have spoken to a few members in the branch at Tennant and, as far as I am aware, he missed one meeting in all that time, with the exception of when he went away on holiday. That says something about the bloke.
The other story I want to relate is how, about three years ago, he had gone to Adelaide for a major operation on his knee. He would have been about 91 years old. I went to see him when he came back. His driveway to his house was very steep and he was hobbling his way up there. I asked: ‘How are you feeling?’ He replied: ‘I’m fine. I have to go in soon to get another hip operation. It’s going to last me another 10 to 15 years’, bearing in mind he had already had one 10 years prior. Again, it just shows you the character of the man.
There is something else I wanted to relate to you: on January 25, I received a letter from Tony Harris, the nephew from England of Emily James, Alf’s loved partner. He spent some time with Alf and Emily in Warrego, I think, in 1973. I received the letter on the day before Australia Day. When I addressed the Australia Day celebrations there were many people there, indigenous and non-indigenous and, more importantly, many young people. I want to read you some of what Tony Harris wrote:
I felt the story typified the quiet inner strength and determination of Alf.
In conclusion, I pay tribute to Alf’s family in South Australia. They are not here today, but they attended the memorial service in Darwin the day Cyclone Helen hit. I pay tribute to Deanne, Marlene, Sylvia, Leeuwin, and his great-nieces, April and Lisa, as well as his great-nephew, Anthony. They spoke lovingly of Alf and his ongoing inspiration and dedication to them. They can be very proud of their uncle.
I also pay my deepest respects to Alf’s partner, his soul mate, Emily James. Emily cannot be here today; she is actually in hospital. She fell over at Casuarina the other day and cracked her knee. She is 84 years old and a wonderfully independent woman, and a great human being. She extends her sincere appreciation and thanks to this parliament and to the people of the Northern Territory, and all the friends and family who supported her over the years, particularly since Christmas.
Emily has asked me to thank those people who assisted her and Alf when they came to Darwin. Alf came up because his health was deteriorating and he needed to be here. There are many people who, as you would expect over 94 years, admired and respected Emmy and Alf. She just wanted to say thank you to the people of the Northern Territory, and to the friends and the family who are here today, who have supported them over the years.
As you would expect, when people move from Tennant Creek to Darwin it is pretty difficult and traumatic. However, it speaks volumes of the people in the Territory because the support that everyone provided to Emmy and Alf was absolutely inspirational. I thank some people who really put in a special effort to help them when they came here: Shelly Priore, Nicole Manison, Peter Wellings from my office, and others who went out of their way to extend the true Territory spirit of helping people out.
Emmy has also asked me to give special thanks to Ian and Kit McNeill for adopting Alf’s beloved Wally, their wonder dog. Thank you both as well.
To Alf, thanks for the good times and all your hard work for your fellow travellers.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I was not originally going to speak, but having listened to the member for Barkly speak about Alf’s contribution to community work, especially through councils, I thought I should say something.
It is not so much on my behalf, because when I started in Local Government it was about the time when Alf had just finished 20 years service to Local Government. He was part of a special era. I was trying to think of the names of people who would have been associated with him from other councils: Ella Stack perhaps, Pat Davies would have been Mayor of Katherine, and Jim Forscutt followed on, as well as people like John Maley in the Litchfield area, and Leslie Oldfield may have been the Mayor of Alice Springs at that time.
My recollection is that it was a great time. There was this bunch of people working for the Territory through Local Government who were great comrades - if I can use that term in a broad sense as well as perhaps a political sense. They worked for the benefit of not only the towns they lived in but the whole of the Territory. Anyone who can work for 20 years in Local Government is a person of great stamina, without any doubt.
Alf not only worked for 73 years for the Labor Party, but worked for 20 years for the community through Local Government. We have lost a person who has contributed greatly to the Northern Territory and he will be missed. He will be missed by all those people who have known him through those organisations. I have no doubt that he will be missed by the people, not only of the Northern Territory, but of Tennant Creek. Rest in peace, Alf – a job well done.
Madam SPEAKER: I also extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chittock. I thank honourable members for their contributions to the motion.
Motion agreed to.
Members stood and observed one minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I inform the House about the progress of the Darwin Waterfront Project. In August 2003, the Northern Territory government announced the Darwin Waterfront Project involving the redevelopment of 25 ha of unused industrial land with a vision to transform it into a world-class development, featuring a convention centre, community facilities, hotel accomodation and residential apartments.
This vision is soon to become a reality, as this site will soon be transformed into a vibrant waterfront precinct for the whole community to enjoy. Various elements of the project, such as the convention centre, wave lagoon and cruise ship facility will be completed this year, with the residential and hospitality elements due for completion in early 2009. Under our agreement with the various developers involved on-site, a commitment was made to achieve a local content target of 85%. I am pleased to report that all parties to the project have well exceeded that benchmark, and have, in fact, achieved a local content for contracts in excess of 95%, which is great news for local businesses, jobs and the economy.
I am also proud to say that construction for the Darwin convention centre is two months ahead of schedule. I toured the site recently to congratulate Steve Shenfield, Project Manager for the convention centre and his team as they headed to being so far ahead of the game in contractual completion of the convention centre, which will see construction completed towards the end of March 2008. I was pleased to meet many of the hard-working construction team on-site, and I look forward to shouting them a few cold beers for their efforts.
Planning for the opening events for the Darwin convention centre is currently under way, with a week-long celebration planned for the whole community. These details are currently being finalised. Already, the convention centre has a long list of bookings with a total of 24 conferences or exhibitions booked, with the Darwin convention centre working on another 40-plus bids. I look forward to officially opening the Darwin convention centre, which is ahead of schedule and on budget, in June 2008.
One of the most anticipated elements of the project is the wave lagoon. You only have to talk to any of the kids around Darwin to find they are really looking forward to it. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will allow our kids to enjoy a cool, stinger-free facility, 365 days a year in the 4000 m lagoon which is the equivalent of five Olympic size swimming pools. Our kids can enjoy a facility which will be capable of delivering something we do not get a lot of; that is, waves. Families will be able to enjoy boogie boarding on waves up to 1.2 m in height in a lagoon with depths of up to 2 m. On the cusp of the wave lagoon will be a shallow, still-water area for toddlers so they do not miss out on the action. Surrounding the wave lagoon will be the public parklands and promenades for all to enjoy. Construction of the wave lagoon and community public areas is progressing and will be a valuable and popular asset to the community when it opens later this year.
One of the exciting aspects of this project is the world-class and international standard of public art that will feature throughout the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This exciting initiative is jointly funded by the Territory government and TOGA Group. Stage 1 will feature several public art installations from local artists, indigenous artists and international artists. These pieces are currently in production and are planned to be progressively unveiled from mid-2008. The public art initiative has produced many outcomes with many local indigenous artists benefiting from workshops to learn new skills. An example of this is the gatherings project where local indigenous artists are attending a series of workshops at a public art foundry in Brisbane. In addition to the public art initiative, nominations have been called for the annual Togart awards. The Togart Contemporary Art Awards of $15 000 in cash will be awarded, as well as a people’s choice prize of $5000. The winners will be announced at the opening night on 19 June 2008.
Wharf 1, the residential component of Stage 1 of the project featuring 138 apartments, is on track for completion in 2009. Along with this comes commercial and retail space which will feature a unique shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. Work on the $5m cruise ship facility at Fort Hill Wharf is also on track with the basement slab and foundation work under way. This facility will offer a new arrival and departure facility for cruise ship passengers into Darwin and will open in mid-2008.
To conclude, Madam Speaker, the Darwin waterfront vision is soon to become a reality. This year will be a busy and exciting year as we see the Darwin Waterfront Precinct come to life.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, make no mistake; this is important infrastructure - important for the Territory economy and tourism. I heard someone say this morning that there is no such thing as an original idea, we are all plagiarists in different forms, one way or another. These ideas are not unique, although, it is good to see it implemented.
However, there was clearly an understanding that was embedded in the community by glossy brochures in the early stages that told the Territory community that this project Stage 1 would be completed by the end of 2007. That is not the case. Now the language has changed. So, it is not according to the schedule that was originally communicated to the Northern Territory community. Second, we were told that the whole project would cost $100m. We have now been told that Stage 1 is $149m. That is a significant change in the language and commitment, and understanding established in the community.
Do I, therefore, understand that the identification of $63m for Stage 2 is a commitment from the taxpayer or is it from the developers? We do not know. We need that clarified: $100m to start with for the whole project was the implication - cleverly used language; $149m now for Stage 1 exclusively; $63m for Stage 2 - who pays for that? Do we or do we not?
Finally, while we have this short amount of time, the public facilities that we were told were going to be there, basically, have been stripped away: art markets are not there; water gardens gone; barbecue picnic area has now gone; sculpture walk is gone; glad to her about the art project; market tower is gone; seating terrace is gone; food market stalls gone; water sports gone except for the pay-as-you-use wave pool; amphitheatre gone; beach volleyball gone; retail promenade still there because it is going to make some money; casual seating intact, probably there because you need to have some park benches; retail promenade, still there because you can make some money; swimming pool is gone in favour of a pay-as-you-use wave pool, as I said before ...
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, your time has expired.
Mr MILLS: Ah, but there is more. We will talk about it at another stage – the other side of the story.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I have said all along I support the waterfront redevelopment. It is great for the Territory. My criticism has been simply that we missed an opportunity to do something special with the convention centre. As was raised on the ABC, it looks like convention centres in a couple of other cities, such as Adelaide and Perth. We had a chance that we missed. It will be good for the Territory and bring tourists; I have no doubt about that. However, I would have loved to have seen it as an icon that could have stood out like the towers over the Art Centre in Melbourne or the Sydney Opera House, where we could have said: ‘That is Darwin’. We missed that opportunity. Be that as it may, it will be good for the Territory.
Also, my concerns are what has been dropped off the original proposals. There is a rumour going around that the marina has also been dropped. It may be wrong, but that is what I was told. We do know the sound shell has gone. There have been some changes. It would be good for the minister to report on what is now different from the original proposal, and the reasons why there are these differences. People would be interested in hearing that from the Chief Minister.
I was down there last night looking at the start of the building of the hotels near the Esplanade. It is moving ahead and it will be good. This is a report, but a statement on the waterfront would be good. With so much money going into it – and there will be discussion in a ministerial statement later today – it has been such a major expenditure item for the Northern Territory, with so much publicity, no one in the Territory would not know about it. There is an opportunity for a detailed statement about the waterfront so not only we in parliament can debate that issue but people in the community can have a full understanding of where we are at this stage of the project.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I will be happy to present a full ministerial statement into the House later this year on the waterfront project as we work towards the opening of Stage 1 in June this year.
It still amazes me that the Leader of the Opposition seeks to criticise this project. It is obvious that he has not changed his spots since - I do not have a date on this clipping – he was last leader when the CLP called for a scrapping of the project. The CLP leader wants to revert to the 1999 model. He tried to run a censure motion in this House, censuring the government, calling for the project to be scrapped.
We have a vision, and we are delivering on that vision which will generate income, jobs, business opportunities, changes of lifestyle for people who are going to settle in Darwin as a result of coming to a convention here, and business people who are going to invest in the Territory as a result of coming to a convention here. This is a magnificent project. I will bring a full statement to the House later this year. I just wonder if the Leader of the Opposition will attend the opening.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Sydney National Tourism Campaign
Mr VATSKALIS (Tourism): Madam Speaker, today I inform this House on Tourism NT’s latest marketing activity known as ‘Holiday Mojo’. If you wonder what ‘Holiday Mojo’ means, I am advised it represents ‘the feeling of wellbeing you get when you go on holidays’. Last week, I flew to Sydney for the launch of the 2008 Share Our Story campaign now in its fourth year. The Share Our Story campaign has been recognised and remembered by our target markets and the results are exciting.
The latest national visitor survey showed that over the last year a record number of Australians holidayed in the Northern Territory. To continue this success, the Northern Territory government commissioned Newspoll Market Research to gain further insight into what the Australian public value most from their holiday experience. The result was that, within one week of returning home from holidays, four out of five Australians, that is, 80%, felt like they had never had a holiday at all. Additionally, they found that now, more than ever, Australian travellers are looking for an invigorating holiday experience that lasts longer and provides them a break from the ordinary. The research proved that Australians who visit the Northern Territory retain their holiday mojo longer.
The results were released last Thursday by Australian media personality, George Negus, on the Channel 9 Today Show in front of a national audience of over 806 000 viewers. Mr Negus also delivered the results at a media event in Sydney attended by over 35 national travel and lifestyle media. The attendees included the producer of Getaway, the Mornings with Kerri-Anne, editors of Good Weekend, Sunday Live, Australian Geographic, Cosmopolitan, Cleo, New Idea, Sun Herald, Yahoo 7, and the Australian Travel Magazine. In fact, the producers of Mornings with Kerri-Anne were so impressed with what they saw that they are currently considering televising their show live from various locations in the Northern Territory.
Throughout the event, George Negus talked about his holiday to the Territory, likening the experience to an overseas holiday that left him feeling reconnected and rejuvenated. George Negus and his family have a long personal association with the Territory, visiting often. He also told reporters that it should be mandatory for every Australian schoolchild to visit the Northern Territory as part of the curriculum to learn more about why this country is so special. What a great endorsement – and we did not pay him to say this either.
The media event was also supported by life coach Kate James, ex-Olympic swimmer, Samantha Riley, and Vogue Entertaining and Travel Deputy Editor, Carrie Hutchinson. All discussed their Northern Territory holiday experiences and their longer lasting holiday feelings.
To coincide with the Holiday Mojo campaign, Tourism NT coordinated a photographic exhibition of Kakadu and Arnhem Land on show at the same venue as the launch. The exhibition will move to Melbourne next month to coincide with the launch of the new Tiger Airways flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs. This stunning exhibition is a collection of Territory images that support the Holiday Mojo themes by capturing inspirational landscapes, vast natural habitats and the spiritual significance of the region. The editor of Australian Geographic magazine, who visited the exhibition after the Holiday Mojo event, was so impressed by the images that he requested to participate in the next photographic journey, planned to run from Tennant Creek to Gregory National Park later this year. Images from the exhibition have been included in the current edition of Vogue Entertaining and Travel, and also feature in the latest edition of the Outback Magazine and the Sun Herald.
When the exhibition moves to Melbourne next month, further articles will appear in the Herald Sun newspaper and the Virgin Blue in-flight magazine. On 25 February, the New Idea magazine will run a feature article that follows Samantha Riley’s invigorating experience aboard The Ghan from Alice Springs to Darwin. The article will be seen by over two million Australians each week. The media activity reinforces Tourism NT Northern Territory marketing activities and adds a further dimension to the already successful See our Story campaign.
Madam Speaker, whilst in Sydney last week, I met with Amanda Luhrmann, Chief Operating Officer, and Anton Monsted, the Producer Ancillaries and Marketing of Bazmark Film Pty Ltd and Marc Wooldridge, the Director of Marketing for 20th Century Fox at the Fox Studios. I was very privileged to preview a five-minute short film of the film Australia starring Nicole Kidman. I have to tell you, it is said to be a major box office success surpassing the film Titanic. A release date has not been finalised yet, but I reiterated the Chief Minister’s invitation to host either the world or the Australian premiere in Darwin. Our discussion was promising, and I look forward to updating the House on its progress.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his statement today. He said ‘mojo’. Is that what it was?
Mr Vatskalis: That is a mojo.
Mr Mills: You got it.
Mr Vatskalis: I got the mojo.
Mr CONLAN: Thanks, minister. I have seen the Share our Story commercials on television - I think they are on SBS - and they are terrific. Our story out there on the national stage is terrific. I have seen some of Kakadu and the Top End. It is good to see the Tourism Minister – he has been in the tourism role for a few months now - is as passionate about tourism as he was about sport, and tourism continues to be a major part of the Territory economy.
There are, obviously, some concerns from people I know in Central Australia regarding how the alcohol legislation might have a flow-on effect to tourism, particularly the new scanners in place. The Minister for Alcohol Policy is adamant that they will address alcohol problems. We can only hope that they do, but whether or not that has an effect on tourism, that will remain to be seen. However, there are some concerns among tourism operators right up and down the track, or at least Katherine and south.
All in all, a good report. The Share our Story is terrific and I thank the minister for his report today.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I am sorry if I gatecrashed the minister’s launch in Alice Springs …
Mr Vatskalis: You are welcome any time.
Mrs BRAHAM: … but it was great to see the ads that are featuring Alice Springs in particular. I love the Camel Cup one, and the Henley-on-Todd. The audience that was there responded so positively to it. It is good to see a change in focus from the advertisements of the past. I believe you are hitting grassroots and that is what people come to see - the things that are showing at the moment. I really enjoyed that.
While I was there, I was surprised at some of the feedback from the tourism operators; that they have had the best January/February in overseas visitors taking tours in Central Australia. Obviously, the message is getting across to the overseas clients and that is great. I know they were all quite delighted.
The thing that probably worries us most of all is flights to Alice Springs. Tiger Airlines let so many people down, as you know, before Christmas. It was quite devastating for people who had booked to go away on holidays, who then had to turn around and drive because they could not afford other fares, or the airlines were booked out. So I ask you to really negotiate strongly with Tiger Airlines. I know they are advertising fares again to Alice Springs and that worries me. Are they going to deliver or not? Can they get their act together or not? I do not like to see people, who thought they were coming to Alice Springs, suddenly have their trips spoiled by an airline that has failed to put in place all the necessary arrangements at the airports.
I am interested to receive, in 12 months’ time, some sort of feedback on the results of this advertising and how many tourists we are getting on the ground in the Territory. I guess I am a bit biased towards Alice Springs, but so far it seems to be working, and well done.
Mr VATSKALIS (Tourism): Madam Speaker, I thank members for their comments. For me, Tourism NT is not Tourism Kakadu or Tourism Darwin or Tourism Uluru, it is Tourism NT throughout the Territory. Thank you very much for coming to our launch the other day in Alice Springs. We have put $2.2m into Alice Springs, and we are using Yahoo and YouTube. If Kevin Rudd and John Howard believe it is good enough to use YouTube, we can use it to our benefit. I believe the more we put out there, the more people will see it, the more people will come.
Tourism is an interesting business, it changes very quickly. However, one thing I can tell you, in discussions with Tiger Airlines, Tiger Airlines will be coming to Alice Springs and I will be there for the first aeroplane that arrives on 1 March.
Mr NATT (Mines and Energy): Madam Speaker, today I report on the current status of Mt Todd. The Northern Territory government assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of Mt Todd in mid-2001, following the collapse of General Gold in 2000. In 2005, we approved the funding of $5m of capital works to carry out a priority works program at the site. The program included the following activities: a cleanup and reshaping of the heaped leech dump - $2.5m; installation and commissioning of a new pumping station and site consistent to control the movement of the water inventory on-site - $2m; improvement of site security, including a caretaker’s residence - approximately $250 000; and an upgrade of pumping systems - approximately $200 000.
On 1 January 2007, Vista Gold Corporation took over management of Mt Todd. Based on an agreement between the company and the Territory government, Vista Gold will undertake the ongoing environmental management of the site whilst assessing the mineral potential of the area, with an option to operate the mine until 1 January 2011. The agreement specifically excludes the rehabilitation of Mt Todd site; however, should Vista Gold give notice that it wishes to commence mining then, at that time, all rehabilitation and liability will transfer to the company. Vista Gold has proved to be a competent manager of the site to date and has undertaken significant exploration and studies to progress its agreement with the Northern Territory government.
On 1 May 2007, we announced that the government would be providing further funding of $630 000 in 2007-08 towards the development of the blueprint rehabilitation strategy for Mt Todd mine site, divided as follows:
Stage 1 - $50 000 for a third party review by an independent expert of the proposed work and an updated Environmental Risk Assessment; and
1. an environmental status report and a review of the legislative obligations related to the Territory government;
2. an environmental risk assessment for the site and a categorisation of the knowledge gaps;
3. the generation of a framework to assess the requirements of site rehabilitation; and
4. the provision of detailed project plans to address the rehabilitation requirements of the site.
My department audits, through regular visits, business performance against its mining management plan and facilitates the Mt Todd Reference Group to keep key community interest across Mt Todd issues. The reference group is made up of representatives from the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, Katherine Town Council, Pine Creek community, the Jawoyn Association and Vista Gold, as well as staff from the Charles Darwin University, Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, and my department. The reference group is intending to meet in March this year to discuss the current Wet Season activities. At this meeting, I understand Vista Gold will be discussing water treatment options to further reduce risk on-site, as well as providing an update on the exploration outcomes to date.
Vista Gold continues to make improvements to the infrastructure that allows for better management of the water on the site. I wish Vista Gold every success in its exploration program, as the decision to mine the site would be in the best interests of the Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his report this morning. There is no doubt Mt Todd is certainly going to be an ongoing challenge to ensure that there is no further contamination caused to the site. It is interesting to note that Mt Todd has Lake Todd within a 0.25 km, which is full of fingerlings which are now nice, decent-sized barra. I am wondering if the minister threw the line in when he was down there to catch a few. However, there has been no contaminant in that at all, which has been very good.
One of the serious concerns that we had when we became very aware of how bad the contamination was at Mt Todd, was: during heavy periods of rain, would there be some further damage; would there be a flow into the Ferguson River? I was wondering if the minister had any update on that because, of late, we have had heavy rain in that area with big flows. I am hoping that that has not caused any further damage at Mt Todd.
Yes, we would like to see it mined again. Yes, we would welcome it in the Katherine region – the main reason being because there is still a lot of product there; obviously, still a huge amount which you can see. It is such hard rock that it is a difficult process to mine. We would definitely like to see that open again. It is welcomed in the Katherine area. It will certainly give employment to local people. We have missed it terribly since it has been closed. Perhaps, in closing, the minister could let the House know whether the severe and very heavy rainfall that has happened has made any impact on the contamination.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, the time for ministerial reports has expired.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
MOTION
Note Paper – Ombudsman Report 2006-07
Continued from 27 November 2007.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, we note the report. We thank the Ombudsman for the excellent and very important work that is undertaken in that office. We acknowledge that there have been some concerns about the resourcing of that office in the past. Those concerns have been allayed to some degree, which is good. Members opposite may be surprised that I am saying that; it is hard, perhaps, to understand. However, we are pleased that that response has been made to a request which is of great concern, not only to the opposition but to the Territory. Therefore, that is good news.
A range of issues were touched on in the Ombudsman’s report, and we will acknowledge those issues and are pleased to note the statement and continue on. May the Ombudsman keep up the good work.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Just a few comments, Madam Speaker. Chief Minister, could you inform us when you respond to this as to what has happened to the Ombudsman’s bill. The review commenced in 2002 and, I believe, a final report was delivered to the Chief Minister in 2003. There was a draft bill that was circulated for consultation but, then, there was a new Ombudsman appointed in 2005. We are still waiting for the introduction of the revised Ombudsman’s bill. Perhaps you could tell us where we are at with that. It does provide a service that is important. The office in Alice Springs is very efficient in addressing matters that are brought to its attention. Because this was an election promise, and it seems to be so long ago, 2002, that the review commenced, perhaps you can give us an update as to where this new bill is.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I welcome the Ombudsman’s report. It is always a good report to read. The media always like the Ombudsman’s report. If they have a bad news day, they can always pick up the Ombudsman’s report and put in some interesting stories.
Just reading the introduction to the Ombudsman’s report, it highlights some of the changes that have occurred since we have had a new Ombudsman. One of the things that need highlighting in the parliament is the hard work they have done in putting in processes within departments to try to reduce the number of complaints going directly to the Ombudsman. Having those processes in place has improved the efficiency of the Ombudsman’s Office.
Even though there appears to be some reduction in the number of complaints they have had to deal with, at the Estimates Committee the Ombudsman complained about the lack of resources preventing her office from doing its job properly. One of the reasons they needed more resources was to help with education, specifically for remote areas. One thing that is very important is getting out to the people to tell them that the Ombudsman’s Office does exist and it is there for their benefit. I imagine a lot of people on remote communities probably think even the word ‘ombudsman’ is very strange in the first place. What their understanding of this particular office is and how it can benefit them is an important undertaking for the Ombudsman. I hope that the Ombudsman’s Office has the resources to ensure it can fulfil that function.
Together with the member for Braitling, I wonder what has happened, as I thought they were going to rewrite the amendments to the Ombudsman (Northern Territory) Act. On page 8 of the report it said:
I am not sure whether we are getting an amended act or a new act, but it certainly has taken a long time - probably as long as the whistleblowers’ legislation, another important part of trying to keep an open and transparent government.
Going through some of the cases the Ombudsman raised, I was concerned about a couple in relation to prisoners’ rights. One case detailed how little chance some prisoners have to use the phone in a Darwin Correctional Services establishment. When you looked at the number of prisoners and the time each prisoner was allowed to use the phone, it was obvious some people were missing out. Regardless of whether people think prisoners should not have many rights, prisoners also have families and those families are an important part of how we deal with prisoners. Prisoners eventually get out of gaol, and they need to keep up their relationship with their family. One important way to achieve that is to have contact with the family even when they are inside. Therefore, it was a concern to find out that there were not sufficient phones for all the prisoners to use if there was a heavy demand. It is good to see that something has been done to change that situation.
There was another case that also concerned me, in relation to rehabilitation or treatment intervention programs for either maximum security or remand prisoners. As you know, remand prisoners are prisoners who have not gone to court yet. It is concerning that some of those programs are not available to those people. The Ombudsman said:
I am interested to see what ensues from that.
There are certainly some other interesting cases throughout this report. I note, when looking at some of the figures here in relation to which departments or bodies get the most complaints, police get a fair number of complaints by a long way. However, the Ombudsman has set up a system of dealing with those complaints which, I gather from years gone past, has improved the efficiency of how those complaints are dealt with. In fact, if you look at the records of how quickly most offences are dealt with, now it is much faster than it has been over the years.
Looking down at the list, here is local government. It is always interesting to see how many local government councils have complaints, but the department actually had more complaints than the councils. That was interesting. It gives you a good indication of which departments or organisations that serve the community have the most complaints. Planning and Infrastructure is another one that gets a reasonable number of complaints, along with Corrections, Heath and Community Services and, as I said before, the police.
Overall, what we are seeing with the Ombudsman now is a change where departments are dealing with some of these issues. Regarding the number of complaints, for instance, that Power and Water used to have, the numbers have substantially reduced since some of these programs were put in place. I am looking for the figure, but it is quite a remarkable difference. In fact, the Ombudsman said:
Obviously, there is certainly change for the better with the way complaints are being handled and that is all for the benefit of Territorians. We should not underestimate the importance of the Ombudsman’s Office. It is, in many ways, the last resort for people who feel they have a justified complaint against a government body - whether it is Commonwealth, Territory or local. We should ensure the office does have adequate finances to ensure that it can continue to carry out its role. I certainly believe part of that role is spreading the word out to those remote communities to people a long way from the main centres. We should ensure there is adequate finance to ensure the Ombudsman’s Office can do its job in those areas, along with its normal job of handling complaints.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I thank the Ombudsman for her report. It is, indeed, a comprehensive report which serves to illustrate the critical role the Ombudsman does play. It is pleasing to note that the number of complaints has declined in recent years.
In the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, there were two complaints detailed in the Ombudsman’s report with regard to the delivery of services by the department. The first complaint was in regard to building expectations. This complaint arose as a result of a claim lodged against the Home Building Certification Fund administered by the Territory Insurance Office, alleging water damage due to the ingress of moisture resulting from peeling paint on the external walls.
Claims are assessed in accordance with established process in both TIO and the Building Advisory Services Branch of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Following an assessment of the claim, the Building Advisory Services Branch concluded that any damage which had resulted from the ingress of moisture was as a result of the peeling paint which, in turn, was directly related to a lack of maintenance. On that basis, as there was no evidence of non-compliance with the Building Code of Australia, the claim was not supported.
The complainant was advised of the right of appeal to the Director of Building Control. The complainant duly lodged an appeal with the Director of Building Control. The appeal was dealt with by the Director in accordance with policy and procedures adopted for the processing of such claims. Following a review of the claim, the Director of Building Control determined that the original decision by Building Advisory Services Branch was appropriate and, accordingly, did not uphold the appeal. The complainant was formally notified of the decision by the Director of Building Control.
The complainant, following the decision of the Director of Building Control, referred the matter to the Ombudsman. I am pleased to advise that the Ombudsman concluded:
The decision indicates that the department and the Director of Building Control handled this matter in accordance with appropriate procedure.
The second complaint was in regard to an MVR issue of mistaken identity. This complaint arose when a customer alleged that MVR had mistakenly registered the wrong vehicle when the complainant attempted to transfer her new vehicle into her name and pay the registration fee. On 11 August 2006, the customer attended MVR and wanted to transfer a Honda CRV into their name. At that time, the customer was advised that the Honda CRV was already registered in her name, and the customer paid the six months’ registration. On 18 August 2006, the same customer sold a Holden Commodore that was registered in their name, and the Commodore was transferred into the new customer’s name.
In January 2007, the customer received a traffic infringement notice in relation to the Honda CRV for driving an unregistered vehicle. The customer then became aware that the registration sticker affixed to her Honda CRV was for the Holden Commodore she had previously owned, and that the six months’ registration she had paid for on 11 August 2006 was for the Holden Commodore and not the Honda CRV. It is unusual that a customer places an incorrect registration label on their vehicle, as the label clearly indicates the numberplate and the make of the car, particularly when stamp duty is payable.
On 11 January 2007, the customer attended MVR and transferred and registered the Honda CRV into her name and was required to pay, in accordance with legislation, stamp duty on the Honda CRV. It is important to note that, in August 2006, stamp duty had not been paid on this particular vehicle. To ensure the Honda CRV was correctly registered, the customer paid the stamp duty and then took action with the Ombudsman’s Office. MVR acknowledged during the investigative process that it must share the responsibility for the incorrectly registered vehicle and refunded the total registration fee. MVR has reviewed its processes, based on the recommendations of the Ombudsman and, while this was an error on both parts, MVR is committed to ongoing evaluation and training to ensure staff offer the best possible service to customers.
Madam Speaker, that is picking up on the main points that the Ombudsman raised in relation to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. It is certainly pleasing to note that the government has increased resources to the Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring the Ombudsman can meet all requirements of her functions.
I have occasion to meet the Ombudsman at various functions, and I know that she is a woman who is actively engaged in the Territory community and, obviously, pursues her important role with enormous professionalism. It is often heartening, as a minister, to know that we have a robust system such as the Ombudsman’s Office in place. It provides that extra level of scrutiny to the operations of government to ensure that the client, the resident out there - whether they are a business person or a mum in the suburbs - have somewhere to go to really test whether they have been dealt with fairly by the relevant government agency. I wholeheartedly thank the Ombudsman and her staff for their hard and dedicated work.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I speak to the Ombudsman’s 2006-07 Annual Report, and concur with honourable members about what an important role the Ombudsman plays in our Westminster system of government.
The primary role of the Ombudsman is twofold: first, to receive and investigate complaints from members of the public who feel they have been treated unfairly or inappropriately by Northern Territory government agencies, statutory authorities or local government councils; and second, to receive and investigate complaints about the conduct of members of the police force. In dealing with these complaints in accordance with the legislation, the Ombudsman can investigate the administrative actions, decisions, practices and procedures of the entity that is subject to the complaint.
The Ombudsman also has the legislative power to provide recommendations to resolve complaints or improve administrative practices. The Ombudsman, thereby, provides an essential role in ensuring equity and transparency in both the making of administrative decisions and investigating police conduct. Government remains committed to supporting the discharge of duties by the Office of the Ombudsman.
In this annual report, the Ombudsman set out that the intent of the report was to inform the Legislative Assembly about the grievances expressed by Territorians as well as the operation of the Ombudsman during the reporting period. In order to provide the Legislative Assembly with a detailed response to the annual report, each minister will address issues raised by the Ombudsman which are specific to their portfolios.
As Chief Minister and minister responsible for the Ombudsman, it is my intent to give you an overall understanding of the achievements and challenges faced by the Ombudsman’s Office for the period 2006-07. I, however, note at this point there were no complaints regarding the Department of the Chief Minister.
I am also the minister for Police. The police do a difficult job. They are in the front lines. The Ombudsman received 322 complaints against police this year compared to 313 the previous year. The majority of complaints were investigated by the police – 269 – leaving the Ombudsman to look into 53 complaints. I note the time taken by the Ombudsman to investigate these complaints has improved significantly over the last two years. I also note the Ombudsman is pleased with the significant reduction in complaints needing oversight by the Joint Review Committee; that nearly half of all complaints were resolved through the complaints resolution process; and that 15% of all complaints were finalised without the need for them to be referred to police to investigate or respond to. They were either found to have no substance, discontinued or resolved expeditiously.
Complaints to the Ombudsman have been in decline since the 2004-05 reporting period. The Ombudsman advised that the decline corresponds to the work being done with agencies in establishing the benefits of responsive complaints management systems. Preventative action is always far preferable to a cure, and I commend the Ombudsman for this preventative work.
Whilst the Ombudsman, elsewhere in the report, set out details of some very serious complaints about how they were resolved, the report is not all about brickbats. I join the Ombudsman in commending Power and Water and NT Housing for:
This investment has had significant results with complaints dropping over a two-year period for Power and Water from 58 to six, and for Northern Territory Housing from 76 to only nine. That is a tremendous improvement. Obviously, NT Housing has really lifted their game, I suppose, in service delivery and, for that level of reduction, the agency is to be commended, along with Power and Water which has also seen a significant reduction in complaints.
There are also bouquets for the Department of Corporate and Information Services. DCIS introduced new procurement procedures in March 2006. The government’s procurement processes are designed to be open and transparent and to ensure Territorians get best value for their money. I know from my previous portfolio responsibilities that the procurement process can be a real source of contention in the private sector, and that it has been the source of many complaints to the Ombudsman in previous years.
It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to advise honourable members that during the reporting period the Ombudsman did not receive one single complaint about procurement. Further, the Ombudsman said:
Well done to DCIS and all the staff in that agency. It really is quite significant. I have been a minister for DCIS during my time in the House, and managing procurement is always contentious because, for every government tender that goes out, there are always more losers than there are winners. Some of these tenders are very complicated. Therefore, for the agency to have received no complaints in regard to their tendering process in that reporting period is a huge testimony to the changes that have been put in place. That really is a significant result. Well done to DCIS.
During the reporting period, the Ombudsman took on additional responsibility for auditing the Northern Territory Police Force’s use of surveillance devices and telecommunications interceptions and access. Whilst I have no doubts that police need to access these devices, checks and balances are also necessary to ensure that the systems are not abused. The Ombudsman most adequately carries out this audit function.
The Ombudsman also noted her involvement in developing new Ombudsman legislation. It has been a long and sometimes quite arduous process to develop the new legislation, but I am confident the effort has been worth it. I look forward to introducing the bill later this year, which will strengthen further open, transparent and accountable government.
I would like to mention a couple of specific case studies. Each year, I read with interest the case studies provided by the Ombudsman. These case studies give us a clearer understanding of the practicalities faced by the Ombudsman in resolving complaints associated with vital government services. A review of the case studies shows that a varied number of outcomes and solutions were reached with the assistance of the Ombudsman. Changes of procedure, the recruitment of new staff, the development of new programs and the supply of sufficient equipment by government agencies, statutory authorities and local governments are but some of the solutions used to reach resolutions to complaints. In facilitating the resolution of complaints, the Ombudsman’s Office has set about cementing systemic changes to address the very reason for the complaints. This will assure sustainable outcomes.
I now turn to the statistical aspects of the Ombudsman’s Annual Report. There was some concern from the opposition last year regarding the reasons for the decline in people approaching the office. I have already spoken about the continuing decline being a result of concerted education by the Ombudsman. This education effort is ensuring that all government departments are aware of the benefits of establishing a responsive complaints management system. Through the development of well-structured, transparent, and stakeholder responsive complaints and dispute resolution processes, more complaints are being dealt with satisfactorily by agencies. This results in fewer complaints to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s Office rightly sees this as one of its most significant achievements for the reporting period.
In the reporting year, there were 1613 approaches to the Ombudsman. Approaches are made up of all the inquiries and complaints received by the Ombudsman. Inquiries alone accounted for 1307 or 81% of approaches. Nett inquiries - defined as inquiries less those that become cases - made up 1093, or 83% of 1307 total inquiries. Of the nett inquiries, 52% or 568 were out of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction. In the case of out-of-jurisdiction inquiries, further information would have been provided to the complainant regarding the most suitable avenue for the inquiry. Of the remaining 525 nett inquiries, 262, or 24% of the total number, related to general Northern Territory government agencies with complaints by prisoners accounting for 14% or 150 of the total nett inquiries. Of the total 1307 inquiries, 774 translated to actual complaints, down 12% from the previous year. Of these complaints, a further 310 were referred back to the agency for direct resolution and the Ombudsman took no further part in resolving the complaint. Of the remaining 464 complaints actioned by the Ombudsman, 69% or 322 concerned police and 31 complaints, or 7% of total complaints, came from prisoners.
The primary issue of complaints against government agencies were customer service, whilst the primary issue for prisoners was their rights or, indeed, lack of them.
I turn now to the financial aspects of the Ombudsman’s report. During the Assembly debate of 2005-06, a great deal of discussion centred on the funding of the Ombudsman in order for that office to carry out its functions to the best of its ability. I am, therefore, pleased to announce that, during the 2006-07 year, the Ombudsman operated with a surplus of $104 000. The total budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2006-07 was $2.2m. Expenses for the same period were $2.09m, leading to a surplus of $104 000. With a surplus of $104 000, less the sum of $64 000 which is being held over for an upgrade of the case management system, there is still an operating surplus of $40 000. I believe this to be indicative of the continuing commitment of the government in our support of the Office of the Ombudsman.
In conclusion, I commend the work of the Ombudsman in raising awareness amongst government agencies about the necessity for a responsive, client-focused complaints resolution process. I thank, on behalf of all members of this Assembly, the Ombudsman and her staff for their work with agencies to ensure that a greater number of complaints are dealt with in an expedient manner to ensure a more responsive, open and transparent government service.
On behalf of all members, Madam Speaker, I speak as a local member now; that the Ombudsman does provide a fantastic service. All of us, as MLAs, from time to time go as far as we can in trying to resolve constituent issues. To be able to refer constituents to the Ombudsman when we cannot assist any further is of great benefit to us, as local members. To the Ombudsman and her office, on behalf of local members, thank you for your ongoing good service to the people of the Northern Territory.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
Continued from 27 November 2007.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the opposition notes the report.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, the Remuneration Tribunal provides a very important service to the citizens of the Northern Territory and also to this parliament and all 25 members of parliament. I thank the tribunal for their work and, also, on behalf of government, note their report.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
Continued from 29 November 2007
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the opposition notes the report.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, government also notes the report; one of the transparent reporting processes of this Assembly dealing with entitlements of members. It is out there for the public to see. On behalf of government, I note the report.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, in a comparatively small but rapidly growing and nationally significant jurisdiction such as the Northern Territory, a focus on infrastructure is an absolute necessity to develop our economy, improve employment opportunities, encourage growth, deliver services to Territorians, and improve their quality of life now and for future generations.
When infrastructure spending is high and growing by both government and the private sector, confidence is also high and the economy is healthy and growing. This Territory government has contributed to the economic growth of the past five years by stimulating investment in infrastructure, both directly through the government’s capital works program and by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, as you know, infrastructure has been a priority of this government since coming to power. In 2001, the previous government provided capital works cash that was lower than the projects revoting into 2001-02. This meant that there was no capacity to undertake new capital projects. At that time, the cash to program ratio was 51%, compared to this government’s 63% in 2007-08.
Since 2001, we have spent a total of $3.3bn on infrastructure. In 2007-08, we expect our infrastructure spend to be $645m, which is $281m higher than the previous government’s estimate in its last budget. This equates to an increase of around 13% per annum. The Territory government’s infrastructure program has not only contributed to improved services to all Territorians, but also the strong economic growth we have seen over the past five years.
I now turn to the economic forecasts and their effect on our infrastructure requirements. Access Economics is predicting that the Territory’s economy will be 26% larger in 2011-12 than it was in 2006-07, with average annual economic growth of 4.8%, compared with 3.7% nationally. The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced last month that Darwin had recorded the lowest Consumer Price Index rise of all the capital cities. This easing of inflation is encouraging news for our economy and is the fourth consecutive decline of the inflation rate for Darwin at a time when it is growing nationally. As Treasurer, I give the undertaking that the Henderson government will continue to manage the economy responsibly to ensure benefits flow to Territory families.
The Territory’s inflation-adjusted exports per capita are forecast to increase by an average of 5.8% over the same period. Access is also forecasting that population growth to 2011-12 will average around 1.8% per annum, compared to the national average of 1.4%. These high levels of economic and population growth will need to be supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure over the next decade. In addition, if the Territory is to maximise the benefits from the international minerals and resources boom, we need to ensure that strategic investments in infrastructure continue over the coming years to ensure cost-effective access to export markets. Our proximity to Asia is a key competitive advantage for the Territory and one that we need to continually develop - and we are committed to doing so.
Yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition stated that the Access Economics’ report painted a bleak picture for the future of the Northern Territory economy. This is simply not the case and I quote from the report:
If we are to further develop Darwin Port as a conduit between Australia and Asia, further investment and infrastructure will be required, by both the Territory and Australian governments, and by the private sector. We are vigorously promoting the Territory’s needs in the COAG infrastructure working group and to Infrastructure Australia to ensure the Territory receives both recognition and funding.
This investment in infrastructure will also be required to support our existing and growing community and industrial base. The release of residential land at Bellamack, Berrimah Farm and Mt John Valley in Alice Springs, in addition to the ongoing release of land at Lyons and Larapinta, will assist in addressing the demand for residential land in the Territory. This is designed to moderate the strong growth in land and house prices, and is a key part of encouraging more population growth.
A contract was recently awarded to local company, Sitzler, for $1.2m to conduct the headworks to service the first stage of the Mt John development, and $7m has been provided in the 2007-08 Budget to construct the headworks for the suburb of Bellamack. The government has also progressed the planning, development and release of strategic industrial land to grow industry in and around the Darwin Business Park and Middle Arm. This has provided the opportunity for new industrial and commercial developments that are needed to support our economic growth.
For industry and residential development to grow, it is essential to have access to reliable water supplies. Darwin’s current demand for water is about 39 000 mL a year, with Darwin River Dam able to provide 40 000 mL a year. The Water Infrastructure Project involves raising the Darwin River Dam wall by about 1.3 m, which will provide an additional 9000 mL a year, an increase in capacity of just under 20%.
For electricity, the first generator from Stage 1 of the Weddell power station project is due to come on-line in late February 2008. The new power station will add 30% capacity to the Darwin/Katherine interconnected power system. Already on-site and in position is the generator, gas turbine, transformer, water tanks, gas skid and switch yard. A second generator is due for completion in 2008 and, within five years, a third generator will be constructed at a total cost of $127m.
Strong increases in the Territory minerals and resources sector over the past three to four years are expected to continue. Since the completion of the South Australia/Northern Territory rail connection in late 2003, there has been increasing utilisation of rail transport by onshore mining operations in the Territory, and in adjoining states, with connections to the Darwin Port. This is predicted to continue to grow strongly over the next decade. This growth will need to be supported and stimulated by appropriate infrastructure at the right time. A key component of the minerals and resources growth we have already experienced is the current level of onshore gas production that is producing significant exports to Asia. There is strong potential for more such onshore investment and exports. Overall, this vital minerals and resources economic activity in the Territory is set to increase significantly in future years and we are already making, and will continue to make, a significant contribution to the national economy.
The government is committed to ensuring that this is recognised at a national and international level. The Territory’s infrastructure program includes expenditure on constructing new assets, along with upgrading and maintaining existing assets. Under the strong direction of the government’s Construction Agency, this results in a multitude of contracts with the construction industry on a number of levels that creates employment, investment and economic growth. It provides work for the large multinational construction companies, through to the individual subcontractor. The focus in recent years has been on ensuring the mix between the contract sizes has been appropriate and targeted at those areas where capacity in the industry exists. This focus is continually being fine-tuned to ensure that each year’s infrastructure program can be delivered for the benefit of all Territorians, and to support our economic growth. It is now acknowledged that the construction industry is currently fully occupied. The private construction activity around Darwin alone is evidence of this. For this reason the government aims to align its capital works program with the industry’s ability, and to provide earlier indications of future projects.
However, as I mentioned earlier, the Territory is still a developing economy and, as such, requires significant ongoing investment in infrastructure to ensure our services and facilities are comparable with the rest of Australia. This is an important component in supporting our existing population and attracting and retaining the skills we need. To do this, we need the Australian government to contribute. There are some key examples of this and, with the recent change in the federal government, I am even more confident of that contribution in the future. Both governments have already recognised the need for additional appropriate housing in the bush and, to this end, a $893m program over four years will commence in 2008-09.
Territory Labor is committed to closing the gap of indigenous disadvantage. Our efforts to improve housing and related infrastructure in remote areas will do much in this respect. Estimates of the remote housing shortfall are now as high as $2.3bn. That figure is indicative of the chronic overcrowding experienced by many households across the Territory. It equates to a demand for around 5000 new homes and a significant maintenance component. Some see this as a daunting prospect.
This government recognises the enormous opportunity that the task at hand represents. Over the next five years, we will invest $100m over and above our existing commitments for remote housing. We have also committed $42m for housing for government employees under Closing the Gap. This will underpin the delivery of important services in remote indigenous communities. Our Closing the Gap investment is on top of the $14.5m spend for government employee housing this financial year, $4m of which will be invested in housing for police in remote communities.
The Territory’s investment feeds into an agreement struck with the Commonwealth in September of last year that will see almost $950m invested in housing and housing-related initiatives in the bush over the next few years. Housing is the most critical construction task for this government. Through housing investment we can improve health, education, employment and safety outcomes for the indigenous people living in our remote communities.
Our remote housing reform agenda will underpin the creation of new markets in indigenous communities. It will be a source of sustainable economic development for those townships and entire regions. Housing management and capital investment on this scale will help to power regional economies. We can kick-start new labour markets. This will come through apprenticeships and employment in the building sector, long-term jobs through the maintenance of housing stock, and also through the expansion of a public housing framework to remote areas.
The remote housing agenda goes hand-in-hand with the reforms to local government across the Territory where new economies of scale will see sustained employment and investment in trades training. Our investments in remote housing and infrastructure will deliver better livelihoods and more sustainable economies for people in the bush.
Since 2001, there has been a focus on improving service delivery to Territorians. This has resulted in the provision of additional infrastructure to support our growing community and improve our quality of life. Education has seen a significant improvement in facilities with a total new major capital works of $135m from 2002-03 to 2007-08. This includes middle years infrastructure spending of around $45m.
Health facilities have also been greatly enhanced with new services at Royal Darwin Hospital including the birthing centre and the hospice, ongoing upgrades at Alice Springs Hospital, and new and improved health clinics around the Territory. Total new major works provided for the health services since 2002-03 are $72m.
Roads have also been a focus for this government. With the Territory’s remoteness, our road network is essential for people who live and work in the Territory, as well as for our tourism industry. With only 23% of our road network sealed, investment in our roads is critical to build the Territory. Already the new Commonwealth government has committed to investing $386m in Northern Territory roads. This, along with the record roads funding commitment of the Henderson government, shows the new era of cooperation is paying off.
There is no better example of this than the Tiger Brennan Drive project. I have announced, with Damien Hale, a $6.5m contract for the first stage, with works to commence in April. This follows the ALP doubling its commitment and putting $74m towards Tiger Brennan Drive. Combined, this project is now valued at $110m, and it will significantly reduce travel times between Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area. The project also promotes Darwin as a major hub for future imports and exports from Australia. The extension of Tiger Brennan Drive will have a significant impact on freight through improving efficiency and reliability of road freight to the port.
The new Territory roads capital works program has increased from $28.5m in 2001-02 to $57m in 2007-08, a 100% increase. In addition, annual repairs and maintenance expenditure has increased from $25m to $42m in 2007-08. Significant roads include: Tiger Brennan Drive, Mereenie Loop, Litchfield Loop, Cox Peninsula Road, Port Keats Road, and the Tanami Road. Other significant projects of this government include the Leanyer Water Park, the Desert Knowledge Precinct, the football stadium and the netball courts at Marrara.
This year will see the opening of a Darwin convention centre, which is expected to increase tourism expenditure by more than $193m over the next 20 years, and increase economic growth by $139m. The total waterfront project is expected to generate some $350m in economic growth. The waterfront is a great investment in the future of Darwin. It is being built over a 15-year period, establishes Darwin as Australia’s gateway to Asia, and is being delivered in partnership with the private sector. It is a glowing example of government’s ability to leverage private sector investment in the Territory.
The government’s investment of $149m will deliver the community infrastructure elements - the Darwin convention centre and the wave lagoon. A total of $900m, or 86% of the development, is being funded by private sector developers for construction of hotels, restaurants and apartments. Combined, more than $100bn is being invested into the Territory, its future, and its people through this project.
The government is also working on a 10-year infrastructure strategy that will further identify and align all the key infrastructure projects that we need to deliver to keep our community and economy strong, identify the associated funding and, very importantly, provide an indication to the construction industry of the projects that may arise in the future. This will facilitate long-term planning in both the private and the public sectors. Developments like the Waterfront Precinct in Darwin and the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs allow government investment to provide leverage for private sector investment for the benefit of all Territorians.
Madam Speaker, in looking forward, this government will continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure the service delivery needs of Territorians are met as we grow. We are also committed to enhancing our already great lifestyle. We are increasing expenditure on necessary infrastructure to support and stimulate our growing community and economic growth, and we are working effectively with the Australian government to ensure their contribution also increases. Under this government, the future of infrastructure in the Territory is bright, and so is the future of the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Debate suspended.
TABLED PAPER
Daly Electorate Office Relocation
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, yesterday during Question Time the member for Katherine asked a question of the Chief Minister relating to the member for Daly’s electorate office. I said that I would table further information. I do so now regarding his office.
Mrs Miller: Thank you.
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, we welcome the statement on Territory infrastructure for the future; it is timely and very important. As anyone would know, particularly when we are talking about it in this context, infrastructure for the building of a Territory, a state, or a nation is built around a vision, a central plan. That is what we want to see when we are looking at a report on all the interesting things that are happening around the place. I find that element of it missing in some regards; there is no central message. It is a report of a whole lot of interesting things, most of which are not new.
I sense that the government is sensitive at the moment with regards to the economy. They seized on my comments yesterday and twisted them, as usual, and tried to amplify a message that I never actually delivered. I will say clearly at the start that there is a high level of confidence in the Territory community at this point; that the economy is growing and healthy. Those things are self-evident. I saw the front page of the NT News as good news. Right you are to hold that up, but not right to couch that in terms of ‘you guys over there did all that’.
You have a part to play; you are in the driver’s seat at this time. You have done certain things which I have not held back on acknowledging at times. However, there are other aspects of the story that only the opposition can talk about because you are more often than not stuck on the spin cycle, so that you only see that which is favourable and positive to reinforce a view of yourselves in the community. You need to get over yourselves and get back onto the central game here. You have the opportunity to build the Territory, that is the main game. It is not focus polling or attacks over a trip to Taiwan and dressing that up as something colossal.
If you want to have a mature and sensible discussion about my trip, there are many important things that came out of that engagement with Taiwan, which will continue, not only with Taiwan, if you can get over not wanting to score a couple of points and getting your mate to write a couple of articles. I am quite proud to be called ‘Taiwan Terry’, if you want to keep it up, because I can see an opportunity there, however, I am not locked into that as the only place. I am seeing that as an opportunity to understand a changing world, particularly with the Territory and Australia being one country that has bucked the trend, largely because of its relationship to Chinese and Indian markets; since it is their demands for resources that have driven and bolstered the Territory and the country.
If we do not understand China, if we do not understand the changing dynamics within the region, we will be left flat-footed. We are in a location, strategically placed, where we can take advantage. There are some very smart people out there analysing the ebb and the flow of the dynamics within our region, and we need to do that. That is one of the reasons why I have engaged Taiwan.
It does not mean I am not interested in China. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who seeks to understand the region will endeavour to understand China; first by getting an understanding of Taiwan because that is the key to getting a better understanding of those geopolitical and economic issues that are emerging within the region. These issues will bear a strong influence on the Northern Territory, both currently and into the future. We already receive much investment indirectly from Taiwan, as we do from China. China is quite up-front and talks openly about the dealings that it has with this part of the world. Not so with Taiwan. They are not trumpeting their position. However, some of the deals that have been signed most recently with Taiwan have been greater than the well-proclaimed and advertised deals that were signed with China, which directly affect Woodside. If we understand those bigger issues and that dynamic as Western Australia …
Ms Martin: Have you been cutting deals with countries and Woodside?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: I misheard that. However, Queensland and Western Australia have both understood the need to strategically place themselves in a certain way in different markets within the regions, both in mainland China and Taiwan. One area that they have been particularly able to capitalise on is an investment into education. The number of students and skilled workers who are coming with very attractive visa arrangements from this area are bearing great fruit in Queensland and Western Australia.
However, I digress. The issue that has troubled the Treasurer and the Chief Minister is that I quoted from Access Economics - and I quoted one aspect of it. I do not know whether the government members have read it or you have a spin factory and only hear the spin. There are other sides of the story, and it is not terrible. I am not saying that it is the worst news out but, to have a balanced view on these things, there is something contained in the Access Economics report that also needs to be talked about. You do not need to be that defensive about such things. People think that things are going all right in the Territory, but Access Economics points out that there are potholes. It states here:
That has been spoken of before. Major projects and infrastructure have had a very positive impact on the economic circumstances of the Northern Territory but, at this point, there is no other major infrastructure project on the horizon ...
Ms Lawrie: Yes, there is.
Mr MILLS: That is what they refer to. As a result of that transition from where we are now to the next stage – it is not saying that it will not be one. I do not see the waterfront as being the major infrastructure project; it is a different category. It is an important project; it makes a significant contribution to the Territory economy in many different ways. However, we are talking about major infrastructure projects. That is what the Access Economics report states. That is all I referred to. It is a pothole; it is reflected in the statistics and that is a matter that, perhaps, this ministerial statement is endeavouring to address. I am not sure.
In a broader view, in the Access Economics …
Ms Lawrie: See the next sentence.
Mr MILLS: You will have your shot in a minute. You are the one who sometimes gets very concerned about people talking whilst you are speaking. Anyway, you run your own show.
I also made comment yesterday just to correct - I need to say this because they got themselves off on the wrong foot. I said our eggs are all in the China basket. That is significant. The Access Economics report indicates that it is because of China that we are enjoying this strength in our economy now. It says that there are changes going on in the US, as we are very well aware of but, fortunately, we are buffered by the fact that we are strongly connected to China and that region, including India as well. Therefore, provided things go well in China, we will be okay now - 2008 looks strong. That is another message from them. You were a bit excited yesterday. I was even told that I needed to table this and someone even suggested I was lying. Not the case - just relax and read the report and it is fine.
There are a couple of other things that were also mentioned in the Territory Economic Review which are important. I am pleased to see that inflation has softened slightly in the Territory, but it is projected to increase. That is a concern, but we will do what we can with that. I am very concerned that today’s figures from ABS indicate that unemployment has increased. That is another aspect of infrastructure in the Territory.
There are two elements to infrastructure and two factors that can moderate inflation pressures. They are both related to infrastructure but in different ways. One is the physical infrastructure of projects that increase the wealth-generating capacity of the economy. They are things like dams, bridges, roads, schools, hospitals and the like - those sorts of projects, as well as the major projects like gas and oil and so on. They are the big projects, the physical projects, and we need that tied to a vision of where we are going. Second, the other type of infrastructure is the human resources – it is the investment in training, so you increase the capacity of your community to participate and be involved in the opportunities that are presented in the Northern Territory at this time of strong economic growth. It is those two areas we need to consider if we are worried about inflation, and it is those matters that need to be attended to in the longer term with a strategic plan. That is the matter of economic forecast.
The report covers all the good things that are happening, but I guess it takes an opposition to point out there are some other aspects of this. There are some risks ahead – I had a briefing this morning through the Chamber of Commerce. There are some risks ahead, but we do not get any sense of risk here; it is only all this good stuff that is happening. There is good stuff happening, but there is an element of risk that we need to prepare against. Some of those risks I have just spoken about. There was a report only the other day in The Australian which indicated that the Northern Territory has reduced its expenditure investment in training, if I recall correctly, by 7%. If we are talking about infrastructure, that is the most important infrastructure. That is an investment in the capacity of people to be participants in the opportunities that we are presented with.
The other important piece of infrastructure that is required –you will probably say it is complex and I am simplifying it. Maybe you can say that, but that is usually said by someone who cannot see a way through it. I can see, at this point, that the Territory has a magnificent opportunity. There has to be a solution to this basic problem. For anyone who has a unit or wants to rent a place, you do not have any trouble renting it and you receive extraordinarily high rents. It is frightening to think, for a young professional couple, how much of their income goes on rent. Think of the stories of the number of people who cannot find a place. People are phoning up and trying to get ahead of the queue and so on. Then, even further back, are those who simply count themselves out of the game.
For a place that has so much land, surely there can be a solution that allows more land to be released in a manner that reduces the heat in the marketplace. We should not have the most expensive rents, nor should we have any impediments to people settling down in the Northern Territory. We should take the reverse approach as far as possible with a long-term plan and get ahead of the game. You have mentioned, predictably, Bellamack, Berrimah Farm, Mt John Valley and so on, and used words like ‘ongoing’ and so on. However, we do not have the details of when this is going to occur, when the first house will be made available, how much it will cost and, beyond that, what the strategic and long-term plan is. We seem to be filling in holes around the place, but there does not seem to be an aggressive plan beyond the here and now; it is reactionary. We have plenty of land.
This would be the time when you could attract many new professionals, young people who are going to invest in the Territory and dream of a future in the Territory with their kids. This is the time for you to make a place for them. There has to be room for them in the Territory. We can solve the problem, I am sure, with the right kind of leadership and the right attitude behind it. At a time when all around the country there are highly-educated, skilled people locked out of the housing market, we could make houses available here by releasing more land and taking the heat out of the market for a long-term view, a long-term investment.
We have heard this hysteria, I call it, when this was talked about last year. You say: ‘You are going to wreck the marketplace’. Well, there are ways of doing it. Provided that you could provide the vision and the direction, then I believe you would be able to get the community with you, if they knew we had taken this on board and that we were going somewhere with it - we were going to really build the Territory by increasing that critical infrastructure.
One issue is the training, one is the basic stuff such as the schools, the roads, the bridges and the dams, and the other one is a place to live. If we cannot get those issues sorted out, all the rest is window dressing and good talk.
I notice that you put in here a bit about the waterfront. I believe the government really has to front up and come clean about the waterfront. Do not get yourself too excited about this. You probably have people trained into every word I am saying so you can try to extract a sentence and then use that. It is a good project. It does make a contribution and it will, and it is important. All that is fine, however, the impression that was clearly presented to the community was that you were going to get certain things, at a certain time, at a certain cost. We are now getting less, at a different time, at an increased cost. We have not heard a lot about that.
I believe that if you were doing polling - as I know you are - you may well be getting some interesting information about the view in the Territory of the waterfront. That is perhaps why you want to pump it a little more. Forget that political aspect to it. They were told certain things, now that story has changed and the price has increased. It is time to talk about that plainly. People are getting a bit tired of the spin ...
Ms Martin: You do not like it do you, Terry?
Mr MILLS: I do not mind the waterfront. I had a look at it the other day ...
Ms Martin: Never supported it.
Mr MILLS: You try your best.
Ms Martin: It is very sad.
Mr MILLS: No, I do not mind the waterfront …
Ms Martin: No, no. It is back to the future with the support for the convention centre. I think Jodeen did better. I think you liked it more than he did - a margin.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: Just to conclude at this juncture with basic infrastructure in Palmerston. You have a community there that is unhappy with the way they have had their issues responded to. I would have liked to have seen in this statement something concrete regarding the medical facility which this government closed, that after-hours clinic …
Mr Burke: A $10m clinic – sounds pretty good to me.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: That is fine. I have seen the glossy brochures and I have heard the promises. I am only asking at this point to put on the official record something concrete such as when it is going to happen and some details so the community can recover from the offence of having the initial after-hours clinic closed. There is still this lingering sense that games were played with the Palmerston community. I still believe there is some evidence to suggest that this government deliberately closed that clinic to play a political game to their advantage. I believe that that was specifically the argument ...
Members interjecting.
Mr MILLS: You shifted the argument deliberately. I know you have some pretty ruthless operators behind the scene. You deliberately shifted the argument from your responsibility and transferred it to the federal government so that you could then develop a position of opposition to the federal government and run a case there and leave the Palmerston families out to dry so Mr Rudd could come along and save the day. In fact, it was something you shifted from your own agenda and you deliberately managed an issue at the expense of families in Palmerston who have been offended by games you played on the public in their full view …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mrs Miller: Gee, you touched a soft spot there, Leader of the Opposition.
Mr MILLS: That is right. They would not say a darn thing if that was far from the truth, but there is an element of truth in that.
You need to do a lot more to let people know that you are more than honest with the way that was managed. It was clear to see. Your language changed so that you could offload and construct a completely different paradigm for your own political ends, and leave Palmerston families out to dry ...
Mr Burke: What was your view on removing funding from the shopping centre?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Member for Brennan, cease interjecting!
Mr Burke: You have not said anything there.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Brennan! Leader of the Opposition, please continue.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
The next is the Tiger Brennan Drive project. You will probably start screaming too because, to have the project described in visionary terms - that vision has been around since before that member entered parliament. Those plans have been there for a very long time. So, has the money been sitting on the table for a very long time waiting for the Territory government to get off its backside and get on with the job? Once again, you carefully crafted this issue so that you could try to set up some warfare between the Territory and the federal governments for your own political ends.
The truth of the matter is that that money sat there and the federal government would not make the next move because you would not explain the exact cost. You had a part to play in it, but you did not play your part; all you played was the spin machine so that you could play this game politically. Families of Palmerston have had enough of that approach.
Finally, we have the final insult: the way you had the middle school project mishandled in Palmerston. There are some wonderful families in Palmerston who have borne insult upon insult with these sorts of matters. Now, we have a wonderful project that started here in Port Darwin after the Palmerston project, and the Palmerston project is still not finished.
Darwin High School started, I understand, after Palmerston and, yet, Palmerston is still not finished. I have had parents coming back from Darwin High School saying how great it is and how wonderful it looks. Even those who are critics of it are saying it looks fantastic, and I am sure it does. However, I would not mind organising a couple of buses for Palmerston families to go to have a look at it. How is it that their high school is not finished when it started before? How is it that the load has been borne by parents and students and, more importantly, teachers? You can tick it off that you have implemented it, but not in a way that has made sense of the word ‘reform’ in education.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport should visit the bus depot to find the impact there which is still filtering through. I am still getting e-mails from people who cannot even get a bus out of town or get from one school to the other. That type of infrastructure needs to be sorted out as well. There is a mess there. You can have all the glossy statements and skate over as many important matters as you like, but the community is watching and they are growing intolerant of some basic attention to detail which conveys care and respect for the responsibilities they bear as citizens.
In the broader sense, yes, the economy is growing; it is strong and we have an opportunity to capitalise on that, by ensuring that we have a clear vision and a clear plan. This government, I noticed, put an ad in one of the major papers placing a tender for a 10-year infrastructure plan. How long have you been in government for? Nearly eight years and you now put out a tender to get someone to write up your 10-year infrastructure plan. Does that mean you do not have one? Why have you done that? You now have a statement here and you are going to recruit someone from down south to draw up your infrastructure plans? What is going on here? You have to have a clear plan. Obviously, you do not have one; you put an ad in the paper to find someone to do one for you.
I know that Power and Water went to see you and said: ‘Let us sort this out. We need a long-term plan here’. ‘What a jolly good idea; let us get some forward thinking here’. You now put an ad in the paper for someone to do one for the whole Territory. Then you put out a statement to muddy the waters and create an impression which you are excellent at. That is sort of infrastructure you can build - propaganda infrastructure.
The other sort of infrastructure is an investment in training so that people are equipped. You dropped the ball on that. Another important infrastructure is to provide them a place to live. With all your talk and hysteria about protecting your own investments and your own properties, you do not want to release land so that people have a place to live. People cannot be participants in the Territory because you priced them out of the market. It is the inadequate supply putting demand out of reach of ordinary people. These are the sorts of infrastructure issues that you need to be talking about if we are really going to drive this economy forward. Also, let us see if we can get the buses sorted out in Palmerston.
Mr VATSKALIS (Essential Services): Madam Speaker, if you really spin it well you might believe your own spin, and that is what the Leader of the Opposition has done. Obviously, you have never been in Cabinet, and were not a minister in the previous CLP Cabinet, so you are unaware of some of the discussions and debates that took place then.
Unfortunately, as the Romans said: ‘What you write, remains’. There was a statement by the previous Chief Minister about the clinic in Palmerston that categorically stated that the funding would be available up to a certain time, which - surprise, surprise! - was after the election, and no funding would remain after that. The same thing applied with Tiger Brennan Drive. It does not matter how you spin it, it is not true and you know it is not true.
As for the Palmerston High School, the government allocated the money and the company was hired. It was not Cabinet’s fault that an underground river was found in the middle of a school …
Mr Mills: Oh, no, no. All I know is someone is responsible.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: It is not the government’s fault that the project did not proceed quickly. The money was allocated. The money was provided for the high school, and the high school is going to be built. Yes, it is late; we know that. However, on the other hand, it is not the minister’s fault that it rained. It is not the minister’s fault that there was a Cyclone Helen. It is not the minister’s fault that an underground river runs under the middle of a school. The fact that one school is finished and not the other - well, hello! - things like that happen. There are buildings that start at the same time and take different time lines to finish.
Anyway, this Labor government was elected in 2001 on the pledge of Building a Better Territory. Since that time, we have fulfilled that commitment comprehensively. In fact, this government has been the infrastructure government. When we came to government, the coffee shop index was very high. What is a coffee shop index? It was the number of people I know in the construction industry who were sitting in the coffee shop smoking and drinking coffee because there was no work to be done. People left the Territory and went to other states because there was no work in the Territory. They had nothing to do and could not find a job. The difference now is that they are working, because things have changed. If you take a look around the Territory you see major developments on the waterfront, on the port, in the schools, in our hospitals and in the health clinics. You can see the effects of our spending with the leveraged private industry spending. There are more cranes on the skyline today than ever. I am very proud of the high levels of expenditure on infrastructure that has been our hallmark. In fact, from 2001 until the end of this year, we will have spent $3.3bn - a historic level of expenditure. Almost each year has broken yet another record.
However, we have not just spent this money willy-nilly. Behind this massive and historic spend, there have been a number of key strategies in operation. Our infrastructure spending is targeted to achieve the following outcomes: it invests in economic drivers to allow the broadening and strengthening of our economic base; it invests in the future development of the Territory; it invests in jobs for small, medium and large contractors; and by spending across the Territory, it invests in the whole of the Territory, region by region. It is jobs, regional development, future planning, and growth that drive our infrastructure spend.
Perhaps more than elsewhere in Australia we, as a government, rely on infrastructure expenditure as a significant policy tool. That is because we are still a developing economy, growing in a rush at the moment and with many needs. Also, not only do we need to expand our infrastructure base, but because we are now sufficiently ageing we need to spend significantly on repairing and upgrading existing infrastructure.
That is why we have a repairs and maintenance spend well in excess of $130m in the general government area alone - not including Power and Water - and why, some two Budget Cabinets ago, we agreed to maintain a strong growth level in these repairs and maintenance works. That repairs and maintenance expansion has also been matched by the strategic use of minor new works. Minor new works serve to support the significant number of smaller businesses. I recall very well the first Budget Cabinet in 2001. When we went to Cabinet, the minor new works allocation for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, as it was then, was $6m for the repair of roadworks. The majority was spent by July, August, September and, for the rest of the year, there was only $100 000 left. I recall the days when the contractors, both small and large, were ringing and writing to us. I attended meetings in Palmerston and Darwin. People were desperate, and we had to actually transfer money from other areas to put $10m into roads repair and maintenance to have enough money to mow the verges of the Stuart Highway and other highways. That was how tough it was.
The difficult job has been to even out our capital works spent across a whole year. The expenditure used to be lumped very heavily in the middle of year with little spending in the Wet Season in the Top End, and the summer in the Centre. Today, I have friends asking me to give them a break over Easter and Christmas, and throughout the year. They used to complain that there was no work, now they complain that there is no time to go fishing - everybody is busy.
The investments occurring in the essential services sector is an example of all of our strategies at work at once. The government is undertaking a five-year, $814m infrastructure program that began in 2007-08. The program consists of a $592m capital projects spending, and $222m in repair and maintenance over the next five years.
The major capital projects for Palmerston, Alice Springs and the regions include:
Weddell power station to service Darwin and Palmerston - $126m;
undergrounding power in Darwin suburbs - $12.5m;
These projects are about the future of the Territory and are spread right throughout the regions, and will provide jobs, not only during the life of the projects, but throughout the future. That is good for the Territory and Territorians.
Other economic drivers that we have invested in include transport infrastructure. We have invested heavily in the port and in export-oriented linkages. We have been rebuilding the cattle and beef roads in the Territory, and we have been improving the transport routes to get people from community to community. This year alone, we will spend approximately $180m on Territory roads and national highways. That includes a $35m increase in repairs and maintenance over the next four years – a major boost.
The government has also spent considerable time and effort promoting the use of Territory mineral resources. The railway, pioneered by the previous government and brought to completion by the current government, has been instrumental in promoting these developments. The government has supplemented this effort by building bulk loading facilities and other terminal facilities that have complemented the mining effort. The bulk handling facilities alone were a $24m investment.
Let me speak just for a moment about the significant private investment that is occurring around the port and railway. Two weeks ago, I travelled to the Land Development Corporation headquarters to turn the sod for the land being developed by the Arnhem Land Progress Association. It was a great moment. I took the opportunity to have a look around at the incredible amount of construction that is occurring in this area. I urge every member to go and have a look; it is amazing. I am also proud, because I was the minister who signed the creation of the Land Development Corporation five years ago. I never believed that this development would take off the way it has. Wherever you turn, there is land sold, or big facilities being built, very close to the railway line, very close to the port.
We are also investing in social infrastructure. Every member would be aware of the investment in the rebuilding of our schools that is occurring across the Territory. This has been a hallmark of this government. Between 2001 and the middle of 2007, we have spent or committed $271m in capital works, minor new works and repairs and maintenance for employment, education and training facilities. This was prior to Closing the Gap. With the addition of the millions of dollars of education infrastructure from the program, the figure now is above the $300m mark.
In my own electorate, Alawa and Nakara Primary Schools have been upgraded for the first time since they were built. Alawa and Nakara, in the electorate of Casuarina, had two ministers in the previous CLP government – Nick Dondas and Peter Adamson. They did not put a cent in to upgrade those two schools. Apart from the occasional painting, no money was seriously spent at those schools, and certainly …
Mrs Miller: They built them though, didn’t they?
Mr VATSKALIS: Sorry?
Mrs Miller: They did build them.
Ms Lawrie: We inherited rundown infrastructure everywhere.
Mr VATSKALIS: They built them in 1974 and 1973, and the first upgrade took place in 2002-03, some 30 years later. Of course, the Casuarina Secondary College has now been transformed.
Throughout the Territory, schools across the bush have been built and significantly upgraded. This government has built or upgraded more schools in the last six years than any other six-year period, except in the early days of post self-government.
Health infrastructure has also been a focus of the government. The Royal Darwin Hospital, also in my electorate, has been upgraded, and will be upgraded as my colleague, the member for Johnston, highlighted in answering a question before. The Alice Springs Hospital has been virtually rebuilt. Across the Territory, health clinics have been and are being upgraded. A lot has been done but more needs to be done.
The proposals under Closing the Gap will see significant building projects right across the Territory. Creating Darwin’s Future will also see significant infrastructure works around our CBD. We spend significant infrastructure developing land for new housing, with $7m to be spent on Bellamack subdivision, and $1.5m spent on Mt John Valley in Alice Springs, and the Berrimah Farm will probably cost us about $7m to $9m.
Infrastructure spending has also been made in support of our lifestyle. This year alone, allocations include $3m for the new East Arm fishing jetty; $6m for the development of Myilly Park; and $4.8m for the new netball facilities, not to mention the football/soccer stadium and the grandstand in Alice Springs – great facilities. I am looking forward to seeing people sitting in a newly built grandstand, watching the football in Alice Springs.
There is new infrastructure in place at the Hidden Valley racecourse. I am very proud of the many achievements of this government, but I must admit I am particularly proud of the infrastructure programs that we have in place. I believe history will see that this government was, indeed, a government that built a better Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to the minister’s statement on Territory infrastructure for the future.
Mrs BRAHAM: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Ring the bells. A quorum is present. Member for Katherine, please resume.
Mrs MILLER: Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to the minister’s statement on Territory infrastructure for the future. I read the statement last night and expected to find something new in it - a new announcement - but I did not find that at all. I found an echo, though. An echo, as you well know, is something that has been heard time and time again. There is no doubt that there is a lot of activity happening in Darwin with the construction of multistorey units appearing around the CBD area. That is good for people who are investing, and serviced apartments are certainly on the list of requirements for our tourism industry. In the past couple of years, the lack of beds available in Darwin during the Darwin Cup Carnival prevented quite a number of people from coming to experience our very popular major event. I welcome the additional beds.
What I do not welcome, and I certainly do not want to see, is Darwin turn into another Gold Coast, with a skyline filled with high-rise apartments any more than this government has already allowed to happen. I certainly hope that you have the vision, albeit too late, to do something about retaining what we all cherish - and you talk about it all the time - which is our fantastic lifestyle. Make sure it stays here. It is a phrase that you are only too ready to use at every opportunity. Do not turn us into another Gold Coast. We do not need it, we are different, and we need to be able to develop while retaining the uniqueness that people have always come here for. That takes vision. I would like to say that I believe you have it but, unfortunately, I do not think you have.
My colleague, the Leader of the Opposition, has responded very adequately on infrastructure, especially in the Top End. I would like to focus my remarks on the regional and remote areas. Your statement, minister, focused mainly on infrastructure spending in and around Darwin. I want to focus on housing infrastructure and, most importantly, housing in the remote areas ...
Ms Lawrie: You missed that $900m.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: I saw the line.
As the minister said in her statement, there is a significant shortfall of housing in remote communities - estimated as high as $2.3bn. With so much social disadvantage being recognised and acknowledged in remote communities causing untold social hardship, it is imperative that this area is addressed as quickly as possible. Without adequate housing, we are going to have very limited success in trying to reduce the social disadvantages that urgently need to be addressed. Even with the assistance of the federal government, trying to close the gap on $2.3bn of housing is going to take some time. Let us be realistic; we are not the only area. We are not the only state or territory that will be asking for significant funds to assist in remote housing shortages. The whole of Australia is in the same situation. The argument that comes from the Northern Territory has to be a very strong one, and it has to be put with a lot of force by the minister when she meets her federal colleagues.
One of the biggest problems has been to provide housing that is suitable for the climate, location and requirements of each community. There has been a litany of errors over decades of housing that proved to be entirely unsuitable and, therefore, in most instances, has not done much to reduce the shortage. In fact, we are in a situation where much of that housing now should be replaced, in addition to the construction of new houses. It is one step forward and two steps back. I remember listening to the former Minister for Housing, the member for Barkly, deliver a speech in this House – I think it was some time last year - where he outlined a grim picture of remote housing that was still going to be a huge problem a decade from now unless there was very significant funding put into housing by all levels of government over a not-too-lengthy period of time to address the shortage. It was not a very pretty picture.
Since that time, there has been the Little Children are Sacred report, the federal intervention, this government announcing Closing the Gap and, just yesterday, both sides of federal government and both sides of the NT Legislative Assembly agreeing to work in partnership to address indigenous disadvantage. Now comes the hard work of putting those well-meant words into meaningful outcomes.
There have been many problems with the types of housing that has been established in remote communities. I place on the Parliamentary Record an idea that has come from two Katherine businesses - Power Projects and AJL Holdings. They have both had dealings with remote communities for many years and have seen for themselves what does not work and what could. From both of these businesses, people approached me last year with an idea that they had been working on for some time to address the shortage of housing in remote communities. Their proposal included the important components of price, durability, functionality, solar power, traineeships, and capacity to build and deliver to site and erect in a short time frame with construction year round.
The design that I saw last year was an appropriate five-bedroom home with a large living area, verandahs and fittings that were easy to maintain. A lot of work had been put into this proposal, with the design and engineering completed last year. The fact that the cost was significantly less than the current style of building on communities made this idea very appealing. I was also very attracted to the proposal that at least 30% of the employment on this construction project would be indigenous workers. People from each community would be brought into Katherine to work on the construction of these houses under a traineeship scheme, and then those same trainees would have the responsibility to maintain the houses on their communities after their training was completed. These people would be trained tradespersons and hold positions giving them meaningful work with appropriate pay. Is that not what we are all aiming for in this House? I am sure that it is, because that is what we said yesterday, and I assume that we meant it and it was not just words.
I know that the former minister has been briefed on this proposal several times. I am also aware that there have been ongoing communications with his department but, to date, there has not been a decision made by this government. There are many positive aspects to this proposal. This government has the opportunity to show Katherine they do understand the importance of regional development and support it. This scheme will provide ongoing employment for local businesses with an anticipated 50 people employed at a purpose-built factory with 30% of those workers being indigenous. It would support builders and tradespeople who understand what the requirements are in communities. It would train local and remote indigenous workers. It is cost-effective; it is quicker than any other project I have seen.
In other words, it would take three weeks from the time of the beginning of the construction of the building until it can be constructed on a community - and that includes laying the concrete slab. That is during the Dry Season. The building would be ongoing in Katherine right throughout the 12 months, even when the roads are impassable. Once the roads are opened, these building packs would be transported to the communities where they are needed and constructed by those workers who have had their training in Katherine under the guidance of skilled tradespeople, and would be up in a very short period of time.
We know there is an urgent and critical need for housing. I am asking government to please look at this proposal with an open mind to the benefits that it offers for housing in indigenous communities, as well as providing much-needed employment in the Katherine region. It is a win/win for everybody. Do not close your mind to it just because I am talking about it. I know that there is that political bias that you just cannot accept that anyone in opposition can actually know anything about anything - only government members know everything. Well, if you want to take this on and have this as your own, I will be delighted if you do. It will be very unfortunate for those people who are living under present untenable conditions if this government does not look at this proposal with an open mind to the advantages it offers. I challenge you to do that.
As the minister said in her statement, the figure of $2.3bn is indicative of the chronic overcrowding experienced by many households across the Territory. It equates to a demand for around 5000 new homes and a significant maintenance component. Some see this as a daunting prospect, and that is what you said in your statement. The interesting thing is that I believe that you are only planning to build 1000 in the next five years. Is that right, Madam Deputy Speaker? Through you, I am asking the minister if she could respond to that. That is 1000. Therefore, if you have 5000 new homes that you need now, plus a significant maintenance component, and it is going to take you five years to build 5000 under your plan, why would you not look at something that is going to be far more practical and at a better price? It makes sense to me.
I am going to watch with much interest to see how serious this government takes genuine proposals from long-term, experienced Territory business people to help overcome the chronic situation in our remote communities. Let us not talk the talk any more - I am tired of it and I am sure most people are – let us walk the walk.
Madam Deputy Speaker, my portfolio responsibilities also include roads. The minister has echoed again in this statement saying significant roads include Tiger Brennan Drive, Mereenie Loop, Litchfield Loop, Cox Peninsula Road, Port Keats Road and the Tanami Road. Yes, and they sure are significant roads! However, it is an echo I have heard resounding many times these past couple of years – and the minister will probably sound off quite well to me when she makes her response, as I expect her to - but they still are not done.
She will blame, as she always does, everybody but herself. However, the minister knows that I know she is playing games because she forfeited funding for the Tanami Road that ended up going to Western Australia because she could not convince her Cabinet of the importance of the Tanami Road to business in Central Australia. She also did not get it right with the submission to the federal government for Tiger Brennan Drive which started out at $27.3m in 2003. Then, when she realised she had not put in the correct drawings, to save face she sat on it, blamed the federal government for it, and has now come out proclaiming that she, Kevin Rudd and Damien Hale have announced the project worth $110m. It is now five years later. Whoopee! It is costing taxpayers for your stubbornness, minister, in not providing updated drawings to the federal government when you were asked to in 2004-05 …
Ms Lawrie: Wrong. It is only three …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: By you saying ‘wrong’, you are actually telling a minister who told me this that he is a liar - that is what you are saying.
Ms Lawrie: Wrong, wrong.
Mrs MILLER: You really are the queen of political spin minister. You would do anything to save face and I can hear it for myself right now ...
Ms Lawrie: Do not tell me you believe what Jim Lloyd said.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: You should be apologising to the people who use Tiger Brennan Drive for stretching out that project unnecessarily. There are many other roads that also deserve consideration, and they include the Central Arnhem Road from Katherine to Nhulunbuy, the only access from Darwin. There is plenty of communication from disgruntled people on that road about its condition which has been received by your department over several years.
The minister has also been lobbied heavily about a bridge that has not been mentioned in the minister’s statement. That is the Daly River Crossing, which has over 4000 people cut off on the northern side for approximately seven months of the year. I believe the new minister Knight promised that at the last election. Is that right, minister?
Mr Knight: Yes, and it is going to be delivered.
Mrs MILLER: When will you deliver on that promise? You promised it.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: You promised it. As I said earlier, this statement covers a lot that has already been said in this Assembly before. I would like to hear the minister’s next statement talk about what has been completed in roads and bridge infrastructure, and what positive steps have been taken towards supporting regional development in the Northern Territory - we need another minister for Katherine - with the construction of remote housing. As I am sure most Territorians will too …
Mr Knight: What do you reckon infrastructure is?
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: Finally, minister, can you tell me how many employees are based in Katherine in your infrastructure services department - this is current - and how many employees were in your department in Katherine in 2000? The answer, if you can and will provide it, will indicate just how seriously your government takes infrastructure in the Katherine region.
Mr KIELY (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Deputy Speaker, as we have heard, this government has and will continue to make significant investment in infrastructure to ensure our economic growth continues. Our parks and reserves, natural resources and heritage assets are unique and instrumental in attracting visitors to the Territory. Since 2005-06, this government has allocated more than $26m to infrastructure programs for the Territory’s 88 parks and reserves to ensure our natural resources are well protected.
That funding also ensures appropriate infrastructure is in place for the ongoing management and research into our natural resources. It is also vital that the right infrastructure is in place to ensure our heritage sites are properly preserved and protected. Since 2005-06, this government has increased its injection of funding for these areas to ensure Territorians and visitors have the best possible access to our natural and cultural attractions. In 2006-07, more than three million people visited our parks and reserves. They are the jewel in the Territory’s crown and are arguably the most popular attraction for tourists to the Territory.
Our parks and reserves are also recreational playgrounds for Territorians. Since 2005-06, we have spent $1m on the construction of a boat ramp for direct river access at the Gregory National Park. In 2007-08, we committed an extra $80 000 for repair and maintenance work at Gregory National Park, including repairs to water mains at the historical Bullita Homestead. This is the largest park managed by Parks and Wildlife services at around 13 000 km.
We have also spent more than $1m at the Channel Point Coastal Reserve to improve infrastructure, including a boat launching facility, campground, road, visitor parking facilities and interpretive displays. We have also invested in the construction of a ranger office and accommodation along with secure storage facilities at the Channel Point Coastal Reserve. This government will spend a further $419 000 this financial year towards completing the project. When completed, more than $1.4m will have been spent on the Channel Point Coastal Reserve to enhance the enjoyment for Territorians and visitors.
This government also has significantly invested in West MacDonnell National Park, west of Alice Springs. Over the past two years, we have spent more than $1.5m. This iconic park includes parts of the world-renowned 223 km long Larapinta Walking Trail, and attracts many tourism visitors each year. We are currently upgrading and expanding visitor facilities to include additional shade shelters, ranger and tour guide presentation areas, ablution facilities, expanded car park and campgrounds.
Other significant infrastructure spending on our parks and reserves from 2002 to 2008 has been the Arltunga Historical Reserve east of Alice Springs where $138 000 was allocated for stonemasonry works to preserve the culturally significant buildings that were once the site of the gold mining boom in Central Australia.
In 2007-08, this government allocated $1.4m to upgrade infrastructure in one of our most popular attractions, Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine. The upgrade not only improves the facilities of the park, but increases visitor safety, with the new pedestrian crossover between the first and second gorge expected to be completed by mid-2008. The park attracts 230 000 visitors each year. The crossover upgrade will provide easier access for visitors so that they can see more of the park. The upgrade also includes the construction of a walking path and platform at the Jawoyn rock art site to safely accommodate 60 people at a time.
Other parks and reserves in the Katherine region to benefit from this government’s increased spending in infrastructure include the Elsey National Park, which has received more than $85 000 to repair the thermal pools boardwalk, visitor facilities, repairing the toilets at Mulurark campground, and upgrading the hot water services at Jalmurark campground. The Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park received $32 000 to repair the cave’s lights.
In 2007-08, interpretive signage was replaced in numerous parks across the Territory. At Palm Valley in Central Australia, the campground facilities were upgraded. At Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, Douglas Hot Springs near Katherine, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve construction of new toilets commenced. Those three projects cost almost $1m - money well spent to enhance the visitor experience. We spent $1.3m to improve shade shelters within the campgrounds at Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, installed water tanks at Limmen National Park and upgraded the toilet facilities. A ranger station was established at Middle Point for the Adelaide River National Park, and emergency call devices were installed in Nitmiluk National Park and Edith Falls, improving visitor safety for the two areas.
Other areas under my portfolio to benefit from this government’s commitment to improving infrastructure include the Mary River wetlands saltwater intrusion control program. Almost $1.5m has been invested into this project by the Territory Labor government since 2005-06. The project involves the construction and upgrading of weirs for saltwater intrusion control in the Mary River wetlands catchment, which covers an area of 810 000 km. It is a highly productive area which supports multiple land uses, as well as providing habitat to a large range of wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, magpie geese and barramundi. Until recently, the Wet Season run-off from the river’s catchment emptied into extensive lowland and floodplains which are dissected by deep unconnected billabongs and braided channels. The floodplains and billabongs are separated from the sea by a series of parallel, narrow, sandy chenier ridges, which are a legacy of the receding shoreline over the last 6000 years. The creation of weirs, spillways and barrages to prevent the saltwater intrusion has greatly helped the regeneration of the wetlands.
In 2007-08, this government spent $184 000 on repairs and maintenance to the heritage listed Cape Don lighthouse complex, which includes the lighthouse, three residences and ancillary buildings. This complex was listed on the Territory’s Heritage Register in 1996. It was the first manned lighthouse complex, built by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service, during 1915 to 1920, with the first light exhibited on 15 September 1917. The lighthouse is an early example of reinforced concrete tower construction, as opposed to the then generally used blockhouse form. Concrete towers did not become common until after 1960. The complex was associated with increased shipping into Darwin during World War I. A radar station was located near the complex in World War II. The lighthouse was manned until July 1983.
The Leanyer Recreation Park is hugely popular with locals, and a great place for kids to cool down and have fun. In 2007-08, we allocated $162 000 for repairs to water play equipment and soft fall around the pool area. We also spent $170 000 to replace the rainforest boardwalk and insulation of soft fall to the children’s playground at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens; $50 000 was allocated to the upgraded storage facility at the Herbarium in Palmerston; and $200 000 to upgrade Bushfire NT’s offices in Batchelor.
The ongoing construction, infrastructure maintenance and future planning to improve our 88 parks and reserves is a challenge, but something that we are wholeheartedly focused on. We will continue to provide better infrastructure to ensure Territorians continue to enjoy a unique lifestyle and access to our natural and cultural assets.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, this government is very fortunate that it is able to have such a strong infrastructure program, thanks to the benevolence of the Commonwealth government. There is no doubt, if the government invests in infrastructure then it helps private enterprise to react and we have a strong economy, even though the federal Treasurer or the Reserve Bank keep telling us not to overstimulate the economy.
What the minister has presented in the statement is interesting, but I find it a bit of a mish-mash of dollars being spent without any clear definition of what they are going to do. For instance, housing is one of those very important things that we all know the bush needs. It is great the government is putting so much money into housing. There are many contractors out there who are happy with what they have heard from the government, but they will say to you that there is a shortage of skilled workers, apprentices and trainees. The government should also be putting a lot more emphasis on trying to get skilled workers to do these programs.
I was a little confused and, perhaps, the minister can clarify this for me when she responds. On page 14, she said:
I am not sure whether she means that is included in the figure of $893m or not. She said:
I would like to know what the budget is for this year and next year in regard to housing - which money is federal, which money is NT - so we can at least get a plan of where we are going with this housing program.
There is no doubt we all agree it is good; however, it is confusing the way it is presented in the statement. I would like to have some clarification of what is going to be spent each financial year. It is good for the industry out there to know also what is coming up. Is it worthwhile for them to be investing and bringing up more people from south to help build these houses? Is it worthwhile investing in accommodation? Let us have something a little clearer so we can see what exactly is going on rather than these big dollar figures that are bandied around.
Yes, there has been some good private investment going on in Darwin and in Alice Springs. The Quest Apartments in Alice is one example, and the latest redevelopment where people are looking ahead to build accommodation. At the moment, we do seem to have many Commonwealth public servants tying up a lot of the beds in the motels/hotels and apartments. Obviously, the need for accommodation in Alice is great. We have the Masters Games coming up, clashing also with the Transport Hall of Fame conference, and we know we have an accommodation problem. Therefore, anything we can do to stimulate the economy and investment in Alice Springs or more building, then that is good.
I notice also, minister, you talked about road funding. I raised this probably about 12 months ago. I am talking about the Mereenie Loop Road, the Namatjira-Larapinta extension. There is still a small section of 4 km that is unsealed on that loop. It is due to the CLC blocking access to gravel pits. I know I raised this about 12 months ago, but it still has not been resolved. Although the traditional owners have said, ‘Yes, we will allow access’ as they see the financial benefits, there is still this blocking by CLC. I do not know whether the legislation needs to be changed so that government and people who work on the roads deal direct with traditional owners rather than go through CLC. There is a problem there as you have this road which is nearly completed with a strip that is still unsealed. Let us face it, accidents and damage to vehicles occur on our bush roads. If you are going to build all these houses out in the bush, how are you going to get all of these materials out there, if we do not have good roads? Roads are definitely so important for people living in remote communities. They are not all sealed, we know that. Minister, could you get back to me on why we still have this blocking by the CLC of access to the gravel pits which is why we cannot finish this section of road?
Is there a need for changes to the legislation? There has to be a mechanism whereby we can deal directly with the traditional owners, rather than go through this strange process we have at the moment, so that the benefits will come back for the traditional owners as well as for the contractors on the road, people who actually use the road and government, so that they can say ‘Yes, it has been completed’. That is one of the sticking points at the moment that I would like to have clarification on.
You talked about Desert Knowledge. You should also have acknowledged in your statement that it is not only Northern Territory money, it is Commonwealth money as well, and ensure that is acknowledged, because that will be a great program - not so much the building but what will go on in that building. There is a great incentive there for a lot of research, training, and things that will help the centre in the future.
Another thing I also wanted to mention was the land release that you talked about. When I went out to the end of Albrecht Drive the other day, there did not seem to be anything happening at the Larapinta Drive development, although I know it was bought by a Darwin firm. I am not quite sure what the hold-up is because there is a great shortage of reasonably priced homes in Alice Springs. The Mt John area that you talked about will not be cheap; it will not be homes for the low-income person. There is no public housing on it. What we really need is to have more homes in Alice Springs built for those young families, first homebuyers, but also the people on middle income who cannot afford the high prices of housing.
Minister, it might also be a time for you to be looking at the level for HomeNorth. I think it is pegged at $240 000 for Alice Springs. Perhaps we need to review that so that people can borrow to buy houses which are more in keeping with the prices that they are advertised for, and also at a fixed interest rate. I guess there is a certain amount of insecurity out there in the marketplace about what is going to happen to interest rates. If I was a young person or a young family buying a home at the moment, I would be worried about the variable interest rate loan. I would be looking at something fixed for a few years at least.
You talked about vision the government should have. I have said it is really good that government stimulates the economy by investing. However, you talked about the Darwin River Dam and that you are going to look at raising the level. Would it not be more common sense to build another dam so that you at least have that additional supply of water? I am confused. I have to admit this morning when I drove in, that I have not driven in that sort of rain for years. I probably delayed the traffic because I was doing about 50 km/h because I could not believe the amount of rain that was coming down on top of me. It was incredible that Darwin has such a large amount of water. Why do you not look to the future and build another dam? I may be wrong, but I just thought so much rain …
Mr Natt: Lumps and bumps.
Mrs BRAHAM: Is that the trouble? We envy you because you have such an abundance of rain. We always have to think ahead for future generations. Minister, if you could give me breakdown on those questions that I have asked, I would appreciate that.
In addition, it was 25 years ago when I first opened Sadadeen Primary School as a new school. We also opened Larapinta Primary School. So it is not only this government which has built schools; the previous government also built schools. Ongoing maintenance is always a problem, but I guess schools will tell you that they are always scratching trying to find additional monies. I am pleased to see the contract has been let for additional airconditioning at Braitling Primary School, which is good. However, if you could clarify those queries for me, I would appreciate that.
Mr BONSON (Sport and Recreation): Madam Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on infrastructure delivered by my colleague, the Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. We all recognise the phenomenal economic growth the Territory has experienced in recent years. As a long-term Territorian born and bred, I have seen the landscape of Darwin change. I am pleased that this has affected many Territorians, particularly Darwinites, in a very positive way. The evidence of that is no more obvious than right here in Darwin, which has undergone a construction boom in recent years. Our construction industry is currently fully extended.
As Sport minister, I will focus on some of the significant progress this government has made in building and upgrading our sporting infrastructure. An anecdotal story that I have is of a friend that I grew up with in the Territory. We played sport and got around together. He has a Masters Degree in Building. He is now the building manager of a $160m project. The single biggest issue that he has is the capacity to get workers - and skilled workers, which we all know is a legacy of underfunding in training left by the former Howard government. However, the reality is that that is his biggest complaint. In other words, he is paying top dollar, he is selling units, his business is going well, but it could be going even better. That is good news for the people of the Territory and it is a good forecast for what is going to happen into the future. It is probably the biggest single private project happening in the Northern Territory right now.
Investing in sports infrastructure is a sound investment in the future of sport in the Territory. The Territory’s strong economic expansion and growing population makes investing in infrastructure of all kinds a priority. Investing in infrastructure is vital to our delivery of improved services to the bush and promoting increased growth in our urban areas. Strategic investment in sports infrastructure pays dividends for the Territory in a number of ways.
Territorians love their sport and outdoor lifestyle. The Territory is a great place to live, and our perfect weather lends itself to kicking a footy in the local park or getting out into the back yard with the kids for a game of cricket.
This government is intent on building on our already high participation rates in both organised recreation and organised sport. As a government, we want to do more to get Territorians involved in physical activity and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. I have said before that sport is a vital part of the social fabric of our community, and anyone who has lived here for any period of time can attest to this.
The Northern Territory government makes the second-highest investment per capita to sport and recreation in Australia, and I cannot wait to knock that off and be proudly announcing that we are No 1. In the last three years alone, the government has invested nearly $21m in the construction or upgrading of sporting and recreational facilities. Improved sporting and recreational facilities not only benefits grassroots Territory sports, it also helps attract high-quality national and international events.
In many cases, we have inherited tired, dated or run-down sporting infrastructures from the previous government. Take the case of TIO Stadium. It required a major capital injection before either the AFL or Cricket Australia would consider matches in Darwin. Thanks to a $2.5m investment, TIO Stadium received a major upgrade to its playing surface, as well as enhanced player and coaching facilities. These upgrades allowed us to enter into agreements with the AFL and Cricket Australia to bring the cream of their teams to Darwin.
Tomorrow night, for example, the Western Bulldogs meet the North Melbourne Kangaroos in a NAB Cup fixture at TIO Stadium. I take this opportunity to invite all members to attend that function. We will get many hundreds of Territorians coming in to meet the players and coaches and to hear about the great things that this government is doing in sport and recreation. It is a fantastic initiative of previous Sports ministers. Without the upgrade of the TIO Stadium, the $420 000 three-year tripartite deal involving the Western Bulldogs, the AFL and the NT government would not have been possible.
This week, Cricket Australia and the NT government announced a second five-year agreement to bring more international cricket to Darwin. People may have seen me wearing the baggy green hat and the Australian one day match guernsey with a cricket bat facing Cricket Australia’s Mike Brown. I said: ‘Look, I cannot wait to face Ricky Ponting in the batting nets and bowl against Brett Lee’. Of course, I said that tongue in cheek. However, if I get that opportunity I definitely will face Brett Lee.
This would not have been possible without our strategic investment in TIO Stadium. Additionally, this second five-year agreement will see $3.1m invested in a much-needed upgrade in Territory cricket facilities: $3m will be pumped into improved grassroots facilities with another $100 000 going to upgrade practice wickets at TIO Stadium to international standards. This is a great deal, not only because it benefits both international and grassroots cricket, but because the NT government’s $2.1m commitment unlocked a $1m investment from Cricket Australia.
Major sports events do not only produce social benefits but also generate significant economic benefits for the Territory. Take last year’s Arafura Games. There were 3000 international and interstate participants who spent 10 days in the Top End. The economic spin-offs were enormous. Money from those 3000 visitors was spent in areas like accommodation, entertainment, tourism and arts and crafts.
I had an opportunity to travel to Brunei for the Heads of Delegations meeting for the Arafura Games and it was fantastic to see countries like the Philippines with 100 million people, Indonesia with 250 million people, Macau, and Malaysia represented. We are talking hundreds of millions of people being represented at these Heads of Delegations meetings. I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm to attend these great games. We will be working with them to improve the standard of the games and the quality of service to athletes.
The same can be said about the Masters Games in Alice Springs which attracts thousands of people from across the nation. In fact, with this year’s Masters Games nearing we have already seen accommodation at near full capacity in Alice Springs. The sheer numbers of people travelling to Alice Springs for this event is fantastic. One of the organisers mentioned to me there were around 670 people from the Alice Springs area who will be volunteering their time. Of course, many of them are senior Territorians. I am looking forward to having an opportunity to participate at some level in some games in the Masters Games. Maybe I am showing my age there. We must not underestimate the value of these events to our community.
As I mentioned earlier, since 2005 we have poured $21m into sport infrastructure in the Territory. I would like to highlight some of the more significant infrastructure investments this government has delivered for sport and recreation in recent years. The $10m Palmerston Recreation Centre was an initiative under the Palmerston Partnership Agreement to provide a new sporting and recreation option to the Palmerston residents. I know the members for Brennan and Drysdale were enthusiastic supporters of the Palmerston Recreation Centre and, as often as possible, attend the sports that occur there. I look forward to building relationships with them and the operators of the Palmerston Recreation Centre in my position as Minister for Sport and Recreation.
The Palmerston Recreation Centre was an election commitment from the government and we have delivered. What does an election commitment mean? It means that the members for Brennan and Drysdale, as candidates, and others in Palmerston were able to promote around Palmerston the fact that this Labor government was supporting this great initiative. Once elected, they were able to deliver on that promise. This is why we are in politics; we have the opportunity to put forward our conceptual ideas of what the Territory should be. I know they are very proud of this achievement.
Another election commitment honoured by this government and also completed last year was the $7.5m Darwin Football Stadium at Marrara - an unbelievable facility. Anyone who has driven past there at night when we have had games of significance occurring will tell you that it is a fantastic facility and stands out on the landscape of Marrara. I am hoping, as sports minister, to work with this government in delivering A League games and, possibly, other international training games to the Northern Territory. That is a fantastic opportunity.
I do not think anyone would disagree that we have some hard-core soccer lovers in the Territory. Or, if you want to be correct, there are some hard-core football lovers in the Territory. Delivering this stadium was the priority of this government. My colleague, the former sports minister and mad football fan, Kon Vatskalis - and before him as sports minister was Delia Lawrie - unveiled Larrakia Park with the Chairman of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Koolpinyah Richard Barnes, in July last year. The stadium opened with a bang with a great A League match between Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.
Still on the round-ball game, the government has committed $400 000 to fund lights for football training at Nakara Oval.
From soccer to motor sports. Last year, we saw $500 000 go toward upgrading lights at the Hidden Valley Go-Kart Track. The lights were officially christened last year when the member for Casuarina raced Lord Mayor, Garry Lambert, around the track.
As a government, we are also committed to developing sports opportunities for women. That is why we are about to start construction of the $4.8m netball centre at Marrara, which is another election promise. A contract is expected to be awarded next month with the construction due for completion by October this year. Once complete, the new netball centre will feature: 10 new Rebound Ace national standard netball courts; court lighting; first-class amenities; car parking; drop-off zone; and security fencing. The Top End’s netball community has long needed a first-class home base to replace the old Parap courts. I thank Helen Smith and her committee and all the volunteers involved with netball who have worked hard over the years to deliver this magnificent facility to the sports-loving fans of netball.
I honestly say to the House that I truly do believe that women’s sport is an untapped resource. Whether in urban or bush areas, I am committed to ensuring that women’s sport takes the centre stage of what we might be doing into the future.
As a government, we are also aware of how critical sport is to the people of Central Australia. This is why we have made such a strong commitment to Alice Springs’ premier sporting facility, Traeger Park. Since 2004, we have committed a total of $5.6m to upgrade sporting facilities at Traeger Park’s sporting complex. I went down there and saw the results of that investment. What a fantastic facility we have there. It is fantastic to see for all Central Australians
I commend the professionalism of the AFL, NTFL and the CAFL for their attitude towards this fantastic development of $5.6m to upgrade sporting facilities in Traeger Park. There is no Berrimah Line as far as I am concerned. I have travelled up and down the highway for sport from the age of about 12 years, which is longer than some people.
I have family and friends who live in Alice Springs. When I went down and saw all of the people in Alice Springs from all the different groups - youths, seniors and sports groups - they are fantastic people and they knew my background, and that I am very interested in supporting Alice Springs - $5.6m for starters.
This included construction of a new grandstand and lighting towers. The upgrade of Traeger Park has already helped secure top-level sporting fixtures for the people of Alice Springs. Good news for the people of Alice Springs! There will be a NAB Challenge Match at Traeger Park later this month, which I am hoping to attend. I can assure people that we will get a fantastic turnout down there - an absolute fantastic turnout by the people of Alice Springs supporting another NT government initiative.
The lighting towers have allowed the broadcast of AFL night games, and have also been used for Imparja Cup cricket which this government has supported. I was happy to meet with Cricket Australia and talk about the issues of cricket throughout the whole of the Territory. I am sure that I will be able to build a great relationship with Cricket Australia. The Imparja Cup is very much on the high priority list. Imparja Cup is currently under way in Alice Springs as we speak. I will be there for Saturday’s final at Traeger Park.
Staying in Alice Springs, the Northern Territory government has committed $8.1m – that is $8.1m! - in funding towards construction of an indoor aquatic centre. This blows away the myth that this government does not support Alice Springs. We love Alice Springs. We committed $8.1m in funding to the construction of an indoor aquatic centre. Funding from both the previous and the new federal government will see a $16.1m aquatic facility taking shape in Alice Springs. I will be down there, Madam Speaker. I hope to be down there with the Chief Minister turning that soil over. I will be there, with the members for Stuart and Macdonnell …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Mr BONSON: There is no doubt, as a good government, we will extend an invitation to the other members representing Central Australia because that is the type of government we are.
Madam Speaker, this a partnership between all levels of government that will produce a lasting benefit for the Alice Springs community …
Ms Carney: A lusting benefit?
Mr BONSON: A lasting benefit. Work is expected to start on the centre in March, with Stage 1 of the development scheduled to be ready for the Masters Games in October. The new centre will feature a 25 m indoor heated swimming pool. Fantastic! I saw the plans, I spoke to the representatives of all their different interest groups, and I also met with the Alice Springs council. They showed me plans for this beautiful centre with a 25 m heated swimming pool, change rooms, an area that will be used for physiotherapy, and an outdoor leisure fun pool. We are a fun government! It will be an environmentally friendly facility including solar power measures.
Other areas of the Territory have not been forgotten as the government works to improve access to sporting facilities for all Territorians. Elsewhere in Alice Springs, the government has committed $500 000 for the upgraded facilities at Ross Park for junior soccer. We have not forgotten the Red Centre’s rev heads. Some $1.2m has gone into the construction of a new drag strip …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr BONSON: When you hear the rhetoric from the other side, Madam Speaker, you understand that this government is governing for all Territorians.
A snapshot of some of our upgrades elsewhere in the NT include: $45 000 for upgrades to Gapuwiyak sports oval; a capital grant of $500 000 for the Tennant Creek Town Council, for the Purkiss Reserve oval upgrade; $35 000 for upgrades to Bulman oval; $1.1m for upgrades to flood-damaged sports facilities in Katherine; $125 000 capital grant for the Katherine Town Council to repair and upgrade netball courts damaged in the 2006 floods; $100 000 for the upgrade of sporting facilities at Canteen Creek; and $500 000 to upgrade the sports oval at Ngukurr. It just goes on and on and on.
We are proud of the investment we have made to improve Territory sport and recreational infrastructure. This government recognises the benefit of sport and active recreation for the physical, social and economical wellbeing of the Territory. This is why we are investing significantly in the infrastructure needed to boost grassroots sports and attract the best in elite level sport to the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the statement by the minister. I must say, I have never heard such a bunch of back-slapping rubbish in my life. I know I am only new …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr CONLAN: … to this parliament and I am sure my parliamentary colleagues have heard plenty of it before.
Madam Speaker, we all know what Territorians think of this government. Despite what they tell us, we know what the vibe is out there - we do.
Ms Carney: Because their bosses have told us.
Mr CONLAN: Bosses have told us, exactly. The Labor Party accused the CLP of hating things like the waterfront project and the like. They say we cannot stand it, we do not like it. What they do not understand is, it is not so much the waterfront project that we do not like, it is the approach by the Labor Party - its arrogance, its failure to govern for all Territorians. That is what gets under our skin a bit. It is the failures of this government to address law and order, its training down, its shackling the Territory with legislation, its complete failure to address indigenous affairs issues in the Northern Territory. It is ‘de-Territorising’ the Northern Territory. That is the sort of stuff that leaves us off colour. It is the token gestures and its failure to address the real issues. That is the sort of stuff that we do not like.
Despite the pluses that the waterfront might have, I am sure it is not as big on the priority list as the mother whose 15-year-old daughter was raped and bashed and, subsequently, died in Alice Springs a couple of years ago. I am sure it is not on the priority list of her family ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! We are discussing the infrastructure statement.
Mr CONLAN: I am getting to that, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Member for Greatorex, please continue.
Mr CONLAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am sure it is not on the priority list of that family, nor poor old Bobby Saunders, who travelled down from Darwin to compete in the 2006 Masters Games and, subsequently, was ripped from his car after having a snooze after a night of celebrations, and beaten to within an inch of his life and had to be airlifted to Adelaide Hospital. He is still not the same, and he never will be the same again. I am sure that things like the waterfront project, the barbecue or picnic area, the beach umbrellas, or the wave pool are not on the priority list of Bobby Saunders.
I cannot see that being on the agenda of those who are about to have an ill-conceived and badly planned and unworkable local government model shoved in their faces, or the cattlemen of the Northern Territory, who, on 13 cattle stations in the Litchfield Shire, are working under a different model to the rest of the Northern Territory. It is a bit of inequity, and demonstrates the failed model of this local government plan by the Northern Territory government.
We mentioned before the low- to middle-income earners in the Northern Territory wanting to buy a house, but are flat out trying to even stay in the rental market. I am sure they are not overly concerned about things like the waterfront project. The member for Braitling mentioned land release and affordable housing to low- to middle-income earners. It is just not on the priority list of those young Territorians trying to build a life for themselves.
I am sure the mental health carers of the Northern Territory are more concerned about the outrageous and appalling treatment of the 50-year-old mental health patient who died when he was removed from his house in Nightcliff last year. I cannot see that being on the top priority list of the mental health carers of the Northern Territory.
Or the mothers of the children who have been sexually abused and beaten in Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory, as highlighted in the Little Children are Sacred report. We saw the federal intervention as a result of the failure of this government to address issues in Aboriginal communities. I do not think that the wave pool, barbecue or picnic area or the like is really on the top priority list as indicated in the draft master plan of the Darwin City Waterfront. I do not think that is on the priority list.
What this statement does not mention is the budget blowout of the Darwin Waterfront Project; how over-budget and over-schedule it is. It is not in keeping with this government to be honest with Territorians. It is dishonesty. It is in keeping with their approach, and has been over the last six years.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the member for Greatorex to withdraw that.
Madam SPEAKER: I will allow him to continue because the way it was put I do not believe was unparliamentary. Please continue, but be careful in the way you phrase things, member for Greatorex.
Mr CONLAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The member for Millner, the minister for Sport, mentioned the state-of-the-art netball facility in Darwin, the Rebound Ace courts. Alice Springs is desperate for a resurface of their netball facility. In Alice Springs, netball is probably the biggest sport and development sport in Central Australia. The netball courts have been abandoned by this government. There is an unfinished grandstand. They gloat about the grandstand and how great it is. There is still about $1m in today’s dollars to be spent on the top level of that grandstand. They washed their hands out of it and handed it over to the Alice Springs Town Council, expecting them to pay for it. Not to mention, of course, the disrespect to the Hayes family for ripping down their name without consultation and then applying a token gesture late last year and putting a little plaque on it.
It also does not mention the complete breakdown in negotiations over the Mereenie Loop road. The member for Braitling also mentioned the 4 km they cannot negotiate. They failed in their negotiations with the Central Land Council to surface the 4 km of gravel that is required. It is the Never Ending Story 2. There was a movie in the 1980s called The Never Ending Story and this is The Never Ending Story 2. A bit like Lethal Weapons 2 - the two newly appointed ministers.
What about Central Australians who now are deprived of a minister who resides in the region? Central Australia, for the first time in 20 years since the portfolio was created in 1988 - 1988 it was created as the Minister assisting the Chief Minister for Central Australia. It was Eric Poole. Honourable members might like to do their homework and have a look at that. For 20 years, for the first time, we now have no Cabinet representation from Central Australia in the Northern Territory government. It is a shame job. Obviously, they have accepted now that they will have to wait for the CLP to regain government before any focus comes back on Central Australia. And it will happen. The CLP will regain government, and probably sooner rather than later if Labor Party polling is anything to go by.
It is very interesting that the Chief Minister professed, after he lied to the member for Fannie Bay about having the numbers and subsequently took her job …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, I ask you to withdraw that.
Mr CONLAN: What is that?
Madam SPEAKER: You are unable to say that people have lied in this House. I know that you are a new member, but you must withdraw.
Mr CONLAN: I withdraw that, Madam Speaker.
It is interesting that the Chief Minister, after he took the job from the member for Fannie Bay in rather dubious circumstances, professed that he was going to place a whole new focus on Central Australia. Members of his family lived in Alice Springs so he had a real infinity with the region. So what did he do for Central Australia in his first move as Chief Minister? He appointed the member for Daly as the new Minister for Central Australia whose operations are based out at Coolalinga. That is the new Minister for Central Australia. I invite the member for Daly, the new Minister for Central Australia, to ring my office and request a briefing on issues relating to Central Australia. I am sure you are going to need it.
What about his disgraceful comments in the Northern Territory News, Madam Speaker? It says today on page 2: ‘Certainly a discreet focus on Central Australia is warranted’. The word ‘Discreet’ in the dictionary describes as ‘maintaining silence and modest’. That is what discreet means, so it does not sound like much in a focus at all - maintaining a silence or a modest focus on Central Australia.
In one breath the Chief Minister has appeased the people of Litchfield by excluding them from this local government mess, this debacle, and, at the same time, has announced that the member for Daly will be the new Minister for Central Australia. It is an absolute joke. No disrespect to the member for Daly. He is seizing opportunities as they come his way, and good luck to him. However, the Chief Minister has just demonstrated once again a serious flaw he has in his Territory-wide view. Whenever he is asked a question on Central Australia, he is like a rabbit in the headlights.
Madam Speaker, the statement is evidence of this government’s attempt to hoodwink Territorians into thinking that they are really moving the Territory ahead. It is full of mumbo jumbo and facts and figures. However, they are really only kidding themselves and Territorians know that. Apart from all that, we welcome the statement.
Mr BURKE (Brennan): Madam Speaker, I support the statement and everything that the minister said in her statement. This government’s spending on infrastructure is considerable, and it is a credit to this government that it continues to be. Nothing will detract from that basic point.
However, I use this opportunity to raise in the Assembly my dissatisfaction with the building of the senior wing at Palmerston High School. Many people feel that the reason there were problems at Palmerston High, and not the building work that happened at Darwin High, was the lack of interest by this government.
I do not share that view at all. However, I have made it plain over a considerable period about problems that I saw in the progress of the building or, more specifically, the lack of progress in the building. I visited the site several times this year, as did the member for Drysdale - although not the member for Blain. However, let us get something straight. Whilst I am dissatisfied with the progress of it, I do not lay blame at any minister’s feet. The building project hit unforeseeable snags. It was in the hands of a private contractor who was diligently performing their duties under the contract, and there were unforeseen things that happened. No minister is responsible there.
It is not my habit to go off to the media simply to grandstand and throw mud in the hope that something will stick. I do not believe this particularly achieves anything at all. I will leave that to the Leader of the Opposition. I do not deliberately exaggerate the difficulties that have arguably arisen in the building of the Palmerston High School senior wing. It is late; it was meant to have been originally completed before the start of this year. It is not completed. It will be completed before the start of the next semester. However, there is no point exaggerating what has happened. I will leave the exaggeration and the hyperbole to the Leader of the Opposition. The building at Palmerston High has been problematic for reasons outside of the government’s control. The Leader of the Opposition knows this but chooses to ignore it.
I take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of the department of Infrastructure’s Mark Dodt as project manager. Mark is extremely capable, as he showed with the building of the Palmerston Recreation Centre. Even before that, I know he was keeping as close an eye as he possibly could on what was happening at Palmerston High. I know all involved appreciate the personal effort that he has put in throughout the course of this building work.
Cabinet members also know my consternation about the refurbishment of Palmerston High School’s existing buildings. The fact was it was not complete on the first day of this semester. It was unfortunate, and I place on the record my recognition that that is less than perfect. However, as I said, it is not my job here to exaggerate what happened. I take this opportunity to commend the teachers and students on the way they have managed this hiccup at the start of the year. I know that the school staff ensured that the students’ learning was not adversely affected and I thank the staff and students for their efforts. I also happen to know that the new school uniforms are extremely well received and well liked.
Palmerston is an incredibly fast-growing community. Farrar, Gunn, Bakewell, Rosebery, and Durack all continue to grow as new houses and units are built. Bellamack will soon add even more families to Palmerston, and I welcome the new suburb. As it takes shape it will add to the Palmerston community. I recognise that Palmerston needs extra education facilities. In my view - and it is my view - the needs of Palmerston demonstrate the requirement for an extra primary school and an extra middle school. I know, as a local member, there are things that I am not aware of; there may be discussions that I am not privy to. I understand that what we do in the public sector is dependent in part on what the non-government school sector may be considering, planning or in the process of doing. No, I am not privy to that information, nor should I be. If people want to tell me, then that is great. When I ask and they respond I take what I can learn, but I understand that I may not be aware of everything.
However, Palmerston, in my view, has the need. The extra growth in these areas, as I have outlined, will increase the pressure on the existing public facilities. I strongly believe that this is an area that requires attention. In my discussions with the Treasurer, previous Education ministers, the previous Chief Minister, and the current Chief Minister, I have advocated the requirement for the extra facilities. Whether it is at Rosebery or elsewhere - but Rosebery is the most logical at this stage - it is needed.
Another area of infrastructure that requires attention, obviously, is the public transport infrastructure and school buses. I have been speaking with bus users about how the timetable suits their needs. As members and Cabinet are aware, many people in Palmerston feel it needs improvement to better match their needs. There are gaps that leave Palmerston residents at the interchange, having got off one bus and waiting for the next. I know that the timetable is already under review because these comments have been coming back to the department and government, not only through me and the member for Drysdale and others, but directly from the people of Palmerston.
One area that has received particular media attention of late is the school buses. I understand already there has been action in relation to that. In relation to Palmerston High School, it occurred to me that there has already been significant reorganisation with the way kids are dropped off and picked up at the school by public buses. At the moment, at the end of the day the buses currently, as I understand it, leave the school and go to the interchange where students then catch other buses to their suburbs. A possible investigation for improvement would be to have the buses leave the school to immediately commence the suburb run. Many of the students live throughout Palmerston; it is too far to walk. It would avoid the delay that happens at the interchanges and reduce the number of students at the interchange, having got off the bus from the high school and, then, waiting for the next bus to take them out to the Palmerston suburbs or, indeed, further afield. I believe that is something that could be looked at.
I was extremely happy when federal Labor announced it would meet the commitment to 50% of the cost of the Tiger Brennan Drive bypass project. I was also relieved when, some weeks later, the Country Liberal Party candidate did the same thing, notwithstanding the stonewalling and prevarication in the months prior to the election of the Labor federal government. As I said to many Palmerston residents at the time, if you have both parties promising it, it is a bit hard for either of them to go back, no matter who wins. I saw it as a pretty good guarantee for Palmerston. Indeed, we have already seen announcements by the new member for Solomon, Damien Hale, and the federal minister meeting with the Territory minister, looking to progress this issue as quickly as possible. I congratulate all involved for that.
I have a schematic on my shopfront window of the project, if anyone is interested in looking at it. I know it generates a lot of interest, and I recommend that the Leader of the Opposition get one up on his window, because I am sure many people who go to Oasis shopping centre would love to see it there as well. I have had a few residents come in and say to me that they have attempted to look on the Internet to try to find the same picture that I have up on my window and have not been able to do so. Though I am no real whiz with the Internet, when I have gone to look on the department’s website, I have not been able to find it. Therefore, I ask that perhaps the department - if it is there, I apologise - make it easier to find and, if it is not there, I suggest that it be put on the departmental website to assist people. In this age of telecommunications, which now are faster - thanks to the Telstra announcement recently - people will access the Internet to try to access this information.
My colleague, the minister for Sport, mentioned the Palmerston Recreation Centre. It is a significant investment in the Palmerston community. It was a government promise, and it was delivered. Any government that manages to deliver on its promise, I believe, deserves congratulations. It is being well used by the community. The minister for Sport mentioned the number of times I and the member for Drysdale might attend. Well, I am there quite regularly. I go there in an effort, as part of my New Year’s resolution, to get fit. I am there quite often with other residents of Palmerston using the facilities, which are of international standard. This was proved when the Palmerston Tang Soo Do group held an international tournament at the recreation centre. There were extremely positive comments regarding the centre from those who had come from far away.
The YMCA Drop-in Centre is another part of the community infrastructure of Palmerston. I congratulate the Northern Territory government for stepping in when the federal government pulled all its funding. They did not tell anyone it was going to do this; they actually had to find out by going on to the website, looking to see whether it had been renewed, and found that it had not. The Northern Territory government already funded the YMCA program but upped its funding to cover the shortfall that this had caused.
I am still waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to say anything about the short-sighted nature of the Liberal federal government’s decision in doing this, but still have not heard anything. This is interesting, because he and Dave Tollner were on the bandwagon about youth crime at the time. It is acknowledged, as I have said in this place and elsewhere before, by police and others that the YMCA Drop-in Centre, which had been operating for some 18 years, had a considerable positive impact on the youth of the area, keeping them out of trouble and exposing them to the positive influence of people like Michael McLean.
Yet, the federal government ceased the funding. And it gets worse than that because the YMCA made it clear that, without the funding, the drop-in centre would close. Even that could not move the member for Solomon at the time, Dave Tollner, nor Senator Scullion, nor the Leader of the Opposition, as he presently is, to do anything to try to get the funding back. I am still astounded about that, but there you go. I guess it is not fashionable to actually provide some assistance in that way.
The other thing I am extremely glad to say I have been advocating for is a crossing along Chung Wah Terrace in Palmerston. It is an extremely long road, an extremely busy road, and children who live in Rosebery and want to go to Woodroffe Primary School have to cross that road without any crossing being available. I would love to have the member for Blain join me in trying to get a crossing along that road so that children who live in his electorate could safely get across the road and go to the school. I am also advocating for another crossing further up, closer to the shopping centre which is in my electorate, so I do not necessarily expect the member for Blain to support me on that one, but it would be nice. I already have the support of the member for Drysdale for those initiatives. These are, I suppose, my ideas in the grand scheme of things, but they are important. They improve the amenity of life.
This government has a proud record on infrastructure and on spending. I congratulate the minister on her statement. As I said, in relation to the high school - okay, things are not perfect, things could be improved and will be improved. However, I have heard that many children are quite happy that they got to spend 6 months at the primary school and go over for short periods of time to the high school. It is not all the doom and gloom as has been represented to the media by some members of this Assembly; that is, the Leader of the Opposition. There have been some positive outcomes, and there are some positive comments from the children themselves.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate the minister on the statement. I support the statement and the great work that this government is doing in infrastructure. Long may it continue.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Madam Speaker, I support the minister’s statement on infrastructure. I will talk specifically on areas in Alice Springs and also in my electorate of Macdonnell.
The Territory and the Commonwealth government have been jointly rolling out changes for housing delivery in nine communities in the Macdonnell region. These communities were identified by the Commonwealth under the emergency response, and they were annexed by the Commonwealth through the five-year leases. The Commonwealth government, in turn, requested that the Territory take on property and tenancy management services in line with the Territory Housing framework that we developed as the Northern Territory government. The government has put representatives out on the ground who are working closely with housing providers to make the transition into the new framework easier for people. A week-and-a-half ago, the ICHOs got together from remote Aboriginal communities and held a meeting and a two-day workshop in Alice Springs. I am told it was very informative and well attended. That is really encouraging for us, as Territorians and for this government, to have our departments get so many ICHOs from remote Aboriginal communities to talk about this new framework and how to deliver those services to indigenous communities in an appropriate way.
The work that we have done as a government in the electorate of Macdonnell will inform us as to how we engage the Territory population as well. That is a good model and a good incentive for us to continue to ensure that there are education strategies and that we are putting all the right information through to remote Aboriginal communities in order for the communities to understand what our aims and aspirations are as a government. Also, how we can move indigenous communities and the whole Territory forward to get the best possible results that we all want in good housing and better roads. As we know, roads have a huge impact on people in remote areas travelling in and out to access renal dialysis machines in Alice Springs and going out to communities for funerals. It is only appropriate that that information goes out to the communities. This government and the minister have done a wonderful job in ensuring that that information gets out there.
I will just talk about projects the Northern Territory government has in Alice Springs that are either construction or upgrades. It totals up to $71.2m and some of these include, without putting figures on them: the Flynn Drive Renal Unit upgrade; Power and Water’s Ron Goodin Power Station;Desert Peoples Centre and its administration building; the Power and Water effluent reuse to horticulture stage; Irrultja housing; outstation housing; Mereenie Loop; Namatjira Drive; Alice Springs Hospital kitchen upgrade, and the Maryvale Road. I said to the minister when I came to parliament that, for the first time, I was able to sit on 120 km/h travelling on the most beautiful road when I was going out to Titjikala for my visit with Senator Trish Crossin. Further infrastructure projects have included: the Victoria Highway; Alice Springs Hospital fire protection and airconditioning; the Quest Serviced Apartments on Gap Road in Alice Springs; and the Yeperenye Centre. Of course, I must not forget the Giles Street flats.
In the Northern Territory we have vast regional and remote areas of roads that we have to cover. We all know that we have to have support of the federal government, as it has to be done in a true partnership. We have a perfect once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of having our colleagues in federal parliament. I know the minister and our Territory government do a wonderful job in working with our colleagues to try to get extra money for the Northern Territory. We know that. That relationship is now better with our colleagues being in Canberra. That gives us a great opportunity now, with the Territory government and a Labor government in Canberra, to ensure that we forge the right relationships and work together in a joint partnership to ensure that rural and remote parts of the Territory are not forgotten in road development and infrastructure.
Through Closing the Gap and various other programs the Northern Territory government has implemented since it came into power in the Northern Territory in 2001, a huge difference has been made in remote Aboriginal communities. I am talking specifically about my electorate of Macdonnell. I have seen those changes. I have seen the changes in infrastructure and road development. I take my camera when I travel the roads in my electorate taking photos and, as soon as I come back into town, those photos are sent in to the minister, and the minister does something about it.
I am really grateful because the condition of my four-wheel drive that I travel in can actually show you what the roads are really like. I have my telephone in my car held together by one screw at the moment. It indicates that we have to work more closely together to get the results that we want. It is impossible, if the roads are bad, for the Territory government to deliver services. With the issues we have in indigenous communities with housing and the vast areas that we have to cover, costs increase the further away the communities are. We have a perfect opportunity now to work with the federal government and ensure that we deliver to regional and Aboriginal communities ...
Mr Conlan: They will be right. As long as they have the waterfront project, they will survive.
Ms ANDERSON: Of course, member for Greatorex, Alice Springs as well. I support the development and increase in infrastructure in Alice Springs as well. It really is important that we do start focusing on Alice Springs. Alice Springs is the hub town for all our remote Aboriginal communities to access. They have to come in to do all their shopping. Now, with the quarantining that is happening in remote Aboriginal communities, the roads need to be in good condition for these people in order to allow them to travel in to do the shopping at Coles or Woolies. As the member for Greatorex was saying, netball is the major sport in Alice Springs. We need to start investing in Alice Springs. Alice Springs is a beautiful town to people who live there and in Central Australia.
This year, we will have the Masters Games again. We need to bring Alice Springs’ profile back up again and ensure that we are visible in Alice Springs, and that Alice Springs is getting the same injection of funding as the Top End of the Territory is getting as well. It is a major hub for all those remote Aboriginal communities to access all the services, which mean health services, shopping and also Centrelink. It is really important, and I support the members for Greatorex, Araluen and Braitling for sticking up for Alice Springs because, at the end of the day, I am Central Australian and very proud of it.
We need to encourage tourism and to invest in and help businesses survive in Alice Springs. It is really important that we put that good look back into Alice Springs because Alice Springs is good looking. We need to ensure that we encourage growth in Alice Springs. From what I have said before, this government is encouraging growth. I know that the minister is right behind investing in Alice Springs and encouraging that growth so we grow together. It is important that the Territory grows together, and that we do not neglect one part in order to have another part of the Territory survive. It is about making the whole Territory grow together.
One of the other things that the minister has done for tourism and for growth in the Northern Territory and for Central Australia is that we have committed and spent $3.74m to the Outback Way. This has been matched by the Commonwealth. Outback Way is a project to improve the connection between Western Australia and Queensland through Alice Springs. That is really encouraging and a good initiative by this government to build the road through to Queensland. It was also allocated $10m under the Strategic Regional Roads Program for capital works along the route. The Outback Way includes the Tjukaruru/Kata Tjuta/Uluru roads, Lasseter Highway, part of Stuart Highway and the Plenty Highway which are both in my electorate. Upgrading works on the Plenty Highway, 272.8 km to 288.25 km, is under construction at the cost of $2m and was substantially completed and open to traffic in August 2007. I know the former member for Greatorex was also at that opening. The remaining $1.74m is included in the current program and will target priority works on the Tjukaruru Road or Plenty Highway. That is a really good boost for the Plenty Highway and for connecting the Territory with Queensland. That is encouraging, in allowing tourists to come through Queensland and into the Northern Territory, because economically, that boosts the Northern Territory.
The Rudd Labor government has announced that it will provide an additional $8m to upgrade the Plenty Highway, so that is extra money that will be put into improving roads and infrastructure and tourism opportunities in the Northern Territory.
Of course, I cannot finish without saying that the Papunya airstrip will be sealed. I am really proud to have the airstrip at Papunya sealed at long last. That gives us a great opportunity and it is a real good boost from this government to that community, as it allows Medivac to evacuate children at night. It takes that danger away from the Royal Flying Doctor landing at night on a dirt strip. It is not only about saving the lives of the patients, but saving the lives of those people with the Royal Flying Doctor who operate and save our lives. It is a great effort by this government and the minister.
For Engawala, also known as Alcoota, in my electorate, on the eastern Plenty Highway, there is a provision of emergency solar lighting and project funding is $35 000 in total from the Australian government. This is done in partnership with the Northern Territory government, which is really important. We must always emphasise that partnership is important, because the Northern Territory government, on its own, cannot do the work that is required for the whole of the Northern Territory. I believe that it has been great work by the Northern Territory government to boost work in remote and rural communities. I take this opportunity to thank you, minister, for bringing this statement forward to this House, and I support the statement.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I welcome the minister’s statement. I must admit, to have a headline ‘Territory Infrastructure’, is like talking about the world! It is a pretty broad brush to cover in 20 minutes, but I will do my best.
I would like to start by making a comment that I heard the minister say when the member for Katherine was saying that she did not want the skyline to look like the Gold Coast. I believe someone else said the same thing the other day. I heard the comment when I was upstairs that ‘you are against development’. That is sad, because I actually do not mind tall buildings. My gripe with this is that if you approve one of these buildings on four house blocks, there are another three lots of four house blocks right next to that. You could have wall-to-wall 33-storey buildings under your present planning law ...
Ms Lawrie: Block ratios are in front of UDAP right now – and you know it, Gerry. You know it.
Mr WOOD: That is right. All I am saying is, I believe we can do it a lot better. If we are going to have large buildings, then, the higher you go, the more open space ...
Ms Lawrie: We are.
Mr WOOD: Well, you might be saying you are, but there was an opportunity, because these were built in your time. I went to the Development Consent Authority. The bottom building might be a fantastic building, but it is so big, it is over the top of the road. I understand that makes a nice verandah, etcetera, but that is how big the building is. There is no real open space around these buildings. You know what the open space was when I went to the planning authority? The balconies. Come on! I want a tropical city, I want space. I do not mind tall buildings, but have a formula that says the higher up you go, the bigger the space around you.
Ms Lawrie: Well, you might like what you see coming back from UDAP then.
Mr WOOD: What I am saying is, I know we are in here for the argy-bargy sometimes, that is politics but, just because someone has some concerns about the way our city should look, does not necessarily mean they are anti-development.
However, talking about anti-development, I read in the minister’s statement that she wants to encourage growth and deliver services to Territorians to improve their quality of life. She also said they are stimulating investment infrastructure by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
Ms Lawrie: Coolalinga?
Mr WOOD: I have not got there yet. These higher …
A member interjecting.
Mr WOOD: How did you guess that, minister?
Well, I know; you can tell the future. What did I see today? I saw members on the other side showing the NT News ‘$5m, $5m’. Well I had to ring up the NT News and say: ‘Stop press, stop press’. If Coolalinga went ahead, this is what the headlines should have looked like: ‘Yes. Yes. An extra $5m to the economy’. But, no! The minister said: ‘No, you rural peasants out there, you shall not have any development out there in your district centre. You shall not have any more development and here are all the reasons for not having more development’. Well, well, well. Am I surprised? ‘Oh, Coolalinga will have the effect of increasing commercial and residential density in a locality which is not provided with appropriate reticulated services or community facilities’. Fancy that! Woolworths have their own sewerage system Biddlecombe built for all those shops. The power line goes right past – high voltage. It is up to the developer to provide those things, so I do not know you can knock someone back for that.
I could go through the whole lot here but there is an interesting one here. You said that, basically, the proposed commercial zone configuration will result in an increased area available for commercial development without addressing the majority of the existing commercial zoned land fronting the Stuart Highway. This configuration is likely only to exacerbate the existing traffic problems associated with the Coolalinga precinct.
That is the core of your reasons, not the other reasons which do not make any sense such as when you said there are no community facilities such as schools, recreational, medical or library services. We have Bees Creek Primary, Litchfield Christian School, the ABC Childcare Centre, the Howard Springs Primary School, and the Lutheran Primary School just behind it. We have Freds Pass recreational centre two minutes from there. We have a physiotherapist, psychologist, one doctor, and a chemist at Coolalinga, and a medical centre at Howard Springs. And you say there are no facilities there! The library has always been at Taminmin High.
The real reason you are saying is the traffic problem. I remember, even in the previous member for Goyder’s days, attending discussions about what we were going to do about the traffic issues at Coolalinga. The Department of Transport and Works, I think it might have been called then, had wonderful maps up - beautiful maps - of what we were going to do for the infrastructure for the roads around Coolalinga. There were originally going to be three traffic lights: one at Girraween, one at Henning Road and one just near the United service station. Yes? There were then revised plans, and we all talked about them again. However, nothing, except for a little landscaping - and you bought some land off Mr Edelsten in Scotland - has been done. You said - and I will repeat it - that you were stimulating investment in infrastructure by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
It is very hard for the private sector to be told that it cannot develop because of associated traffic problems at Coolalinga, when the government developed plans six years ago to do something about the traffic at Coolalinga, and nothing has happened - nothing has happened ...
Ms Lawrie: That is not true.
Mr WOOD: Well, all right. You bought the land off Mr Edelsten and you put some lovely plants up and down the road. There has not been one iota of bitumen in that area.
Girraween Road has not reached Henning Road. The day it does, I think we will have a party because it is an awful long time coming. Even the truck bay we have been waiting for, for so long. I remember, minister, you telling me that when I said it was a silly idea – this was on the radio - to give contracts out before the Wet Season, you said: ‘That Gerry Wood is being ridiculous’. Why do we not have a truck parking bay at the present time? Because it is too wet and they cannot get enough blue metal at this time of year to do …
Mr Kiely: It is coming, Gerry, you know that.
Mr WOOD: I have the official answer from the department. They cannot get enough blue metal at the moment to put it there - and it is wet, so they cannot do it. That is why I am saying not to let all your road contracts out at the beginning of the Wet. Put them out in March as the Wet is coming to an end and then they can get stuck into it for a full Dry Season.
However, minister, there has not been anything happening there ...
Ms Lawrie: You have no idea, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Well, there is nothing. There have been no changes; it is a mess. The Coolalinga side which the member for Goyder is on is a disaster. Sorry, the member for Coolalinga, he is on that side as well - and Central Australia and Daly. The government should be talking to the people who own the land to really sort out that mess. This is six years ago. I remember talking about this ages ago. I remember talking to Mr Le Hars from the caravan park about this mess. This has been an awful long time getting nowhere. If you want to talk about infrastructure, I think they are going to give me a slip lane for the Howard Springs tip before the end of the financial year. It has taken about five years to get a bit of bitumen which is only temporary because they have not worked out where the entrance to the 15 Mile community is going to be, who have just put new road systems in, and know nothing about the plans by the department of Infrastructure or where their roads will connect to the proposed roads. I do not know if there has been a lot of talking going on there. Plus, you are also waiting for the new entrance to the tip. In the meantime, cars nearly run up the backside of one another because there is so much traffic. It is hard. I sometimes think the rural area is left out.
The minister was talking about the wonderful things happening in Alice Springs and other places. I know that the member for Goyder is doing a wonderful job - and I am not being facetious - trying to get help for a pool at the Taminmin High School. Oh, the member for Daly says he is doing the same; you can share the praise. However, the facts are that Litchfield was offered $1m to build its own pool. You see huge sums of money go to Alice Springs. We know about the Leanyer recreation pool, and enormous amounts of money are going into the wave pool. What is wrong with us? Why are we different? Government is saying: ‘We will give you $1m, you find the rest’. You do feel a little left out of the system. There are times when I get the Berrimah Line feeling as well.
Mr Warren: I would be happy to sit down and tell you all about the infrastructure some time, Gerry, and you will be very surprised.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: What was that?
Mr WOOD: I am not sure.
On a couple of other issues, infrastructure and planning go hand-in-hand, naturally. Nearly 12 months ago, I went to a PowerPoint presentation where a department representative spoke about Cox Peninsula versus Weddell. I know you are going to tell me how wonderful Berrimah is. I have been to a budget Estimates Committee where someone from the department said that Palmerston had another 10 to 15 years growth. I had been asking since I have been in parliament when the planning and infrastructure is going to take place for the development of Weddell. Then, all of sudden out of the blue last year, ‘Oh Cox Peninsula, I see the Gold Coast coming here’. The government has that in their sights: ‘Ooh, look at that - 33-storey building along the beach look terrific’ ...
Ms Lawrie: In your dreams, Gerry, in your dreams.
Mr WOOD: What other reason would you want to develop Cox Peninsula that does not have any services? Why? No water, just a single lane road there and no power. Come on, you have Weddell sitting here. It has a railway line going through; you could even have choo-choo trains to Palmerston. You have water and you have a main highway, so why are you not doing something with Weddell? Do not worry about putting a little ghetto up there at Berrimah. We have not heard anything concrete about Weddell. You know there are people on the fringes of Weddell who would like to develop that area as well. I can see some sense if you look at urban - and I use a terrible planning term - peri-urban and rural. That is a possibility out there. It seems to be we are in a bit of a vacuum. In the last sittings of parliament, I brought on an MPI which people seem to avoid what I was talking about by talking about something else. I was talking about the future planning of this area. I said the Darwin area had a regional plan presented by the last minister. I would love this government to do the same - put it out to the public for comment. The only thing I have seen is that somewhere in the consultancy, which the government says it never had, was someone to look at the strategic plan of the area. I would much rather someone from the Territory; a qualified planner …
Ms Lawrie: Who is to say they are not going to be from the Territory? Who is to say?
Mr WOOD: Well, I do not know, but I would rather see someone - well, the department ran it before. If you had a good qualified planner they could take it out to the community to see what they think. I hope it does not disappear into the vaults of bureaucracy and we never see it again because something like that really needs a lot of input from the community.
Regarding infrastructure, why do you not open up the land in Howard Springs forest which is zoned residential? You do not have to rezone it. In the plan it says it is going to be residential. You say the infrastructure is too costly. Come on, we have people dying for a block of land. Here is an opportunity to create infrastructure. There is infrastructure going past there, by the way. It is not as though it is out in the middle of the desert. There is an opportunity there. I put it to you seriously, there is an opportunity there to have some limited rural development that the government has control over the number of blocks it releases, to allow people to build on one hectare blocks. I know the planners all say two hectares is ideal but, if you can put 15 people at Knuckeys Lagoon under the flight path, one per hectare at Howard Springs is not going to cause any trouble. There is land that belongs to the government which is near facilities. It is not far from Palmerston …
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions in the rural area.
Mr WOOD: No, it is a one hectare rural subdivision for people. You put the infrastructure in, you control it and you give it out to those people …
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions in the rural area, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Pardon?
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions.
Mr WOOD: At $270 000 to about $300 000. You cannot build with a HomeNorth loan ...
Ms Lawrie: So, undercut the market, is that what you are saying? Undercut the market.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr WOOD: No, I have never said that. Why do you deliberately distort what I say? I have always said the government has the power to use its own land for a limited number of people who cannot get into the market - and will never get into the market. They cannot get a HomeNorth loan; they simply do not have the physical capacity when it comes to income to get anywhere. They are the people I am concerned about.
You say rent a unit. Well, look at how much it costs to rent a unit. Why stick families in units? Why not offer them some land the government has. It has responsibilities outside of the market. You are a Labor government; you should help some of the battlers. I am not asking for you to release thousands of blocks of land to wipe the market out ...
Ms Lawrie: 15% go to affordable housing.
Mr WOOD: I am saying you have the power through an infrastructure program to develop a subdivision of small lots per year that will not distort the market but will allow people a chance. Surely, that is not a bad thing to do?
All right, we will probably be here all day. It is a passionate thing of mine because I know you have the ability to change. Forget this business of tinkering with interest rates and all this stuff. You own the land. In theory, it is not worth a penny until you put a price on it, because it is yours ...
Ms Lawrie: 15%.
Mr WOOD: That is right. But it is your land and you have control over how you sell it and for how much you sell it.
Ms Lawrie: Public and affordable housing.
Mr WOOD: Okay. Then, people would have some money to buy a house. $270 000 for a five acre block is making it so hard for young couples to come into the rural area. Once upon a time, you could buy a block, put a shed on, live in that for a while, and build your house. You cannot get a HomeNorth loan to do that because they will not let you buy a shed; you have to have a house/land package. Maybe we should have HomeNorth loans that let you buy a block of land and then let people work out how they live on it – in a tent for all I care. Give people an opportunity. The land in the rural area is now too expensive. If you do not believe me, go down to the Grange or Metcalfe’s Lagoon subdivisions. It is on the advertising on the television - $270 000 is the minimum price. It is too hard for people and you have a chance there to do something.
Just a couple of other things that you have in your statement, minister. You mentioned the Darwin River Dam was to be raised about 1.2 m. I remember raising this issue a long time ago - nearly two years ago. I was actually down at Darwin River Dam at the last Wet Season and the blokes were putting in some electrical conduit at the tower so that the water would not interfere with the electricity in that tower. I would have thought it would have been finished by now. My understanding, from the way you read it, is it has not happened. I thought they have had the whole Dry Season to build it, so what has happened? I do not know whether you can find out for me. I did not have time to run down there since you gave me the statement, unfortunately. It seems a long time since this was supposed to happen.
Regarding what came up at the AFANT AGM about the Channel Point road to the boat ramp, I have an interest in this particular road - not that I go out there very often; about once every two years. The boat ramp has been put in by, I think, Parks and Wildlife. The road to Channel Point, as the member for Daly would know, is about one-third constructed to the point past Labelle Downs, especially where that area of road was built through where you acquired some land from Labelle. The rest of the road is terrible. If you open up a boat ramp for the fishermen, you are going to make that road a lot worse.
I do have some photos, I forgot to bring them down. That is a lot of road there. It is boggy in the Wet Season and people cannot always get through. If it is raining now, my sister-in-law and other people who are there at the moment will not be getting out for the time being. In the Dry Season, it is bulldust and corrugations. I believe it is premature to open a boat ramp down there until the road is repaired. Without wanting the member for Daly to break party solidarity, he would probably agree with me. He does not have to say anything, but I think he would probably agree with me.
The Litchfield Loop Road is a classic example. You let that job out just before the Wet Season and they started it. Most road contractors say as soon as it gets wet there are all sorts of problems such as trying to get gravel which is full of water and they get bogged, or the actual works start to get washed away and you get erosion in the drains and that washes silt into the streams. There are all sorts of reasons why I believe that, at least in the Top End, we should be turning our contract times around.
A couple of other things. You also mentioned, I think on the last page of your document, about the contribution from the Australian government. That is very important. We are working effectively with the Australian government to ensure their contribution also increases. However, before the idea of the Top End shire was dissolved, one of the issues that I raised during meetings was this preliminary business plan which was the first one brought out for the shire. At that time, it had a couple of things in it. It said ‘total additional funding being sought by the NT government $5.2m’ and, then further down it said, ‘one-off road funding upgrade being sought $10m’. That, I imagine, was from the Commonwealth. Then, you open up the second version of the draft business plan and it is exactly the same table, but the $5.2m is not there and the $10m is not there. As well as that, the so-called money that was going to be transferred from the department to the councils of $2.4m to $7.4m was also taken off. Notwithstanding that last figure that I mentioned, the federal government, in theory, was supposed to give $15m to the Territory. This is one of the reasons the government was pushing forward for amalgamation, yet it did not happen. It is worrying when the government said: ‘We were not going to hand the roads over to Litchfield or the new council between the next five and 10 years’. It certainly sent out a message of ‘You can have the money that you thought you would have’. I am interested to know whether my reading of that is correct.
No one can deny that the government is not doing a good job but, I believe, in certain areas like Litchfield, you could do more. Coolalinga should go back on the agenda. I do not believe the Berrimah Farm is the right place and you should put that out for more public comment. I do not think you should put the World War II museum here; you should put it down at East Point. I believe you could do a lot better with helping young people buy their own house and land.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport’s statement. It is a very good statement putting into perspective the infrastructure spends in the Northern Territory.
Over the weekend, I went to a number of Chinese New Year celebrations, including the Sri Lankan Association’s Lunar New Year celebrations at the Charles Darwin University. I was talking to a gentleman there about the size of Sri Lanka itself, the country. It turned out it was a third the size of my electorate. My electorate is in no way the biggest electorate. The members for Stuart, Macdonnell, Arnhem and Barkly certainly have larger or similar sized electorates to mine. Within Sri Lanka, they have a population of 22 million people, so the population of Australia could fit in a third of my electorate. That puts a perspective in that we have a huge land mass in the Northern Territory with 213 000 people. We have a great number of roads and small communities. In each one of those communities we try to provide infrastructure for Territorians, as we should. However, obviously, the equations are going to be very different compared to the rest of Australia because of our sheer size and small population. That is why we always go, very hard, to the Commonwealth government to get infrastructure money out of them, as we try to get any money out of them for a whole range of services.
This government, since coming to government in 2001, has certainly put a huge emphasis on infrastructure, and strategic placement of that infrastructure, to get the best for Territorians. This can be seen in a whole range of projects. The waterfront has been talked about. That is a very strategic investment in the Territory. That project is going to cost $1bn to develop, and 86% of it will come from the private sector. Territorians will reap the reward from that for years to come in the future. It is a very strategic investment. The bleatings and the negative attitude that comes from the CLP about that project beggars belief that this once proud, conservative party is anti-development. Every time we have talked about development in this House, the CLP bags it. I just wonder …
Mr Wood: The member for Goyder opposed Coolalinga development.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Goyder!
Mr KNIGHT: I wonder, when you go to businessmen in Darwin and ask them for fundraising dollars do they say: ‘Why should we invest with you? You are anti-development’? You voted against the development of Middle Arm. You voted against it in this House. A whole range of projects you have knocked, whereas this government is trying to produce development through strategic infrastructure development.
The member for Nelson talked about Weddell and Cox Peninsula. Is it not great we are talking about it? This government is focused on developing all those areas. It is great we are talking about it because that is the focus of the government - planning for the future.
Mr Wood: Why not Coolalinga? Answer the question about Coolalinga.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson!
Mr KNIGHT: Coolalinga is being looked after. Coolalinga will be, in the future, a great development site. However, we are developing a whole range of areas within the Northern Territory.
You touched on the Litchfield Park road. That is going to be a great link road. It will be a loop which will see benefits to the Batchelor community, as well as that rural area coming through Berry Springs and, I also think, for the Cox Peninsula and Dundee. It is very close to there and further development will happen, so it is a great project. I look forward to it being completed. I am already planning the first drive through when that road is completely sealed. This government wanted to get things started. We have been trying very hard to negotiate native title through that area. It reached the point where we had negotiated for a lot of it, however we have just one bit so, instead of waiting, we have gone in and started it. Yes, it came close to the Wet Season but we had a very late Wet. If you have driven down that road, you know they have a lot of work done. It is happening. We are committed to completing that road and it will be finished. You are welcome to be there, member for Nelson, on the day that it is officially opened.
Mr Wood: Thanks, I will bring the family.
Mr KNIGHT: Well, you have to get a bigger car. I know why you do not have a passenger vehicle, member for Nelson, because …
Mr Kiely: No one will ride with him.
Mr KNIGHT: No, no. I think a lot of people would drive …
Mr Wood: My wife has her own vehicle.
Mr KNIGHT: You talked a bit about the Darwin River Dam. That will be completed but that is looking to the future again: strategic investment in the long-term water supply for Darwin. We have the raising of the Darwin River Dam, the development of the two other possible dams at Warai and out on Marrakai and also, I think, there is a third one as well. These are strategic investments in facilities and services for the Darwin population as well.
When we talk about the waterfront, that idea of that partnership with the private sector, I think is a great one. I would like it duplicated in the rural area and out in the regions. If we can come up with a proposal and a welcome contribution …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: … from you, member for Nelson - you have more ideas than anybody else on that side – about a project where a developer says: ‘We are going to spend $0.5bn if you invest this much’. It happens all the time. We have those investments happening all the time. I cannot read that, member for Nelson.
Mr Wood: That is the extra $5m for Coolalinga on top of your $5bn.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Lawrie: That is the project you were against.
Mr Wood: I am helping the economy.
Mr Kiely: You were against Coolalinga.
Mr Wood: I was not!
Ms Lawrie: You did not support the proposal.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This government is very pro-development through strategic infrastructure investment. It shows in that in the 2007-08 year we have $645m invested. That is compared with the CLP, a paltry $281M - dodgy figures, very rubber figures - in 2000 …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr KNIGHT: That is an atrocious investment in infrastructure in the Northern Territory, and you cannot even believe that $281m, with someone fiddling with the figures ...
Members interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: I know; they hate development, infrastructure and investment. They just hate, hate, hate.
We talk about that strategic investment also in other sectors like mining. We have upgraded the wharf. We have upgraded the rail links into the wharf. It is strategic investment to support the mining industry.
Dr Burns: The bulk loader.
Mr KNIGHT: The bulk loader. Thank you, Minister for Health. The bulk loader out there has allowed several mines to utilise that facility there. That is good, responsible use of infrastructure in the Northern Territory.
Coupled with economic investment, there is also the social investment. There is an obligation, obviously, for the government to provide social services with money they receive through their budgets and money from the Commonwealth. Within that there was a heap of housing money.
There was this diatribe commentary from the new deputy CLP leader in the House. The description that Shane Stone used, ‘being ravaged by dead sheep’ - I think that was the quote - describes the member for Katherine. It is well served for you, member for Katherine, with your attempts to attack this government and me. It is pretty limp when you are talk about: ‘Oh, we need more housing money’. Well, hello! $893m worth of housing money has come in through our lobbying the federal government. Is that enough? It is not enough, but jeez, it is a lot of money. $893m is more than we have ever had before. I would like to see what the CLP spent. The CLP under-invested in housing in the bush for years, and that is why it is so low. So, member for Katherine, you need to go back and do a bit more study. Do not rely on ‘The Elf’ giving you a few figures here or there, or you doing a bit of a Google on things. Go back and do some research.
That $893m is a huge amount of money. We will keep going back trying to get more. However, that is a huge amount that we are raising. That money is going to a whole range of communities throughout my electorate in the VRD and Daly and the rest of the Northern Territory. It is a great investment. There is money going to sealing roads, campgrounds, the tourism industry and Territory parks. We are investing money in those areas: the facility at the Channel Point Reserve - $367 000; Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park campground – $120 000; Douglas Daly Hot Springs campground - $240 000; $1m to Litchfield National Park. There is a huge investment. The member for Katherine would probably knock it - ‘No, do not give it to them, just close it down’. There is $200 000 for Gregory National Park to upgrade the Bullita Ranger Station.
Even in the rural area, member for Nelson, we have had the upgrade at the Byers Road turn-off - a very dangerous turn-off. Have you been past the Byers Road turn-off? It is a great investment. There has been a problem there for a long time and I will be actively lobbying for other intersections. Boulton Road is a new one as is McHenry Road. I will be in there, getting that infrastructure for the rural area.
This government also manages a lot of money from the Commonwealth government very responsibly. For the Victoria River, we have $53m going to the raising of the bridge there and a whole range of creek crossings, all the way back through. That is a great management role of the Northern Territory government ...
Mr Wood: Make sure you mention the Commonwealth otherwise it is plagiarism.
Mr KNIGHT: I will attribute it, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who does not. We know all about that.
What about education? Port Keats - $5.3m for a secondary school there. Did the CLP ever do anything there? No - never did! Education was not important for the bush; just let it all run down. We have more money going into the police stations out bush …
Mrs Miller: So you should, mate.
Mr KNIGHT: Oh, member for Katherine! There is an extension of Beasley Road, bituminising it at Edith Farms. She will be knocking that, saying: ‘Oh, don’t give them bitumen’. What did we put into that? $650 000! They love it down there. Every time I run into Jimmy Forscutt or other people there, they say: ‘Thank you very much. Thanks for looking after us. Thank the Labor government for looking after us, because that conservative mob do not put anything into the bush …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This is great recognition of the hard work and the focus of this government into infrastructure. That is what I found strange with the member for Katherine. She said: ‘Oh, this infrastructure, what about regional development?’ Well, hello! What is infrastructure? You put a road in, development happens. You put a power station in and development happens. You have separated them somehow. They are linked together. I will tell you about it one day, member for Katherine, but they are linked together: strategic investment makes reasonable development. Understand?
Mrs Miller: Oh, just be patronising!
Mr KNIGHT: You will get further development along the Litchfield Loop Road, and more development of Channel Point. Port Keats road, $15m; $12m for the Daly River Bridge – it is all happening; further development ...
Mrs Miller: Oh, you got the $12m for the Daly River?
Mr KNIGHT: Sorry?
Mrs Miller: Have you got the $12m for the Daly River?
Mr KNIGHT: Yes.
Ms Lawrie: Oh, yes, we have actually. Did you miss that one?
Mr KNIGHT: So you missed that one again? Well! You really need to do your job, member for Katherine, as the shadow ...
Mrs Miller: When are you going to build it?
Mr Wood: Is there a landfill site for Humpty Doo?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Katherine! Member for Nelson!
Mr KNIGHT: Shane Stone described you as bone idle and lazy, and it has not changed since 2001.
Minister, I congratulate you for your statement; you are doing a great job. This government is doing a great job in ensuring that infrastructure gets out there into the bush and into the rural area as well. Further strategic development on the back of strategic infrastructure investment will see the Territory develop into the future, if we do not go back to a CLP government.
Mr Conlan: What are your plans for Central Australia, minister?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The member for Stuart has just risen to his feet to commence his remarks, and two members of the opposition cannot help themselves and have to heckle. At least let him speak.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order. I ask the member for Greatorex to please refrain from interrupting the member for Stuart during his speech.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Deputy Speaker, the member for Daly is certainly a hard act to follow. He has covered everything from the whole of the Northern Territory, and I commend that contribution from the member for Daly. One thing I will pick up on from what the member for Daly said was the social infrastructure of our community in the Northern Territory. Given my electorate and the people who make up my electorate, that is a very important thing that I would like to start on. Also, of course, thanks to the minister for bringing this statement on infrastructure to the House. Social infrastructure and development is very important to my electorate of Stuart and vitally important to the Northern Territory if we are going to move forward together.
Having been in Canberra during the last couple of days, and being present listening to the new Prime Minister and the apology speech that he made and, particularly, the announcement of a bipartisan approach in dealing with our indigenous social issues and challenges that we do face, really does bring it home during this statement. The social development is really a fine balance. Most of the debate this afternoon has been around the infrastructure, the bricks and mortar, the roads. While they are all important, for me, as the member for Stuart, equally important is the social infrastructure of our communities.
Places like Yuendumu, Kalkarindji, Yarralin, and Ampilatwatja are places that not many people in this House have been to, certainly in recent times anyway. They are places that I regularly visit which are in need of a great amount of work and resources, and are really going to benefit from the bricks and mortar that we are going to be putting into these places. Starting off on my contribution that is something I would like to acknowledge: let us not lose the focus. The best investment we can put into our community is into the people. The bricks and mortar - no worries, very important - but so are the people of the Northern Territory.
Infrastructure is needed to meet the demands of the people and their communities. Obviously, with our young population, particularly in the bush, we need the housing and the roads. Everything that people have mentioned this afternoon is vitally important. That is why I will highlight some of the infrastructure projects that are worthy of recognition that this government has put into my electorate.
On roads, there is the Sandover Highway. I am not sure how many members have been down that road actually. Certainly, the member for Nelson has been out east of it …
Mr Wood: The top end of it, yes.
Mr HAMPTON: Yes, near it - Alpurrurulam.
Mr Wood: It is better than the Queensland side, I will tell you.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: Yes, that is a regular comment, actually. Comparing it to other roads in other states, you often hear from people saying: We think that road is rough over this side, but you go over the border’. So, it is a very good comment.
The Sandover Highway $800 000 is revoted minor new works. New minor new works are very important, particularly to the Utopia area, where there are decentralised outstations. With the clinic, store and council all centralised in one place, the homelands are actually away from it, so roads are a vitally important link to those people out there. Sandover Highway, $800 000. Well-known and well-talked about today is the Tanami Highway. I am sure the minister knows I am a regular writer in raising this issue, as the Tanami road is a significant and major road in the Northern Territory, not only for the community people and for the public servants who deliver services out there, but also for the people, as the member for Macdonnell said, coming into Alice Springs. Alice Springs is the service centre, and the Tanami Highway does provide that vital link to people living at Yuendumu, Papunya, Mt Allen and Laramba.
However, not only for the community people, but also for industry. Talking about infrastructure, there is no bigger project in the Northern Territory than the Tanami mine. You have to go there and look at the Callie underground mine. The amount of heavy machinery that uses that road is vitally important and, during the Wet Season, it can be cut off for up to two or three months, so it is great to see. I have had a briefing from the department in Alice Springs, and it is great to see this money going into the most needed areas of the Tanami where it is prone to flooding. I have taken the minister out there on the road; she has been out there and looked at the Tanami.
One point that I would like to raise as well is the need for overpassing lanes. If you get caught behind one of those semitrailers or fuel tankers on that dirt road, you could be there for an hour trying to get a safe pass. It is important that we do look at, in that upgrade, providing safe overpassing lanes as well as the bitumen.
Another rural highway around the Katherine region and the Victoria River district of my electorate is the Buntine Highway, which has $800 000 for minor new works. The Buchanan Highway has $140 000 to reseal floodways, and on the Lajamanu Road we are installing creek crossings. I was there late last year, and I have some great photographs of the causeways there, all done by local people at the Wulaign Resource Centre. Probably not too many people have heard of them. It is a local Aboriginal organisation. While their focus is on outstations, they have branched out, very courageously, and have taken on road contracts. The feedback from people in the DPI in Katherine is just A1; they are very well respected and they are doing a great job. A bit of praise for Wulaign Resource Centre. On the Lajamanu Road - $130 000 on that to provide those most valuable creek crossings.
We have the Yuendumu subdivision and roads. It is a joint venture with LGANT. That is something that, obviously, in the Northern Territory with the size, challenges and the remoteness of our communities, we need to look further at, whether joint ventures are with LGANT or with the private sector. The Yuendumu subdivision and roads has $220 000 capital works.
On the federal government election commitment, which is great news for the bush in my electorate, Tanami Road has an extra $6m committed there; that will certainly go down well. The Buntine Highway again, there is $7m for sealing, strengthening and widening that particular highway. That is probably another one that I drive regularly and, if you have ever driven it you know what the road is like. It is very narrow and it is very dangerous, particularly with the pastoralists and the amount of stock that go on that road. That money is going to be very well spent for everyone for the whole region, not only for the indigenous communities but the pastoralists and tourists who use that road to go through to Halls Creek.
With the health area, it was great to go out to Kalkarindji before Christmas again and to see the construction of the new health centre. I am sure people will be looking forward to that opening up this year. There is $2.7m going into that new health centre there. With Yarralin health centre, there was an idea that came about from the community themselves. An old fellow, George Campbell, the Walangeri council president, had a great idea of moving the men’s centre closer to the clinic. So, there is $150 000 minor new works to bring the men’s centre closer to the clinic so it encourages men to use the health centre, to go in and get medical checks and to avoid those cultural issues that a lot of our people in the bush face. The men will have their own consulting room, entrance and reception at the health centre at Yarralin. Another one I saw just before Christmas was the extension and upgrading modifications to the clinic at Pigeon Hole for $220 000.
Education is one of the key areas in my electorate. Kalkaringi School has $300 000 for providing a secondary school classroom. Kalkaringi CSC is the flagship in the Northern Territory in being able to provide us with graduates with the NTCS. It is money well spent and I am sure the community there will produce more graduates. The Yarralin Primary School, for providing public walkways has $280 000. The Willowra community, which has had its hard times but, through the school - and that is one thing about the schools in my electorate; they are the strength of the communities in troubled times. A very worthy $130 000 goes towards a basketball court. That will soon be getting good use.
I also mention the new classroom at Utopia Clinic. I am looking forward to getting the Education minister out to Utopia to officially open the new classroom there. It is one of these parts of our Northern Territory that has been asking for years for classrooms, teachers, and infrastructure that the community will use. It is great to finally see a new classroom there. It has gone down well with the people. Hidden Valley Learning Centre in the town camp in Alice Springs is another one that is worthy of mention. We have put $200 000 into extensions and improving the facility at the learning centre.
There is certainly great news regarding housing. I know the former Housing minister often received letters from me about my concerns about housing in Stuart. It is great to be able to get a response from him saying that, in the past couple of years, there have been 26 new houses constructed and completed. That was during 2007 under the Northern Territory Indigenous Housing Construction program. As we know the needs out there, with many people per bedroom in some of these communities, 26 new houses is well received. It is an area that we have talked about today, which I suppose, depending on the affordability, we need to look at. I know the previous minister was looking at the issues we have with infrastructure in the bush.
I acknowledge the minister for his vision and going outside the circle looking at ways we can actually get more bang for our bucks with the housing money. If you have ever been to the airport at Alice Springs, you will see the Murray River North Homes being constructed there. It is a fantastic model and it certainly has been able to give us more bang for our bucks and provide more housing out there. So, 26 houses in my electorate including the outstations of Waltja, with three new houses. That goes back quite a few years when we had Community Cabinet out there. One of the great things I must acknowledge is the previous Chief Minister with the Community Cabinets. As a result, it has taken a while as some things do in the bush, but there are three new houses out at Waltja which did come from Community Cabinet two years ago.
Willowra has $910 000 for capital works; Ti Tree/Tjmarajunta - $570 000 capital works; Ampilatwatja, another new house; Mosquito Bore in the Utopia area; Yuendumu three new houses; Ingkerreke which is a small outstation resource centre, three new houses; and Maranboy one new house for DEET staff. On Ingkerreke, one of the challenges that we have with housing is the future of outstations. I mentioned Utopia and the great things that are being done out there. That is probably a great model of outstations. With the Northern Territory government now having responsibility for outstations, it is a challenge on top of what we already have, but it is something we need to look at seriously. The housing at Ingkerreke has been a struggle because of access to power and water. These are the challenges with infrastructure in the bush apart from the cost of construction. People out there are certainly happy, at 16 Mile, Snake Well and Burke Creek.
Regarding Power and Water, the Infrastructure minister accompanied me last year to the opening of the new dam at Yuelamu, Mt Allen. I think that was in the vicinity of $1m - money well spent. People out there were living off bottled water from town for two or three years. The opening of the new dam was a worthy investment in infrastructure in the bush. The relocation of the power station at Pigeon Hole to improve flood immunity has $660 000. Daguragu has $470 000 to replace water tanks. Yarralin drainage upgrade is $220 000 - again, through the federal government, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. There will be water supply upgrade and repairs of water systems to Nyirripi and, at Willowra, water supply upgrade and repairs of water systems, and upgrade of water tanks.
The other one is aerodromes. I am happy to say that the Utopia aerodrome, through DPI, had resheeting completed to the value of $330 000. The Pigeon Hole aerodrome relocation and upgrade, I understand, is still in progress for $1.2m. Through our newly-elected federal government, the airstrip at Ti Tree has $650 000 and, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, a reconstruction and sealing to the value of $1.5m for the Nyirripi airstrip.
In infrastructure there is no shortage of activity in my electorate of Stuart. I am looking forward to getting the ministers out there, which is vital, to listen to what the concerns are that people have and the challenges they have in the bush. Not everyone has access to good quality water. That is one issue regarding Power and Water essential services where money is well spent, when we are putting money into upgrading those types of facilities and services.
On sport and recreation, the minister for Sport gave a good summary of what this government has done investing in Alice Springs. Following on from the member for Macdonnell, much has already been said. Being born and bred in Alice Springs, I am proud of the town, I went to primary school there, and my sons have all gone through the public education system. I really do believe that quite a bit of money has gone into sport and recreation. It is well deserved because we all know that much of the great lifestyle we have in the Territory is based around sport.
There is $5.6m that has gone into Traeger Park. That money and the priorities were not set by government; it was set by the sporting user group in Alice Springs. It is government listening to users in Alice Springs, the sporting groups. They are the ones that came to us with their master plan and said: ‘This is what our priorities are’. What we have done is simply delivered and listened to the people of Alice Springs, particularly the user groups. Therefore $5.6m has gone into upgrading Traeger Park.
We look forward to the new council in Alice Springs and having a good working relationship with them because, with the infrastructure we do put in, particularly sporting equipment and infrastructure, we need to work with the local councils because, at the end of the day, they take responsibility for the facilities. I look forward to the council elections this year and hope we have a good relationship with them.
The minister for Sport also recognised the Imparja Cup. Our government put in a third turf wicket at Larapinta Oval. While it seems very small, it actually helps the Northern Territory or Alice Springs maintain the Imparja Cup. If we do not have three turf wickets, then other states are, obviously, competing, and will also use that against us. It was a very small project but, in its benefit to the community of Alice Springs, very big.
The Sports minister also acknowledged the $500 000 to the junior soccer at Ross Park and the Masters Games which I am certainly looking forward to this year.
Regarding other projects in Alice Springs, the member for Macdonnell talked about renal initiatives or projects. I had the pleasure, early in my job here as a member, to open the Renal Unit at the Alice Springs Hospital late in 2006. There is also our investment in accommodation for renal patients including Stuart Lodge, the Lindsay Avenue Hostel and the extra beds at Yipirinya Hostel, all very much-needed facilities.
I also had the opportunity last year to open the Charles Darwin University new annexe or new wing along with Senator Nigel Scullion. It is the Territory and the Commonwealth governments working together to provide first-class education facilities. Another one worthy of mentioning is the Yeperenye Commercial Centre which is where we now have the Commonwealth Bank and the Australian Central Credit Union. I had the pleasure of opening that last year as well. The member for Araluen was also there. We should not under-value the Aboriginal investment in our community. That development was done by the Yeperenye Group and Centrecorp.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Planning): Madam Deputy Speaker, in the introduction to the statement I commented that our focus on infrastructure is an absolute necessity to develop our economy, improve employment opportunities, encourage growth and, fundamentally, deliver services to Territorians. Infrastructure has been a priority of this government since coming to power. The Henderson government is fulfilling its election commitment to build a better Territory through record capital works budgets, driving direct investment in key projects, and through stimulating the private sector to leverage off government projects.
Since 2001, the government has injected $3.3bn of cash into the Territory’s infrastructure; rebuilding our construction sector, a key driver in our economy. Headlines in today’s NT News included: ‘Big-spending Businesses Back NT Boom’; ‘More land to meet demand’; and ‘Perfect place to park your business’. Under the first headline, the article says:
I thought it would be useful for clarity’s sake to actually have the full section in there - not just a snapshot of it.
We heard again the Leader of the Opposition talk about doom and gloom ahead, and the boom is because of China’s growth. That is simply not the case. The Access Economics’ report states:
It continues:
The Opposition Leader stated this morning that there is no such thing as a new idea. This is from a man who desires to lead Territorians into the future. I dread the day the Territory cannot be on the forefront of new technology, new industries, and reward and encourage innovation. Perhaps this explains why, at the end of the 1990s, the economy was in a major recession and both the deficit and the debt were spiralling. The Leader of the Opposition said Darwin was in ruins, when construction activity had just quadrupled. This is the same person who wanted to scrap the waterfront project, something like $800m leverage in private sector investment into the Territory - and he wanted it scrapped; 1000 jobs gone. Only two weeks ago, he chastised the government for daring to call the $1.1bn waterfront development ‘a major project’. He claimed it was not major because it only helped tourism, our second biggest industry and our largest employer.
The Leader of the Opposition said we have no plan for housing. Well, that is extremely wrong. The release of residential land at Bellamack, Berrimah Farm and Mt John Valley, in addition to the ongoing release of land at Lyons and Larapinta, are all moderating the strong growth in land and house prices, and are a key part of encouraging more population growth, with 2500 blocks coming on to the market in the next two years. Since January 2006, we have seen over 1100 units approved in the CBD alone. Private sector will deliver 600 blocks approved in Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area. Further into the future, we have the Palmerston eastern suburbs that have gone through the public exhibition process and will be included in the NT Planning Scheme. This is expected to deliver another 2900 homes. I am also travelling to Canberra in two weeks time, where I will be lobbying the Commonwealth for the release of their land for commercial development.
In 2001, when we came to government, the Territory’s economy was on its knees, our construction sector was on its knees, and private investment in construction was falling. To drag the economy out of the depression, the government adopted policies which form the basis our economic strategy. The principles underlying our actions are: providing a high level of cash to capital works and infrastructure; focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth; and assisting the private sector to leverage off our investment. Proudly, we can now say our infrastructure budget is solid and funded – and funded at record levels.
The member for Katherine stated that we needed to focus on rural housing. I am not sure she listened to my statement, so I will run through it again. We have recognised the need for additional and appropriate housing in the bush and, to this end, a combined Northern Territory government and Commonwealth project will deliver an $893m program over four years and this will commence in 2008-09.
The shadow spokesperson also talked about the need for funding improvements on the Central Arnhem Road. Well, she seems to have missed a $15m-odd funding commitment that was announced by the Rudd Labor government. She seems to have missed the Daly River Bridge commitment of an additional $10m from the Commonwealth that was recently announced ...
Mrs Miller: When is it going to happen? When is it going to happen?
Ms LAWRIE: We have already spent $10m of our own contributions to an improved flood immunity in the area.
Our roads budget is more than $180m. This is the highest amount in the Territory’s history and the highest per taxpayer in the country ...
Mrs Miller: You have unbelievable GST. It should be.
Ms LAWRIE: The highest per taxpayer in the country ...
Mrs Miller: It should be the highest …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: We inherited a legacy from the CLP of only 23% of our road network sealed. They did not spend in the bush; they did not give a damn about the bush. We have inherited that legacy and that is why we have record capital works programs rolling out to the bush bringing employment opportunities and regional development with it.
The CLP has continually complained about public sector staffing numbers, and now they complain we have reduced numbers. Well, infrastructure staff in Katherine in 2000-01 was 49. In 2007-08 there are 45.
In relation to the member for Braitling’s questions about the housing figures, the $893m comes from $793m under a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth and an additional $100m from the Northern Territory government. That includes the Closing the Gap funding.
Regarding the Red Centre Way, more than 240 km of road has now been sealed. By April this year, tourists will be able to drive on the inner loop along Namatjira Drive and back to Hermannsburg on a sealed road for 85% of the 325 km journey. Government is committed to the completion of the project, with an additional 38 km of road to be sealed on Namatjira Drive by this April. The project will help build the tourism industry in Central Australia and it is certainly helping to move Alice ahead. Although negotiations for stakeholders have been complicated, the project is now well under way. We are continuing to work with the Central Land Council to ensure the project linking through to Kings Canyon is completed as soon as possible.
In terms of Larapinta Stage 2, that sold at auction in November of last year and will create a further 39 blocks, with one block reserved for seniors’ public housing. Six blocks will also be for first homebuyers. Regarding the Mt John Valley development, a $1.2m constructed headworks to service the first stage has been put out to tender and picked up by Sitzlers. We have native title negotiations continuing, with potential for 70 blocks in the first stage.
I will not even bother to comment on the contribution of the member for Greatorex, other than to say we have a privilege in being members in this parliament and I do not think that privilege should be abused by talking about tragic victims of crime in a flippant and dismissive, juvenile contribution on how much he hates the waterfront ...
Mr Conlan: Highlighting your failures.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Ms LAWRIE: Just avoid abusing the privilege of the House. This is not a shock jock radio station. This is an elected Assembly where we all have a privilege.
The member for Nelson actually had a significant contribution. He went to the substance of issues, which is certainly refreshing. I have been looking forward to having a debate with the member for Nelson on the Coolalinga rezoning. The proposal to rezone 28 ha of land on the eastern side of the Stuart Highway was exhibited to gauge community response. After considering reports from the DCA and the department, I decided to refuse the rezoning, based on their advice. In April 2006, the former Minister for Planning and Lands refused a similar proposal for the land. The member for Nelson made a submission that was critical of the proposal yet, in true style, is also critical now of the decision to oppose ...
Mr Wood: Read the letter – the whole of it.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! If the minister would like to table that document, I ...
Ms LAWRIE: I am happy to.
Mr Wood: I do not carry my planning documents with me everywhere.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Wood: Read it all, or I will call you misleading.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not misleading.
Mr Wood: You need to read the whole letter.
Ms LAWRIE: I am reading exactly what is in the letter. I am not changing your words. I am reading what is in the letter …
Mr Wood: In context?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Wood: Keep going.
Ms LAWRIE: Your words!
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I believe the minister is misleading parliament unless she reads the whole document, because she must read it in to context. The minister knows there is a summary paragraph in that document which explains where I come from. If the minister does not read that, then I say she is misleading parliament.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, please resume your seat.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not misleading …
Mr Wood: Well, then, read the whole document, please.
Ms LAWRIE: I am reading your words …
Mr Wood: In context?
Ms LAWRIE: … in writing.
Mr Wood: Yes, you are only reading part of it.
Ms LAWRIE: You put it in writing and I am reading it back to you.
Mr Wood: In context.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I believe the minister is misleading parliament.
Mr KIELY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I ask the member withdraw the words ‘misleading’. He knows that he cannot accuse the minister of misleading ...
Ms Lawrie: Other than through a substantive motion.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to get a copy of that, please, before I reply to the point of order. I need a copy of the document, please.
Mr Kiely: You have asked for it to be tabled. You will get a copy.
Mr WOOD: Yes, I would like to read it. The minister is reading from the document. I would like a copy of that document.
Ms LAWRIE: Speaking to the point of order. The member opposite will get a copy of it, but he well knows he cannot accuse a member of this House of misleading other than by way of substantive motion.
Mr Wood: I will do that if I have a copy of that document now.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson, please withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, I am not withdrawing at the moment because I need to look at the document.
Mr KIELY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I do believe that the member for Nelson is challenging the ruling from the Chair. You have asked him clearly to withdraw.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, please withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, my query on this is that I could not withdraw the word ‘misleading’ until I have seen the document from which she is quoting me. The inference in what I said …
Ms Lawrie: ‘I cannot support the proposal’.
Mr WOOD: Excuse me! The inference in what I said about misleading relates to the issue that I believe comes to the heart of this: that the minister has read a portion of that letter and …
Ms Lawrie: Yes, excerpts.
Mr WOOD: Yes and, by reading only portions of a letter, as anyone knows, you can put a different slant on the debate and …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr WOOD: The letter the minister is quoting from has a series of concerns about some of the development. When you put that in context of the whole development, you will see a different slant on what the minister said.
Madam SPEAKER: Please be seated. Honourable members, I have been listening to some of this debate. Leader of Government Business, I assume you are reading from Hansard or a letter from the member for Nelson. Is that correct?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, I am reading from the letter from the member for Nelson. I just tabled the letter. The letter has been taken away by the Legislative Assembly staff.
Madam SPEAKER: That is fine. It is fine for a minister to read excerpts but, member for Nelson, I recommend to you that if you feel that you have been misrepresented, that you approach me to make a personal explanation. I will make an opportunity for you to speak in the parliament.
Mrs MILLER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! When the minister was replying in her response just a moment ago, it was quite okay to make a criticism of the Leader of the Opposition and say he did not read all of an article. She read it to put her slant on it and, now, when the member for Nelson has rightly said ‘Please read all of that letter so that it is in context’, the minister has chosen to do the complete opposite to what she said the Leader of the Opposition did. Why does she not read the whole letter?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, there really is no point of order, but I accept what you are saying in relation to the Leader of the Opposition. If he feels that he is being misrepresented, I ask him as well to approach me to make a personal explanation.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the member for Nelson to withdraw the accusation that I was misleading. He knows he cannot do so other than by way of a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, did you say that the Leader of Government Business had misled the parliament?
Mr WOOD: Yes, and …
Madam SPEAKER: You did. Member for Nelson, would you simply withdraw and then approach me about making a personal explanation?
Mr Warren: Member for Nelson.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Goyder!
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, can I just have five seconds to read this ….
Madam SPEAKER: No, member for Nelson …
Mr WOOD: Well then, let me …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, you are aware of the rules of the parliament. If the Speaker asks you to withdraw, it is required that you withdraw.
Mr WOOD: Clarification, Madam Speaker! I am not …
Mr Kiely: Yes, you are.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, cease interjecting.
Mr WOOD: I just need to know, Madam Speaker, if I was to continue to say the minister has misled the parliament, am I allowed to continue down that road?
Madam SPEAKER: No, you are not.
Mr WOOD: With a substantive motion, I can?
Madam SPEAKER: With a substantive motion which has to be given notice of, of course.
Mr WOOD: I cannot do it right now? Say I believe the minister is misleading parliament and I wish to move a motion to show that the minister has misled parliament?
Madam SPEAKER: No, you would have to seek leave to move a motion in the first place.
Mr WOOD: Well, can I seek leave?
Madam SPEAKER: You can seek leave. Is leave granted?
Leave denied.
Madam SPEAKER: Leave is not granted, therefore, you cannot move the motion. Member for Nelson, I ask you to withdraw the comments.
Mr WOOD: I withdraw the comments, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you very much. Leader of Government Business, perhaps if you could be direct with your comments?
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I am looking forward to being very direct.
What has just gone down here is that the member for Nelson wanted to gag me over his position in writing to the department of Planning on the Coolalinga proposal. You do not like it being called for what it is, which is hypocrisy, member for Nelson …
Mr Mills: Hypocrisy!
Ms LAWRIE: You have been out there saying you support the Coolalinga redevelopment when, in writing - and I will quote it to you again …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms LAWRIE: ‘I could not support the proposal’ …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The second line in this document says: ‘Although I do not object to the development of land, the subject of this proposed amendment, I do have some concerns’. I do not object to the development of land. You have not read the whole document.
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Mr Mills: She has misled parliament.
Mr WOOD: You are misleading this House!
Ms LAWRIE: … ‘I could not support this proposal’ ...
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I ask that the remaining minutes – well, in fact, there is not very much of the minister’s time left - the minister is listened to in silence. Member for Nelson, I remind you that if you wish to, you may make a personal explanation. I understand the letter has been tabled so honourable members are able to see that letter if they wish. Leader of Government Business, please direct your comments through the Chair.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I would be pleased to in the 25 seconds I have left.
I support development of land in the area. It comes down to the nature of proposal before the Development Consent Authority which is, in fact, the question I had before me as the minister for Planning. What the member for Nelson is happy to say is he would support development. Yes, we would all support development of land in the rural area. However, he did not say he could support the proposal. In fact, he said: ‘I could not support the proposal’.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Ms LAWRIE: Hypocrisy.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Excuse me?
Mr WOOD: I ask the minister to withdraw ‘hypocrisy’.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw ‘hypocrisy’. I will say it outside on radio.
Madam SPEAKER: All right. Thank you.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr KIELY (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, Australia Day is a significant day for all Australians in celebrating the landing of the first fleet in Sydney Cove. This year was also a wonderful day for several new Palmerston residents who had moved to Australia from overseas to live in the NT. These people have chosen to become Australian citizens, and they attended the Australia Day Ceremony at the Palmerston Council Chambers.
I welcome the following people to Palmerston and congratulate them for taking the wonderful step of becoming Australian citizens: Mr Graham Bulford, Ms Alexander Hesford, Mr Salim Mohamed, Mr Steven Siu, Mrs Racquel Siu, Mr Michael Coughlan, Mr Leslie Cunningham, Mrs Susan Fanning, Ms Maba Kari and Mr Clifford Palmer. This group of wonderful new Australian citizens pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people. I am sure they will all contribute greatly to the fantastic country in their own way. I congratulate them and wish them every success with their future endeavours and welcome them to Palmerston.
I acknowledge the fantastic initiative that is literally being kicked off at the Palmerston High School. The Clontarf Foundation, in association with the Palmerston High School, announced in January the opening of the Palmerston Football Academy. They are now accepting enrolments from prospective students in Palmerston. Any indigenous boy enrolled at Palmerston High School can apply to be part of the program. To maintain their position in the football academy, participants need to show commitment towards training and the education program. The partnership works with students to develop pathways to employment. Students need to demonstrate through their attitude and commitment to education and football programs that they are work ready. The foundation will then assist students and graduates to gain part-time and full-time employment. The football program operates in and around their school timetables. Training is held early mornings on two to three days a week, and followed up by a healthy breakfast. Participants are provided with incentives and rewards throughout the year, with camps and tours on offer. Such incentives include regional and interstate tours, school camps, inter-academy activities and excursions.
I am very aware of this program from my previous life in the AFL, and I can vouch for the success that the Clontarf Foundation does have. This program has been running over the past 10 years in Western Australia and has proven to be enormously successful. This government has supported trials in Central Australia, where it also demonstrated to be equally successful in engaging young indigenous men to the program and school, and has assisted many of them to move on to employment.
The program is led by two outstanding role models and practitioners, Karl Gunderson and Michael McLean, two individuals who have the respect of the football world, and have a great understanding of the wants and needs of young men wishing to make their stamp in life. They will provide their knowledge and experience to ensure the young men remain on track to make something of their lives.
I look forward to seeing the program roll-out over the next 12 months, and to see the success of this academy as it delivers opportunities to the young men of Palmerston. The Clontarf model in Western Australia has been hugely successful. Several students have had the good fortune to have their talents on the football field recognised by the AFL and have been drafted to AFL clubs. It is a wonderful initiative. I wish the partnership well and am more than happy to support it in any way, shape or form.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Deputy Speaker, I add further to the events of yesterday, which were covered widely in the media, both yesterday and today - that being that historic moment where the word ‘sorry’ was presented to address an issue of deep concern within the nation. The progress and unfolding now of the implications of saying sorry, for all of us, particularly those in parliaments around the country, are matters for us all to consider very carefully. I add further the challenge that flows from the admission of responsibility for the plight of those who have suffered from past policies. That responsibility falls now upon each of us to walk that through, here in this Chamber and Chambers right around the country, in every state and territory.
We were immediately presented with the challenge when we saw the reaction of the crowd to some of the words and the ideas presented by the second speaker, the Opposition Leader, Brendan Nelson. That shows us, I believe, how difficult it may be for us to find that new place to stand, particularly when some members of the Prime Minister’s team were involved in that episode. All of that feeds into this matter. The challenge rests even in this House, now that there has been a request placed on the table. It has been presented formally that there be the opportunity created for goodwill from members on both sides to find a place to work together.
Members opposite have probably taken some delight in that they have managed to create the impression, largely out of very little, regarding comments in the Hansard that I had written my own history of Taiwan, rather than quoted from the official website. I honestly thought that I had made reference to it, as I had no intention whatsoever of pretending that that was my own. Not at all. This is the last thing on my mind.
The reason I mention that is because yesterday, when I looked back, I found that I had used the words that ‘I had presented a letter to the former Chief Minister’ when, in fact, we had presented a letter, to be more correct. That is the CLP, leader to leader, had presented a letter requesting the opportunity to find a new place to stand. It is important that that be revisited.
Looking back in the rear vision mirror at the events of yesterday, the challenge remains on this Table here in this Chamber: will we find a new place to stand so that we can work together on matters of national significance? After all, the weight of the matters we discussed yesterday - and I hope, in some manner, resolved as people feel that it has been resolved, in one sense - can now be taken to the next stage by the way in which we conduct our business in this Chamber. I wish to restate that that letter was being made from the opposition to government. That should not be underestimated, considering the accusations that are made of the Country Liberal Party which may suit a political agenda. If we are going to look seriously at the way that business was considered, weighed and responded to yesterday, those matters sit there now as the challenge: can we find that new place to work together to advance the best interests of Territorians?
I would like to place on the record in the Northern Territory the memory of a man who passed on Christmas Day, my childhood mate, Billy Rowe. Billy and I spent our childhood together and shared a love for wildlife and exploring the bush. I have always remembered those days and Billy’s phone number. We only had two digits in our phone numbers in those days and I still remember it. I remember long conversations we had after we had done our homework back home. I was looking forward to meeting Billy as we were going to Western Australia to spend time with the family over Christmas. I spoke to Billy three days before Christmas on my birthday, 22 December.
Billy was meant to be at my 50th birthday but had to phone and say: ‘I am really sorry, I cannot make it’, because, as a farmer living in a marginal section of country inland from Geraldton at Yalgoo, rain was short and water was in meagre supply. He had to ensure that his sheep were well catered for before he left the property to come to Geraldton.
I was really looking forward to meeting Billy after learning that he was going to be in Geraldton on Christmas Day and so was I - I with my family and he with his. We were going to have our respective times together with our families. Both of us had not done that for a long time but, more importantly, I had not seen Billy for a long time. I said: ‘Billy, I really want to see you’ and he said: ‘We will catch up on Boxing Day’. I was awakened on Boxing Day morning to find that Billy had been killed on Christmas Day. He passed away that night. The interesting aspect of this is the tragedy of families spending quality time together and finding it was brought to an abrupt and horrible end in such terrible circumstances.
Billy Rowe was killed on the beach whilst he was playing cricket with his family. There had been a group of young men who had come along, who were humbugging people all along the beach looking for mischief and grog, and they finally came upon the Rowe family – a good family. They were having a wonderful time on the beach, on the sandbar. They interfered with and disrupted the family, sought to try to get alcohol out of their esky. One member of the family who only a few days before had become a son-in-law by proposing to Billy’s daughter, intervened to try to stop this action from this uninvited group and he was met with an assault – a bottle to the head, jaw broken, artery severed and collarbone broken. The family were horrified at this intrusion. The group that had come along thought that they then needed to get reinforcements and what was a pleasant family gathering turned into something of a nightmare.
Attempts to call the police were unsuccessful; there were a couple of other incidents in Geraldton at that time. When things were getting out of control, Billy, who was a gentle man - we spent our time in the bush, we knew the names of all the birds, the marsupials and the lizards - and a kind man, thought it was time to break this up. He grabbed the esky and said: ‘Let us get out of here’. He picked up the esky and he walked from the beach. He was proceeding to take the esky back to the house so that would break the party up and try to diffuse the incident. It was the last thing he did. He was bashed in front of his family on the beach.
That is a horrible, horrible story. I was awoken by my mother early on Boxing Day to learn that news. You do not have the means to process a story like that where your good, kind friend has been killed on the beach in front of his family. When you hear every new bit of information that comes in, it makes it even more hideous.
What flowed from that was spending time early that morning with the family, and his mother and the father, who are my uncle and auntie, and we cried and had a cup of tea. It was acknowledged across the family that Billy and I were going to meet that day. Flowing from there was the recognition that there were other families in that town of Geraldton who, for other reasons, were grieving, concerned and troubled because younger members of their family had been involved in the incident. They had been the offenders.
It is with great credit that I speak now of a lady - I do not know her name but she is the grandmother. She knew what had happened and she stood up and she made sure that the authorities were left with no confusion as to who was involved in the crime. It was not too long before one of the offenders presented himself to the police. That lady showed immense courage because she was under some pressure not to reveal, to stand with her family and protect those who had committed a horrible and hideous act on a family out on the beach. Then, later on, probably two days later, members of the Aboriginal families who had been connected to some of the offenders presented themselves before the media and made a sincere apology to the Rowe family.
If it had not have been for the courage of the grandmother and that family to stand and offer their sincere condolences to the Rowe family, things would be much worse in Geraldton today, flying right across through the community into Mullewa, Yalgoo, Meekatharra, and other places. I take my hat off to them because it must have been very hard for them to do that.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get to the funeral, and I regret that. I sincerely regret not being able to get to his funeral because his body was held in state for such a long time whilst the matter was being investigated. I spoke to my mother, my father, and my brothers and sister, who were at that funeral. They were able to report to me that a number of members of the indigenous families attended that funeral out of respect for the Rowe family. I admire that. For my family, that meant a lot.
We have some very difficult water to chart and, when we talk about the problems that we have seen on the streets in the Northern Territory, there is very little difference from what I have seen in Geraldton. It only takes a little extra to tip it across the scales and some young person, 18 years old, might make a decision in the heat of the moment to do something as hideous as occurred at St George’s Beach in Geraldton.
That is why this matter is serious. It is not a matter of policy, spin, hype, gloss, whatever – it is very serious. I have seen the grit and courage shown by Uncle John and Auntie Val, who lost their 49-year-old son on Christmas Day; the grandmother whose name I do not know, who lived in Geraldton, and stood up and said: ‘This is wrong. That is a good family. I will not be a part of hiding the identity of that young offender’ - and he presented himself to the courts which was remarkable; and for those who offered condolences and provided the opportunity for some healing and resolution to that matter. I do not need to say it, but that story underscores the challenge that we are all presented with.
How far that scenario I have just described is from the hype, the gloss, the spin, the self-promotion that can occur in a Chamber like this. If we cannot sort it out in here, if we cannot find a better way to conduct our business when it comes to issues like that, then we should not stay in here. We should leave and find something else to do. Our community demands that kind of leadership and courage and, unless we provide it, we have to ask ourselves some deeper questions.
Going back to it, the challenge sits on this table: can we really find that new place to stand, to conduct our business when it comes to the matters of greatest concern that we have talked about nationally but, I believe, weigh most heavily in the Northern Territory? Though at many times I am confounded, confused and disappointed, I still believe that the Territory can lead the way in brokering and cutting a new path in an area of national concern.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I pay tribute to an old timer in Central Australia who passed away in December last year. This man was known to all members of this Assembly. Some of us probably knew him as a nuisance and often crossed the road when we saw him coming. Of course, I am talking about Bert Cramer.
Bert was a committed man, an interesting man. He was an artist, a poet, author and an entertainer and, as we all knew, an inventor. He loved inventing things after hours and on weekends. I had the pleasure - and I take this opportunity to say to Bert’s family, especially to his son, Rod, thank you very much for inviting me to his memorial service at the Lutheran Church.
Bert Roland Cramer was born in Tanunda in South Australia on 15 April 1928. He was the first of three sons. This man was certainly extraordinary. He harvested and processed Darwin grass, and he hunted rabbits, foxes, brumbies and kangaroos. This prepared him for the hard life in the north. Bert was attracted to the north. He worked at RM Williams learning saddlery, boot making and whip making. On one of his trips passing through Hermannsburg Mission, Bert noticed a number of single women working as teachers and nurses. He stayed on and worked in the stock camp. These were really hard times; times when there were no fridges, cars or other things we take for granted now. As we know, life back then was really hard in the stock camps, and that was the life that Bert enjoyed. It was the first time that he had the opportunity to live and work with Aboriginal people, and I know that he loved working with Aboriginal people. Bert’s relationship with Aboriginal people was forged when he started living at Hermannsburg.
Hermannsburg community bought a D4 tractor and Bert’s job was to clean soakage in the Finke and the Ellery River and train Aboriginal men. One of the men Bert trained was Hermann Malbunka, a man very well known. Bert was only too happy to train Hermann, who was 19 years old. While training him to keep the D4 tractor clean and greased, Bert also took the time to teach Hermann, around the campfire, to read and write. That was a great opportunity to prepare Hermann for life in the future. As we all in this Assembly know, Hermann and Mavis Malbunka are very well-respected elders and leaders of the community of Ipolera, west of Hermannsburg. That was the beginning of a relationship, as Hermann said in his fax to the Cramer family. Bert was like a father to him and a teacher. I suppose, when someone gives you the time and embraces you, you do forge that relationship as a father and a teacher. That is how Hermann explains the relationship that he had with Bert Cramer.
In 1956, Bert and his young family left Hermannsburg and, in 1957, the Cramer family started their life in Alice Springs at Emily Gap. These were during really hard times - years of drought on a bare block in Alice Springs. Bert, like many other old Central Australian people, was the backbone of building Alice Springs, and building relationships in Alice Springs and regional and remote Aboriginal communities. Bert was one of those men who would often go on a Friday afternoon, wanting to see bureaucrats, when bureaucrats were only just walking out the door and wanting to go home to spend the weekend with their family. He would always go at 4.21 pm when he knew that it was time for them all to walk out.
Sometimes, as politicians, we look at these people who have built the foundation for us, so that our journey becomes a little easier in the way that we live, and think: ‘Oh, he is an old nuisance’, and we hide from them when they come to present themselves to government, and we cross the road when we see them coming. They only want to have five minutes with you to express their point of view as to how government is travelling, or get something off their mind. We often did that with Bert.
The Cramer family is a well-respected family in Alice Springs. I went to school with Bert Cramer’s daughter, Judy. We were both schooled at Traeger Park and we often met each other at the Lutheran Church at Sunday School as children. I take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences to the Cramer family, losing someone with so much intelligence and so much history, not only of Alice Springs, but throughout the Western Desert. It is sad to see these people go. People like him, Hermann and Mavis, and Virginia Rontji, who lived and worked with Pastor Albrecht, have made life easier for us as young Territorians to live in the Northern Territory. We must not forget our old people. We have to start connecting with these people, because they are the people of the past who have made life easier for us.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to have the full eulogy incorporated into the Parliamentary Record so it is always on record.
Leave granted.
Ms ANDERSON: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I take this opportunity also to mention, as you all know, the six young indigenous people killed so tragically on the Hermannsburg Road just before Christmas. I take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to the families at Hermannsburg and also to thank them. I thank people like Bob Durnan, who worked for a month supporting all these families, and people like Jane at Tjuwanpa and Selwyn at the Mission Shop and, of course, Charlie who has now left Hermannsburg.
Without these people, that community was in disarray. We cannot forget the loss of those six children and the families they all left behind - little children. One of the young fellas who was killed in that car accident was the husband of my young niece and they had a young baby, only eight months old. That baby will grow up not knowing the dad. It is a real tragedy for that community. I want to thank everybody at Hermannsburg for pulling together and making sure that things were right.
I sincerely thank the Hermannsburg Police and Alice Springs Police for the efforts that they put in to keep that community together and have the information flowing from the police to the families who lost loved ones. I was there the whole time and I have placed an ad in the Centralian Advocate thanking the Northern Territory Police for their commitment to Hermannsburg and to the people there.
That is why it is so important that, as government, we take the initiative to educate these people about drink-driving, being unlicensed, and driving unregistered vehicles because they do not see it as a problem not to have a licence and drive unregistered cars. They take the risk of going in to buy grog or marijuana. It is that journey from Alice Springs back to their community that becomes so dangerous. There are cattle and kangaroos on the road. We have to try to stop these massive tragedies that we have in remote Aboriginal communities. I know that, in three of my other communities, we have had three deaths.
We just have to try to help these people understand that it is good to access the services in Alice Springs, but to do it without grog, without ganja, and try to get back safely to their communities and be good role models for their children. Make sure they teach their children not to consume alcohol and take drugs - it is a bad way of growing up - and be a real leader to drive indigenous communities and indigenous people to have a new focus in life. We must stop normalising the bad behaviour. As government, we are responsible for educating these people not to do those things any more.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Deputy Speaker, one of the great things about being a local member is that you get the opportunity to talk about the schools in your electorate. Every one of us is very proud of our schools. It epitomises the community spirit of the electorates when you see the school and the school kids doing fabulous things. My electorate of Goyder is no exception.
The first school I will talk about is Berry Springs. That is a school I share with the member for Daly, Rob Knight. Whilst it is in my electorate, we both have students who attend there and we are very proud of all the kids who go there. It is a bit sad because there is one very important teacher who will not be there this year. That is the Deputy Principal, Heather Black, who left at the end of 2007. Heather has been an icon at the school for the past 10 years. It is going to be a different school, with the loss of Heather. The school principal, Sheila Delahay described her as ‘absolutely fabulous and wonderful’ as an assistant principal, and I concur with those words, as she has been an important part of that school for so many years.
However, that loss from Berry Springs is Bakewell Primary School’s gain, as Heather has transferred there. I am sure she will again make an outstanding contribution for the future of the Territory children there. I concur with the school community in thanking Heather for the fantastic effort she has put in at Berry Springs for all those years, and we wish her well.
Berry Springs is set for another great year. They have the installation of the new interactive smart boards, which were installed over the holidays. These are, as all teachers can attest to, excellent learning tools for making lessons interesting and engaging the students. To have interactive smart boards installed is really going to help the school immensely.
The fundraising committee at the school is active. They have already started their sausage sizzles at the Berry Springs Markets. While I speak about the Berry Springs Markets, let me tell you that it is a fairly new event there, but it is going gangbusters. The new community event is held on the last Sunday of each month at the Berry Springs Reserve. The next one is due on 24 February, and I am pleased to give that a free plug. If anyone reads this and is able to go to any of these Sunday events, then certainly do, because these markets are organised by the Berry Springs Reserve Management Committee. I hear from the organiser, Miriam Cleary, that the first market recently held in January was very successful, with over 40 stallholders selling a variety of fresh local produce and a large range of art and craft. I am looking forward to going on the 24th to maybe pick up a bargain, but also have a good time.
While I am talking about the markets, it is interesting to note that if there was ever a site that had the potential to take off as a site for a market, it is certainly this one. It is a very important meeting point for locals to provide a focal point for other community activities and organisations, but it is actually the location of it. It is in close proximity to the Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs Nature Reserve, which means visitors from Darwin could certainly be attracted there. They could make a Sunday event of it. They could take the family out there, have a look at the Wildlife Park and have a swim in the Berry Springs Reserve over the coming Dry Season and they can attend the markets. It could be an all-round event. It has the potential to be a destination that fits in very well with our Territory lifestyle, certainly for people who have interstate visitors staying with them. I believe it will, in years to come, compete with the Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.
At Humpty Doo on the last Wednesday in November 2007, it was literally raining awards for the staff there. I will tell you an insightful story about the awards because it was one of those days where people had good news - it was a great day. The National Leadership Program, the National Summer School Program and the NT Teacher Exemplary Practice Awards were all announced on that day.
In particular, Principal, Felicity Hancock, announced that she was selected as one of 40 principals across Australia for the 2008 Leading Australia’s Schools program through Teaching Australia, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. She had just announced that, when Viki Kane, one of the other teachers there, shared her news about winning a position in the Summer School program in Canberra. She was one of only 1000 teachers across Australia to be accepted, so that is an honour in itself. If that was not enough, Jenni Webber came in and shared her delight at being accepted as a Teacher of Exemplary Practice, and then Lisa George was nominated to represent NT Cricket at the Alan Border Medal dinner, because she is the Cricket Educator of the Year in the NT.
It might have seemed like Christmas for them out there, and deservedly so because that is a fantastic school. It is one of the larger primary schools in the Territory – it is certainly the largest in the rural area. The staff are very dedicated. They are worthy recipients of those awards. I wish them all the best. I am sure they are all going to come back with some great stories about their trips interstate but, also, to tell the school how proud they were to represent not only the school and the rural area, but the Northern Territory.
I echo the words of principal, Felicity Hancock, when she said:
I concur with that; we have a great bunch of teachers up here and Humpty Doo school is certainly right up there.
While I am speaking about Humpty Doo school, it has been off to a great start this year with the school running very smoothly. They are particularly pleased with the continued good results in the Multilevel Assessment Program (MAP) for literacy and numeracy. It reaffirms the dedication and competence of the Humpty Doo Primary teachers and staff. As a teaching school in 2008, Humpty Doo will be mentoring trainee teachers from Charles Darwin University to provide similar quality instructions. I meet with those trainee teachers, and they really do fit in well. It is important that you have schools like Humpty Doo where the trainee teachers can be embraced and become part of the staff. Even if it is only for a short period, they are accepted and learn so much from the more senior teachers. I know many of them are very keen to get back there, and some of them have actually become permanent staff on graduating, which is great.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, the Principal of Bees Creek Primary School, John Tate, recently commented to me that the most striking feature of the start of the year has been the smooth transition of the Year 6 and 7 students from 2007 to middle school, most of whom have gone to their local middle school, Taminmin High School. They have seen an increased number of Taminmin students at Bees Creek waiting outside the school in the morning for the school buses. It is due to the strong enrolments there that we have so many students waiting at Bees Creek. Mr Tate said they looked great in their Taminmin uniforms, and straightaway they started wearing them with pride, particularly in front of their old classmates. It is great that they can have this feeling of pride for a great school like Bees Creek to a great high school like Taminmin. That pride continues and epitomises the school spirit in the rural area. I am very proud of that.
At Litchfield Primary School, which is just across the road from Bees Creek and shares the same street, they have some very exciting news. They have been approved to commence middle schooling in 2008. There will be a transition stage and it will start in full in 2009. That is very exciting. They put in their application and it was a very drawn-out process. I was very surprised when they excitedly told me when I went there recently that they actually received the approval. They have organised themselves at very short notice and have a lot of kids to start there. It certainly will be in full swing in 2009. For private school education, you could not go past Litchfield Primary School.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to look at the Early Learning Centre which is now open. It is a bright and cheerful facility and I have some great photos of the new playground equipment there. I am encouraging the minister for Education to visit and be part of not just the middle school official opening, but also of the Early Learning Centre. I am looking forward to that, and there will be an article in my newsletter because it is a great school and it is a very newsworthy story.
I have another Christian school in my electorate, Palmerston Christian School. It has had a wonderful start to 2008, with all the middle school classes, Years 7 to 9, and most primary classes, Transition to Year 6, filled with excited students. Palmerston Christian School is in Marlow Lagoon in my electorate in the suburb of Palmerston. We have many students from Palmerston, and many from Marlow Lagoon students. It is a great school. It has adopted the spirit of the rural area. There are dedicated staff there, dedicated students and the whole place really is abuzz. I get great joy going to their monthly awards and engaging with the students and teachers and presenting those awards.
They are busy planning to make this year an exciting and challenging time for all the students. The school hopes to expand the provision of middle schooling elective subjects with the construction of an automotive workshop area. That is pretty innovative for a private primary and high school. That typifies the forward thinking that this school has adopted. They are offering a variety of elective options as well, giving students experience in subjects they may wish to pursue with VET and apprenticeship choices for future years of study.
Palmerston Christian School will also be providing more sporting facilities, which is great news - I am sure the minister for Sport would love to hear that - with the arrival of new AFL goalposts, just in time for the AFL Rules Interschool Competition. That is going to be great.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I will leave the rest of my speech to next week, because I want to continue talking about the schools in my electorate. I would hate to do an injustice to them because my time is just about running out.
I offer my congratulations to the new Deputy Speaker who is still in the Chamber listening. I believe she will do a great job. She has done a great job this week. I wish her all the best. She is a great part of our team. I also commend, you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, on your first night in this role as Acting Deputy Speaker. You have done a great job, thank you.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
VISITORS
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise you of the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of friends and family of the late Mr Chittock.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Mr Alf Chittock OAM – Death of
Mr Alf Chittock OAM – Death of
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, it is with deep regret that I advise of the death on 25 December of Mr Alf Chittock, a much-loved member of the Tennant Creek community for nearly six decades.
Honourable members, there will be a motion of condolence and I will be calling on the Chief Minister shortly. At the conclusion of the motion I will be asking members to stand for one minute in silence as a mark of respect.
I call the Chief Minister.
CONDOLENCE MOTION
Mr Alf Chittock OAM
Mr Alf Chittock OAM
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I move that this Assembly express its deep regret at the death of Mr Alf Chittock, a long-term resident and former Mayor of Tennant Creek, and tender its profound sympathy to his family and friends.
Madam Speaker, I mark the life of a great Territorian, Alf Chittock, whose life in so many ways epitomised the spirit of the Northern Territory, and whose time with us was emblematic of the history of one of our oldest and most important towns, Tennant Creek. Indeed, I am advised by the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly that Alf is the first resident of Tennant Creek to be accorded a formal parliamentary condolence in the history of this place.
In honouring the life of this wonderful man, we are also commemorating a way of life that has, in some sense, disappeared. After all, it would not be too common for us in these more genteel days to celebrate someone who spent many years operating as an illegal SP bookie. Yet, Alf was far more than the holder of a punter’s dreams on a Saturday afternoon.
For nearly 60 years, Alf committed himself to Tennant Creek and the wider Barkly area. In doing so, he became a much-loved icon of the region, combining activities as a successful businessman with a deep commitment to community service for his fellow citizens.
Alf came to Tennant Creek from Adelaide in 1949, to work for his cousin, Dick Turner, at the Tennant Creek Battery. He had only made it to the Army during the war on a second attempt, having initially being knocked back on medical grounds. He had also worked during the war at a General Motors plant in Adelaide, knocking out barrels for six inch guns.
However, he had a few more tricks up his sleeve than mechanical abilities. After working with Dick Turner at the battery, he also worked on the crushers at the wolfram mine at Wauchope, even taking out a mining lease himself. Whatever else it achieved, it gave Alf a bit of a financial stake when he bought into one of the local butcher shops in Tennant Creek. Whilst he had been a ‘butcher’s boy’ in a relative’s shop as a youngster, he had a chance to work at Jim Taylor’s butcher shop in Tennant Creek. Alf described it as an odd bit of good fortune, and what follows is a quote from Alf:
- Then a mate in Tennant Creek, Jim Taylor was accidentally shot – happily, not fatally. I had known Jim in Adelaide. Jim had a butcher’s shop in Tennant Creek and he needed a hand to keep it going. So I agreed to help out.
He did more than that. He went on to buy Taylor’s share and then to buy another butcher shop in town. There would have been a few jokes around the traps in those days because Alf also set up his butcher shop as the local SP. You can imagine unlucky losers complaining about being skinned on the races but, in those days in towns like Tennant Creek, it was a necessary if less than legal service, especially in a town that was experiencing a mining boom at the time. Alf later went legit as he became an official legally-sanctioned bookie, a role he performed until the establishment of the TAB in the 1980s.
As well as his various successful business interests over the years, Alf was a pioneer of local government in Tennant Creek, not only in the town that was well and truly his home, but Territory-wide. He was appointed as a member of the first government-controlled Town Management Board in 1966. In 1972, after reforms in local government, he became the first citizen-elected board chairman and, six years later, Alf joined the original ‘gang of four’ – the Territory’s first mayors of fully-elected municipal governments in the Northern Territory. He went on to serve as mayor for a decade.
Although he was described as being a hard taskmaster on council, fellow councillor, Tony Boulter, also described his role as being a man of the people who had the town’s interests at heart: ‘Alf made it feel like a town without losing that flavour of Tennant Creek’.
In between all of this was Alf’s great love – Emmy James. Although they had met in 1957 when Emmy was working as a local barmaid, they did not move in together for another 18 years. After his death, Emmy was to describe Alf as ‘in a class of his own - always laughing and loving life’. Much of that love of life was surely evidenced by his constant involvement in community service. He really was one of those people who was always around to give a helping hand.
He was a leading light behind the establishment of the Memorial Club, running his famous Wednesday night chook raffle until his 90s. He also lent a hand to Lions, the Buffaloes, Sporties and Legacy and, in later years, Tennant Creek Seniors.
He was also an honoured and long-time member of the Australian Labor Party. Indeed, he was awarded life membership of the Northern Territory’s oldest political party. His great sense of humour was an obvious help in the many years of political wilderness - and it certainly was - to the party that he loved. Labor’s victory in 2001 was very much a reward for so many years of faith.
It was only in the last few months of this great old man’s life that he was forced to move away from his loved home town of Tennant Creek, spending his last months near medical treatment here in Darwin. He died on Christmas Day at the great age of 94. He really was one of those rare individuals who helped create the times around him as he helped build Tennant Creek. The Order of Australia Medal he was awarded in 1979 summed up only part of his life. In various ways, he was still to serve the people of the Barkly for nearly another three decades.
Madam Speaker, he is survived by his life partner, Emmy. On behalf of the people of the Northern Territory, I pass on my sincere condolences to Emmy, as well as Alf’s many friends in the Northern Territory and beyond. He was a great Territorian and a wonderful character.
_____________________
Distinguished Visitor
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I draw to your attention the presence in the Speaker’s Gallery of the former member for Stuart, Dr Peter Toyne, looking very well. On behalf of honourable members, I extend to you a very warm welcome.
Members: Hear, hear!
_____________________
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, at the outset I need to say that I had not had the opportunity to meet Mr Chittock; however, in the reading of his story, it is warming to see the contribution made by one who came almost by accident to the Territory in 1949 for a period of three weeks and stayed to make such an investment and leave such a legacy.
Anyone with a love for the Territory and an interest in the history of the Territory finds that many of the stories come from Tennant Creek. It is, indeed, fitting that we remember this man and the legacy he has left for the community of Tennant Creek. I was pleased to hear that this is the first time that a resident of Tennant Creek has been honoured in such a way. It is a special day for that very special Territory community of Tennant Creek.
Like many of us, Alf came by accident, as referred to, with a sense of adventure. He came to a place where there was freedom and opportunity, just to have a look around. He decided to stay. At that time, many were similarly attracted to the Northern Territory. It is interesting to hear the stories of being involved in activities that are of interest to the community which, at that stage, were illegal. However, they fulfilled a very important role. It is very fitting to see that, when there was the need for that to be legitimised, he was offered the licence - which is saying a lot for the spirit in which he conducted his business, the reason he did so, and to be afforded that honour and that legitimisation of an activity that was important to that community. That little story says much.
When we hear the stories that emanate from Tennant Creek and the Barkly, we learn about the Territory. You can see that Alf was not only a man who fitted that landscape, but one who influenced it and epitomised that which is unique to Tennant Creek. He was one who was less than comfortable with the world of the southern states but, like so many of his kind, he was happy to forgo the comfort and pleasantries of civilisation for the liberty of a world where a free man was measured by who he was and not by any other standard. The Territory of those times was a place of nearly unbridled freedom and opportunity.
With the passing of Alf, a band of our rich tapestry of history has faded. That is why it is important to honour his passing in this way. As the chains of regulations bind and shackle us more and more each passing year, and as administrations find ways of intruding on our lives, it is important to remember the times and Territory of the past – now less like the place that Alf came to all those years ago.
As communications and modern transport technology continually shrink the planet, those good old days withdraw increasingly into the romantic musings of people such as me who look back and meet the people who had their history deeply rooted in this place. That is not to say, however, that Alf was a man who hid himself here. The type of character he was has been reflected so many times in our history. He was a doer, someone who wanted to contribute and to make where he lived a better place - and he did that. He contributed by taking an untamed and wild place and making it a place that people came to visit and wanted to stay.
Tennant Creek grew and, as it grew, it finally needed its own representation. Alf became the first Mayor of the frontier town because he believed in the place, believed in the people, and he loved that place. There are many pioneers in the Territory and many moved on. In a vote of confidence in where he lived, he stayed and continued to live in Tennant Creek, the town he helped to build. A town is not buildings - it is people. That is the legacy that is left.
Interestingly, his official reason for staying was: ‘Darwin was too hot and humid, Adelaide was too cold, Alice Springs was too cold too, and Tennant suits me’. However, if I understand his sister correctly, it also had much to do with the community of people in which he lived and whom he loved. May he rest in peace.
Mr McADAM (Barkly): Madam Speaker, I support the condolence motion for Mr Alfred Chittock. In doing so, I pay my most humble and heartfelt respect to a great man and a truly great Territorian. I also take this opportunity to acknowledge all his friends and family who are here today. I thank you for your attendance.
Alfred Ernest Chittock was born on 31 August 1913, and was raised in Brompton, South Australia, in those days a classic working-class suburb of factories and workers’ cottages. Alf trained as a first-class fitter and turner and, by all accounts, was very skilled in his trade. I remember the pride with which he spoke of his work as a young man, a first-class tradesman supporting the war effort with his work, machining gun barrels for the diggers and gunners on active service.
In 1949, like so many others at the end of the war, it was time for Alf to seek adventure, and a better life in another place. For Alf, this meant Tennant Creek. I also remember Alf for his total commitment to Tennant Creek, the Barkly and the Northern Territory, both as a businessman and a generous and warm human being. His contributions to the Tennant Creek community are legendary. One wonders where to start in describing all that he has done.
Alf is remembered in Tennant for his lifelong support of the Tennant Creek Memorial Club, the Sporties Club, the Tigers Baseball Club, the Returned Services League, Legacy, Tennant Creek Senior Citizens, and many other organisations, too many to mention. It is important to understand his commitment to the community and the people. He was legendary for his chook raffles, which he ran for the RSL, the Senior Citizens and Legacy - and did so for many years. Right up until almost the day he left, he was still out in the community selling chook raffle tickets. I have been told that there are other people in that community who are going to continue that legacy. That is a personal response to the sort of man that he was. It is important to note that many of these organisations are proud to have Alf as a life member in recognition of his service. One wonders if there was an organisation that Alf did not support, and just how he fitted it into his busy life.
Alf’s other great community service was Local Government. Alf was a valued member of the Tennant Creek Town Management Board from 1966 and the Board Chairman for 10 years. With self-government in 1978 came the establishment of the Tennant Creek Town Council. Alf, by popular acclaim, was elected Tennant’s first Mayor. Alf held that position with great distinction from 1978 to 1988. Many of the facilities, assets and services enjoyed by today’s residents can be attributed to the good work of Alf and his fellow councillors in those early formative years of the Tennant Creek Town Council. He also showed the way, when it was not fashionable to do so, in developing partnerships among organisations, especially actively encouraging partnerships with local indigenous organisations.
In 1979, his work for the town of Tennant Creek was given wider recognition with him being awarded the well-deserved honour of the Medal of the Order of Australia. Where would we be without those in our community who give so much of their time and energy to the wellbeing of their home town and fellow citizens? Alf embodied this spirit, throwing himself with gusto into all sorts of support for the community, particularly his 20 years involvement in community governance.
The Chief Minister mentioned Alf’s association with the Labor Party. As most people would be aware, Alf was a life member of the Labor Party. Alf joined the Hindmarsh Branch of the Australian Labor Party in South Australia in 1934 where he was active in both its political and social activities. In 1940, Mr Chittock joined the Woodville Branch of the Amalgamated Engineering Union, characterising a period of industrial and political partnership where he was elected as the AEU representative on the state Labor Council. Over the next five years, Alf was active in the Labor Party dealing with policy development and the annual Australian Labor Party South Australian Branch Conference.
Upon arriving in the Territory in 1949, Alf joined the local branch and developed a great friendship with two serving Labor members, Jock Nelson and Len Purkiss. During this period, Alf worked on various party platforms including preselection for a Territory seat. The important point here is that, with the exception of maybe a couple of years, he was a member of the Labor Party for 73 years. Whatever your political persuasions might be, we have to acknowledge that. I reckon 73 years is a great effort aligned to any party.
As the local member, I am often asked what is so special about Tennant Creek. The answer, of course, is the people. One of the very special people who helped Tennant shape its character was the lovable, irrepressible Alf Chittock. Remembering Alf’s smile or the smile that he brought to people’s faces, we will remember him for his fun-filled approach to life, his love for his community, and his joy in exploring all that life had to offer. He was a fine leader, ambassador and representative of the community, leading by example: a fair go for everyone, a just reward for hard work, and joining in to help others through the good times and the bad.
I also pay a tribute to Alf for his role in my life and his importance to me as a friend. He was a man of generous spirit, aspiring soul and an endless source of wisdom and inspiration. I have spoken to a few members in the branch at Tennant and, as far as I am aware, he missed one meeting in all that time, with the exception of when he went away on holiday. That says something about the bloke.
The other story I want to relate is how, about three years ago, he had gone to Adelaide for a major operation on his knee. He would have been about 91 years old. I went to see him when he came back. His driveway to his house was very steep and he was hobbling his way up there. I asked: ‘How are you feeling?’ He replied: ‘I’m fine. I have to go in soon to get another hip operation. It’s going to last me another 10 to 15 years’, bearing in mind he had already had one 10 years prior. Again, it just shows you the character of the man.
There is something else I wanted to relate to you: on January 25, I received a letter from Tony Harris, the nephew from England of Emily James, Alf’s loved partner. He spent some time with Alf and Emily in Warrego, I think, in 1973. I received the letter on the day before Australia Day. When I addressed the Australia Day celebrations there were many people there, indigenous and non-indigenous and, more importantly, many young people. I want to read you some of what Tony Harris wrote:
- I always enjoyed hearing Alf sharing his experience of how the Territory had changed and telling me stories from his life. I did not learn to swim until I was an adult and Alf told me how he learnt to swim. At the time, they did not have local pools and he was some distance from the sea. So Alf found a book on how to swim. He would then lay on a seat and practice the arm and leg strokes. After he felt he had got his head around the basics, he cycled to the sea and spent all day in the sea until he could swim.
I felt the story typified the quiet inner strength and determination of Alf.
In conclusion, I pay tribute to Alf’s family in South Australia. They are not here today, but they attended the memorial service in Darwin the day Cyclone Helen hit. I pay tribute to Deanne, Marlene, Sylvia, Leeuwin, and his great-nieces, April and Lisa, as well as his great-nephew, Anthony. They spoke lovingly of Alf and his ongoing inspiration and dedication to them. They can be very proud of their uncle.
I also pay my deepest respects to Alf’s partner, his soul mate, Emily James. Emily cannot be here today; she is actually in hospital. She fell over at Casuarina the other day and cracked her knee. She is 84 years old and a wonderfully independent woman, and a great human being. She extends her sincere appreciation and thanks to this parliament and to the people of the Northern Territory, and all the friends and family who supported her over the years, particularly since Christmas.
Emily has asked me to thank those people who assisted her and Alf when they came to Darwin. Alf came up because his health was deteriorating and he needed to be here. There are many people who, as you would expect over 94 years, admired and respected Emmy and Alf. She just wanted to say thank you to the people of the Northern Territory, and to the friends and the family who are here today, who have supported them over the years.
As you would expect, when people move from Tennant Creek to Darwin it is pretty difficult and traumatic. However, it speaks volumes of the people in the Territory because the support that everyone provided to Emmy and Alf was absolutely inspirational. I thank some people who really put in a special effort to help them when they came here: Shelly Priore, Nicole Manison, Peter Wellings from my office, and others who went out of their way to extend the true Territory spirit of helping people out.
Emmy has also asked me to give special thanks to Ian and Kit McNeill for adopting Alf’s beloved Wally, their wonder dog. Thank you both as well.
To Alf, thanks for the good times and all your hard work for your fellow travellers.
Members: Hear, hear!
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I was not originally going to speak, but having listened to the member for Barkly speak about Alf’s contribution to community work, especially through councils, I thought I should say something.
It is not so much on my behalf, because when I started in Local Government it was about the time when Alf had just finished 20 years service to Local Government. He was part of a special era. I was trying to think of the names of people who would have been associated with him from other councils: Ella Stack perhaps, Pat Davies would have been Mayor of Katherine, and Jim Forscutt followed on, as well as people like John Maley in the Litchfield area, and Leslie Oldfield may have been the Mayor of Alice Springs at that time.
My recollection is that it was a great time. There was this bunch of people working for the Territory through Local Government who were great comrades - if I can use that term in a broad sense as well as perhaps a political sense. They worked for the benefit of not only the towns they lived in but the whole of the Territory. Anyone who can work for 20 years in Local Government is a person of great stamina, without any doubt.
Alf not only worked for 73 years for the Labor Party, but worked for 20 years for the community through Local Government. We have lost a person who has contributed greatly to the Northern Territory and he will be missed. He will be missed by all those people who have known him through those organisations. I have no doubt that he will be missed by the people, not only of the Northern Territory, but of Tennant Creek. Rest in peace, Alf – a job well done.
Madam SPEAKER: I also extend my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Chittock. I thank honourable members for their contributions to the motion.
Motion agreed to.
Members stood and observed one minute’s silence as a mark of respect.
MINISTERIAL REPORT
Darwin Waterfront Project –
Progress Report
Darwin Waterfront Project –
Progress Report
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I inform the House about the progress of the Darwin Waterfront Project. In August 2003, the Northern Territory government announced the Darwin Waterfront Project involving the redevelopment of 25 ha of unused industrial land with a vision to transform it into a world-class development, featuring a convention centre, community facilities, hotel accomodation and residential apartments.
This vision is soon to become a reality, as this site will soon be transformed into a vibrant waterfront precinct for the whole community to enjoy. Various elements of the project, such as the convention centre, wave lagoon and cruise ship facility will be completed this year, with the residential and hospitality elements due for completion in early 2009. Under our agreement with the various developers involved on-site, a commitment was made to achieve a local content target of 85%. I am pleased to report that all parties to the project have well exceeded that benchmark, and have, in fact, achieved a local content for contracts in excess of 95%, which is great news for local businesses, jobs and the economy.
I am also proud to say that construction for the Darwin convention centre is two months ahead of schedule. I toured the site recently to congratulate Steve Shenfield, Project Manager for the convention centre and his team as they headed to being so far ahead of the game in contractual completion of the convention centre, which will see construction completed towards the end of March 2008. I was pleased to meet many of the hard-working construction team on-site, and I look forward to shouting them a few cold beers for their efforts.
Planning for the opening events for the Darwin convention centre is currently under way, with a week-long celebration planned for the whole community. These details are currently being finalised. Already, the convention centre has a long list of bookings with a total of 24 conferences or exhibitions booked, with the Darwin convention centre working on another 40-plus bids. I look forward to officially opening the Darwin convention centre, which is ahead of schedule and on budget, in June 2008.
One of the most anticipated elements of the project is the wave lagoon. You only have to talk to any of the kids around Darwin to find they are really looking forward to it. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will allow our kids to enjoy a cool, stinger-free facility, 365 days a year in the 4000 m lagoon which is the equivalent of five Olympic size swimming pools. Our kids can enjoy a facility which will be capable of delivering something we do not get a lot of; that is, waves. Families will be able to enjoy boogie boarding on waves up to 1.2 m in height in a lagoon with depths of up to 2 m. On the cusp of the wave lagoon will be a shallow, still-water area for toddlers so they do not miss out on the action. Surrounding the wave lagoon will be the public parklands and promenades for all to enjoy. Construction of the wave lagoon and community public areas is progressing and will be a valuable and popular asset to the community when it opens later this year.
One of the exciting aspects of this project is the world-class and international standard of public art that will feature throughout the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. This exciting initiative is jointly funded by the Territory government and TOGA Group. Stage 1 will feature several public art installations from local artists, indigenous artists and international artists. These pieces are currently in production and are planned to be progressively unveiled from mid-2008. The public art initiative has produced many outcomes with many local indigenous artists benefiting from workshops to learn new skills. An example of this is the gatherings project where local indigenous artists are attending a series of workshops at a public art foundry in Brisbane. In addition to the public art initiative, nominations have been called for the annual Togart awards. The Togart Contemporary Art Awards of $15 000 in cash will be awarded, as well as a people’s choice prize of $5000. The winners will be announced at the opening night on 19 June 2008.
Wharf 1, the residential component of Stage 1 of the project featuring 138 apartments, is on track for completion in 2009. Along with this comes commercial and retail space which will feature a unique shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. Work on the $5m cruise ship facility at Fort Hill Wharf is also on track with the basement slab and foundation work under way. This facility will offer a new arrival and departure facility for cruise ship passengers into Darwin and will open in mid-2008.
To conclude, Madam Speaker, the Darwin waterfront vision is soon to become a reality. This year will be a busy and exciting year as we see the Darwin Waterfront Precinct come to life.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, make no mistake; this is important infrastructure - important for the Territory economy and tourism. I heard someone say this morning that there is no such thing as an original idea, we are all plagiarists in different forms, one way or another. These ideas are not unique, although, it is good to see it implemented.
However, there was clearly an understanding that was embedded in the community by glossy brochures in the early stages that told the Territory community that this project Stage 1 would be completed by the end of 2007. That is not the case. Now the language has changed. So, it is not according to the schedule that was originally communicated to the Northern Territory community. Second, we were told that the whole project would cost $100m. We have now been told that Stage 1 is $149m. That is a significant change in the language and commitment, and understanding established in the community.
Do I, therefore, understand that the identification of $63m for Stage 2 is a commitment from the taxpayer or is it from the developers? We do not know. We need that clarified: $100m to start with for the whole project was the implication - cleverly used language; $149m now for Stage 1 exclusively; $63m for Stage 2 - who pays for that? Do we or do we not?
Finally, while we have this short amount of time, the public facilities that we were told were going to be there, basically, have been stripped away: art markets are not there; water gardens gone; barbecue picnic area has now gone; sculpture walk is gone; glad to her about the art project; market tower is gone; seating terrace is gone; food market stalls gone; water sports gone except for the pay-as-you-use wave pool; amphitheatre gone; beach volleyball gone; retail promenade still there because it is going to make some money; casual seating intact, probably there because you need to have some park benches; retail promenade, still there because you can make some money; swimming pool is gone in favour of a pay-as-you-use wave pool, as I said before ...
Madam SPEAKER: Leader of the Opposition, your time has expired.
Mr MILLS: Ah, but there is more. We will talk about it at another stage – the other side of the story.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I have said all along I support the waterfront redevelopment. It is great for the Territory. My criticism has been simply that we missed an opportunity to do something special with the convention centre. As was raised on the ABC, it looks like convention centres in a couple of other cities, such as Adelaide and Perth. We had a chance that we missed. It will be good for the Territory and bring tourists; I have no doubt about that. However, I would have loved to have seen it as an icon that could have stood out like the towers over the Art Centre in Melbourne or the Sydney Opera House, where we could have said: ‘That is Darwin’. We missed that opportunity. Be that as it may, it will be good for the Territory.
Also, my concerns are what has been dropped off the original proposals. There is a rumour going around that the marina has also been dropped. It may be wrong, but that is what I was told. We do know the sound shell has gone. There have been some changes. It would be good for the minister to report on what is now different from the original proposal, and the reasons why there are these differences. People would be interested in hearing that from the Chief Minister.
I was down there last night looking at the start of the building of the hotels near the Esplanade. It is moving ahead and it will be good. This is a report, but a statement on the waterfront would be good. With so much money going into it – and there will be discussion in a ministerial statement later today – it has been such a major expenditure item for the Northern Territory, with so much publicity, no one in the Territory would not know about it. There is an opportunity for a detailed statement about the waterfront so not only we in parliament can debate that issue but people in the community can have a full understanding of where we are at this stage of the project.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I will be happy to present a full ministerial statement into the House later this year on the waterfront project as we work towards the opening of Stage 1 in June this year.
It still amazes me that the Leader of the Opposition seeks to criticise this project. It is obvious that he has not changed his spots since - I do not have a date on this clipping – he was last leader when the CLP called for a scrapping of the project. The CLP leader wants to revert to the 1999 model. He tried to run a censure motion in this House, censuring the government, calling for the project to be scrapped.
We have a vision, and we are delivering on that vision which will generate income, jobs, business opportunities, changes of lifestyle for people who are going to settle in Darwin as a result of coming to a convention here, and business people who are going to invest in the Territory as a result of coming to a convention here. This is a magnificent project. I will bring a full statement to the House later this year. I just wonder if the Leader of the Opposition will attend the opening.
Madam SPEAKER: Chief Minister, your time has expired.
Sydney National Tourism Campaign
Mr VATSKALIS (Tourism): Madam Speaker, today I inform this House on Tourism NT’s latest marketing activity known as ‘Holiday Mojo’. If you wonder what ‘Holiday Mojo’ means, I am advised it represents ‘the feeling of wellbeing you get when you go on holidays’. Last week, I flew to Sydney for the launch of the 2008 Share Our Story campaign now in its fourth year. The Share Our Story campaign has been recognised and remembered by our target markets and the results are exciting.
The latest national visitor survey showed that over the last year a record number of Australians holidayed in the Northern Territory. To continue this success, the Northern Territory government commissioned Newspoll Market Research to gain further insight into what the Australian public value most from their holiday experience. The result was that, within one week of returning home from holidays, four out of five Australians, that is, 80%, felt like they had never had a holiday at all. Additionally, they found that now, more than ever, Australian travellers are looking for an invigorating holiday experience that lasts longer and provides them a break from the ordinary. The research proved that Australians who visit the Northern Territory retain their holiday mojo longer.
The results were released last Thursday by Australian media personality, George Negus, on the Channel 9 Today Show in front of a national audience of over 806 000 viewers. Mr Negus also delivered the results at a media event in Sydney attended by over 35 national travel and lifestyle media. The attendees included the producer of Getaway, the Mornings with Kerri-Anne, editors of Good Weekend, Sunday Live, Australian Geographic, Cosmopolitan, Cleo, New Idea, Sun Herald, Yahoo 7, and the Australian Travel Magazine. In fact, the producers of Mornings with Kerri-Anne were so impressed with what they saw that they are currently considering televising their show live from various locations in the Northern Territory.
Throughout the event, George Negus talked about his holiday to the Territory, likening the experience to an overseas holiday that left him feeling reconnected and rejuvenated. George Negus and his family have a long personal association with the Territory, visiting often. He also told reporters that it should be mandatory for every Australian schoolchild to visit the Northern Territory as part of the curriculum to learn more about why this country is so special. What a great endorsement – and we did not pay him to say this either.
The media event was also supported by life coach Kate James, ex-Olympic swimmer, Samantha Riley, and Vogue Entertaining and Travel Deputy Editor, Carrie Hutchinson. All discussed their Northern Territory holiday experiences and their longer lasting holiday feelings.
To coincide with the Holiday Mojo campaign, Tourism NT coordinated a photographic exhibition of Kakadu and Arnhem Land on show at the same venue as the launch. The exhibition will move to Melbourne next month to coincide with the launch of the new Tiger Airways flight from Melbourne to Alice Springs. This stunning exhibition is a collection of Territory images that support the Holiday Mojo themes by capturing inspirational landscapes, vast natural habitats and the spiritual significance of the region. The editor of Australian Geographic magazine, who visited the exhibition after the Holiday Mojo event, was so impressed by the images that he requested to participate in the next photographic journey, planned to run from Tennant Creek to Gregory National Park later this year. Images from the exhibition have been included in the current edition of Vogue Entertaining and Travel, and also feature in the latest edition of the Outback Magazine and the Sun Herald.
When the exhibition moves to Melbourne next month, further articles will appear in the Herald Sun newspaper and the Virgin Blue in-flight magazine. On 25 February, the New Idea magazine will run a feature article that follows Samantha Riley’s invigorating experience aboard The Ghan from Alice Springs to Darwin. The article will be seen by over two million Australians each week. The media activity reinforces Tourism NT Northern Territory marketing activities and adds a further dimension to the already successful See our Story campaign.
Madam Speaker, whilst in Sydney last week, I met with Amanda Luhrmann, Chief Operating Officer, and Anton Monsted, the Producer Ancillaries and Marketing of Bazmark Film Pty Ltd and Marc Wooldridge, the Director of Marketing for 20th Century Fox at the Fox Studios. I was very privileged to preview a five-minute short film of the film Australia starring Nicole Kidman. I have to tell you, it is said to be a major box office success surpassing the film Titanic. A release date has not been finalised yet, but I reiterated the Chief Minister’s invitation to host either the world or the Australian premiere in Darwin. Our discussion was promising, and I look forward to updating the House on its progress.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his statement today. He said ‘mojo’. Is that what it was?
Mr Vatskalis: That is a mojo.
Mr Mills: You got it.
Mr Vatskalis: I got the mojo.
Mr CONLAN: Thanks, minister. I have seen the Share our Story commercials on television - I think they are on SBS - and they are terrific. Our story out there on the national stage is terrific. I have seen some of Kakadu and the Top End. It is good to see the Tourism Minister – he has been in the tourism role for a few months now - is as passionate about tourism as he was about sport, and tourism continues to be a major part of the Territory economy.
There are, obviously, some concerns from people I know in Central Australia regarding how the alcohol legislation might have a flow-on effect to tourism, particularly the new scanners in place. The Minister for Alcohol Policy is adamant that they will address alcohol problems. We can only hope that they do, but whether or not that has an effect on tourism, that will remain to be seen. However, there are some concerns among tourism operators right up and down the track, or at least Katherine and south.
All in all, a good report. The Share our Story is terrific and I thank the minister for his report today.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Speaker, I am sorry if I gatecrashed the minister’s launch in Alice Springs …
Mr Vatskalis: You are welcome any time.
Mrs BRAHAM: … but it was great to see the ads that are featuring Alice Springs in particular. I love the Camel Cup one, and the Henley-on-Todd. The audience that was there responded so positively to it. It is good to see a change in focus from the advertisements of the past. I believe you are hitting grassroots and that is what people come to see - the things that are showing at the moment. I really enjoyed that.
While I was there, I was surprised at some of the feedback from the tourism operators; that they have had the best January/February in overseas visitors taking tours in Central Australia. Obviously, the message is getting across to the overseas clients and that is great. I know they were all quite delighted.
The thing that probably worries us most of all is flights to Alice Springs. Tiger Airlines let so many people down, as you know, before Christmas. It was quite devastating for people who had booked to go away on holidays, who then had to turn around and drive because they could not afford other fares, or the airlines were booked out. So I ask you to really negotiate strongly with Tiger Airlines. I know they are advertising fares again to Alice Springs and that worries me. Are they going to deliver or not? Can they get their act together or not? I do not like to see people, who thought they were coming to Alice Springs, suddenly have their trips spoiled by an airline that has failed to put in place all the necessary arrangements at the airports.
I am interested to receive, in 12 months’ time, some sort of feedback on the results of this advertising and how many tourists we are getting on the ground in the Territory. I guess I am a bit biased towards Alice Springs, but so far it seems to be working, and well done.
Mr VATSKALIS (Tourism): Madam Speaker, I thank members for their comments. For me, Tourism NT is not Tourism Kakadu or Tourism Darwin or Tourism Uluru, it is Tourism NT throughout the Territory. Thank you very much for coming to our launch the other day in Alice Springs. We have put $2.2m into Alice Springs, and we are using Yahoo and YouTube. If Kevin Rudd and John Howard believe it is good enough to use YouTube, we can use it to our benefit. I believe the more we put out there, the more people will see it, the more people will come.
Tourism is an interesting business, it changes very quickly. However, one thing I can tell you, in discussions with Tiger Airlines, Tiger Airlines will be coming to Alice Springs and I will be there for the first aeroplane that arrives on 1 March.
Mt Todd - Status Report
Mr NATT (Mines and Energy): Madam Speaker, today I report on the current status of Mt Todd. The Northern Territory government assumed responsibility for the day-to-day management of Mt Todd in mid-2001, following the collapse of General Gold in 2000. In 2005, we approved the funding of $5m of capital works to carry out a priority works program at the site. The program included the following activities: a cleanup and reshaping of the heaped leech dump - $2.5m; installation and commissioning of a new pumping station and site consistent to control the movement of the water inventory on-site - $2m; improvement of site security, including a caretaker’s residence - approximately $250 000; and an upgrade of pumping systems - approximately $200 000.
On 1 January 2007, Vista Gold Corporation took over management of Mt Todd. Based on an agreement between the company and the Territory government, Vista Gold will undertake the ongoing environmental management of the site whilst assessing the mineral potential of the area, with an option to operate the mine until 1 January 2011. The agreement specifically excludes the rehabilitation of Mt Todd site; however, should Vista Gold give notice that it wishes to commence mining then, at that time, all rehabilitation and liability will transfer to the company. Vista Gold has proved to be a competent manager of the site to date and has undertaken significant exploration and studies to progress its agreement with the Northern Territory government.
On 1 May 2007, we announced that the government would be providing further funding of $630 000 in 2007-08 towards the development of the blueprint rehabilitation strategy for Mt Todd mine site, divided as follows:
Stage 1 - $50 000 for a third party review by an independent expert of the proposed work and an updated Environmental Risk Assessment; and
1. an environmental status report and a review of the legislative obligations related to the Territory government;
2. an environmental risk assessment for the site and a categorisation of the knowledge gaps;
3. the generation of a framework to assess the requirements of site rehabilitation; and
4. the provision of detailed project plans to address the rehabilitation requirements of the site.
My department audits, through regular visits, business performance against its mining management plan and facilitates the Mt Todd Reference Group to keep key community interest across Mt Todd issues. The reference group is made up of representatives from the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, Katherine Town Council, Pine Creek community, the Jawoyn Association and Vista Gold, as well as staff from the Charles Darwin University, Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, and my department. The reference group is intending to meet in March this year to discuss the current Wet Season activities. At this meeting, I understand Vista Gold will be discussing water treatment options to further reduce risk on-site, as well as providing an update on the exploration outcomes to date.
Vista Gold continues to make improvements to the infrastructure that allows for better management of the water on the site. I wish Vista Gold every success in its exploration program, as the decision to mine the site would be in the best interests of the Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for his report this morning. There is no doubt Mt Todd is certainly going to be an ongoing challenge to ensure that there is no further contamination caused to the site. It is interesting to note that Mt Todd has Lake Todd within a 0.25 km, which is full of fingerlings which are now nice, decent-sized barra. I am wondering if the minister threw the line in when he was down there to catch a few. However, there has been no contaminant in that at all, which has been very good.
One of the serious concerns that we had when we became very aware of how bad the contamination was at Mt Todd, was: during heavy periods of rain, would there be some further damage; would there be a flow into the Ferguson River? I was wondering if the minister had any update on that because, of late, we have had heavy rain in that area with big flows. I am hoping that that has not caused any further damage at Mt Todd.
Yes, we would like to see it mined again. Yes, we would welcome it in the Katherine region – the main reason being because there is still a lot of product there; obviously, still a huge amount which you can see. It is such hard rock that it is a difficult process to mine. We would definitely like to see that open again. It is welcomed in the Katherine area. It will certainly give employment to local people. We have missed it terribly since it has been closed. Perhaps, in closing, the minister could let the House know whether the severe and very heavy rainfall that has happened has made any impact on the contamination.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, the time for ministerial reports has expired.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
MOTION
Note Paper – Ombudsman Report 2006-07
Continued from 27 November 2007.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, we note the report. We thank the Ombudsman for the excellent and very important work that is undertaken in that office. We acknowledge that there have been some concerns about the resourcing of that office in the past. Those concerns have been allayed to some degree, which is good. Members opposite may be surprised that I am saying that; it is hard, perhaps, to understand. However, we are pleased that that response has been made to a request which is of great concern, not only to the opposition but to the Territory. Therefore, that is good news.
A range of issues were touched on in the Ombudsman’s report, and we will acknowledge those issues and are pleased to note the statement and continue on. May the Ombudsman keep up the good work.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Just a few comments, Madam Speaker. Chief Minister, could you inform us when you respond to this as to what has happened to the Ombudsman’s bill. The review commenced in 2002 and, I believe, a final report was delivered to the Chief Minister in 2003. There was a draft bill that was circulated for consultation but, then, there was a new Ombudsman appointed in 2005. We are still waiting for the introduction of the revised Ombudsman’s bill. Perhaps you could tell us where we are at with that. It does provide a service that is important. The office in Alice Springs is very efficient in addressing matters that are brought to its attention. Because this was an election promise, and it seems to be so long ago, 2002, that the review commenced, perhaps you can give us an update as to where this new bill is.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I welcome the Ombudsman’s report. It is always a good report to read. The media always like the Ombudsman’s report. If they have a bad news day, they can always pick up the Ombudsman’s report and put in some interesting stories.
Just reading the introduction to the Ombudsman’s report, it highlights some of the changes that have occurred since we have had a new Ombudsman. One of the things that need highlighting in the parliament is the hard work they have done in putting in processes within departments to try to reduce the number of complaints going directly to the Ombudsman. Having those processes in place has improved the efficiency of the Ombudsman’s Office.
Even though there appears to be some reduction in the number of complaints they have had to deal with, at the Estimates Committee the Ombudsman complained about the lack of resources preventing her office from doing its job properly. One of the reasons they needed more resources was to help with education, specifically for remote areas. One thing that is very important is getting out to the people to tell them that the Ombudsman’s Office does exist and it is there for their benefit. I imagine a lot of people on remote communities probably think even the word ‘ombudsman’ is very strange in the first place. What their understanding of this particular office is and how it can benefit them is an important undertaking for the Ombudsman. I hope that the Ombudsman’s Office has the resources to ensure it can fulfil that function.
Together with the member for Braitling, I wonder what has happened, as I thought they were going to rewrite the amendments to the Ombudsman (Northern Territory) Act. On page 8 of the report it said:
- Amendments to the Ombudsman (Northern Territory) Act have been proposed and consideration of the draft bill has occupied a portion of my time over the last 12 months.
I am not sure whether we are getting an amended act or a new act, but it certainly has taken a long time - probably as long as the whistleblowers’ legislation, another important part of trying to keep an open and transparent government.
Going through some of the cases the Ombudsman raised, I was concerned about a couple in relation to prisoners’ rights. One case detailed how little chance some prisoners have to use the phone in a Darwin Correctional Services establishment. When you looked at the number of prisoners and the time each prisoner was allowed to use the phone, it was obvious some people were missing out. Regardless of whether people think prisoners should not have many rights, prisoners also have families and those families are an important part of how we deal with prisoners. Prisoners eventually get out of gaol, and they need to keep up their relationship with their family. One important way to achieve that is to have contact with the family even when they are inside. Therefore, it was a concern to find out that there were not sufficient phones for all the prisoners to use if there was a heavy demand. It is good to see that something has been done to change that situation.
There was another case that also concerned me, in relation to rehabilitation or treatment intervention programs for either maximum security or remand prisoners. As you know, remand prisoners are prisoners who have not gone to court yet. It is concerning that some of those programs are not available to those people. The Ombudsman said:
- In mid-2007 I will assess the department’s progress in rehabilitation making programs available to remand and maximum prisons across the NT.
I am interested to see what ensues from that.
There are certainly some other interesting cases throughout this report. I note, when looking at some of the figures here in relation to which departments or bodies get the most complaints, police get a fair number of complaints by a long way. However, the Ombudsman has set up a system of dealing with those complaints which, I gather from years gone past, has improved the efficiency of how those complaints are dealt with. In fact, if you look at the records of how quickly most offences are dealt with, now it is much faster than it has been over the years.
Looking down at the list, here is local government. It is always interesting to see how many local government councils have complaints, but the department actually had more complaints than the councils. That was interesting. It gives you a good indication of which departments or organisations that serve the community have the most complaints. Planning and Infrastructure is another one that gets a reasonable number of complaints, along with Corrections, Heath and Community Services and, as I said before, the police.
Overall, what we are seeing with the Ombudsman now is a change where departments are dealing with some of these issues. Regarding the number of complaints, for instance, that Power and Water used to have, the numbers have substantially reduced since some of these programs were put in place. I am looking for the figure, but it is quite a remarkable difference. In fact, the Ombudsman said:
- In 2004-05, the Ombudsman received 58 complaints about Power and Water. This year, the total number was six. NT Housing in 2004-05 generated 76 complaints to the Ombudsman, and this year the number was nine.
Obviously, there is certainly change for the better with the way complaints are being handled and that is all for the benefit of Territorians. We should not underestimate the importance of the Ombudsman’s Office. It is, in many ways, the last resort for people who feel they have a justified complaint against a government body - whether it is Commonwealth, Territory or local. We should ensure the office does have adequate finances to ensure that it can continue to carry out its role. I certainly believe part of that role is spreading the word out to those remote communities to people a long way from the main centres. We should ensure there is adequate finance to ensure the Ombudsman’s Office can do its job in those areas, along with its normal job of handling complaints.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, I thank the Ombudsman for her report. It is, indeed, a comprehensive report which serves to illustrate the critical role the Ombudsman does play. It is pleasing to note that the number of complaints has declined in recent years.
In the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, there were two complaints detailed in the Ombudsman’s report with regard to the delivery of services by the department. The first complaint was in regard to building expectations. This complaint arose as a result of a claim lodged against the Home Building Certification Fund administered by the Territory Insurance Office, alleging water damage due to the ingress of moisture resulting from peeling paint on the external walls.
Claims are assessed in accordance with established process in both TIO and the Building Advisory Services Branch of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Following an assessment of the claim, the Building Advisory Services Branch concluded that any damage which had resulted from the ingress of moisture was as a result of the peeling paint which, in turn, was directly related to a lack of maintenance. On that basis, as there was no evidence of non-compliance with the Building Code of Australia, the claim was not supported.
The complainant was advised of the right of appeal to the Director of Building Control. The complainant duly lodged an appeal with the Director of Building Control. The appeal was dealt with by the Director in accordance with policy and procedures adopted for the processing of such claims. Following a review of the claim, the Director of Building Control determined that the original decision by Building Advisory Services Branch was appropriate and, accordingly, did not uphold the appeal. The complainant was formally notified of the decision by the Director of Building Control.
The complainant, following the decision of the Director of Building Control, referred the matter to the Ombudsman. I am pleased to advise that the Ombudsman concluded:
- … the decision of the Director of Building Control was not unreasonable on the basis of the information available. No evidence could be found of maladministration in the matter and the Ombudsman was unable to assist any further.
The decision indicates that the department and the Director of Building Control handled this matter in accordance with appropriate procedure.
The second complaint was in regard to an MVR issue of mistaken identity. This complaint arose when a customer alleged that MVR had mistakenly registered the wrong vehicle when the complainant attempted to transfer her new vehicle into her name and pay the registration fee. On 11 August 2006, the customer attended MVR and wanted to transfer a Honda CRV into their name. At that time, the customer was advised that the Honda CRV was already registered in her name, and the customer paid the six months’ registration. On 18 August 2006, the same customer sold a Holden Commodore that was registered in their name, and the Commodore was transferred into the new customer’s name.
In January 2007, the customer received a traffic infringement notice in relation to the Honda CRV for driving an unregistered vehicle. The customer then became aware that the registration sticker affixed to her Honda CRV was for the Holden Commodore she had previously owned, and that the six months’ registration she had paid for on 11 August 2006 was for the Holden Commodore and not the Honda CRV. It is unusual that a customer places an incorrect registration label on their vehicle, as the label clearly indicates the numberplate and the make of the car, particularly when stamp duty is payable.
On 11 January 2007, the customer attended MVR and transferred and registered the Honda CRV into her name and was required to pay, in accordance with legislation, stamp duty on the Honda CRV. It is important to note that, in August 2006, stamp duty had not been paid on this particular vehicle. To ensure the Honda CRV was correctly registered, the customer paid the stamp duty and then took action with the Ombudsman’s Office. MVR acknowledged during the investigative process that it must share the responsibility for the incorrectly registered vehicle and refunded the total registration fee. MVR has reviewed its processes, based on the recommendations of the Ombudsman and, while this was an error on both parts, MVR is committed to ongoing evaluation and training to ensure staff offer the best possible service to customers.
Madam Speaker, that is picking up on the main points that the Ombudsman raised in relation to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. It is certainly pleasing to note that the government has increased resources to the Office of the Ombudsman, ensuring the Ombudsman can meet all requirements of her functions.
I have occasion to meet the Ombudsman at various functions, and I know that she is a woman who is actively engaged in the Territory community and, obviously, pursues her important role with enormous professionalism. It is often heartening, as a minister, to know that we have a robust system such as the Ombudsman’s Office in place. It provides that extra level of scrutiny to the operations of government to ensure that the client, the resident out there - whether they are a business person or a mum in the suburbs - have somewhere to go to really test whether they have been dealt with fairly by the relevant government agency. I wholeheartedly thank the Ombudsman and her staff for their hard and dedicated work.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I speak to the Ombudsman’s 2006-07 Annual Report, and concur with honourable members about what an important role the Ombudsman plays in our Westminster system of government.
The primary role of the Ombudsman is twofold: first, to receive and investigate complaints from members of the public who feel they have been treated unfairly or inappropriately by Northern Territory government agencies, statutory authorities or local government councils; and second, to receive and investigate complaints about the conduct of members of the police force. In dealing with these complaints in accordance with the legislation, the Ombudsman can investigate the administrative actions, decisions, practices and procedures of the entity that is subject to the complaint.
The Ombudsman also has the legislative power to provide recommendations to resolve complaints or improve administrative practices. The Ombudsman, thereby, provides an essential role in ensuring equity and transparency in both the making of administrative decisions and investigating police conduct. Government remains committed to supporting the discharge of duties by the Office of the Ombudsman.
In this annual report, the Ombudsman set out that the intent of the report was to inform the Legislative Assembly about the grievances expressed by Territorians as well as the operation of the Ombudsman during the reporting period. In order to provide the Legislative Assembly with a detailed response to the annual report, each minister will address issues raised by the Ombudsman which are specific to their portfolios.
As Chief Minister and minister responsible for the Ombudsman, it is my intent to give you an overall understanding of the achievements and challenges faced by the Ombudsman’s Office for the period 2006-07. I, however, note at this point there were no complaints regarding the Department of the Chief Minister.
I am also the minister for Police. The police do a difficult job. They are in the front lines. The Ombudsman received 322 complaints against police this year compared to 313 the previous year. The majority of complaints were investigated by the police – 269 – leaving the Ombudsman to look into 53 complaints. I note the time taken by the Ombudsman to investigate these complaints has improved significantly over the last two years. I also note the Ombudsman is pleased with the significant reduction in complaints needing oversight by the Joint Review Committee; that nearly half of all complaints were resolved through the complaints resolution process; and that 15% of all complaints were finalised without the need for them to be referred to police to investigate or respond to. They were either found to have no substance, discontinued or resolved expeditiously.
Complaints to the Ombudsman have been in decline since the 2004-05 reporting period. The Ombudsman advised that the decline corresponds to the work being done with agencies in establishing the benefits of responsive complaints management systems. Preventative action is always far preferable to a cure, and I commend the Ombudsman for this preventative work.
Whilst the Ombudsman, elsewhere in the report, set out details of some very serious complaints about how they were resolved, the report is not all about brickbats. I join the Ombudsman in commending Power and Water and NT Housing for:
- … their extensive efforts in establishing well resourced, responsive complaint handling systems ...
This investment has had significant results with complaints dropping over a two-year period for Power and Water from 58 to six, and for Northern Territory Housing from 76 to only nine. That is a tremendous improvement. Obviously, NT Housing has really lifted their game, I suppose, in service delivery and, for that level of reduction, the agency is to be commended, along with Power and Water which has also seen a significant reduction in complaints.
There are also bouquets for the Department of Corporate and Information Services. DCIS introduced new procurement procedures in March 2006. The government’s procurement processes are designed to be open and transparent and to ensure Territorians get best value for their money. I know from my previous portfolio responsibilities that the procurement process can be a real source of contention in the private sector, and that it has been the source of many complaints to the Ombudsman in previous years.
It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to advise honourable members that during the reporting period the Ombudsman did not receive one single complaint about procurement. Further, the Ombudsman said:
- This change in procurement processes, with its emphasis on transparency combined with a complaints handling process, and the resultant lack of complaints, demonstrates the value of improved public administration. The dividends include greater public confidence, less unproductive time spent in responding to mistrustful customers, improved efficiency and a process that is accepted as fair and which achieves consistency.
Well done to DCIS and all the staff in that agency. It really is quite significant. I have been a minister for DCIS during my time in the House, and managing procurement is always contentious because, for every government tender that goes out, there are always more losers than there are winners. Some of these tenders are very complicated. Therefore, for the agency to have received no complaints in regard to their tendering process in that reporting period is a huge testimony to the changes that have been put in place. That really is a significant result. Well done to DCIS.
During the reporting period, the Ombudsman took on additional responsibility for auditing the Northern Territory Police Force’s use of surveillance devices and telecommunications interceptions and access. Whilst I have no doubts that police need to access these devices, checks and balances are also necessary to ensure that the systems are not abused. The Ombudsman most adequately carries out this audit function.
The Ombudsman also noted her involvement in developing new Ombudsman legislation. It has been a long and sometimes quite arduous process to develop the new legislation, but I am confident the effort has been worth it. I look forward to introducing the bill later this year, which will strengthen further open, transparent and accountable government.
I would like to mention a couple of specific case studies. Each year, I read with interest the case studies provided by the Ombudsman. These case studies give us a clearer understanding of the practicalities faced by the Ombudsman in resolving complaints associated with vital government services. A review of the case studies shows that a varied number of outcomes and solutions were reached with the assistance of the Ombudsman. Changes of procedure, the recruitment of new staff, the development of new programs and the supply of sufficient equipment by government agencies, statutory authorities and local governments are but some of the solutions used to reach resolutions to complaints. In facilitating the resolution of complaints, the Ombudsman’s Office has set about cementing systemic changes to address the very reason for the complaints. This will assure sustainable outcomes.
I now turn to the statistical aspects of the Ombudsman’s Annual Report. There was some concern from the opposition last year regarding the reasons for the decline in people approaching the office. I have already spoken about the continuing decline being a result of concerted education by the Ombudsman. This education effort is ensuring that all government departments are aware of the benefits of establishing a responsive complaints management system. Through the development of well-structured, transparent, and stakeholder responsive complaints and dispute resolution processes, more complaints are being dealt with satisfactorily by agencies. This results in fewer complaints to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s Office rightly sees this as one of its most significant achievements for the reporting period.
In the reporting year, there were 1613 approaches to the Ombudsman. Approaches are made up of all the inquiries and complaints received by the Ombudsman. Inquiries alone accounted for 1307 or 81% of approaches. Nett inquiries - defined as inquiries less those that become cases - made up 1093, or 83% of 1307 total inquiries. Of the nett inquiries, 52% or 568 were out of the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction. In the case of out-of-jurisdiction inquiries, further information would have been provided to the complainant regarding the most suitable avenue for the inquiry. Of the remaining 525 nett inquiries, 262, or 24% of the total number, related to general Northern Territory government agencies with complaints by prisoners accounting for 14% or 150 of the total nett inquiries. Of the total 1307 inquiries, 774 translated to actual complaints, down 12% from the previous year. Of these complaints, a further 310 were referred back to the agency for direct resolution and the Ombudsman took no further part in resolving the complaint. Of the remaining 464 complaints actioned by the Ombudsman, 69% or 322 concerned police and 31 complaints, or 7% of total complaints, came from prisoners.
The primary issue of complaints against government agencies were customer service, whilst the primary issue for prisoners was their rights or, indeed, lack of them.
I turn now to the financial aspects of the Ombudsman’s report. During the Assembly debate of 2005-06, a great deal of discussion centred on the funding of the Ombudsman in order for that office to carry out its functions to the best of its ability. I am, therefore, pleased to announce that, during the 2006-07 year, the Ombudsman operated with a surplus of $104 000. The total budget of the Office of the Ombudsman for 2006-07 was $2.2m. Expenses for the same period were $2.09m, leading to a surplus of $104 000. With a surplus of $104 000, less the sum of $64 000 which is being held over for an upgrade of the case management system, there is still an operating surplus of $40 000. I believe this to be indicative of the continuing commitment of the government in our support of the Office of the Ombudsman.
In conclusion, I commend the work of the Ombudsman in raising awareness amongst government agencies about the necessity for a responsive, client-focused complaints resolution process. I thank, on behalf of all members of this Assembly, the Ombudsman and her staff for their work with agencies to ensure that a greater number of complaints are dealt with in an expedient manner to ensure a more responsive, open and transparent government service.
On behalf of all members, Madam Speaker, I speak as a local member now; that the Ombudsman does provide a fantastic service. All of us, as MLAs, from time to time go as far as we can in trying to resolve constituent issues. To be able to refer constituents to the Ombudsman when we cannot assist any further is of great benefit to us, as local members. To the Ombudsman and her office, on behalf of local members, thank you for your ongoing good service to the people of the Northern Territory.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
MOTION
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Determination No 2 of 2007 –
Members of the Legislative Assembly
Note Paper - Remuneration Tribunal Determination No 2 of 2007 –
Members of the Legislative Assembly
Continued from 27 November 2007.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the opposition notes the report.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, the Remuneration Tribunal provides a very important service to the citizens of the Northern Territory and also to this parliament and all 25 members of parliament. I thank the tribunal for their work and, also, on behalf of government, note their report.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
MOTION
Note Paper - Schedule – Travel, Motor Vehicle, Communications, Postage, and Childcare Entitlements for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
Note Paper - Schedule – Travel, Motor Vehicle, Communications, Postage, and Childcare Entitlements for Members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
Continued from 29 November 2007
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Speaker, the opposition notes the report.
Mr HENDERSON (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, government also notes the report; one of the transparent reporting processes of this Assembly dealing with entitlements of members. It is out there for the public to see. On behalf of government, I note the report.
Motion agreed to; paper noted.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
Territory Infrastructure for the Future
Territory Infrastructure for the Future
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Transport): Madam Speaker, in a comparatively small but rapidly growing and nationally significant jurisdiction such as the Northern Territory, a focus on infrastructure is an absolute necessity to develop our economy, improve employment opportunities, encourage growth, deliver services to Territorians, and improve their quality of life now and for future generations.
When infrastructure spending is high and growing by both government and the private sector, confidence is also high and the economy is healthy and growing. This Territory government has contributed to the economic growth of the past five years by stimulating investment in infrastructure, both directly through the government’s capital works program and by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, as you know, infrastructure has been a priority of this government since coming to power. In 2001, the previous government provided capital works cash that was lower than the projects revoting into 2001-02. This meant that there was no capacity to undertake new capital projects. At that time, the cash to program ratio was 51%, compared to this government’s 63% in 2007-08.
Since 2001, we have spent a total of $3.3bn on infrastructure. In 2007-08, we expect our infrastructure spend to be $645m, which is $281m higher than the previous government’s estimate in its last budget. This equates to an increase of around 13% per annum. The Territory government’s infrastructure program has not only contributed to improved services to all Territorians, but also the strong economic growth we have seen over the past five years.
I now turn to the economic forecasts and their effect on our infrastructure requirements. Access Economics is predicting that the Territory’s economy will be 26% larger in 2011-12 than it was in 2006-07, with average annual economic growth of 4.8%, compared with 3.7% nationally. The Australian Bureau of Statistics announced last month that Darwin had recorded the lowest Consumer Price Index rise of all the capital cities. This easing of inflation is encouraging news for our economy and is the fourth consecutive decline of the inflation rate for Darwin at a time when it is growing nationally. As Treasurer, I give the undertaking that the Henderson government will continue to manage the economy responsibly to ensure benefits flow to Territory families.
The Territory’s inflation-adjusted exports per capita are forecast to increase by an average of 5.8% over the same period. Access is also forecasting that population growth to 2011-12 will average around 1.8% per annum, compared to the national average of 1.4%. These high levels of economic and population growth will need to be supported by ongoing investment in infrastructure over the next decade. In addition, if the Territory is to maximise the benefits from the international minerals and resources boom, we need to ensure that strategic investments in infrastructure continue over the coming years to ensure cost-effective access to export markets. Our proximity to Asia is a key competitive advantage for the Territory and one that we need to continually develop - and we are committed to doing so.
Yesterday, the Leader of the Opposition stated that the Access Economics’ report painted a bleak picture for the future of the Northern Territory economy. This is simply not the case and I quote from the report:
- Australia is having an investment boom, but it wants an export boom instead. The Northern Territory may be the first jurisdiction to succeed in making that transition, as its investment in LNG, alumina, gold and manganese is starting to make it to market as export volumes in rising quantities. Indeed, the Territory seems further advanced than WA or Queensland in this transition of growth drivers from investment to exports. And this phase of gearing has not yet stopped – Access Economics’ forecasts are for continuing strength in investment across a wide range of projects.
If we are to further develop Darwin Port as a conduit between Australia and Asia, further investment and infrastructure will be required, by both the Territory and Australian governments, and by the private sector. We are vigorously promoting the Territory’s needs in the COAG infrastructure working group and to Infrastructure Australia to ensure the Territory receives both recognition and funding.
This investment in infrastructure will also be required to support our existing and growing community and industrial base. The release of residential land at Bellamack, Berrimah Farm and Mt John Valley in Alice Springs, in addition to the ongoing release of land at Lyons and Larapinta, will assist in addressing the demand for residential land in the Territory. This is designed to moderate the strong growth in land and house prices, and is a key part of encouraging more population growth.
A contract was recently awarded to local company, Sitzler, for $1.2m to conduct the headworks to service the first stage of the Mt John development, and $7m has been provided in the 2007-08 Budget to construct the headworks for the suburb of Bellamack. The government has also progressed the planning, development and release of strategic industrial land to grow industry in and around the Darwin Business Park and Middle Arm. This has provided the opportunity for new industrial and commercial developments that are needed to support our economic growth.
For industry and residential development to grow, it is essential to have access to reliable water supplies. Darwin’s current demand for water is about 39 000 mL a year, with Darwin River Dam able to provide 40 000 mL a year. The Water Infrastructure Project involves raising the Darwin River Dam wall by about 1.3 m, which will provide an additional 9000 mL a year, an increase in capacity of just under 20%.
For electricity, the first generator from Stage 1 of the Weddell power station project is due to come on-line in late February 2008. The new power station will add 30% capacity to the Darwin/Katherine interconnected power system. Already on-site and in position is the generator, gas turbine, transformer, water tanks, gas skid and switch yard. A second generator is due for completion in 2008 and, within five years, a third generator will be constructed at a total cost of $127m.
Strong increases in the Territory minerals and resources sector over the past three to four years are expected to continue. Since the completion of the South Australia/Northern Territory rail connection in late 2003, there has been increasing utilisation of rail transport by onshore mining operations in the Territory, and in adjoining states, with connections to the Darwin Port. This is predicted to continue to grow strongly over the next decade. This growth will need to be supported and stimulated by appropriate infrastructure at the right time. A key component of the minerals and resources growth we have already experienced is the current level of onshore gas production that is producing significant exports to Asia. There is strong potential for more such onshore investment and exports. Overall, this vital minerals and resources economic activity in the Territory is set to increase significantly in future years and we are already making, and will continue to make, a significant contribution to the national economy.
The government is committed to ensuring that this is recognised at a national and international level. The Territory’s infrastructure program includes expenditure on constructing new assets, along with upgrading and maintaining existing assets. Under the strong direction of the government’s Construction Agency, this results in a multitude of contracts with the construction industry on a number of levels that creates employment, investment and economic growth. It provides work for the large multinational construction companies, through to the individual subcontractor. The focus in recent years has been on ensuring the mix between the contract sizes has been appropriate and targeted at those areas where capacity in the industry exists. This focus is continually being fine-tuned to ensure that each year’s infrastructure program can be delivered for the benefit of all Territorians, and to support our economic growth. It is now acknowledged that the construction industry is currently fully occupied. The private construction activity around Darwin alone is evidence of this. For this reason the government aims to align its capital works program with the industry’s ability, and to provide earlier indications of future projects.
However, as I mentioned earlier, the Territory is still a developing economy and, as such, requires significant ongoing investment in infrastructure to ensure our services and facilities are comparable with the rest of Australia. This is an important component in supporting our existing population and attracting and retaining the skills we need. To do this, we need the Australian government to contribute. There are some key examples of this and, with the recent change in the federal government, I am even more confident of that contribution in the future. Both governments have already recognised the need for additional appropriate housing in the bush and, to this end, a $893m program over four years will commence in 2008-09.
Territory Labor is committed to closing the gap of indigenous disadvantage. Our efforts to improve housing and related infrastructure in remote areas will do much in this respect. Estimates of the remote housing shortfall are now as high as $2.3bn. That figure is indicative of the chronic overcrowding experienced by many households across the Territory. It equates to a demand for around 5000 new homes and a significant maintenance component. Some see this as a daunting prospect.
This government recognises the enormous opportunity that the task at hand represents. Over the next five years, we will invest $100m over and above our existing commitments for remote housing. We have also committed $42m for housing for government employees under Closing the Gap. This will underpin the delivery of important services in remote indigenous communities. Our Closing the Gap investment is on top of the $14.5m spend for government employee housing this financial year, $4m of which will be invested in housing for police in remote communities.
The Territory’s investment feeds into an agreement struck with the Commonwealth in September of last year that will see almost $950m invested in housing and housing-related initiatives in the bush over the next few years. Housing is the most critical construction task for this government. Through housing investment we can improve health, education, employment and safety outcomes for the indigenous people living in our remote communities.
Our remote housing reform agenda will underpin the creation of new markets in indigenous communities. It will be a source of sustainable economic development for those townships and entire regions. Housing management and capital investment on this scale will help to power regional economies. We can kick-start new labour markets. This will come through apprenticeships and employment in the building sector, long-term jobs through the maintenance of housing stock, and also through the expansion of a public housing framework to remote areas.
The remote housing agenda goes hand-in-hand with the reforms to local government across the Territory where new economies of scale will see sustained employment and investment in trades training. Our investments in remote housing and infrastructure will deliver better livelihoods and more sustainable economies for people in the bush.
Since 2001, there has been a focus on improving service delivery to Territorians. This has resulted in the provision of additional infrastructure to support our growing community and improve our quality of life. Education has seen a significant improvement in facilities with a total new major capital works of $135m from 2002-03 to 2007-08. This includes middle years infrastructure spending of around $45m.
Health facilities have also been greatly enhanced with new services at Royal Darwin Hospital including the birthing centre and the hospice, ongoing upgrades at Alice Springs Hospital, and new and improved health clinics around the Territory. Total new major works provided for the health services since 2002-03 are $72m.
Roads have also been a focus for this government. With the Territory’s remoteness, our road network is essential for people who live and work in the Territory, as well as for our tourism industry. With only 23% of our road network sealed, investment in our roads is critical to build the Territory. Already the new Commonwealth government has committed to investing $386m in Northern Territory roads. This, along with the record roads funding commitment of the Henderson government, shows the new era of cooperation is paying off.
There is no better example of this than the Tiger Brennan Drive project. I have announced, with Damien Hale, a $6.5m contract for the first stage, with works to commence in April. This follows the ALP doubling its commitment and putting $74m towards Tiger Brennan Drive. Combined, this project is now valued at $110m, and it will significantly reduce travel times between Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area. The project also promotes Darwin as a major hub for future imports and exports from Australia. The extension of Tiger Brennan Drive will have a significant impact on freight through improving efficiency and reliability of road freight to the port.
The new Territory roads capital works program has increased from $28.5m in 2001-02 to $57m in 2007-08, a 100% increase. In addition, annual repairs and maintenance expenditure has increased from $25m to $42m in 2007-08. Significant roads include: Tiger Brennan Drive, Mereenie Loop, Litchfield Loop, Cox Peninsula Road, Port Keats Road, and the Tanami Road. Other significant projects of this government include the Leanyer Water Park, the Desert Knowledge Precinct, the football stadium and the netball courts at Marrara.
This year will see the opening of a Darwin convention centre, which is expected to increase tourism expenditure by more than $193m over the next 20 years, and increase economic growth by $139m. The total waterfront project is expected to generate some $350m in economic growth. The waterfront is a great investment in the future of Darwin. It is being built over a 15-year period, establishes Darwin as Australia’s gateway to Asia, and is being delivered in partnership with the private sector. It is a glowing example of government’s ability to leverage private sector investment in the Territory.
The government’s investment of $149m will deliver the community infrastructure elements - the Darwin convention centre and the wave lagoon. A total of $900m, or 86% of the development, is being funded by private sector developers for construction of hotels, restaurants and apartments. Combined, more than $100bn is being invested into the Territory, its future, and its people through this project.
The government is also working on a 10-year infrastructure strategy that will further identify and align all the key infrastructure projects that we need to deliver to keep our community and economy strong, identify the associated funding and, very importantly, provide an indication to the construction industry of the projects that may arise in the future. This will facilitate long-term planning in both the private and the public sectors. Developments like the Waterfront Precinct in Darwin and the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Alice Springs allow government investment to provide leverage for private sector investment for the benefit of all Territorians.
Madam Speaker, in looking forward, this government will continue to invest in infrastructure to ensure the service delivery needs of Territorians are met as we grow. We are also committed to enhancing our already great lifestyle. We are increasing expenditure on necessary infrastructure to support and stimulate our growing community and economic growth, and we are working effectively with the Australian government to ensure their contribution also increases. Under this government, the future of infrastructure in the Territory is bright, and so is the future of the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly take note of the statement.
Debate suspended.
TABLED PAPER
Daly Electorate Office Relocation
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, yesterday during Question Time the member for Katherine asked a question of the Chief Minister relating to the member for Daly’s electorate office. I said that I would table further information. I do so now regarding his office.
Mrs Miller: Thank you.
MOTION
Note statement - Territory Infrastructure
for the Future
Note statement - Territory Infrastructure
for the Future
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr MILLS (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, we welcome the statement on Territory infrastructure for the future; it is timely and very important. As anyone would know, particularly when we are talking about it in this context, infrastructure for the building of a Territory, a state, or a nation is built around a vision, a central plan. That is what we want to see when we are looking at a report on all the interesting things that are happening around the place. I find that element of it missing in some regards; there is no central message. It is a report of a whole lot of interesting things, most of which are not new.
I sense that the government is sensitive at the moment with regards to the economy. They seized on my comments yesterday and twisted them, as usual, and tried to amplify a message that I never actually delivered. I will say clearly at the start that there is a high level of confidence in the Territory community at this point; that the economy is growing and healthy. Those things are self-evident. I saw the front page of the NT News as good news. Right you are to hold that up, but not right to couch that in terms of ‘you guys over there did all that’.
You have a part to play; you are in the driver’s seat at this time. You have done certain things which I have not held back on acknowledging at times. However, there are other aspects of the story that only the opposition can talk about because you are more often than not stuck on the spin cycle, so that you only see that which is favourable and positive to reinforce a view of yourselves in the community. You need to get over yourselves and get back onto the central game here. You have the opportunity to build the Territory, that is the main game. It is not focus polling or attacks over a trip to Taiwan and dressing that up as something colossal.
If you want to have a mature and sensible discussion about my trip, there are many important things that came out of that engagement with Taiwan, which will continue, not only with Taiwan, if you can get over not wanting to score a couple of points and getting your mate to write a couple of articles. I am quite proud to be called ‘Taiwan Terry’, if you want to keep it up, because I can see an opportunity there, however, I am not locked into that as the only place. I am seeing that as an opportunity to understand a changing world, particularly with the Territory and Australia being one country that has bucked the trend, largely because of its relationship to Chinese and Indian markets; since it is their demands for resources that have driven and bolstered the Territory and the country.
If we do not understand China, if we do not understand the changing dynamics within the region, we will be left flat-footed. We are in a location, strategically placed, where we can take advantage. There are some very smart people out there analysing the ebb and the flow of the dynamics within our region, and we need to do that. That is one of the reasons why I have engaged Taiwan.
It does not mean I am not interested in China. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Anyone who seeks to understand the region will endeavour to understand China; first by getting an understanding of Taiwan because that is the key to getting a better understanding of those geopolitical and economic issues that are emerging within the region. These issues will bear a strong influence on the Northern Territory, both currently and into the future. We already receive much investment indirectly from Taiwan, as we do from China. China is quite up-front and talks openly about the dealings that it has with this part of the world. Not so with Taiwan. They are not trumpeting their position. However, some of the deals that have been signed most recently with Taiwan have been greater than the well-proclaimed and advertised deals that were signed with China, which directly affect Woodside. If we understand those bigger issues and that dynamic as Western Australia …
Ms Martin: Have you been cutting deals with countries and Woodside?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: I misheard that. However, Queensland and Western Australia have both understood the need to strategically place themselves in a certain way in different markets within the regions, both in mainland China and Taiwan. One area that they have been particularly able to capitalise on is an investment into education. The number of students and skilled workers who are coming with very attractive visa arrangements from this area are bearing great fruit in Queensland and Western Australia.
However, I digress. The issue that has troubled the Treasurer and the Chief Minister is that I quoted from Access Economics - and I quoted one aspect of it. I do not know whether the government members have read it or you have a spin factory and only hear the spin. There are other sides of the story, and it is not terrible. I am not saying that it is the worst news out but, to have a balanced view on these things, there is something contained in the Access Economics report that also needs to be talked about. You do not need to be that defensive about such things. People think that things are going all right in the Territory, but Access Economics points out that there are potholes. It states here:
- A pothole between big projects is starting to show up in the Northern Territory stats …
That has been spoken of before. Major projects and infrastructure have had a very positive impact on the economic circumstances of the Northern Territory but, at this point, there is no other major infrastructure project on the horizon ...
Ms Lawrie: Yes, there is.
Mr MILLS: That is what they refer to. As a result of that transition from where we are now to the next stage – it is not saying that it will not be one. I do not see the waterfront as being the major infrastructure project; it is a different category. It is an important project; it makes a significant contribution to the Territory economy in many different ways. However, we are talking about major infrastructure projects. That is what the Access Economics report states. That is all I referred to. It is a pothole; it is reflected in the statistics and that is a matter that, perhaps, this ministerial statement is endeavouring to address. I am not sure.
In a broader view, in the Access Economics …
Ms Lawrie: See the next sentence.
Mr MILLS: You will have your shot in a minute. You are the one who sometimes gets very concerned about people talking whilst you are speaking. Anyway, you run your own show.
I also made comment yesterday just to correct - I need to say this because they got themselves off on the wrong foot. I said our eggs are all in the China basket. That is significant. The Access Economics report indicates that it is because of China that we are enjoying this strength in our economy now. It says that there are changes going on in the US, as we are very well aware of but, fortunately, we are buffered by the fact that we are strongly connected to China and that region, including India as well. Therefore, provided things go well in China, we will be okay now - 2008 looks strong. That is another message from them. You were a bit excited yesterday. I was even told that I needed to table this and someone even suggested I was lying. Not the case - just relax and read the report and it is fine.
There are a couple of other things that were also mentioned in the Territory Economic Review which are important. I am pleased to see that inflation has softened slightly in the Territory, but it is projected to increase. That is a concern, but we will do what we can with that. I am very concerned that today’s figures from ABS indicate that unemployment has increased. That is another aspect of infrastructure in the Territory.
There are two elements to infrastructure and two factors that can moderate inflation pressures. They are both related to infrastructure but in different ways. One is the physical infrastructure of projects that increase the wealth-generating capacity of the economy. They are things like dams, bridges, roads, schools, hospitals and the like - those sorts of projects, as well as the major projects like gas and oil and so on. They are the big projects, the physical projects, and we need that tied to a vision of where we are going. Second, the other type of infrastructure is the human resources – it is the investment in training, so you increase the capacity of your community to participate and be involved in the opportunities that are presented in the Northern Territory at this time of strong economic growth. It is those two areas we need to consider if we are worried about inflation, and it is those matters that need to be attended to in the longer term with a strategic plan. That is the matter of economic forecast.
The report covers all the good things that are happening, but I guess it takes an opposition to point out there are some other aspects of this. There are some risks ahead – I had a briefing this morning through the Chamber of Commerce. There are some risks ahead, but we do not get any sense of risk here; it is only all this good stuff that is happening. There is good stuff happening, but there is an element of risk that we need to prepare against. Some of those risks I have just spoken about. There was a report only the other day in The Australian which indicated that the Northern Territory has reduced its expenditure investment in training, if I recall correctly, by 7%. If we are talking about infrastructure, that is the most important infrastructure. That is an investment in the capacity of people to be participants in the opportunities that we are presented with.
The other important piece of infrastructure that is required –you will probably say it is complex and I am simplifying it. Maybe you can say that, but that is usually said by someone who cannot see a way through it. I can see, at this point, that the Territory has a magnificent opportunity. There has to be a solution to this basic problem. For anyone who has a unit or wants to rent a place, you do not have any trouble renting it and you receive extraordinarily high rents. It is frightening to think, for a young professional couple, how much of their income goes on rent. Think of the stories of the number of people who cannot find a place. People are phoning up and trying to get ahead of the queue and so on. Then, even further back, are those who simply count themselves out of the game.
For a place that has so much land, surely there can be a solution that allows more land to be released in a manner that reduces the heat in the marketplace. We should not have the most expensive rents, nor should we have any impediments to people settling down in the Northern Territory. We should take the reverse approach as far as possible with a long-term plan and get ahead of the game. You have mentioned, predictably, Bellamack, Berrimah Farm, Mt John Valley and so on, and used words like ‘ongoing’ and so on. However, we do not have the details of when this is going to occur, when the first house will be made available, how much it will cost and, beyond that, what the strategic and long-term plan is. We seem to be filling in holes around the place, but there does not seem to be an aggressive plan beyond the here and now; it is reactionary. We have plenty of land.
This would be the time when you could attract many new professionals, young people who are going to invest in the Territory and dream of a future in the Territory with their kids. This is the time for you to make a place for them. There has to be room for them in the Territory. We can solve the problem, I am sure, with the right kind of leadership and the right attitude behind it. At a time when all around the country there are highly-educated, skilled people locked out of the housing market, we could make houses available here by releasing more land and taking the heat out of the market for a long-term view, a long-term investment.
We have heard this hysteria, I call it, when this was talked about last year. You say: ‘You are going to wreck the marketplace’. Well, there are ways of doing it. Provided that you could provide the vision and the direction, then I believe you would be able to get the community with you, if they knew we had taken this on board and that we were going somewhere with it - we were going to really build the Territory by increasing that critical infrastructure.
One issue is the training, one is the basic stuff such as the schools, the roads, the bridges and the dams, and the other one is a place to live. If we cannot get those issues sorted out, all the rest is window dressing and good talk.
I notice that you put in here a bit about the waterfront. I believe the government really has to front up and come clean about the waterfront. Do not get yourself too excited about this. You probably have people trained into every word I am saying so you can try to extract a sentence and then use that. It is a good project. It does make a contribution and it will, and it is important. All that is fine, however, the impression that was clearly presented to the community was that you were going to get certain things, at a certain time, at a certain cost. We are now getting less, at a different time, at an increased cost. We have not heard a lot about that.
I believe that if you were doing polling - as I know you are - you may well be getting some interesting information about the view in the Territory of the waterfront. That is perhaps why you want to pump it a little more. Forget that political aspect to it. They were told certain things, now that story has changed and the price has increased. It is time to talk about that plainly. People are getting a bit tired of the spin ...
Ms Martin: You do not like it do you, Terry?
Mr MILLS: I do not mind the waterfront. I had a look at it the other day ...
Ms Martin: Never supported it.
Mr MILLS: You try your best.
Ms Martin: It is very sad.
Mr MILLS: No, I do not mind the waterfront …
Ms Martin: No, no. It is back to the future with the support for the convention centre. I think Jodeen did better. I think you liked it more than he did - a margin.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: Just to conclude at this juncture with basic infrastructure in Palmerston. You have a community there that is unhappy with the way they have had their issues responded to. I would have liked to have seen in this statement something concrete regarding the medical facility which this government closed, that after-hours clinic …
Mr Burke: A $10m clinic – sounds pretty good to me.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr MILLS: That is fine. I have seen the glossy brochures and I have heard the promises. I am only asking at this point to put on the official record something concrete such as when it is going to happen and some details so the community can recover from the offence of having the initial after-hours clinic closed. There is still this lingering sense that games were played with the Palmerston community. I still believe there is some evidence to suggest that this government deliberately closed that clinic to play a political game to their advantage. I believe that that was specifically the argument ...
Members interjecting.
Mr MILLS: You shifted the argument deliberately. I know you have some pretty ruthless operators behind the scene. You deliberately shifted the argument from your responsibility and transferred it to the federal government so that you could then develop a position of opposition to the federal government and run a case there and leave the Palmerston families out to dry so Mr Rudd could come along and save the day. In fact, it was something you shifted from your own agenda and you deliberately managed an issue at the expense of families in Palmerston who have been offended by games you played on the public in their full view …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mrs Miller: Gee, you touched a soft spot there, Leader of the Opposition.
Mr MILLS: That is right. They would not say a darn thing if that was far from the truth, but there is an element of truth in that.
You need to do a lot more to let people know that you are more than honest with the way that was managed. It was clear to see. Your language changed so that you could offload and construct a completely different paradigm for your own political ends, and leave Palmerston families out to dry ...
Mr Burke: What was your view on removing funding from the shopping centre?
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order! Member for Brennan, cease interjecting!
Mr Burke: You have not said anything there.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Brennan! Leader of the Opposition, please continue.
Mr MILLS: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
The next is the Tiger Brennan Drive project. You will probably start screaming too because, to have the project described in visionary terms - that vision has been around since before that member entered parliament. Those plans have been there for a very long time. So, has the money been sitting on the table for a very long time waiting for the Territory government to get off its backside and get on with the job? Once again, you carefully crafted this issue so that you could try to set up some warfare between the Territory and the federal governments for your own political ends.
The truth of the matter is that that money sat there and the federal government would not make the next move because you would not explain the exact cost. You had a part to play in it, but you did not play your part; all you played was the spin machine so that you could play this game politically. Families of Palmerston have had enough of that approach.
Finally, we have the final insult: the way you had the middle school project mishandled in Palmerston. There are some wonderful families in Palmerston who have borne insult upon insult with these sorts of matters. Now, we have a wonderful project that started here in Port Darwin after the Palmerston project, and the Palmerston project is still not finished.
Darwin High School started, I understand, after Palmerston and, yet, Palmerston is still not finished. I have had parents coming back from Darwin High School saying how great it is and how wonderful it looks. Even those who are critics of it are saying it looks fantastic, and I am sure it does. However, I would not mind organising a couple of buses for Palmerston families to go to have a look at it. How is it that their high school is not finished when it started before? How is it that the load has been borne by parents and students and, more importantly, teachers? You can tick it off that you have implemented it, but not in a way that has made sense of the word ‘reform’ in education.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport should visit the bus depot to find the impact there which is still filtering through. I am still getting e-mails from people who cannot even get a bus out of town or get from one school to the other. That type of infrastructure needs to be sorted out as well. There is a mess there. You can have all the glossy statements and skate over as many important matters as you like, but the community is watching and they are growing intolerant of some basic attention to detail which conveys care and respect for the responsibilities they bear as citizens.
In the broader sense, yes, the economy is growing; it is strong and we have an opportunity to capitalise on that, by ensuring that we have a clear vision and a clear plan. This government, I noticed, put an ad in one of the major papers placing a tender for a 10-year infrastructure plan. How long have you been in government for? Nearly eight years and you now put out a tender to get someone to write up your 10-year infrastructure plan. Does that mean you do not have one? Why have you done that? You now have a statement here and you are going to recruit someone from down south to draw up your infrastructure plans? What is going on here? You have to have a clear plan. Obviously, you do not have one; you put an ad in the paper to find someone to do one for you.
I know that Power and Water went to see you and said: ‘Let us sort this out. We need a long-term plan here’. ‘What a jolly good idea; let us get some forward thinking here’. You now put an ad in the paper for someone to do one for the whole Territory. Then you put out a statement to muddy the waters and create an impression which you are excellent at. That is sort of infrastructure you can build - propaganda infrastructure.
The other sort of infrastructure is an investment in training so that people are equipped. You dropped the ball on that. Another important infrastructure is to provide them a place to live. With all your talk and hysteria about protecting your own investments and your own properties, you do not want to release land so that people have a place to live. People cannot be participants in the Territory because you priced them out of the market. It is the inadequate supply putting demand out of reach of ordinary people. These are the sorts of infrastructure issues that you need to be talking about if we are really going to drive this economy forward. Also, let us see if we can get the buses sorted out in Palmerston.
Mr VATSKALIS (Essential Services): Madam Speaker, if you really spin it well you might believe your own spin, and that is what the Leader of the Opposition has done. Obviously, you have never been in Cabinet, and were not a minister in the previous CLP Cabinet, so you are unaware of some of the discussions and debates that took place then.
Unfortunately, as the Romans said: ‘What you write, remains’. There was a statement by the previous Chief Minister about the clinic in Palmerston that categorically stated that the funding would be available up to a certain time, which - surprise, surprise! - was after the election, and no funding would remain after that. The same thing applied with Tiger Brennan Drive. It does not matter how you spin it, it is not true and you know it is not true.
As for the Palmerston High School, the government allocated the money and the company was hired. It was not Cabinet’s fault that an underground river was found in the middle of a school …
Mr Mills: Oh, no, no. All I know is someone is responsible.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr VATSKALIS: It is not the government’s fault that the project did not proceed quickly. The money was allocated. The money was provided for the high school, and the high school is going to be built. Yes, it is late; we know that. However, on the other hand, it is not the minister’s fault that it rained. It is not the minister’s fault that there was a Cyclone Helen. It is not the minister’s fault that an underground river runs under the middle of a school. The fact that one school is finished and not the other - well, hello! - things like that happen. There are buildings that start at the same time and take different time lines to finish.
Anyway, this Labor government was elected in 2001 on the pledge of Building a Better Territory. Since that time, we have fulfilled that commitment comprehensively. In fact, this government has been the infrastructure government. When we came to government, the coffee shop index was very high. What is a coffee shop index? It was the number of people I know in the construction industry who were sitting in the coffee shop smoking and drinking coffee because there was no work to be done. People left the Territory and went to other states because there was no work in the Territory. They had nothing to do and could not find a job. The difference now is that they are working, because things have changed. If you take a look around the Territory you see major developments on the waterfront, on the port, in the schools, in our hospitals and in the health clinics. You can see the effects of our spending with the leveraged private industry spending. There are more cranes on the skyline today than ever. I am very proud of the high levels of expenditure on infrastructure that has been our hallmark. In fact, from 2001 until the end of this year, we will have spent $3.3bn - a historic level of expenditure. Almost each year has broken yet another record.
However, we have not just spent this money willy-nilly. Behind this massive and historic spend, there have been a number of key strategies in operation. Our infrastructure spending is targeted to achieve the following outcomes: it invests in economic drivers to allow the broadening and strengthening of our economic base; it invests in the future development of the Territory; it invests in jobs for small, medium and large contractors; and by spending across the Territory, it invests in the whole of the Territory, region by region. It is jobs, regional development, future planning, and growth that drive our infrastructure spend.
Perhaps more than elsewhere in Australia we, as a government, rely on infrastructure expenditure as a significant policy tool. That is because we are still a developing economy, growing in a rush at the moment and with many needs. Also, not only do we need to expand our infrastructure base, but because we are now sufficiently ageing we need to spend significantly on repairing and upgrading existing infrastructure.
That is why we have a repairs and maintenance spend well in excess of $130m in the general government area alone - not including Power and Water - and why, some two Budget Cabinets ago, we agreed to maintain a strong growth level in these repairs and maintenance works. That repairs and maintenance expansion has also been matched by the strategic use of minor new works. Minor new works serve to support the significant number of smaller businesses. I recall very well the first Budget Cabinet in 2001. When we went to Cabinet, the minor new works allocation for the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, as it was then, was $6m for the repair of roadworks. The majority was spent by July, August, September and, for the rest of the year, there was only $100 000 left. I recall the days when the contractors, both small and large, were ringing and writing to us. I attended meetings in Palmerston and Darwin. People were desperate, and we had to actually transfer money from other areas to put $10m into roads repair and maintenance to have enough money to mow the verges of the Stuart Highway and other highways. That was how tough it was.
The difficult job has been to even out our capital works spent across a whole year. The expenditure used to be lumped very heavily in the middle of year with little spending in the Wet Season in the Top End, and the summer in the Centre. Today, I have friends asking me to give them a break over Easter and Christmas, and throughout the year. They used to complain that there was no work, now they complain that there is no time to go fishing - everybody is busy.
The investments occurring in the essential services sector is an example of all of our strategies at work at once. The government is undertaking a five-year, $814m infrastructure program that began in 2007-08. The program consists of a $592m capital projects spending, and $222m in repair and maintenance over the next five years.
The major capital projects for Palmerston, Alice Springs and the regions include:
Weddell power station to service Darwin and Palmerston - $126m;
undergrounding power in Darwin suburbs - $12.5m;
These projects are about the future of the Territory and are spread right throughout the regions, and will provide jobs, not only during the life of the projects, but throughout the future. That is good for the Territory and Territorians.
Other economic drivers that we have invested in include transport infrastructure. We have invested heavily in the port and in export-oriented linkages. We have been rebuilding the cattle and beef roads in the Territory, and we have been improving the transport routes to get people from community to community. This year alone, we will spend approximately $180m on Territory roads and national highways. That includes a $35m increase in repairs and maintenance over the next four years – a major boost.
The government has also spent considerable time and effort promoting the use of Territory mineral resources. The railway, pioneered by the previous government and brought to completion by the current government, has been instrumental in promoting these developments. The government has supplemented this effort by building bulk loading facilities and other terminal facilities that have complemented the mining effort. The bulk handling facilities alone were a $24m investment.
Let me speak just for a moment about the significant private investment that is occurring around the port and railway. Two weeks ago, I travelled to the Land Development Corporation headquarters to turn the sod for the land being developed by the Arnhem Land Progress Association. It was a great moment. I took the opportunity to have a look around at the incredible amount of construction that is occurring in this area. I urge every member to go and have a look; it is amazing. I am also proud, because I was the minister who signed the creation of the Land Development Corporation five years ago. I never believed that this development would take off the way it has. Wherever you turn, there is land sold, or big facilities being built, very close to the railway line, very close to the port.
We are also investing in social infrastructure. Every member would be aware of the investment in the rebuilding of our schools that is occurring across the Territory. This has been a hallmark of this government. Between 2001 and the middle of 2007, we have spent or committed $271m in capital works, minor new works and repairs and maintenance for employment, education and training facilities. This was prior to Closing the Gap. With the addition of the millions of dollars of education infrastructure from the program, the figure now is above the $300m mark.
In my own electorate, Alawa and Nakara Primary Schools have been upgraded for the first time since they were built. Alawa and Nakara, in the electorate of Casuarina, had two ministers in the previous CLP government – Nick Dondas and Peter Adamson. They did not put a cent in to upgrade those two schools. Apart from the occasional painting, no money was seriously spent at those schools, and certainly …
Mrs Miller: They built them though, didn’t they?
Mr VATSKALIS: Sorry?
Mrs Miller: They did build them.
Ms Lawrie: We inherited rundown infrastructure everywhere.
Mr VATSKALIS: They built them in 1974 and 1973, and the first upgrade took place in 2002-03, some 30 years later. Of course, the Casuarina Secondary College has now been transformed.
Throughout the Territory, schools across the bush have been built and significantly upgraded. This government has built or upgraded more schools in the last six years than any other six-year period, except in the early days of post self-government.
Health infrastructure has also been a focus of the government. The Royal Darwin Hospital, also in my electorate, has been upgraded, and will be upgraded as my colleague, the member for Johnston, highlighted in answering a question before. The Alice Springs Hospital has been virtually rebuilt. Across the Territory, health clinics have been and are being upgraded. A lot has been done but more needs to be done.
The proposals under Closing the Gap will see significant building projects right across the Territory. Creating Darwin’s Future will also see significant infrastructure works around our CBD. We spend significant infrastructure developing land for new housing, with $7m to be spent on Bellamack subdivision, and $1.5m spent on Mt John Valley in Alice Springs, and the Berrimah Farm will probably cost us about $7m to $9m.
Infrastructure spending has also been made in support of our lifestyle. This year alone, allocations include $3m for the new East Arm fishing jetty; $6m for the development of Myilly Park; and $4.8m for the new netball facilities, not to mention the football/soccer stadium and the grandstand in Alice Springs – great facilities. I am looking forward to seeing people sitting in a newly built grandstand, watching the football in Alice Springs.
There is new infrastructure in place at the Hidden Valley racecourse. I am very proud of the many achievements of this government, but I must admit I am particularly proud of the infrastructure programs that we have in place. I believe history will see that this government was, indeed, a government that built a better Territory.
Mrs MILLER (Katherine): Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to the minister’s statement on Territory infrastructure for the future.
Mrs BRAHAM: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Ring the bells. A quorum is present. Member for Katherine, please resume.
Mrs MILLER: Madam Deputy Speaker, I respond to the minister’s statement on Territory infrastructure for the future. I read the statement last night and expected to find something new in it - a new announcement - but I did not find that at all. I found an echo, though. An echo, as you well know, is something that has been heard time and time again. There is no doubt that there is a lot of activity happening in Darwin with the construction of multistorey units appearing around the CBD area. That is good for people who are investing, and serviced apartments are certainly on the list of requirements for our tourism industry. In the past couple of years, the lack of beds available in Darwin during the Darwin Cup Carnival prevented quite a number of people from coming to experience our very popular major event. I welcome the additional beds.
What I do not welcome, and I certainly do not want to see, is Darwin turn into another Gold Coast, with a skyline filled with high-rise apartments any more than this government has already allowed to happen. I certainly hope that you have the vision, albeit too late, to do something about retaining what we all cherish - and you talk about it all the time - which is our fantastic lifestyle. Make sure it stays here. It is a phrase that you are only too ready to use at every opportunity. Do not turn us into another Gold Coast. We do not need it, we are different, and we need to be able to develop while retaining the uniqueness that people have always come here for. That takes vision. I would like to say that I believe you have it but, unfortunately, I do not think you have.
My colleague, the Leader of the Opposition, has responded very adequately on infrastructure, especially in the Top End. I would like to focus my remarks on the regional and remote areas. Your statement, minister, focused mainly on infrastructure spending in and around Darwin. I want to focus on housing infrastructure and, most importantly, housing in the remote areas ...
Ms Lawrie: You missed that $900m.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: I saw the line.
As the minister said in her statement, there is a significant shortfall of housing in remote communities - estimated as high as $2.3bn. With so much social disadvantage being recognised and acknowledged in remote communities causing untold social hardship, it is imperative that this area is addressed as quickly as possible. Without adequate housing, we are going to have very limited success in trying to reduce the social disadvantages that urgently need to be addressed. Even with the assistance of the federal government, trying to close the gap on $2.3bn of housing is going to take some time. Let us be realistic; we are not the only area. We are not the only state or territory that will be asking for significant funds to assist in remote housing shortages. The whole of Australia is in the same situation. The argument that comes from the Northern Territory has to be a very strong one, and it has to be put with a lot of force by the minister when she meets her federal colleagues.
One of the biggest problems has been to provide housing that is suitable for the climate, location and requirements of each community. There has been a litany of errors over decades of housing that proved to be entirely unsuitable and, therefore, in most instances, has not done much to reduce the shortage. In fact, we are in a situation where much of that housing now should be replaced, in addition to the construction of new houses. It is one step forward and two steps back. I remember listening to the former Minister for Housing, the member for Barkly, deliver a speech in this House – I think it was some time last year - where he outlined a grim picture of remote housing that was still going to be a huge problem a decade from now unless there was very significant funding put into housing by all levels of government over a not-too-lengthy period of time to address the shortage. It was not a very pretty picture.
Since that time, there has been the Little Children are Sacred report, the federal intervention, this government announcing Closing the Gap and, just yesterday, both sides of federal government and both sides of the NT Legislative Assembly agreeing to work in partnership to address indigenous disadvantage. Now comes the hard work of putting those well-meant words into meaningful outcomes.
There have been many problems with the types of housing that has been established in remote communities. I place on the Parliamentary Record an idea that has come from two Katherine businesses - Power Projects and AJL Holdings. They have both had dealings with remote communities for many years and have seen for themselves what does not work and what could. From both of these businesses, people approached me last year with an idea that they had been working on for some time to address the shortage of housing in remote communities. Their proposal included the important components of price, durability, functionality, solar power, traineeships, and capacity to build and deliver to site and erect in a short time frame with construction year round.
The design that I saw last year was an appropriate five-bedroom home with a large living area, verandahs and fittings that were easy to maintain. A lot of work had been put into this proposal, with the design and engineering completed last year. The fact that the cost was significantly less than the current style of building on communities made this idea very appealing. I was also very attracted to the proposal that at least 30% of the employment on this construction project would be indigenous workers. People from each community would be brought into Katherine to work on the construction of these houses under a traineeship scheme, and then those same trainees would have the responsibility to maintain the houses on their communities after their training was completed. These people would be trained tradespersons and hold positions giving them meaningful work with appropriate pay. Is that not what we are all aiming for in this House? I am sure that it is, because that is what we said yesterday, and I assume that we meant it and it was not just words.
I know that the former minister has been briefed on this proposal several times. I am also aware that there have been ongoing communications with his department but, to date, there has not been a decision made by this government. There are many positive aspects to this proposal. This government has the opportunity to show Katherine they do understand the importance of regional development and support it. This scheme will provide ongoing employment for local businesses with an anticipated 50 people employed at a purpose-built factory with 30% of those workers being indigenous. It would support builders and tradespeople who understand what the requirements are in communities. It would train local and remote indigenous workers. It is cost-effective; it is quicker than any other project I have seen.
In other words, it would take three weeks from the time of the beginning of the construction of the building until it can be constructed on a community - and that includes laying the concrete slab. That is during the Dry Season. The building would be ongoing in Katherine right throughout the 12 months, even when the roads are impassable. Once the roads are opened, these building packs would be transported to the communities where they are needed and constructed by those workers who have had their training in Katherine under the guidance of skilled tradespeople, and would be up in a very short period of time.
We know there is an urgent and critical need for housing. I am asking government to please look at this proposal with an open mind to the benefits that it offers for housing in indigenous communities, as well as providing much-needed employment in the Katherine region. It is a win/win for everybody. Do not close your mind to it just because I am talking about it. I know that there is that political bias that you just cannot accept that anyone in opposition can actually know anything about anything - only government members know everything. Well, if you want to take this on and have this as your own, I will be delighted if you do. It will be very unfortunate for those people who are living under present untenable conditions if this government does not look at this proposal with an open mind to the advantages it offers. I challenge you to do that.
As the minister said in her statement, the figure of $2.3bn is indicative of the chronic overcrowding experienced by many households across the Territory. It equates to a demand for around 5000 new homes and a significant maintenance component. Some see this as a daunting prospect, and that is what you said in your statement. The interesting thing is that I believe that you are only planning to build 1000 in the next five years. Is that right, Madam Deputy Speaker? Through you, I am asking the minister if she could respond to that. That is 1000. Therefore, if you have 5000 new homes that you need now, plus a significant maintenance component, and it is going to take you five years to build 5000 under your plan, why would you not look at something that is going to be far more practical and at a better price? It makes sense to me.
I am going to watch with much interest to see how serious this government takes genuine proposals from long-term, experienced Territory business people to help overcome the chronic situation in our remote communities. Let us not talk the talk any more - I am tired of it and I am sure most people are – let us walk the walk.
Madam Deputy Speaker, my portfolio responsibilities also include roads. The minister has echoed again in this statement saying significant roads include Tiger Brennan Drive, Mereenie Loop, Litchfield Loop, Cox Peninsula Road, Port Keats Road and the Tanami Road. Yes, and they sure are significant roads! However, it is an echo I have heard resounding many times these past couple of years – and the minister will probably sound off quite well to me when she makes her response, as I expect her to - but they still are not done.
She will blame, as she always does, everybody but herself. However, the minister knows that I know she is playing games because she forfeited funding for the Tanami Road that ended up going to Western Australia because she could not convince her Cabinet of the importance of the Tanami Road to business in Central Australia. She also did not get it right with the submission to the federal government for Tiger Brennan Drive which started out at $27.3m in 2003. Then, when she realised she had not put in the correct drawings, to save face she sat on it, blamed the federal government for it, and has now come out proclaiming that she, Kevin Rudd and Damien Hale have announced the project worth $110m. It is now five years later. Whoopee! It is costing taxpayers for your stubbornness, minister, in not providing updated drawings to the federal government when you were asked to in 2004-05 …
Ms Lawrie: Wrong. It is only three …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: By you saying ‘wrong’, you are actually telling a minister who told me this that he is a liar - that is what you are saying.
Ms Lawrie: Wrong, wrong.
Mrs MILLER: You really are the queen of political spin minister. You would do anything to save face and I can hear it for myself right now ...
Ms Lawrie: Do not tell me you believe what Jim Lloyd said.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: You should be apologising to the people who use Tiger Brennan Drive for stretching out that project unnecessarily. There are many other roads that also deserve consideration, and they include the Central Arnhem Road from Katherine to Nhulunbuy, the only access from Darwin. There is plenty of communication from disgruntled people on that road about its condition which has been received by your department over several years.
The minister has also been lobbied heavily about a bridge that has not been mentioned in the minister’s statement. That is the Daly River Crossing, which has over 4000 people cut off on the northern side for approximately seven months of the year. I believe the new minister Knight promised that at the last election. Is that right, minister?
Mr Knight: Yes, and it is going to be delivered.
Mrs MILLER: When will you deliver on that promise? You promised it.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: You promised it. As I said earlier, this statement covers a lot that has already been said in this Assembly before. I would like to hear the minister’s next statement talk about what has been completed in roads and bridge infrastructure, and what positive steps have been taken towards supporting regional development in the Northern Territory - we need another minister for Katherine - with the construction of remote housing. As I am sure most Territorians will too …
Mr Knight: What do you reckon infrastructure is?
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mrs MILLER: Finally, minister, can you tell me how many employees are based in Katherine in your infrastructure services department - this is current - and how many employees were in your department in Katherine in 2000? The answer, if you can and will provide it, will indicate just how seriously your government takes infrastructure in the Katherine region.
Mr KIELY (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Deputy Speaker, as we have heard, this government has and will continue to make significant investment in infrastructure to ensure our economic growth continues. Our parks and reserves, natural resources and heritage assets are unique and instrumental in attracting visitors to the Territory. Since 2005-06, this government has allocated more than $26m to infrastructure programs for the Territory’s 88 parks and reserves to ensure our natural resources are well protected.
That funding also ensures appropriate infrastructure is in place for the ongoing management and research into our natural resources. It is also vital that the right infrastructure is in place to ensure our heritage sites are properly preserved and protected. Since 2005-06, this government has increased its injection of funding for these areas to ensure Territorians and visitors have the best possible access to our natural and cultural attractions. In 2006-07, more than three million people visited our parks and reserves. They are the jewel in the Territory’s crown and are arguably the most popular attraction for tourists to the Territory.
Our parks and reserves are also recreational playgrounds for Territorians. Since 2005-06, we have spent $1m on the construction of a boat ramp for direct river access at the Gregory National Park. In 2007-08, we committed an extra $80 000 for repair and maintenance work at Gregory National Park, including repairs to water mains at the historical Bullita Homestead. This is the largest park managed by Parks and Wildlife services at around 13 000 km.
We have also spent more than $1m at the Channel Point Coastal Reserve to improve infrastructure, including a boat launching facility, campground, road, visitor parking facilities and interpretive displays. We have also invested in the construction of a ranger office and accommodation along with secure storage facilities at the Channel Point Coastal Reserve. This government will spend a further $419 000 this financial year towards completing the project. When completed, more than $1.4m will have been spent on the Channel Point Coastal Reserve to enhance the enjoyment for Territorians and visitors.
This government also has significantly invested in West MacDonnell National Park, west of Alice Springs. Over the past two years, we have spent more than $1.5m. This iconic park includes parts of the world-renowned 223 km long Larapinta Walking Trail, and attracts many tourism visitors each year. We are currently upgrading and expanding visitor facilities to include additional shade shelters, ranger and tour guide presentation areas, ablution facilities, expanded car park and campgrounds.
Other significant infrastructure spending on our parks and reserves from 2002 to 2008 has been the Arltunga Historical Reserve east of Alice Springs where $138 000 was allocated for stonemasonry works to preserve the culturally significant buildings that were once the site of the gold mining boom in Central Australia.
In 2007-08, this government allocated $1.4m to upgrade infrastructure in one of our most popular attractions, Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine. The upgrade not only improves the facilities of the park, but increases visitor safety, with the new pedestrian crossover between the first and second gorge expected to be completed by mid-2008. The park attracts 230 000 visitors each year. The crossover upgrade will provide easier access for visitors so that they can see more of the park. The upgrade also includes the construction of a walking path and platform at the Jawoyn rock art site to safely accommodate 60 people at a time.
Other parks and reserves in the Katherine region to benefit from this government’s increased spending in infrastructure include the Elsey National Park, which has received more than $85 000 to repair the thermal pools boardwalk, visitor facilities, repairing the toilets at Mulurark campground, and upgrading the hot water services at Jalmurark campground. The Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park received $32 000 to repair the cave’s lights.
In 2007-08, interpretive signage was replaced in numerous parks across the Territory. At Palm Valley in Central Australia, the campground facilities were upgraded. At Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park, Douglas Hot Springs near Katherine, and the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve construction of new toilets commenced. Those three projects cost almost $1m - money well spent to enhance the visitor experience. We spent $1.3m to improve shade shelters within the campgrounds at Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, installed water tanks at Limmen National Park and upgraded the toilet facilities. A ranger station was established at Middle Point for the Adelaide River National Park, and emergency call devices were installed in Nitmiluk National Park and Edith Falls, improving visitor safety for the two areas.
Other areas under my portfolio to benefit from this government’s commitment to improving infrastructure include the Mary River wetlands saltwater intrusion control program. Almost $1.5m has been invested into this project by the Territory Labor government since 2005-06. The project involves the construction and upgrading of weirs for saltwater intrusion control in the Mary River wetlands catchment, which covers an area of 810 000 km. It is a highly productive area which supports multiple land uses, as well as providing habitat to a large range of wildlife including saltwater crocodiles, magpie geese and barramundi. Until recently, the Wet Season run-off from the river’s catchment emptied into extensive lowland and floodplains which are dissected by deep unconnected billabongs and braided channels. The floodplains and billabongs are separated from the sea by a series of parallel, narrow, sandy chenier ridges, which are a legacy of the receding shoreline over the last 6000 years. The creation of weirs, spillways and barrages to prevent the saltwater intrusion has greatly helped the regeneration of the wetlands.
In 2007-08, this government spent $184 000 on repairs and maintenance to the heritage listed Cape Don lighthouse complex, which includes the lighthouse, three residences and ancillary buildings. This complex was listed on the Territory’s Heritage Register in 1996. It was the first manned lighthouse complex, built by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service, during 1915 to 1920, with the first light exhibited on 15 September 1917. The lighthouse is an early example of reinforced concrete tower construction, as opposed to the then generally used blockhouse form. Concrete towers did not become common until after 1960. The complex was associated with increased shipping into Darwin during World War I. A radar station was located near the complex in World War II. The lighthouse was manned until July 1983.
The Leanyer Recreation Park is hugely popular with locals, and a great place for kids to cool down and have fun. In 2007-08, we allocated $162 000 for repairs to water play equipment and soft fall around the pool area. We also spent $170 000 to replace the rainforest boardwalk and insulation of soft fall to the children’s playground at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens; $50 000 was allocated to the upgraded storage facility at the Herbarium in Palmerston; and $200 000 to upgrade Bushfire NT’s offices in Batchelor.
The ongoing construction, infrastructure maintenance and future planning to improve our 88 parks and reserves is a challenge, but something that we are wholeheartedly focused on. We will continue to provide better infrastructure to ensure Territorians continue to enjoy a unique lifestyle and access to our natural and cultural assets.
Mrs BRAHAM (Braitling): Madam Deputy Speaker, this government is very fortunate that it is able to have such a strong infrastructure program, thanks to the benevolence of the Commonwealth government. There is no doubt, if the government invests in infrastructure then it helps private enterprise to react and we have a strong economy, even though the federal Treasurer or the Reserve Bank keep telling us not to overstimulate the economy.
What the minister has presented in the statement is interesting, but I find it a bit of a mish-mash of dollars being spent without any clear definition of what they are going to do. For instance, housing is one of those very important things that we all know the bush needs. It is great the government is putting so much money into housing. There are many contractors out there who are happy with what they have heard from the government, but they will say to you that there is a shortage of skilled workers, apprentices and trainees. The government should also be putting a lot more emphasis on trying to get skilled workers to do these programs.
I was a little confused and, perhaps, the minister can clarify this for me when she responds. On page 14, she said:
- Both governments have already recognised the need for additional appropriate housing in the bush and, to this end, a $893m program, over four years, will commence in 2008-09.
- Over the next five years, we will invest $100m over and above our existing commitments for remote housing.
I am not sure whether she means that is included in the figure of $893m or not. She said:
- We have also committed $42m for housing for government employees …
Is that also included in that? Furthermore:
- … on top of the $14.5m spend for government employee housing this financial year, $4m of which will be invested in housing for police in remote communities.
- It keeps on going:
- … the Commonwealth in September of last year that will see almost $950m invested in housing and housing-related initiatives in the bush over the next few years
I would like to know what the budget is for this year and next year in regard to housing - which money is federal, which money is NT - so we can at least get a plan of where we are going with this housing program.
There is no doubt we all agree it is good; however, it is confusing the way it is presented in the statement. I would like to have some clarification of what is going to be spent each financial year. It is good for the industry out there to know also what is coming up. Is it worthwhile for them to be investing and bringing up more people from south to help build these houses? Is it worthwhile investing in accommodation? Let us have something a little clearer so we can see what exactly is going on rather than these big dollar figures that are bandied around.
Yes, there has been some good private investment going on in Darwin and in Alice Springs. The Quest Apartments in Alice is one example, and the latest redevelopment where people are looking ahead to build accommodation. At the moment, we do seem to have many Commonwealth public servants tying up a lot of the beds in the motels/hotels and apartments. Obviously, the need for accommodation in Alice is great. We have the Masters Games coming up, clashing also with the Transport Hall of Fame conference, and we know we have an accommodation problem. Therefore, anything we can do to stimulate the economy and investment in Alice Springs or more building, then that is good.
I notice also, minister, you talked about road funding. I raised this probably about 12 months ago. I am talking about the Mereenie Loop Road, the Namatjira-Larapinta extension. There is still a small section of 4 km that is unsealed on that loop. It is due to the CLC blocking access to gravel pits. I know I raised this about 12 months ago, but it still has not been resolved. Although the traditional owners have said, ‘Yes, we will allow access’ as they see the financial benefits, there is still this blocking by CLC. I do not know whether the legislation needs to be changed so that government and people who work on the roads deal direct with traditional owners rather than go through CLC. There is a problem there as you have this road which is nearly completed with a strip that is still unsealed. Let us face it, accidents and damage to vehicles occur on our bush roads. If you are going to build all these houses out in the bush, how are you going to get all of these materials out there, if we do not have good roads? Roads are definitely so important for people living in remote communities. They are not all sealed, we know that. Minister, could you get back to me on why we still have this blocking by the CLC of access to the gravel pits which is why we cannot finish this section of road?
Is there a need for changes to the legislation? There has to be a mechanism whereby we can deal directly with the traditional owners, rather than go through this strange process we have at the moment, so that the benefits will come back for the traditional owners as well as for the contractors on the road, people who actually use the road and government, so that they can say ‘Yes, it has been completed’. That is one of the sticking points at the moment that I would like to have clarification on.
You talked about Desert Knowledge. You should also have acknowledged in your statement that it is not only Northern Territory money, it is Commonwealth money as well, and ensure that is acknowledged, because that will be a great program - not so much the building but what will go on in that building. There is a great incentive there for a lot of research, training, and things that will help the centre in the future.
Another thing I also wanted to mention was the land release that you talked about. When I went out to the end of Albrecht Drive the other day, there did not seem to be anything happening at the Larapinta Drive development, although I know it was bought by a Darwin firm. I am not quite sure what the hold-up is because there is a great shortage of reasonably priced homes in Alice Springs. The Mt John area that you talked about will not be cheap; it will not be homes for the low-income person. There is no public housing on it. What we really need is to have more homes in Alice Springs built for those young families, first homebuyers, but also the people on middle income who cannot afford the high prices of housing.
Minister, it might also be a time for you to be looking at the level for HomeNorth. I think it is pegged at $240 000 for Alice Springs. Perhaps we need to review that so that people can borrow to buy houses which are more in keeping with the prices that they are advertised for, and also at a fixed interest rate. I guess there is a certain amount of insecurity out there in the marketplace about what is going to happen to interest rates. If I was a young person or a young family buying a home at the moment, I would be worried about the variable interest rate loan. I would be looking at something fixed for a few years at least.
You talked about vision the government should have. I have said it is really good that government stimulates the economy by investing. However, you talked about the Darwin River Dam and that you are going to look at raising the level. Would it not be more common sense to build another dam so that you at least have that additional supply of water? I am confused. I have to admit this morning when I drove in, that I have not driven in that sort of rain for years. I probably delayed the traffic because I was doing about 50 km/h because I could not believe the amount of rain that was coming down on top of me. It was incredible that Darwin has such a large amount of water. Why do you not look to the future and build another dam? I may be wrong, but I just thought so much rain …
Mr Natt: Lumps and bumps.
Mrs BRAHAM: Is that the trouble? We envy you because you have such an abundance of rain. We always have to think ahead for future generations. Minister, if you could give me breakdown on those questions that I have asked, I would appreciate that.
In addition, it was 25 years ago when I first opened Sadadeen Primary School as a new school. We also opened Larapinta Primary School. So it is not only this government which has built schools; the previous government also built schools. Ongoing maintenance is always a problem, but I guess schools will tell you that they are always scratching trying to find additional monies. I am pleased to see the contract has been let for additional airconditioning at Braitling Primary School, which is good. However, if you could clarify those queries for me, I would appreciate that.
Mr BONSON (Sport and Recreation): Madam Deputy Speaker, I support the statement on infrastructure delivered by my colleague, the Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. We all recognise the phenomenal economic growth the Territory has experienced in recent years. As a long-term Territorian born and bred, I have seen the landscape of Darwin change. I am pleased that this has affected many Territorians, particularly Darwinites, in a very positive way. The evidence of that is no more obvious than right here in Darwin, which has undergone a construction boom in recent years. Our construction industry is currently fully extended.
As Sport minister, I will focus on some of the significant progress this government has made in building and upgrading our sporting infrastructure. An anecdotal story that I have is of a friend that I grew up with in the Territory. We played sport and got around together. He has a Masters Degree in Building. He is now the building manager of a $160m project. The single biggest issue that he has is the capacity to get workers - and skilled workers, which we all know is a legacy of underfunding in training left by the former Howard government. However, the reality is that that is his biggest complaint. In other words, he is paying top dollar, he is selling units, his business is going well, but it could be going even better. That is good news for the people of the Territory and it is a good forecast for what is going to happen into the future. It is probably the biggest single private project happening in the Northern Territory right now.
Investing in sports infrastructure is a sound investment in the future of sport in the Territory. The Territory’s strong economic expansion and growing population makes investing in infrastructure of all kinds a priority. Investing in infrastructure is vital to our delivery of improved services to the bush and promoting increased growth in our urban areas. Strategic investment in sports infrastructure pays dividends for the Territory in a number of ways.
Territorians love their sport and outdoor lifestyle. The Territory is a great place to live, and our perfect weather lends itself to kicking a footy in the local park or getting out into the back yard with the kids for a game of cricket.
This government is intent on building on our already high participation rates in both organised recreation and organised sport. As a government, we want to do more to get Territorians involved in physical activity and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. I have said before that sport is a vital part of the social fabric of our community, and anyone who has lived here for any period of time can attest to this.
The Northern Territory government makes the second-highest investment per capita to sport and recreation in Australia, and I cannot wait to knock that off and be proudly announcing that we are No 1. In the last three years alone, the government has invested nearly $21m in the construction or upgrading of sporting and recreational facilities. Improved sporting and recreational facilities not only benefits grassroots Territory sports, it also helps attract high-quality national and international events.
In many cases, we have inherited tired, dated or run-down sporting infrastructures from the previous government. Take the case of TIO Stadium. It required a major capital injection before either the AFL or Cricket Australia would consider matches in Darwin. Thanks to a $2.5m investment, TIO Stadium received a major upgrade to its playing surface, as well as enhanced player and coaching facilities. These upgrades allowed us to enter into agreements with the AFL and Cricket Australia to bring the cream of their teams to Darwin.
Tomorrow night, for example, the Western Bulldogs meet the North Melbourne Kangaroos in a NAB Cup fixture at TIO Stadium. I take this opportunity to invite all members to attend that function. We will get many hundreds of Territorians coming in to meet the players and coaches and to hear about the great things that this government is doing in sport and recreation. It is a fantastic initiative of previous Sports ministers. Without the upgrade of the TIO Stadium, the $420 000 three-year tripartite deal involving the Western Bulldogs, the AFL and the NT government would not have been possible.
This week, Cricket Australia and the NT government announced a second five-year agreement to bring more international cricket to Darwin. People may have seen me wearing the baggy green hat and the Australian one day match guernsey with a cricket bat facing Cricket Australia’s Mike Brown. I said: ‘Look, I cannot wait to face Ricky Ponting in the batting nets and bowl against Brett Lee’. Of course, I said that tongue in cheek. However, if I get that opportunity I definitely will face Brett Lee.
This would not have been possible without our strategic investment in TIO Stadium. Additionally, this second five-year agreement will see $3.1m invested in a much-needed upgrade in Territory cricket facilities: $3m will be pumped into improved grassroots facilities with another $100 000 going to upgrade practice wickets at TIO Stadium to international standards. This is a great deal, not only because it benefits both international and grassroots cricket, but because the NT government’s $2.1m commitment unlocked a $1m investment from Cricket Australia.
Major sports events do not only produce social benefits but also generate significant economic benefits for the Territory. Take last year’s Arafura Games. There were 3000 international and interstate participants who spent 10 days in the Top End. The economic spin-offs were enormous. Money from those 3000 visitors was spent in areas like accommodation, entertainment, tourism and arts and crafts.
I had an opportunity to travel to Brunei for the Heads of Delegations meeting for the Arafura Games and it was fantastic to see countries like the Philippines with 100 million people, Indonesia with 250 million people, Macau, and Malaysia represented. We are talking hundreds of millions of people being represented at these Heads of Delegations meetings. I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm to attend these great games. We will be working with them to improve the standard of the games and the quality of service to athletes.
The same can be said about the Masters Games in Alice Springs which attracts thousands of people from across the nation. In fact, with this year’s Masters Games nearing we have already seen accommodation at near full capacity in Alice Springs. The sheer numbers of people travelling to Alice Springs for this event is fantastic. One of the organisers mentioned to me there were around 670 people from the Alice Springs area who will be volunteering their time. Of course, many of them are senior Territorians. I am looking forward to having an opportunity to participate at some level in some games in the Masters Games. Maybe I am showing my age there. We must not underestimate the value of these events to our community.
As I mentioned earlier, since 2005 we have poured $21m into sport infrastructure in the Territory. I would like to highlight some of the more significant infrastructure investments this government has delivered for sport and recreation in recent years. The $10m Palmerston Recreation Centre was an initiative under the Palmerston Partnership Agreement to provide a new sporting and recreation option to the Palmerston residents. I know the members for Brennan and Drysdale were enthusiastic supporters of the Palmerston Recreation Centre and, as often as possible, attend the sports that occur there. I look forward to building relationships with them and the operators of the Palmerston Recreation Centre in my position as Minister for Sport and Recreation.
The Palmerston Recreation Centre was an election commitment from the government and we have delivered. What does an election commitment mean? It means that the members for Brennan and Drysdale, as candidates, and others in Palmerston were able to promote around Palmerston the fact that this Labor government was supporting this great initiative. Once elected, they were able to deliver on that promise. This is why we are in politics; we have the opportunity to put forward our conceptual ideas of what the Territory should be. I know they are very proud of this achievement.
Another election commitment honoured by this government and also completed last year was the $7.5m Darwin Football Stadium at Marrara - an unbelievable facility. Anyone who has driven past there at night when we have had games of significance occurring will tell you that it is a fantastic facility and stands out on the landscape of Marrara. I am hoping, as sports minister, to work with this government in delivering A League games and, possibly, other international training games to the Northern Territory. That is a fantastic opportunity.
I do not think anyone would disagree that we have some hard-core soccer lovers in the Territory. Or, if you want to be correct, there are some hard-core football lovers in the Territory. Delivering this stadium was the priority of this government. My colleague, the former sports minister and mad football fan, Kon Vatskalis - and before him as sports minister was Delia Lawrie - unveiled Larrakia Park with the Chairman of the Larrakia Development Corporation, Koolpinyah Richard Barnes, in July last year. The stadium opened with a bang with a great A League match between Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory.
Still on the round-ball game, the government has committed $400 000 to fund lights for football training at Nakara Oval.
From soccer to motor sports. Last year, we saw $500 000 go toward upgrading lights at the Hidden Valley Go-Kart Track. The lights were officially christened last year when the member for Casuarina raced Lord Mayor, Garry Lambert, around the track.
As a government, we are also committed to developing sports opportunities for women. That is why we are about to start construction of the $4.8m netball centre at Marrara, which is another election promise. A contract is expected to be awarded next month with the construction due for completion by October this year. Once complete, the new netball centre will feature: 10 new Rebound Ace national standard netball courts; court lighting; first-class amenities; car parking; drop-off zone; and security fencing. The Top End’s netball community has long needed a first-class home base to replace the old Parap courts. I thank Helen Smith and her committee and all the volunteers involved with netball who have worked hard over the years to deliver this magnificent facility to the sports-loving fans of netball.
I honestly say to the House that I truly do believe that women’s sport is an untapped resource. Whether in urban or bush areas, I am committed to ensuring that women’s sport takes the centre stage of what we might be doing into the future.
As a government, we are also aware of how critical sport is to the people of Central Australia. This is why we have made such a strong commitment to Alice Springs’ premier sporting facility, Traeger Park. Since 2004, we have committed a total of $5.6m to upgrade sporting facilities at Traeger Park’s sporting complex. I went down there and saw the results of that investment. What a fantastic facility we have there. It is fantastic to see for all Central Australians
I commend the professionalism of the AFL, NTFL and the CAFL for their attitude towards this fantastic development of $5.6m to upgrade sporting facilities in Traeger Park. There is no Berrimah Line as far as I am concerned. I have travelled up and down the highway for sport from the age of about 12 years, which is longer than some people.
I have family and friends who live in Alice Springs. When I went down and saw all of the people in Alice Springs from all the different groups - youths, seniors and sports groups - they are fantastic people and they knew my background, and that I am very interested in supporting Alice Springs - $5.6m for starters.
This included construction of a new grandstand and lighting towers. The upgrade of Traeger Park has already helped secure top-level sporting fixtures for the people of Alice Springs. Good news for the people of Alice Springs! There will be a NAB Challenge Match at Traeger Park later this month, which I am hoping to attend. I can assure people that we will get a fantastic turnout down there - an absolute fantastic turnout by the people of Alice Springs supporting another NT government initiative.
The lighting towers have allowed the broadcast of AFL night games, and have also been used for Imparja Cup cricket which this government has supported. I was happy to meet with Cricket Australia and talk about the issues of cricket throughout the whole of the Territory. I am sure that I will be able to build a great relationship with Cricket Australia. The Imparja Cup is very much on the high priority list. Imparja Cup is currently under way in Alice Springs as we speak. I will be there for Saturday’s final at Traeger Park.
Staying in Alice Springs, the Northern Territory government has committed $8.1m – that is $8.1m! - in funding towards construction of an indoor aquatic centre. This blows away the myth that this government does not support Alice Springs. We love Alice Springs. We committed $8.1m in funding to the construction of an indoor aquatic centre. Funding from both the previous and the new federal government will see a $16.1m aquatic facility taking shape in Alice Springs. I will be down there, Madam Speaker. I hope to be down there with the Chief Minister turning that soil over. I will be there, with the members for Stuart and Macdonnell …
Ms Carney interjecting.
Mr BONSON: There is no doubt, as a good government, we will extend an invitation to the other members representing Central Australia because that is the type of government we are.
Madam Speaker, this a partnership between all levels of government that will produce a lasting benefit for the Alice Springs community …
Ms Carney: A lusting benefit?
Mr BONSON: A lasting benefit. Work is expected to start on the centre in March, with Stage 1 of the development scheduled to be ready for the Masters Games in October. The new centre will feature a 25 m indoor heated swimming pool. Fantastic! I saw the plans, I spoke to the representatives of all their different interest groups, and I also met with the Alice Springs council. They showed me plans for this beautiful centre with a 25 m heated swimming pool, change rooms, an area that will be used for physiotherapy, and an outdoor leisure fun pool. We are a fun government! It will be an environmentally friendly facility including solar power measures.
Other areas of the Territory have not been forgotten as the government works to improve access to sporting facilities for all Territorians. Elsewhere in Alice Springs, the government has committed $500 000 for the upgraded facilities at Ross Park for junior soccer. We have not forgotten the Red Centre’s rev heads. Some $1.2m has gone into the construction of a new drag strip …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr BONSON: When you hear the rhetoric from the other side, Madam Speaker, you understand that this government is governing for all Territorians.
A snapshot of some of our upgrades elsewhere in the NT include: $45 000 for upgrades to Gapuwiyak sports oval; a capital grant of $500 000 for the Tennant Creek Town Council, for the Purkiss Reserve oval upgrade; $35 000 for upgrades to Bulman oval; $1.1m for upgrades to flood-damaged sports facilities in Katherine; $125 000 capital grant for the Katherine Town Council to repair and upgrade netball courts damaged in the 2006 floods; $100 000 for the upgrade of sporting facilities at Canteen Creek; and $500 000 to upgrade the sports oval at Ngukurr. It just goes on and on and on.
We are proud of the investment we have made to improve Territory sport and recreational infrastructure. This government recognises the benefit of sport and active recreation for the physical, social and economical wellbeing of the Territory. This is why we are investing significantly in the infrastructure needed to boost grassroots sports and attract the best in elite level sport to the Territory.
Madam Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Mr CONLAN (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I welcome the statement by the minister. I must say, I have never heard such a bunch of back-slapping rubbish in my life. I know I am only new …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr CONLAN: … to this parliament and I am sure my parliamentary colleagues have heard plenty of it before.
Madam Speaker, we all know what Territorians think of this government. Despite what they tell us, we know what the vibe is out there - we do.
Ms Carney: Because their bosses have told us.
Mr CONLAN: Bosses have told us, exactly. The Labor Party accused the CLP of hating things like the waterfront project and the like. They say we cannot stand it, we do not like it. What they do not understand is, it is not so much the waterfront project that we do not like, it is the approach by the Labor Party - its arrogance, its failure to govern for all Territorians. That is what gets under our skin a bit. It is the failures of this government to address law and order, its training down, its shackling the Territory with legislation, its complete failure to address indigenous affairs issues in the Northern Territory. It is ‘de-Territorising’ the Northern Territory. That is the sort of stuff that leaves us off colour. It is the token gestures and its failure to address the real issues. That is the sort of stuff that we do not like.
Despite the pluses that the waterfront might have, I am sure it is not as big on the priority list as the mother whose 15-year-old daughter was raped and bashed and, subsequently, died in Alice Springs a couple of years ago. I am sure it is not on the priority list of her family ...
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! We are discussing the infrastructure statement.
Mr CONLAN: I am getting to that, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Member for Greatorex, please continue.
Mr CONLAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am sure it is not on the priority list of that family, nor poor old Bobby Saunders, who travelled down from Darwin to compete in the 2006 Masters Games and, subsequently, was ripped from his car after having a snooze after a night of celebrations, and beaten to within an inch of his life and had to be airlifted to Adelaide Hospital. He is still not the same, and he never will be the same again. I am sure that things like the waterfront project, the barbecue or picnic area, the beach umbrellas, or the wave pool are not on the priority list of Bobby Saunders.
I cannot see that being on the agenda of those who are about to have an ill-conceived and badly planned and unworkable local government model shoved in their faces, or the cattlemen of the Northern Territory, who, on 13 cattle stations in the Litchfield Shire, are working under a different model to the rest of the Northern Territory. It is a bit of inequity, and demonstrates the failed model of this local government plan by the Northern Territory government.
We mentioned before the low- to middle-income earners in the Northern Territory wanting to buy a house, but are flat out trying to even stay in the rental market. I am sure they are not overly concerned about things like the waterfront project. The member for Braitling mentioned land release and affordable housing to low- to middle-income earners. It is just not on the priority list of those young Territorians trying to build a life for themselves.
I am sure the mental health carers of the Northern Territory are more concerned about the outrageous and appalling treatment of the 50-year-old mental health patient who died when he was removed from his house in Nightcliff last year. I cannot see that being on the top priority list of the mental health carers of the Northern Territory.
Or the mothers of the children who have been sexually abused and beaten in Aboriginal communities throughout the Northern Territory, as highlighted in the Little Children are Sacred report. We saw the federal intervention as a result of the failure of this government to address issues in Aboriginal communities. I do not think that the wave pool, barbecue or picnic area or the like is really on the top priority list as indicated in the draft master plan of the Darwin City Waterfront. I do not think that is on the priority list.
What this statement does not mention is the budget blowout of the Darwin Waterfront Project; how over-budget and over-schedule it is. It is not in keeping with this government to be honest with Territorians. It is dishonesty. It is in keeping with their approach, and has been over the last six years.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the member for Greatorex to withdraw that.
Madam SPEAKER: I will allow him to continue because the way it was put I do not believe was unparliamentary. Please continue, but be careful in the way you phrase things, member for Greatorex.
Mr CONLAN: Thank you, Madam Speaker. The member for Millner, the minister for Sport, mentioned the state-of-the-art netball facility in Darwin, the Rebound Ace courts. Alice Springs is desperate for a resurface of their netball facility. In Alice Springs, netball is probably the biggest sport and development sport in Central Australia. The netball courts have been abandoned by this government. There is an unfinished grandstand. They gloat about the grandstand and how great it is. There is still about $1m in today’s dollars to be spent on the top level of that grandstand. They washed their hands out of it and handed it over to the Alice Springs Town Council, expecting them to pay for it. Not to mention, of course, the disrespect to the Hayes family for ripping down their name without consultation and then applying a token gesture late last year and putting a little plaque on it.
It also does not mention the complete breakdown in negotiations over the Mereenie Loop road. The member for Braitling also mentioned the 4 km they cannot negotiate. They failed in their negotiations with the Central Land Council to surface the 4 km of gravel that is required. It is the Never Ending Story 2. There was a movie in the 1980s called The Never Ending Story and this is The Never Ending Story 2. A bit like Lethal Weapons 2 - the two newly appointed ministers.
What about Central Australians who now are deprived of a minister who resides in the region? Central Australia, for the first time in 20 years since the portfolio was created in 1988 - 1988 it was created as the Minister assisting the Chief Minister for Central Australia. It was Eric Poole. Honourable members might like to do their homework and have a look at that. For 20 years, for the first time, we now have no Cabinet representation from Central Australia in the Northern Territory government. It is a shame job. Obviously, they have accepted now that they will have to wait for the CLP to regain government before any focus comes back on Central Australia. And it will happen. The CLP will regain government, and probably sooner rather than later if Labor Party polling is anything to go by.
It is very interesting that the Chief Minister professed, after he lied to the member for Fannie Bay about having the numbers and subsequently took her job …
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Greatorex, I ask you to withdraw that.
Mr CONLAN: What is that?
Madam SPEAKER: You are unable to say that people have lied in this House. I know that you are a new member, but you must withdraw.
Mr CONLAN: I withdraw that, Madam Speaker.
It is interesting that the Chief Minister, after he took the job from the member for Fannie Bay in rather dubious circumstances, professed that he was going to place a whole new focus on Central Australia. Members of his family lived in Alice Springs so he had a real infinity with the region. So what did he do for Central Australia in his first move as Chief Minister? He appointed the member for Daly as the new Minister for Central Australia whose operations are based out at Coolalinga. That is the new Minister for Central Australia. I invite the member for Daly, the new Minister for Central Australia, to ring my office and request a briefing on issues relating to Central Australia. I am sure you are going to need it.
What about his disgraceful comments in the Northern Territory News, Madam Speaker? It says today on page 2: ‘Certainly a discreet focus on Central Australia is warranted’. The word ‘Discreet’ in the dictionary describes as ‘maintaining silence and modest’. That is what discreet means, so it does not sound like much in a focus at all - maintaining a silence or a modest focus on Central Australia.
In one breath the Chief Minister has appeased the people of Litchfield by excluding them from this local government mess, this debacle, and, at the same time, has announced that the member for Daly will be the new Minister for Central Australia. It is an absolute joke. No disrespect to the member for Daly. He is seizing opportunities as they come his way, and good luck to him. However, the Chief Minister has just demonstrated once again a serious flaw he has in his Territory-wide view. Whenever he is asked a question on Central Australia, he is like a rabbit in the headlights.
Madam Speaker, the statement is evidence of this government’s attempt to hoodwink Territorians into thinking that they are really moving the Territory ahead. It is full of mumbo jumbo and facts and figures. However, they are really only kidding themselves and Territorians know that. Apart from all that, we welcome the statement.
Mr BURKE (Brennan): Madam Speaker, I support the statement and everything that the minister said in her statement. This government’s spending on infrastructure is considerable, and it is a credit to this government that it continues to be. Nothing will detract from that basic point.
However, I use this opportunity to raise in the Assembly my dissatisfaction with the building of the senior wing at Palmerston High School. Many people feel that the reason there were problems at Palmerston High, and not the building work that happened at Darwin High, was the lack of interest by this government.
I do not share that view at all. However, I have made it plain over a considerable period about problems that I saw in the progress of the building or, more specifically, the lack of progress in the building. I visited the site several times this year, as did the member for Drysdale - although not the member for Blain. However, let us get something straight. Whilst I am dissatisfied with the progress of it, I do not lay blame at any minister’s feet. The building project hit unforeseeable snags. It was in the hands of a private contractor who was diligently performing their duties under the contract, and there were unforeseen things that happened. No minister is responsible there.
It is not my habit to go off to the media simply to grandstand and throw mud in the hope that something will stick. I do not believe this particularly achieves anything at all. I will leave that to the Leader of the Opposition. I do not deliberately exaggerate the difficulties that have arguably arisen in the building of the Palmerston High School senior wing. It is late; it was meant to have been originally completed before the start of this year. It is not completed. It will be completed before the start of the next semester. However, there is no point exaggerating what has happened. I will leave the exaggeration and the hyperbole to the Leader of the Opposition. The building at Palmerston High has been problematic for reasons outside of the government’s control. The Leader of the Opposition knows this but chooses to ignore it.
I take this opportunity to welcome the appointment of the department of Infrastructure’s Mark Dodt as project manager. Mark is extremely capable, as he showed with the building of the Palmerston Recreation Centre. Even before that, I know he was keeping as close an eye as he possibly could on what was happening at Palmerston High. I know all involved appreciate the personal effort that he has put in throughout the course of this building work.
Cabinet members also know my consternation about the refurbishment of Palmerston High School’s existing buildings. The fact was it was not complete on the first day of this semester. It was unfortunate, and I place on the record my recognition that that is less than perfect. However, as I said, it is not my job here to exaggerate what happened. I take this opportunity to commend the teachers and students on the way they have managed this hiccup at the start of the year. I know that the school staff ensured that the students’ learning was not adversely affected and I thank the staff and students for their efforts. I also happen to know that the new school uniforms are extremely well received and well liked.
Palmerston is an incredibly fast-growing community. Farrar, Gunn, Bakewell, Rosebery, and Durack all continue to grow as new houses and units are built. Bellamack will soon add even more families to Palmerston, and I welcome the new suburb. As it takes shape it will add to the Palmerston community. I recognise that Palmerston needs extra education facilities. In my view - and it is my view - the needs of Palmerston demonstrate the requirement for an extra primary school and an extra middle school. I know, as a local member, there are things that I am not aware of; there may be discussions that I am not privy to. I understand that what we do in the public sector is dependent in part on what the non-government school sector may be considering, planning or in the process of doing. No, I am not privy to that information, nor should I be. If people want to tell me, then that is great. When I ask and they respond I take what I can learn, but I understand that I may not be aware of everything.
However, Palmerston, in my view, has the need. The extra growth in these areas, as I have outlined, will increase the pressure on the existing public facilities. I strongly believe that this is an area that requires attention. In my discussions with the Treasurer, previous Education ministers, the previous Chief Minister, and the current Chief Minister, I have advocated the requirement for the extra facilities. Whether it is at Rosebery or elsewhere - but Rosebery is the most logical at this stage - it is needed.
Another area of infrastructure that requires attention, obviously, is the public transport infrastructure and school buses. I have been speaking with bus users about how the timetable suits their needs. As members and Cabinet are aware, many people in Palmerston feel it needs improvement to better match their needs. There are gaps that leave Palmerston residents at the interchange, having got off one bus and waiting for the next. I know that the timetable is already under review because these comments have been coming back to the department and government, not only through me and the member for Drysdale and others, but directly from the people of Palmerston.
One area that has received particular media attention of late is the school buses. I understand already there has been action in relation to that. In relation to Palmerston High School, it occurred to me that there has already been significant reorganisation with the way kids are dropped off and picked up at the school by public buses. At the moment, at the end of the day the buses currently, as I understand it, leave the school and go to the interchange where students then catch other buses to their suburbs. A possible investigation for improvement would be to have the buses leave the school to immediately commence the suburb run. Many of the students live throughout Palmerston; it is too far to walk. It would avoid the delay that happens at the interchanges and reduce the number of students at the interchange, having got off the bus from the high school and, then, waiting for the next bus to take them out to the Palmerston suburbs or, indeed, further afield. I believe that is something that could be looked at.
I was extremely happy when federal Labor announced it would meet the commitment to 50% of the cost of the Tiger Brennan Drive bypass project. I was also relieved when, some weeks later, the Country Liberal Party candidate did the same thing, notwithstanding the stonewalling and prevarication in the months prior to the election of the Labor federal government. As I said to many Palmerston residents at the time, if you have both parties promising it, it is a bit hard for either of them to go back, no matter who wins. I saw it as a pretty good guarantee for Palmerston. Indeed, we have already seen announcements by the new member for Solomon, Damien Hale, and the federal minister meeting with the Territory minister, looking to progress this issue as quickly as possible. I congratulate all involved for that.
I have a schematic on my shopfront window of the project, if anyone is interested in looking at it. I know it generates a lot of interest, and I recommend that the Leader of the Opposition get one up on his window, because I am sure many people who go to Oasis shopping centre would love to see it there as well. I have had a few residents come in and say to me that they have attempted to look on the Internet to try to find the same picture that I have up on my window and have not been able to do so. Though I am no real whiz with the Internet, when I have gone to look on the department’s website, I have not been able to find it. Therefore, I ask that perhaps the department - if it is there, I apologise - make it easier to find and, if it is not there, I suggest that it be put on the departmental website to assist people. In this age of telecommunications, which now are faster - thanks to the Telstra announcement recently - people will access the Internet to try to access this information.
My colleague, the minister for Sport, mentioned the Palmerston Recreation Centre. It is a significant investment in the Palmerston community. It was a government promise, and it was delivered. Any government that manages to deliver on its promise, I believe, deserves congratulations. It is being well used by the community. The minister for Sport mentioned the number of times I and the member for Drysdale might attend. Well, I am there quite regularly. I go there in an effort, as part of my New Year’s resolution, to get fit. I am there quite often with other residents of Palmerston using the facilities, which are of international standard. This was proved when the Palmerston Tang Soo Do group held an international tournament at the recreation centre. There were extremely positive comments regarding the centre from those who had come from far away.
The YMCA Drop-in Centre is another part of the community infrastructure of Palmerston. I congratulate the Northern Territory government for stepping in when the federal government pulled all its funding. They did not tell anyone it was going to do this; they actually had to find out by going on to the website, looking to see whether it had been renewed, and found that it had not. The Northern Territory government already funded the YMCA program but upped its funding to cover the shortfall that this had caused.
I am still waiting for the Leader of the Opposition to say anything about the short-sighted nature of the Liberal federal government’s decision in doing this, but still have not heard anything. This is interesting, because he and Dave Tollner were on the bandwagon about youth crime at the time. It is acknowledged, as I have said in this place and elsewhere before, by police and others that the YMCA Drop-in Centre, which had been operating for some 18 years, had a considerable positive impact on the youth of the area, keeping them out of trouble and exposing them to the positive influence of people like Michael McLean.
Yet, the federal government ceased the funding. And it gets worse than that because the YMCA made it clear that, without the funding, the drop-in centre would close. Even that could not move the member for Solomon at the time, Dave Tollner, nor Senator Scullion, nor the Leader of the Opposition, as he presently is, to do anything to try to get the funding back. I am still astounded about that, but there you go. I guess it is not fashionable to actually provide some assistance in that way.
The other thing I am extremely glad to say I have been advocating for is a crossing along Chung Wah Terrace in Palmerston. It is an extremely long road, an extremely busy road, and children who live in Rosebery and want to go to Woodroffe Primary School have to cross that road without any crossing being available. I would love to have the member for Blain join me in trying to get a crossing along that road so that children who live in his electorate could safely get across the road and go to the school. I am also advocating for another crossing further up, closer to the shopping centre which is in my electorate, so I do not necessarily expect the member for Blain to support me on that one, but it would be nice. I already have the support of the member for Drysdale for those initiatives. These are, I suppose, my ideas in the grand scheme of things, but they are important. They improve the amenity of life.
This government has a proud record on infrastructure and on spending. I congratulate the minister on her statement. As I said, in relation to the high school - okay, things are not perfect, things could be improved and will be improved. However, I have heard that many children are quite happy that they got to spend 6 months at the primary school and go over for short periods of time to the high school. It is not all the doom and gloom as has been represented to the media by some members of this Assembly; that is, the Leader of the Opposition. There have been some positive outcomes, and there are some positive comments from the children themselves.
Madam Speaker, I congratulate the minister on the statement. I support the statement and the great work that this government is doing in infrastructure. Long may it continue.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Madam Speaker, I support the minister’s statement on infrastructure. I will talk specifically on areas in Alice Springs and also in my electorate of Macdonnell.
The Territory and the Commonwealth government have been jointly rolling out changes for housing delivery in nine communities in the Macdonnell region. These communities were identified by the Commonwealth under the emergency response, and they were annexed by the Commonwealth through the five-year leases. The Commonwealth government, in turn, requested that the Territory take on property and tenancy management services in line with the Territory Housing framework that we developed as the Northern Territory government. The government has put representatives out on the ground who are working closely with housing providers to make the transition into the new framework easier for people. A week-and-a-half ago, the ICHOs got together from remote Aboriginal communities and held a meeting and a two-day workshop in Alice Springs. I am told it was very informative and well attended. That is really encouraging for us, as Territorians and for this government, to have our departments get so many ICHOs from remote Aboriginal communities to talk about this new framework and how to deliver those services to indigenous communities in an appropriate way.
The work that we have done as a government in the electorate of Macdonnell will inform us as to how we engage the Territory population as well. That is a good model and a good incentive for us to continue to ensure that there are education strategies and that we are putting all the right information through to remote Aboriginal communities in order for the communities to understand what our aims and aspirations are as a government. Also, how we can move indigenous communities and the whole Territory forward to get the best possible results that we all want in good housing and better roads. As we know, roads have a huge impact on people in remote areas travelling in and out to access renal dialysis machines in Alice Springs and going out to communities for funerals. It is only appropriate that that information goes out to the communities. This government and the minister have done a wonderful job in ensuring that that information gets out there.
I will just talk about projects the Northern Territory government has in Alice Springs that are either construction or upgrades. It totals up to $71.2m and some of these include, without putting figures on them: the Flynn Drive Renal Unit upgrade; Power and Water’s Ron Goodin Power Station;Desert Peoples Centre and its administration building; the Power and Water effluent reuse to horticulture stage; Irrultja housing; outstation housing; Mereenie Loop; Namatjira Drive; Alice Springs Hospital kitchen upgrade, and the Maryvale Road. I said to the minister when I came to parliament that, for the first time, I was able to sit on 120 km/h travelling on the most beautiful road when I was going out to Titjikala for my visit with Senator Trish Crossin. Further infrastructure projects have included: the Victoria Highway; Alice Springs Hospital fire protection and airconditioning; the Quest Serviced Apartments on Gap Road in Alice Springs; and the Yeperenye Centre. Of course, I must not forget the Giles Street flats.
In the Northern Territory we have vast regional and remote areas of roads that we have to cover. We all know that we have to have support of the federal government, as it has to be done in a true partnership. We have a perfect once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of having our colleagues in federal parliament. I know the minister and our Territory government do a wonderful job in working with our colleagues to try to get extra money for the Northern Territory. We know that. That relationship is now better with our colleagues being in Canberra. That gives us a great opportunity now, with the Territory government and a Labor government in Canberra, to ensure that we forge the right relationships and work together in a joint partnership to ensure that rural and remote parts of the Territory are not forgotten in road development and infrastructure.
Through Closing the Gap and various other programs the Northern Territory government has implemented since it came into power in the Northern Territory in 2001, a huge difference has been made in remote Aboriginal communities. I am talking specifically about my electorate of Macdonnell. I have seen those changes. I have seen the changes in infrastructure and road development. I take my camera when I travel the roads in my electorate taking photos and, as soon as I come back into town, those photos are sent in to the minister, and the minister does something about it.
I am really grateful because the condition of my four-wheel drive that I travel in can actually show you what the roads are really like. I have my telephone in my car held together by one screw at the moment. It indicates that we have to work more closely together to get the results that we want. It is impossible, if the roads are bad, for the Territory government to deliver services. With the issues we have in indigenous communities with housing and the vast areas that we have to cover, costs increase the further away the communities are. We have a perfect opportunity now to work with the federal government and ensure that we deliver to regional and Aboriginal communities ...
Mr Conlan: They will be right. As long as they have the waterfront project, they will survive.
Ms ANDERSON: Of course, member for Greatorex, Alice Springs as well. I support the development and increase in infrastructure in Alice Springs as well. It really is important that we do start focusing on Alice Springs. Alice Springs is the hub town for all our remote Aboriginal communities to access. They have to come in to do all their shopping. Now, with the quarantining that is happening in remote Aboriginal communities, the roads need to be in good condition for these people in order to allow them to travel in to do the shopping at Coles or Woolies. As the member for Greatorex was saying, netball is the major sport in Alice Springs. We need to start investing in Alice Springs. Alice Springs is a beautiful town to people who live there and in Central Australia.
This year, we will have the Masters Games again. We need to bring Alice Springs’ profile back up again and ensure that we are visible in Alice Springs, and that Alice Springs is getting the same injection of funding as the Top End of the Territory is getting as well. It is a major hub for all those remote Aboriginal communities to access all the services, which mean health services, shopping and also Centrelink. It is really important, and I support the members for Greatorex, Araluen and Braitling for sticking up for Alice Springs because, at the end of the day, I am Central Australian and very proud of it.
We need to encourage tourism and to invest in and help businesses survive in Alice Springs. It is really important that we put that good look back into Alice Springs because Alice Springs is good looking. We need to ensure that we encourage growth in Alice Springs. From what I have said before, this government is encouraging growth. I know that the minister is right behind investing in Alice Springs and encouraging that growth so we grow together. It is important that the Territory grows together, and that we do not neglect one part in order to have another part of the Territory survive. It is about making the whole Territory grow together.
One of the other things that the minister has done for tourism and for growth in the Northern Territory and for Central Australia is that we have committed and spent $3.74m to the Outback Way. This has been matched by the Commonwealth. Outback Way is a project to improve the connection between Western Australia and Queensland through Alice Springs. That is really encouraging and a good initiative by this government to build the road through to Queensland. It was also allocated $10m under the Strategic Regional Roads Program for capital works along the route. The Outback Way includes the Tjukaruru/Kata Tjuta/Uluru roads, Lasseter Highway, part of Stuart Highway and the Plenty Highway which are both in my electorate. Upgrading works on the Plenty Highway, 272.8 km to 288.25 km, is under construction at the cost of $2m and was substantially completed and open to traffic in August 2007. I know the former member for Greatorex was also at that opening. The remaining $1.74m is included in the current program and will target priority works on the Tjukaruru Road or Plenty Highway. That is a really good boost for the Plenty Highway and for connecting the Territory with Queensland. That is encouraging, in allowing tourists to come through Queensland and into the Northern Territory, because economically, that boosts the Northern Territory.
The Rudd Labor government has announced that it will provide an additional $8m to upgrade the Plenty Highway, so that is extra money that will be put into improving roads and infrastructure and tourism opportunities in the Northern Territory.
Of course, I cannot finish without saying that the Papunya airstrip will be sealed. I am really proud to have the airstrip at Papunya sealed at long last. That gives us a great opportunity and it is a real good boost from this government to that community, as it allows Medivac to evacuate children at night. It takes that danger away from the Royal Flying Doctor landing at night on a dirt strip. It is not only about saving the lives of the patients, but saving the lives of those people with the Royal Flying Doctor who operate and save our lives. It is a great effort by this government and the minister.
For Engawala, also known as Alcoota, in my electorate, on the eastern Plenty Highway, there is a provision of emergency solar lighting and project funding is $35 000 in total from the Australian government. This is done in partnership with the Northern Territory government, which is really important. We must always emphasise that partnership is important, because the Northern Territory government, on its own, cannot do the work that is required for the whole of the Northern Territory. I believe that it has been great work by the Northern Territory government to boost work in remote and rural communities. I take this opportunity to thank you, minister, for bringing this statement forward to this House, and I support the statement.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I welcome the minister’s statement. I must admit, to have a headline ‘Territory Infrastructure’, is like talking about the world! It is a pretty broad brush to cover in 20 minutes, but I will do my best.
I would like to start by making a comment that I heard the minister say when the member for Katherine was saying that she did not want the skyline to look like the Gold Coast. I believe someone else said the same thing the other day. I heard the comment when I was upstairs that ‘you are against development’. That is sad, because I actually do not mind tall buildings. My gripe with this is that if you approve one of these buildings on four house blocks, there are another three lots of four house blocks right next to that. You could have wall-to-wall 33-storey buildings under your present planning law ...
Ms Lawrie: Block ratios are in front of UDAP right now – and you know it, Gerry. You know it.
Mr WOOD: That is right. All I am saying is, I believe we can do it a lot better. If we are going to have large buildings, then, the higher you go, the more open space ...
Ms Lawrie: We are.
Mr WOOD: Well, you might be saying you are, but there was an opportunity, because these were built in your time. I went to the Development Consent Authority. The bottom building might be a fantastic building, but it is so big, it is over the top of the road. I understand that makes a nice verandah, etcetera, but that is how big the building is. There is no real open space around these buildings. You know what the open space was when I went to the planning authority? The balconies. Come on! I want a tropical city, I want space. I do not mind tall buildings, but have a formula that says the higher up you go, the bigger the space around you.
Ms Lawrie: Well, you might like what you see coming back from UDAP then.
Mr WOOD: What I am saying is, I know we are in here for the argy-bargy sometimes, that is politics but, just because someone has some concerns about the way our city should look, does not necessarily mean they are anti-development.
However, talking about anti-development, I read in the minister’s statement that she wants to encourage growth and deliver services to Territorians to improve their quality of life. She also said they are stimulating investment infrastructure by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
Ms Lawrie: Coolalinga?
Mr WOOD: I have not got there yet. These higher …
A member interjecting.
Mr WOOD: How did you guess that, minister?
Well, I know; you can tell the future. What did I see today? I saw members on the other side showing the NT News ‘$5m, $5m’. Well I had to ring up the NT News and say: ‘Stop press, stop press’. If Coolalinga went ahead, this is what the headlines should have looked like: ‘Yes. Yes. An extra $5m to the economy’. But, no! The minister said: ‘No, you rural peasants out there, you shall not have any development out there in your district centre. You shall not have any more development and here are all the reasons for not having more development’. Well, well, well. Am I surprised? ‘Oh, Coolalinga will have the effect of increasing commercial and residential density in a locality which is not provided with appropriate reticulated services or community facilities’. Fancy that! Woolworths have their own sewerage system Biddlecombe built for all those shops. The power line goes right past – high voltage. It is up to the developer to provide those things, so I do not know you can knock someone back for that.
I could go through the whole lot here but there is an interesting one here. You said that, basically, the proposed commercial zone configuration will result in an increased area available for commercial development without addressing the majority of the existing commercial zoned land fronting the Stuart Highway. This configuration is likely only to exacerbate the existing traffic problems associated with the Coolalinga precinct.
That is the core of your reasons, not the other reasons which do not make any sense such as when you said there are no community facilities such as schools, recreational, medical or library services. We have Bees Creek Primary, Litchfield Christian School, the ABC Childcare Centre, the Howard Springs Primary School, and the Lutheran Primary School just behind it. We have Freds Pass recreational centre two minutes from there. We have a physiotherapist, psychologist, one doctor, and a chemist at Coolalinga, and a medical centre at Howard Springs. And you say there are no facilities there! The library has always been at Taminmin High.
The real reason you are saying is the traffic problem. I remember, even in the previous member for Goyder’s days, attending discussions about what we were going to do about the traffic issues at Coolalinga. The Department of Transport and Works, I think it might have been called then, had wonderful maps up - beautiful maps - of what we were going to do for the infrastructure for the roads around Coolalinga. There were originally going to be three traffic lights: one at Girraween, one at Henning Road and one just near the United service station. Yes? There were then revised plans, and we all talked about them again. However, nothing, except for a little landscaping - and you bought some land off Mr Edelsten in Scotland - has been done. You said - and I will repeat it - that you were stimulating investment in infrastructure by allowing the private sector to leverage off government contributions.
It is very hard for the private sector to be told that it cannot develop because of associated traffic problems at Coolalinga, when the government developed plans six years ago to do something about the traffic at Coolalinga, and nothing has happened - nothing has happened ...
Ms Lawrie: That is not true.
Mr WOOD: Well, all right. You bought the land off Mr Edelsten and you put some lovely plants up and down the road. There has not been one iota of bitumen in that area.
Girraween Road has not reached Henning Road. The day it does, I think we will have a party because it is an awful long time coming. Even the truck bay we have been waiting for, for so long. I remember, minister, you telling me that when I said it was a silly idea – this was on the radio - to give contracts out before the Wet Season, you said: ‘That Gerry Wood is being ridiculous’. Why do we not have a truck parking bay at the present time? Because it is too wet and they cannot get enough blue metal at this time of year to do …
Mr Kiely: It is coming, Gerry, you know that.
Mr WOOD: I have the official answer from the department. They cannot get enough blue metal at the moment to put it there - and it is wet, so they cannot do it. That is why I am saying not to let all your road contracts out at the beginning of the Wet. Put them out in March as the Wet is coming to an end and then they can get stuck into it for a full Dry Season.
However, minister, there has not been anything happening there ...
Ms Lawrie: You have no idea, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Well, there is nothing. There have been no changes; it is a mess. The Coolalinga side which the member for Goyder is on is a disaster. Sorry, the member for Coolalinga, he is on that side as well - and Central Australia and Daly. The government should be talking to the people who own the land to really sort out that mess. This is six years ago. I remember talking about this ages ago. I remember talking to Mr Le Hars from the caravan park about this mess. This has been an awful long time getting nowhere. If you want to talk about infrastructure, I think they are going to give me a slip lane for the Howard Springs tip before the end of the financial year. It has taken about five years to get a bit of bitumen which is only temporary because they have not worked out where the entrance to the 15 Mile community is going to be, who have just put new road systems in, and know nothing about the plans by the department of Infrastructure or where their roads will connect to the proposed roads. I do not know if there has been a lot of talking going on there. Plus, you are also waiting for the new entrance to the tip. In the meantime, cars nearly run up the backside of one another because there is so much traffic. It is hard. I sometimes think the rural area is left out.
The minister was talking about the wonderful things happening in Alice Springs and other places. I know that the member for Goyder is doing a wonderful job - and I am not being facetious - trying to get help for a pool at the Taminmin High School. Oh, the member for Daly says he is doing the same; you can share the praise. However, the facts are that Litchfield was offered $1m to build its own pool. You see huge sums of money go to Alice Springs. We know about the Leanyer recreation pool, and enormous amounts of money are going into the wave pool. What is wrong with us? Why are we different? Government is saying: ‘We will give you $1m, you find the rest’. You do feel a little left out of the system. There are times when I get the Berrimah Line feeling as well.
Mr Warren: I would be happy to sit down and tell you all about the infrastructure some time, Gerry, and you will be very surprised.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr Conlan: What was that?
Mr WOOD: I am not sure.
On a couple of other issues, infrastructure and planning go hand-in-hand, naturally. Nearly 12 months ago, I went to a PowerPoint presentation where a department representative spoke about Cox Peninsula versus Weddell. I know you are going to tell me how wonderful Berrimah is. I have been to a budget Estimates Committee where someone from the department said that Palmerston had another 10 to 15 years growth. I had been asking since I have been in parliament when the planning and infrastructure is going to take place for the development of Weddell. Then, all of sudden out of the blue last year, ‘Oh Cox Peninsula, I see the Gold Coast coming here’. The government has that in their sights: ‘Ooh, look at that - 33-storey building along the beach look terrific’ ...
Ms Lawrie: In your dreams, Gerry, in your dreams.
Mr WOOD: What other reason would you want to develop Cox Peninsula that does not have any services? Why? No water, just a single lane road there and no power. Come on, you have Weddell sitting here. It has a railway line going through; you could even have choo-choo trains to Palmerston. You have water and you have a main highway, so why are you not doing something with Weddell? Do not worry about putting a little ghetto up there at Berrimah. We have not heard anything concrete about Weddell. You know there are people on the fringes of Weddell who would like to develop that area as well. I can see some sense if you look at urban - and I use a terrible planning term - peri-urban and rural. That is a possibility out there. It seems to be we are in a bit of a vacuum. In the last sittings of parliament, I brought on an MPI which people seem to avoid what I was talking about by talking about something else. I was talking about the future planning of this area. I said the Darwin area had a regional plan presented by the last minister. I would love this government to do the same - put it out to the public for comment. The only thing I have seen is that somewhere in the consultancy, which the government says it never had, was someone to look at the strategic plan of the area. I would much rather someone from the Territory; a qualified planner …
Ms Lawrie: Who is to say they are not going to be from the Territory? Who is to say?
Mr WOOD: Well, I do not know, but I would rather see someone - well, the department ran it before. If you had a good qualified planner they could take it out to the community to see what they think. I hope it does not disappear into the vaults of bureaucracy and we never see it again because something like that really needs a lot of input from the community.
Regarding infrastructure, why do you not open up the land in Howard Springs forest which is zoned residential? You do not have to rezone it. In the plan it says it is going to be residential. You say the infrastructure is too costly. Come on, we have people dying for a block of land. Here is an opportunity to create infrastructure. There is infrastructure going past there, by the way. It is not as though it is out in the middle of the desert. There is an opportunity there. I put it to you seriously, there is an opportunity there to have some limited rural development that the government has control over the number of blocks it releases, to allow people to build on one hectare blocks. I know the planners all say two hectares is ideal but, if you can put 15 people at Knuckeys Lagoon under the flight path, one per hectare at Howard Springs is not going to cause any trouble. There is land that belongs to the government which is near facilities. It is not far from Palmerston …
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions in the rural area.
Mr WOOD: No, it is a one hectare rural subdivision for people. You put the infrastructure in, you control it and you give it out to those people …
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions in the rural area, Gerry.
Mr WOOD: Pardon?
Ms Lawrie: Private developers are turning off subdivisions.
Mr WOOD: At $270 000 to about $300 000. You cannot build with a HomeNorth loan ...
Ms Lawrie: So, undercut the market, is that what you are saying? Undercut the market.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr WOOD: No, I have never said that. Why do you deliberately distort what I say? I have always said the government has the power to use its own land for a limited number of people who cannot get into the market - and will never get into the market. They cannot get a HomeNorth loan; they simply do not have the physical capacity when it comes to income to get anywhere. They are the people I am concerned about.
You say rent a unit. Well, look at how much it costs to rent a unit. Why stick families in units? Why not offer them some land the government has. It has responsibilities outside of the market. You are a Labor government; you should help some of the battlers. I am not asking for you to release thousands of blocks of land to wipe the market out ...
Ms Lawrie: 15% go to affordable housing.
Mr WOOD: I am saying you have the power through an infrastructure program to develop a subdivision of small lots per year that will not distort the market but will allow people a chance. Surely, that is not a bad thing to do?
All right, we will probably be here all day. It is a passionate thing of mine because I know you have the ability to change. Forget this business of tinkering with interest rates and all this stuff. You own the land. In theory, it is not worth a penny until you put a price on it, because it is yours ...
Ms Lawrie: 15%.
Mr WOOD: That is right. But it is your land and you have control over how you sell it and for how much you sell it.
Ms Lawrie: Public and affordable housing.
Mr WOOD: Okay. Then, people would have some money to buy a house. $270 000 for a five acre block is making it so hard for young couples to come into the rural area. Once upon a time, you could buy a block, put a shed on, live in that for a while, and build your house. You cannot get a HomeNorth loan to do that because they will not let you buy a shed; you have to have a house/land package. Maybe we should have HomeNorth loans that let you buy a block of land and then let people work out how they live on it – in a tent for all I care. Give people an opportunity. The land in the rural area is now too expensive. If you do not believe me, go down to the Grange or Metcalfe’s Lagoon subdivisions. It is on the advertising on the television - $270 000 is the minimum price. It is too hard for people and you have a chance there to do something.
Just a couple of other things that you have in your statement, minister. You mentioned the Darwin River Dam was to be raised about 1.2 m. I remember raising this issue a long time ago - nearly two years ago. I was actually down at Darwin River Dam at the last Wet Season and the blokes were putting in some electrical conduit at the tower so that the water would not interfere with the electricity in that tower. I would have thought it would have been finished by now. My understanding, from the way you read it, is it has not happened. I thought they have had the whole Dry Season to build it, so what has happened? I do not know whether you can find out for me. I did not have time to run down there since you gave me the statement, unfortunately. It seems a long time since this was supposed to happen.
Regarding what came up at the AFANT AGM about the Channel Point road to the boat ramp, I have an interest in this particular road - not that I go out there very often; about once every two years. The boat ramp has been put in by, I think, Parks and Wildlife. The road to Channel Point, as the member for Daly would know, is about one-third constructed to the point past Labelle Downs, especially where that area of road was built through where you acquired some land from Labelle. The rest of the road is terrible. If you open up a boat ramp for the fishermen, you are going to make that road a lot worse.
I do have some photos, I forgot to bring them down. That is a lot of road there. It is boggy in the Wet Season and people cannot always get through. If it is raining now, my sister-in-law and other people who are there at the moment will not be getting out for the time being. In the Dry Season, it is bulldust and corrugations. I believe it is premature to open a boat ramp down there until the road is repaired. Without wanting the member for Daly to break party solidarity, he would probably agree with me. He does not have to say anything, but I think he would probably agree with me.
The Litchfield Loop Road is a classic example. You let that job out just before the Wet Season and they started it. Most road contractors say as soon as it gets wet there are all sorts of problems such as trying to get gravel which is full of water and they get bogged, or the actual works start to get washed away and you get erosion in the drains and that washes silt into the streams. There are all sorts of reasons why I believe that, at least in the Top End, we should be turning our contract times around.
A couple of other things. You also mentioned, I think on the last page of your document, about the contribution from the Australian government. That is very important. We are working effectively with the Australian government to ensure their contribution also increases. However, before the idea of the Top End shire was dissolved, one of the issues that I raised during meetings was this preliminary business plan which was the first one brought out for the shire. At that time, it had a couple of things in it. It said ‘total additional funding being sought by the NT government $5.2m’ and, then further down it said, ‘one-off road funding upgrade being sought $10m’. That, I imagine, was from the Commonwealth. Then, you open up the second version of the draft business plan and it is exactly the same table, but the $5.2m is not there and the $10m is not there. As well as that, the so-called money that was going to be transferred from the department to the councils of $2.4m to $7.4m was also taken off. Notwithstanding that last figure that I mentioned, the federal government, in theory, was supposed to give $15m to the Territory. This is one of the reasons the government was pushing forward for amalgamation, yet it did not happen. It is worrying when the government said: ‘We were not going to hand the roads over to Litchfield or the new council between the next five and 10 years’. It certainly sent out a message of ‘You can have the money that you thought you would have’. I am interested to know whether my reading of that is correct.
No one can deny that the government is not doing a good job but, I believe, in certain areas like Litchfield, you could do more. Coolalinga should go back on the agenda. I do not believe the Berrimah Farm is the right place and you should put that out for more public comment. I do not think you should put the World War II museum here; you should put it down at East Point. I believe you could do a lot better with helping young people buy their own house and land.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I support the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport’s statement. It is a very good statement putting into perspective the infrastructure spends in the Northern Territory.
Over the weekend, I went to a number of Chinese New Year celebrations, including the Sri Lankan Association’s Lunar New Year celebrations at the Charles Darwin University. I was talking to a gentleman there about the size of Sri Lanka itself, the country. It turned out it was a third the size of my electorate. My electorate is in no way the biggest electorate. The members for Stuart, Macdonnell, Arnhem and Barkly certainly have larger or similar sized electorates to mine. Within Sri Lanka, they have a population of 22 million people, so the population of Australia could fit in a third of my electorate. That puts a perspective in that we have a huge land mass in the Northern Territory with 213 000 people. We have a great number of roads and small communities. In each one of those communities we try to provide infrastructure for Territorians, as we should. However, obviously, the equations are going to be very different compared to the rest of Australia because of our sheer size and small population. That is why we always go, very hard, to the Commonwealth government to get infrastructure money out of them, as we try to get any money out of them for a whole range of services.
This government, since coming to government in 2001, has certainly put a huge emphasis on infrastructure, and strategic placement of that infrastructure, to get the best for Territorians. This can be seen in a whole range of projects. The waterfront has been talked about. That is a very strategic investment in the Territory. That project is going to cost $1bn to develop, and 86% of it will come from the private sector. Territorians will reap the reward from that for years to come in the future. It is a very strategic investment. The bleatings and the negative attitude that comes from the CLP about that project beggars belief that this once proud, conservative party is anti-development. Every time we have talked about development in this House, the CLP bags it. I just wonder …
Mr Wood: The member for Goyder opposed Coolalinga development.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Goyder!
Mr KNIGHT: I wonder, when you go to businessmen in Darwin and ask them for fundraising dollars do they say: ‘Why should we invest with you? You are anti-development’? You voted against the development of Middle Arm. You voted against it in this House. A whole range of projects you have knocked, whereas this government is trying to produce development through strategic infrastructure development.
The member for Nelson talked about Weddell and Cox Peninsula. Is it not great we are talking about it? This government is focused on developing all those areas. It is great we are talking about it because that is the focus of the government - planning for the future.
Mr Wood: Why not Coolalinga? Answer the question about Coolalinga.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson!
Mr KNIGHT: Coolalinga is being looked after. Coolalinga will be, in the future, a great development site. However, we are developing a whole range of areas within the Northern Territory.
You touched on the Litchfield Park road. That is going to be a great link road. It will be a loop which will see benefits to the Batchelor community, as well as that rural area coming through Berry Springs and, I also think, for the Cox Peninsula and Dundee. It is very close to there and further development will happen, so it is a great project. I look forward to it being completed. I am already planning the first drive through when that road is completely sealed. This government wanted to get things started. We have been trying very hard to negotiate native title through that area. It reached the point where we had negotiated for a lot of it, however we have just one bit so, instead of waiting, we have gone in and started it. Yes, it came close to the Wet Season but we had a very late Wet. If you have driven down that road, you know they have a lot of work done. It is happening. We are committed to completing that road and it will be finished. You are welcome to be there, member for Nelson, on the day that it is officially opened.
Mr Wood: Thanks, I will bring the family.
Mr KNIGHT: Well, you have to get a bigger car. I know why you do not have a passenger vehicle, member for Nelson, because …
Mr Kiely: No one will ride with him.
Mr KNIGHT: No, no. I think a lot of people would drive …
Mr Wood: My wife has her own vehicle.
Mr KNIGHT: You talked a bit about the Darwin River Dam. That will be completed but that is looking to the future again: strategic investment in the long-term water supply for Darwin. We have the raising of the Darwin River Dam, the development of the two other possible dams at Warai and out on Marrakai and also, I think, there is a third one as well. These are strategic investments in facilities and services for the Darwin population as well.
When we talk about the waterfront, that idea of that partnership with the private sector, I think is a great one. I would like it duplicated in the rural area and out in the regions. If we can come up with a proposal and a welcome contribution …
Mr Wood interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: … from you, member for Nelson - you have more ideas than anybody else on that side – about a project where a developer says: ‘We are going to spend $0.5bn if you invest this much’. It happens all the time. We have those investments happening all the time. I cannot read that, member for Nelson.
Mr Wood: That is the extra $5m for Coolalinga on top of your $5bn.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms Lawrie: That is the project you were against.
Mr Wood: I am helping the economy.
Mr Kiely: You were against Coolalinga.
Mr Wood: I was not!
Ms Lawrie: You did not support the proposal.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This government is very pro-development through strategic infrastructure investment. It shows in that in the 2007-08 year we have $645m invested. That is compared with the CLP, a paltry $281M - dodgy figures, very rubber figures - in 2000 …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr KNIGHT: That is an atrocious investment in infrastructure in the Northern Territory, and you cannot even believe that $281m, with someone fiddling with the figures ...
Members interjecting.
Mr KNIGHT: I know; they hate development, infrastructure and investment. They just hate, hate, hate.
We talk about that strategic investment also in other sectors like mining. We have upgraded the wharf. We have upgraded the rail links into the wharf. It is strategic investment to support the mining industry.
Dr Burns: The bulk loader.
Mr KNIGHT: The bulk loader. Thank you, Minister for Health. The bulk loader out there has allowed several mines to utilise that facility there. That is good, responsible use of infrastructure in the Northern Territory.
Coupled with economic investment, there is also the social investment. There is an obligation, obviously, for the government to provide social services with money they receive through their budgets and money from the Commonwealth. Within that there was a heap of housing money.
There was this diatribe commentary from the new deputy CLP leader in the House. The description that Shane Stone used, ‘being ravaged by dead sheep’ - I think that was the quote - describes the member for Katherine. It is well served for you, member for Katherine, with your attempts to attack this government and me. It is pretty limp when you are talk about: ‘Oh, we need more housing money’. Well, hello! $893m worth of housing money has come in through our lobbying the federal government. Is that enough? It is not enough, but jeez, it is a lot of money. $893m is more than we have ever had before. I would like to see what the CLP spent. The CLP under-invested in housing in the bush for years, and that is why it is so low. So, member for Katherine, you need to go back and do a bit more study. Do not rely on ‘The Elf’ giving you a few figures here or there, or you doing a bit of a Google on things. Go back and do some research.
That $893m is a huge amount of money. We will keep going back trying to get more. However, that is a huge amount that we are raising. That money is going to a whole range of communities throughout my electorate in the VRD and Daly and the rest of the Northern Territory. It is a great investment. There is money going to sealing roads, campgrounds, the tourism industry and Territory parks. We are investing money in those areas: the facility at the Channel Point Reserve - $367 000; Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park campground – $120 000; Douglas Daly Hot Springs campground - $240 000; $1m to Litchfield National Park. There is a huge investment. The member for Katherine would probably knock it - ‘No, do not give it to them, just close it down’. There is $200 000 for Gregory National Park to upgrade the Bullita Ranger Station.
Even in the rural area, member for Nelson, we have had the upgrade at the Byers Road turn-off - a very dangerous turn-off. Have you been past the Byers Road turn-off? It is a great investment. There has been a problem there for a long time and I will be actively lobbying for other intersections. Boulton Road is a new one as is McHenry Road. I will be in there, getting that infrastructure for the rural area.
This government also manages a lot of money from the Commonwealth government very responsibly. For the Victoria River, we have $53m going to the raising of the bridge there and a whole range of creek crossings, all the way back through. That is a great management role of the Northern Territory government ...
Mr Wood: Make sure you mention the Commonwealth otherwise it is plagiarism.
Mr KNIGHT: I will attribute it, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, who does not. We know all about that.
What about education? Port Keats - $5.3m for a secondary school there. Did the CLP ever do anything there? No - never did! Education was not important for the bush; just let it all run down. We have more money going into the police stations out bush …
Mrs Miller: So you should, mate.
Mr KNIGHT: Oh, member for Katherine! There is an extension of Beasley Road, bituminising it at Edith Farms. She will be knocking that, saying: ‘Oh, don’t give them bitumen’. What did we put into that? $650 000! They love it down there. Every time I run into Jimmy Forscutt or other people there, they say: ‘Thank you very much. Thanks for looking after us. Thank the Labor government for looking after us, because that conservative mob do not put anything into the bush …
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr KNIGHT: This is great recognition of the hard work and the focus of this government into infrastructure. That is what I found strange with the member for Katherine. She said: ‘Oh, this infrastructure, what about regional development?’ Well, hello! What is infrastructure? You put a road in, development happens. You put a power station in and development happens. You have separated them somehow. They are linked together. I will tell you about it one day, member for Katherine, but they are linked together: strategic investment makes reasonable development. Understand?
Mrs Miller: Oh, just be patronising!
Mr KNIGHT: You will get further development along the Litchfield Loop Road, and more development of Channel Point. Port Keats road, $15m; $12m for the Daly River Bridge – it is all happening; further development ...
Mrs Miller: Oh, you got the $12m for the Daly River?
Mr KNIGHT: Sorry?
Mrs Miller: Have you got the $12m for the Daly River?
Mr KNIGHT: Yes.
Ms Lawrie: Oh, yes, we have actually. Did you miss that one?
Mr KNIGHT: So you missed that one again? Well! You really need to do your job, member for Katherine, as the shadow ...
Mrs Miller: When are you going to build it?
Mr Wood: Is there a landfill site for Humpty Doo?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Katherine! Member for Nelson!
Mr KNIGHT: Shane Stone described you as bone idle and lazy, and it has not changed since 2001.
Minister, I congratulate you for your statement; you are doing a great job. This government is doing a great job in ensuring that infrastructure gets out there into the bush and into the rural area as well. Further strategic development on the back of strategic infrastructure investment will see the Territory develop into the future, if we do not go back to a CLP government.
Mr Conlan: What are your plans for Central Australia, minister?
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Members interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! The member for Stuart has just risen to his feet to commence his remarks, and two members of the opposition cannot help themselves and have to heckle. At least let him speak.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order. I ask the member for Greatorex to please refrain from interrupting the member for Stuart during his speech.
Mr HAMPTON (Stuart): Madam Deputy Speaker, the member for Daly is certainly a hard act to follow. He has covered everything from the whole of the Northern Territory, and I commend that contribution from the member for Daly. One thing I will pick up on from what the member for Daly said was the social infrastructure of our community in the Northern Territory. Given my electorate and the people who make up my electorate, that is a very important thing that I would like to start on. Also, of course, thanks to the minister for bringing this statement on infrastructure to the House. Social infrastructure and development is very important to my electorate of Stuart and vitally important to the Northern Territory if we are going to move forward together.
Having been in Canberra during the last couple of days, and being present listening to the new Prime Minister and the apology speech that he made and, particularly, the announcement of a bipartisan approach in dealing with our indigenous social issues and challenges that we do face, really does bring it home during this statement. The social development is really a fine balance. Most of the debate this afternoon has been around the infrastructure, the bricks and mortar, the roads. While they are all important, for me, as the member for Stuart, equally important is the social infrastructure of our communities.
Places like Yuendumu, Kalkarindji, Yarralin, and Ampilatwatja are places that not many people in this House have been to, certainly in recent times anyway. They are places that I regularly visit which are in need of a great amount of work and resources, and are really going to benefit from the bricks and mortar that we are going to be putting into these places. Starting off on my contribution that is something I would like to acknowledge: let us not lose the focus. The best investment we can put into our community is into the people. The bricks and mortar - no worries, very important - but so are the people of the Northern Territory.
Infrastructure is needed to meet the demands of the people and their communities. Obviously, with our young population, particularly in the bush, we need the housing and the roads. Everything that people have mentioned this afternoon is vitally important. That is why I will highlight some of the infrastructure projects that are worthy of recognition that this government has put into my electorate.
On roads, there is the Sandover Highway. I am not sure how many members have been down that road actually. Certainly, the member for Nelson has been out east of it …
Mr Wood: The top end of it, yes.
Mr HAMPTON: Yes, near it - Alpurrurulam.
Mr Wood: It is better than the Queensland side, I will tell you.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr HAMPTON: Yes, that is a regular comment, actually. Comparing it to other roads in other states, you often hear from people saying: We think that road is rough over this side, but you go over the border’. So, it is a very good comment.
The Sandover Highway $800 000 is revoted minor new works. New minor new works are very important, particularly to the Utopia area, where there are decentralised outstations. With the clinic, store and council all centralised in one place, the homelands are actually away from it, so roads are a vitally important link to those people out there. Sandover Highway, $800 000. Well-known and well-talked about today is the Tanami Highway. I am sure the minister knows I am a regular writer in raising this issue, as the Tanami road is a significant and major road in the Northern Territory, not only for the community people and for the public servants who deliver services out there, but also for the people, as the member for Macdonnell said, coming into Alice Springs. Alice Springs is the service centre, and the Tanami Highway does provide that vital link to people living at Yuendumu, Papunya, Mt Allen and Laramba.
However, not only for the community people, but also for industry. Talking about infrastructure, there is no bigger project in the Northern Territory than the Tanami mine. You have to go there and look at the Callie underground mine. The amount of heavy machinery that uses that road is vitally important and, during the Wet Season, it can be cut off for up to two or three months, so it is great to see. I have had a briefing from the department in Alice Springs, and it is great to see this money going into the most needed areas of the Tanami where it is prone to flooding. I have taken the minister out there on the road; she has been out there and looked at the Tanami.
One point that I would like to raise as well is the need for overpassing lanes. If you get caught behind one of those semitrailers or fuel tankers on that dirt road, you could be there for an hour trying to get a safe pass. It is important that we do look at, in that upgrade, providing safe overpassing lanes as well as the bitumen.
Another rural highway around the Katherine region and the Victoria River district of my electorate is the Buntine Highway, which has $800 000 for minor new works. The Buchanan Highway has $140 000 to reseal floodways, and on the Lajamanu Road we are installing creek crossings. I was there late last year, and I have some great photographs of the causeways there, all done by local people at the Wulaign Resource Centre. Probably not too many people have heard of them. It is a local Aboriginal organisation. While their focus is on outstations, they have branched out, very courageously, and have taken on road contracts. The feedback from people in the DPI in Katherine is just A1; they are very well respected and they are doing a great job. A bit of praise for Wulaign Resource Centre. On the Lajamanu Road - $130 000 on that to provide those most valuable creek crossings.
We have the Yuendumu subdivision and roads. It is a joint venture with LGANT. That is something that, obviously, in the Northern Territory with the size, challenges and the remoteness of our communities, we need to look further at, whether joint ventures are with LGANT or with the private sector. The Yuendumu subdivision and roads has $220 000 capital works.
On the federal government election commitment, which is great news for the bush in my electorate, Tanami Road has an extra $6m committed there; that will certainly go down well. The Buntine Highway again, there is $7m for sealing, strengthening and widening that particular highway. That is probably another one that I drive regularly and, if you have ever driven it you know what the road is like. It is very narrow and it is very dangerous, particularly with the pastoralists and the amount of stock that go on that road. That money is going to be very well spent for everyone for the whole region, not only for the indigenous communities but the pastoralists and tourists who use that road to go through to Halls Creek.
With the health area, it was great to go out to Kalkarindji before Christmas again and to see the construction of the new health centre. I am sure people will be looking forward to that opening up this year. There is $2.7m going into that new health centre there. With Yarralin health centre, there was an idea that came about from the community themselves. An old fellow, George Campbell, the Walangeri council president, had a great idea of moving the men’s centre closer to the clinic. So, there is $150 000 minor new works to bring the men’s centre closer to the clinic so it encourages men to use the health centre, to go in and get medical checks and to avoid those cultural issues that a lot of our people in the bush face. The men will have their own consulting room, entrance and reception at the health centre at Yarralin. Another one I saw just before Christmas was the extension and upgrading modifications to the clinic at Pigeon Hole for $220 000.
Education is one of the key areas in my electorate. Kalkaringi School has $300 000 for providing a secondary school classroom. Kalkaringi CSC is the flagship in the Northern Territory in being able to provide us with graduates with the NTCS. It is money well spent and I am sure the community there will produce more graduates. The Yarralin Primary School, for providing public walkways has $280 000. The Willowra community, which has had its hard times but, through the school - and that is one thing about the schools in my electorate; they are the strength of the communities in troubled times. A very worthy $130 000 goes towards a basketball court. That will soon be getting good use.
I also mention the new classroom at Utopia Clinic. I am looking forward to getting the Education minister out to Utopia to officially open the new classroom there. It is one of these parts of our Northern Territory that has been asking for years for classrooms, teachers, and infrastructure that the community will use. It is great to finally see a new classroom there. It has gone down well with the people. Hidden Valley Learning Centre in the town camp in Alice Springs is another one that is worthy of mention. We have put $200 000 into extensions and improving the facility at the learning centre.
There is certainly great news regarding housing. I know the former Housing minister often received letters from me about my concerns about housing in Stuart. It is great to be able to get a response from him saying that, in the past couple of years, there have been 26 new houses constructed and completed. That was during 2007 under the Northern Territory Indigenous Housing Construction program. As we know the needs out there, with many people per bedroom in some of these communities, 26 new houses is well received. It is an area that we have talked about today, which I suppose, depending on the affordability, we need to look at. I know the previous minister was looking at the issues we have with infrastructure in the bush.
I acknowledge the minister for his vision and going outside the circle looking at ways we can actually get more bang for our bucks with the housing money. If you have ever been to the airport at Alice Springs, you will see the Murray River North Homes being constructed there. It is a fantastic model and it certainly has been able to give us more bang for our bucks and provide more housing out there. So, 26 houses in my electorate including the outstations of Waltja, with three new houses. That goes back quite a few years when we had Community Cabinet out there. One of the great things I must acknowledge is the previous Chief Minister with the Community Cabinets. As a result, it has taken a while as some things do in the bush, but there are three new houses out at Waltja which did come from Community Cabinet two years ago.
Willowra has $910 000 for capital works; Ti Tree/Tjmarajunta - $570 000 capital works; Ampilatwatja, another new house; Mosquito Bore in the Utopia area; Yuendumu three new houses; Ingkerreke which is a small outstation resource centre, three new houses; and Maranboy one new house for DEET staff. On Ingkerreke, one of the challenges that we have with housing is the future of outstations. I mentioned Utopia and the great things that are being done out there. That is probably a great model of outstations. With the Northern Territory government now having responsibility for outstations, it is a challenge on top of what we already have, but it is something we need to look at seriously. The housing at Ingkerreke has been a struggle because of access to power and water. These are the challenges with infrastructure in the bush apart from the cost of construction. People out there are certainly happy, at 16 Mile, Snake Well and Burke Creek.
Regarding Power and Water, the Infrastructure minister accompanied me last year to the opening of the new dam at Yuelamu, Mt Allen. I think that was in the vicinity of $1m - money well spent. People out there were living off bottled water from town for two or three years. The opening of the new dam was a worthy investment in infrastructure in the bush. The relocation of the power station at Pigeon Hole to improve flood immunity has $660 000. Daguragu has $470 000 to replace water tanks. Yarralin drainage upgrade is $220 000 - again, through the federal government, the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. There will be water supply upgrade and repairs of water systems to Nyirripi and, at Willowra, water supply upgrade and repairs of water systems, and upgrade of water tanks.
The other one is aerodromes. I am happy to say that the Utopia aerodrome, through DPI, had resheeting completed to the value of $330 000. The Pigeon Hole aerodrome relocation and upgrade, I understand, is still in progress for $1.2m. Through our newly-elected federal government, the airstrip at Ti Tree has $650 000 and, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, a reconstruction and sealing to the value of $1.5m for the Nyirripi airstrip.
In infrastructure there is no shortage of activity in my electorate of Stuart. I am looking forward to getting the ministers out there, which is vital, to listen to what the concerns are that people have and the challenges they have in the bush. Not everyone has access to good quality water. That is one issue regarding Power and Water essential services where money is well spent, when we are putting money into upgrading those types of facilities and services.
On sport and recreation, the minister for Sport gave a good summary of what this government has done investing in Alice Springs. Following on from the member for Macdonnell, much has already been said. Being born and bred in Alice Springs, I am proud of the town, I went to primary school there, and my sons have all gone through the public education system. I really do believe that quite a bit of money has gone into sport and recreation. It is well deserved because we all know that much of the great lifestyle we have in the Territory is based around sport.
There is $5.6m that has gone into Traeger Park. That money and the priorities were not set by government; it was set by the sporting user group in Alice Springs. It is government listening to users in Alice Springs, the sporting groups. They are the ones that came to us with their master plan and said: ‘This is what our priorities are’. What we have done is simply delivered and listened to the people of Alice Springs, particularly the user groups. Therefore $5.6m has gone into upgrading Traeger Park.
We look forward to the new council in Alice Springs and having a good working relationship with them because, with the infrastructure we do put in, particularly sporting equipment and infrastructure, we need to work with the local councils because, at the end of the day, they take responsibility for the facilities. I look forward to the council elections this year and hope we have a good relationship with them.
The minister for Sport also recognised the Imparja Cup. Our government put in a third turf wicket at Larapinta Oval. While it seems very small, it actually helps the Northern Territory or Alice Springs maintain the Imparja Cup. If we do not have three turf wickets, then other states are, obviously, competing, and will also use that against us. It was a very small project but, in its benefit to the community of Alice Springs, very big.
The Sports minister also acknowledged the $500 000 to the junior soccer at Ross Park and the Masters Games which I am certainly looking forward to this year.
Regarding other projects in Alice Springs, the member for Macdonnell talked about renal initiatives or projects. I had the pleasure, early in my job here as a member, to open the Renal Unit at the Alice Springs Hospital late in 2006. There is also our investment in accommodation for renal patients including Stuart Lodge, the Lindsay Avenue Hostel and the extra beds at Yipirinya Hostel, all very much-needed facilities.
I also had the opportunity last year to open the Charles Darwin University new annexe or new wing along with Senator Nigel Scullion. It is the Territory and the Commonwealth governments working together to provide first-class education facilities. Another one worthy of mentioning is the Yeperenye Commercial Centre which is where we now have the Commonwealth Bank and the Australian Central Credit Union. I had the pleasure of opening that last year as well. The member for Araluen was also there. We should not under-value the Aboriginal investment in our community. That development was done by the Yeperenye Group and Centrecorp.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I commend this statement to the House.
Ms LAWRIE (Infrastructure and Planning): Madam Deputy Speaker, in the introduction to the statement I commented that our focus on infrastructure is an absolute necessity to develop our economy, improve employment opportunities, encourage growth and, fundamentally, deliver services to Territorians. Infrastructure has been a priority of this government since coming to power. The Henderson government is fulfilling its election commitment to build a better Territory through record capital works budgets, driving direct investment in key projects, and through stimulating the private sector to leverage off government projects.
Since 2001, the government has injected $3.3bn of cash into the Territory’s infrastructure; rebuilding our construction sector, a key driver in our economy. Headlines in today’s NT News included: ‘Big-spending Businesses Back NT Boom’; ‘More land to meet demand’; and ‘Perfect place to park your business’. Under the first headline, the article says:
- Businesses are placing their faith in the Northern Territory’s booming economy and investing heavily in bigger, state-of-the-art industrial premises.
Almost $40m in new investments will be built at Darwin Business Park at East Arm during 2008.
- A pothole between big projects is starting to show up in Northern Territory stats, with construction and investment flattening off at much the same time that the national emergency began. Yet this is more likely to be ‘the pause that refreshes’ rather than ‘the downturn that lingers’ for the Top End.
I thought it would be useful for clarity’s sake to actually have the full section in there - not just a snapshot of it.
We heard again the Leader of the Opposition talk about doom and gloom ahead, and the boom is because of China’s growth. That is simply not the case. The Access Economics’ report states:
- And nor is the resource boom of the moment the only driver of the NT’s growth.
It continues:
- The strength of the Territory’s economy is helping to drive excellent demand for both capital and labour.
The Opposition Leader stated this morning that there is no such thing as a new idea. This is from a man who desires to lead Territorians into the future. I dread the day the Territory cannot be on the forefront of new technology, new industries, and reward and encourage innovation. Perhaps this explains why, at the end of the 1990s, the economy was in a major recession and both the deficit and the debt were spiralling. The Leader of the Opposition said Darwin was in ruins, when construction activity had just quadrupled. This is the same person who wanted to scrap the waterfront project, something like $800m leverage in private sector investment into the Territory - and he wanted it scrapped; 1000 jobs gone. Only two weeks ago, he chastised the government for daring to call the $1.1bn waterfront development ‘a major project’. He claimed it was not major because it only helped tourism, our second biggest industry and our largest employer.
The Leader of the Opposition said we have no plan for housing. Well, that is extremely wrong. The release of residential land at Bellamack, Berrimah Farm and Mt John Valley, in addition to the ongoing release of land at Lyons and Larapinta, are all moderating the strong growth in land and house prices, and are a key part of encouraging more population growth, with 2500 blocks coming on to the market in the next two years. Since January 2006, we have seen over 1100 units approved in the CBD alone. Private sector will deliver 600 blocks approved in Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area. Further into the future, we have the Palmerston eastern suburbs that have gone through the public exhibition process and will be included in the NT Planning Scheme. This is expected to deliver another 2900 homes. I am also travelling to Canberra in two weeks time, where I will be lobbying the Commonwealth for the release of their land for commercial development.
In 2001, when we came to government, the Territory’s economy was on its knees, our construction sector was on its knees, and private investment in construction was falling. To drag the economy out of the depression, the government adopted policies which form the basis our economic strategy. The principles underlying our actions are: providing a high level of cash to capital works and infrastructure; focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth; and assisting the private sector to leverage off our investment. Proudly, we can now say our infrastructure budget is solid and funded – and funded at record levels.
The member for Katherine stated that we needed to focus on rural housing. I am not sure she listened to my statement, so I will run through it again. We have recognised the need for additional and appropriate housing in the bush and, to this end, a combined Northern Territory government and Commonwealth project will deliver an $893m program over four years and this will commence in 2008-09.
The shadow spokesperson also talked about the need for funding improvements on the Central Arnhem Road. Well, she seems to have missed a $15m-odd funding commitment that was announced by the Rudd Labor government. She seems to have missed the Daly River Bridge commitment of an additional $10m from the Commonwealth that was recently announced ...
Mrs Miller: When is it going to happen? When is it going to happen?
Ms LAWRIE: We have already spent $10m of our own contributions to an improved flood immunity in the area.
Our roads budget is more than $180m. This is the highest amount in the Territory’s history and the highest per taxpayer in the country ...
Mrs Miller: You have unbelievable GST. It should be.
Ms LAWRIE: The highest per taxpayer in the country ...
Mrs Miller: It should be the highest …
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Ms LAWRIE: We inherited a legacy from the CLP of only 23% of our road network sealed. They did not spend in the bush; they did not give a damn about the bush. We have inherited that legacy and that is why we have record capital works programs rolling out to the bush bringing employment opportunities and regional development with it.
The CLP has continually complained about public sector staffing numbers, and now they complain we have reduced numbers. Well, infrastructure staff in Katherine in 2000-01 was 49. In 2007-08 there are 45.
In relation to the member for Braitling’s questions about the housing figures, the $893m comes from $793m under a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth and an additional $100m from the Northern Territory government. That includes the Closing the Gap funding.
Regarding the Red Centre Way, more than 240 km of road has now been sealed. By April this year, tourists will be able to drive on the inner loop along Namatjira Drive and back to Hermannsburg on a sealed road for 85% of the 325 km journey. Government is committed to the completion of the project, with an additional 38 km of road to be sealed on Namatjira Drive by this April. The project will help build the tourism industry in Central Australia and it is certainly helping to move Alice ahead. Although negotiations for stakeholders have been complicated, the project is now well under way. We are continuing to work with the Central Land Council to ensure the project linking through to Kings Canyon is completed as soon as possible.
In terms of Larapinta Stage 2, that sold at auction in November of last year and will create a further 39 blocks, with one block reserved for seniors’ public housing. Six blocks will also be for first homebuyers. Regarding the Mt John Valley development, a $1.2m constructed headworks to service the first stage has been put out to tender and picked up by Sitzlers. We have native title negotiations continuing, with potential for 70 blocks in the first stage.
I will not even bother to comment on the contribution of the member for Greatorex, other than to say we have a privilege in being members in this parliament and I do not think that privilege should be abused by talking about tragic victims of crime in a flippant and dismissive, juvenile contribution on how much he hates the waterfront ...
Mr Conlan: Highlighting your failures.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Greatorex!
Ms LAWRIE: Just avoid abusing the privilege of the House. This is not a shock jock radio station. This is an elected Assembly where we all have a privilege.
The member for Nelson actually had a significant contribution. He went to the substance of issues, which is certainly refreshing. I have been looking forward to having a debate with the member for Nelson on the Coolalinga rezoning. The proposal to rezone 28 ha of land on the eastern side of the Stuart Highway was exhibited to gauge community response. After considering reports from the DCA and the department, I decided to refuse the rezoning, based on their advice. In April 2006, the former Minister for Planning and Lands refused a similar proposal for the land. The member for Nelson made a submission that was critical of the proposal yet, in true style, is also critical now of the decision to oppose ...
Mr Wood: Read the letter – the whole of it.
- Ms LAWRIE: Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, Gerry Wood, MLA, Independent Member for Nelson, 12 April 2007 ...
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! If the minister would like to table that document, I ...
Ms LAWRIE: I am happy to.
Mr Wood: I do not carry my planning documents with me everywhere.
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
- Ms LAWRIE: It says:
Proposed amendment to the Freds/Coolalinga District Concept - NT Planning Scheme.
I would like to comment on the above proposal.
- …
RR zone.
…
I could not support that waiver of the minimum lot size.
Mr Wood: Read it all, or I will call you misleading.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not misleading.
Mr Wood: You need to read the whole letter.
Ms LAWRIE: I am reading exactly what is in the letter. I am not changing your words. I am reading what is in the letter …
Mr Wood: In context?
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
- Ms LAWRIE: Proposed aged care facility.
… I know there is a need in the rural area for an aged care facility this proposal does not fit the bill ...
Mr Wood: Keep going.
Ms LAWRIE: Your words!
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I believe the minister is misleading parliament unless she reads the whole document, because she must read it in to context. The minister knows there is a summary paragraph in that document which explains where I come from. If the minister does not read that, then I say she is misleading parliament.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: There is no point of order, please resume your seat.
Ms LAWRIE: I am not misleading …
Mr Wood: Well, then, read the whole document, please.
Ms LAWRIE: I am reading your words …
Mr Wood: In context?
Ms LAWRIE: … in writing.
Mr Wood: Yes, you are only reading part of it.
Ms LAWRIE: You put it in writing and I am reading it back to you.
Mr Wood: In context.
- Ms LAWRIE: The site, 1.2 ha, is too small …
Caravan park/tourist.
Whilst I don’t have a problem with the caravan park per se, there seems to be some confusion as to what clientele this caravan park is being built for. The heading says ‘tourist’, but the notes speak about ‘a housing choice for the community’. If this is to be a tourist park or a permanent caravan park? Each would need a different approach in design.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order!
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I believe the minister is misleading parliament.
Mr KIELY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I ask the member withdraw the words ‘misleading’. He knows that he cannot accuse the minister of misleading ...
Ms Lawrie: Other than through a substantive motion.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, I would like to get a copy of that, please, before I reply to the point of order. I need a copy of the document, please.
Mr Kiely: You have asked for it to be tabled. You will get a copy.
Mr WOOD: Yes, I would like to read it. The minister is reading from the document. I would like a copy of that document.
Ms LAWRIE: Speaking to the point of order. The member opposite will get a copy of it, but he well knows he cannot accuse a member of this House of misleading other than by way of substantive motion.
Mr Wood: I will do that if I have a copy of that document now.
Members interjecting.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson, please withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, I am not withdrawing at the moment because I need to look at the document.
Mr KIELY: A point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker! I do believe that the member for Nelson is challenging the ruling from the Chair. You have asked him clearly to withdraw.
Madam DEPUTY SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, please withdraw the word ‘misleading’.
Mr WOOD: Madam Deputy Speaker, my query on this is that I could not withdraw the word ‘misleading’ until I have seen the document from which she is quoting me. The inference in what I said …
Ms Lawrie: ‘I cannot support the proposal’.
Mr WOOD: Excuse me! The inference in what I said about misleading relates to the issue that I believe comes to the heart of this: that the minister has read a portion of that letter and …
Ms Lawrie: Yes, excerpts.
Mr WOOD: Yes and, by reading only portions of a letter, as anyone knows, you can put a different slant on the debate and …
Members interjecting.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, order!
Mr WOOD: The letter the minister is quoting from has a series of concerns about some of the development. When you put that in context of the whole development, you will see a different slant on what the minister said.
Madam SPEAKER: Please be seated. Honourable members, I have been listening to some of this debate. Leader of Government Business, I assume you are reading from Hansard or a letter from the member for Nelson. Is that correct?
Ms LAWRIE: Yes, I am reading from the letter from the member for Nelson. I just tabled the letter. The letter has been taken away by the Legislative Assembly staff.
Madam SPEAKER: That is fine. It is fine for a minister to read excerpts but, member for Nelson, I recommend to you that if you feel that you have been misrepresented, that you approach me to make a personal explanation. I will make an opportunity for you to speak in the parliament.
Mrs MILLER: A point of order, Madam Speaker! When the minister was replying in her response just a moment ago, it was quite okay to make a criticism of the Leader of the Opposition and say he did not read all of an article. She read it to put her slant on it and, now, when the member for Nelson has rightly said ‘Please read all of that letter so that it is in context’, the minister has chosen to do the complete opposite to what she said the Leader of the Opposition did. Why does she not read the whole letter?
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Katherine, there really is no point of order, but I accept what you are saying in relation to the Leader of the Opposition. If he feels that he is being misrepresented, I ask him as well to approach me to make a personal explanation.
Ms LAWRIE: A point of order, Madam Speaker! I ask the member for Nelson to withdraw the accusation that I was misleading. He knows he cannot do so other than by way of a substantive motion.
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, did you say that the Leader of Government Business had misled the parliament?
Mr WOOD: Yes, and …
Madam SPEAKER: You did. Member for Nelson, would you simply withdraw and then approach me about making a personal explanation?
Mr Warren: Member for Nelson.
Madam SPEAKER: Order, member for Goyder!
Mr WOOD: Madam Speaker, can I just have five seconds to read this ….
Madam SPEAKER: No, member for Nelson …
Mr WOOD: Well then, let me …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Nelson, you are aware of the rules of the parliament. If the Speaker asks you to withdraw, it is required that you withdraw.
Mr WOOD: Clarification, Madam Speaker! I am not …
Mr Kiely: Yes, you are.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Sanderson, cease interjecting.
Mr WOOD: I just need to know, Madam Speaker, if I was to continue to say the minister has misled the parliament, am I allowed to continue down that road?
Madam SPEAKER: No, you are not.
Mr WOOD: With a substantive motion, I can?
Madam SPEAKER: With a substantive motion which has to be given notice of, of course.
Mr WOOD: I cannot do it right now? Say I believe the minister is misleading parliament and I wish to move a motion to show that the minister has misled parliament?
Madam SPEAKER: No, you would have to seek leave to move a motion in the first place.
Mr WOOD: Well, can I seek leave?
Madam SPEAKER: You can seek leave. Is leave granted?
Leave denied.
Madam SPEAKER: Leave is not granted, therefore, you cannot move the motion. Member for Nelson, I ask you to withdraw the comments.
Mr WOOD: I withdraw the comments, Madam Speaker.
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you very much. Leader of Government Business, perhaps if you could be direct with your comments?
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I am looking forward to being very direct.
What has just gone down here is that the member for Nelson wanted to gag me over his position in writing to the department of Planning on the Coolalinga proposal. You do not like it being called for what it is, which is hypocrisy, member for Nelson …
Mr Mills: Hypocrisy!
Ms LAWRIE: You have been out there saying you support the Coolalinga redevelopment when, in writing - and I will quote it to you again …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Ms LAWRIE: ‘I could not support the proposal’ …
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker! The second line in this document says: ‘Although I do not object to the development of land, the subject of this proposed amendment, I do have some concerns’. I do not object to the development of land. You have not read the whole document.
Ms Lawrie interjecting.
Mr Mills: She has misled parliament.
Mr WOOD: You are misleading this House!
Ms LAWRIE: … ‘I could not support this proposal’ ...
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I ask that the remaining minutes – well, in fact, there is not very much of the minister’s time left - the minister is listened to in silence. Member for Nelson, I remind you that if you wish to, you may make a personal explanation. I understand the letter has been tabled so honourable members are able to see that letter if they wish. Leader of Government Business, please direct your comments through the Chair.
Ms LAWRIE: Madam Speaker, I would be pleased to in the 25 seconds I have left.
I support development of land in the area. It comes down to the nature of proposal before the Development Consent Authority which is, in fact, the question I had before me as the minister for Planning. What the member for Nelson is happy to say is he would support development. Yes, we would all support development of land in the rural area. However, he did not say he could support the proposal. In fact, he said: ‘I could not support the proposal’.
Madam SPEAKER: Minister, your time has expired.
Ms LAWRIE: Hypocrisy.
Mr WOOD: A point of order, Madam Speaker!
Madam SPEAKER: Excuse me?
Mr WOOD: I ask the minister to withdraw ‘hypocrisy’.
Ms LAWRIE: I withdraw ‘hypocrisy’. I will say it outside on radio.
Madam SPEAKER: All right. Thank you.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr KIELY (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Madam Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Mr NATT (Drysdale): Madam Speaker, Australia Day is a significant day for all Australians in celebrating the landing of the first fleet in Sydney Cove. This year was also a wonderful day for several new Palmerston residents who had moved to Australia from overseas to live in the NT. These people have chosen to become Australian citizens, and they attended the Australia Day Ceremony at the Palmerston Council Chambers.
I welcome the following people to Palmerston and congratulate them for taking the wonderful step of becoming Australian citizens: Mr Graham Bulford, Ms Alexander Hesford, Mr Salim Mohamed, Mr Steven Siu, Mrs Racquel Siu, Mr Michael Coughlan, Mr Leslie Cunningham, Mrs Susan Fanning, Ms Maba Kari and Mr Clifford Palmer. This group of wonderful new Australian citizens pledged their loyalty to Australia and its people. I am sure they will all contribute greatly to the fantastic country in their own way. I congratulate them and wish them every success with their future endeavours and welcome them to Palmerston.
I acknowledge the fantastic initiative that is literally being kicked off at the Palmerston High School. The Clontarf Foundation, in association with the Palmerston High School, announced in January the opening of the Palmerston Football Academy. They are now accepting enrolments from prospective students in Palmerston. Any indigenous boy enrolled at Palmerston High School can apply to be part of the program. To maintain their position in the football academy, participants need to show commitment towards training and the education program. The partnership works with students to develop pathways to employment. Students need to demonstrate through their attitude and commitment to education and football programs that they are work ready. The foundation will then assist students and graduates to gain part-time and full-time employment. The football program operates in and around their school timetables. Training is held early mornings on two to three days a week, and followed up by a healthy breakfast. Participants are provided with incentives and rewards throughout the year, with camps and tours on offer. Such incentives include regional and interstate tours, school camps, inter-academy activities and excursions.
I am very aware of this program from my previous life in the AFL, and I can vouch for the success that the Clontarf Foundation does have. This program has been running over the past 10 years in Western Australia and has proven to be enormously successful. This government has supported trials in Central Australia, where it also demonstrated to be equally successful in engaging young indigenous men to the program and school, and has assisted many of them to move on to employment.
The program is led by two outstanding role models and practitioners, Karl Gunderson and Michael McLean, two individuals who have the respect of the football world, and have a great understanding of the wants and needs of young men wishing to make their stamp in life. They will provide their knowledge and experience to ensure the young men remain on track to make something of their lives.
I look forward to seeing the program roll-out over the next 12 months, and to see the success of this academy as it delivers opportunities to the young men of Palmerston. The Clontarf model in Western Australia has been hugely successful. Several students have had the good fortune to have their talents on the football field recognised by the AFL and have been drafted to AFL clubs. It is a wonderful initiative. I wish the partnership well and am more than happy to support it in any way, shape or form.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Deputy Speaker, I add further to the events of yesterday, which were covered widely in the media, both yesterday and today - that being that historic moment where the word ‘sorry’ was presented to address an issue of deep concern within the nation. The progress and unfolding now of the implications of saying sorry, for all of us, particularly those in parliaments around the country, are matters for us all to consider very carefully. I add further the challenge that flows from the admission of responsibility for the plight of those who have suffered from past policies. That responsibility falls now upon each of us to walk that through, here in this Chamber and Chambers right around the country, in every state and territory.
We were immediately presented with the challenge when we saw the reaction of the crowd to some of the words and the ideas presented by the second speaker, the Opposition Leader, Brendan Nelson. That shows us, I believe, how difficult it may be for us to find that new place to stand, particularly when some members of the Prime Minister’s team were involved in that episode. All of that feeds into this matter. The challenge rests even in this House, now that there has been a request placed on the table. It has been presented formally that there be the opportunity created for goodwill from members on both sides to find a place to work together.
Members opposite have probably taken some delight in that they have managed to create the impression, largely out of very little, regarding comments in the Hansard that I had written my own history of Taiwan, rather than quoted from the official website. I honestly thought that I had made reference to it, as I had no intention whatsoever of pretending that that was my own. Not at all. This is the last thing on my mind.
The reason I mention that is because yesterday, when I looked back, I found that I had used the words that ‘I had presented a letter to the former Chief Minister’ when, in fact, we had presented a letter, to be more correct. That is the CLP, leader to leader, had presented a letter requesting the opportunity to find a new place to stand. It is important that that be revisited.
Looking back in the rear vision mirror at the events of yesterday, the challenge remains on this Table here in this Chamber: will we find a new place to stand so that we can work together on matters of national significance? After all, the weight of the matters we discussed yesterday - and I hope, in some manner, resolved as people feel that it has been resolved, in one sense - can now be taken to the next stage by the way in which we conduct our business in this Chamber. I wish to restate that that letter was being made from the opposition to government. That should not be underestimated, considering the accusations that are made of the Country Liberal Party which may suit a political agenda. If we are going to look seriously at the way that business was considered, weighed and responded to yesterday, those matters sit there now as the challenge: can we find that new place to work together to advance the best interests of Territorians?
I would like to place on the record in the Northern Territory the memory of a man who passed on Christmas Day, my childhood mate, Billy Rowe. Billy and I spent our childhood together and shared a love for wildlife and exploring the bush. I have always remembered those days and Billy’s phone number. We only had two digits in our phone numbers in those days and I still remember it. I remember long conversations we had after we had done our homework back home. I was looking forward to meeting Billy as we were going to Western Australia to spend time with the family over Christmas. I spoke to Billy three days before Christmas on my birthday, 22 December.
Billy was meant to be at my 50th birthday but had to phone and say: ‘I am really sorry, I cannot make it’, because, as a farmer living in a marginal section of country inland from Geraldton at Yalgoo, rain was short and water was in meagre supply. He had to ensure that his sheep were well catered for before he left the property to come to Geraldton.
I was really looking forward to meeting Billy after learning that he was going to be in Geraldton on Christmas Day and so was I - I with my family and he with his. We were going to have our respective times together with our families. Both of us had not done that for a long time but, more importantly, I had not seen Billy for a long time. I said: ‘Billy, I really want to see you’ and he said: ‘We will catch up on Boxing Day’. I was awakened on Boxing Day morning to find that Billy had been killed on Christmas Day. He passed away that night. The interesting aspect of this is the tragedy of families spending quality time together and finding it was brought to an abrupt and horrible end in such terrible circumstances.
Billy Rowe was killed on the beach whilst he was playing cricket with his family. There had been a group of young men who had come along, who were humbugging people all along the beach looking for mischief and grog, and they finally came upon the Rowe family – a good family. They were having a wonderful time on the beach, on the sandbar. They interfered with and disrupted the family, sought to try to get alcohol out of their esky. One member of the family who only a few days before had become a son-in-law by proposing to Billy’s daughter, intervened to try to stop this action from this uninvited group and he was met with an assault – a bottle to the head, jaw broken, artery severed and collarbone broken. The family were horrified at this intrusion. The group that had come along thought that they then needed to get reinforcements and what was a pleasant family gathering turned into something of a nightmare.
Attempts to call the police were unsuccessful; there were a couple of other incidents in Geraldton at that time. When things were getting out of control, Billy, who was a gentle man - we spent our time in the bush, we knew the names of all the birds, the marsupials and the lizards - and a kind man, thought it was time to break this up. He grabbed the esky and said: ‘Let us get out of here’. He picked up the esky and he walked from the beach. He was proceeding to take the esky back to the house so that would break the party up and try to diffuse the incident. It was the last thing he did. He was bashed in front of his family on the beach.
That is a horrible, horrible story. I was awoken by my mother early on Boxing Day to learn that news. You do not have the means to process a story like that where your good, kind friend has been killed on the beach in front of his family. When you hear every new bit of information that comes in, it makes it even more hideous.
What flowed from that was spending time early that morning with the family, and his mother and the father, who are my uncle and auntie, and we cried and had a cup of tea. It was acknowledged across the family that Billy and I were going to meet that day. Flowing from there was the recognition that there were other families in that town of Geraldton who, for other reasons, were grieving, concerned and troubled because younger members of their family had been involved in the incident. They had been the offenders.
It is with great credit that I speak now of a lady - I do not know her name but she is the grandmother. She knew what had happened and she stood up and she made sure that the authorities were left with no confusion as to who was involved in the crime. It was not too long before one of the offenders presented himself to the police. That lady showed immense courage because she was under some pressure not to reveal, to stand with her family and protect those who had committed a horrible and hideous act on a family out on the beach. Then, later on, probably two days later, members of the Aboriginal families who had been connected to some of the offenders presented themselves before the media and made a sincere apology to the Rowe family.
If it had not have been for the courage of the grandmother and that family to stand and offer their sincere condolences to the Rowe family, things would be much worse in Geraldton today, flying right across through the community into Mullewa, Yalgoo, Meekatharra, and other places. I take my hat off to them because it must have been very hard for them to do that.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get to the funeral, and I regret that. I sincerely regret not being able to get to his funeral because his body was held in state for such a long time whilst the matter was being investigated. I spoke to my mother, my father, and my brothers and sister, who were at that funeral. They were able to report to me that a number of members of the indigenous families attended that funeral out of respect for the Rowe family. I admire that. For my family, that meant a lot.
We have some very difficult water to chart and, when we talk about the problems that we have seen on the streets in the Northern Territory, there is very little difference from what I have seen in Geraldton. It only takes a little extra to tip it across the scales and some young person, 18 years old, might make a decision in the heat of the moment to do something as hideous as occurred at St George’s Beach in Geraldton.
That is why this matter is serious. It is not a matter of policy, spin, hype, gloss, whatever – it is very serious. I have seen the grit and courage shown by Uncle John and Auntie Val, who lost their 49-year-old son on Christmas Day; the grandmother whose name I do not know, who lived in Geraldton, and stood up and said: ‘This is wrong. That is a good family. I will not be a part of hiding the identity of that young offender’ - and he presented himself to the courts which was remarkable; and for those who offered condolences and provided the opportunity for some healing and resolution to that matter. I do not need to say it, but that story underscores the challenge that we are all presented with.
How far that scenario I have just described is from the hype, the gloss, the spin, the self-promotion that can occur in a Chamber like this. If we cannot sort it out in here, if we cannot find a better way to conduct our business when it comes to issues like that, then we should not stay in here. We should leave and find something else to do. Our community demands that kind of leadership and courage and, unless we provide it, we have to ask ourselves some deeper questions.
Going back to it, the challenge sits on this table: can we really find that new place to stand, to conduct our business when it comes to the matters of greatest concern that we have talked about nationally but, I believe, weigh most heavily in the Northern Territory? Though at many times I am confounded, confused and disappointed, I still believe that the Territory can lead the way in brokering and cutting a new path in an area of national concern.
Ms ANDERSON (Macdonnell): Madam Deputy Speaker, tonight I pay tribute to an old timer in Central Australia who passed away in December last year. This man was known to all members of this Assembly. Some of us probably knew him as a nuisance and often crossed the road when we saw him coming. Of course, I am talking about Bert Cramer.
Bert was a committed man, an interesting man. He was an artist, a poet, author and an entertainer and, as we all knew, an inventor. He loved inventing things after hours and on weekends. I had the pleasure - and I take this opportunity to say to Bert’s family, especially to his son, Rod, thank you very much for inviting me to his memorial service at the Lutheran Church.
Bert Roland Cramer was born in Tanunda in South Australia on 15 April 1928. He was the first of three sons. This man was certainly extraordinary. He harvested and processed Darwin grass, and he hunted rabbits, foxes, brumbies and kangaroos. This prepared him for the hard life in the north. Bert was attracted to the north. He worked at RM Williams learning saddlery, boot making and whip making. On one of his trips passing through Hermannsburg Mission, Bert noticed a number of single women working as teachers and nurses. He stayed on and worked in the stock camp. These were really hard times; times when there were no fridges, cars or other things we take for granted now. As we know, life back then was really hard in the stock camps, and that was the life that Bert enjoyed. It was the first time that he had the opportunity to live and work with Aboriginal people, and I know that he loved working with Aboriginal people. Bert’s relationship with Aboriginal people was forged when he started living at Hermannsburg.
Hermannsburg community bought a D4 tractor and Bert’s job was to clean soakage in the Finke and the Ellery River and train Aboriginal men. One of the men Bert trained was Hermann Malbunka, a man very well known. Bert was only too happy to train Hermann, who was 19 years old. While training him to keep the D4 tractor clean and greased, Bert also took the time to teach Hermann, around the campfire, to read and write. That was a great opportunity to prepare Hermann for life in the future. As we all in this Assembly know, Hermann and Mavis Malbunka are very well-respected elders and leaders of the community of Ipolera, west of Hermannsburg. That was the beginning of a relationship, as Hermann said in his fax to the Cramer family. Bert was like a father to him and a teacher. I suppose, when someone gives you the time and embraces you, you do forge that relationship as a father and a teacher. That is how Hermann explains the relationship that he had with Bert Cramer.
In 1956, Bert and his young family left Hermannsburg and, in 1957, the Cramer family started their life in Alice Springs at Emily Gap. These were during really hard times - years of drought on a bare block in Alice Springs. Bert, like many other old Central Australian people, was the backbone of building Alice Springs, and building relationships in Alice Springs and regional and remote Aboriginal communities. Bert was one of those men who would often go on a Friday afternoon, wanting to see bureaucrats, when bureaucrats were only just walking out the door and wanting to go home to spend the weekend with their family. He would always go at 4.21 pm when he knew that it was time for them all to walk out.
Sometimes, as politicians, we look at these people who have built the foundation for us, so that our journey becomes a little easier in the way that we live, and think: ‘Oh, he is an old nuisance’, and we hide from them when they come to present themselves to government, and we cross the road when we see them coming. They only want to have five minutes with you to express their point of view as to how government is travelling, or get something off their mind. We often did that with Bert.
The Cramer family is a well-respected family in Alice Springs. I went to school with Bert Cramer’s daughter, Judy. We were both schooled at Traeger Park and we often met each other at the Lutheran Church at Sunday School as children. I take this opportunity to pass on my sincere condolences to the Cramer family, losing someone with so much intelligence and so much history, not only of Alice Springs, but throughout the Western Desert. It is sad to see these people go. People like him, Hermann and Mavis, and Virginia Rontji, who lived and worked with Pastor Albrecht, have made life easier for us as young Territorians to live in the Northern Territory. We must not forget our old people. We have to start connecting with these people, because they are the people of the past who have made life easier for us.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to have the full eulogy incorporated into the Parliamentary Record so it is always on record.
Leave granted.
- Many people in Alice Springs would know Bert as ‘that old bloke’ who drove around town in a ute of dubious roadworthiness, collecting cans, annoying public servants (usually after 4 pm on a Friday), and talking to anyone who would listen about impact craters, religion, and anything else that may lead to.
But there was far, far more to Bert than that. Far more.
Gilbert Roland Cramer was born in Tanunda, South Australia, on 15 April 1928, the first of three sons to Wilhelm and Adela (nee Schwartz). He initially grew up in a small rented cottage on a farm at Gomersal. As he was joined by brothers, Colin and Ray (Ray died in December 1983 after a long illness), Bert helped his mother with the garden, and his father with the horses. Play time involved the creek – mud, yabbies, gum trees, chasing possums, collecting ‘spoggy’ eggs and most things outdoors. Colin relates a story where the three boys, instructed to dispose of a dead piglet down by the creek on the way to school, decided that the shed roof was an easier option! Another time, he built a diving helmet for the cat, and tested it out in the horse trough. It didn’t work, and the cat was not impressed! Bert had lots of childhood memories involving travelling around the district in a sulky, often after dark, including the night the horse kicked it to bits out from under them.
A number of moves saw the family eventually settle in Gilles Plains, at that time a new suburb along North East Road, with wheat fields and market gardens across the side road. Nana worked as a domestic in the nearby Windsor Hotel, and Pa at the Islington Rail Yards as a ‘trades assistant’, and became a very competitive, and modestly successful, harness racer.
Leaving school at 14, Gilbert worked for several years for the SA Brush Company, first in the Adelaide factory, and then harvesting and processing Darwin grass at Port Lincoln. By this time, Army surplus was available, and he and Colin obtained .303 rifles, and weekends were often spent on foot or pushbike expeditions into the bush, hunting rabbits, foxes, brumbies and ‘roos, and prospecting for gold. He became a crack shot with open sights.
About this time he started recording his experiences with a Box Brownie; unfortunately, a lot of these snaps were damaged in the ’88 flood. He also taught himself to play the mouth organ, sitting alongside a windup gramophone, endlessly playing country ballads at approximately 78 rpm
A stint at RM Williams, learning saddlery, boot and whip making, further prepared him for the attraction of the real outback – to head north, and February 1949 found him with a job as stock camp cook, equipped with a rubber tyred wagon hauled by two camels, on Welbourne Hill Station (50 km east of Marla), on the edge of Sturt’s Stony Desert.
Eleven months later, 21 and unemployed, found him at the Oodnadatta rail siding, intending to return to Adelaide for Christmas, but he decided to first have a quick look what was further north. While on the train he was offered a job in Alice Springs, with the government Bore Maintenance Gang, which looked after the bores on the stock routes in the bottom third of the Territory. His duties often again included the camp cook.
One trip found the bore gang a year later passing through Hermannsburg, and Bert, as he now preferred to be called, was shown around the mission by Pastor FW Albrecht. Bert couldn’t help but notice the number of single young ladies working there – school teachers, nurses, etcetera.
Bert commenced work in the stock camp at Hermannsburg in 1951, at the start of the pleuro-pneumonia inoculation program. These were still frontier days in the cattle camps, long before fridges, radios, four-wheel drives, helicopters and road trains. Lucky for us, he by now had purchased a 35 mm camera which could fit in his shirt pocket, and started keeping a comprehensive colour slide record of his experiences.
Hermannsburg at the time had plenty of scrubbers and brumbies, and few yards or fences. Saddle tack was falling to bits, and stock horses without saddle sores were scarce. So a lot of time was spent breaking horses, and training the stockmen in horse hygiene and saddlery. Sale cattle were walked to Alice Springs for trucking on the steam train, from the old Smith Street yards.
Hermannsburg had a Caterpillar D4 tractor and towed scoop, and Bert was tasked to clean out soakages in the Finke and Ellery, and to train an Aboriginal lad, Hermann Malbunka, aged 19. All this he did, which included teaching Hermann to read and write, at the campfire of the tractor camps.
He still found time to court a young ‘school teacher’, Mona Kennedy, and they announced their engagement, Christmas 1952. They were married at Light Pass, 28 January 1954.
Marriage did not put an end to the bush work camps. Mona now went along, living in tents that they made, to Gilbert Springs building troughs, or East Dam yard building, or wherever.
Bert soon had other demands on him. With the birth of Rodney and Lance 15 months later, they needed a cot, so Bert built one, fully flyscreened and collapsible. They needed a pram and a high chair, so he built them, all still serviceable – many of you have seen the pram still holding the wash basket at Mona’s clothesline.
The end of 1956 saw them leave Hermannsburg, spend six months in SA, and then start life in Alice Springs, on the Emily Gap (now Ragonesi) Road property in July 1957. Times were tough. A bare block, the first years of the drought – no water, electricity, phone, house, bitumen road or secure tenure. Roo shooting for skins at night, pegging them by day, and cleaning out and equipping an old well (originally dug by the Kilgariffs) to obtain water. A short stint working on the night cart, until he got the sack, branded as a troublemaker, for asking for soap and overalls. The occasional saddle to repair, pump to fix, or windmill to shift and/or erect. He became the agent for Villiers engines, Boadaco and Mono Pumps, and Denkavit. A shortage of plumbers lead in town saw them melting down cases of roofing nails to recover the lead from around the heads, and selling it to the plumbers.
1958 he did a fencing job at the warehouse of Stewarts and Lloyds, in Ghan Road, opposite Sutton Motors. This led to full-time employment in the warehouse. A regular customer there was Jack Maskell, who offered him a job in his welding workshop in Hele Crescent, under the athel pines.
But in 1959 he took on the job as kitchen gardener for Connellan Airways, at the Pilot’s Mess and Araluen Homestead.
1960 saw the arrival of a daughter, Judy. It was a trying time for Rod and Lance; Mum away – they still can’t see the point of Bert’s toasted lettuce sandwiches.
After two years gardening, he took up Maskell’s offer of employment on a casual basis – this was an opportunity not lost on Bert, who soaked up as much as he could of the metal trade from the highly skilled Jack, and this gave him an opportunity to start constructing bigger projects. When new asbestos water pipes freighted into Alice Springs had a substantial number of breakages, he salvaged all the broken pipes and built a lathe to machine new ends on them for joining, and installed them as mains on the farm.
He mounted a large pump on the ‘power take off’ on the Landrover, and so monopolised the emptying and cleaning of the five inground private swimming pools in town at that time. His penchant for pumps and pipes saw him annually employed collecting dirty diesel fuel and sump oil, storing, mixing and spraying it on the sand ‘greens’ of the old golf course.
Bert tendered in 1963 for the contract to install the fence strainer posts for the Old Telegraph Station Reserve. Showing his calculations to Jack, Jack had one comment – ‘DOUBLE IT’ – which Bert did, and still won the contract! This was the beginning of a decade-and-a-half contracting relationship with the Northern Territory Reserves Board, and its Chairman, Colonel Lionel Rose. The Colonel took a liking to Bert, and his workmanship, and no more tender documents were required. After the complete fencing of the Telegraph Station, he went on to design and construct a sophisticated pumping station, drawing from five bores, in the bed of the Todd to supply the Telegraph Station; install water supplies at Standley Chasm and Simpson’s Gap, and the first toilet blocks at Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge, plus many smaller jobs.
The income from these contracts were trickled back into the farm – they bought the sad remains of a beekeeping enterprise, hives riddled with wax moth, and proceeded to boil, clean and repair the lot, and started a honey business. The dairy was gradually forming; goats and cows, hand milked, bottled in whatever they could get their hands on, and delivered around town. Eventually registered studs, the goats and cows were part of the ‘Milk and Honey Farm’ until 1987, when, after 30 years, the block was sold, and ‘Temple Bar’ bought.
The dairy needed fodder, so Bert built a fifth acre water powered pivot sprinkler he’d invested in his stock camp swag a decade earlier, that ran on a mere 15 psi of water pressure! To harvest the lucerne crops, he imported an old binder, and on two daring occasions, grew wheat crops on rainfall. He also experimented with onions, cotton, sorghum, dates, pasture beans and jojoba.
A second-hand Caterpillar D4 bulldozer purchased in 1965 enabled other contracting jobs, and bigger water harvesting projects on the farm. The clearing of the Rodeo Grounds at Blatherskite Park, the first stage of Jindalee (Mt Everard), and Pioneer Park were all done with this machine. It helped excavate the ‘two up pit’ at the casino. Bert could make that bulldozer sing.
A dairy was prefabricated and erected in 1966 and a two-stand milking machine installed – that, an electric welder and a nine-frame honey extractor were perhaps the only new large pieces of equipment they ever bought. Mostly, if they needed it, he built it. A boring plant, cement mixer, drill press, power hacksaw and air compressor were all supplied from his ingenuity and the town dump, with access to Jack Maskell’s workshop and advice when needed.
Not all his inventions were successful. In the ’70s he needed a rock saw to repair the sandstone fence in front of today’s Advocate. Bert looked at his Maculloch chainsaw, bought a masonry wheel, and went to the workshop. A day or so later he emerged with a handheld, belt driven rock saw. The specifications on the masonry wheel, advised the maximum speed was something a lot less than the rpm of the chainsaw motor. Revving it out, perhaps accidentally, on the test run, the masonry wheel disintegrated and disappeared, the only trace of it being a ‘Zorro’ like slice up the right leg of his baggy trousers, and scratches on Lance’s knee and nose, as he had been holding the rev counter!
Of course, very little of all this was done on his own. He very much relied on his family, especially Mona, as a ready labour source.
Bert had a few axioms. ‘You have to be awful close before you touch’ was often directed to you as he wanted a vehicle closer to something. ‘It’s more fun thinking about it than doing it’ hindered many a project that Rod or Lance proposed. ‘People can be sincere, but sometimes sincerely wrong’ got a fair airing. ‘I’ll be ready in a coupla-three days’ became more and more common.
He was for many years Secretary of the Alice Springs Farmers Association, and a Sunday school teacher. The foundation stone of this church had been collected by Bert while a stockman at Hermannsburg, intended to be his headstone, but he ‘donated’ it to the church.
Bert was an artist, a poet, an inventor, an author, and entertainer. But above all he was a lateral thinker, long before the term was common. He was always a battler, and the only time he ever gave up, was in his room at Old Timers, 19 December 2007.
Bert is survived by one brother, Colin; his wife, Mona; children, Rod, Lance and Judy; five grandchildren and one great- granddaughter.
As Bert observed while in hospital, ‘You could say I’ve had an interesting life. I’ve done the best I can’.
A special tribute from Hermann Malbunka, Ipolera, for Bert Cramer’s Memorial Service today, 16 January 2008.
Hermann’s words:
Sympathy and regards to Mona and family.
Sorry we can’t be with you today. I know it’s a sad day for all of us. I remember the past, how I learnt from you (Bert and Mona) like from my parents.
I remember how I was taught by my teacher (Bert) to drive a Caterpillar tractor … to dig water holes for stock along the Finke River to Palm Valley. Also from Ellerys No 4 to Boggy Hole. Also dams.
I was taught how to fix the Caterpillar. I still teach my children how to do this and to read like I learnt so well from my teacher.
I am proud that I have all the knowledge and experience that I still remember from my friend.
God bless you all, from Hermann and Mavis Malbunka and family, Ipolera.
(Dictated per phone to Olga Radke 6.45 am)
Greeting and fond memories from former Finke River Mission staff reunion held in Adelaide last week.
Condolences from Barry Abbot and family, Wallace Rockhole.
Ms ANDERSON: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I take this opportunity also to mention, as you all know, the six young indigenous people killed so tragically on the Hermannsburg Road just before Christmas. I take this opportunity to pass on my condolences to the families at Hermannsburg and also to thank them. I thank people like Bob Durnan, who worked for a month supporting all these families, and people like Jane at Tjuwanpa and Selwyn at the Mission Shop and, of course, Charlie who has now left Hermannsburg.
Without these people, that community was in disarray. We cannot forget the loss of those six children and the families they all left behind - little children. One of the young fellas who was killed in that car accident was the husband of my young niece and they had a young baby, only eight months old. That baby will grow up not knowing the dad. It is a real tragedy for that community. I want to thank everybody at Hermannsburg for pulling together and making sure that things were right.
I sincerely thank the Hermannsburg Police and Alice Springs Police for the efforts that they put in to keep that community together and have the information flowing from the police to the families who lost loved ones. I was there the whole time and I have placed an ad in the Centralian Advocate thanking the Northern Territory Police for their commitment to Hermannsburg and to the people there.
That is why it is so important that, as government, we take the initiative to educate these people about drink-driving, being unlicensed, and driving unregistered vehicles because they do not see it as a problem not to have a licence and drive unregistered cars. They take the risk of going in to buy grog or marijuana. It is that journey from Alice Springs back to their community that becomes so dangerous. There are cattle and kangaroos on the road. We have to try to stop these massive tragedies that we have in remote Aboriginal communities. I know that, in three of my other communities, we have had three deaths.
We just have to try to help these people understand that it is good to access the services in Alice Springs, but to do it without grog, without ganja, and try to get back safely to their communities and be good role models for their children. Make sure they teach their children not to consume alcohol and take drugs - it is a bad way of growing up - and be a real leader to drive indigenous communities and indigenous people to have a new focus in life. We must stop normalising the bad behaviour. As government, we are responsible for educating these people not to do those things any more.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Deputy Speaker, one of the great things about being a local member is that you get the opportunity to talk about the schools in your electorate. Every one of us is very proud of our schools. It epitomises the community spirit of the electorates when you see the school and the school kids doing fabulous things. My electorate of Goyder is no exception.
The first school I will talk about is Berry Springs. That is a school I share with the member for Daly, Rob Knight. Whilst it is in my electorate, we both have students who attend there and we are very proud of all the kids who go there. It is a bit sad because there is one very important teacher who will not be there this year. That is the Deputy Principal, Heather Black, who left at the end of 2007. Heather has been an icon at the school for the past 10 years. It is going to be a different school, with the loss of Heather. The school principal, Sheila Delahay described her as ‘absolutely fabulous and wonderful’ as an assistant principal, and I concur with those words, as she has been an important part of that school for so many years.
However, that loss from Berry Springs is Bakewell Primary School’s gain, as Heather has transferred there. I am sure she will again make an outstanding contribution for the future of the Territory children there. I concur with the school community in thanking Heather for the fantastic effort she has put in at Berry Springs for all those years, and we wish her well.
Berry Springs is set for another great year. They have the installation of the new interactive smart boards, which were installed over the holidays. These are, as all teachers can attest to, excellent learning tools for making lessons interesting and engaging the students. To have interactive smart boards installed is really going to help the school immensely.
The fundraising committee at the school is active. They have already started their sausage sizzles at the Berry Springs Markets. While I speak about the Berry Springs Markets, let me tell you that it is a fairly new event there, but it is going gangbusters. The new community event is held on the last Sunday of each month at the Berry Springs Reserve. The next one is due on 24 February, and I am pleased to give that a free plug. If anyone reads this and is able to go to any of these Sunday events, then certainly do, because these markets are organised by the Berry Springs Reserve Management Committee. I hear from the organiser, Miriam Cleary, that the first market recently held in January was very successful, with over 40 stallholders selling a variety of fresh local produce and a large range of art and craft. I am looking forward to going on the 24th to maybe pick up a bargain, but also have a good time.
While I am talking about the markets, it is interesting to note that if there was ever a site that had the potential to take off as a site for a market, it is certainly this one. It is a very important meeting point for locals to provide a focal point for other community activities and organisations, but it is actually the location of it. It is in close proximity to the Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs Nature Reserve, which means visitors from Darwin could certainly be attracted there. They could make a Sunday event of it. They could take the family out there, have a look at the Wildlife Park and have a swim in the Berry Springs Reserve over the coming Dry Season and they can attend the markets. It could be an all-round event. It has the potential to be a destination that fits in very well with our Territory lifestyle, certainly for people who have interstate visitors staying with them. I believe it will, in years to come, compete with the Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.
At Humpty Doo on the last Wednesday in November 2007, it was literally raining awards for the staff there. I will tell you an insightful story about the awards because it was one of those days where people had good news - it was a great day. The National Leadership Program, the National Summer School Program and the NT Teacher Exemplary Practice Awards were all announced on that day.
In particular, Principal, Felicity Hancock, announced that she was selected as one of 40 principals across Australia for the 2008 Leading Australia’s Schools program through Teaching Australia, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. She had just announced that, when Viki Kane, one of the other teachers there, shared her news about winning a position in the Summer School program in Canberra. She was one of only 1000 teachers across Australia to be accepted, so that is an honour in itself. If that was not enough, Jenni Webber came in and shared her delight at being accepted as a Teacher of Exemplary Practice, and then Lisa George was nominated to represent NT Cricket at the Alan Border Medal dinner, because she is the Cricket Educator of the Year in the NT.
It might have seemed like Christmas for them out there, and deservedly so because that is a fantastic school. It is one of the larger primary schools in the Territory – it is certainly the largest in the rural area. The staff are very dedicated. They are worthy recipients of those awards. I wish them all the best. I am sure they are all going to come back with some great stories about their trips interstate but, also, to tell the school how proud they were to represent not only the school and the rural area, but the Northern Territory.
I echo the words of principal, Felicity Hancock, when she said:
- I am very proud of all the staff at Humpty Doo Primary School and think that this indicates the calibre and professionalism of the teachers at this school and across the Territory.
I concur with that; we have a great bunch of teachers up here and Humpty Doo school is certainly right up there.
While I am speaking about Humpty Doo school, it has been off to a great start this year with the school running very smoothly. They are particularly pleased with the continued good results in the Multilevel Assessment Program (MAP) for literacy and numeracy. It reaffirms the dedication and competence of the Humpty Doo Primary teachers and staff. As a teaching school in 2008, Humpty Doo will be mentoring trainee teachers from Charles Darwin University to provide similar quality instructions. I meet with those trainee teachers, and they really do fit in well. It is important that you have schools like Humpty Doo where the trainee teachers can be embraced and become part of the staff. Even if it is only for a short period, they are accepted and learn so much from the more senior teachers. I know many of them are very keen to get back there, and some of them have actually become permanent staff on graduating, which is great.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, the Principal of Bees Creek Primary School, John Tate, recently commented to me that the most striking feature of the start of the year has been the smooth transition of the Year 6 and 7 students from 2007 to middle school, most of whom have gone to their local middle school, Taminmin High School. They have seen an increased number of Taminmin students at Bees Creek waiting outside the school in the morning for the school buses. It is due to the strong enrolments there that we have so many students waiting at Bees Creek. Mr Tate said they looked great in their Taminmin uniforms, and straightaway they started wearing them with pride, particularly in front of their old classmates. It is great that they can have this feeling of pride for a great school like Bees Creek to a great high school like Taminmin. That pride continues and epitomises the school spirit in the rural area. I am very proud of that.
At Litchfield Primary School, which is just across the road from Bees Creek and shares the same street, they have some very exciting news. They have been approved to commence middle schooling in 2008. There will be a transition stage and it will start in full in 2009. That is very exciting. They put in their application and it was a very drawn-out process. I was very surprised when they excitedly told me when I went there recently that they actually received the approval. They have organised themselves at very short notice and have a lot of kids to start there. It certainly will be in full swing in 2009. For private school education, you could not go past Litchfield Primary School.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to look at the Early Learning Centre which is now open. It is a bright and cheerful facility and I have some great photos of the new playground equipment there. I am encouraging the minister for Education to visit and be part of not just the middle school official opening, but also of the Early Learning Centre. I am looking forward to that, and there will be an article in my newsletter because it is a great school and it is a very newsworthy story.
I have another Christian school in my electorate, Palmerston Christian School. It has had a wonderful start to 2008, with all the middle school classes, Years 7 to 9, and most primary classes, Transition to Year 6, filled with excited students. Palmerston Christian School is in Marlow Lagoon in my electorate in the suburb of Palmerston. We have many students from Palmerston, and many from Marlow Lagoon students. It is a great school. It has adopted the spirit of the rural area. There are dedicated staff there, dedicated students and the whole place really is abuzz. I get great joy going to their monthly awards and engaging with the students and teachers and presenting those awards.
They are busy planning to make this year an exciting and challenging time for all the students. The school hopes to expand the provision of middle schooling elective subjects with the construction of an automotive workshop area. That is pretty innovative for a private primary and high school. That typifies the forward thinking that this school has adopted. They are offering a variety of elective options as well, giving students experience in subjects they may wish to pursue with VET and apprenticeship choices for future years of study.
Palmerston Christian School will also be providing more sporting facilities, which is great news - I am sure the minister for Sport would love to hear that - with the arrival of new AFL goalposts, just in time for the AFL Rules Interschool Competition. That is going to be great.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I will leave the rest of my speech to next week, because I want to continue talking about the schools in my electorate. I would hate to do an injustice to them because my time is just about running out.
I offer my congratulations to the new Deputy Speaker who is still in the Chamber listening. I believe she will do a great job. She has done a great job this week. I wish her all the best. She is a great part of our team. I also commend, you, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, on your first night in this role as Acting Deputy Speaker. You have done a great job, thank you.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016