2006-10-12
Madam Speaker Aagaard took the Chair at 10 am.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 3798 petitioners praying that Little Mindil site is rezoned to 01 Open Space. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that if conforms with the requirements of standing orders. Madam Speaker, I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 442 petitioners praying that the decision to hand over the 48 Territory-owned parks be rescinded. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. Madam Speaker, the petition is in similar terms to a petition presented during the sittings in August. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
Mr HENDERSON (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Northern Territory government has recently approved a new Northern Territory public sector wages policy. The policy establishes the principles within which wage negotiations and enterprise bargaining will occur over the next five to six years. The policy covers negotiations for all employees of the NTPS, as well as police.
The government is committed to collective bargaining and this policy reinforces that commitment. Enterprise bargaining in the Northern Territory public sector has produced significant benefits for employees and agencies alike through increases in salary, terms and conditions of employment and service delivery improvements. The policy will ensure that such mutual benefits continue into the future.
This policy is not, in any way, related to the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation. The Northern Territory government opposes WorkChoices and is committed to limiting its impact on workers in the Northern Territory to the extent it is legally able. To this end, the Northern Territory government has joined in the High Court proceedings against WorkChoices; established the Northern Territory Workplace Advocate, an information consultation and advisory service designed to assist Territory workers, employers and their representatives in relation to work-related matters, and to promote fair and productive workplace practices in the Territory; and is committed to preserving, as far as possible, Northern Territory public sector conditions affected by WorkChoices.
In summary, the policy is designed to: keep salaries and conditions competitive in the market; deliver productivity improvements and workplace reform; foster forward planning by agencies; wherever possible, deliver consistent outcomes across occupations to achieve fairness and equity; support collective bargaining; and keep costs within government parameters.
There are six principles to the policy:
1. The Northern Territory government supports a one system common approach to bargaining, covering the core conditions bargaining agenda and outcomes, including wages, will generally apply to across all areas of the public sector. This principle ensures the development and maintenance of a standardised set of common and core conditions such as annual leave, sick leave, long service leave, superannuation and remote entitlements.
2. The quantum of salary increases is to be based on the consideration of five factors: productivity improvements; market forces; CPI; the government’s fiscal position; and government policy as determined from time to time. The size of any increase will be a balance of these factors, some of which may at times be competing.
3. Increases in salary are to be of a magnitude that results in the NT being a competitive employer. The Northern Territory government recognises that for the Northern Territory to be able to attract and retain high skilled and high performing employees, a competitive employment package is necessary.
4. Other than in exceptional circumstances, increases that are above forward estimates for salaries are to be funded by offsets achieved through improvements in productivity, structural organisational change, and workplace reform. The following principles will be used in determining productivity gains.
(i) a regime where one party cannot expect something of the other for nothing; there must be a quid pro quo;
(iii) gains must be demonstrated either quantitatively or qualitatively within a time frame.
5. Principal responsibility for negotiations lies with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment. There is shared responsibility with the Northern Territory Treasury and other agencies. In the majority of cases, this represents the continuation of current practice, but will also result in the Commissioner for Public Employment taking a lead role in negotiations for police and employees with the Power and Water Corporation.
6. Wherever possible, agreements are to be collective agreements with the relevant unions. This principle reinforces the government commitment to collective bargaining. The first agreements negotiated under this policy with dentists and the Darwin Port Corporation employees have been signed, and both identified areas for productivity improvements.
Unions have been briefed on the new policy by the Commissioner for Public Employment. The commissioner will be issuing a bulletin to all employees explaining the policy. Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the new policy and the commissioner’s bulletin to Northern Territory public sector employees.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, here comes the federal election campaign run in this parliament. I had a look at the ALP website yesterday, and front and centre was the very message that is being touted by the Territory minister. It is no more than political grandstanding and an abuse of this parliament to direct attention to the attempts of the federal government to gain some traction on issues of national importance.
You will try your best, but let us focus your attention more on the needs of the Territory community rather than the bidding of your federal and national masters. I would like you to make some reference, at least, in your comments, minister, to employers. I heard no mention of employers. I would also like some reference to your capacity to keep your own wages bill under control. You have blown your capacity to maintain your own operation. Have a look at your own operation to see whether you can get that show under control.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I have difficulty understanding how you can apply enterprise bargaining to some public service jobs. If you are in the sock manufacturing business and you can convince your employees to make more socks, you will pay them more money because they become more productive. However, if you are, say, at the front counter of Power and Water where you are serving the customers, how can you ask more customers to come in?
Is enterprising bargaining a silly concept? Should we be saying to people: ‘We will increase your wages based on the cost of living’? That is really what we are doing. You cannot have enterprise bargaining for someone sitting at the front desk. They cannot answer more letters if they do not receive them. They cannot serve more customers. The concept of enterprise bargaining for some sections of our workforce is not relevant. It may be in some parts of the public service, but in other parts, it would be more honest, and I do not say that detrimentally, if employees said: ‘We would like an increase in our wages because the cost of living has gone up’.
In years gone by, they had to get rid of their holidays down south; they combined sick leave with other leave. Eventually, you run out of all those things. What these people are asking for is an increase in their wages to match the cost of living. That is not enterprise bargaining. We need to look at whether that concept is outdated, especially as it relates to public service jobs.
Mr HENDERSON (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, today’s announcement of the Northern Territory government’s wages policy has absolutely nothing to do with the federal election in itself. What it does is commit this government to negotiating collectively with our employees.
The member for Blain was saying I did not mention employers. This is the Northern Territory government’s wages policy, and we are the employer. There will be a very clear line in the sand come the next election in the Northern Territory about the CLP’s position on bargaining with its own employees as the public sector.
We are committed to EBAs. Are they going to go to the next election and say they are going to put every public servant on an AWA? If you are going to do that, do it. We will know where the battle lines are drawn because we are about fair outcomes; fair for the Northern Territory taxpayer, fair for employees. If the CLP is in government after the next election, they will be on about individual contracts with every single public servant. That is not fair and will lead to inequity in the system.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, we came to government in 2001 with a promise to employ 75 extra nurses in our health system over the first term of government. Last year, we promised another 75 nurses over our second term.
Today I can report that since 2001, this government has increased the number of full-time equivalent, or FTE, nurses from 1322 in June 2001 to 1593 in June 2006. This represents an increase of 271 FTE positions, or over 20%. Some of the areas these extra nurses are working in include our hospital Emergency Departments, the hospice, the Rapid Assessment and Planning Unit, the Renal Unit in Alice Springs, and the child health initiative, among many others.
However, the worldwide nursing market is fiercely competitive and there are nurse shortages all over the world. There are estimates that Australia will be under-resourced by thousands of nurses in the next 10 years. We know this and we must continue to be proactive in our efforts to woo nurses to the Northern Territory.
I was pleased to announce at the beginning of this week our latest campaign, a national media blitz to recruit nurses and midwives to the Northern Territory. The 2006-07 nurse recruitment campaign has the slogan ‘Nurses and Midwives - Bloody Heroes’. This is a continuation of the existing successful campaign that began in May 2005, which attracted almost 1800 inquiries from nurses around Australia last year, and resulted in over 250 nurses being recruited to the Northern Territory health system.
This year’s $250 000 campaign will continue to use advertising in national and regional media. It will also enlist the services of NT nurses to visit nurse expos around Australia, spreading the message that the Territory is a great place to live and work. The campaign is supported by a nursing recruitment officer and a dedicated nursing recruitment website. As well, there are arrays of innovated recruiting material, such as web cards, return to sender postcards, coffee cups, and posters.
The campaign is in addition to normal recruitment efforts by our remote health system, community health and our hospital, including the usual intake of nurses graduating from university. This year, Alice Springs Hospital will recruit 20 graduating nurses, Katherine Hospital up to 10, and Royal Darwin Hospital up to 60.
Madam Speaker, focus group testing tells us that nurses want to come here for a chance to make a real difference to Aboriginal health. It also tells us that timing is important. We are commencing our campaign before the usual seasonal nursing workforce movement begins in November, and we are seeking to attract nurses from other health systems looking for a chance to enhance or fast-track their careers. With this in mind, this year’s campaign will blend those ideas with the message that the Territory offers unique career opportunities with unmatched clinical and cultural diversity.
Stage 1 is being rolled out as we speak. A national newspaper advertising campaign has begun, targeting 41 regional newspapers in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Advertisements have been placed in five of Australia’s highest circulating publications, as well as nursing professional journals, such as the Australian Nursing Journal and the Nursing Review. I have some examples of these advertisements. ‘Nurses - can we call you sister?’, ‘Nurses - bloody heroes’, and ‘Nurses, man, do we need you’. These are very good ads. The popular online search websites, Career One and My Career, will carry advertisements for the campaign and supporting articles. Stage 2 of the campaign will be rolled out early next year and will focus on remote nursing, community health, graduate nurses and midwives.
Madam Speaker, this government is committed to long-term recruitment strategies. We are building on our successes in a workforce marked by fierce competition and seasonal fluctuations. I look forward to keeping honourable members updated on our further progress to meeting our commitments to the Territory and to our nurses.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I find it amusing that a minister today started telling us how many positions he has for nurses. He might not remember that he, in fact, signed off on a response to a question that I put to his predecessor some seven months ago. At the 23rd pay period of this year, Royal Darwin Hospital was 25 nurses short, Alice Springs Hospital was 13 nurses short, Katherine Hospital was nine nurses short, and Tennant Creek Hospital was five nurses short, making a total of 52 nurses short. This government can create as many positions for nurses as it likes, but it must fill them, and he cannot do that.
He then flouts this fantastic ad, which the ANF in the Northern Territory has said makes no sense. Minister, when you brag about what you are doing, match your actions with your rhetoric, otherwise you are failing the Territory.
The CLP offered you the HECS policy whereby if you were to say to all trainee nurses and new graduates: ‘Come to the Territory to work and we will reimburse your HECS fees each year’, you will have them in droves. Just do that; pick up the CLP policy. I announced that for you over two years ago. Pick it up and you will encourage nurses to come to the Territory, and you would not have this waste of money promoting silly ads of which nurses themselves cannot make head nor tail. You would have nurses who will staff our wards, ensure we do not have waiting lists in Emergency Departments or theatres. Our elective lists have been cancelled time and time again.
Minister, get your act together. You are a new minister. I am going to give you a little time, but not too much. You say you are the doctor. Well, doctor, do something about it. Your predecessor could not do anything; I hope you do better.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, in response to the shadow minister, I reiterate that nursing FTE positions have increased 20% under this government.
In relation to the media release that the member for Greatorex issued in which he said that the number of nurses recruited in 2005-06 fell 82 from the year before and is well below recruiting levels of the past five years – wrong. There has actually been an increase between 2004-05 and 2005-06 of 4% - 780 in 2004-05 and 811 in 2005-06. You are wrong. The data that you were looking at was not a full year figure.
I stand on this government’s record of creating extra nursing positions and recruiting to them, and spending over 60% more on health than the CLP ever did in its time.
Mr McADAM (Corporate and Information Services): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be able to report to the House today on the wonderful work being undertaken by community library officers. Community library officers are the smiling faces of our remote community libraries. They deliver valuable community services by directing people to information, conducting children story-telling sessions and running literacy programs for all ages. They assist people to engage with technology and the worldwide web, and provide an important social hub and meeting place in their communities for men, women and children alike.
Community library officers are employed by their local councils which partner the Northern Territory government in providing library services across the Territory, and are almost always local indigenous members of their community. They are supported by the Libraries and Knowledge Centres program, a very successful work unit of the NT Library.
I am pleased to advise the House that the Northern Territory Libraries and Knowledge Centre program was recently awarded the Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management for Engagement with the Community. It also received high commendation in the Indigenous Community Development Award category. This recognition is testimony to the good work of the Northern Territory Library, which is not only delivering a valuable service in remote indigenous communities throughout the Territory, but is going a long way to ensuring sustainable community participation and upskilling in the delivery of core public service by indigenous Territorians for indigenous Territorians.
Support to community library officers is provided in a variety of ways. The recently held Community Library Officers’ Forum in Darwin is the most notable. This is an annual training forum which is designed to provide community library officers with an opportunity to train in the use of online resources and multimedia, and build on their existing library skills. This year was themed ‘Information Literacy for Communities’. The continued success of the annual forum was realised again last month, with an impressive 30 community library officers travelling vast distances from 22 of the Territory’s most remote communities - communities such as Angurugu, Wadeye, Umbakumba, Pirlangimpi, Elliott, Barunga, Ngukurr and Pine Creek.
I am sure that members present will agree that their commitment to attend this forum, some with young children, shows enormous dedication to their work and strong commitment to their community. The support to community library officers and the work which the Libraries and Knowledge Centre program is carrying out, delivers on this government’s affirmative approach to indigenous affairs, and is meeting the commitment to empower indigenous people and ensure that they have the capacity and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I was also made aware during the Community Libraries Officers’ Forum that four of these people were given special recognition by the NT Library for their 10 years of continuous service. This is a considerable achievement by any measure, particularly in service delivery in remote communities. I especially acknowledge them in this House today: Val Seib of Borroloola, Gaye Lawrence and Elaine Gano of Pine Creek, and Marg Minnett of Mataranka. They have all given 10 years of continuous service; a very marvellous achievement.
Madam Speaker, in closing I commend the work of the Libraries and Knowledge Centre programs of the Northern Territory Library and the dedication and commitment of the community library officers to this House. I also acknowledge the hard work, dedication, commitment of Trish Angus and Jo McGill.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I share the minister’s support for community libraries and the staff who work in them. This is one of the best ways we can deliver resources to communities which struggle to obtain the resources through the normal ways. Having use of the Internet allows greater dissemination of information and material. The way the Internet engages particularly children out in the communities, gives them a platform from which to learn and understand concepts and continues to develop the desire to engage with the Internet encourages literacy and numeracy to enhance their interaction. It is fantastic.
I want to make a point that I made to the minister a while ago in writing about the use of the Internet in the library here in Parliament House. There are commercial enterprises in town that lose business to the public library. We need to distinguish between tourists, who use our library Internet service for free, and Territorians who could potentially be denied those opportunities because tourists are filling the places on computers. Tourists should be using commercial enterprises in town, and Territorians can have free access to our library Internet services.
Mr McADAM (Corporate and Information Services): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his support and contribution in respect of the library programs run by my department, particularly those that relate to communities in the bush. I agree with him that they are a vital link. It is the way of the future, particularly in isolated communities.
In respect of the use of Internet services in the Northern Territory Library, I believe the issue of nil cost was raised by you during Estimates. I did undertake to get a response from my department. I do not have that response yet. However, it is a timely reminder and I will follow that up on your behalf.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
Continued from 24 August 2006.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I will be brief. The bill is supported for obvious reasons. The issue of payment of conduct money has been a difficult one and has been floating around for many years; it is an issue that warrants legislators having a go.
I am not sure whether the proposal contained in the bill will achieve what all of us want to see achieved, but it is certainly worth doing. I note that the intention, in essence, is to provide flexibility to arrange for a witness to travel to court in a manner that is appropriate in the circumstances. It still provides the option for cash or paying up-front. However, it similarly provides flexibility to ensure that other payment arrangements can be considered.
The purpose of the bill, in the first line of the former Attorney-General’s second reading speech, was to amend the law in relation to the provision of what is commonly known as ‘conduct money’. The amendments are worthwhile and supportable. It might be appropriate to review it, say in 12 or 18 months. It is likely that these changes will make everyone’s lives a bit easier but, nevertheless, it would be good for the Attorney-General to ask for a report in 12 or 18 months, certainly from the DPP and summary prosecutions, to ensure that the proposal actually achieves what all of us want.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I also support the amendment. What this highlights is that there is an inequity for people required to attend court. Some time ago, I asked the then Attorney-General to look at payments made to jurors. The minister did have a review and increased the amount of the fee for people attending trials over 10 days.
There is still a serious inequality in the system. There are some very highly paid people who attend court: barristers, lawyers and judges. Then there are people who are paid for going simply because that is part of their job. Here, we are making sure people who are witnesses come to court and we are saying that we will provide an airfare or whatever is required to get them there and they will have accommodation, meals etcetera, or the equivalent of that.
However, when it comes to jurors, especially those who are not attending trials over 10 days, their payment is totally inadequate. For instance, if a private employer is required to serve on a jury, many times he would have to get someone else to replace him at a far greater cost than he would be paid to attend the trial, and a lot less if he is only on the reserve juror list - something like $20 a day. We are living in cuckoo land if we think this is the way to encourage people to take part in our legal system.
We have, on one hand, people who are well paid. We are trying to make sure that witnesses turn up for court by paying airfares and so on. However, on the other side of the equation, we are asking people to be part of the justice system as jurors, but pay them what is equivalent to working at the beginning of last century. If we want people to participate in our democratic process, which is the court system, we need to pay them adequate compensation for work lost.
One could argue that they do it out of the goodness of their heart because this is part of a citizen’s responsibility. In many cases, that citizen’s responsibility has to be weighed against the financial disadvantage that some people encounter when they are put in the position where they would like to serve as a juror, but know that would cause them quite a financial loss.
Whilst I thank the previous Attorney-General for at least having some review of this, overall, it needs a lot more attention. The balance needs to be set so that there is a fair allocation of resources for all people involved in the court system.
Mr STIRLING (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the members for Araluen and Nelson for their contributions. The reforms were instigated at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions who was concerned with the problem of ensuring witness attendance to testify at trial.
In the Territory particularly, assistance does need to be provided. Otherwise, many people would simply be unable to attend the proceedings of the court. However, supplying money at some point before trial, especially in certain situations, often does not help to guarantee that appearance. The bill addresses the DPP’s concerns and will work to ensure the judicial system works as efficiently and swiftly as possible.
Every possible assistance should be provided so witnesses can make it to court and willingly provide evidence. However, if they choose not to, a clear method of compulsion is available to the DPP and the courts. The bill amends the Evidence Act to clarify exactly how an applicant party, usually the DPP, can provide conduct money to enable a witness to appear in court. It will set out the court’s powers to require a person to be present to give evidence, and the consequences of failure to comply when they have been provided with assistance. Under the bill, conduct money will be available to witnesses by a variety of means a reasonable time before they are required to comply. The assistance can take the form of cash, travel vouchers, transport tickets or cab charges and even a lift to court.
The bill also makes consequential amendments to various acts, regulations and rules to ensure the Evidence Act is the primary authority on provision of conduct money with necessary amendments to the Justices Act and Regulations, Local Court Act and Rules, Supreme Court Rules, Work Health Court Rules and Mining Regulations.
It was a fair call from the member for Araluen in her contribution to seek views on the system overall, particularly the DPP, in around 12 months’ time to see whether these amendments have met the mark. I am happy to do that and it is important to do so.
In respect of the member for Nelson’s comments, whilst jurors’ payments are not a part of this bill specifically, I have listened to what he said. I will seek my own brief and advice on jurors’ payments to satisfy myself as to the fairness or otherwise of those payments and how they operate in the context of a whole lot of other things. I will seek that briefing and advise the member for Nelson at some point in the future. I thank members for their contribution.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr STIRLING (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
Continued from 31 August 2006.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, today I contribute to the statement on the Territory communications needs. I do not often attack the opposition for political purposes, but today I have to. Telstra is of vital importance to the Northern Territory, and what we are seeing here is the disappearance of the CLP on this vital issue of Telstra on behalf of all Territorians.
The CLP should now be known not as the Country Liberal Party but as the Canberra Liberal Party, as what we are seeing from the federal government is an attack on all Territorians through the selling of Telstra. We have heard many promises over a long period of time about the protections that will be placed on all Australians, no matter where they live - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Wadeye, Maningrida, Utopia, wherever you want to go. What we have seen in the last few months, and what is proposed into the future, in the federal government’s response to Telstra, is an attack on the basic rights of every Australian citizen to have communications equal to any other country in the world. We are one of the richest countries in the world, and we have the ability to effect real change on peoples’ lives, no matter where they live.
We have the Canberra Liberal Party, a once proud party called the CLP, standing up for Territory rights. The other question is: where is the Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion and the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, on these issues? We have heard them previously make outlandish statements, one of which was on 2 November 2001 by Dave Tollner on the sale of Telstra.
We have certainly seen what they have been able to achieve, with the members for Greatorex and Araluen as the leadership group over there for the CLP:
Reporter: What is your benchmark?
Privatisation moves. Here we are in 2006 and we have seen those guaranteed protections produced by the federal government – not! We have not seen any protection of Territory rights, of citizens, whether they live in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Maningrida, Wadeye, Utopia, Kalkarindji, Daguragu. What we have seen is a gutting of services to the bush - no fault of Telstra. We have heard all throughout the Territory every member on this side of parliament talk in glowing terms of Telstra and what services they have attempted to provide in some of the remote areas and urban areas. However, they are operating within restraints. All I can say is I have to put on record a whole list of things that Telstra, through negotiations I conducted over the last 14 months regarding the RAAF Base and bringing broadband to constituents at the RAAF Base, have been nothing but helpful with.
I was just looking over this correspondence, Madam Speaker, and I will table this list of documents. There are a number of letters here. In response …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, you need to seek leave to table the documents.
Mr BONSON: May I do that at the end of the speech, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Yes. Perhaps if you seek leave now and then you can table it later.
Mr BONSON: All right. I seek leave to table these letters.
Leave granted.
Mr BONSON: In response to my letters over a long period of time, I have a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Hon Teresa Gambaro MP:
Why I bring that sentence to the attention of this House is that Telstra did show a great want and desire to help the constituents of the RAAF Base. However, it was a flicking of the honourable minister’s letter and blame, I suppose, onto what Telstra can and cannot do. The point we are missing is Telstra was designed as a service for all Australian citizens no matter where they live. With the privatisation of Telstra, what we will see is a decline in that access to services - whether it be local phones, access to broadband and mobile phone services etcetera. It goes on and on. That is our argument; that any changes to Telstra need to take into account that the Northern Territory has special circumstances. We are one-sixth of the land mass of Australia and much of our population lives in rural or remote areas. In a lot of ways we are the future of Australia in our location in relation to Asia. Yet, through the sale and the treatment of Telstra and the treatment of Territorians by the federal government, with the Canberra Liberal Party, we are seeing a decline of services in the bush which will restrict development in those areas, both economic and social.
I note that the member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, and the Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, have spoken out many times in the Commonwealth parliamentary arena on behalf of Territorians, urging both Senator Nigel Scullion and the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, to speak out strongly on these issues and, if not, walk across the floor in terms of negotiating a la Barnaby Joyce. Unfortunately, the Canberra Liberal Party has shown that they will toe the Prime Minister’s line all the way home.
I will move on and describe some of the help that I have received from Telstra over a long period of time. Most people in this House on both sides would recognise that the former Area General Manager for Telstra Country Wide, Mr Danny Honan, was a fantastic employee of Telstra and worked tirelessly with all members of this House to ensure that Territorians maintained access to services.
I wrote to him on 4 May 2005:
I think we received the highest number - and I might have the number in here - ever in the history of a survey conducted, throughout the whole of the Northern Territory, lobbying Telstra on their forms provided with applications for things like broadband.
It is important to realise that we have had a large increase in Defence Force families over the last 15 years to the Darwin area. Many of them come from down south and have fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters living down south with whom they wish to communicate.
There is a whole dynamic, and I know the members for Brennan and Drysdale understand this dynamic, that there are now Defence troops and employees working all around the world. Of high profile is the Iraq conflict. The reality is that these families do not have contact with their loved ones. I am ashamed that we can send these people to represent our country, yet we cannot provide them with equitable access to communicate with their families in Australia.
I will continue with the letter:
Yours sincerely
Matthew Bonson
In response, quite quickly from Steve Tutt, the Customer Service Manager, Telstra Country Wide:
Dear Matthew,
Here we have Telstra staff identifying what frameworks they have to operate in, but there is no recognition from the federal government that these are the commercial parameters that Telstra have to operate in. This is also a bigger issue than just a pure commercial dividend benefit to the federal government, and the Canberra Liberal Party should realise this. The reality is that we not only live in an economy, we live in a society, and that some individuals throughout this country, by sheer mass, will not be able to lobby on purely economic terms. As Australian citizens, the question that should be asked in this House and of the federal government, is whether they deserve the same equitable access to emergency phone services, contact with their families, ringing health, talking to Power and Water, or ringing interstate? Most Australian citizens would say that telecommunications at that basic level is a fundamental right of all Australian citizens.
I want to put on record that Telstra Country Wide staff were fantastic in dealing with my office and residents of the RAAF Base in ensuring that we did everything right when we were lobbying Telstra about allocating services to this area.
What we saw over a long period of time was that we quickly increased the number of people registering an interest for broadband. I made a number of calls throughout the Northern Territory and wrote letters to individuals such as the Senator Hon Robert Hill, the Minister for Defence on 23 May 2005:
I think we got up to about 125:
Matthew Bonson
Member for Millner
There are a number of letters that, no doubt, members will take the opportunity to have a look at. There is a further letter saying the numbers go past 80, then 100 and 125. What was good is that we kept constituents of the RAAF Base, who are Australian citizens and who are now Territorians, informed. For instance, we wrote to households on the RAAF Base about ADSL broadband installation and the update. The letter reads:
If it took us a long period of time to effect change in urban - basically central - Darwin, near the major airport, five minutes from the city, to a community group that has access to a lot of different avenues to get responses quickly, how would someone living 300 km east of Katherine be going? How would someone 200 km north of Alice Springs be going with, obviously, not the same access to services in the heart of Darwin. This is the key issue. We are talking about Australian citizens having the same access as we would hope every Australian citizen could get. To be fair to Telstra, they will be operating in an environment of profit. However, what we are saying the federal government, and to the Canberra Liberal Party - the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, the Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion - is that we would like them to advocate stronger on behalf of all Territorians, to relay the fact that we form a community that is very remote and that we do need equitable access to services.
I share the concern of the Minister for Communications about the sale of Telstra. Not only has the sale adversely affected existing shareholders, it will undoubtedly be to the detriment of the consumer. I spent much of the lead-up to the last election talking to my constituents, and above all other matters at the RAAF Base was the issue of broadband access. Why was this such a concern to the residents of the RAAF Base? Many had come from interstate and were used to the level of services provided, and many were the partners or children of military personnel serving overseas. The latter reason is probably the most important. With the number of commitments the Australian military has overseas, there is, obviously, a large proportion of personnel serving away from home. Modern technology provides the ability for loved ones to keep in touch with service personnel abroad; that is, the broadband connection is available. I was told by many residents that it simply became unworkable with outdated connections.
For members of the public reading Hansard in the future, my electorate of Millner, geographically, is the first electorate in the northern suburbs. Nonetheless, I am advising of an 18-month battle that I faced to have broadband access included in a location less than 6 km from the Darwin CBD. I can only begin to understand the plight of the regional and remote locations to be coming online and up-to-date. I note and support the minister’s consistent lobbying of the federal government to provide urban parity for indigenous communities, and to bring the Territory up-to-date with other states. The access to broadband that has been achieved was done in an environment in which Telstra still had some public ownership. I thank the people at Telstra I dealt with, Libby Beath and, briefly, Danny Honan, and others that I have mentioned today for their assistance. However, it has not been easy.
My concern is for the remote areas in a more deregulated environment. Deregulation is being sold as meaning greater competition. This may well be the case for Telstra communications in the western suburbs of Sydney, but it is not the case in the Northern Territory. There is only one provider for remote areas and that is Telstra.
What the Country Liberal Party - or the Canberra Liberal Party, or whatever you want to call them in the future - needs to understand is that this will be a vital issue for all Territorians, right across the board. It is about linking and accessing to services, and the rights of Australian citizens to have equitable access. What we are seeing with these changes, in effect, will be a diminution of services provided to the bush, purely on economic terms. What I am saying is, not only do we operate in the economy, we operate in the society. As one of the richest nations in the world, surely we can spread the dividend of national profit to all Territorians, all Australian citizens, wherever they may be.
Madam Speaker, the final thing I say is to thank the minister for his continuous attack on Telstra issues ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, your time has expired.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support the ministerial statement on the Territory’s communication needs.
It is interesting that we have moved on from when this was last raised and the previous minister quite eloquently spoke on this subject. Some things change, some things do not. I am here to talk about how those changes have affected where we go from here, and how it affects people like me and rural electorates such as Goyder.
I guess what the real important issue that is driven home to us is the basic fire sale of T3. It really does drive home, very strongly, our need for securing the telecommunications needs of the Territory. When the previous motion was put by the previous minister, the member for Johnston, we sought $265m in funding from the federal government through a proportion of the sale of T3 to try to ensure our telecommunications services were up to scratch. That is the essences of this; that it is up to scratch. We are not asking for any more; we never have been asking for any more. We have just been asking to be put on a par with the rest of Australia. That is a fundamental right and expectation of all Australians, and that is all we were asking for.
When the previous minister spoke, he raised issues about the funds aimed to redress many of the poor telecommunications services throughout the Territory. I guess this does go to the very core of the justification the federal government gave for the sale of Telstra. I stress that, because I fear that the very areas most in need - and I mean the rural and bush electorates, including my own electorate of Goyder - may miss out. That is the whole gist of what we are talking about here; fairness to all.
We all have moved on from when that original motion was put, and we do know what is going to happen. The Howard government has allocated $3.1bn under the Connect Australia package and future fund to ensure - only to ensure - the passage of the bill, the sale of Telstra, through both Houses of federal parliament. This funding is committed funding, but is or was dependent on the sale of Telstra. Okay, the federal government have locked themselves into this thing. They have not listened to what we were talking about regarding benefiting from the sale of Telstra. The Connect Australia and the future fund now form the government’s only form of funding for telecommunications issues. No other funding is available for telecommunication initiatives. That is the point we were trying to get the across previously when the previous minister raised this important motion. That is what we are still saying, but that has been ignored. That has been thrown out the window and is not really considered relevant because the big emphasis of the Australian government was ‘We have to get the sale through both Houses’. That is to appease those interest groups. I believe it was pretty poor in the way they handled it, anyway.
However, what does it mean? We will now have to compete with the other jurisdictions, the other states and territory, for funding for our critical telecommunications infrastructure, services and support. What makes us really different from those other jurisdictions is that we are so much more disadvantaged by a number of aspects through this deregulation, because we are not a central area. It comes to the core of what I said in my opening statement about what government is about - providing services. Under a deregulated environment that does not apply. That does not apply; we have to remember that. I urge the opposition to take note of that because they are in a position to drive that home along with us. I encourage them to push their federal counterparts and our federal CLP representatives on this very issue because that is the important issue; it is about fairness for us all.
The Territory’s needs are extensive as we all know, and they are more expensive because of these distances. Because of the limited competition here we need to be treated quite differently. Basically, we are coming from a long way back and that is a key element of what I am saying today.
What it comes down to is our ability to compete for funding, to sell our story. We are the most disadvantaged jurisdiction with respect to telecommunications needs. Our remote communities do not access adequate infrastructure for either business or personal telecommunications. Therefore, it comes down to how we sell our story. I have the utmost confidence in the government being proactive in trying to seek sufficient funding from the federal government. Of course, the new minister will take over the good work that the previous minister, the member for Johnston, embarked upon. He set the stage, and we will continue. We are not going to give up on this, but we are coming from a long way back. We are coming from a situation where we are going to rely on all the resources we can muster.
We commend the Department of Corporate and Information Services which is working closely with Telstra Country Wide. I point out that Telstra Country Wide is on our side, I believe; they do understand our situation. We are also working with DEET and the major commercial organisations which rely on telecommunications to try to ensure that Territory needs are driven home to the Australian government in a very vigorous and conspicuous manner.
We are out there trying, but we do need the Country Liberal Party to come behind us on this issue as this is about all Territorians. It is for the benefit of all Territorians.
I spoke earlier about Telstra Country Wide, and the news is not all bad. They are in a situation which is quite onerous, but they are in there batting for us. Telstra Country Wide is converting the existing GSM and CDMA mobile service to the new and more capable third generation 3GSM technology. This commercial decision by Telstra will provide the same coverage, but at a reduced cost to Telstra by reducing the maintenance and running costs. That is very innovative of them, but they are dealing with a situation and their hands are tied, to a great degree.
We are going to have this third generation 3GSM technology. It will involve new handsets but it will work everywhere that Telstra has a mobile service. We also know that it is scheduled to be turned out in the first half of 2007 and we can all look forward to that.
I spoke to Stewart Lines, the Telstra Country Wide Manager NT, who is a very big advocate for the Territory and I commend him for what he is trying to do. He raised a couple of local issues that were of relevance to my electorate of Goyder. I will read e-mail:
That is important as it really is the basis of what Telstra has been forced to do because of the uncertainty that the federal government has imposed upon it. They have had to be reactive to things the federal government has come out with. There were concerns at the time that CDMA was rolled out. I remember that and I am sure you all do. That is the environment that Telstra has had to work under; they were not given sufficient time to come out with the third generation services. However, we are going to have it soon and that will be of benefit to the Territory,
The other area I would like to talk about is the continued roll-out of ADSL. That really came home to me at the last election. Like all members, I have constituents who raise a number of issues outside our own electorate, where we can actually influence the NT government. Of course, council wishes are one of them and we all know about those, but federal issues come up. One of the big issues that came up at that time was that broadcasting ADSL services were being delivered everywhere but in my rural area and, as in a number of other electorates, that was not really being shown on the ground.
I took it upon myself to liaise with my federal counterpart, particularly Senator Trish Crossin, and her office and they helped us work up a strategy to facilitate people who were requiring ADSL - in other words getting the numbers, of which the member for Karama is well aware. I learnt a lot from her on how to go about this, and I thank her for that, and I thank other members for their input into how we could turn that into a positive.
I worked with our federal counterparts and we started to write to people to ask them about their interest and to come to us, and we would pass that on to our federal counterparts. At that point, I also engaged in discussions with Telstra Country Wide and they were very happy to help us in that respect. In fact, when I was elected, they gave us a spreadsheet to use. When people come into our offices and ask about these issues, we can put their name and location on the list because they do work on a quota basis. I am not sure it is the way I would like to see it operate, but that is the sphere they are working in and, once they have enough potential customers, they can extend that ADSL service.
That is what we have been working on with them. We continue to work with Telstra Country Wide. Stewart Lines and his crew have been very helpful. I must add that Stewart is one of my constituents in Virginia, so he understands very clearly the position that we face in the rural area. We have been working with Telstra and with Senator Crossin’s office really trying to help people in the rural area, and I know the member for Nelson is doing very much the same. We are all trying to work as best we can for the rural area.
I am advised by Stewart Lines that Telstra is also undertaking broadband ADSL expansion for the commissioning of the Howard Springs exchange recently. Telstra has been able to bring ADSL to Virginia and other parts of Howard Springs. I am sure the member for Nelson is very pleased about that. I am very pleased for my constituents. In fact, I have people ringing me and telling me that they are so pleased. They feel have to share it with someone, and I am very proud and honoured they share it with their local member. We are all in there together; they understand that and they are very pleased and understanding about what I have personally done, but also very pleased with what other members and this government is trying to do in our way. They understand things like the motion that was put by the last minister, the member for Johnston, on that matter. They understand that the new minister, the member for Barkly, has taken up that challenge as well, and what we are trying to do.
Stewart went on to explain how the expanded broadband ADSL has been extended to the Berry Springs exchange. That now means that the footprint has been extended to the Berry Springs area. That was unheard of a few months ago. We are working together with them and they are out there doing the best they can. I am very pleased for my constituents at Berry Springs now who are getting the service. I am sure the member for Daly will talk a little about that as well.
Stewart went on also to talk about the expanded broadband ADSL through Humpty Doo, the most recent being the sub-exchange in Strangways Road behind the Humpty Doo Hotel. I might point out that was one of the particular areas that we had a lot of involvement in through collecting the numbers and petitioners through the Telstra spreadsheet in our office. We played a big part in that, and I am very pleased to have been part of that. We now have this sub-exchange on Strangways Road behind the Humpty Doo Hotel, and further works are in progress for the sub-exchange in Girraween Road at Howard Springs, and Goode Road at Humpty Doo. It is some good news, but we are working with what we have. We still have that problem with the bush not getting ADSL - okay, we are working with what we can. We are not being negative; we are out there being positive and proactive, while helping more people to have access to Bigpond ADSL than ever before.
We still are faced with – I cannot get away from it - the NT, per capita, having the worst telephone exchanges in the country. That is still the case; nothing has changed in that respect. That was not addressed as part of the federal government’s assessment of the sale of T3 or what we were going to get out of the potential out of that. Therefore, it has come down to these two other sources of project funding. Specifically, we still have six of the 97 worst telephone exchanges in Australia. I reported that during the last debate.
What I want to reiterate is how Telstra, through their federal masters, were forced to renege on a commitment that they announced on the mobile phone service to the Cox Peninsula. I raised that in my last supporting statement when we raised the motion, and I want to raise it again. It has not gone away; it is still there. Telstra has now been locked into a situation where they have been dealt out of the equation, but the federal government is still in there. I do believe, as part of that funding, from that $3.1bn, they need to think about this very carefully. The reason given at that time was, supposedly, that it was not commercially viable and there are just not enough people out there. Well, I find that quite offensive. The Cox Peninsula, Wagait Beach in particular, is clearly growing at an accelerated rate. They do not understand what is going on because the people who make these assessments about the future of our telecommunications industry are sitting in their comfy offices. They are not based up here in the Territory, they are based somewhere else. Telstra Country Wide, I believe, has its finger on the pulse, but they are being hamstrung by the sort of decisions which are made elsewhere.
The Wagait Beach and Cox Peninsula areas are growing very fast. We will have the new sealing of the roads and, consequently, the whole area is opening up. It has the potential to open up. The Larrakia Development Corporation is looking at planning for the future once the Kenbi land claim is settled, so there is a whole potential for that area. Even next year, we could see nearly 700 permanent residents and some 40 000 tourists and businesses in Mandorah. These are tourists who will not be able to have guaranteed mobile coverage, and we all know how important the mobile phone is to a tourist. If you cannot ring home, particularly for our grey nomads, that is a very important aspect. We are trying to develop tourism in some of these areas and are hamstrung because of the lack of telecommunications systems.
I stand by my previous statement to parliament when I said the ink is not even dry on the Telstra bills, and the federal government goes and reneges on a basic level of service delivery to the Cox Peninsula, a rapidly growing beachside tourist community less than 10 km from Darwin. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, our CLP federal member for the electorate of Solomon had the audacity to support the sale and praise Telstra’s local and remote services. Well, I do not know what state or territory he is living in, but it is certainly not the Northern Territory - in mind at least. Maybe bodily he is, but I do not know where he is coming from when he states those kind of aspects.
I urge members of the Northern Territory CLP to please, please, go and reiterate that point because it is selling us short. I do it to our federal members, and you guys need to do the same to your federal counterparts, to drive home that aspect that they are in a position to put the Territory first, the Territory No 1; not put it bottom of line, and fall in line, and then have the audacity to praise what the federal government is doing on this particular thing, and then renege on their priorities to the Territory when it comes to the vote. It is disappointing when Senators from Queensland have to defend the Territory when our own local federal members do not.
However, I am very pleased and happy that the future is in the hands of the new minister who is going to take up the reins from the previous minister. I am pleased to support this statement and its continuation ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Goyder, your time has expired.
Mr BURKE (Brennan): Madam Speaker, I support and thank the minister for his statement on telecommunication needs of the Territory. It is a great opportunity for me to put the case for Palmerston residents who so often miss out on services that people in other towns of the country, of comparable size, expect. In the area of telecommunications, the residents of Darwin share that problem.
I agree, to an extent, with the comments that the member for Millner made regarding the opposition, Canberra’s Liberal Party - very clever. Perhaps, though, we could amend it to Canberra’s lap dogs. I ask the RSPCA not to launch any action against me for cruelty to animals for that comparison.
Once upon a time, the Canberra lap dogs did pride themselves on having teeth and standing up for Territory issues against the federal government - a federal government which, at times, did not fully appreciate the needs of the Territory. No longer! Do-Nothing-Dave and Nowhere-To-Be-Found-Nige, whose policy of representing the Territory’s interests seems to be to do nothing, say nothing and make sure you are not in the House whenever there is an important vote affecting the Territory. That is all very well for them, but it leaves the Territory wanting.
I want to pick up on something that the member for Blain said about the policies of the Territory government. He claimed to have gone to the ALP website yesterday. Some months ago, during sittings of this Assembly, I visited the CLP website to look at their policies, because I had heard in the media announcements by the Leader of the Opposition: ‘We have policies on this, we have policies on that, we have policies on the other’. At that time, Hansard will record that I said the CLP had two policies on their website. I am not sure if I have to seek leave, Madam Speaker, but I must confess that I actually misled the House on that occasion. The CLP had one-and-one-third policies on their website, because the second policy I made mention of is a policy in three parts - and the other two parts are yet to be announced. The CLP, which trumpets its policies, have one-and-one-third on their website for people to access and, just like the famous words of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, we will just have to let them worry about what is exactly in the rest of their policies because we cannot find out.
Unlike Joh Bjelke-Petersen, the Canberra lap dogs do not fight for their state and people in remote areas. Joh Bjelke-Petersen made a nuisance of himself, not just to the then Labor federal government, but to his own federal colleagues in the federal Liberal and National Parties when he felt that the interests of Queensland, and particularly rural Queensland, were not being fully recognised and represented. Oh, so shameful that the degree of interest, commitment and courage is not replicated anywhere in the opposition here at the Territory level, or from Do-Nothing-Dave and Nowhere-To- Be-Found-Nigel.
My contribution this morning will focus pretty exclusively on Internet services. Some people might ask why. The fact is that the Internet pervades every facet of our lives. We depend on it more and more, and nowhere is that more obvious than when we complain that it is not available to us in the form and manner we would like. Before I continue, I would like to relate a story. I attended a Minerals Council function last year at the SKYCITY casino, and the guest speaker was the Ambassador from China who gave a very interesting talk about China’s needs for ore and uranium and its need to expand its economic base. I was very interested in how she opened her speech that day. The room was full of high-powered business people, mining executives and the like, all with what has become the mandatory accessory of any high powered executive: the mobile phone. Their mobile phones were extremely flash, I thought. However, the Ambassador from China opened her speech with: ‘I was standing here looking around wondering how come all of your executives here have such old mobile phones. We have not seen phones like this in China for three years’. There is our mobile phone network shown up in that one little surprise statement by the Ambassador from China. I must say it was interesting watching some of the faces in that room. Moments before, they thought their phones were pretty flash and now discovered that they were not.
I would like to dispel one myth about Australia’s telecommunications giant, Telstra. Telstra has always been the most profitable company in this country. The only reason, prior to privatisation, that its profits were never declared as profits because it was then a fully publicly owned company, fully owned by the government. As we know, government instrumentalities do not have profits; they have surpluses. Let it not be thought that I am suggesting that it was an era of utopia where there was nothing wrong and service could not be improved - far from it. I simply make the point that privatising it has not made it any more profitable, in that sense, than when it was in public hands. It has always being a high performer in terms of the surplus/profit it has returned.
Let us get another thing straight: privatising Telstra has not put it in the hands of the public; it has put it in the hands of institutional shareholders and private shareholders. As an instrumentality fully owned by the Australian government, Telstra was always owned by the public of Australia - so let us dispel that little myth.
I note, and I hope he will forgive me, that the member for Johnston has been having some computer problems. I hope it is not the speed of the Internet with which we have to put up in the Top End that has been causing you problems, member for Johnston. It causes problems for the people of Palmerston and Darwin.
Let me give an analogy. Cable TV is pertinent to this debate because, as any observer who has been following the row over the media ownership laws will be able to say, accessibility and use of the Internet is key to the delivery of media services, and cable TV is one of those media. Residents of Darwin have cable TV in the true sense of the word. They have cable running outside the front of their houses and, some years ago, watched in horror as nature strips were dug up to allow cables to be laid. Anyone who has purchased and subscribed will have a cable running from their home to the cable that runs outside their door.
Palmerston does not. Cable subscribers in Palmerston do not subscribe to a cable service; they subscribe to a satellite service ...
Mr Mills: I have a cable.
Mr BURKE: A cable running to your home? It must be one of the few because the Palmerston City Council at the time were told by the provider that it would be too expensive and, if they wanted cable, then they had better accept the satellite provider program as there was no way they were going to be digging up and putting cables in.
Darwin City Council called the bluff of the provider, and the provider laid the cables. The Palmerston Council made the decision , and I do not criticise for a moment the decision made at the time, that they could not be certain that cable would be laid so they would acquiesce to the demands of the provider. Why? Because the provider said it would not bear the cost of laying the cables.
I take the member for Blain at his word, but other than he and a few others …
Mr Mills: It is a true story. Do not lie.
Mr BURKE: Nine-tenths – oh, come on! Are you saying that nine-tenths of Palmerston is not limited to cable via satellite rather than cable running through the ground in front of their house, member for Blain?
Mr Mills: Certainly not. I said I have it at my house; that is all.
Mr BURKE: Yes, and I said I take you at what you said. I did not disagree.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Brennan, continue please.
Mr BURKE: There is a very real example of how private enterprise working on private priorities refused to provide a service on the grounds of expense, a service which Telstra, when it was first set up, had embedded into its charter: to provide telecommunications services across the country to ensure access to services, despite the fact that it may not always be commercially profitable to do so. This was a service obligation which began to be eroded the moment of the part-sale of Telstra, and that continues.
It is true that areas of Darwin have ADSL coverage. ADSL is different from cable Internet. Cable Internet is quicker than even ADSL. In the year 2000, my father-in-law had cable connected to his home in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. It is now 2006, and we do not have cable services. We have ADSL services, but we do not have cable services. Why? Because I presume it is not profitable to do it. It is a huge expense and it is not one that Telstra is willing to undertake. What does this mean? Well, it has very real consequences for business, health, education, training and families.
Let us not forget that generation Y and those who come after generation Y use the Internet in ways that the rest of us, for the most part, can only gawk at. It is central to the way the future generations communicate with each other. My daughter has friends all over the world because of the Internet, and spends some time talking to them. When she was six, she had her own Internet page. She designed it herself. When she was in Year 10, she did computer studies and finished the course for that semester in the first two weeks, and then helped the school design its Internet page. That is the level of familiarity that our generations of the future have with Internet. That is the sort of familiarity we are putting blocks in front of our own generations here in the Territory because they cannot get that same type of access, that same speed access, that has become the staple in major centres.
Chad Hurley, 29 and Steven Chen, 27 are names that are probably meaningless to most members of this Assembly. They were to me but days ago. YouTube is probably another name which is pretty meaningless to most members of this House. What does it all mean? Chad Hurley and Steve Chen are the minds behind YouTube, an Internet site which enables people to upload and download videos of choice. There is the usual Funniest Home Video-type things and also bands putting up their music videos rather than put them through the usual channels, because it is cheaper and easier, and they get a far greater audience. There are great masses of people of all ages accessing music from all around the world through this one site. The site did not exist 18 months ago. Not that long ago - and by that I mean the beginning of this week - Google bought YouTube for $US1.65bn. That is approximately $A2.2 bn.
Chad and Steve, after they have given some proportion to their employees through their employee ownership scheme and a few other of their investors, will come out of this extremely well. Good luck to them. Why were they able to do this? Because the technology to which they had access enabled them to fulfil their entrepreneurial foresight. If you do not have the best Internet capabilities available, you lose the ability to have businesses at the cutting edge, and you lose imaginative young people to areas which do have those capabilities that they crave to enhance and progress their imaginative ideas. We need to ensure it is available to our young people.
Madam Speaker, I welcome the statement.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I will speak specifically about a few things that are happening in my electorate. They relate to a major project running optic fibre from Daly River through to Port Keats, which is a great announcement. It was announced, I believe, about 12 months ago by the Prime Minister. It is quite exciting for people along that 200 km stretch of road. They were very excited to have some high speed Internet and phone services available. What they were excited about was having CDMA access along that road as well. Although initial reports were that it was going to happen, it is apparently not the case now. Therefore, you have the largest indigenous community in Australia and the sixth largest town in the Northern Territory not having any sort of mobile coverage.
The push of the federal government has been very much on economic development, but they do not seem to put their money where their mouth is and complete the job. The provision of optic fibre cable certainly is a great incentive, but there is no use putting in a high volume conveyor of communication and not putting any sort of equipment on the end of it. That is just one example of the cost cutting and short-sightedness of the federal government and, I guess, Telstra looking to where their future lies.
That is duplicated across the Territory. There are a lot of areas that do not have mobile coverage, and they include the Stuart Highway. In the few of the times that I have tried to communicate with Telstra in relation to this matter about getting CDMA coverage for the Stuart Highway, particularly around the areas of Brocks Creek where there will be heavy mining activity and south of Mataranka, the statement has been that there are not enough people living there, so there is no demand or use. I challenge Telstra management to stand in the middle of the Stuart Highway in the middle of the Dry Season and see whether they survive because there are hundreds of thousands of caravans, trucks and vehicles travelling up and down that road. As soon as they get into range at various places along the way, Mataranka or Pine Creek, they switch their phones on and go mad. If they had coverage right along that road, not only would they be able to continue doing their business, but they would feel a hell of a lot safer travelling those vast distances.
In relation to the Stuart Highway, I refer to a radio interview in November 2001 on the ABC between Fred McCue and Dave Tollner. Mr Tollner, the CLP member for Solomon, stated:
Privatisation, that is.
In 2001, the CLP member for Solomon stated quite categorically that would be a requirement. I do not see that appearing. I do not hear the member for Solomon coming out and repeating those words, or demanding his Coalition colleagues fulfil the requirement. We have a betrayal of the Territory by the CLP members, caving in to the Coalition government and not fulfilling their obligations to the bush. What will happen once Telstra is fully privatised is that they will gut the bush. You will not see any technicians in helicopters fixing private telephone boxes in remote communities. You will not see Telstra trucks moving around. There will be nothing. There will be absolutely nothing out there; there is bugger all out there, anyway.
What the CLP federal members need to do is talk to their Coalition colleagues, uphold their end of the bargain, and complete full mobile coverage of the Northern Territory before any sale occurs. There needs to be something in writing that locks in response times and costs for maintenance on lines in the bush. I can see what is going to happen: they are going to start to charge and charge, and not appear. It will put so much pressure on economic development, on the people who live of Darwin, Palmerston and in rural and remote parts of the Northern Territory.
I support the Telstra staff; those technicians who travel around the Northern Territory do a great job. What they tell me is that they are told to patch it up and get on with it ; join the wires together, do not even bury them, and get it done. Lock in that the job has been done. Of course, they are having to come back and fix things, particularly during the Wet Season. That is what they are told to do. They are told to patch it up, because the corporation is looking to privatisation.
Madam Speaker, I urge the CLP to speak up for all of those people they supposedly represent in the bush: the cattlemen and regional businesses. I know they do not care about the communities, but what about all the rest of the people that they supposedly represent? They are letting those people down. CLP, speak up and do something about this sale.
Debate suspended.
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise that I will be absent for the next three sitting days. I will be interstate undertaking further medical treatment. I thank you for your continued support during my illness.
Mr Mills: Madam Speaker, I wish you all the very best.
Mr Wood: The same here, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Braham: Yes, good luck, Madam Speaker.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you.
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr McADAM (Communications): Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the members for Greatorex, Millner, Goyder, Brennan and Daly for their responses to the ministerial statement presented in this House by minister Burns. I also thank minister Burns for his stewardship of his very – may I continue, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Please continue.
Mr McADAM: There is a lot of noise in the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: I was expressing my appreciation to minister Burns for his stewardship of the portfolio in his capacity as Minister for Communications. We are in an odd situation. We have had the previous minister making the ministerial statement and we have the new minister summing up.
It is important that I take this opportunity to address some of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex, the opposition spokesperson for communications. It is very important to understand, member for Greatorex, that neither this government nor the previous Minister for Communications ever got stuck into Telstra. Telstra Country Wide has provided good service to the people of the Northern Territory within the constraints placed on them by the Australian government and the commercial interests they serve. This government is working closely with Telstra to improve telecommunication services in the Territory, but there is much more to do.
Everyone would be aware that the telecommunications sector is fast moving in a changing environment. Five years ago, broadband in the metropolitan areas of Australia’s east coast was expensive and had limited uptake by the community. With changes in technology, pricing, broadband has taken off. In large part, this is due to the pricing scheme adopted by Telstra some two years ago. This has changed how consumers relate to government and businesses. Content is changing to take advantage of the new technologies and the higher rates of adoption of broadband. Business has taken advantage of this, in changing their products and relationships with their customers to improve their reach and reduce costs.
There seems to be a suggestion from the member for Greatorex that people living in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia do not deserve to participate in this new environment, and that the information gap in these communities should be allowed to grow, because this is what will happen as more and more of what businesses and governments do is tailored for the Internet, and more and more of that content will require higher connection speed. Without the infrastructure to support high speed connection, the people of the Northern Territory who live outside of Darwin in the regional areas will be significantly disadvantaged. By the way, this is likely to make the delivery of government services more expensive as more staff will be required to service these remote communities. Therefore, it would be remiss of this government not to pursue every opportunity to improve the telecommunication services into our remote communities.
This government has worked continuously to improve telecommunication services in the Northern Territory. The member for Greatorex raised the issue of Commonwealth funding for satellite communications in his speech in October 2005 and reiterated his comments in this place in August this year. His statement was to the effect that only the police sought funding for satellite communications. Perhaps you should tell the police about this, as they seem to be wondering where the satellite dishes are. In fact, the Health department took advantage of the satellite communication services being offered around that time. Education is also funded by the Australian government for satellite communication for its Interactive Distance Learning Program. Funds were also successfully sought for high speed satellite communications into 14 selected communities to provide a complete suite of telecommunication services. Commonwealth funds were also successfully sought for large-scale infrastructure programs developed by various groups in the Northern Territory, including CDU and LGANT, with DCIS assistance. Over the last five years, over $20m-worth of telecommunication infrastructure services have resulted from the direct intervention of this government, including facilitation of the efforts of others.
Whilst there has been substantial progress made in the growing demand for more capable telecommunication services to meet the needs of our remote communities, the more demand and content and applications being developed means that there is still a lot of work to do. This is not a static environment. This is why the Northern Territory government sought $265m from the Australian government; because we have to bring the telecommunication services in the Territory up to speed with the rest of Australia. That is why this government is doing all we can to source funds from the Connect Australia program. This is why we sought bilateral support from members opposite and the federal members.
This government does not want to see our remote communities stagnate or go backwards, and telecommunication services on a par with metropolitan areas will provide our remote communities with the opportunity to participate in a broader economic base. This is building the future - building for our kids who live in these remote communities.
Let me dwell a moment longer on the Connect Australia program. Connect Australia is made up of four programs. Clever Networks will make $113m available, not $130m as the member for Greatorex previously indicated. The member for Greatorex did get something right, though. Clever Networks will require the Australian government funding to be matched, at least $1-for-$1. We know this for certain, as the guidelines for Clever Networks were released on 31 August. This is a program that is better suited to the larger jurisdictions with significantly more disposable funding available to them. Nevertheless, DCIS is consulting with our agencies through chief executive officers and the Northern Territory Information Management Committee to see if there are programs under way that could benefit from Clever Networks, or programs that could be initiated with support funding from Clever Networks.
Broadband Connect guidelines have also been released recently; in fact, on the 21 September. Broadband Connect guidelines include the Mobile Connect program, and is a program aimed at large telecommunication companies, or business consortia that have the capacity to build and operate large-scale telecommunication projects.
DCIS has been working with the Territory telecommunications industry and local government to develop expressions of interest for three key programs which have been identified to address many of the telecommunication deficiencies in the Territory. DCIS will now continue its efforts through lobbying and negotiating with industry and others to try to secure our telecommunication requirements in a response that is put to the Australian government Department of Communication, Information Technology and the Arts. However, even if we are successful, it will not stop there. As I said before, this is a dynamic environment which will require ongoing attention and funding to maintain the necessary levels of services throughout the Territory.
The guidelines for the final program under Connect Australia, Backing Indigenous Ability, as yet are unreleased. Yet another point of correction for the member for Greatorex: Backing Indigenous Ability will not provide $90m for telecommunication services. The Commonwealth government has already allocated $53.4m for the broadcasting component of Backing Indigenous Ability program. The balance of $36.6m will be available for telephones, Internet and videoconferencing, encouragement and aggregation of demand, online content and training - according to the Australian government’s previous media releases. This level of funding is grossly insufficient to meet the needs of indigenous communities in the Territory, let alone the requirements on a national basis. Nevertheless, we will make all efforts to get as much funding as possible for our indigenous communities.
In his reply in the Assembly on 31 August, the member for Greatorex indicated that he knew that 150 jobs resulting from the Telstra telecommunications contracts were not new jobs. I can categorically state in this House today that quite the opposite is true. Let us be clear in understanding this issue. The member for Greatorex seemed to imply that these were jobs that had been part of the previous contract. This is not the case. These jobs are over and above what is required for the Northern Territory government contract. These are jobs which would not exist in the Territory except for the contractual agreements with Telstra for the provision of telecommunication services to government. In fact, 170 new jobs will be created in the Territory over the next five years as a result of the contract with Telstra.
A further misunderstanding on the part of the member for Greatorex is about the recent contract for computer services and support. The overall cost of the contract is cheaper; however, the service levels have been significantly improved. That is something worth boasting about. It is worth commending the efforts of the department in finding innovative ways to improve computing and telecommunication services delivery to government and all Territorians.
At the risk of repetition, I must correct yet another point from the member for Greatorex. At no stage did the previous Minister for Communications indicate that Telstra or this government should pay for the development of a Smart Homes project in the suburb of Lyons. The previous minister was reporting on the developments in Lyons as it forms part of the industry development component of the government’s telecommunication contract with Telstra. The point is, the development of the Smart Homes project at Lyons was always going to be on a commercial basis between the developer and the telecommunication services provider. In fact, the negotiations, as a result of the tender the developer put to the market, are now under way and it is still possible that Lyons will be serviced with fibre optic cable.
I take this opportunity to briefly inform the Assembly of the outcomes of the Online Communications Council held on 8 September in Canberra which, as the new minister for Communications, I was able to attend. The Online Communications Council noted the progress of the Connect Australia package and, importantly for the Territory, agreed that the Connect Australia/Broadband Connect program should focus on underserved areas such as many of our remote indigenous communities.
The other key area for the Territory is the broadband blueprint, which will look at where Australia stands in relation to other OECD communities with regards to broadband, examine issues to ensure the widespread availability of the next generation broadband and, where governments can best intervene, particularly in regional remote areas, markets where market forces are limited. The blueprint will inform the Australia government as to how the $2bn in the communication funds should be dispersed. The blueprint will also account for $1.1bn funding in the Connect Australia package. The states and territories will give guidance to the development of the blueprint, initially through the National Broadband Strategy Implementation Group on which the Territory has strong representation.
I also had the opportunity to met the advisors from Senator Coonan’s office prior to the Online Communications Council meeting, and received a positive hearing. It is fair to say that there is a degree of empathy for the Territory regarding our telecommunication infrastructure requirements. However, we are still competing with other jurisdictions for the available funding. Whist we have made significant progress over the last five years, as indicated in the previous Minister for Communication’s statement last month, there is still a long way to go. The funding from Connect Australia represents a last opportunity to obtain substantial funding for large-scale infrastructure programs.
The full sale of Telstra will mean a different environment, and a more difficult exercise to obtain suitable telecommunications on par with metropolitan areas of Australia. This is not a criticism of Telstra; however, Telstra will behave as all large companies do in filling its obligations to its shareholders
Within this environment, we will be more reliant on the regulations and Australian government intervention to provide suitable telecommunication services to our remote communities. In the short period remaining, this government and DCIS will do all it can to improve and ensure the future of telecommunications services in the remote communities of the Territory.
I would like to mention my attendance at the Telstra Next Year launch which occurred last Friday. I was able to witness firsthand this new and exciting product and applaud Telstra for their efforts. It was, indeed, heartening to see what is possible. However, for the bush it remains a question of infrastructure.
In closing, Mr Deputy Speaker, the clear intent and wishes of government is to ensure that residents of regional remote communities will be able to share in the next generation of telecommunications. It was made very clear by our previous speakers who spoke with a high degree of information and passion of telecommunications and information technology as it applies to their electorates. I congratulate all the speakers, in particular the member for Millner, who gave a very succinct and passionate response regarding his approach to getting broadband to the RAAF Base.
The bottom line for us in the Northern Territory is that we have a small population base and we have to be very innovate, creative, and aggressive in ensuring we put in place communication networks that are going to meet the demands of not only people who live in the regional centres but, indeed, people living in remote parts of the Northern Territory. You can have all the technology you want, but the bottom line here is that we have to be able to work as hard as we possibly can to secure Canberra dollars for our infrastructure. I thank all speakers for their contributions.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
Building the Territory’s Future:
An Economic Progress Report
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Mr Deputy Speaker, in 2005 the Martin government made a commitment to the people of the Northern Territory. That commitment was to deliver a strong and growing economy for the benefit of Territorians now and into the future. It was the most fundamental commitment made by the government in the lead-up to the 2005 election. It is a commitment to strengthen and diversify the Territory’s economic base, create jobs and grow the economy within sound fiscal parameters.
Now, a little over a year into our second term, I wish to provide the House with a progress report on the government’s delivery against that commitment. In the ministerial statement today, I will examine the state of the economy, the Territory government’s economic policies, and the broad economic outcomes. I will also examine various sectors of the economy in summary. However, my government colleagues with responsibilities in particular areas will provide more detail on these matters.
Throughout the course of the statement, I have included graphs to illustrate the points made. These graphs will also be tabled separately for the information of members at the end of the statement.
The Territory economy today has been described by the respected economic think tank Access Economics as turbocharged. It has recently been described by the Australian Financial Review of 21 September 2006 as an economy in overdrive. I table the economic Special Report produced by the Australian Financial Review. It was a comprehensive report, and it headlined, for example: ‘Resources push the economy into overdrive’, the Northern Territory; ‘A gas bubble just exploding with potential’; ‘Waterfront coming to life as the place to live’; ‘The sky’s the limit for Darwin’s property boom’; ‘Bumper catch when the CSIRO goes fishing’; ‘Darwin transforms from hick town to high life’; ‘The world’s new low-cost gateway to Australia’; and ‘Railway becomes lifeline for NT mining’. Not a bad array of headlines from the most respected financial publication in Australia, the Australian Financial Review, which ran to some eight or 10 pages. I table the supplement for the benefit of members who did not happen to see the Financial Review at the time.
The Housing Industry Association, in their regular economic reviews, are positive to glowing about the economy and its immediate future. On any assessment of the economic data available, these descriptions are hard to dispute. It is now difficult to remember that, at the end of the 1990s, the Territory economy was in a major recession and both the deficit and debt were spiralling.
On coming to office, the Martin government was faced with the twin issues of a contracting economy and no budget flexibility to counteract it. The budget deficit was described by the then Under Treasurer as ‘unsustainable’. The failure of various governments throughout the 1990s to properly manage the budget and the government’s infrastructure program meant that the Territory economy contracted, jobs were lost and increasing numbers of people left to move interstate. Government appeared to rely on external factors to keep our economy growing at a time when those external factors were diminishing. Private investment in construction, in particular, was reducing.
The strength of the Territory economy in the early to mid-1990s was the economic activity generated by the movement of the military to the north, because that brought a significant increase in population and a significant boost to local construction. However, nothing was in place to take over the economic activity generated by the military once the project was complete and all people were in place.
The railway was one major project, and a significant one. However, more was needed. Infrastructure expenditure was needed to be available to sustain a broader number of small and large businesses. Apart from a temporary bounce caused by the sudden influx of East Timorese refugees and the United Nations, the retail sector was also very flat.
Shortly after coming to office, the government had to also contend with the effects of the World Trade Centre tragedy, the failure of Ansett and the scare caused by SARS, effectively sending the tourism industry into serious decline. For any government new to office, this situation, combined with the general economic conditions, presented a daunting and difficult series of tasks.
To drag the Territory economy out of the doldrums, the Martin government adopted policies which, to this day, form the basis of our economic strategy. The principles underlying our actions are: providing a high level of cash to capital works and infrastructures; focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth; making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business in the community; and maintaining strong fiscal discipline. Over the last five budgets, this strategy has formed the core of our decision-making and economic action.
Since 2001, the government has spent in excess of $2.7bn in cash on infrastructure, and the expenditure has been focused strategically. Cash has been spread across a number of projects of various sizes. We have undertaken large and major projects, but we have undertaken medium and smaller projects as well. We have also maintained a high level of minor new works in repairs and maintenance expenditure. In this way, we have spread the infrastructure budget across the broadest possible range of industries and businesses, and throughout the regions. We have also focused infrastructure spending on strategic investment likely to leverage either further private sector investment or bring a downstream longer-term economic return to the Territory. That is why we funded the Darwin City Waterfront and convention centre. While the opposition and others have opposed our investment in this major project …
Mr Mills: Rubbish!
Mr STIRLING: While the opposition and others have opposed our investment in this major project, the fact remains that this development will bring long-term economic benefits to the Territory, not just in the 10- to 15-year construction program. If you do not oppose it, get up sometime in this parliament and say what a great job it is; how good it will be for the Territory. I have not heard you say that, but I have heard plenty of criticism and opposition.
The tourism benefits to be produced by expanding our tourism destination options through the development of the convention centre will have flow-on benefits right across the economy. The government has placed significant strategic investment in roads. We have funded beef roads and the upgrading of major tourist routes. Both of these provide long-term economic development opportunities for the Territory.
Other examples are the funding of the bulk loading facility at the port, increased funding for power generation, and additional Power and Water repairs and maintenance spending. We have also made every effort to spread our infrastructure expenditure regionally. For example, further works on the Alice Springs Hospital, the undertaking of works on the Desert Knowledge Centre and the Mereenie Loop provide strong support for business in the Alice Springs community, as well as providing a catalyst for future economic growth in the region.
We have also tried to spread the allocation of work across the year to ensure that work is available through all the seasons that Territorians face. These deliberate strategies, combined with the overall increase in expenditure on infrastructure, have seen the revitalisation of the construction industry in the Territory. Any glance out of the confines of this building will see an array of cranes on the skyline which show the remarkable state of this important industry. Construction means jobs, skills and good wages for workers. An active construction industry supports small business contractors and the retail industry. It is estimated that the Territory government’s construction program alone directly sustains around 5000 jobs a year. Thousands more result from the indirect benefits of that level of employment.
However, in addition to the emphasis on infrastructure, the government is also focused on supporting other economic drivers. For example, with the collapse of tourism, the government decided to inject an additional $30m over a three-year period to boost the promotion of the Territory, and instigate a series of national and international marketing campaigns designed to sell the Territory to the nation and the rest of the world. The success of that cash injection has been such that, in this year’s budget, the government decided to make the $10m per annum increase an ongoing feature of the tourism budget. Tourism has rebounded in the Territory. The figures today are returning to the old pre-collapse levels but, of course, there is more to be done.
The government has also supported the export industry through a successful program of engagement with our northern neighbours and direct industry support for export initiatives.
The mining and energy industry has also benefited from a number of government policy decisions. Our approach to negotiating sensible native title and land rights arrangements with traditional owners, rather than rush into court at every opportunity, has seen as expansion of the mining industry exploration process. Exploration licence approvals more than doubled since 1999-2000. In the six years since, mining exploration levels are now almost 800 licences per year.
The development of our gas fields now means that the Territory is becoming the fourth major gas hub in Australia. Gas onshore brings major economic changes; it strengthens our efforts to diversify the economy through various downstream processing options.
One of the most significant areas of economic reform undertaken by the government has been in the area of taxation reform. The Martin Labor government is the most tax reforming government in Northern Territory history. We have delivered the lowest taxes in Australia on businesses with up to 100 staff. We have provided up to $74m in tax reduction. That is $74m less paid in tax today than would have been paid had the taxation rates stayed the same as they were when we took office. We will deliver a further $134m reduction in taxation payments by the end of this term of office in 2009. That is very significant and real support for business and for Territorians.
The graph included in this statement, which will be tabled, shows that the amount of tax based on business up to 100 staff in New South Wales is $344 800, Victoria $316 000, Queensland $282 500, Western Australia $266 000, South Australia $283 000, Tasmania $297 000 and the Northern Territory figure $253 760 - considerably less than the other states and territories. By providing a low tax environment the government is providing the Territory small and medium businesses with a competitive edge over their interstate counterparts.
Since coming to office, the government has reduced the payroll tax rate down from 6.5% to 6.2%. We have also increased the tax-free threshold from $600 000 to $1.25m. What does that mean for business? It means that a Territory business, prior to the government coming to office, with a payroll of $2m would have paid $91 000 in payroll tax; today that same company pays just $46 500 in payroll tax, a savings to that business of around $44 500 a year. That is what backing business is all about; that support that builds our future.
The Martin government has also reduced a range of stamp duties. We have reduced or removed a total of five stamp duties, including duty on the granting and renewal of leases and on unquoted marketable securities in the most recent budget. In addition, we have removed electronic debit transaction duty and debits tax. Over the next three years, we will remove the stamp duty on hiring arrangements and on the business component of non-residential conveyancing. The government has not made these decisions in a random fashion. The policy intent behind the reductions has been to give business greater capacity and opportunity to grow and to employ more people.
Another example of the government using taxation policy to encourage an important social and economic outcome can be seen in the policies adopted by the Martin government in relation to housing. It is a fundamental tenet of the Labor government that we want to see people in their own homes. The government has undertaken a very deliberate policy approach in the provision of tax breaks for first home buyers. To this end, we have increased the tax-free threshold for stamp duty on conveyancing for first home buyers from $80 000 to $225 000 - a significant increase. What that means is that Territorians buying their first average priced unit will pay no stamp duty at current prices.
The government also introduced two other measures aimed at driving up home ownership. The first of these is the $2500 rebate for stamp duty on conveyancing for all Territorians buying their principal place of residence. This rebate and the first home owner tax breaks have returned to Territorians around $35m to 30 June 2006. That is $35m that is spent on finishing, furnishing and fitting out of these homes. Almost 12 500 Territorians have benefited from these schemes.
The Martin government also revamped and enhanced the HomeNorth scheme to take into account market conditions. This important and nationally leading policy provides people with a greater opportunity to become home owners by helping overcome the deposit gap. Aimed squarely at the lower income market, the policy initiative has been phenomenally successful.
Since the revamping of the HomeNorth scheme in 2004-05, an additional 870 Territorians have bought their own homes through this scheme. That is at the time we put this brief together. As at 30 September, that figure stands at 989, and there is not a great time difference between when this speech was put together and 30 September; therefore, it suggests there is still fairly rapid growth in those figures. These examples show how the government has used taxation reform as a means of growing and broadening the Territory economy.
Despite using the government’s significant power within this economy to stimulate and lift our economic growth, the government has also been very aware of the need to maintain tight fiscal discipline; it is an everyday issue in the management of our economy. We had great teachers, because we saw the example in the lack of a fiscal discipline by our predecessors, and we were very keen not to repeat those errors.
As a developing economy, we do spend every cent we receive. This money goes on infrastructure, taxation reform, and the economic drivers mentioned above. However, we are conscious of the need for the budget to be balanced and for debt levels to be reduced. Part of the economic strategy of this government has been to achieve, as close as possible, a cash balance every year, and to reduce the level of nett debt and employee liabilities as a ratio of the revenue we receive.
We take this approach because we believe that good economic management is about living within your means but, most importantly, strengthening your economic future. Like any ordinary household, spending more than you earn and accumulating debt will lead to long-term problems. The government has produced three surplus budgets to date, and this compares to budget deficits that can only be described as out of control in the late 1990s.
Cash deficit surpluses have been: 1998-99, a cash deficit of $35m; 1999-2000, a cash deficit of $100m; 2000-01, a cash deficit $101m; 2001-02 a minus $87m; 2002-03 plus $9m; 2003-04, plus $36m; and 2004-05, plus $51m. The accumulation of deficits that we saw in the late 1990s cannot be allowed to happen again. Real gains as a result of those surplus budgets have been made in the debt to revenue ration.
The government is funding a massive commitment to infrastructure. We have also been subject to a significant increase in the assessed superannuation liabilities as a result of the change in actuary. This assessment, together with the impact of the international reporting standards, has added $294m to employee liabilities. Despite these commitments, the debt ratio has significantly improved over the last few years. Nett debt and employee liabilities to revenue is - and I will just go back to 1998-99, 142%; 1999-2000, 140%; 2000-01, 145%; 2001-02, 134%; 2002-03, 132%; 2003-04, 118%; and 2004-05, 119%. In both those groups of figures there is a significant date on which the figures started to change, and it corresponds with the election of the Labor government in 2001.
Going forward, we expect the ratio to be: 2005-06, 113%; 2006-07, 115%; 2007-08, 113%; 2008-09, 113%, and then trending back down in 2009-10 to 111%. Those figures show that the Territory government’s overall debt position is improving.
Why is that important to our future? It is true that some debt is necessary when you build and develop an economy as young as the Northern Territory’s, but when debt gets to a level where it constrains your future growth, placing a significant interest burden on your recurrent budget and threatening your economic ratings, it is a threat to the community’s future. Our actions today to reduce debt fulfil most fully our commitment to the community to build its economic future.
The management of deficit and debt is a day-to-day job. At all times, there are calls on the government’s purse and, in most cases, the calls are sensible and sound. Not everything can be done. That is the management job of government, and I am pleased to say the government has, to date, successfully met that balance between policy need and available resources.
To assist the process, we have managed wages in the public sector. The impact of large pay increases interstate has a drag effect on public service pay levels right across Australia. The government has introduced a wages policy which is aimed at providing sensible increases based on keeping the Territory within a competitive range to assist recruitment. We will vigorously defend the budget against extreme wage demands.
On the economy today, having progressed our policies as outlined, what have been the outcomes and the results of that approach? I return to the assessment of Access Economics. They have also commented that:
Economic growth is currently predicted to run at 5.8% in 2006-07, the second highest in Australia. Employment growth is predicted at around 2% over the next few years, a significant level of growth. The most recent ANZ Job Series shows a year-on-year growth of 2.5% having occurred. Employment growth is an important indicator for this government because we are determined to have more and more Territorians benefit from the strong economy. The best way to do this is to have more and more Territorians in jobs and a growing job market.
There is no doubt that any discussion with business inevitably turns to the subject of labour shortages. Jobs are to be had right across the economy and across the urban Territory. To ensure that Territorians are getting every possible opportunity, the government has invested significant resources into Employment, Education and Training with a 33% increase in the budget over the last five years. That has been part of an absolute deliberate push to improve education outcomes and the levels of training that Territorians receive.
Our introduction of Jobs Plan 1 and 2, the first ever jobs plan in the Northern Territory, and the targeted expenditure of funds on employer and employee incentives and training, has seen a 50% increase in Territorians in training since 2001 - around 3100, up from 2200. It has also seen this government well on target to secure 10 000 commencements of traineeships and apprenticeships over the time of this second term.
Work to include all Territorians across rural and remote parts of the Territory is well under way, with the government’s Indigenous Education Plans having already been highlighted to this House. This will be critical work in continuing the effort to bring all Territorians into the mainstream Territory economy and to receive the benefits of being part of this growing economy.
The Territory is also in the midst of strong population growth. This is critical. Population growth generates demand; demand generates a growing economy. In the latter part of the 1990s, and into the early part of this decade, people fled the Territory, driven out by the economic slump. This has taken some time to turn around. A regeneration of our economy has been a significant incentive for population increase.
Successful government strategies aimed at marketing the Territory as a place to live and work has also had a significant impact in other states and in New Zealand. The Territory is now not just a great place to visit, but a great place to raise your family and make a go of your life. The Chief Minister has been instrumental in this marketing campaign and has undertaken numerous interstate visits to drive home this message.
Population growth was predicted to be 1.7% in calendar year 2005, and 1.5% in calendar year 2006 - among the highest in Australia behind Queensland and around Western Australia.
My Cabinet colleagues will speak on their various economic sectors at greater length, but I want to provide a quick summary on how some of these sectors are doing and what we forecast is likely to occur.
The construction and engineering sectors show strong and continuing growth. Certainly, the growth rate is moderating but the number of residential and non-residential properties remain at historic high levels. There are a number of graphs there, and I do want to refer to this particular one. It is engineering construction work done. You probably will not be able to read the dates there, member for Blain, so I will point that one out. This low point here was about mid-2001, a rocket like growth to absolute - these were historic levels over the longer term, mid-2001. Of course, we acknowledge the railway engineering, the LNG plant, and G3, which were mammoth projects in themselves. However, if you look at going forward, having absorbed those major projects, the level is just so much higher than the historic level enjoyed by the Territory for very many years. It was a significant date as, in fact, with the turnaround in debt and the turnaround in deficient budgets to surplus budgets. Whilst not immediately 2001, it certainly was engineering-wise. I guess we cannot take credit for the initial take-off because we had only just come to government. But we certainly can, and do, take credit for the longer term, higher level of activity than that previously enjoyed by the Territory.
I will be tabling all of these graphs for the benefit of members, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, because they do tell an important story in their own right. I table also for the information of members a publication titled The Construction Snapshot, published by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. It is a publication listing major projects by the government or the private sector that are in progress or expected to occur. That is a terrific read. Just going through the lists of the work in progress, or in the pipeline or proposed - both government and private sector - again, is a great and well complied document. I table that as well. It is certainly informative reading and it highlights the high level of construction in both the public and private sector.
Over the next five years at least, we can expect to see a sustained construction industry. Certainly, with longer-term projects such as the waterfront and the development of the Lee Point area into new suburbs, there is much hope for the construction industry and its members that their futures are pretty well secured.
In the mining and energy sector, mineral exploration in the Territory increased markedly in 2004-05 and 2005-06. This is on the back of the booming commodity prices as a result of the expanding growth of the Asian region, particularly China and, more recently, India. While commodity prices are dropping as production levels rise, we do expect that the industry sector will remain quite robust for the medium term. The nominal value of energy resources in the Territory increased by 77% in 2005-06, which reflects significant increases in energy prices and values. Energy exploration is increasing, particularly for petroleum, and this bodes well for continued strength over the medium term.
Tourism, I mentioned earlier, is one sector of the economy that has had intense government attention with very strong benefits. The onset of The Ghan passenger train; increased airline capacity from operators such as Tiger Airways; and the control of issues such as SARS and bird flu have all helped this sector. Tourism has bounced back but remains, as always, a market that has to be chased. Reduced prices for fuel will help bring more drive market here, and the government’s advertising campaign is clearly hitting the mark. The outlook for tourism remains broadly positive over the short term.
Rural industries and fisheries account for about 3% of gross Territory product and about 3% of employment in the Territory. The value of rural industry production has grown over the past few years, though it can be volatile, relying as it does on good seasons. The value of production is expected to have a healthy increase over this financial year of around 5.5%. There will be some weakening in the beef market, but some strengthening in the live cattle export market. Horticultural industries are expected to improve over the next few years on the back of grape and mango production and, after suffering some disease issues in recent times, the advantage offered by producing off-season melons and early mangoes remains a strength for this sector. If the quality of this fruit on my desk today is any example, we are producing absolute first-class mangoes. I am so looking forward to ducking out of here and enjoying that. I thank the minister for leaving us all one of those prize fruits.
Fishing value improved recently, and steady growth is predicted in the value of production in this industry.
The real estate property market is in a period of historic growth. Average retail prices for houses and units have increased. In the 12 months to June 2006, house prices have increased: Darwin 22%, Palmerston 23.8%, and Alice Springs 8%. Unit prices have increased: Darwin 33%, Palmerston 37.8%, and Alice Springs 13.5%. Those figures provide a very solid return on the investment made by property owners.
The Territory rental market has reached historical lows in vacancy levels and has seen the generation of building activity to provide more houses and units. As at June 2006, rental vacancies for Darwin were houses 1.8%, units 1.7%; in Palmerston, houses were 2.5% and units 0.8%. You would not want to be looking for a unit in Palmerston at the moment; it would suggest that there is not a lot of choice. In Alice Springs, vacancy rates were houses 4.3% and units 2.5%.
Territory retail is still strong. Over the year to July 2006, the growth in retail turnover stood at 6.1%. Motor vehicle sales declined slightly by 2.2% over the same period, but remain at high levels. The government is predicting that retail growth will continue solidly, if not at the level achieved over the year or so. We are forecasting growth of around 4.5% for 2006-07.
In the ministerial statement today, I have brought the House up to date on the state of the economy. I have outlined how the Martin government has approached the development and implementation of economic management policies and strategy. These policies have been successful and will underpin our ongoing approach to economic management. Fundamentally, we have a sound economy with a diversifying base and strong, medium to longer prospects. I acknowledge, as a small economy, we will have volatile periods, and movement up and down can occur quite quickly. However, the fundamentals are either in place or being put in place by this government to give the Territory and Territorians a long-term secure future. That was our fundamental commitment in both 2001 and 2005; that will be our fundamental commitment to Territorians in 2009. Territorians will then again judge us on our delivery of this commitment.
The Martin government will continue its close, careful and strong management of the economy. I have tabled the graphs used in the ministerial statement, and I commend to the House this report updating that work.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the statement be noted.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I also welcome the statement. It gives an opportunity to speak about the Territory as it is operating economically now; the opportunities that are being addressed; and it gives the opposition, albeit jarring to the ear of government, some constructive criticism - as is the role in a parliamentarian democracy for opposition to actually ask some questions.
For the Treasurer to be offended by the inquiries made by opposition with regard to the waterfront and interpret them so sensitively as though we do not like the project – it is simply our role, as he well understands. In opposition, we are required to tell the other side of the story and to ask the questions that are deliberately hidden or obscured from view from the public, those whom we are chartered to serve.
If one goes into a McDonalds restaurant you will see the photograph of the burger meal deals that are on offer. Those photographs are quite impressive. I have often wondered whether the burger that I may get from McDonald’s, or Hungry Jacks, or wherever, is actually going to be the same as the one in the photograph. Often it is not, because the photograph is for illustrative purposes. It is to demonstrate what you could possibly have. It is the best possible looking burger that is possible within that restaurant.
So, too, with the way that we conduct our affairs in this Chamber, and the nature of the adversarial role of politics rather than serving the best interests of Territorians. We are endeavouring to serve the best interests of our endeavours to ensure that it looks the best possible burger imaginable from this restaurant. Then, they will dance around that photograph and say: ‘Look at this, look at this’. Then some naysayer, perhaps from Subway, will come and say: ‘Yes, but what about the fat in the chips?’ ‘Oh no, no. You are just talking negative. You are talking down the product’. That is the role of opposition; to say: ‘Yes, that looks fantastic’. However, we may like to inquire from this angle and look at it from another perspective and go into the kitchen and, perhaps, have a look and wonder what the long-term prospects of the Territory are from a different mindset.
We need to consider how we assess the product that has been presented for our appraisal today. Is it how it appears? Of course, if you are going to sell a product, sell a car, you are going to show off its most attractive attributes, and you will deliberately steer people away from parts that may compromise your intention to sell that vehicle. You will turn the customer’s attention cleverly to other aspects that are immensely favourable.
That is, very sadly, the nature of the game that is being played here. We have grants, and those grants present the picture most favourably for government. They select the graphs, they select the descriptions that best suit the case, so that we are all left with this warm inner glow that everything is just hunky-dory.
However, with that fact - that is true - being established, it is so considerate and responsible of government and this Treasurer to have, as the very last page on this impressive presentation today, a disclaimer. It was not read out, as often the attention of a customer or a constituent’s attention is not drawn to the small print. The small print at the back of this very impressive presentation is an important disclaimer. Once again, perhaps, a little compromising to the Treasurer and the great Martin Labor government is the role of the other person - the opposition, the other player in the game - to draw attention to the disclaimer. The disclaimer says that:
This is the very last page of the presentation:
Check it out for yourself!
This is what I really like. It warms your heart when you know that these blokes really are doing the best they can. It says in the next sentence:
that may be referred to in it, and so on.
It is fortuitous that you had that disclaimer at the back because it does illustrate what is really being played here. Yes, I know that in the trade you guys might call it a ‘woody’. You get all excited in your little caucus room and say: ‘Yes, we are going great guns. It looks fantastic. So we all have united consent. We have group think. Everything is going well, and three cheers for the Treasurer and the wonderful Martin Labor government’.
Yes, there are good things. We are all aware of that. We have seen the cranes, the graphs, property prices increase, people returning to the Territory and all of those sorts of things. We can, therefore, assume that the great Martin Labor government has brought great prosperity to the Northern Territory. If you did not have an opposition, Independent members, or perhaps the Chamber of Commerce or thinking people out there, we would be seduced into thinking that prosperity has been brought to the Northern Territory by the Martin Labor government.
Fortunately, we have a parliament and a democracy, and there are other aspects to the story. My role will be to draw attention to things that were not amplified in this statement. The dear, sensitive members on the other side will think that I am being critical of them and I should talk up the Territory. I am not talking down the Territory; I am trying to put some balance into the discussions so we can actually respond to the real situation, otherwise we will be living in fantasy land and we may end up going nowhere we really want to go, or could go if we were fair about how things are, in fact, going in the Territory.
At this point, the Territory is going well. There are both national and international factors at play which have come to bear upon the fortunes of the Territory. The Territory is a very fortunate place in its situation, the opportunities and potential it has by its location within the region, its vast natural resources, and innovative and resilient people. It has many assets, the greatest being the people. On top of that, like Western Australia is also very fortunate at this juncture in history, as is Queensland by virtue of the resources boom. That has presented great opportunities for the Northern Territory and it is our responsibility to ensure we maximise them.
This is the question: has this government maximised the opportunities for Territorians? It has been able to deflect some of the positive feeling to its own political fortunes, cleverly – and they are very good at that, I must say. Nonetheless, the Territory has been the beneficiary of international and national forces.
There is also the careful and well-structured approach to the national economy. Tax reforms brokered in 2000 were put in place before the Martin Labor government came to office in the Northern Territory. At that time, the Labor government was in opposition and was very concerned about the GST and how the Territory would be a great loser if the GST ever came to pass. It did come to pass and those comments have been disowned because you cannot criticise the windfall that has come to every state and territory, where the greater beneficiary has been the Northern Territory.
The spirit of those taxation reforms was to take the whole nation to a different place and to change the psychology of the nation so we could turn our collective attention to reform - national taxation reform should then flow into the states for state reform. That was the tone of the whole discussion - the biggest reform since 1946. How has that gone? We have had a change in every state. I am not sure exactly the time frame of that, but not long after that the, naysayers to the GST then became the beneficiaries of the GST. The momentum of the reform, as the GST largesse began to flow into the states, then became the challenge of how each of those states would use that unexpected GST windfall.
That is the juncture in this story where the Labor government in the Northern Territory took office. It was very fortunate, because it happened to coincide with the time where the national economy was strong. It was not strong by accident; there had been some carefully considered reforms. You see the evidence of that by looking at other national economies and how they fared during difficult times. The Australian economy has gone from strength to strength. I am not a Labor Party politician, so I do not spend a lot of time speaking up the names of political people and that sort of stuff, but it is a fact. You know it is a fact. I know there is a federal election coming, but it is an actual fact. That economic reform flows and benefits to the Territory, the GST being one of them.
Mrs BRAHAM: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
There is a quorum present. Please continue, member for Blain.
Mr MILLS: As I was saying, the strength of the national economy has then benefited the Territory, as every other state. The property market strengthened. The resources boom occurred. From the property market strengthening came a huge appetite for and appreciation of the stamp duty that was received by every state government. Receipt of those stamp duties was a very pleasant surprise, and the money was then incorporated into state and territory coffers.
The impetus for the reforms was for the states also to commit to that reform. That is what industry understands to be the driving force of the GST and taxation reforms; that it was then to flow into the states. However, rather than being committed to reform, the state and territory governments then became even more demanding on the Commonwealth for money. The reforms, rather than being for the purposes of building the nation, strengthening infrastructure and broadening the capacity to capitalise on the potential through the people, the resources and the natural assets that we have, it came to the state governments to grow their own apparatus, their own systems, to make government bigger. That is the case.
All of the other things that the Treasurer has spoken of regarding cranes in the sky, the development and the exciting growth that we see around us, are not directly attributable to this government. They have played a part, as governments should; they have had a light hand on the tiller. However, generally, the economic forces have taken a life and direction of their own. Government has managed, largely, to put on hard hats and have photographs taken of themselves at opportune times so that they can create the impression that they are the creators of this great prosperity in the Northern Territory. A fair amount of effort has gone into that. They have done that very well, when you look at the amount of money that is spent on drawing attention to themselves with the production of glossy brochures which once offended them so deeply whilst they were in opposition; now it does not even raise a concern as they come out one after the after, generally, with all arrows of all directions pointed to themselves: ‘Look at us and look at what we have done’. The Territory, nonetheless, is still moving along.
However, there is the money story. In all of this, the intention was to bring about significant reform to the Northern Territory - that was the expectation. There have been some changes: payroll tax, granted, and a number of other taxes and charges that have been reduced. You make a lot of noise about them, but it has been a slow process. If the intent was to pass that on to benefit Territorians, it is my assertion there could well be a stronger result today; that is, if the payroll tax had been more aggressively pursued, we could have averted the departure of skilled labour at a particular time when Territory needed those people to stay in the Territory. They moved to other states, and now we have to spend more money to try to bring them back. If we had been more aggressive, as the position of the Territory opposition was at that time - and, quite seriously, if you make a more aggressive move in relieving the load on Territory businesses - then you could have averted the haemorrhaging of skilled labour to other states. Anyway, that is behind us.
However, what has happened is that there has now been flowing into this Territory $750m or more above expectation - more than was expected. It is rare that I would make a phone call to my wife and say: ‘I have just checked our account; we have a heck of a lot more than we expected’. My wife would say: ‘You had better go and check again’. She runs a very careful budget. There is, in fact, into the Territory coffers close to $1bn more than was expected when this whole wonderful adventure started. However, the story does not end there. Our own source taxation - that is, the capacity of the Territory government to tax its own citizens - has gone up by $78m in the last budget. More than they planned to; they taxed citizens more than $78m than they initially expected to. Well, no worries. The unexpected asset sales brought in $40m more than they expected, and other fees and charges raised another $36m. There is a fair bit of cash floating around the place. The question is: what you have done with it to maximise the potential of the Northern Territory? This is stuff you did not even budget for.
If we go behind this beautiful picture that has been painted by the minister, we need to draw attention to some important infrastructure. We know very well this Labor government, in its very strong focus on political objectives, has strategically turned its attention - not satisfied with the largesse that it is receiving from the Commonwealth - and put in demands for more cash for Tiger Brennan, Farrar just to name two that come to mind and I think of every day. They have become demanding of cash; they want more money from the Commonwealth. They do not have enough. But putting that aside, which is a sad state when any person becomes more demanding and cannot be more resourceful and take responsibility for that which they have received, and transfer blame elsewhere. That is not really inspiring.
Let us look at the problem. The problem is simply that government speaks of the amount of money it puts into things as though that is an achievement: ‘We have spent this much money on this, that or the other’. They can quote figures, and demonstrate that that much money has been spent. I make a list from time to time of the words that are used by this government; whether it is education, indigenous art, economic development - everything is their highest priority and they are committed to all sorts of things. Great sounding words. However, generally, at the end of all sorts of statements comes the amount of money that has been spent or, if it is a really difficult problem, it is the Commonwealth that has not spent the money. They start to get a bit sooky about that because the Commonwealth has not done the right thing, and it makes them feel pretty good because it is really about how they appear and they have been able to transfer the attention elsewhere: ‘Do not look at me, it is not my fault. I have received $750m more than I expected, but do not look at me, it is the Commonwealth. They are the baddies here. By the way, there is a federal election coming up. Send a message to Canberra’. That seems to be the game.
Let us look at it. Money going in is not the objective; it is outcome - what you produce. Education is a good example. Just yesterday, I had a preliminary read of the DEET annual report, and this annual report is illustrative of the problem. The problem is that the capacity of the Territory is not being properly released through the approach of this government. By being able to spend money because of the capacity to do so by virtue of the GST and property booms and so on, it has just become lazy and thinks that expenditure is the objective.
In the Territory, what really will grow our potential is getting our education system right. We are clear about the amount of money that is going into the education system, but are we getting the results? If you are not getting the results, what a Labor government will do is just spend more money and then hope like heck better results will come out. If you look at the DEET annual report - using this as an illustrative example of the problem that we have in the Territory - we recognise in the Territory tonnes of young potential. The student cohort in the Territory is the youngest of any other state or territory and it is the highest in population: 25.3% are under the age of 15. If we could really maximise the potential of those young people we would have a secure future. If we channelled our resources to really maximise the potential of those 15-year-olds and younger, we could be securing a very good future. We have that –by virtue of the fact that the Territory is young, with tonnes of potential.
Interestingly, since 2001, the population of that student cohort has reduced. That is just an interesting aside. The Territory population has also reduced over that period of time, and it has just started to come up a little. However, since 2001 until today, the student cohort is 2% down from 2001 - an interesting aside. A total of 30% of that student population is indigenous, and 31% come from an ESL background. That is a good snapshot of the Territory. If we could maximise the outcomes in education, we would really know that we are building this place.
How do you measure whether you are doing anything good in education? As is typical of a Labor government, it would be the expenditure of money, and they have certainly done that. In 2005-06, the budget that was set was exceeded by $18m. Not to be outdone in the year before, 2004-05, the budget was exceeded by $28m. They are certainly spending a lot of money. From 2004-05, they exceeded their budget, moved it up next time they went for the budget bidding round. They got that new amount and, then, still went over by $18m. All right, it is an expensive operation. Bear in mind the student population had dropped. They have achieved something; they have spent a lot of money in education.
However, the acid test comes when we assess whether there has been an improvement. The benchmarks, sadly, in the DEET annual report indicate that, apart from an improvement of only 1% for Year 3 indigenous students, every single category, indigenous and non-indigenous, from Years 3 to 7 have dropped, and some of those significantly. Rather than government responding to that by batting it away and saying: ‘You are just being critical and are down on the students’, we need to stop and think. If we want to be fair dinkum, we need to focus our endeavours to improve those sorts of outcomes. The expenditure is colossal. You are fortunate you able to spend the money. The expenditure of money has, largely, been able to achieve another objective; that is, to drown the voice of opposition. There is so much activity; government is large and it is has considerable resources to create a strong impression.
Those sorts of outcomes in education, which I am using for an illustrative purpose, are really where we need to be looking. If it is in exports, it is in how many containers go across the port and is it to potential? Is it up or down significantly? It is those kinds of measurements, not the programs so much; they are the things that allow you to achieve a measurable outcome. That is what we need to see: with all the capacity that government has, is it achieving measurable outcomes that make a difference to Territorians, both now and into the future?
Education is the focus, and you need to have that kind of outcome improved for the 24% increase of expenditure in education since 2001 to the current budget - 24% increase. Millions and millions of additional dollars have been spent, but the benchmarks are dropping. That is what your report says. That is the concern of government, not the glossy brochure, not the nice graphs, but the measurable outcomes, the program changes which need to occur to change those results to turn it around for people, other than government and their good fortunes, how people might regard them so that families will get a sense that their needs are being attended to.
Here is another issue if we are really going to grow the Territory. Fly in to Alice Springs, look out the window of the plane and you will see land everywhere. Yet, you will hear people tell you everywhere there is not enough land in Alice Springs. These are the sorts of things we must find solutions to: the cost of land in Palmerston, and out at Lyons. The nation is finding it so difficult to source affordable housing. There is one positive story about property prices going up, and it is only positive for those who own their house. However, my children and other children see land everywhere which, for some invisible reason, is locked up. It needs to be opened up if we want to develop the Territory. There is land everywhere. We need to solve that problem. Release the land so that young people can get into affordable housing. As a local member, day after day I am dealing with people who are telling me stories that are quite affronting. If they are out of the housing system, they cannot get in.
Last of all, if you want to grow the Territory, we need water. We will need – I’m not quite out of time yet.
Ms Carney: Over there you are.
Mr MILLS: Well, over here, I am not.
Mr Henderson: We will go by this clock, Terry. Keep going.
Mr MILLS: Anyway, just calm down. I am just going to the last point. I am not going to hog it. The last point is water.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: May I just clarify if the member is it out of time?
Mr MILLS: That clock is out of time.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry, member for Blain, you are out of time.
Mrs BRAHAM: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move an extension of time to allow the member for Blain to conclude his remarks, in accordance with Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr MILLS: Excellent. I will go back over my main points. I have the last three points. One is if we really want to measure these sorts of statements, using the concept of money in and measurable outcomes, focus on the outcomes where you are actually achieving the results. In education: no. The benchmarks are falling, even though there has been a 24% increase in expenditure. Look at the release of land. There is plenty of land. How do we solve that problem? They are the sorts of things that will bring about economic reform to the Territory.
Last is water. We have plenty of it in the Top End flowing into the sea. If we really want to have a future for the Territory, we need to have that water issue dealt with. We need a comprehensive water policy. These are the sorts of things that are the domain of Territory government. Yes, there is lots of stuff happening around the place, largely private sector driven. The initiatives taken by government in the last couple of days to present our tropical city in the best possible light is to be applauded and supported; however, it is largely going to be requiring the support of the private sector. That is why we need to ensure that we work in a very cooperative way, ensuring that we are going to address the needs of Territorians and not the political objectives of nice presentations that come with the disclaimer at the end. Once again: ‘No reliance is to be put on any information contained herein’, which is at the end of the minister’s statement.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer on his statement to the House today. As the Treasurer made clear in that statement, we made a commitment to Territorians in the lead-up to the 2005 election to deliver a strong and growing economy and create jobs and opportunities for Territorians, now and into the future. It is clear we are delivering on that commitment, and the principles underlying our economic strategy are integral to the success we have had in creating one of the country’s strong economies.
Let me repeat them. We are committed to providing a high level of cash for capital works and infrastructure, focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth, making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business and the community, and maintaining strong fiscal discipline.
Investment is the one acting driver for long-term economic success, and it is an area I want to focus on this afternoon. In recent times, we have seen billions of dollars of private investment injected into the Territory economy and more is to come, a story I will return to shortly. Importantly, we have also played our part by continuing to invest in the future through our capital works program on infrastructure like our modern bulk handling facilities at East Arm, which has now seen new manganese exports contracts from Bootu Creek commence this year, and new iron ore contracts from Francis Creek plan to begin next year.
This kind of strategic government investment is creating opportunity and it has seen the AustralAsia Trade Route become a viable alternative for traders to our north and south. Darwin has established itself as Australia’s gateway to Asia and, increasingly, Asia’s gateway to Australia’s southern states.
Our strategic investment in infrastructure is one reason why independent forecasters are predicting strong and sustained growth for the Territory. Put simply, the right building blocks are being put in place to deliver results down the track. This is important for every Territorian. We are building a broader economic base which, over time, will reduce our economic volatility, create new opportunities, and build on the momentum that you can see and feel today. It will mean more jobs for Territorians - sustainable jobs, driven by a major surge in our productive capacity. Government remains a key player, but every day a more modern, dynamic and enterprising economy is emerging. Australia and the world are changing at a rapid pace and we need to move ahead as well.
This afternoon, I would like to highlight a number of major developments happening across the Territory and the positive impact they are having on our economy now and into the future. I will show how the flow-on effects from these major developments are generating significant activity and confidence throughout the Territory’s business community.
Earlier this year, Darwin officially became the nation’s second international gas export hub when the first shipment of LNG left ConocoPhillips’ new plant at Wickham Point for Japan. It was an important day for us but, given the massive and yet still vastly unexplored gas reserves within 500 km of Darwin in the Timor Sea, it will be seen in years to come as just the beginning. The LNG plant will produce 3.7 million tonnes per annum. ConocoPhillips is already considering an expansion, boosting production up to 10 million tonnes. Together with Santos, they are currently exploring further gas reserves to supply this proposed expansion.
Italian company ENI will proceed with it big Blacktip gas project in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf off the west coast of the Territory. They have signed a sales agreement with our Power and Water Corporation to provide domestic gas into the local market from 2009. Earlier this week, local contractor MacMahon Constructions commenced the civil works for ENI’s onshore gas plant at Wadeye. It involves the construction of a 12 km all-weather road from the plant to Wadeye, and the establishment of a 30-person camp, both to be completed by the end of the year.
Last January, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a revenue sharing agreement covering the Greater Sunrise gas field in the Timor Sea. This could well pave the way for the development of gas fields that holds 7.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
There is a fair bit going on, but our gas industry is really still in its infancy. We are where Western Australia was 20 years ago - still young with lots of potential. However, the opportunities are there now for businesses currently servicing the Timor Sea gas developments - like rig servicing and maintenance companies and equipment suppliers - to come and base themselves in Darwin rather than indirectly servicing these developments from elsewhere in Australia.
These are exciting times, but downstream gas-based manufacturing will add a whole new dimension. Already, we have BOC Gas looking to establish the southern hemisphere’s first helium plant in Darwin next year, and other commercial proponents are now undertaking a detailed feasibility study for the establishment of a new condensate processing facility, with a final investment decision due next year. Looking further ahead, we have the opportunity to develop a new petrochemical industry base in the Territory, producing a range of industrial chemicals like ethylene, PVC, menthol and fertilizer. Industries like this can deliver up to 4.5 times the capital investment, and 10 times the employment per peterjule compared with LNG. This is before the benefits from flow-on industry are considered.
Mr Deputy Speaker, as you can see, our burgeoning gas industry is generating, and will continue to generate, new opportunities for Territorians. It has the potential to broaden and strengthen our economic base, as well as bringing new business to the Top End.
Another area that is seeing new opportunities created is in tourism. The tourism sector has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years after the global downturn of the beginning of the decade. As the Treasurer outlined, we have invested an additional $30m over a three-year period to get things moving again and sell the Territory, not only domestically but internationally. There is no doubt this investment has paid dividends for the Territory. The worldwide demand for the Territory’s unique natural and cultural experiences has seen confidence rise in our tourism sector in recent times.
A number of major developments are having a significant impact on our economic, such as developments like the Darwin City Waterfront project. The waterfront project is set to transform Darwin and its connection to the harbour, and will provide a major boost to our tourism industry. It is also producing jobs for Territorians and new opportunities for Territory business. Around 1000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction, and more than $70m in contracts have already been awarded to local Territory businesses. Importantly, and in line with our commitment to local industry, 100% of the $41m of contracts for the community infrastructure works within the waterfront precinct have been awarded to local business, and around 95% of the $29m worth of contracts for the construction of the convention centre itself have also been awarded to local business. These contracts have resulted in a whole suite of local contractors being engaged in the project such as Wagner, Nilsen Electric, Project Plumbing and M & J Welding. It is not just the government that verifies this level of local industry participation; it is independently audited by the Northern Territory’s Industry Capability Network. It is good news for the Territory economy and, once complete, the development is set to generate more business and more activity here.
The surge in investment and new business opportunities is not just confined to our major centres. We are seeing new tourism products spring up right across the Territory, and an increasing number of Aboriginal communities are looking to provide quality cultural experiences for our visitors, and a secure future for themselves and their children.
Kakadu National Park is a good example. We are seeing new Aboriginal developments like the Kakadu Cultural Camp near Cooinda and Hawk Dreaming at Canon Hill giving visitors to the region truly memorable cultural experiences. We are working closely with local Aboriginal groups to help them develop tourism products, like an eco-designed tourism lodge and arts and craft centre and high quality accommodation.
In Central Australia, we are developing outback experiences that are set to bring long-term economic benefits to the region. The new Red Centre Way is one of those initiatives which will offer visitors to the region the option of taking a unique nature and cultural driving holiday. The drive covers Alice Springs, the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, and incorporates the Larapinta Trail and Kings Canyon, before arriving at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It is a great drive and it will only get better once the road is sealed; and we are committed to achieving that. The potential is there to transform the communities along the route by creating tourism jobs and sustainable business opportunities. The Minister for Tourism will tell you more about some of the work being done with communities along the Red Centre Way later in this debate.
While in Central Australia, let me tell you a little more about what is happening in Alice Springs. At the moment, Alice Springs is seeing the largest amount of commercial construction for 15 years. Some of the projects under way are the Melanka Backpacker Lodge redevelopment, which the Minister for Tourism will talk about; the Yeperenye Shopping Centre expansion; Sitzler’s Quest Serviced Apartment Block; Imparja’s new digital broadcasting studios; the Alice Springs Plaza redevelopment; the Stuart Lodge redevelopment, for which the $2.2m contract was awarded to local construction company, Probuild; the Keith Lawrie Flats redevelopment, which is expected to be completed this month - a contract in excess of $1.75m was awarded to another local construction company, Patrick Homes; and planning for the $8.1m Alice Springs Aquatic Centre has already begun.
In addition to all this activity, we have committed $10m to rectify construction defects at the Alice Springs Hospital. We have also committed a further $5m towards the upgrade of the Emergency Department, and $1m to upgrade the Flynn Drive Renal Unit. This is great news for the people of Alice Springs and for the dedicated staff working in those facilities, as well as for local companies which will continue to benefit from our commitment to continually improving public infrastructure.
Of course, the Desert Knowledge Australia project, which includes the Desert Knowledge CRC, will have a profound and long-lasting impact on the local economy. We have committed $30.2m to the development of the Desert Knowledge Precinct, and $9.5m of in-kind support over the seven year life of the CRC. The Desert Knowledge project involves many government and private sector initiatives to research and develop techniques for sustainable living and development in our vast desert regions. In the three years the CRC has been operating, it has already generated more than $20m of additional private and public sector investment in Central Australia. The development of the Desert Knowledge precinct is really taking shape. Already, $10.7m has been spent on the headworks for the precinct, and the primary contract awarded to local company, Sitzler. Work has also begun on the $2.1m business and innovation centre. The contract for this work was won by another local company, MBY Constructions.
Later this year, tenders will be advertised for the commencement of Stage 1 of the Desert People’s Centre, and that is worth in excess of $8.5m. This groundbreaking project is all about researching, developing and marketing world’s best practice in sustainable arid living. It will give the local economy a big boost and, most importantly, will continue to create jobs for the people of Alice Springs and Central Australia.
Defence is another sector that is producing significant spin-offs for Territory business. The Defence presence in the Territory has more than doubled since the early 1990s. We host around 10% of the ADF, and there are around 13 000 Defence personnel and their families living and working in the Territory. In recent times, we have become a base for a raft of new Defence platforms including the Armidale Class patrol boats and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, with new Abrams tanks and Tiger helicopters soon to come. These new platforms have opened up many opportunities for local business and industry. For example, the Robertson Barracks expansion project saw around 90% of the work, or around $74m worth, subcontracted to local small businesses such as Weir’s Top End Constructions, Nortruss, Territory Glass and Aluminium, Curtains on Cavenagh, Wildman River Stock Contractors and Halikos Roofing. Also, 90% of the $65m Bradshaw Training Base development west of Katherine is being delivered by Territory businesses like Greg Meyer Paving and C&V Concreters. Importantly, 30% of the work for the project has been drawn from the local Aboriginal communities. It spells good news for the people of the Katherine region. These new platforms and the increasing Defence presence in the Territory will mean more opportunities and more jobs for Territorians in the future.
Before winding up, I would like to briefly mention last week’s inaugural Chief Minister’s NT Export and Industry Awards. The awards celebrate excellence and highlight our high achievers in the business community. The winners include exciting niche enterprises such as TAAU, which produces top grade spirulina at its headquarters near Berry Springs, of which more than 90% is exported to Asian markets. Guppytraders, which started off in the back of a house in Katherine, is now a respected provide of financial market analysis advice in the Asian region and regularly provides live commentary to the China market on global business channels such as CNBC.
Aboriginal art was recognised as a growing export business for the Territory. Maningrida Arts and Culture won the Austrade Arts and Entertainment Award, and the Mbantua Gallery from Alice Springs won the Territory FM Small to Micro Business Award. Congratulations to all winners. They are great examples of why the Territory economy keeps powering ahead, and of the some of the diversity we now have in our Territory economy.
Access Economics has described the Territory economy as turbocharged. There is no doubt that the levels of confidence and investment we are seeing at the moment backs up their analysis. The days of unsustainable budget deficits and a shrinking economy, I hope, are a world away. Our big ticket projects are creating exciting new opportunities for Territorians in both the cities and the regions, and our business sector is responding to the challenge and benefiting from what is a dynamic environment. That is why we will continue to invest in vital infrastructure and capital works that encourage investment. We are proud of the success we have had in managing the economy and the constructive partnership we have formed with the Territory business community. We will continue to steer a course that will see the Territory economy continue to grow and diversify in the years ahead. That, Mr Deputy Speaker, means more jobs and more business opportunities for all Territorians.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support my colleague, the Treasurer’s, statement on the Territory’s economic future and update this afternoon. I will be speaking in my capacity as Minister for Employment, Education and Training and the Minister for Tourism.
Strong economic growth brings with it significant benefits and challenges. The ongoing prosperity of the Territory hinges on a skilled and competitive workforce. Economic and social prosperity will be governed, in part, by the capacity of Territorians to fill job opportunities and for the Territory to compete with the rest of Australia and the world for future labour markets.
In 2004, this government made a commitment of 10 000 trainee apprenticeship commencements over the following four years, and we are on track to meet that commitment. The number of Northern Territory trainees and apprentices increased by 67% since 2001, reflecting this government’s continued focus on training. That is a huge outcome - a 67% increase is a very significant achievement.
Currently, there are 3289 trainees and apprentices in training throughout the Territory. Whilst these figures are positive, I want to highlight that 41% of those in training are in traditional trades where there are severe skill shortages. In our economy, skilled tradespeople are integral to ongoing economic growth. Recognising this fact, in 2005 the government provided an additional $3m to Charles Darwin University to improve the quality of trade training and support ongoing growth in apprenticeship numbers, and it is paying off.
In the last budget, the Treasurer announced that over the next four years we will spend $300m on training and supporting Territorians to develop better skills and access local jobs. For 2006-07, those initiatives include: $60m in recurrent funding for the delivery of a broad range of Vocational Education and Training programs that will assist Territorians to access and retain employment and upskill to better contribute to economic growth; approximately $15m to training and support of apprentices and trainees in the Territory; $1.05m in incentives for employers of skills shortage trade apprentices with 50 incentives allocated at $7000 per incentive; and $375 000 in incentives for small business employers of trainees and apprentices - to date, 94 incentives allocated at $3000 per incentive.
In addition to assist apprentices and trainees for costs incurred at the beginning of their training, we introduced the Workwear/Workgear Bonus, which makes available payments of $1000 for traditional trades apprentices and $300 for trainees at the end of their three-month probation. As at 8 September, 643 skill shortage apprentices and 1096 other apprentices and trainees have taken up this program.
The 2006-07 budget saw $4.4m allocated to assist young Territorians to make a successful transition from school to work. The programs funded include: $3.2m for the VET in Schools program and provision of careers advice in Territory secondary schools; $0.2m for the Work Ready Program, which prepares students for employment, including school-based apprenticeships and traineeships; and, $1m for training and licensing for 16- to 18-year-olds. I am sure we all agree that preparing our young Territorians for productive roles in our workforce is critical to ensure ongoing economic growth.
Preparing indigenous Territorians for employment is also a key priority for this government to support ongoing economic growth. Indigenous Territorians are able to access training through: the $60m recurrent funding program; apprenticeships and traineeships; pre-employment programs at $400 000 per annum; flexible response and community response programs at $2.1m per annum; and training for remote youth and VET in Schools programs. Currently, there are a total of 773 indigenous people in training. This represents an increase of 70% since 2001. By providing indigenous Territorians with access to training across the Territory, we are preparing people for employment and giving access to employment opportunities.
The training effort also provides an opportunity to support people in potential new business ventures; for example, arts and craft, horticulture and tourism ventures. Some examples are:
Gurungu Fabric Printers - 15 women participated in a two-month training program run at the Gurungu Council Women’s Centre, a joint initiative with council and DEET. The women were trained through a whole design and developing process of fabric printing and sewing. Over 60 items of the women’s work was exhibited in Tennant Creek, including clothing, shoulder bags, quilts and baby blankets. The exhibition was a resounding success, with orders for more items to be produced. The artists are now developing the enterprise further and plan to establish a shopfront at Elliott in order to market their products locally.
Gunya Titjikala, the five-star indigenous tourism venture, located at Titjikala. DEET has supported this enterprise since its inception in 2005 by providing funding to enable the business to access appropriate and relevant industry training and hospitality and cultural tourism.
Tiwi Islands business ventures. DEET has provided considerable funding towards the training of Tiwi people to be employed in various businesses, including the Point Hurd Barramundi Farm, Great Southern Plantations’ forestry projects and Tiwi tourism ventures. Training included fishing and seafood industry skills, forestry and horticulture, and customer service and retail training.
Whilst I have outlined a wide range of programs to assist Territorians prepare for work, it has also been recognised there is a need to upskill existing workers. The Build Skills program, at $500 000 per annum, was introduced to allow workers and key industries to have their existing skills assessed and provided with gap training to enable them to gain qualification. Successful programs have been run in civil construction, specialised welding, rural, transport, electrical and Defence sectors. We will continue to deliver business management and capability programs, including upskills workshops and business coaching services in the business growth program.
In addition, this year we will contribute $0.19m in grants to support research and innovation. The government is making sure that we use strong economic performances to create opportunities for all Territorians. We are investing in our future economic prosperity by building a skilled workforce. Picking up on the comments from the member for Blain earlier, regarding government speaking a lot about funding and allocations of funding, I point to two specific numbers here in outcomes since 2001. The number of trainees and apprentices has increased by 67% since 2001, and the number of indigenous people in formal training has increased by 70%, so that is a significant bang for buck.
I am also pleased to speak in support of my colleague, the Treasurer, in regard to the exciting times ahead for the tourism industry in the Northern Territory. It was not that long ago, when I first came to the Tourism portfolio in 2002, that the tourism industry was facing many new and difficult challenges - challenges which saw a global decline in tourism generally, affecting many businesses here in the Territory. As an industry, they were having to deal with the effects of SARS, the war on terrorism, Ansett collapse, Bali bombings, and general rationalisation of the aviation markets and its impact on consumer confidence. It was an uncertain time for the industry and for a reasonably new government. As I said to the industry, in my first term of being Tourism Minister, we did not have any tourists and we did not have much money. Now we have a lot more tourists and the tourism budget is a lot healthier.
We also inherited a dire financial bank balance due to poor fiscal management by the previous government. In other words, there was no cash to spare. However, this government’s response was strong in its resolve and desire to help the Territory tourism industry back on its feet. In 2003, we committed the single largest injection of funding at the time - $27.5m over three years - to reshape the Territory’s tourism sector. With this injection, we are starting to see improvements, and through our focused marketing activities and disciplined application, we are making a real difference.
We were able to develop and launch a new consumer website, travelnt.com. We were able to undertake extensive research that identified our competitive point of difference and the type of traveller most likely to enjoy the sort of holiday experience the Territory has to offer. We really honed in on who our targeted audience is, which is identified as ‘the spirited traveller’. We know what they watch, what they read, where they live, and what they want to learn from their travel experience, and this information formed the changes we made to our marketing campaigns. Then we refreshed and refined our marketing brand and introduced the new tag line Share our Story, and initiated destination marketing campaigns for our six priority destinations in the domestic market. We led the repositioning of Alice Springs as a tourism destination in its own right. They are just some of the initiatives Tourism NT were able to undertake because of the $27.5m injection of funds. Much of the positive results can be attributed to the successful marketing campaigns. In May this year, we further demonstrated our commitment to the industry by increasing Tourism NT’s base funding on a permanent basis by $10m per annum.
A snapshot of where we are today: Territory tourism is performing well against a national decrease in holiday visitor numbers, as I identified in Question Time today. We are defying the national trend. In fact, for the year ending June 2006, the Territory recorded a 7.6% increase; that is, 341 000 extra visitors in interstate holiday visitation. International holiday visitation increased by 9%; that is, 335 600 visitors more than June 2005.
International aviation capacity into Darwin for the year ended September 2006 compared to September 2005, was 22% higher. This can be attributed to the introduction of Tiger Airway services between Singapore and Darwin from 19 December 2005, providing an extra 720 seats a week. This year, the year of exchange between Australia and Japan, 11 charters arrived in Alice Springs from Japan carrying a total of 2300 passengers, and injecting $1.7m into the Central Australian economy. This represents an increase of 43% in visitor numbers over 2005, and highlights just how successful this charter program has been to date. I just wish that the Commonwealth government would come clean on its election commitment to match the $200 000 that this government has put in to see the Alice Springs Airport able to handle international flights on a permanent basis.
Total domestic aviation capacity into the Territory is 13% higher for September 2006 compared to September 2005. This increase can be attributed to the commencement of Jetstar services, which equates to approximately 3200 seats a week.
The Ghan passenger numbers were up 5% with over 186 000 passengers carried to date. The Ghan service has been one of those accidental surprises, and has proven to be so popular that Great Southern Railways put on a second service to Darwin on 17 March this year. It has helped boost visitation in the shoulder and low season.
Crew ship visits: we are expecting 32 cruise ship visits this year, an increase of 10 from last year. That increase is mostly due to Orion Expedition Cruises, a luxury cruise company which bases themselves here during the Dry Season. There are 573 new direct tourism jobs throughout the Territory as at August 2006, compared to August 2005.
Territory Discoveries’ call centre in Alice Springs, the government commercial and wholesaling division, reported an increase of 47.6% in gross revenue bookings in August 2006 compared to August 2005. For the 2005-06 financial year overall, Territory Discovery earned $28.8m gross revenue, a 27.6% increase compared to the previous year, and an average booking value of $1362 excluding airline travel.
Business tourism: the conference and meeting market is an increasingly lucrative market for the Territory and has the ability to bring delegates to the Territory beyond the high peak season. A key initiative is to build this market and bring high yield and business visitors to the Territory during the non-peak season. Tourism NT plays an important role in attracting conferences, meetings and exhibitions to the Territory to support government’s investment in the Alice Springs Convention Centre and, of course, the Darwin convention centre. The business tourism sector is also showing positive signs. Tourism NT reports the number of events across the Territory for the period April to September 2006 up nine events compared to September 2005. The estimated economic impact of these events is around $4.1m, an increase of $1.4m compared to the same period in 2005.
Malu Barrios, the GM of the Darwin convention centre, informs me there has been strong and positive interest in the Darwin convention centre, and the level of inquiries has been high. She has confirmed two national conventions for the new convention centre, bringing 1100 delegates to Darwin with an economic impact of $4m.
The Northern Territory government’s investment in infrastructure: the government’s role is to provide the investment in public infrastructure and, hopefully, this will stimulate and encourage new investment, new opportunities, new products, and new tourism visitor experiences. We also want to see examples of private sector growth in investing, and it is great to see confidence across the Northern Territory by the private sector investing in new tourism product. Such examples include expansion of the Darwin Airport Resort, Pandanus Outrigger Apartments, the proposed Little Mindil resort - and for the life of me I cannot believe that the CLP is opposing the development of that resort. For a party that used to support development, it really is quite strange to see them opposing the development of a tropical resort for Darwin at Little Mindil - the Dugong Beach Resort at Groote Eylandt - again I pay tribute to the Anindilyakwa Land Council and the people on Groote Eylandt for investing so much of their own royalty monies in developing economic infrastructure and tourism infrastructure to employ local people and provide ongoing revenue streams into the future. There is also Gilligan’s Backpackers in Alice Springs, the Mandorah resort, and the All Suites Serviced Apartments in Alice Springs.
There is also growth in the regions. These positive results are further supported by encouraging news from the local tourism sector. The Regional Tourism Associations report good news, despite a slower start to the season brought about by Cyclone Monica and subsequent flooding. This affected tourism up and down the track; however, all indicators are that we have had a busy peak season.
The Central Australian Tourism Association has reported strong bookings throughout Central Australia, particularly from the second week of June, and there are good booking patterns through to November. There is evidence of a strong international market presence and visitors are reportedly staying for three to four nights rather than the usual one to two. The drive market in Central Australia remains strong despite the rising cost of fuel, and hire car companies appear to be up 10% on last year.
Barkly Tourism has reported a strong drive market and numbers within the Visitor Information Centre are up between 30% and 40%. Promising, also, is support shown by outside investors with recent purchases of the Three Way Roadhouse and the Outback Caravan Park.
The Katherine Regional Tourism Association, in particular, has reported hardship in the tourism industry this season, primarily due to the effects of the cyclone and subsequent floods. However, it appears the season has ended up quite well with the anecdotal feedback suggesting an increase in the average length of visitor stay in the region. Tourism NT has worked closely with KRTA and operators and provided funding to support the tourism recovery marketing action plan. Financial assistance was also provided to tourism businesses which were most affected by the flood. Also in the Katherine region I pay tribute to the Jawoyn Association which has released their new plan for continuing to increase and improve investment in product to Katherine Gorge. The Chief Minister released that plan just recently.
To conclude on forecasts and trends, that is a snapshot of where we are and where we were. Average annual growth rate for international holiday visitors is forecast to grow 2% for the 2007-08 year. Average annual growth rate for interstate holiday visitors is forecast to grow by 1.9% - and these are conservative forecasts.
Today we operate in an increasingly competitive environment. Constant changes in the global marketplace such as world events, competition from other tourism destinations and streamlining within the aviation industry as major carriers restructure to ensure route profitability continue to challenge us.
However, the tourism industry is in good shape. We have more work to do and cannot rest on our laurels. This government will continue to support the tourism industry, an industry which creates jobs and opportunities for the benefit of all Territorians. Mr Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the Treasurer and support his statement.
Dr BURNS (Health): Mr Deputy Speaker, we have already heard from my colleague, the Treasurer, about the Martin government’s commitment to delivering a strong and growing economy for the people of the Northern Territory.
On coming to office in 2001, the Martin government had to find ways of dealing with the challenge of turning around an economy that was not only contracting, but lacking significant budgetary flexibility to deal with the difficulties that we had inherited. It was interesting to hear the member for Blain saying it is all circumstantial and fortuitous that things turned around when this government came to office. Whilst, as a government, we acknowledge that we are part of a wider economy, both nationally and internationally, the Treasurer strongly demonstrated the measures that we have taken to stimulate our economy in many ways, including capital works budget, becoming the lowest taxing government in Australia on small business, and a whole range of measures.
I well remember when I was doorknocking prior to the 2001 election. The building industry in particular was as flat as a pancake, as flat as a lizard drinking. A lot of people complained about the state of the economy and the fact that they were having trouble making ends meet. The certainly blamed the CLP government for that state of affairs.
It did not long for this government to turn things around. We were very active. We brought down a mini-budget in November after we were elected. It is just wrong, wrong, wrong for the member for Blain to shrug his shoulders and say it was all the federal government’s doing. I completely reject what the member for Blain had to say, which was political posturing on his part, and jealousy, I would have to say.
We are a government that is serious about this economy and having sustainable development. Moreover, we are committed to regional development in the Northern Territory - stimulating regional economies and employment markets, particularly for indigenous people in our remote areas. This is our focus.
I am speaking in my role as Minister for Health, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing.
We had to set about developing the economic parameters that would allow us to both grow the economy and create jobs. We also recognised that getting the Territory economy back on track could not be achieved by government alone; it required a partnership with private enterprise. One of the root causes of the Territory’s economic malaise in 2001 was the consistent failure of CLP governments of the 1990s to adequately manage the budget and infrastructure program.
When the Martin government set about adopting the principles needed to underpin the resuscitation of the Territory economy, it recognised the need to ensure a sufficiently high level of spending on capital works and infrastructure. This capital works spending has been a vital factor in pointing our economy in the right direction. As the House has already heard, this government has spent more than $2.7bn on infrastructure projects over the past five years. I am proud to stand here today as the former Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, having a pivotal role in developing those infrastructure projects, overseeing them and bringing them to fruition. I know my colleague, the member for Karama, who is now the minister, will continue on that good work and kick goals for the Territory.
As the House has already heard, this government has spent more than $2.7bn on infrastructure projects over the last five years. The extent of infrastructure spending, combined with the strategy to allocate work throughout the year, has played a significant role in the rebound of the Territory’s all important construction industry.
As you know, Mr Deputy Speaker, I recently became Minister for Health, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing. I would like to look at my current areas of responsibility to give the House an idea of their place in the economic progress of the Northern Territory under the Martin Labor government. I will begin with health.
Spending on the Territory’s health budget has increased by a massive 64% since Labor came to government in 2001. I must pay tribute to my predecessors, the member for Nightcliff, and the former member for Stuart, who played such an important and crucial role in lifting our expenditure on health from the doldrums that it was in under the CLP government. Additional spending of this magnitude would not have been possible without continuing strong and responsible management of our economy. This 64% increase in Health funding is a direct dividend of the Martin government’s strategy of growing our economy. Thanks to the prudent economic management, we have been able to provide more and higher quality health services for Territorians, as well as meeting the increasing demand on our health system.
It has also allowed the employment of more frontline health staff, and access for Territorians to improved health system infrastructure, including important new facilities for Territorians. These new facilities include the new Emergency Department at Royal Darwin Hospital, along with a new hospice and medical records department, plus a planned birthing centre, which recently went to tender. We have also built new health centres at Yuendumu $2m, Daly River/Nguiu $2.1m, Milikapiti $2.66m, and Minjilang $3.36m.
In addition to new regional health centres, we are continuing to confront the challenge of renal disease. We have invested in new renal facilities at Tennant Creek, Palmerston, Galiwinku and Groote Eylandt, and committed to a $1m upgrade to the Alice Springs Flynn Drive unit. Infrastructure development of this nature does not just help the health of Territorians, they obviously also provide ongoing stimulus to the Territory economy.
We have also committed to ongoing upgrades of our hospitals. At Alice Springs, we have committed $5m for a major upgrade of the Emergency Department for 2007-08, and a new $39m wing, including Emergency Department opened at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2003.
It would be remiss of me not to comment on the necessary remediation work that we have had to undertake at Alice Springs Hospital that was a direct result, I believe, of the way in which the former CLP government handled that particular matter, where the contract was let and in which the contractor was involved. I believe that will be a matter for the courts, so I am not going to comment any further on that, except to say that it was the CLP government, to some degree, that presented us with this problem at the Alice Springs Hospital with the remediation works, regarding the type of contract that they let.
The $4.5m Northern Territory Hospice has just celebrated its first anniversary. This financial year, we moved to address additional demand at Royal Darwin Hospital by committing to six extra beds which are already online as part of an overall increase of 24 beds. We also provided an extra 24 beds at Alice Springs Hospital. In a bid to reduce emergency department waiting times and speed up patient admissions at RDH, we have committed $7.8m recurrent to a new state-of-the-art Rapid Admission Planning Unit. A strong economy for the Northern Territory is predicated on having a healthy population and a health sector which is able to deliver high-quality services.
This close link between a healthy population and a strong economy was recognised by the Council of Australian Governments this year. Human capital is a key component of the COAG national reform agenda, with its four areas of focus being: early childhood, diabetes, literacy and numeracy, and childcare. Each of these areas is inextricably linked to health. To remind you, children who are born healthy and receive good food, good care and attention and who exercise regularly are more likely to develop normally, succeed in school, join and contribute to the workforce, and are less likely to get into trouble with the law. These children are also less likely to develop chronic ailments such as diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
People who suffer from a chronic disease often find their ability to work is restricted, whether that employment is as part of the paid workforce or as a parent, grandparent or unpaid carer. The sicker you are, the less likely you are to be contributing to the economy.
I also note that the Menzies School of Health Research Director, Jonathon Carapetis is quoted as saying, in the most recently edition of the publication Territory Quarterly that ‘good health saves money’. To quote Professor Carapetis further:
This government has already embraced the concept of human capital in its Building Healthier Communities framework as articulated, for example, through the themes of ‘Giving kids a good start in life’, ‘Strengthening familles in communities’, ‘Getting serious about Aboriginal health’ and ‘Filling service gaps’. Furthermore, we have already made significant inroads into some of these critical areas; for example, work on giving kids a good start in life has resulted in a fall of infant mortality rates, a fall in perinatal mortality rates, and an increase in the number of children who are fully immunised. There has also been a sustained increase in Territory life expectancy from 1992 to 2004. One of the positive outcomes since 2001 has been a three-year increase in life expectancy for indigenous women in the Northern Territory.
The current state of the health system is a reflection of the health of the Territory economy to some degree, and of the Martin government’s commitment to a stronger, more diverse economy.
I will move now to Police, Fire and Emergency Services. One of the areas most seriously neglected by the previous government was our police force. The combination of under-funding and a three-year recruitment freeze by the CLP meant that, in 2001, we inherited a police force in need of a serious overhaul. While the force itself was led by a professional commissioner and staffed by dedicated members, it had been starved of necessary funds. Our police force had been so badly neglected we committed to the $75m Building Our Police Force plan. Overall, this represents a 55% increase in funding since 2001. We saw this as the only way to rebuild police numbers to a point where they could deliver a safer environment for Territorians.
Finding the funds necessary for the comprehensive plan we adopted was only possible because of the Martin government’s responsible economic management. In outlining principles underpinning our government’s approach to economic management my colleague, the member for Nhulunbuy, pointed out that we were focusing on economic drivers to produce future growth, making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business and the community, maintaining fiscal discipline, and providing a high level of cash for capital works and infrastructure.
Our police force and, therefore, the Territory in general, has certainly benefited from high levels of cash and capital works and infrastructure. We have seen the construction of a new $2m police and fire station in Humpty Doo, and it is pleasing to note that the contract for that project went to a local firm, Norbuilt. The new station is a highly visible presence in the heart of Humpty Doo, and is delivering an improved level of policing and fire response for rural residents and businesses.
At Numbulwar, we have opened a new $1.4m police post, while at Mutitjulu $2.4m was provided to construct the police post and two houses through a joint funding arrangement with Commonwealth. I am looking forward to jointly opening the Mutitjulu police post next month, hopefully, with the federal minister for Indigenous Affairs. I am yet to hear whether Mal Brough will actually front on the day, but I am looking forward to meeting him in person.
Cabinet has also approved construction of a new fire station at Marrara. A construction contract was awarded to Tomazos Construction Pty Ltd in June, with commissioning scheduled for March 2007. I am informed that block work is progressing well and nearing completion. Government has also committed to constructing a new police station at Casuarina to better service the people of the northern suburbs. Construction of the new Casuarina station will cost $4.9m and will follow the building of the new Marrara Fire Station.
In 2001, we inherited a Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit that did not have the boats to get out on the water and, in fact, had not had them for some years. We responded by purchasing new vessels such as the $440 000 Beagle Gulf which went in to service last year. The Beagle Gulf gives the NT Police, Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit the capacity to patrol up to 30 nautical miles offshore. This was the fourth vessel delivered as part of our $1m coastal vessel program.
It is also worth adding that our program to rebuild our police force to campaign against the supply of illicit drugs in remote communities has been boosted by funding for the NT Police Remote Community Dog Desk which works closely with another important initiative, the Drug Detection Dog Unit. Policing, and law and order are important issues which undergird our economy.
I want to turn now to Racing, Gaming and Licensing. We have recently seen the official end of the Top End’s Dry Season, one of the best in living memory. Without doubt, one of the highlights of this Dry Season was the Darwin Cup Carnival. The carnival means so much to so many people. It is estimated that this year’s Cup Carnival generated more than $10m for the Territory economy. The Darwin Cup has won the reputation Australia-wide as not just a great horse racing festival, but a great social event. If you live in Darwin, it is one of the big events of the busy Dry Season social calendar.
If you look at some of the statistics from the carnival, it is obvious why it provides such a great boost for the Territory economy. During the carnival, the Darwin Turf Club employed an extra 280 staff, some 130 additional horse stalls were erected, an extra 110 television sets connected, 20 km of cable was laid, and more than 20 000 extra meals were prepared. There were more than 35 000 tickets issued over the month-long carnival. In addition to the carnival, this year’s gala ball on the lawns of SKYCITY casino was a sell-out with more than 2300 people there on the big night.
In addition to the carnival, the Fannie Bay Racecourse has also benefited from significant extra government funding. Two new stable complexes have been built at a cost of about $970 000, with construction about to start on an additional 19-horse stable block. Some $420 000 will be spent on this new stable block. Members would also be aware that the equine pool was built at Fannie Bay Racecourse in 2005 at a cost of $405 000, providing valuable training for horses, particularly in the Top End’s climate.
The 2006 Alice Springs Cup Carnival was held at Pioneer Park Racecourse in April through to May. There was more than $400 000 of prize money up for grabs over the four days of the carnival. The jewel in the crown, the Alice Springs Cup, was on the first Monday of May and attracted a crowd of about 1800 who saw a stunning track record performance by the locally trained Silvester in the $75 000 feature event. More than 4000 people attended over the four days of the carnival. It is also a great carnival for local businesses. It is estimated the Cup Day long weekend injected $1.5m in to the local economy. The Alice Springs Cup Ball at Lasseter’s Convention Centre attracted 600 guests, making it one of the biggest nights of its kind in Alice Springs.
It is fantastic that the carnival in Alice Springs received such great exposure across Australia with both the Saturday program and Monday’s Cup Day being seen live on the TVN racing channels. The Territory government is proud to have committed $60 000 to making the TVN deal a reality. In addition, this government has made payments of $7.23m to the racing industry across the Territory in the 2006-07 financial year.
The success of major events like the Darwin and Alice Springs Cup Carnivals, and the spin-offs for the broader economy, highlight the importance of this governments continued support for the Territory racing industry.
All the initiatives outlined today are possible because the Martin government has been able to turn around the economic fortunes of the Territory through strong economic management policies and strategies. It is only by getting the economic fundamentals right that we can ensure Territorians will live in safer communities and have access to improved health care. Ours is a small economy so it is important that we continue focusing on the fundamentals while striving to develop our economic base. This is in keeping with our commitment to deliver a strong and growing economy which will ensure Territorians have access to the types of facilities I have outlined today.
Mr Deputy Speaker, ours is a government focused on economic development, particularly in the regions of employment, but also on those fundamentals which support our society: law and order and police, our health system, and other matters that I have outlined here today.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Treasurer for his report on the Territory’s economy. It is a pity that the Treasurer was not able to delay his statement until next Wednesday, because I would have enjoyed lighting the candles on his birthday cake. Next week, he will be celebrating his fourth anniversary in his job as Treasurer. As he and my other colleagues have pointed out, there is cause for quiet celebration. That cause for celebration is reflected not just in the picture of the strong growth now being experienced in our Territory economy, but in the fact that economic management is being increasingly geared to sustainability and resilience, rather than being dependent on the random, irrational opportunism that characterised the mismanagement of the past.
In my view, the key elements of this approach are:
1. backing an approach of long-term capital developments rather than one depending on a series of big bangs alternating with cyclical downturns;
3. moving towards diversification of economic activity rather than a narrow focus on a few industries; and
4. linking government assets together to achieve developmental outcomes rather than treating those assets as separate bureaucratic entities.
Above all, economic management by this government over the last five years has been characterised by strong fiscal discipline. Put simply, we have lived within our means while successfully seeking to reduce the burden of debt we faced when we came to government. Meanwhile, the capital injections that we have undertaken have been strategic ones geared towards sustainable outcomes.
A good example of this has been the waterfront development. The strategic investment by government in the waterfront development has levered long-term - a decade plus - investment by the private sector, many times larger than the government’s outlays. Put simply, this means sustainability over an extended period of time rather than the big bang projects which have so characterised economic policies of the past. This cargo cult of the big bang has exacerbated the economic cycles between boom and catastrophic bust the Territory has endured in the past. Just as importantly, projects such as the waterfront development are diverse within themselves; in this case comprising building tourism infrastructure as well as facilities that will be utilised by Territorians and residential and commercial accommodation. In short, it is an area that will be lived in as well as one that will make an ongoing contribution to the economy.
On top of this, the major developer, the TOGA Group, has also committed to substantial support to contemporary artists in the Northern Territory through public art projects at the waterfront and through long-term support to an annual contemporary art award. As the Chief Minister said at the inaugural Togart Exhibition earlier this year, this sort of initiative sees the beginning of a cultural dividend for the Territory from the waterfront.
It is the cultural dividend of Labor’s economic management over the past five years I want to comment on briefly today in support of the Treasurer’s statement. For over 30 years, the Labor Party has recognised the important link between the arts and community development, on the one hand, and the arts and sustainable and economic development on the other. This has not been an idle commitment, but one that has been increasingly demonstrated as being evidenced based, particularly in the development of regional economies. It is why the Martin Labor government has provided a significant expansion in resources to arts and cultural affairs to the point where the Territory enjoys the greatest per capita expenditure on these areas in the nation. It has made the Territory a better place to live in, not just in the bigger centres such as Darwin, but out bush as well.
Our first priority was in actively resourcing the indigenous arts industry, in visual arts, particularly, the Territory’s most vibrant arts sector. The indigenous arts strategy developed as part of this process was the first of its kind in the nation. I will soon be announcing details and mechanics of the second stage of that strategy.
It is worth noting by members of the Assembly something that is often overlooked: since 1985, the value of the industry to the Territory has grown from $5m to $100m, something unparalleled anywhere else in the economy. Indeed, as I have pointed out on a number of occasions recently, arts and craft centres generate around $28m annually, with private non-indigenous dealers generating a similar amount in Central Australia. It is now reckoned that the arts and craft industry generates greater economic activity than the cattle industry. Therefore, those who say that Aboriginal-owned land is somewhat unproductive, are quite simply wrong. Do not get me wrong; I am not criticising the pastoral sector or anyone else, just pointing out that the wealth can and is being generated in other ways - new ways, and ways strongly supported by this government.
A core part of the approach of the Martin Labor government over the past five years has been its consistent resourcing of the tourism industry in an effort to rebuild such a vital part of the economy after the shock of 11 September, the collapse of Ansett, SARS and the Bali bombings. That is fine but, as I pointed out earlier in my comments today, the support to tourism has not been one-dimensional. There has been a very clear perspective from this government that the economy must be diversified. That means we have, through mechanisms such as arts and cultural funding, adopted a deliberate approach whereby tourism funding has supported our thriving arts and cultural industries, with these industries, in turn, supporting and promoting tourism.
A key component of this has been through support to local festivals, big and small, throughout the Territory. Festivals create destinations for our visitors, as well as to sustain jobs in the arts and cultural sector. In the last year, we have provided some $200 000 to remote festivals, some of which have been established a long time, such as the Barunga Festival, and some more recent, such as the festival at Batchelor. In all cases, however, they have significant capacity to build local economy through enhancing strengthened community identity, as well as becoming stronger destination targets for visitors to the Territory.
In this context, it is worth reminding the House and expanding somewhat on the broader benefits of the Central Australian economy; for example, of the Territory’s success in winning the Regional Arts Australia Conference in 2008. The Arts from the Heart Conference will really be the icing on the cake for Alice Springs in 2008, not just because it is to do with the arts, not even because it will provide work to the artists of the region, but because of the flow-on effect to the rest of the community, both before and after the conference. The conference will be positioned between the Alice Desert Festival, BassintheDust, and the 2008 Masters Games, all of which are also strongly supported by the Northern Territory government. The games have been estimated to be worth $6m to the Alice Springs economy. Couple this with the $2m for Arts from the Heart, we are looking at an $8m boost in a period of three weeks. The increasing economic clout of events such as the Alice Desert Festival, levers this even further. Sales at the Desert Mob exhibition and Desert Mob marketplace, for example, add another $350 000 in 2006 to this figure, even before the economic effects of the festival generally are taken into account, at a time, in September/October in which, a few short years ago, the tourist season saw major contractions. These events will see a significant economic boost to the Central Australian economy. This is what it is about: spreading economic activity across a large number of sectors.
As I noted previously, a key element of Labor’s strategy in economic management is to link government assets together to achieve development outcomes, rather than treating those assets as separate bureaucratic entities. This is a key area in which my department and the government, generally, looks to have agencies work for the Territory as a whole; not just as a series of isolated agencies that are laws unto themselves. In this context, I was rather taken with some comments made from the member for Macdonnell at a CDU symposium last month when she was talking about one of the government’s assets, the Araluen Cultural Precinct, and I quote:
As she said:
That is the key to Labor’s management of the economy. The idea of the whole-of-government is not just an empty phrase or a piece of glib rhetoric; it is fundamental to our plans for the future economic development of the Territory, just as it has been the basis for our approach over the last four years.
As I said at the beginning, we are looking to long-term sustainability for our economy, and we are achieving it. We are looking for a spread of capital outlays by government, and that is precisely what we are doing. We are looking to diversify our economy, and that is the way we are moving ahead. We are looking to getting government assets to work together for all Territorians, and that is where there is more to be done.
However, the important decisions we make in our economic planning and management are not simply about money; they are about people. They are about investing in the Northern Territory; not just as an abstract idea driven by Treasury or other officials, but about investing in the people of the Northern Territory, because it is the people of the Northern Territory who are our ultimate resource.
As minister for the Arts, I am acutely aware of the tremendous amount of work and skill required to achieve artistic excellence. So it goes with the fine art of economic management. Five years ago, the Chief Minister and Treasurer of the first Labor government in the Territory’s history was handed an economy that was not so much as an empty canvas, as a scrap of butchers paper and a couple of broken crayons. The tubes of paint were dried up, and what was left of the brushes had seen far better days. Then she was told there were still heaps of money still owing on the crayons. The previous Treasurer had abandoned paintings by numbers as being all a bit too hard and had taken up video-graphics. In short, the art of economic management in the Territory had descended into crude finger painting. Although there is much left to be done, the current Treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister have done much to restore the picture for which, I am sure, many Territorians now and in the future will be thankful.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, this afternoon I support the Treasurer’s statement, Building the Territory’s Future: an Economic Progress Report. The Treasurer has outlined the difficult economic conditions this government inherited from the CLP in 2001. I do not have to remind you what we found in 2001: economic activity in the Territory was dead, dead, dead - like the dead parrot in the Monty Python skits. There was one crane in Mitchell Street at the Mitchell Centre and as for the budget, we will not go there because it was really tragic.
The work the Martin government has done developing and implementing economic strategies and policy continues to deliver a strong economic role and strong economy with a diversifying base and strong medium- to long-term prospects.
Business investment in the Northern Territory is stronger than ever, with investment increasing from just over $2bn in 2001-02 to $2.5bn in 2005-06. Since 2001, we have secured a total of more $11.4bn of business investment, a huge vote of confidence in our current economic action and our economic settings for the future - $11.4bn in just five years. This strong business investment is underpinned by the ramping up of Alcan’s $1.9bn alumina refinery expansion at Gove; LNG developments near Darwin; and other onshore mining development such as the browns cobalt/copper/nickel project under way for Compass Resources in Batchelor. Not only that, there are more mines coming online: Territory Iron; Arafura Resources; Matilda Minerals; the GEMCO upgrade of the mine of $400m; and, of course, ENI and Blacktip with nearly $600m for the production of gas. Further development of Darwin’s East Arm Port is under way, including the soon to be completed natural fuels biodiesel plant.
The quarterly Sensis Business Index is now showing consistently strong business competition in the Territory, a marked turnaround from the dark days of 2001. In 2001, only 20% of Territory business people surveyed expressed confidence in the prospect of their business in the next 12 months. In the most recent Sensis Business Index in August 2006, nearly 60% of business people surveyed were confident about their business prospects. This puts current business confidence in the Territory up there with that of other strong performing economies of Queensland and Western Australia.
We are not prepared, however, to sit on our collective hands. We are also putting in place what is required to maintain our economic development momentum. I have spoken during these sittings on this government’s priorities for regional development and the value and importance of this action to our future economic growth.
The key plank of our planning spans the whole economy through the finalisation of our 2015: Moving the Territory Ahead economic development framework. The framework has been developed to provide a common focus for the next decade of economic growth. It provides a blueprint for economic development in the Northern Territory and is aimed to guide further strategies and programs across both the public and private sectors. The framework was developed through extensive consultation and collaboration.
The Economic Development Summit held last November provided an opportunity for leaders from government, business and the community to participate in discussion on the Northern Territory economic future. In 2005, in the weeks leading up to the summit, five regional forums were held in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and Darwin. The framework was built around five key objectives.
Importantly, the first objective is focused on regional growth sharing in our prosperity. This objective reflects the major challenge of ensuring all Territorians share in the Territory’s growing prosperity. This particularly applies to Territory’s regional communities, and indigenous and young people. The Territory will not advance, the Territory will not progress if there is a big gap between the haves and the have nots. We have to make sure the wealth of the Territory is shared equally among people living in Darwin, Tennant Creek, Timber Creek, Bulman or Ngukurr, where all Territorians are all the rightful owner of this place and we have to share its wealth. We cannot - and I repeat, we cannot - afford to create divisions in a society. Divisions in a society destroy the society as we know it.
The second objective, investing in our Territory, recognises that the economic development would be underpinned by continued investment by the private sector. The significant reforms to payroll tax and stamp duties highlighted by the Treasurer are central to maintain the Territory’s low tax environment and ensuring that the Territory remains an attractive destination for private sector investment.
To meet its economic development objectives, the Territory needs a job-ready and productive workforce. The Developing Our Workforce objective of the framework highlights the importance that education and training plays in ensuring Territorians are getting every possible opportunity to participate in our economic prosperity.
Central to these objectives is the ability of the Territory to attract global talent. The Treasurer has already mentioned initiatives this government has put in place to market the Territory as a place to live and work. It is vitally important to address skilled labour shortages. Our efforts to attract appropriately qualified business and skilled migrants to the Territory are proving valuable, where it has not been possible to attract skilled Territory or interstate workers. Since the inception of the business and skilled migration program, 732 suitably qualified migrants have been assisted to take up employment in the Territory. These efforts are contributing to continued economic growth.
The economic development framework also promotes improved productivity and reduces the impact of red tape on business. This government is undertaking a range of activities focused on providing information on and streamlining licensing requirements, particularly for home-based and other small businesses.
The last objective of the framework acknowledges that integrating development with our environment is the basis of sustainable economic development. Through this objective as well as the other framework objectives, we are positioned to provide an economy, an environment and a social setting which better meets today’s needs then every before, while also providing for the needs of future Territorians on a sustainable basis.
I explored the Territory government key indigenous and regional economic initiatives in my ministerial statement in the House earlier this week. Much has already been achieved; however, I cannot overstate the importance of continued economic development to Territorians living and working in regional and remote areas. Other initiatives are bearing fruit for economic growth now and laying the groundwork for continued development in future.
Our Defence-related initiatives for creating a Defence support hub to turn through-life supported repairs and maintenance requirements into valuable industry development opportunities and strengthening Territory capabilities are providing the foundation for strong sectoral growth. Similar action to support growth in the petroleum and mining sectors to achieve manufacturing and general industry development and to facilitate investment is achieving results now and providing a sound base for further growth.
We must not lose sight of the wider Territory business community, which provides the backbone of our economy. The Martin government is providing business with the support required to assist continuing growth. This involves business services and support such as are provided by the programs like October Business Month currently taking place across the Territory. Over 1000 people have registered to attend October Business Month events in just the first two weeks. There are over 90 events on offer throughout the month.
Obviously, time does not allow me to cover all of the impressive body of work currently under way to maintain and enhance the economic development momentum that we have generated. As the Treasurer noted in his statement, our economic policies have been successful. They are providing a growing, more diversified economy with strong medium- to longer-term prospects. Our economy is strong. We have the fundamentals either in place or being put in place to give the Territory and Territorians a long-term secure future.
There is, however, much still to be achieved. We are definitely not sitting on our hands or resting on our laurels. We are doing all within our powers to locate the gains and continue to achieve economic growth across the Territory so Territorians can share in the benefits.
In the past, I have been accused as being a conservative or right wing or a pro-development minister, and I am not ashamed to say I am a pro-development minister because I can see the benefits of development. The role, the core function of a government, among other things, is to create economic development, economic prosperity and create more jobs. I am not afraid to say that this is what I aim to do. In the position with which I have been entrusted, this is what they asked me to do and I intend to do it.
Creating economic growth and economic development in the Territory is to provide Territorians with jobs - jobs, jobs, jobs, wherever they are living, wherever they are, where they come from, whatever colour they are. When people have jobs, they have money. When people have money, they spend it. People who live and work in the Territory spend their money in the Territory. It is, of course, an endless cycle. At the same time, I am the first one to say that it cannot be development at any cost; it has to be sustainable, managed development and it has to be development that takes into consideration other elements of the Territory lifestyle and the environment.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer for his statement and I will be a strong supporter of the Treasurer in his endeavours to further advance the economy and the Territory’s future.
Debate adjourned.
MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Sundowner Caravan Park
Mr ACTING SPEAKER: Honourable members, the Speaker has received the following letter from the member for Nelson:
Is the proposal supported? The proposal is supported. I call on the honourable member for Nelson.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the government for supporting the bringing forward of this matter of public importance.
Sundowner Caravan Park has existed as a caravan park for many years on the edge of Darwin at Berrimah. It was operating before Cyclone Tracy and it has been the home for many people over the years. The Overlander Caravan Park was its neighbour but, about two years ago, the park was demolished to make way for the WOW complex. This development was the subject of some planning concerns in relation to obstructing access to the Sundowner Caravan Park.
The Sundowner has about 60 permanent sites as well as a number of motel units and some camping sites. Many of the permanent residents have lived at that park for up to 15 years. They have built quite substantial annexes, protecting their caravans and giving them extra living space. Some have also bought their site from a previous tenant. One particular resident paid around $25 000 for a home only about six months ago, and he is not the only one. They did this believing the present owner intended to keep the site as a caravan park.
This caravan park is not just a caravan park, it is a community. It is a home for many people. Residents I spoke to like living at the park, not just because it is their home, but because they feel secure and it is a place where they know everyone. Until recently, many people believed that their future was assured. A number of them said they were told verbally that the caravan park would continue, only to find out, when they saw two pink development signs go up out at the front of the park in the last weeks of September, that their home was to be sold and redeveloped. Neither the manager nor the owner had told them what was happening. I presume that was because the management did not want to lose customers before the closing date.
I hand delivered a letter to people advising them that they could write to the Development Consent Authority and object to the development application, and I understand a number did. I have since met with the residents and told them to write to the council and government expressing their objections to the development of this land and asking the government to consider a land swap. The Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Lands may have received some letters from residents regarding this matter. There is no doubt the present owner has every right to sell his land and, at the same time, apply for permission to develop that land as showrooms. His intention is to sell his land, subject to planning approval being given for the showrooms.
Many of the park residents were quite angry that they had not been told anything until I hand delivered information regarding the development application the other day. The owner gave the residents information as to the future of the park only yesterday. That was only after he had rung me on Sunday morning accusing me of inciting, saying he was only selling the park as a going concern, and that it was up to the new owner to decide what the future of the park would be. Unfortunately, he failed to mention that it is his company that is applying for planning approval for the showrooms. The residents of the park have been kept in the dark.
There are four options for the people: find another park that will take them, find alternative Housing Commission accommodation, rent a house on the private market, or ask the government to do a land swap. On the first count, finding other parks that will take these people will be impossible, because my understanding is that there are not enough parks that will take them in. Here is a rundown of the spaces of parks available, and you will note that most parks do not take permanents: the Coolalinga Caravan Park will take permanents but no pets; Lee Point Village Resort – no permanents; Oasis Tourist Park – no sites available, not even next year; Shady Glen will take a few but no pets; KOA and Malak – only two sites available and they will not take pets; Sundowner Caravan Park – well, I will come back to that one; Leprechaun Motel and Caravan Park does take permanents but does not take pets; and Howard Springs Holiday Park has permanent sites available, again does not take pets. The funny thing is we rang the Sundowner Caravan Park, the one that is being closed, and they said: ‘Oh, there is one site coming up and we will take pets’. What they did not say was it was going to close down on 31 January. You can see why people have been misled.
The other issue that is very important in relation to these caravan parks is public transport. Many of the people from these parks are pensioners or on low income, and you will find that most of these caravan parks do not have public transport nearby. That is one of the advantages of the Sundowner Caravan Park; it has public transport for Palmerston, Casuarina and Darwin.
In relation to pets at the Sundowner park, many residents have small yards to keep their animals so they do not have to be tied up as happens in other parks. Their pets are their companions and they live at Sundowner because they are able to keep those pets. The other good thing is that this park is not adjacent to residential areas so there is not cause for any complaints. It is a quiet park except for planes flying overhead. However, the residents say that does not worry them at all.
Many residents have substantial infrastructure built on their site. What will happen to that? It will either have to be bulldozed or removed and relocated, which would certainly be difficult and costly. The other option the people have is to apply for public housing. While some people may fit into the criteria of priority housing, most would probably have to wait at least five to six months for a placement. Then, of course, they would have to find a place for their caravan.
Most people live in caravan parks because it is affordable. The option to rent accommodation is not a practical one. Regarding private accommodation, one resident said it costs her $130 a week including the cost of using the airconditioner. Where else would you be able to get accommodation at that price? People want a choice of accommodation, and that is why people do not want to leave their homes at the Sundowner.
That is why the next option, I believe, is the only practical and proper solution. That option is a land swap. I am asking the government to offer part of Crown land Portion 2237 adjacent to WOW along Vanderlin Drive to the developer who is purchasing the Sundowner Caravan Park, and for the government to take over the caravan park, under its management, for at least five years. I refer to a map that I have put on members’ desks. It will show you where the Sundowner Caravan Park is - section 2845. It shows you where WOW is, and it shows you the suggestion that I am making; that the government looks at land on Vanderlin Drive.
The present owner of the caravan park would still get his money from the new developer owner - he is selling that - the developer will get the same size block of land as the caravan park, and the residents would keep their homes. The amount of land offered to develop it would be the same area as the caravan park. It would be, to use an old clich, a win/win situation.
In June this year, the ACT government did a similar thing. The residents of the Narrabundah Long Stay Caravan Park were given eviction notices. Dr Foskey, a member of the ACT Greens, passed the following motion with an amendment from the ACT Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope. This is the motion that the ACT Assembly finally passed:
This was agreed to and passed. The Chief Minister at the time, Jon Stanhope, put out this press release headed ‘Long-Stay Park Saved – Land-Swap Agreed’. This was on 8 August 2006, so it is quite recent:
I am asking our government to do something similar. I believe there is room for negotiation, especially when you see from the plans that the car parking requirement for the new showrooms will require the Darwin City Council to sell off some of their land along the Stuart Highway reserve. If the Darwin City Council does not support the development, it is unlikely that the developer would be able to develop the property as planned. If there is no guarantee that the proposal, as planned, could go ahead the developers may be willing to negotiate with the government for another site large enough to satisfy the car parking requirements.
The government could sit on its legal bottom, you might say, and say that they should not get involved. They might say that this is an open market and it is only a caravan park, which is illegal under existing zones so let us get rid of it. But I say to the government: this is more than that. It is about Territorians, the people our government should stick up for. The government cannot just sit idly by; it can do something positive. The government can help these people. They could do a land swap with the developer at little or no cost to themselves. They will give a developer a block of land and get a similar block of land back in return.
The people at this caravan park are not the wealthy folk of our Fannie Bay or northern suburbs areas. They are ordinary folk who want to save their homes and live where they have for many years. We know there are very few alternatives for these people to live. We know the price of land and housing is too high for some people today, that these people have the right to have a roof over their head. These people at Sundowner want the government to help them. Can the government fix it? Yes, they can; just like Bob. The land swap is a real solution at little or no cost to the government. I ask the government to seriously consider this proposal and allow the residents of Sundowner Caravan Park to keep their investment, their lifestyle, and their homes.
I should raise one other issue that this issue highlights; that is, that there is a lack of long-term caravan park-style accommodation in the Darwin region. With the price of land continuing to go up, people will be looking at alternative living and permanent caravan parks so that there is a reasonable alternative for people who cannot afford either buying or renting a home. The government should seriously consider a plan to develop more of these parks. The parks will need to be accessed with good public transport and could be in locations such as near the airport where, normally, such accommodation would not be permitted.
This government is always standing in front of the latest waterfront development, the big 33-storey block of flats, the luxury apartments, and selling the Territory. That is fair enough, but it must not lose sight of the little people - the average Joe Blow and his wife and the single pensioner living on his own. I raise that as an aside to the main purpose of my MPI tonight. There are other issues that we need to discuss when it comes to accommodation for people, especially those on lower incomes. We have a case here where a caravan park will close down on 31 January and at least 80 people will have to find alternative accommodation.
I suggest people have a look at the Sundowner Caravan Park. Until recently, whilst I had been there, I had not made the effort to look at the people there personally. When I had a look, I realised that these people will be emotionally affected by being kicked out of this park. They were of the belief that the present owner had given them a verbal assurance that they could stay in that park. They have made substantial additions to where they live. There are solid steel annexes that they have erected. I was there late on Saturday or Sunday night and I was talking to one gentleman under his annexe. He said: ‘I have just put this annexe up worth about $12 000 - all new material’. He said: ‘Luckily I have not concreted the posts in yet’. He does not know what to do.
There will be issues with how you move some of these caravans. They are not licensed, the wheels are off them. One person said to me: ‘Do you realise we thought we were allowed to stay here so we poured the concrete floor?’ There was no existing concrete. They poured a concrete floor, filled it all in, have this well set-up little room right next to their caravan. They were of the belief that they had a long-term future.
As I said, there is a gentleman there who has paid around about $26 000 because you could buy someone’s site with the caravan and the annexe on it. He bought that in the belief that it was going to continue. We could say: ‘Silly buggers them. They should have got it in writing’. That is possibly right, but this caravan park has existed since before Cyclone Tracy; it is nearly a heritage site. However, it plays an important role for a number of people who like that kind of accommodation, find that that is the sort of accommodation they can afford, and enjoy the security of the accommodation because they are actually close to their neighbours. It is an interesting place when you start to talk to some of the people.
They all have their bit of independence but they all know there is someone over the road who can help them if they are sick. There are a number of quite old people there. One gentleman the other night, after I had been around and explained to him that this caravan park was going to be turned into showrooms - they did not know that; they did not even understand what the pink signs meant. They had not been told by the management or the owner. This gentleman was quite ill and the reason he was ill is he under stress. All he could think of was that he was losing his home. Although they are caravans and might not be the finest places in the world, they are definitely their homes.
The government can do something. It can look at the ACT example. There is a fine example from just two months ago by the ACT government. The government will not lose out. There may be some argument that the developer would not have the Stuart Highway frontage, but there is no guarantee that he will be able to get that development because the strip of land along the front actually belongs to Darwin City Council, and they would have to acquire some of that land for car parking. If you look at the development plan, it says: ‘Subject to acquisition on land from the Darwin City Council’.
Here is room for negotiation. Here is room for saying, to the owners of the WOW complex: ‘Yes, we will give you a piece of land on Vanderlin Drive, that is still a very busy road, and here we can protect the homes of these people’. People or the government might say: ‘Well it is an old caravan park, some of the buildings might not be up to the building code. The zone actually probably does not allow the caravan park to exist’. I say, minister, you know you have the power under certain exceptional development permits; you could allow it to continue. I believe that would be the good thing to do. By taking it over and saying: ‘We will work through these issues, you will not be moved from this caravan park for at least five years’, would allow people time to discuss the future of this park. I would not like to see it close down. In fact, I say this caravan park serves a purpose. It could be upgraded. There is nothing wrong with the government owning it; you could put management in to run it. At the same time, it is telling us we should also, perhaps, be looking at more of this kind of development.
In summing up, I would say to the government, please give this serious consideration. There are a lot of people who will be affected by this. These are the salt of the earth Territorians. They are just plain, ordinary folk who lived in this caravan park, some of them for up to 14 years. The government would just show these people that they are not just addresses, they are real people. There is an opportunity here for the government to do something. I just hope they will, and I believe the land swap is a proper alternative.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Mr Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the member for Nelson for bringing this matter to both the attention of the public and this parliament. I met with the member for Nelson earlier this week on this and other issues. He outlined to me the situation and we discussed some of the ideas that he had been working on, the ideas we have heard in the Chamber today.
The Sundowner Caravan Park is located on portion 2845 on the Hundred of Bagot. It is zoned B3, which is Highway Commercial. The Sundowner Caravan Park is for sale. There are currently two planning applications: (1) to consolidate the caravan park with the adjoining WOW/Toyworld development, and (2) to develop the site for showroom sales in a single-storey building. These planning applications were lodged last month to consolidate the two sites and develop showroom sales in a single-storey building. The applications will be considered by the Development Consent Authority on 1 November this year. Clearly, if these applications are approved and the site is developed, then the caravan park will close and the current residents will have to find new accommodation.
The member for Nelson has requested that the DCA consider the plight of these residents in their considerations. All submissions received must be considered by the DCA, and I am aware the member for Nelson and the residents have made a submission. However, they should understand that the role of the DCA is to consider the appropriateness of the development application in the context of the zoning of the land, and in accordance with the Planning Act and the planning scheme. It should be also understood that if the DCA decides not to approve these applications, then this does not guarantee that the caravan park will continue to operate. It is not up to the DCA or, indeed, the government to insist that a certain business continue to run. They, obviously, are obligated to comply with any leases or tenancy agreements that they may have but, ultimately, if they decide to close their business, well, that is a matter for them.
As I mentioned, I met with the member for Nelson earlier this week and he raised several ideas. While some of his ideas probably are not that practical, he is certainly looking at all options. One of the suggestions was for government to compulsorily acquire the property and to provide them with nearby land on Vanderlin Drive. We have that suggested land swap map here.
Mr Wood: Not quite compulsorily acquire; swap it.
Ms LAWRIE: This is not Crown land, it is freehold land owned by the Power and Water Corporation. Power and Water has future plans for this site and intends to construct large water tanks to supply the increasing development occurring at the port and the Darwin Business Park. This land is also zoned RD, Restricted Development, in recognition of its location under the flight path, which means that most developments, including showroom sales, are prohibited. Additionally, the government does not believe that we should be in the business of running caravan parks. There are other commercial caravan park operators who, I am sure, would not be too happy if the government enters their market.
However, I appreciate that the member for Nelson is saying that these residents should not be left to be victims of market forces. The member for Nelson has contacted other caravan parks to asses their suitability and capacity to take on the current residents. I know he has also had talks with the service station at BP Palms about starting a caravan park on a site there. The government will be happy to offer our assistance to help progress such a proposal. In the event that the caravan park does close down and the residents do have to move on, then the government will offer to assist. The Minister for Housing will talk more about this. It is quite likely that these residents may be eligible for consideration for public housing.
The situation at Sundowner is not unique. It may not happen with caravan parks that often, but we do frequently see residential properties sold or developed, and rental tenants are required to find alternative accommodation. It is a reality of the rental property market of which caravan parks play a part.
I congratulate the member for Nelson for his effort to date. I encourage him to keep in touch if there is anything he feels the government can assist with. We are not going to leave the residents of Sundowner and ignore their plight; we are making a genuine offer to work with you, member for Nelson, to find solutions to their plight. What you are clearly saying is that the proposed land swap with the Power and Water land is not an option. It is not something government can entertain. If you want to continue your discussions with the BP service station then, by all means, we encourage you to do so. It is important that we get an assessment of the residents’ needs at Sundowner. At the end of the day, we cannot force a business to keep operating.
Mr McADAM (Housing): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak also in respect to this matter of public importance raised by the member for Nelson in regard to those people at Sundowner Caravan Park. I, too, applaud you, member for Nelson, for your commitment and your dedication to your electorate but, more importantly, in regard to the people who are presently occupying caravans at the Sundowner Caravan Park. I know it is not an easy issue. It is something which, effectively, government has no control over. Obviously, the Minister for Planning and Lands has outlined to you the government’s response to the land swap.
However, I want to say a few things. I hope it may be of some consolation to you and, indeed, some of your constituents there who, obviously, have been there for a very long time - probably battlers and people looking for a fair go in life. We were able to send down client relation officers today from the Department of Territory Housing. They have been there, as I understand it, this afternoon. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to give you any feedback at this point in time of what the outcomes might be. However, I know they have been there. Obviously, after I get a report back from them tonight, I will ask them to go back tomorrow if necessary. I will also ask them to be available after hours for those people who are working so that we get a full picture of where Territory Housing might be able to assist.
There are a number of options open in regard to people staying there. Clearly, they should be the result of further discussions, consultations regarding their eligibility in respect to public housing. Obviously, for those people who are eligible for public housing, we will do all that we possibly can to assist them by putting them on to the emergency housing list. Bear in mind that there is a very long waiting list. For those people who fulfil that criteria for emergency housing, obviously, we will respond accordingly. Where necessary, we will do all that we possibly can. You also mentioned that you are aware of a long waiting list; I know that too. Let us treat each case on its merits in respect to options in public housing.
The other matter which residents there should be aware of - and officers from my department will obviously be conveying this sort of information to them – is that Territory Housing can provide help through a security deposit, through a bond assistance scheme. Effectively, this allows eligible clients to access an interest-free loan from Territory Housing for a security deposit if they wish to relocate or to avail themselves of housing in the private sector. That is one of the options, and we will do what we can for those people if they wish to go down that path.
The other option which might be of interest to people there, member for Nelson, is that there is a Commonwealth Rent Assistance grant which is available for people. There are conditions that do apply to it but, effectively, it enables them to rent into the private sector. If they fall within that criteria, they are able to get a Commonwealth Rent Assistance subsidy from the Commonwealth. They would need to be assessed, and that is available through a Centrelink office. For those people who wish to avail themselves of that, that is one of the options open to them.
The other option which I would like to advise of is the HomeNorth Extra Scheme. That is a scheme which some people who are staying there at the moment may wish to avail themselves of. As you would know, that has conditions as well: $1160 weekly income and up to $260 000 in value. That may not meet their immediate needs but, if there are people there who wish to contemplate that option then the client relation officers at Territory Housing would be prepared to assist those people where possible.
I also had people from my office make some inquiries regarding other available caravan parks, particularly for people who may wish to stay permanently. I know that there is not much available. There is short-term accommodation available, I have been advised, but it probably does not meet the needs of the people that you refer to.
I trust that that may be of some assistance. It certainly does not meet the immediate needs in regard to those people who are, clearly, in need of alternative accommodation. However, it does raise a very interesting question. We have heard from the Minister for Planning and Lands who said that, subject to discussions or further considerations that the member might wish to talk to BP Palms. That is down the track. As I say, it does raise some other issues to do with suitable accommodation for those people who choose to live that lifestyle, if I could put it that way. For those people who are not in a position to afford houses, living in that sort of environment is probably very special for them. It is not a bad lifestyle, actually, and it is something that should be encouraged.
As I said to you earlier, they are not always in a position to have the dollars to get into $350 000 houses or whatever. Of course, many people may not wish to live in units and smaller-type dwellings where you are, basically, enclosed in a unit-type set-up.
As I said, it does warrant further attention and it has to do with providing that sort of accommodation. I am not necessarily suggesting it be in a caravan park establishment. I believe there is some capacity to have a look at other options – perhaps a multipurpose arrangement where it could include a caravan park-type set-up or also provide suitable accommodation at a lesser rate. As you know, there would be a fee apply. Whilst I cannot give you any commitment at this point in time, the model that I have just mentioned needs some more thought. However, it is something I have discussed about, particularly with people in Alice Springs about alternative accommodation options.
I am not going to go into detail on that, but the government has to be flexible and have the capacity to look at options - to assist and facilitate, not invest in. I do not think that is a role of government at all. There is a market out there that may be of interest to the private sector in that sort of accommodation.
As I mentioned previously, member for Nelson, I hope that has given you some information which may be of assistance to your constituents. As I said, I will get a report back, probably this evening I would hope. If all of the people down there have not been spoken to today, then we will ask people to go back tomorrow. We will ask people to go down there after hours, and do what we can to alleviate the problems that they have and to provide a bit of support for them.
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. As I said, I am quite happy to have further discussion about alternative options that might be available. You have raised this also in regards to other areas in your electorate, and we will look at being a bit more innovative and flexible in terms of how we do things. The whole issue of housing affordability is a big one. Territory Housing is having a look at the HomeNorth Extra scheme at present. My understanding is that there is a broader theme happening at the same time. Unfortunately that does not address your immediate problem.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to have other discussions in regards to some other options, possibly not in the short term, that might address some of these issues into the future, when we have people who, for historic purposes, are choosing the life in a caravan park and, obviously, having no security regarding their capital commitment to it. We will see what we can do, but that is it for the time being.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Deputy Speaker, last month I had the pleasure of presenting the inaugural Chief Minister’s Award in Public Sector Management at the Convention Centre in Alice Springs. The awards will be held every two years and celebrate some of the great work being done in our public sector - work that is helping create safer, healthier and more prosperous communities right across the Territory. Recognition like this is very important. It is often the spur for people to really take off and excel in what they do. These awards also help raise awareness in the community about our public sector, its employees and the positive contribution they make to the Territory, year in and year out.
The inaugural awards were offered in four categories and we received 30 nominations, which was very encouraging for the first year. The first award category recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote cross-government cooperation and partnership initiatives. The winner was the Court Referral and the Valuation for Drug Intervention Treatment initiative from the Department of Justice. This program, known as CREDIT, tackles the real underlying causes of drug-related crime through rehabilitation in centres for offenders. The Jidan Gudbelawei - Peace at Home initiative was highly recommended in this category and was awarded to the Katherine Integrated Family Violence Service of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
The second award category recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote highly effective engagement of government with the community. The winner of this category was The Libraries and Knowledge Centres Program, which is an initiative of the Department of Local Government, Housing and Sport. The focus of this program is on literacy, access to information, and preservation of culture, and it has seen remote Aboriginal communities using the library services to bring all their songs and stories together, ensuring they are preserved and shared in the future. Once again, the Jidan Gudbelawei - Peace at Home initiative was highly commended in this category.
The third award recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote strong and vibrant regional and remote communities. The winner was the Progressive Joint Management in Partnership with Indigenous People of the Katherine Region. It is a Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts initiative, and has produced great results for Nitmiluk, Flora River and Gregory, and demonstrates that working closely with Aboriginal stakeholders increases capability in parks and tourism across the board.
There were also two highly commended initiatives in this category: the Revive and Refocus Forums for Remotely Located Employees, which is run by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment, and the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area: Both Ways Management initiative from the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.
The last of the awards was in the Indigenous Community Development category, and the winner was the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area: Both Ways Management initiative. Both Ways Management sees rangers and staff from the Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and the Parks and Wildlife Service working together and learning about traditional and contemporary land management on a day-to-day basis. Three initiatives were highly commended in this category and they were: the Libraries and Knowledge Centres Program, the Progressive Joint Management Partnerships with Indigenous People of the Katherine Region, and the Flexible Employment Program in the Southern Region Parks.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Their work - and the work of many other people in the public sector - continues to make a real difference to the life of the Territory. I thank them for their dedication and look forward to the next awards in two years time.
We all know that our Territory show circuit generates a fair bit of excitement among all ages each year. However, that is not all it generates. The show circuit also brings social and financial benefits to many communities across the Territory. A recent report, compiled by a leading independent marketing consultant, estimates the circuit which comprises the Freds Pass, Adelaide River, Central Australian, Tennant Creek, Katherine and District, Royal Darwin and the Borroloola Gulf shows, is worth more than $20m to the economy each year. That figure gives a fair indication of how much we Territorians love our regional shows, and how we turn out in force to support these great community events. Let me tell you a little about each of the shows this year.
First, to the Central Australian Show. I was very pleased to be able to open, yet again, the Central Australian Show. It was the 47th show and was dedicated to Barry Bohning, who had a tremendous input into the event over a quarter of a century. Barry was a horse steward in the early 1970s when the show was held at Traeger Park. In 1985, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Central Australian Show Society, and was president from 1995 to 2004, when he retired due to ill health. He helped shape the show into the wonderful event it is today, and his contribution will not be forgotten.
It was terrific to wander around and talk to stallholders, some of whom are new businesses. One of those new businesses, which has just started up, is Action Ideas. The brains behind the operation are long-term Centralian residents, Merrilyn McIver, her daughter, Dale, and another well-known local, Scott Boocock. I certainly wish them the very best of luck.
There were, of course, also established businesses and veterans of the show. A special mention to Greg Revel from Centralian Sports, this year celebrating his 24th year in business, and he is still as motivated as ever.
There was a great atmosphere at the show and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved: the stallholders, the volunteers and all those Centralians who got along in support of their show. In particular, I thank Brad Bellette, the Show Society President, Jan Dunk, the society’s admin officer, and all the other committee members: Jeff Farmer, Kev and Margaret Betterman, Doc Cunningham, Harry Cook, Col Penley and Ellen Earea. They are a hard-working team and their commitment and dedication to the show is well known and appreciated by all of us.
This year’s Tennant Creek and District Show was a big success, with record numbers and very happy traders. Show Society President, Greg Marlow, said more than 2700 passed through the gates, and that is a great turnout. The dancing ducks were a hit again, and the puppet show was as popular with the children as ever. The show’s main pavilion was packed with all sorts of information, and one of the most popular stands there was the Anyinginyi health stand. They were inviting show-goers to have an on-the-spot health check and find out more about healthy living.
The show committee, which includes secretary Beth Staunton Engles, should be congratulated. However, on a sad note David Mills performed as MC for the last time. David’s voice has been a fixture at the show for over 18 years. I take this opportunity to thank David for his contribution to the show. He will be a hard act to follow.
Clashing knights, leaping dogs and prancing horses were some of the attractions at the Katherine District Show. This year marked the show’s 41st anniversary, and the community turned out in force with more than 10 000 people attending on the first day. As usual, the cattle and horses attracted a lot of attention and there was no shortage of entertainment for the kids.
Let me tell you about a few of the show’s high achievers. The mother and son team of Janine and Phillip Morrow took out the senior and junior highest aggregate in the cake cooking section. Taylah Locke’s ‘Palace of Dreams’ cake was named most outstanding exhibit. Taylah, who is only seven, cooked and decorated the fruit cake all by herself. In the crafts section, June Edwards cemented her position as Katherine’s best needleworker with her eighth straight highest aggregate win in the needlework section. Other winners included Ian and Deborah Young, whose Rhode Island Red rooster Robbie cleaned up in the poultry section. The impressive Robbie was top Rhode Island Red Champion Standard Breed highest aggregate points winner and was also named Champion Bird of the Show.
Rural shows are struggling around Australia, but the local community really got behind this year’s show and its future certainly looks bright. A good example of that community support was the effort that the schoolchildren of Katherine went to in decorating the poultry pavilion with hundreds of plywood cut-outs of roosters. It looked terrific. The show was a great opportunity for the people of the Katherine region to come together after a very difficult year. Their resilient community spirit was there for all to see. Congratulations to Cath Highet, the show society president and CEO, Kathy Smale, and all the other tireless volunteers for a great show.
The 54th Darwin Show also drew record crowds with around 50 000. President Rink Van Der Velde, CEO, Cherry Court, and admin officer, Rose Aston, all did a great job, as they have done for so many years. The traditional president’s reception, which welcomes stallholders, was a great success with more than 100 attending. Several awards were presented and I congratulate the following recipients: The Most Outstanding Stall - the Department of Defence; Rural Ambassador of the Year - Kaaran Hassal; Junior Steward of the Year and recipient of the Administrator’s Medal - Lindsay Wilson; and Senior Steward of the Year and recipient of the Chief Minister’s Cup – Bill Fry.
The younger generation were again very involved in this year’s show. Twelve-year-old Skye McFarlane showed great expertise to win the Handler Class of the Paraders competition at the show. That is a great achievement; well done, Skye. Joanna Kaltourimidis, who is 16, won the poultry section of the Best Pet competition with her little rooster, Big Red. Joanna has been entering since she was eight and was thrilled to come out on top at this year’s show.
The hi-tech Holden utes were again a crowd pleaser with their high speed crossovers and lightening fast handbrake demonstrations. The show finished with a bang when the fireworks lit up the Winnellie Showgrounds on the Saturday night.
Last, but certainly not least, was the 20th Borroloola show. The Borroloola Show is the region’s most important social and sporting event, and there was a strong turnout this year. Schoolchildren from Kiana, Borroloola, Robinson River and Wandangula supported the craft section of the show, with over 300 entries being received.
Show president and Borroloola School Principal, Judy Cotton, and Felicity Thomson a senior teacher from the school, were the judges. Kiana School won the scarecrow building competition and Harry and Alex Chapman, in a joint effort, won the cooking section with a delicious chocolate cake. The colouring-in section was also hotly contested with Narida Bob from Wandangula pipping the rest.
As usual, businesses in Borroloola continued with their support of the show with Red Dirt Trading sponsoring the Junior Art Prize, Paperback Caf sponsoring the cooking, and the Gulf Mini Mart supporting the horticultural section. Congratulations to Judy and her team for the hard work; it certainly paid off.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, you cannot underestimate the value of our show circuit. As well as the financial boost it gives our economy, it also allows communities across the Territory the chance to come together and have fun. They are a big part of our great Territory lifestyle. Once again, I thank everyone who has helped support these shows – and the others I did not mention.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I speak about a lady who lives with her disabled husband on the Tiwi Islands, on Melville Island. She has written to every member of parliament, so what I am saying is not new to anybody. However, it appears that nobody has been prepared to assist. I hope the Minister for Housing might be the one who will be able to look into this. She stays on a property on Melville Island, having lived in that same house for some 30 years. I would like to read her letter so that it is on record. Perhaps then the government would respond accordingly. On 29 September 2006 she wrote:
Maybelle Bourke.
I have spoken to this lady on several occasions and, from what she has described, I believe she has a case that needs to be addressed - and addressed quickly. As far back as May 2005 - and I have a copy of the minute from the Tiwi Island Local Government Council meeting. In it, as reported by one of the officers, in the first article under ‘housing’:
The mover and seconder were named in the minute. All were in favour and the motion was, thus, carried. That was May 2005. After that, it appeared that there was money made available to construct the en suite for the elderly couple.
On 22 December 2005, a note was made by Michael Hodgson, the physiotherapist at the Darwin Remote Aged and Disability Unit:
On 23 March 2006, there was another note by the physiotherapist:
In continued to search through the paperwork - some of which Mrs Bourke faxed to me - it was definitely clear that sewerage pipes had already been laid in the ground ready for the en suite and plumbing. The costing was, in fact, already prepared so that the en suite could be built, and the money identified as being available. There were plans provided by the physiotherapist to indicate how the bathroom should be built; the design allowing a person with a wheelchair to be pushed into the bathroom with enough room to manoeuvre around the bathtub, the sink and the door. These plans were very detailed and, obviously, made available to support the construction.
Unfortunately, since that time, nothing further has happened. I can understand why Maybelle Bourke is most distressed. She is not a young woman herself and she is caring for a disabled spouse who is confined to a wheelchair. She needs a mechanical lifter to assist with lifting her husband from the chair into the bath.
This, as I said, started way back in 2005. In fact, Maybelle Bourke wrote this to the Pirlangimpi Council on 5 April 2005:
Attached to the document that she sent:
As a consequence of this letter, the Tiwi Island Local Government Council met and passed the resolution approving the en suite being built on Lot 223. Since then, she has been waiting, and been waiting for a long while, with no result.
I now propose to read a handwritten note that Maybelle Bourke provided to me and, I understand, to every member of parliament. This was written on 27 September:
That was written on 25 September. Then, on 28 September, she wrote again:
If this elderly couple have been waiting for nearly two years now, I believe it is time that government undertook the responsibility to get this sorted out. It is not going to cost a lot of money, probably only a couple of thousand dollars. I am sure that could be easily found to assist the Bourkes in their retirement, and they can live at home and Mrs Bourke can look after Mr Bourke very well and capably. Why force the elderly couple to seek other places to try to accommodate them if they do not want to leave their house anyway? A couple of thousand dollars of expenditure would make their lives a lot easier and it would go a long way to making an elderly couple very happy. I strongly urge the government to look into it as soon as you possibly can. Perhaps, by Monday, they can start the investigation so that the Bourkes can get this done within a couple of weeks, and life can be better for them.
Mr VATSKALIS (Casuarina): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, August is Seniors Month but I and Paul Henderson, the member for Wanguri, made a decision to actually extend the Seniors Month to include the beginning of September. The reason for that is because we wanted to invite many of our seniors in our electorates to a morning tea at Tracy Village Social and Sports Club. We were thrilled to see so many from this special group of citizens took the time to share that morning with us. Everyone enjoyed being entertained by the very talented Wanguri Primary School Choir headed by Ms Judy Weepers. A wonderful array of home cooked cakes and pastries baked by the Tracy Village chef were delicious. It was so good to catch up with so many seniors and enjoy a cuppa and a delicious morning tea with them. Thank you very much, Teena, from Tracy Village Social Club for organising the morning tea, and Judy Weepers and the Wanguri Primary School Choir for their beautiful songs. It was a wonderful morning enjoyed by all.
More and more, senior Territorians choose to stay in the Territory for retirement. As a matter of fact, senior people now have decided to come from other states to the Territory to be here with their loved ones and their families. In addition to that, changes in the Commonwealth legislation about migration, about returning back to home country, has seen many of these senior Territorians migrate to the Territory; and they feel unable to go back to their country unless they are prepared to lose their pension and their benefits, so they decide to stay in the Territory. Of course, that puts a lot of pressure on our existing resources, especially for nursing homes and senior villages. I was very pleased yesterday, with the Chief Minister and my colleague, Marion Scrymgour, to attend the official unveiling of the plan by Masonic Homes in Tiwi for a $25m expansion of the retirement aged care complex there.
It is great to see more senior Territorians taking the option to stay in the Territory. Masonic Home was granted 2.4 ha of vacant Crown land adjacent to the existing aged care facility for the expansion. The Tiwi Gardens aged care facility will be the largest in the Territory when it is completed in five years. Masonic Homes yesterday announced that the new development will include 85 new aged care beds in addition to the existing 50 beds, 35 new retirement homes, 12 new low-cost housing units, the expansion of day therapy and rehabilitation, increased focus on dementia support facilities and services, and relocation of the Darwin Nursing Home residents to the new facilities in 2008.
It was a great time, a great day. The Tiwi facilities are absolutely top of the range. I know quite a few people who live in the seniors’ village and they are very pleased. However, I also met quite a few people who are actually in the nursing home and they are quite satisfied with the service and the care that they receive there, together with their families.
I turn to the schools in my electorate. I congratulate students from Nakara school, Julia Gomes and Arthur Nieto, for receiving my achievement award. As you are aware, I have established an achievement award and every month I visit my schools at their assemblies and present two achievement awards plus $25 book vouchers to the children who perform very well that month. Julia Gomes and Arthur Nieto attend the Nakara Primary School, together with a group of special students.
The Nakara Primary School students had fantastic results in the recent Tournament of the Minds. Nakara Primary School nominated two teams in two categories; Language and Literature, and Maths and Engineering. I would like to congratulate team members, Gabby Williams, Luci Murphy, Melissa Nayda, Kate Joyce, Chloe Moo, Clarisa Lopez, Campbell Burton, together with the principal, Katrina Otway, and teacher, Vicki Manley, for their terrific win. They won the Language and Literature section and will be travelling to Adelaide to compete in the national finals at Flinders University on 21 October.
Nakara Primary School’s other team also received an honourable mention for coming second in the Maths and Engineering challenge out of a field of 16 teams - a fantastic result as well. The girls were given three hours to decide on a solution and present their challenge in a play format with costumes and props – all created from recycled materials - within the three hours. They had to incorporate two or more presentation styles - for example, music, humour, characterisation - within the presentation and identify these to the judges. The teams are not allowed any adult help and are interrupted for 10 minutes during their three-hour presentation to respond to a smaller, spontaneous problem, where the judges watch their teamwork skill and processes.
The teachers have said they are a very talented and dedicated group of young ladies who deserve the chance to represent the Northern Territory at the nationals. I was very proud of the girls and happy to provide them with a donation to assist them with their fundraiser to help cover the cost of their trips. Congratulations also belong to the teachers and their parents. I wish them all the best in the national finals in Adelaide. I look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return.
Dripstone High School has every year organised Dripstone Day. It is an annual event run by staff and students of the school and is always a success. Crop and Colour, the Student Talent Show and the Football Challenge are annual events held at the school on this day in order to raise money for children who are ill, and to showcase the enormous hidden talent at Dripstone High. There is a great effort by the students and staff who get involved every year by cropping/colouring their hair, by competing in events or donating. This is a fun-filled event that generates a lot of interest each year, with the main idea being that the students really enjoy being involved in assisting to raise funds for community charity. Dripstone High recognise the importance of supporting the community and, over the past six years, has raised many thousands of dollars for charities such as the Cancer Council, the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and the Down Syndrome Association.
My colleague, Paul Henderson, and I are always happy to participate and enjoy the activities during Dripstone Day and were very happy to donate $500 to Dripstone High students to assist them with their fundraising efforts.
I turn now to sporting events and people who are achieving in sports. Congratulations to Simone Liddy, one of my young Nakara constituents, for winning the Northern Territory Institute of Sport Award for Excellence in Athletic Career and Education. Simone has managed to balance her career and sporting commitments over the past few years. She recently co-captained the Northern Territory Under 21 hockey team, and was also a member of the Territory Pearls hockey team early this year. She managed to combine these commitments together with her Northern Territory Institute of Sport scholarship, and studying full-time in her second year of a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Charles Darwin University. At the same time, she finds time to do professional practice at Royal Darwin Hospital. Congratulations, Simone, and well done.
I also congratulate the Northern Territory Institute of Sport for a successful awards presentation night at SKYCITY. I am sure all the athletes, coaches and parents also enjoyed the night and the entertainment.
I will take the next few minutes to comment on an adjournment made last night by the member for Greatorex with regard to the water supply interruption to Alice Springs. Of course, the member for Greatorex always speaks about various burning issues at adjournment because he knows very well nobody is going to give him the answer that he needs to know. It would have been very easy for the member for Greatorex to ask during Question Time today about the events at Alice Springs, and he would get the answers the real answers not what he presented yesterday at the meeting in Alice Springs.
In his adjournment, the member for Greatorex got his facts wrong again. He mentioned that the interruption was because of a burst water main. Wrong; it was a computer glitch. A computer sensor indicated that one of the tanks was full when, in reality, it was empty. The member for Greatorex went on to say that for the last five years and I quote:
Wrong again; the infrastructure is not old. The infrastructure, according to the engineers, is near the halfway lifespan, and it is not substandard. Power and Water has a constant maintenance and upgrading program in place with $9.7m in the till, and continues to do it.
Then, of course, the member for Greatorex claimed that everything happened because the Martin government puts all the money into the waterfront and not in infrastructure. Wrong again! The Martin government puts a lot of money into infrastructure. Of course, the member for Greatorex and his colleagues in the CLP tried to run down the waterfront. They are not interested in jobs or development. It must be the first time ever that CLP members do not want development in the Northern Territory, or want jobs for Territorians. The member for Greatorex continues to scaremonger over the waterfront. The waterfront is a fantastic development. It is a development by the government, but most of the money will come from the private sector. No money has been taken away from projects around the Territory and put in the waterfront.
Money had been allocated - record spending has been allocated - to infrastructure in the Territory in order to maintain and to improve existing infrastructure in the Territory. We go further than that. He now has had a go at the power station in Alice Springs and the installation of the turbine - it was noisy. Of course, Power and Water admit the turbine was noisy. The reason it is noisy is because, unfortunately, the people who are affected by the noise live very close to the valley where the Alice Springs power station was established. This is not the first time this has happened. This happens often when you have an interface between industrial or commercial areas and a residential area.
Power and Water identified the problem when it was brought to their attention and immediately took action to rectify the problem. Of course, the problems cannot be rectified by clicking your fingers. It will take time, especially when there are complex machines like this particular turbine. First, Power and Water organised to get some special seals to put around the exhaust of the turbine and, when that did not adequately minimise the noise problem, Power and Water, in consultation with the company, organised to get specially design baffles to put in the exhaust to reduce the noise and to reduce the speed of the exhaust gases so there is no internal component on the south that affects residents. Not only that, but Power and Water has given a commitment that, should the problem not be rectified, they are prepared to move the turbine to a more appropriate location in order to remove the noise problem from the area.
The member for Greatorex went on to say that if the EPA had any teeth, it would have closed down the power station a long time ago. Well, you had better tell that to the people in Alice Springs: ‘Sorry, no power today because there is noise’. Of course, there is going to be noise; it is an industrial area. The power station was established by the CLP government 25 years ago. It has been there for a long time. Of course, it needs to be upgraded because Alice Springs has increased the demand for power, and Power and Water, in order to meet this demand, has purchased and installed new generation turbines that, unfortunately, create more noise that has to be dissipated at that location.
In addition to the member for Greatorex complaining that the EPA not having any teeth, I would like to hear from him what the CLP government did when not only they never contemplated introducing noise regulations, but steadfastly refused to introduce noise regulation even when it was demanded by the public. I know that well because, as a qualified noise officer, when I first came to Darwin, I received many complaints from residents being annoyed by noisy conditions in Darwin from night clubs. I was unable to do anything because there were no noise regulations in Darwin.
I find it very hypocritical of the member for Greatorex to make accusations and allegations against our government, repeatedly at a time when he knows very well he is not going to receive any answers. If he had the guts, he should have stood in Question Time this afternoon and asked the question in front of the television cameras, and he would get the real answers - the answers that people in Alice Springs deserve to receive, not the hypocrisy of the member for Greatorex. The member for Greatorex, by his actions, has shown that he does not care about his constituents, the people of Alice Springs. If he did, he would ask real questions and receive real answers.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, this is the only opportunity I have to respond on the matter of public importance and I thought I would do it while it is fresh in my mind. I should have started with: where there is a will there is a way.
I appreciate the comments from both the Minister for Planning and Lands and the Minister for Local Government and Housing. However, I must say at the outset that I believe the land swap is feasible. If this land belongs to Power and Water, then I will go to Power and Water. I will go to their board and their Managing Director. With a name like Mr Kim Wood, I must have some sway. There must be family there somewhere along the line. I will be putting it to them, as good corporate citizens, that they have a role to play in this as well.
The minister said they need this land for water storage tanks. You can bet your bottom dollar that they do not need all that land for water storage. If anyone has seen the amount of land they own out at Coolalinga, the McMinns pumping station, they have a huge amount of land compared to the land they need. It is the same with this particular land.
What I would be saying is that Power and Water could actually take the land over because what we are after is some time. If they said they will take it over and run it themselves as a caravan park - put management in - it may not be perfect, it may not be the role of Power and Water or of government, but aside from these people a place to live for the time being, it would not put pressure on the housing authority to find accommodation. We would give time for changes to occur. You would not have to rush looking for another piece of land near the BP Palms service station. That could be developed within the time frame that we are looking at, the five years.
I believe there is a solution. The minister said the land is zoned RD or something and, therefore, is not suitable for showrooms. The government, the minister, is the person who changes zones. I could not believe that you could not have showrooms at that particular spot, under the flight path. What would that matter? It is not residential, it is commercial, shops. Many places in Australia have commercial development under the flight path. It could be done. That is why I say, where there is a will there is a way. I do appreciate what the ministers are saying, but I do think we can do it. The solution would create a lot less problems than what is going to occur if this land is sold off in three-and-a-half months. The Minister for Housing and Local Government said that he is sending people there to talk to the people. I will find out, as I go around, what they are saying. However, the reality is there are not going to be enough places for these 67 sites - which is, I presume, around 80 people - to find accommodation for them.
I do not know what they are going to do. However, because we do not know what is going to happen to all these people, to me it is a much easier solution to see if we can work out an arrangement that the Power and Water Corporation - and I would put that down as government even though they are, in theory, separate - looks after the caravan park say, for five years. That will give people time to, I suppose, live there to that point in time and they will be able to plan, knowing that the caravan park will possibly close down in five years. Power and Water will get that land. I cannot imagine, in the next five years, that they are going to need every square inch of the land they have on Vanderlin Drive. However, Power and Water will get that land in five years. They would not lose any land so, in the end, it is not as though, if they did need every square inch, that they would suffer from giving some of their land over to WOW at the moment, because they would pick up the land from the Sundowner Caravan Park in the future.
I thank the ministers for their statements. It is especially good to hear that the Minister for Housing has made the effort to ask his officers to go out and talk to those people. I believe that is encouraging, and it is important that government does that. However, I say to the Minister for Planning and Lands: you are a minister who has a lot of power and I am sure that you could find ways around some of the issues.
I will certainly be taking it up with Power and Water. I will be asking them to act as good corporate citizens, as was done in Canberra with a company there. I will be speaking to the Darwin City Council. I want to find out what their feelings are about this development, and whether they intend to sell off the land in front of the caravan park. That is fairly important in relation to whether this development goes ahead at all. I would like to know what they think. I will be putting it to them that they actually support this process of a land swap. I know the land itself we are talking about is not theirs, but they are a community body, they are a local body, local government that can lobby the government. I will be asking them to at least please consider what I am saying. Perhaps they can talk to government and influence government and put pressure on government to look at this option. I believe it is the best option; the other options have many question marks about them. They do not give certainty to people. They may give certainty to some people, but to other people it is going to be very hard.
I will continue to push the concept of a land swap. I will look for solutions. I am happy to come back and talk to both ministers, but I will keep trying because these people need someone to give them some certainty. If we go down the path we are at the moment, where it will close on 31 January, unfortunately, these people will not have that certainty that they need. However, I will keep trying.
Yes, the Development Consent Authority has legal requirements when it comes to approving or not approving development. One option they may take up is that they may ask that the caravan park, because it has been there such a long time and is a permanent caravan park, they cannot develop that land until a certain time frame occurs to allow an orderly relocation of the residents there - whether it is six months or 12 months. That is the other process I have going as well because, surely, the Development Consent Authority cannot stand and just talk legal terminologies when it comes to doing its job. It knows that people live there. There is a section of the Planning Act which talks about amenity. That amenity applies to the people who are being affected. In this case, they are the people who live in the caravan park. I will be asking the planning authority to use that clause, if they approve this development, to allow time for these people to relocate.
There are two avenues I will go down. I prefer the land swap because that would give people, especially those who have spent, as I said, quite considerable amounts of money on buying their site - at least they would get value for the money they spent on those sites. Then, we would be able to organise something for them to eventually to move to. Hopefully, there another site has been established by then, and these people can live in the lifestyle they enjoy; the lifestyle that they feel gives them security and which is really all about their homes. I am sure this particular debate will be continued.
Mr STIRLING (Nhulunbuy): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it is a bit of a throwback for me to see the member for Arnhem in the Speaker’s Chair. It reminds me of my first and second sessions of parliament in the early to mid-1990s when the then member for Arnhem - former, former member for Arnhem - who was an exceptionally dear friend of mine, used to sit in that Chair, often with a shy smile but always with great dignity and presence. I looked this evening and saw the member for Arnhem and I was immediately taken back about 13 or 14 years to very fond memories of Wes Lanhupuy who, on quite rare occasions, used to take the Chair always, as I said, with great dignity and presence. It is good to see the member for Arnhem back in the Chair. The immediate past member for Arnhem, of course, could not fill that Chair because he was a minister. Thank you for a distant but, no less, very special memory.
The Liquor Commission has supported the initiative of the East Arnhem Harmony Mala Group to declare Gove Peninsula a restricted area under the Liquor Act. The commissioners have indicated their in-principle support for the Harmony Group and other stakeholders to continue to work through the practical application. I am pleased with the support from an extensive number of organisations within the region, and their commitment on Harmony to deliver a solution to the alcohol issues in the community.
I congratulate Senior Sergeant Tony Fuller for his direction and support in seeing the project through thus far. Having firsthand experience in developing a similar plan on Groote Eylandt, Tony has created a PowerPoint presentation clearly representing the facts, not only to our region but to other interested regions as well.
The proposal is to restrict alcohol sales in the East Arnhem region and introduce a permit system for the purchase of takeaway alcohol. The Yolngu communities at Yirrkala and Ski Beach are working closely together with Harmony. They recognise the urgency in addressing alcohol abuse involving humbug, deprivation of sleep, family disturbance, no money for food, and the impact on families - particularly the youth where the suicide and attempted suicide rate has increased dramatically in the last couple of years.
Government agencies such as the ACCC, the Information Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Commission and Trade Practices will now be consulted with the legalities and implementation of the decision to make sure that no federal legislation is being trespassed in this area.
On 23 August 2006, the Alcan Gove Emergency Response Team attended the 2006 NT Mines Rescue Competition in Darwin. Alcan Gove’s competition team including Mal Pitkin, Craig Jensen, Mark Twomey, Tony Williams, Nick Ralph, Reece Ravlich, Trevor Quick, Jeremy Chrzanowski, Jabin Smith and Peter Logan, showed that their skills and knowledge were the best in the Territory. Their dedication and training was rewarded, with Alcan performing very well in all disciplines. At the end of the competition, the team was awarded Best Overall, Best Captain, Best Medic, first in Team Safety, first in Fire Fighting, first in Road Accident Rescue, second in Team First Aid, third in Hazchem, and third in Search and Rescue in Smoke. I congratulate the team for an outstanding performance in a diverse range of simulated situations, a terrific effort. Thanks must go to the supervisors who allow their crew members to participate in such valuable training and competition, and to Perkins Shipping who generously transferred their equipment to Darwin.
Nhulunbuy Christian School recently participated in the Northern Territory’s Young Scientists Award. A total of 10 students from Years 5, 6 and 7 placed first with their research and investigations. The students worked in small groups, selected a project and engaged in a range of supervised and supported learning activities which addressed their chosen categories. Congratulations to Ayden Koch, Caris Graham, Kody Lynch, Sharma Mitchell, Emily Pilgrim, Alison Hoskins, Joshua McKeogh, Henry Walker, Kyle Rogers and Ky Baker. The competition was organised by the Science Teachers Association of the Northern Territory, and participants represented both private and public schools. That is a terrific effort by the Christian school.
Two respected indigenous elders from east Arnhem Land have been recognised for becoming Northern Territory Justices of the Peace at this year’s Garma Festival. I was pleased to publicly acknowledge both Banambi Wununggmurra and Raymattja Marika’s appointments at Garma and present a ceremonial certificate of appointment to them. Banambi and Raymattja have worked tirelessly in the justice area and have been the driving force behind the community court in Nhulunbuy. I thank them both for the important contribution they make as respected citizens and leaders, not only of their own community, but in the broader Northern Territory community.
The Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and Parks and Wildlife Services were recognised at the inaugural Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management. Dhimurru won the Indigenous Community Development category for their Both Ways Management. Dhimurru and Parks and Wildlife Service NT have had a formal agreement to jointly manage the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Areas since 2003. They have successfully shared and practised aspects of traditional and contemporary land management on a day-to-day basis with the care and control remaining in the hands of the traditional owners according to the vision of the elders. My congratulations to Dhimurru’s Executive Officer, Steve Roeger, he does a fantastic job, Banula Marika and the team for their achievement, and to the Parks and Wildlife Service for their continued support and advice.
A new agreement with indigenous communities in north-east Arnhem Land will deliver positive benefits for the environment, employment and social cohesion. I was pleased to travel to Yilpara along with a colleague, Warren Snowdon, to be part of the launch. Under the new management plan, the Yolngu people will be assisted in managing their land according to international conservation guidelines. The Yirralka Rangers will control feral water buffalo and pigs to reduce the threat to the wetlands around the rivers flowing into Blue Mud Bay. I have to mention a most spectacular helicopter trip down to Yilpara where we followed the coast, which is spectacular enough in itself, down Cape Arnhem. We had a photographer who was filming the work that rangers do all around the world, and he wanted the chopper to get low enough to pick up if there were any nets on the beach that trap the turtles. A little over wave height along the coast of Cape Arnhem is spectacular enough. We then crossed inland - I am not sure which direction from Wundawuy, which is a community out there, but you could see Wundawuy in the distance on one side - and as we travelled toward Yilpara which is further down the coast, came across a green section ahead I thought for all the world looked like a spectacular golf course in the middle of nowhere. There are no roads - absolutely no roads. There is no access to this place and, like going around the first nine, it opened up into the most spectacular wetland.
I would have flown over that 20 or 40 times in my 16 years in parliament and never knew it was there. The reason I never knew it was there because I am always in a fixed wing aircraft at about 8000 or 9000 feet. Often, there is fire or smoke around that country, and you would never see it. Then, as we came around the corner in the chopper, at probably a couple of hundred feet, you could see the feral pigs in and around the few clumps of trees that exist across the floodplain, and huge buffalo wallowing in the mud. There were probably 15 or 20 pigs, about the same number of buffalo. Some of the pigs looked to be almost the size as the very smallest of the buffalos that were there. Particularly the pigs are the sorts of pests that really cut that country up.
A little further on and because there is a perspex floor in the JetRanger helicopter so you could see straight through at what is happening - and the sky just turned black. First of all, it was ducks and then it was magpie geese, which all settled on this spectacular floodplain because it is the last of the wetlands in that whole area that still contained water this late into the Dry. Interspersed between the ducks and the magpie geese, of which there were many thousands, there were almost as many brolga. It was an absolutely sensational flight. I thank Nick Holmes, the pilot of the chopper, who knows that country like the back of his hand because he is flying over it all the time. It is those pigs that are a major threat to the wetlands around those rivers flowing into Blue Mud Bay.
These rangers will clear the dangerous ghost nets which foul the coastline and improve the protection of important turtle nesting habitats. It also provides a pathway for these remote communities to meaningful jobs with spin-offs in health and education, and provides a great opportunity for Yolngu people to be employed in managing the country, using the knowledge of both cultures built on the current work program, and grow the ranger force skills and capacity.
Some of the communities are already establishing small scale economic activities - tourism, art and craft, harvesting bush tucker for sale, harvesting pest animals and the possibility of producing mud bricks. Communities need to build on these small developments with government and private enterprise. I congratulate Laynhapuy, I congratulate Djambuwa Marawili and the community on this great initiative protecting the interest of future generations in an important way, both economically and culturally.
I should thank Greg Hunt, the Parliamentary Secretary for the minister for Environment from the federal government, who is very supportive and was there on the day to speak. I also pay tribute to the former minister for the Environment, now ambassador to the United States, former Senator Robert Hill, who was a great friend of the Yolngu in that region, and over-rode the previous CLP Northern Territory government to sign off on the first indigenous protected area in Australia, which was the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area. We now have two of the three indigenous protected areas in this great country.
I want to pay tribute to a Year 11 physics teacher at Nhulunbuy High School, Damian Alahakoon. Damian is a personal friend. He has been there for many years. He is Sri Lankan. His Year 11 physics students participated in the Eratosthenes Project Australia 2006. Nhulunbuy High School was the 2006 national winner of this project, with a $1000 prize. Millicent High School South Australia were equal second place with $500 prize, Our Lady of Mercy College of New South Wales was also equal second place, $500.
The students who participated were: Kirsten Dunkin, Brendon Drzezdzon, Jordon Byles, Matthew Beven, Damian Chesson, Tiffany Crane and Bradley Vellacott. They all contributed to the project at different levels, but the most critical contribution came from Kirsten Duncan, who spent a lot of her time putting everything together in the award-winning report. She drafted and redrafted the report several times.
The project was the national experiment coordinated by RMIT as one of the major events for Science Week 2006. Sixty high schools across Australia competed. Partnered schools measured the angle of the sun at local moon and used their combined results to calculate the circumference of the earth. Each pair of partnered schools were chosen to be as close as possible to the sun in longitude, but be the farthest possible latitude apart. Our partner school at Nhulunbuy was Millicent High. Both schools conducted the experiment on 16 August.
The original experiment took place 2200 years ago when astronomer-poet Eratosthenes attempted to calculate the size of the earth through measurement. Eratosthenes correctly assumed the sun is sufficiently far away from the earth that you consider its rays to be parallel when they reach the earth. In this modern re-creation of the experiment, students at each school measured the angle of the sun on the same day at local moon and, using Eratosthenes idea, measured the circumference of our planet.
Winners were chosen on the basis of a good result for the earth’s circumference and the best analytical report of the accuracy and the uncertainty in their result. Well done, Kirsten Duncan. Well done, to those students and well done, Damian Alahakoon. I am always very proud of our schools, and here is another reason to be enormously proud of the Year 11 physics class at Nhulunbuy High School.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
PETITIONS
Rezoning of Little Mindil
Rezoning of Little Mindil
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 3798 petitioners praying that Little Mindil site is rezoned to 01 Open Space. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that if conforms with the requirements of standing orders. Madam Speaker, I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
- To the honourable Speaker and members of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, we the undersigned respectfully show the Northern Territory government’s proposal for the development of Little Mindil (Lot 5994) is not representative of the people or spirit of the Northern Territory. Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the Northern Territory government retains this land in public ownership and rezones Little Mindil (Lot 5994) to 01 Open Space, and your petitioners as in duty bound will every pray.
Save Our Parks Estate – Top End
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I present a petition from 442 petitioners praying that the decision to hand over the 48 Territory-owned parks be rescinded. The petition bears the Clerk’s certificate that it conforms with the requirements of standing orders. Madam Speaker, the petition is in similar terms to a petition presented during the sittings in August. I move that the petition be read.
Motion agreed to; petition read:
- We, the undersigned, respectfully showeth our great sense of betrayal by the Northern Territory government in its plans to handover 48 Territory-owned parks to a select group of people.
Your petitioners do humbly observe that the government plans to hand over Top End parks including: Mary River, Gregory National Park, Gregory’s Tree Historical Reserve, Fogg Dam Nature Reserve, Harrison Dam Conservation Area, Kuyunba Conservation Reserves, Flora River Nature Park, Melacca Swamp Conservation Area, and Black Jungle/Lambells Lagoon Conservation Reserve.
Your petitioners do further observe that the handover is akin to asking New South Wales residents to hand over Bondi Beach or South Australian residents to hand over Glenelg Beach or, indeed, the waterways and beaches around Darwin, no questions asked.
Your petitioners do humbly pray that the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory take the necessary steps to make the Northern Territory government immediately rescind its decision to hand over the parks estate to sectional interests and to retain ownership of all parks for all Territorians.
MINISTERIAL REPORTS
Northern Territory Public Sector Wages Policy
Northern Territory Public Sector Wages Policy
Mr HENDERSON (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Northern Territory government has recently approved a new Northern Territory public sector wages policy. The policy establishes the principles within which wage negotiations and enterprise bargaining will occur over the next five to six years. The policy covers negotiations for all employees of the NTPS, as well as police.
The government is committed to collective bargaining and this policy reinforces that commitment. Enterprise bargaining in the Northern Territory public sector has produced significant benefits for employees and agencies alike through increases in salary, terms and conditions of employment and service delivery improvements. The policy will ensure that such mutual benefits continue into the future.
This policy is not, in any way, related to the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation. The Northern Territory government opposes WorkChoices and is committed to limiting its impact on workers in the Northern Territory to the extent it is legally able. To this end, the Northern Territory government has joined in the High Court proceedings against WorkChoices; established the Northern Territory Workplace Advocate, an information consultation and advisory service designed to assist Territory workers, employers and their representatives in relation to work-related matters, and to promote fair and productive workplace practices in the Territory; and is committed to preserving, as far as possible, Northern Territory public sector conditions affected by WorkChoices.
In summary, the policy is designed to: keep salaries and conditions competitive in the market; deliver productivity improvements and workplace reform; foster forward planning by agencies; wherever possible, deliver consistent outcomes across occupations to achieve fairness and equity; support collective bargaining; and keep costs within government parameters.
There are six principles to the policy:
1. The Northern Territory government supports a one system common approach to bargaining, covering the core conditions bargaining agenda and outcomes, including wages, will generally apply to across all areas of the public sector. This principle ensures the development and maintenance of a standardised set of common and core conditions such as annual leave, sick leave, long service leave, superannuation and remote entitlements.
2. The quantum of salary increases is to be based on the consideration of five factors: productivity improvements; market forces; CPI; the government’s fiscal position; and government policy as determined from time to time. The size of any increase will be a balance of these factors, some of which may at times be competing.
3. Increases in salary are to be of a magnitude that results in the NT being a competitive employer. The Northern Territory government recognises that for the Northern Territory to be able to attract and retain high skilled and high performing employees, a competitive employment package is necessary.
4. Other than in exceptional circumstances, increases that are above forward estimates for salaries are to be funded by offsets achieved through improvements in productivity, structural organisational change, and workplace reform. The following principles will be used in determining productivity gains.
(i) a regime where one party cannot expect something of the other for nothing; there must be a quid pro quo;
(iii) gains must be demonstrated either quantitatively or qualitatively within a time frame.
- The policy encourages employees, unions and agencies to look at ways to improve efficiency and productivity. This is the vehicle to achieve high salary increases than might normally be achieved.
5. Principal responsibility for negotiations lies with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment. There is shared responsibility with the Northern Territory Treasury and other agencies. In the majority of cases, this represents the continuation of current practice, but will also result in the Commissioner for Public Employment taking a lead role in negotiations for police and employees with the Power and Water Corporation.
6. Wherever possible, agreements are to be collective agreements with the relevant unions. This principle reinforces the government commitment to collective bargaining. The first agreements negotiated under this policy with dentists and the Darwin Port Corporation employees have been signed, and both identified areas for productivity improvements.
Unions have been briefed on the new policy by the Commissioner for Public Employment. The commissioner will be issuing a bulletin to all employees explaining the policy. Madam Speaker, I table a copy of the new policy and the commissioner’s bulletin to Northern Territory public sector employees.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Madam Speaker, here comes the federal election campaign run in this parliament. I had a look at the ALP website yesterday, and front and centre was the very message that is being touted by the Territory minister. It is no more than political grandstanding and an abuse of this parliament to direct attention to the attempts of the federal government to gain some traction on issues of national importance.
You will try your best, but let us focus your attention more on the needs of the Territory community rather than the bidding of your federal and national masters. I would like you to make some reference, at least, in your comments, minister, to employers. I heard no mention of employers. I would also like some reference to your capacity to keep your own wages bill under control. You have blown your capacity to maintain your own operation. Have a look at your own operation to see whether you can get that show under control.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I have difficulty understanding how you can apply enterprise bargaining to some public service jobs. If you are in the sock manufacturing business and you can convince your employees to make more socks, you will pay them more money because they become more productive. However, if you are, say, at the front counter of Power and Water where you are serving the customers, how can you ask more customers to come in?
Is enterprising bargaining a silly concept? Should we be saying to people: ‘We will increase your wages based on the cost of living’? That is really what we are doing. You cannot have enterprise bargaining for someone sitting at the front desk. They cannot answer more letters if they do not receive them. They cannot serve more customers. The concept of enterprise bargaining for some sections of our workforce is not relevant. It may be in some parts of the public service, but in other parts, it would be more honest, and I do not say that detrimentally, if employees said: ‘We would like an increase in our wages because the cost of living has gone up’.
In years gone by, they had to get rid of their holidays down south; they combined sick leave with other leave. Eventually, you run out of all those things. What these people are asking for is an increase in their wages to match the cost of living. That is not enterprise bargaining. We need to look at whether that concept is outdated, especially as it relates to public service jobs.
Mr HENDERSON (Public Employment): Madam Speaker, today’s announcement of the Northern Territory government’s wages policy has absolutely nothing to do with the federal election in itself. What it does is commit this government to negotiating collectively with our employees.
The member for Blain was saying I did not mention employers. This is the Northern Territory government’s wages policy, and we are the employer. There will be a very clear line in the sand come the next election in the Northern Territory about the CLP’s position on bargaining with its own employees as the public sector.
We are committed to EBAs. Are they going to go to the next election and say they are going to put every public servant on an AWA? If you are going to do that, do it. We will know where the battle lines are drawn because we are about fair outcomes; fair for the Northern Territory taxpayer, fair for employees. If the CLP is in government after the next election, they will be on about individual contracts with every single public servant. That is not fair and will lead to inequity in the system.
Nurses – Increase in Numbers
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, we came to government in 2001 with a promise to employ 75 extra nurses in our health system over the first term of government. Last year, we promised another 75 nurses over our second term.
Today I can report that since 2001, this government has increased the number of full-time equivalent, or FTE, nurses from 1322 in June 2001 to 1593 in June 2006. This represents an increase of 271 FTE positions, or over 20%. Some of the areas these extra nurses are working in include our hospital Emergency Departments, the hospice, the Rapid Assessment and Planning Unit, the Renal Unit in Alice Springs, and the child health initiative, among many others.
However, the worldwide nursing market is fiercely competitive and there are nurse shortages all over the world. There are estimates that Australia will be under-resourced by thousands of nurses in the next 10 years. We know this and we must continue to be proactive in our efforts to woo nurses to the Northern Territory.
I was pleased to announce at the beginning of this week our latest campaign, a national media blitz to recruit nurses and midwives to the Northern Territory. The 2006-07 nurse recruitment campaign has the slogan ‘Nurses and Midwives - Bloody Heroes’. This is a continuation of the existing successful campaign that began in May 2005, which attracted almost 1800 inquiries from nurses around Australia last year, and resulted in over 250 nurses being recruited to the Northern Territory health system.
This year’s $250 000 campaign will continue to use advertising in national and regional media. It will also enlist the services of NT nurses to visit nurse expos around Australia, spreading the message that the Territory is a great place to live and work. The campaign is supported by a nursing recruitment officer and a dedicated nursing recruitment website. As well, there are arrays of innovated recruiting material, such as web cards, return to sender postcards, coffee cups, and posters.
The campaign is in addition to normal recruitment efforts by our remote health system, community health and our hospital, including the usual intake of nurses graduating from university. This year, Alice Springs Hospital will recruit 20 graduating nurses, Katherine Hospital up to 10, and Royal Darwin Hospital up to 60.
Madam Speaker, focus group testing tells us that nurses want to come here for a chance to make a real difference to Aboriginal health. It also tells us that timing is important. We are commencing our campaign before the usual seasonal nursing workforce movement begins in November, and we are seeking to attract nurses from other health systems looking for a chance to enhance or fast-track their careers. With this in mind, this year’s campaign will blend those ideas with the message that the Territory offers unique career opportunities with unmatched clinical and cultural diversity.
Stage 1 is being rolled out as we speak. A national newspaper advertising campaign has begun, targeting 41 regional newspapers in South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Advertisements have been placed in five of Australia’s highest circulating publications, as well as nursing professional journals, such as the Australian Nursing Journal and the Nursing Review. I have some examples of these advertisements. ‘Nurses - can we call you sister?’, ‘Nurses - bloody heroes’, and ‘Nurses, man, do we need you’. These are very good ads. The popular online search websites, Career One and My Career, will carry advertisements for the campaign and supporting articles. Stage 2 of the campaign will be rolled out early next year and will focus on remote nursing, community health, graduate nurses and midwives.
Madam Speaker, this government is committed to long-term recruitment strategies. We are building on our successes in a workforce marked by fierce competition and seasonal fluctuations. I look forward to keeping honourable members updated on our further progress to meeting our commitments to the Territory and to our nurses.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I find it amusing that a minister today started telling us how many positions he has for nurses. He might not remember that he, in fact, signed off on a response to a question that I put to his predecessor some seven months ago. At the 23rd pay period of this year, Royal Darwin Hospital was 25 nurses short, Alice Springs Hospital was 13 nurses short, Katherine Hospital was nine nurses short, and Tennant Creek Hospital was five nurses short, making a total of 52 nurses short. This government can create as many positions for nurses as it likes, but it must fill them, and he cannot do that.
He then flouts this fantastic ad, which the ANF in the Northern Territory has said makes no sense. Minister, when you brag about what you are doing, match your actions with your rhetoric, otherwise you are failing the Territory.
The CLP offered you the HECS policy whereby if you were to say to all trainee nurses and new graduates: ‘Come to the Territory to work and we will reimburse your HECS fees each year’, you will have them in droves. Just do that; pick up the CLP policy. I announced that for you over two years ago. Pick it up and you will encourage nurses to come to the Territory, and you would not have this waste of money promoting silly ads of which nurses themselves cannot make head nor tail. You would have nurses who will staff our wards, ensure we do not have waiting lists in Emergency Departments or theatres. Our elective lists have been cancelled time and time again.
Minister, get your act together. You are a new minister. I am going to give you a little time, but not too much. You say you are the doctor. Well, doctor, do something about it. Your predecessor could not do anything; I hope you do better.
Dr BURNS (Health): Madam Speaker, in response to the shadow minister, I reiterate that nursing FTE positions have increased 20% under this government.
In relation to the media release that the member for Greatorex issued in which he said that the number of nurses recruited in 2005-06 fell 82 from the year before and is well below recruiting levels of the past five years – wrong. There has actually been an increase between 2004-05 and 2005-06 of 4% - 780 in 2004-05 and 811 in 2005-06. You are wrong. The data that you were looking at was not a full year figure.
I stand on this government’s record of creating extra nursing positions and recruiting to them, and spending over 60% more on health than the CLP ever did in its time.
Community Library Officers
Mr McADAM (Corporate and Information Services): Madam Speaker, I am pleased to be able to report to the House today on the wonderful work being undertaken by community library officers. Community library officers are the smiling faces of our remote community libraries. They deliver valuable community services by directing people to information, conducting children story-telling sessions and running literacy programs for all ages. They assist people to engage with technology and the worldwide web, and provide an important social hub and meeting place in their communities for men, women and children alike.
Community library officers are employed by their local councils which partner the Northern Territory government in providing library services across the Territory, and are almost always local indigenous members of their community. They are supported by the Libraries and Knowledge Centres program, a very successful work unit of the NT Library.
I am pleased to advise the House that the Northern Territory Libraries and Knowledge Centre program was recently awarded the Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management for Engagement with the Community. It also received high commendation in the Indigenous Community Development Award category. This recognition is testimony to the good work of the Northern Territory Library, which is not only delivering a valuable service in remote indigenous communities throughout the Territory, but is going a long way to ensuring sustainable community participation and upskilling in the delivery of core public service by indigenous Territorians for indigenous Territorians.
Support to community library officers is provided in a variety of ways. The recently held Community Library Officers’ Forum in Darwin is the most notable. This is an annual training forum which is designed to provide community library officers with an opportunity to train in the use of online resources and multimedia, and build on their existing library skills. This year was themed ‘Information Literacy for Communities’. The continued success of the annual forum was realised again last month, with an impressive 30 community library officers travelling vast distances from 22 of the Territory’s most remote communities - communities such as Angurugu, Wadeye, Umbakumba, Pirlangimpi, Elliott, Barunga, Ngukurr and Pine Creek.
I am sure that members present will agree that their commitment to attend this forum, some with young children, shows enormous dedication to their work and strong commitment to their community. The support to community library officers and the work which the Libraries and Knowledge Centre program is carrying out, delivers on this government’s affirmative approach to indigenous affairs, and is meeting the commitment to empower indigenous people and ensure that they have the capacity and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I was also made aware during the Community Libraries Officers’ Forum that four of these people were given special recognition by the NT Library for their 10 years of continuous service. This is a considerable achievement by any measure, particularly in service delivery in remote communities. I especially acknowledge them in this House today: Val Seib of Borroloola, Gaye Lawrence and Elaine Gano of Pine Creek, and Marg Minnett of Mataranka. They have all given 10 years of continuous service; a very marvellous achievement.
Madam Speaker, in closing I commend the work of the Libraries and Knowledge Centre programs of the Northern Territory Library and the dedication and commitment of the community library officers to this House. I also acknowledge the hard work, dedication, commitment of Trish Angus and Jo McGill.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Madam Speaker, I share the minister’s support for community libraries and the staff who work in them. This is one of the best ways we can deliver resources to communities which struggle to obtain the resources through the normal ways. Having use of the Internet allows greater dissemination of information and material. The way the Internet engages particularly children out in the communities, gives them a platform from which to learn and understand concepts and continues to develop the desire to engage with the Internet encourages literacy and numeracy to enhance their interaction. It is fantastic.
I want to make a point that I made to the minister a while ago in writing about the use of the Internet in the library here in Parliament House. There are commercial enterprises in town that lose business to the public library. We need to distinguish between tourists, who use our library Internet service for free, and Territorians who could potentially be denied those opportunities because tourists are filling the places on computers. Tourists should be using commercial enterprises in town, and Territorians can have free access to our library Internet services.
Mr McADAM (Corporate and Information Services): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Greatorex for his support and contribution in respect of the library programs run by my department, particularly those that relate to communities in the bush. I agree with him that they are a vital link. It is the way of the future, particularly in isolated communities.
In respect of the use of Internet services in the Northern Territory Library, I believe the issue of nil cost was raised by you during Estimates. I did undertake to get a response from my department. I do not have that response yet. However, it is a timely reminder and I will follow that up on your behalf.
Reports noted pursuant to standing orders.
EVIDENCE AND OTHER LEGISLATION (WITNESS ASSISTANCE) AMENDMENT BILL
(Serial 64)
(Serial 64)
Continued from 24 August 2006.
Ms CARNEY (Opposition Leader): Madam Speaker, I will be brief. The bill is supported for obvious reasons. The issue of payment of conduct money has been a difficult one and has been floating around for many years; it is an issue that warrants legislators having a go.
I am not sure whether the proposal contained in the bill will achieve what all of us want to see achieved, but it is certainly worth doing. I note that the intention, in essence, is to provide flexibility to arrange for a witness to travel to court in a manner that is appropriate in the circumstances. It still provides the option for cash or paying up-front. However, it similarly provides flexibility to ensure that other payment arrangements can be considered.
The purpose of the bill, in the first line of the former Attorney-General’s second reading speech, was to amend the law in relation to the provision of what is commonly known as ‘conduct money’. The amendments are worthwhile and supportable. It might be appropriate to review it, say in 12 or 18 months. It is likely that these changes will make everyone’s lives a bit easier but, nevertheless, it would be good for the Attorney-General to ask for a report in 12 or 18 months, certainly from the DPP and summary prosecutions, to ensure that the proposal actually achieves what all of us want.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Speaker, I also support the amendment. What this highlights is that there is an inequity for people required to attend court. Some time ago, I asked the then Attorney-General to look at payments made to jurors. The minister did have a review and increased the amount of the fee for people attending trials over 10 days.
There is still a serious inequality in the system. There are some very highly paid people who attend court: barristers, lawyers and judges. Then there are people who are paid for going simply because that is part of their job. Here, we are making sure people who are witnesses come to court and we are saying that we will provide an airfare or whatever is required to get them there and they will have accommodation, meals etcetera, or the equivalent of that.
However, when it comes to jurors, especially those who are not attending trials over 10 days, their payment is totally inadequate. For instance, if a private employer is required to serve on a jury, many times he would have to get someone else to replace him at a far greater cost than he would be paid to attend the trial, and a lot less if he is only on the reserve juror list - something like $20 a day. We are living in cuckoo land if we think this is the way to encourage people to take part in our legal system.
We have, on one hand, people who are well paid. We are trying to make sure that witnesses turn up for court by paying airfares and so on. However, on the other side of the equation, we are asking people to be part of the justice system as jurors, but pay them what is equivalent to working at the beginning of last century. If we want people to participate in our democratic process, which is the court system, we need to pay them adequate compensation for work lost.
One could argue that they do it out of the goodness of their heart because this is part of a citizen’s responsibility. In many cases, that citizen’s responsibility has to be weighed against the financial disadvantage that some people encounter when they are put in the position where they would like to serve as a juror, but know that would cause them quite a financial loss.
Whilst I thank the previous Attorney-General for at least having some review of this, overall, it needs a lot more attention. The balance needs to be set so that there is a fair allocation of resources for all people involved in the court system.
Mr STIRLING (Justice and Attorney-General): Madam Speaker, I thank the members for Araluen and Nelson for their contributions. The reforms were instigated at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions who was concerned with the problem of ensuring witness attendance to testify at trial.
In the Territory particularly, assistance does need to be provided. Otherwise, many people would simply be unable to attend the proceedings of the court. However, supplying money at some point before trial, especially in certain situations, often does not help to guarantee that appearance. The bill addresses the DPP’s concerns and will work to ensure the judicial system works as efficiently and swiftly as possible.
Every possible assistance should be provided so witnesses can make it to court and willingly provide evidence. However, if they choose not to, a clear method of compulsion is available to the DPP and the courts. The bill amends the Evidence Act to clarify exactly how an applicant party, usually the DPP, can provide conduct money to enable a witness to appear in court. It will set out the court’s powers to require a person to be present to give evidence, and the consequences of failure to comply when they have been provided with assistance. Under the bill, conduct money will be available to witnesses by a variety of means a reasonable time before they are required to comply. The assistance can take the form of cash, travel vouchers, transport tickets or cab charges and even a lift to court.
The bill also makes consequential amendments to various acts, regulations and rules to ensure the Evidence Act is the primary authority on provision of conduct money with necessary amendments to the Justices Act and Regulations, Local Court Act and Rules, Supreme Court Rules, Work Health Court Rules and Mining Regulations.
It was a fair call from the member for Araluen in her contribution to seek views on the system overall, particularly the DPP, in around 12 months’ time to see whether these amendments have met the mark. I am happy to do that and it is important to do so.
In respect of the member for Nelson’s comments, whilst jurors’ payments are not a part of this bill specifically, I have listened to what he said. I will seek my own brief and advice on jurors’ payments to satisfy myself as to the fairness or otherwise of those payments and how they operate in the context of a whole lot of other things. I will seek that briefing and advise the member for Nelson at some point in the future. I thank members for their contribution.
Motion agreed to; bill read a second time.
Mr STIRLING (Justice and Attorney-General)(by leave): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a third time.
Motion agreed to; bill read a third time.
MOTION
Note Statement – Territory
Communications Needs
Note Statement – Territory
Communications Needs
Continued from 31 August 2006.
Mr BONSON (Millner): Madam Speaker, today I contribute to the statement on the Territory communications needs. I do not often attack the opposition for political purposes, but today I have to. Telstra is of vital importance to the Northern Territory, and what we are seeing here is the disappearance of the CLP on this vital issue of Telstra on behalf of all Territorians.
The CLP should now be known not as the Country Liberal Party but as the Canberra Liberal Party, as what we are seeing from the federal government is an attack on all Territorians through the selling of Telstra. We have heard many promises over a long period of time about the protections that will be placed on all Australians, no matter where they live - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Wadeye, Maningrida, Utopia, wherever you want to go. What we have seen in the last few months, and what is proposed into the future, in the federal government’s response to Telstra, is an attack on the basic rights of every Australian citizen to have communications equal to any other country in the world. We are one of the richest countries in the world, and we have the ability to effect real change on peoples’ lives, no matter where they live.
We have the Canberra Liberal Party, a once proud party called the CLP, standing up for Territory rights. The other question is: where is the Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion and the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, on these issues? We have heard them previously make outlandish statements, one of which was on 2 November 2001 by Dave Tollner on the sale of Telstra.
- Dave Tollner: Fred, we’ve been very – both Nigel Scullion, Ron Kelly and myself - have been very vocal in this regard. What we support is trying to get the maximum services delivered to the Territory ...
We have certainly seen what they have been able to achieve, with the members for Greatorex and Araluen as the leadership group over there for the CLP:
- What we support is trying to get the maximum services delivered to the Territory before we would support any privatisation of - any further privatisation of Telstra. What we mean is …
Reporter: What is your benchmark?
- Dave Tollner: We want to get – we want to see mobile telephone coverage all the way up the Stuart Highway and I understand that John Anderson made an announcement recently that that would be one requirement before the Coalition government moves to make any …
Privatisation moves. Here we are in 2006 and we have seen those guaranteed protections produced by the federal government – not! We have not seen any protection of Territory rights, of citizens, whether they live in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Maningrida, Wadeye, Utopia, Kalkarindji, Daguragu. What we have seen is a gutting of services to the bush - no fault of Telstra. We have heard all throughout the Territory every member on this side of parliament talk in glowing terms of Telstra and what services they have attempted to provide in some of the remote areas and urban areas. However, they are operating within restraints. All I can say is I have to put on record a whole list of things that Telstra, through negotiations I conducted over the last 14 months regarding the RAAF Base and bringing broadband to constituents at the RAAF Base, have been nothing but helpful with.
I was just looking over this correspondence, Madam Speaker, and I will table this list of documents. There are a number of letters here. In response …
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, you need to seek leave to table the documents.
Mr BONSON: May I do that at the end of the speech, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Yes. Perhaps if you seek leave now and then you can table it later.
Mr BONSON: All right. I seek leave to table these letters.
Leave granted.
Mr BONSON: In response to my letters over a long period of time, I have a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Hon Teresa Gambaro MP:
- I am advised that the availability of ADSL to residents at RAAF Base Darwin is a matter for Telstra, and also depends on the location of the telephone exchange servicing the base.
Why I bring that sentence to the attention of this House is that Telstra did show a great want and desire to help the constituents of the RAAF Base. However, it was a flicking of the honourable minister’s letter and blame, I suppose, onto what Telstra can and cannot do. The point we are missing is Telstra was designed as a service for all Australian citizens no matter where they live. With the privatisation of Telstra, what we will see is a decline in that access to services - whether it be local phones, access to broadband and mobile phone services etcetera. It goes on and on. That is our argument; that any changes to Telstra need to take into account that the Northern Territory has special circumstances. We are one-sixth of the land mass of Australia and much of our population lives in rural or remote areas. In a lot of ways we are the future of Australia in our location in relation to Asia. Yet, through the sale and the treatment of Telstra and the treatment of Territorians by the federal government, with the Canberra Liberal Party, we are seeing a decline of services in the bush which will restrict development in those areas, both economic and social.
I note that the member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon, and the Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, have spoken out many times in the Commonwealth parliamentary arena on behalf of Territorians, urging both Senator Nigel Scullion and the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, to speak out strongly on these issues and, if not, walk across the floor in terms of negotiating a la Barnaby Joyce. Unfortunately, the Canberra Liberal Party has shown that they will toe the Prime Minister’s line all the way home.
I will move on and describe some of the help that I have received from Telstra over a long period of time. Most people in this House on both sides would recognise that the former Area General Manager for Telstra Country Wide, Mr Danny Honan, was a fantastic employee of Telstra and worked tirelessly with all members of this House to ensure that Territorians maintained access to services.
I wrote to him on 4 May 2005:
- In speaking with many RAAF Base residents I was informed that your broadband service was not yet available for the resident houses on the base.
I sent out a flyer asking for expressions of interest in order to gauge the levels of support for the provision of this service. To date, I have received some 29 responses asking for connection and, no doubt, more requests will be received.
I think we received the highest number - and I might have the number in here - ever in the history of a survey conducted, throughout the whole of the Northern Territory, lobbying Telstra on their forms provided with applications for things like broadband.
- Most of defence personnel are originally from interstate and regularly communicate with family and friends in Australia and overseas.
It is important to realise that we have had a large increase in Defence Force families over the last 15 years to the Darwin area. Many of them come from down south and have fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters living down south with whom they wish to communicate.
There is a whole dynamic, and I know the members for Brennan and Drysdale understand this dynamic, that there are now Defence troops and employees working all around the world. Of high profile is the Iraq conflict. The reality is that these families do not have contact with their loved ones. I am ashamed that we can send these people to represent our country, yet we cannot provide them with equitable access to communicate with their families in Australia.
I will continue with the letter:
- ADSL broadband is a very important lifestyle tool for keeping contact and obtaining information for a group of people who generally have no family in Darwin.
I am sure there are many more base residents who will take up your service and I would appreciate your positive response on a short time frame that will see this service in place.
I would like to meet with you on this issue and will contact you shortly.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Bonson
In response, quite quickly from Steve Tutt, the Customer Service Manager, Telstra Country Wide:
Dear Matthew,
- Thank you for your letter dated 4 May 2005 to Dan Honan in regards to ADSL broadband services to residents’ houses in the RAAF Base, Darwin. Dan has spoken to you about the situation and has asked me to provide you with some additional information.
Telstra Country Wide is keen to role [sic] out Bigpond Broadband ADSL to all the Darwin suburbs. As you are aware, the ADSL platform is still in its growth stage and is an ongoing project based on customer demand, commercial viability, available funding and potential return on investment.
Here we have Telstra staff identifying what frameworks they have to operate in, but there is no recognition from the federal government that these are the commercial parameters that Telstra have to operate in. This is also a bigger issue than just a pure commercial dividend benefit to the federal government, and the Canberra Liberal Party should realise this. The reality is that we not only live in an economy, we live in a society, and that some individuals throughout this country, by sheer mass, will not be able to lobby on purely economic terms. As Australian citizens, the question that should be asked in this House and of the federal government, is whether they deserve the same equitable access to emergency phone services, contact with their families, ringing health, talking to Power and Water, or ringing interstate? Most Australian citizens would say that telecommunications at that basic level is a fundamental right of all Australian citizens.
- In order to assess the customer demand and plan future network upgrades in any given area, Telstra Country Wide has established a Bigpond Broadband ADSL demand register. Customers can register their interest online through www.bigpond.com.
I want to put on record that Telstra Country Wide staff were fantastic in dealing with my office and residents of the RAAF Base in ensuring that we did everything right when we were lobbying Telstra about allocating services to this area.
- I have also attached an expression of interest ADSL demand register form you can utilise for any residential customers on the RAAF base Darwin. All you need to do is to get the customers to fill in their details and return the forms to me. We will then have their details placed on the demand register. Once we have sufficient numbers, we can then look at programming and obtaining funding for network upgrades to enable Broadband ADSL to residential residents of the RAAF Base Darwin.
What we saw over a long period of time was that we quickly increased the number of people registering an interest for broadband. I made a number of calls throughout the Northern Territory and wrote letters to individuals such as the Senator Hon Robert Hill, the Minister for Defence on 23 May 2005:
- Dear Minister,
Re: ADSL Broadband installation, Darwin RAAF Base
In speaking with RAAF Base Darwin residents over recent weeks, it was brought to my attention that ADSL service is not available to homes on the base. Residents have highlighted to me the fact that their families and friends are spread around the country and overseas, making the need for broadband service an important, if not essential, lifestyle issue. Nearly 40 residents have responded to me with written requests for this service.
I think we got up to about 125:
- Isolation is without doubt a key element for families in seeking ADSL service.
I have forwarded a letter to the Defence Housing Authority in Darwin asking for their assistance in this matter by contacting RAAF Base residents and requesting completion of the ‘expressions of interest form’ as required by Telstra.
I also seek your support by pushing Telstra to act promptly in this matter, both in the interests of Defence personnel as well as logical business opportunity for Telstra.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance in helping to progress this issue. I would appreciate your advice on proposed action.
Matthew Bonson
Member for Millner
There are a number of letters that, no doubt, members will take the opportunity to have a look at. There is a further letter saying the numbers go past 80, then 100 and 125. What was good is that we kept constituents of the RAAF Base, who are Australian citizens and who are now Territorians, informed. For instance, we wrote to households on the RAAF Base about ADSL broadband installation and the update. The letter reads:
- Following the distribution, collection and submission to Telstra of its ADSL Broadband Expressions of Interest forms in June and a follow-up letter from me in July, I have now received a response from Telstra advising of a time frame for installation.
You may recall that Telstra informed me that the number of expressions of interest from the base was amongst the highest, if not the highest, ever received.
Telstra has confirmed that an estimated date for the roll out of ADSL to the base is late December 2005. A copy of Telstra’s letter is attached for your information as well as my letter seeking this information.
Whilst a quicker time frame would be preferred, it is clear that our combined efforts have been effective in bringing this important service to RAAF Base Darwin households.
I will, of course, keep in contact with Telstra to ensure that this promise remains a priority. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel there are any other matters on this issue that should be brought to Telstra’s notice.
If it took us a long period of time to effect change in urban - basically central - Darwin, near the major airport, five minutes from the city, to a community group that has access to a lot of different avenues to get responses quickly, how would someone living 300 km east of Katherine be going? How would someone 200 km north of Alice Springs be going with, obviously, not the same access to services in the heart of Darwin. This is the key issue. We are talking about Australian citizens having the same access as we would hope every Australian citizen could get. To be fair to Telstra, they will be operating in an environment of profit. However, what we are saying the federal government, and to the Canberra Liberal Party - the member for Solomon, Dave Tollner, the Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion - is that we would like them to advocate stronger on behalf of all Territorians, to relay the fact that we form a community that is very remote and that we do need equitable access to services.
I share the concern of the Minister for Communications about the sale of Telstra. Not only has the sale adversely affected existing shareholders, it will undoubtedly be to the detriment of the consumer. I spent much of the lead-up to the last election talking to my constituents, and above all other matters at the RAAF Base was the issue of broadband access. Why was this such a concern to the residents of the RAAF Base? Many had come from interstate and were used to the level of services provided, and many were the partners or children of military personnel serving overseas. The latter reason is probably the most important. With the number of commitments the Australian military has overseas, there is, obviously, a large proportion of personnel serving away from home. Modern technology provides the ability for loved ones to keep in touch with service personnel abroad; that is, the broadband connection is available. I was told by many residents that it simply became unworkable with outdated connections.
For members of the public reading Hansard in the future, my electorate of Millner, geographically, is the first electorate in the northern suburbs. Nonetheless, I am advising of an 18-month battle that I faced to have broadband access included in a location less than 6 km from the Darwin CBD. I can only begin to understand the plight of the regional and remote locations to be coming online and up-to-date. I note and support the minister’s consistent lobbying of the federal government to provide urban parity for indigenous communities, and to bring the Territory up-to-date with other states. The access to broadband that has been achieved was done in an environment in which Telstra still had some public ownership. I thank the people at Telstra I dealt with, Libby Beath and, briefly, Danny Honan, and others that I have mentioned today for their assistance. However, it has not been easy.
My concern is for the remote areas in a more deregulated environment. Deregulation is being sold as meaning greater competition. This may well be the case for Telstra communications in the western suburbs of Sydney, but it is not the case in the Northern Territory. There is only one provider for remote areas and that is Telstra.
What the Country Liberal Party - or the Canberra Liberal Party, or whatever you want to call them in the future - needs to understand is that this will be a vital issue for all Territorians, right across the board. It is about linking and accessing to services, and the rights of Australian citizens to have equitable access. What we are seeing with these changes, in effect, will be a diminution of services provided to the bush, purely on economic terms. What I am saying is, not only do we operate in the economy, we operate in the society. As one of the richest nations in the world, surely we can spread the dividend of national profit to all Territorians, all Australian citizens, wherever they may be.
Madam Speaker, the final thing I say is to thank the minister for his continuous attack on Telstra issues ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Millner, your time has expired.
Mr WARREN (Goyder): Madam Speaker, I support the ministerial statement on the Territory’s communication needs.
It is interesting that we have moved on from when this was last raised and the previous minister quite eloquently spoke on this subject. Some things change, some things do not. I am here to talk about how those changes have affected where we go from here, and how it affects people like me and rural electorates such as Goyder.
I guess what the real important issue that is driven home to us is the basic fire sale of T3. It really does drive home, very strongly, our need for securing the telecommunications needs of the Territory. When the previous motion was put by the previous minister, the member for Johnston, we sought $265m in funding from the federal government through a proportion of the sale of T3 to try to ensure our telecommunications services were up to scratch. That is the essences of this; that it is up to scratch. We are not asking for any more; we never have been asking for any more. We have just been asking to be put on a par with the rest of Australia. That is a fundamental right and expectation of all Australians, and that is all we were asking for.
When the previous minister spoke, he raised issues about the funds aimed to redress many of the poor telecommunications services throughout the Territory. I guess this does go to the very core of the justification the federal government gave for the sale of Telstra. I stress that, because I fear that the very areas most in need - and I mean the rural and bush electorates, including my own electorate of Goyder - may miss out. That is the whole gist of what we are talking about here; fairness to all.
We all have moved on from when that original motion was put, and we do know what is going to happen. The Howard government has allocated $3.1bn under the Connect Australia package and future fund to ensure - only to ensure - the passage of the bill, the sale of Telstra, through both Houses of federal parliament. This funding is committed funding, but is or was dependent on the sale of Telstra. Okay, the federal government have locked themselves into this thing. They have not listened to what we were talking about regarding benefiting from the sale of Telstra. The Connect Australia and the future fund now form the government’s only form of funding for telecommunications issues. No other funding is available for telecommunication initiatives. That is the point we were trying to get the across previously when the previous minister raised this important motion. That is what we are still saying, but that has been ignored. That has been thrown out the window and is not really considered relevant because the big emphasis of the Australian government was ‘We have to get the sale through both Houses’. That is to appease those interest groups. I believe it was pretty poor in the way they handled it, anyway.
However, what does it mean? We will now have to compete with the other jurisdictions, the other states and territory, for funding for our critical telecommunications infrastructure, services and support. What makes us really different from those other jurisdictions is that we are so much more disadvantaged by a number of aspects through this deregulation, because we are not a central area. It comes to the core of what I said in my opening statement about what government is about - providing services. Under a deregulated environment that does not apply. That does not apply; we have to remember that. I urge the opposition to take note of that because they are in a position to drive that home along with us. I encourage them to push their federal counterparts and our federal CLP representatives on this very issue because that is the important issue; it is about fairness for us all.
The Territory’s needs are extensive as we all know, and they are more expensive because of these distances. Because of the limited competition here we need to be treated quite differently. Basically, we are coming from a long way back and that is a key element of what I am saying today.
What it comes down to is our ability to compete for funding, to sell our story. We are the most disadvantaged jurisdiction with respect to telecommunications needs. Our remote communities do not access adequate infrastructure for either business or personal telecommunications. Therefore, it comes down to how we sell our story. I have the utmost confidence in the government being proactive in trying to seek sufficient funding from the federal government. Of course, the new minister will take over the good work that the previous minister, the member for Johnston, embarked upon. He set the stage, and we will continue. We are not going to give up on this, but we are coming from a long way back. We are coming from a situation where we are going to rely on all the resources we can muster.
We commend the Department of Corporate and Information Services which is working closely with Telstra Country Wide. I point out that Telstra Country Wide is on our side, I believe; they do understand our situation. We are also working with DEET and the major commercial organisations which rely on telecommunications to try to ensure that Territory needs are driven home to the Australian government in a very vigorous and conspicuous manner.
We are out there trying, but we do need the Country Liberal Party to come behind us on this issue as this is about all Territorians. It is for the benefit of all Territorians.
I spoke earlier about Telstra Country Wide, and the news is not all bad. They are in a situation which is quite onerous, but they are in there batting for us. Telstra Country Wide is converting the existing GSM and CDMA mobile service to the new and more capable third generation 3GSM technology. This commercial decision by Telstra will provide the same coverage, but at a reduced cost to Telstra by reducing the maintenance and running costs. That is very innovative of them, but they are dealing with a situation and their hands are tied, to a great degree.
We are going to have this third generation 3GSM technology. It will involve new handsets but it will work everywhere that Telstra has a mobile service. We also know that it is scheduled to be turned out in the first half of 2007 and we can all look forward to that.
I spoke to Stewart Lines, the Telstra Country Wide Manager NT, who is a very big advocate for the Territory and I commend him for what he is trying to do. He raised a couple of local issues that were of relevance to my electorate of Goyder. I will read e-mail:
There has been some significant work carried out in the rural area in the last few months, including the building and fit out of the new third generation 3G mobile network at Telstra’s base station in Goyder in preparation for the launch of Telstra’s new 3G service in the coming months. The fit-out will ensure that the rural areas currently receiving mobile coverage will be part of the Territory’s launch of a new mobile network offering more than ever before, for the first time, a single national mobile network.
That is important as it really is the basis of what Telstra has been forced to do because of the uncertainty that the federal government has imposed upon it. They have had to be reactive to things the federal government has come out with. There were concerns at the time that CDMA was rolled out. I remember that and I am sure you all do. That is the environment that Telstra has had to work under; they were not given sufficient time to come out with the third generation services. However, we are going to have it soon and that will be of benefit to the Territory,
The other area I would like to talk about is the continued roll-out of ADSL. That really came home to me at the last election. Like all members, I have constituents who raise a number of issues outside our own electorate, where we can actually influence the NT government. Of course, council wishes are one of them and we all know about those, but federal issues come up. One of the big issues that came up at that time was that broadcasting ADSL services were being delivered everywhere but in my rural area and, as in a number of other electorates, that was not really being shown on the ground.
I took it upon myself to liaise with my federal counterpart, particularly Senator Trish Crossin, and her office and they helped us work up a strategy to facilitate people who were requiring ADSL - in other words getting the numbers, of which the member for Karama is well aware. I learnt a lot from her on how to go about this, and I thank her for that, and I thank other members for their input into how we could turn that into a positive.
I worked with our federal counterparts and we started to write to people to ask them about their interest and to come to us, and we would pass that on to our federal counterparts. At that point, I also engaged in discussions with Telstra Country Wide and they were very happy to help us in that respect. In fact, when I was elected, they gave us a spreadsheet to use. When people come into our offices and ask about these issues, we can put their name and location on the list because they do work on a quota basis. I am not sure it is the way I would like to see it operate, but that is the sphere they are working in and, once they have enough potential customers, they can extend that ADSL service.
That is what we have been working on with them. We continue to work with Telstra Country Wide. Stewart Lines and his crew have been very helpful. I must add that Stewart is one of my constituents in Virginia, so he understands very clearly the position that we face in the rural area. We have been working with Telstra and with Senator Crossin’s office really trying to help people in the rural area, and I know the member for Nelson is doing very much the same. We are all trying to work as best we can for the rural area.
I am advised by Stewart Lines that Telstra is also undertaking broadband ADSL expansion for the commissioning of the Howard Springs exchange recently. Telstra has been able to bring ADSL to Virginia and other parts of Howard Springs. I am sure the member for Nelson is very pleased about that. I am very pleased for my constituents. In fact, I have people ringing me and telling me that they are so pleased. They feel have to share it with someone, and I am very proud and honoured they share it with their local member. We are all in there together; they understand that and they are very pleased and understanding about what I have personally done, but also very pleased with what other members and this government is trying to do in our way. They understand things like the motion that was put by the last minister, the member for Johnston, on that matter. They understand that the new minister, the member for Barkly, has taken up that challenge as well, and what we are trying to do.
Stewart went on to explain how the expanded broadband ADSL has been extended to the Berry Springs exchange. That now means that the footprint has been extended to the Berry Springs area. That was unheard of a few months ago. We are working together with them and they are out there doing the best they can. I am very pleased for my constituents at Berry Springs now who are getting the service. I am sure the member for Daly will talk a little about that as well.
Stewart went on also to talk about the expanded broadband ADSL through Humpty Doo, the most recent being the sub-exchange in Strangways Road behind the Humpty Doo Hotel. I might point out that was one of the particular areas that we had a lot of involvement in through collecting the numbers and petitioners through the Telstra spreadsheet in our office. We played a big part in that, and I am very pleased to have been part of that. We now have this sub-exchange on Strangways Road behind the Humpty Doo Hotel, and further works are in progress for the sub-exchange in Girraween Road at Howard Springs, and Goode Road at Humpty Doo. It is some good news, but we are working with what we have. We still have that problem with the bush not getting ADSL - okay, we are working with what we can. We are not being negative; we are out there being positive and proactive, while helping more people to have access to Bigpond ADSL than ever before.
We still are faced with – I cannot get away from it - the NT, per capita, having the worst telephone exchanges in the country. That is still the case; nothing has changed in that respect. That was not addressed as part of the federal government’s assessment of the sale of T3 or what we were going to get out of the potential out of that. Therefore, it has come down to these two other sources of project funding. Specifically, we still have six of the 97 worst telephone exchanges in Australia. I reported that during the last debate.
What I want to reiterate is how Telstra, through their federal masters, were forced to renege on a commitment that they announced on the mobile phone service to the Cox Peninsula. I raised that in my last supporting statement when we raised the motion, and I want to raise it again. It has not gone away; it is still there. Telstra has now been locked into a situation where they have been dealt out of the equation, but the federal government is still in there. I do believe, as part of that funding, from that $3.1bn, they need to think about this very carefully. The reason given at that time was, supposedly, that it was not commercially viable and there are just not enough people out there. Well, I find that quite offensive. The Cox Peninsula, Wagait Beach in particular, is clearly growing at an accelerated rate. They do not understand what is going on because the people who make these assessments about the future of our telecommunications industry are sitting in their comfy offices. They are not based up here in the Territory, they are based somewhere else. Telstra Country Wide, I believe, has its finger on the pulse, but they are being hamstrung by the sort of decisions which are made elsewhere.
The Wagait Beach and Cox Peninsula areas are growing very fast. We will have the new sealing of the roads and, consequently, the whole area is opening up. It has the potential to open up. The Larrakia Development Corporation is looking at planning for the future once the Kenbi land claim is settled, so there is a whole potential for that area. Even next year, we could see nearly 700 permanent residents and some 40 000 tourists and businesses in Mandorah. These are tourists who will not be able to have guaranteed mobile coverage, and we all know how important the mobile phone is to a tourist. If you cannot ring home, particularly for our grey nomads, that is a very important aspect. We are trying to develop tourism in some of these areas and are hamstrung because of the lack of telecommunications systems.
I stand by my previous statement to parliament when I said the ink is not even dry on the Telstra bills, and the federal government goes and reneges on a basic level of service delivery to the Cox Peninsula, a rapidly growing beachside tourist community less than 10 km from Darwin. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, our CLP federal member for the electorate of Solomon had the audacity to support the sale and praise Telstra’s local and remote services. Well, I do not know what state or territory he is living in, but it is certainly not the Northern Territory - in mind at least. Maybe bodily he is, but I do not know where he is coming from when he states those kind of aspects.
I urge members of the Northern Territory CLP to please, please, go and reiterate that point because it is selling us short. I do it to our federal members, and you guys need to do the same to your federal counterparts, to drive home that aspect that they are in a position to put the Territory first, the Territory No 1; not put it bottom of line, and fall in line, and then have the audacity to praise what the federal government is doing on this particular thing, and then renege on their priorities to the Territory when it comes to the vote. It is disappointing when Senators from Queensland have to defend the Territory when our own local federal members do not.
However, I am very pleased and happy that the future is in the hands of the new minister who is going to take up the reins from the previous minister. I am pleased to support this statement and its continuation ...
Madam SPEAKER: Member for Goyder, your time has expired.
Mr BURKE (Brennan): Madam Speaker, I support and thank the minister for his statement on telecommunication needs of the Territory. It is a great opportunity for me to put the case for Palmerston residents who so often miss out on services that people in other towns of the country, of comparable size, expect. In the area of telecommunications, the residents of Darwin share that problem.
I agree, to an extent, with the comments that the member for Millner made regarding the opposition, Canberra’s Liberal Party - very clever. Perhaps, though, we could amend it to Canberra’s lap dogs. I ask the RSPCA not to launch any action against me for cruelty to animals for that comparison.
Once upon a time, the Canberra lap dogs did pride themselves on having teeth and standing up for Territory issues against the federal government - a federal government which, at times, did not fully appreciate the needs of the Territory. No longer! Do-Nothing-Dave and Nowhere-To-Be-Found-Nige, whose policy of representing the Territory’s interests seems to be to do nothing, say nothing and make sure you are not in the House whenever there is an important vote affecting the Territory. That is all very well for them, but it leaves the Territory wanting.
I want to pick up on something that the member for Blain said about the policies of the Territory government. He claimed to have gone to the ALP website yesterday. Some months ago, during sittings of this Assembly, I visited the CLP website to look at their policies, because I had heard in the media announcements by the Leader of the Opposition: ‘We have policies on this, we have policies on that, we have policies on the other’. At that time, Hansard will record that I said the CLP had two policies on their website. I am not sure if I have to seek leave, Madam Speaker, but I must confess that I actually misled the House on that occasion. The CLP had one-and-one-third policies on their website, because the second policy I made mention of is a policy in three parts - and the other two parts are yet to be announced. The CLP, which trumpets its policies, have one-and-one-third on their website for people to access and, just like the famous words of Joh Bjelke-Petersen, we will just have to let them worry about what is exactly in the rest of their policies because we cannot find out.
Unlike Joh Bjelke-Petersen, the Canberra lap dogs do not fight for their state and people in remote areas. Joh Bjelke-Petersen made a nuisance of himself, not just to the then Labor federal government, but to his own federal colleagues in the federal Liberal and National Parties when he felt that the interests of Queensland, and particularly rural Queensland, were not being fully recognised and represented. Oh, so shameful that the degree of interest, commitment and courage is not replicated anywhere in the opposition here at the Territory level, or from Do-Nothing-Dave and Nowhere-To- Be-Found-Nigel.
My contribution this morning will focus pretty exclusively on Internet services. Some people might ask why. The fact is that the Internet pervades every facet of our lives. We depend on it more and more, and nowhere is that more obvious than when we complain that it is not available to us in the form and manner we would like. Before I continue, I would like to relate a story. I attended a Minerals Council function last year at the SKYCITY casino, and the guest speaker was the Ambassador from China who gave a very interesting talk about China’s needs for ore and uranium and its need to expand its economic base. I was very interested in how she opened her speech that day. The room was full of high-powered business people, mining executives and the like, all with what has become the mandatory accessory of any high powered executive: the mobile phone. Their mobile phones were extremely flash, I thought. However, the Ambassador from China opened her speech with: ‘I was standing here looking around wondering how come all of your executives here have such old mobile phones. We have not seen phones like this in China for three years’. There is our mobile phone network shown up in that one little surprise statement by the Ambassador from China. I must say it was interesting watching some of the faces in that room. Moments before, they thought their phones were pretty flash and now discovered that they were not.
I would like to dispel one myth about Australia’s telecommunications giant, Telstra. Telstra has always been the most profitable company in this country. The only reason, prior to privatisation, that its profits were never declared as profits because it was then a fully publicly owned company, fully owned by the government. As we know, government instrumentalities do not have profits; they have surpluses. Let it not be thought that I am suggesting that it was an era of utopia where there was nothing wrong and service could not be improved - far from it. I simply make the point that privatising it has not made it any more profitable, in that sense, than when it was in public hands. It has always being a high performer in terms of the surplus/profit it has returned.
Let us get another thing straight: privatising Telstra has not put it in the hands of the public; it has put it in the hands of institutional shareholders and private shareholders. As an instrumentality fully owned by the Australian government, Telstra was always owned by the public of Australia - so let us dispel that little myth.
I note, and I hope he will forgive me, that the member for Johnston has been having some computer problems. I hope it is not the speed of the Internet with which we have to put up in the Top End that has been causing you problems, member for Johnston. It causes problems for the people of Palmerston and Darwin.
Let me give an analogy. Cable TV is pertinent to this debate because, as any observer who has been following the row over the media ownership laws will be able to say, accessibility and use of the Internet is key to the delivery of media services, and cable TV is one of those media. Residents of Darwin have cable TV in the true sense of the word. They have cable running outside the front of their houses and, some years ago, watched in horror as nature strips were dug up to allow cables to be laid. Anyone who has purchased and subscribed will have a cable running from their home to the cable that runs outside their door.
Palmerston does not. Cable subscribers in Palmerston do not subscribe to a cable service; they subscribe to a satellite service ...
Mr Mills: I have a cable.
Mr BURKE: A cable running to your home? It must be one of the few because the Palmerston City Council at the time were told by the provider that it would be too expensive and, if they wanted cable, then they had better accept the satellite provider program as there was no way they were going to be digging up and putting cables in.
Darwin City Council called the bluff of the provider, and the provider laid the cables. The Palmerston Council made the decision , and I do not criticise for a moment the decision made at the time, that they could not be certain that cable would be laid so they would acquiesce to the demands of the provider. Why? Because the provider said it would not bear the cost of laying the cables.
I take the member for Blain at his word, but other than he and a few others …
Mr Mills: It is a true story. Do not lie.
Mr BURKE: Nine-tenths – oh, come on! Are you saying that nine-tenths of Palmerston is not limited to cable via satellite rather than cable running through the ground in front of their house, member for Blain?
Mr Mills: Certainly not. I said I have it at my house; that is all.
Mr BURKE: Yes, and I said I take you at what you said. I did not disagree.
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Brennan, continue please.
Mr BURKE: There is a very real example of how private enterprise working on private priorities refused to provide a service on the grounds of expense, a service which Telstra, when it was first set up, had embedded into its charter: to provide telecommunications services across the country to ensure access to services, despite the fact that it may not always be commercially profitable to do so. This was a service obligation which began to be eroded the moment of the part-sale of Telstra, and that continues.
It is true that areas of Darwin have ADSL coverage. ADSL is different from cable Internet. Cable Internet is quicker than even ADSL. In the year 2000, my father-in-law had cable connected to his home in the outer suburbs of Melbourne. It is now 2006, and we do not have cable services. We have ADSL services, but we do not have cable services. Why? Because I presume it is not profitable to do it. It is a huge expense and it is not one that Telstra is willing to undertake. What does this mean? Well, it has very real consequences for business, health, education, training and families.
Let us not forget that generation Y and those who come after generation Y use the Internet in ways that the rest of us, for the most part, can only gawk at. It is central to the way the future generations communicate with each other. My daughter has friends all over the world because of the Internet, and spends some time talking to them. When she was six, she had her own Internet page. She designed it herself. When she was in Year 10, she did computer studies and finished the course for that semester in the first two weeks, and then helped the school design its Internet page. That is the level of familiarity that our generations of the future have with Internet. That is the sort of familiarity we are putting blocks in front of our own generations here in the Territory because they cannot get that same type of access, that same speed access, that has become the staple in major centres.
Chad Hurley, 29 and Steven Chen, 27 are names that are probably meaningless to most members of this Assembly. They were to me but days ago. YouTube is probably another name which is pretty meaningless to most members of this House. What does it all mean? Chad Hurley and Steve Chen are the minds behind YouTube, an Internet site which enables people to upload and download videos of choice. There is the usual Funniest Home Video-type things and also bands putting up their music videos rather than put them through the usual channels, because it is cheaper and easier, and they get a far greater audience. There are great masses of people of all ages accessing music from all around the world through this one site. The site did not exist 18 months ago. Not that long ago - and by that I mean the beginning of this week - Google bought YouTube for $US1.65bn. That is approximately $A2.2 bn.
Chad and Steve, after they have given some proportion to their employees through their employee ownership scheme and a few other of their investors, will come out of this extremely well. Good luck to them. Why were they able to do this? Because the technology to which they had access enabled them to fulfil their entrepreneurial foresight. If you do not have the best Internet capabilities available, you lose the ability to have businesses at the cutting edge, and you lose imaginative young people to areas which do have those capabilities that they crave to enhance and progress their imaginative ideas. We need to ensure it is available to our young people.
Madam Speaker, I welcome the statement.
Mr KNIGHT (Daly): Madam Speaker, I will speak specifically about a few things that are happening in my electorate. They relate to a major project running optic fibre from Daly River through to Port Keats, which is a great announcement. It was announced, I believe, about 12 months ago by the Prime Minister. It is quite exciting for people along that 200 km stretch of road. They were very excited to have some high speed Internet and phone services available. What they were excited about was having CDMA access along that road as well. Although initial reports were that it was going to happen, it is apparently not the case now. Therefore, you have the largest indigenous community in Australia and the sixth largest town in the Northern Territory not having any sort of mobile coverage.
The push of the federal government has been very much on economic development, but they do not seem to put their money where their mouth is and complete the job. The provision of optic fibre cable certainly is a great incentive, but there is no use putting in a high volume conveyor of communication and not putting any sort of equipment on the end of it. That is just one example of the cost cutting and short-sightedness of the federal government and, I guess, Telstra looking to where their future lies.
That is duplicated across the Territory. There are a lot of areas that do not have mobile coverage, and they include the Stuart Highway. In the few of the times that I have tried to communicate with Telstra in relation to this matter about getting CDMA coverage for the Stuart Highway, particularly around the areas of Brocks Creek where there will be heavy mining activity and south of Mataranka, the statement has been that there are not enough people living there, so there is no demand or use. I challenge Telstra management to stand in the middle of the Stuart Highway in the middle of the Dry Season and see whether they survive because there are hundreds of thousands of caravans, trucks and vehicles travelling up and down that road. As soon as they get into range at various places along the way, Mataranka or Pine Creek, they switch their phones on and go mad. If they had coverage right along that road, not only would they be able to continue doing their business, but they would feel a hell of a lot safer travelling those vast distances.
In relation to the Stuart Highway, I refer to a radio interview in November 2001 on the ABC between Fred McCue and Dave Tollner. Mr Tollner, the CLP member for Solomon, stated:
- What we support is trying to get the maximum services delivered to the Territory before we would support any privatisation, or any further privatisation of Telstra ..
We want to get, what we want to see mobile telephone coverage all the way up the Stuart Highway and I understand that John Anderson made an announcement recently that that would be one requirement before the Coalition government made any moves to make any …
Privatisation, that is.
In 2001, the CLP member for Solomon stated quite categorically that would be a requirement. I do not see that appearing. I do not hear the member for Solomon coming out and repeating those words, or demanding his Coalition colleagues fulfil the requirement. We have a betrayal of the Territory by the CLP members, caving in to the Coalition government and not fulfilling their obligations to the bush. What will happen once Telstra is fully privatised is that they will gut the bush. You will not see any technicians in helicopters fixing private telephone boxes in remote communities. You will not see Telstra trucks moving around. There will be nothing. There will be absolutely nothing out there; there is bugger all out there, anyway.
What the CLP federal members need to do is talk to their Coalition colleagues, uphold their end of the bargain, and complete full mobile coverage of the Northern Territory before any sale occurs. There needs to be something in writing that locks in response times and costs for maintenance on lines in the bush. I can see what is going to happen: they are going to start to charge and charge, and not appear. It will put so much pressure on economic development, on the people who live of Darwin, Palmerston and in rural and remote parts of the Northern Territory.
I support the Telstra staff; those technicians who travel around the Northern Territory do a great job. What they tell me is that they are told to patch it up and get on with it ; join the wires together, do not even bury them, and get it done. Lock in that the job has been done. Of course, they are having to come back and fix things, particularly during the Wet Season. That is what they are told to do. They are told to patch it up, because the corporation is looking to privatisation.
Madam Speaker, I urge the CLP to speak up for all of those people they supposedly represent in the bush: the cattlemen and regional businesses. I know they do not care about the communities, but what about all the rest of the people that they supposedly represent? They are letting those people down. CLP, speak up and do something about this sale.
Debate suspended.
STATEMENT BY SPEAKER
Absence of Speaker
Absence of Speaker
Madam SPEAKER: Honourable members, I advise that I will be absent for the next three sitting days. I will be interstate undertaking further medical treatment. I thank you for your continued support during my illness.
Mr Mills: Madam Speaker, I wish you all the very best.
Mr Wood: The same here, Madam Speaker.
Mrs Braham: Yes, good luck, Madam Speaker.
Members: Hear, hear!
Madam SPEAKER: Thank you.
MOTION
Note Statement – Territory
Communications Needs
Note Statement – Territory
Communications Needs
Continued from earlier this day.
Mr McADAM (Communications): Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the members for Greatorex, Millner, Goyder, Brennan and Daly for their responses to the ministerial statement presented in this House by minister Burns. I also thank minister Burns for his stewardship of his very – may I continue, Madam Speaker?
Madam SPEAKER: Please continue.
Mr McADAM: There is a lot of noise in the Chamber.
Madam SPEAKER: Order!
Mr McADAM: I was expressing my appreciation to minister Burns for his stewardship of the portfolio in his capacity as Minister for Communications. We are in an odd situation. We have had the previous minister making the ministerial statement and we have the new minister summing up.
It is important that I take this opportunity to address some of the issues raised by the member for Greatorex, the opposition spokesperson for communications. It is very important to understand, member for Greatorex, that neither this government nor the previous Minister for Communications ever got stuck into Telstra. Telstra Country Wide has provided good service to the people of the Northern Territory within the constraints placed on them by the Australian government and the commercial interests they serve. This government is working closely with Telstra to improve telecommunication services in the Territory, but there is much more to do.
Everyone would be aware that the telecommunications sector is fast moving in a changing environment. Five years ago, broadband in the metropolitan areas of Australia’s east coast was expensive and had limited uptake by the community. With changes in technology, pricing, broadband has taken off. In large part, this is due to the pricing scheme adopted by Telstra some two years ago. This has changed how consumers relate to government and businesses. Content is changing to take advantage of the new technologies and the higher rates of adoption of broadband. Business has taken advantage of this, in changing their products and relationships with their customers to improve their reach and reduce costs.
There seems to be a suggestion from the member for Greatorex that people living in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia do not deserve to participate in this new environment, and that the information gap in these communities should be allowed to grow, because this is what will happen as more and more of what businesses and governments do is tailored for the Internet, and more and more of that content will require higher connection speed. Without the infrastructure to support high speed connection, the people of the Northern Territory who live outside of Darwin in the regional areas will be significantly disadvantaged. By the way, this is likely to make the delivery of government services more expensive as more staff will be required to service these remote communities. Therefore, it would be remiss of this government not to pursue every opportunity to improve the telecommunication services into our remote communities.
This government has worked continuously to improve telecommunication services in the Northern Territory. The member for Greatorex raised the issue of Commonwealth funding for satellite communications in his speech in October 2005 and reiterated his comments in this place in August this year. His statement was to the effect that only the police sought funding for satellite communications. Perhaps you should tell the police about this, as they seem to be wondering where the satellite dishes are. In fact, the Health department took advantage of the satellite communication services being offered around that time. Education is also funded by the Australian government for satellite communication for its Interactive Distance Learning Program. Funds were also successfully sought for high speed satellite communications into 14 selected communities to provide a complete suite of telecommunication services. Commonwealth funds were also successfully sought for large-scale infrastructure programs developed by various groups in the Northern Territory, including CDU and LGANT, with DCIS assistance. Over the last five years, over $20m-worth of telecommunication infrastructure services have resulted from the direct intervention of this government, including facilitation of the efforts of others.
Whilst there has been substantial progress made in the growing demand for more capable telecommunication services to meet the needs of our remote communities, the more demand and content and applications being developed means that there is still a lot of work to do. This is not a static environment. This is why the Northern Territory government sought $265m from the Australian government; because we have to bring the telecommunication services in the Territory up to speed with the rest of Australia. That is why this government is doing all we can to source funds from the Connect Australia program. This is why we sought bilateral support from members opposite and the federal members.
This government does not want to see our remote communities stagnate or go backwards, and telecommunication services on a par with metropolitan areas will provide our remote communities with the opportunity to participate in a broader economic base. This is building the future - building for our kids who live in these remote communities.
Let me dwell a moment longer on the Connect Australia program. Connect Australia is made up of four programs. Clever Networks will make $113m available, not $130m as the member for Greatorex previously indicated. The member for Greatorex did get something right, though. Clever Networks will require the Australian government funding to be matched, at least $1-for-$1. We know this for certain, as the guidelines for Clever Networks were released on 31 August. This is a program that is better suited to the larger jurisdictions with significantly more disposable funding available to them. Nevertheless, DCIS is consulting with our agencies through chief executive officers and the Northern Territory Information Management Committee to see if there are programs under way that could benefit from Clever Networks, or programs that could be initiated with support funding from Clever Networks.
Broadband Connect guidelines have also been released recently; in fact, on the 21 September. Broadband Connect guidelines include the Mobile Connect program, and is a program aimed at large telecommunication companies, or business consortia that have the capacity to build and operate large-scale telecommunication projects.
DCIS has been working with the Territory telecommunications industry and local government to develop expressions of interest for three key programs which have been identified to address many of the telecommunication deficiencies in the Territory. DCIS will now continue its efforts through lobbying and negotiating with industry and others to try to secure our telecommunication requirements in a response that is put to the Australian government Department of Communication, Information Technology and the Arts. However, even if we are successful, it will not stop there. As I said before, this is a dynamic environment which will require ongoing attention and funding to maintain the necessary levels of services throughout the Territory.
The guidelines for the final program under Connect Australia, Backing Indigenous Ability, as yet are unreleased. Yet another point of correction for the member for Greatorex: Backing Indigenous Ability will not provide $90m for telecommunication services. The Commonwealth government has already allocated $53.4m for the broadcasting component of Backing Indigenous Ability program. The balance of $36.6m will be available for telephones, Internet and videoconferencing, encouragement and aggregation of demand, online content and training - according to the Australian government’s previous media releases. This level of funding is grossly insufficient to meet the needs of indigenous communities in the Territory, let alone the requirements on a national basis. Nevertheless, we will make all efforts to get as much funding as possible for our indigenous communities.
In his reply in the Assembly on 31 August, the member for Greatorex indicated that he knew that 150 jobs resulting from the Telstra telecommunications contracts were not new jobs. I can categorically state in this House today that quite the opposite is true. Let us be clear in understanding this issue. The member for Greatorex seemed to imply that these were jobs that had been part of the previous contract. This is not the case. These jobs are over and above what is required for the Northern Territory government contract. These are jobs which would not exist in the Territory except for the contractual agreements with Telstra for the provision of telecommunication services to government. In fact, 170 new jobs will be created in the Territory over the next five years as a result of the contract with Telstra.
A further misunderstanding on the part of the member for Greatorex is about the recent contract for computer services and support. The overall cost of the contract is cheaper; however, the service levels have been significantly improved. That is something worth boasting about. It is worth commending the efforts of the department in finding innovative ways to improve computing and telecommunication services delivery to government and all Territorians.
At the risk of repetition, I must correct yet another point from the member for Greatorex. At no stage did the previous Minister for Communications indicate that Telstra or this government should pay for the development of a Smart Homes project in the suburb of Lyons. The previous minister was reporting on the developments in Lyons as it forms part of the industry development component of the government’s telecommunication contract with Telstra. The point is, the development of the Smart Homes project at Lyons was always going to be on a commercial basis between the developer and the telecommunication services provider. In fact, the negotiations, as a result of the tender the developer put to the market, are now under way and it is still possible that Lyons will be serviced with fibre optic cable.
I take this opportunity to briefly inform the Assembly of the outcomes of the Online Communications Council held on 8 September in Canberra which, as the new minister for Communications, I was able to attend. The Online Communications Council noted the progress of the Connect Australia package and, importantly for the Territory, agreed that the Connect Australia/Broadband Connect program should focus on underserved areas such as many of our remote indigenous communities.
The other key area for the Territory is the broadband blueprint, which will look at where Australia stands in relation to other OECD communities with regards to broadband, examine issues to ensure the widespread availability of the next generation broadband and, where governments can best intervene, particularly in regional remote areas, markets where market forces are limited. The blueprint will inform the Australia government as to how the $2bn in the communication funds should be dispersed. The blueprint will also account for $1.1bn funding in the Connect Australia package. The states and territories will give guidance to the development of the blueprint, initially through the National Broadband Strategy Implementation Group on which the Territory has strong representation.
I also had the opportunity to met the advisors from Senator Coonan’s office prior to the Online Communications Council meeting, and received a positive hearing. It is fair to say that there is a degree of empathy for the Territory regarding our telecommunication infrastructure requirements. However, we are still competing with other jurisdictions for the available funding. Whist we have made significant progress over the last five years, as indicated in the previous Minister for Communication’s statement last month, there is still a long way to go. The funding from Connect Australia represents a last opportunity to obtain substantial funding for large-scale infrastructure programs.
The full sale of Telstra will mean a different environment, and a more difficult exercise to obtain suitable telecommunications on par with metropolitan areas of Australia. This is not a criticism of Telstra; however, Telstra will behave as all large companies do in filling its obligations to its shareholders
Within this environment, we will be more reliant on the regulations and Australian government intervention to provide suitable telecommunication services to our remote communities. In the short period remaining, this government and DCIS will do all it can to improve and ensure the future of telecommunications services in the remote communities of the Territory.
I would like to mention my attendance at the Telstra Next Year launch which occurred last Friday. I was able to witness firsthand this new and exciting product and applaud Telstra for their efforts. It was, indeed, heartening to see what is possible. However, for the bush it remains a question of infrastructure.
In closing, Mr Deputy Speaker, the clear intent and wishes of government is to ensure that residents of regional remote communities will be able to share in the next generation of telecommunications. It was made very clear by our previous speakers who spoke with a high degree of information and passion of telecommunications and information technology as it applies to their electorates. I congratulate all the speakers, in particular the member for Millner, who gave a very succinct and passionate response regarding his approach to getting broadband to the RAAF Base.
The bottom line for us in the Northern Territory is that we have a small population base and we have to be very innovate, creative, and aggressive in ensuring we put in place communication networks that are going to meet the demands of not only people who live in the regional centres but, indeed, people living in remote parts of the Northern Territory. You can have all the technology you want, but the bottom line here is that we have to be able to work as hard as we possibly can to secure Canberra dollars for our infrastructure. I thank all speakers for their contributions.
Motion agreed to; statement noted.
MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
Building the Territory’s Future:
An Economic Progress Report
Mr STIRLING (Treasurer): Mr Deputy Speaker, in 2005 the Martin government made a commitment to the people of the Northern Territory. That commitment was to deliver a strong and growing economy for the benefit of Territorians now and into the future. It was the most fundamental commitment made by the government in the lead-up to the 2005 election. It is a commitment to strengthen and diversify the Territory’s economic base, create jobs and grow the economy within sound fiscal parameters.
Now, a little over a year into our second term, I wish to provide the House with a progress report on the government’s delivery against that commitment. In the ministerial statement today, I will examine the state of the economy, the Territory government’s economic policies, and the broad economic outcomes. I will also examine various sectors of the economy in summary. However, my government colleagues with responsibilities in particular areas will provide more detail on these matters.
Throughout the course of the statement, I have included graphs to illustrate the points made. These graphs will also be tabled separately for the information of members at the end of the statement.
The Territory economy today has been described by the respected economic think tank Access Economics as turbocharged. It has recently been described by the Australian Financial Review of 21 September 2006 as an economy in overdrive. I table the economic Special Report produced by the Australian Financial Review. It was a comprehensive report, and it headlined, for example: ‘Resources push the economy into overdrive’, the Northern Territory; ‘A gas bubble just exploding with potential’; ‘Waterfront coming to life as the place to live’; ‘The sky’s the limit for Darwin’s property boom’; ‘Bumper catch when the CSIRO goes fishing’; ‘Darwin transforms from hick town to high life’; ‘The world’s new low-cost gateway to Australia’; and ‘Railway becomes lifeline for NT mining’. Not a bad array of headlines from the most respected financial publication in Australia, the Australian Financial Review, which ran to some eight or 10 pages. I table the supplement for the benefit of members who did not happen to see the Financial Review at the time.
The Housing Industry Association, in their regular economic reviews, are positive to glowing about the economy and its immediate future. On any assessment of the economic data available, these descriptions are hard to dispute. It is now difficult to remember that, at the end of the 1990s, the Territory economy was in a major recession and both the deficit and debt were spiralling.
On coming to office, the Martin government was faced with the twin issues of a contracting economy and no budget flexibility to counteract it. The budget deficit was described by the then Under Treasurer as ‘unsustainable’. The failure of various governments throughout the 1990s to properly manage the budget and the government’s infrastructure program meant that the Territory economy contracted, jobs were lost and increasing numbers of people left to move interstate. Government appeared to rely on external factors to keep our economy growing at a time when those external factors were diminishing. Private investment in construction, in particular, was reducing.
The strength of the Territory economy in the early to mid-1990s was the economic activity generated by the movement of the military to the north, because that brought a significant increase in population and a significant boost to local construction. However, nothing was in place to take over the economic activity generated by the military once the project was complete and all people were in place.
The railway was one major project, and a significant one. However, more was needed. Infrastructure expenditure was needed to be available to sustain a broader number of small and large businesses. Apart from a temporary bounce caused by the sudden influx of East Timorese refugees and the United Nations, the retail sector was also very flat.
Shortly after coming to office, the government had to also contend with the effects of the World Trade Centre tragedy, the failure of Ansett and the scare caused by SARS, effectively sending the tourism industry into serious decline. For any government new to office, this situation, combined with the general economic conditions, presented a daunting and difficult series of tasks.
To drag the Territory economy out of the doldrums, the Martin government adopted policies which, to this day, form the basis of our economic strategy. The principles underlying our actions are: providing a high level of cash to capital works and infrastructures; focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth; making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business in the community; and maintaining strong fiscal discipline. Over the last five budgets, this strategy has formed the core of our decision-making and economic action.
Since 2001, the government has spent in excess of $2.7bn in cash on infrastructure, and the expenditure has been focused strategically. Cash has been spread across a number of projects of various sizes. We have undertaken large and major projects, but we have undertaken medium and smaller projects as well. We have also maintained a high level of minor new works in repairs and maintenance expenditure. In this way, we have spread the infrastructure budget across the broadest possible range of industries and businesses, and throughout the regions. We have also focused infrastructure spending on strategic investment likely to leverage either further private sector investment or bring a downstream longer-term economic return to the Territory. That is why we funded the Darwin City Waterfront and convention centre. While the opposition and others have opposed our investment in this major project …
Mr Mills: Rubbish!
Mr STIRLING: While the opposition and others have opposed our investment in this major project, the fact remains that this development will bring long-term economic benefits to the Territory, not just in the 10- to 15-year construction program. If you do not oppose it, get up sometime in this parliament and say what a great job it is; how good it will be for the Territory. I have not heard you say that, but I have heard plenty of criticism and opposition.
The tourism benefits to be produced by expanding our tourism destination options through the development of the convention centre will have flow-on benefits right across the economy. The government has placed significant strategic investment in roads. We have funded beef roads and the upgrading of major tourist routes. Both of these provide long-term economic development opportunities for the Territory.
Other examples are the funding of the bulk loading facility at the port, increased funding for power generation, and additional Power and Water repairs and maintenance spending. We have also made every effort to spread our infrastructure expenditure regionally. For example, further works on the Alice Springs Hospital, the undertaking of works on the Desert Knowledge Centre and the Mereenie Loop provide strong support for business in the Alice Springs community, as well as providing a catalyst for future economic growth in the region.
We have also tried to spread the allocation of work across the year to ensure that work is available through all the seasons that Territorians face. These deliberate strategies, combined with the overall increase in expenditure on infrastructure, have seen the revitalisation of the construction industry in the Territory. Any glance out of the confines of this building will see an array of cranes on the skyline which show the remarkable state of this important industry. Construction means jobs, skills and good wages for workers. An active construction industry supports small business contractors and the retail industry. It is estimated that the Territory government’s construction program alone directly sustains around 5000 jobs a year. Thousands more result from the indirect benefits of that level of employment.
However, in addition to the emphasis on infrastructure, the government is also focused on supporting other economic drivers. For example, with the collapse of tourism, the government decided to inject an additional $30m over a three-year period to boost the promotion of the Territory, and instigate a series of national and international marketing campaigns designed to sell the Territory to the nation and the rest of the world. The success of that cash injection has been such that, in this year’s budget, the government decided to make the $10m per annum increase an ongoing feature of the tourism budget. Tourism has rebounded in the Territory. The figures today are returning to the old pre-collapse levels but, of course, there is more to be done.
The government has also supported the export industry through a successful program of engagement with our northern neighbours and direct industry support for export initiatives.
The mining and energy industry has also benefited from a number of government policy decisions. Our approach to negotiating sensible native title and land rights arrangements with traditional owners, rather than rush into court at every opportunity, has seen as expansion of the mining industry exploration process. Exploration licence approvals more than doubled since 1999-2000. In the six years since, mining exploration levels are now almost 800 licences per year.
The development of our gas fields now means that the Territory is becoming the fourth major gas hub in Australia. Gas onshore brings major economic changes; it strengthens our efforts to diversify the economy through various downstream processing options.
One of the most significant areas of economic reform undertaken by the government has been in the area of taxation reform. The Martin Labor government is the most tax reforming government in Northern Territory history. We have delivered the lowest taxes in Australia on businesses with up to 100 staff. We have provided up to $74m in tax reduction. That is $74m less paid in tax today than would have been paid had the taxation rates stayed the same as they were when we took office. We will deliver a further $134m reduction in taxation payments by the end of this term of office in 2009. That is very significant and real support for business and for Territorians.
The graph included in this statement, which will be tabled, shows that the amount of tax based on business up to 100 staff in New South Wales is $344 800, Victoria $316 000, Queensland $282 500, Western Australia $266 000, South Australia $283 000, Tasmania $297 000 and the Northern Territory figure $253 760 - considerably less than the other states and territories. By providing a low tax environment the government is providing the Territory small and medium businesses with a competitive edge over their interstate counterparts.
Since coming to office, the government has reduced the payroll tax rate down from 6.5% to 6.2%. We have also increased the tax-free threshold from $600 000 to $1.25m. What does that mean for business? It means that a Territory business, prior to the government coming to office, with a payroll of $2m would have paid $91 000 in payroll tax; today that same company pays just $46 500 in payroll tax, a savings to that business of around $44 500 a year. That is what backing business is all about; that support that builds our future.
The Martin government has also reduced a range of stamp duties. We have reduced or removed a total of five stamp duties, including duty on the granting and renewal of leases and on unquoted marketable securities in the most recent budget. In addition, we have removed electronic debit transaction duty and debits tax. Over the next three years, we will remove the stamp duty on hiring arrangements and on the business component of non-residential conveyancing. The government has not made these decisions in a random fashion. The policy intent behind the reductions has been to give business greater capacity and opportunity to grow and to employ more people.
Another example of the government using taxation policy to encourage an important social and economic outcome can be seen in the policies adopted by the Martin government in relation to housing. It is a fundamental tenet of the Labor government that we want to see people in their own homes. The government has undertaken a very deliberate policy approach in the provision of tax breaks for first home buyers. To this end, we have increased the tax-free threshold for stamp duty on conveyancing for first home buyers from $80 000 to $225 000 - a significant increase. What that means is that Territorians buying their first average priced unit will pay no stamp duty at current prices.
The government also introduced two other measures aimed at driving up home ownership. The first of these is the $2500 rebate for stamp duty on conveyancing for all Territorians buying their principal place of residence. This rebate and the first home owner tax breaks have returned to Territorians around $35m to 30 June 2006. That is $35m that is spent on finishing, furnishing and fitting out of these homes. Almost 12 500 Territorians have benefited from these schemes.
The Martin government also revamped and enhanced the HomeNorth scheme to take into account market conditions. This important and nationally leading policy provides people with a greater opportunity to become home owners by helping overcome the deposit gap. Aimed squarely at the lower income market, the policy initiative has been phenomenally successful.
Since the revamping of the HomeNorth scheme in 2004-05, an additional 870 Territorians have bought their own homes through this scheme. That is at the time we put this brief together. As at 30 September, that figure stands at 989, and there is not a great time difference between when this speech was put together and 30 September; therefore, it suggests there is still fairly rapid growth in those figures. These examples show how the government has used taxation reform as a means of growing and broadening the Territory economy.
Despite using the government’s significant power within this economy to stimulate and lift our economic growth, the government has also been very aware of the need to maintain tight fiscal discipline; it is an everyday issue in the management of our economy. We had great teachers, because we saw the example in the lack of a fiscal discipline by our predecessors, and we were very keen not to repeat those errors.
As a developing economy, we do spend every cent we receive. This money goes on infrastructure, taxation reform, and the economic drivers mentioned above. However, we are conscious of the need for the budget to be balanced and for debt levels to be reduced. Part of the economic strategy of this government has been to achieve, as close as possible, a cash balance every year, and to reduce the level of nett debt and employee liabilities as a ratio of the revenue we receive.
We take this approach because we believe that good economic management is about living within your means but, most importantly, strengthening your economic future. Like any ordinary household, spending more than you earn and accumulating debt will lead to long-term problems. The government has produced three surplus budgets to date, and this compares to budget deficits that can only be described as out of control in the late 1990s.
Cash deficit surpluses have been: 1998-99, a cash deficit of $35m; 1999-2000, a cash deficit of $100m; 2000-01, a cash deficit $101m; 2001-02 a minus $87m; 2002-03 plus $9m; 2003-04, plus $36m; and 2004-05, plus $51m. The accumulation of deficits that we saw in the late 1990s cannot be allowed to happen again. Real gains as a result of those surplus budgets have been made in the debt to revenue ration.
The government is funding a massive commitment to infrastructure. We have also been subject to a significant increase in the assessed superannuation liabilities as a result of the change in actuary. This assessment, together with the impact of the international reporting standards, has added $294m to employee liabilities. Despite these commitments, the debt ratio has significantly improved over the last few years. Nett debt and employee liabilities to revenue is - and I will just go back to 1998-99, 142%; 1999-2000, 140%; 2000-01, 145%; 2001-02, 134%; 2002-03, 132%; 2003-04, 118%; and 2004-05, 119%. In both those groups of figures there is a significant date on which the figures started to change, and it corresponds with the election of the Labor government in 2001.
Going forward, we expect the ratio to be: 2005-06, 113%; 2006-07, 115%; 2007-08, 113%; 2008-09, 113%, and then trending back down in 2009-10 to 111%. Those figures show that the Territory government’s overall debt position is improving.
Why is that important to our future? It is true that some debt is necessary when you build and develop an economy as young as the Northern Territory’s, but when debt gets to a level where it constrains your future growth, placing a significant interest burden on your recurrent budget and threatening your economic ratings, it is a threat to the community’s future. Our actions today to reduce debt fulfil most fully our commitment to the community to build its economic future.
The management of deficit and debt is a day-to-day job. At all times, there are calls on the government’s purse and, in most cases, the calls are sensible and sound. Not everything can be done. That is the management job of government, and I am pleased to say the government has, to date, successfully met that balance between policy need and available resources.
To assist the process, we have managed wages in the public sector. The impact of large pay increases interstate has a drag effect on public service pay levels right across Australia. The government has introduced a wages policy which is aimed at providing sensible increases based on keeping the Territory within a competitive range to assist recruitment. We will vigorously defend the budget against extreme wage demands.
On the economy today, having progressed our policies as outlined, what have been the outcomes and the results of that approach? I return to the assessment of Access Economics. They have also commented that:
- The strength in the Territory’s economy - particularly the ‘onshore’ component - is helping to drive excellent demand for both capital and labour. On the ‘capital’ front, business spending is very strong, and on the ‘labour’ front, employment growth is very fast and ANZ job vacancies are still climbing, so population growth in the past year is a healthy 1.8% - and still rising. Or, in other words, the Territory economy has a good head of steam.
Economic growth is currently predicted to run at 5.8% in 2006-07, the second highest in Australia. Employment growth is predicted at around 2% over the next few years, a significant level of growth. The most recent ANZ Job Series shows a year-on-year growth of 2.5% having occurred. Employment growth is an important indicator for this government because we are determined to have more and more Territorians benefit from the strong economy. The best way to do this is to have more and more Territorians in jobs and a growing job market.
There is no doubt that any discussion with business inevitably turns to the subject of labour shortages. Jobs are to be had right across the economy and across the urban Territory. To ensure that Territorians are getting every possible opportunity, the government has invested significant resources into Employment, Education and Training with a 33% increase in the budget over the last five years. That has been part of an absolute deliberate push to improve education outcomes and the levels of training that Territorians receive.
Our introduction of Jobs Plan 1 and 2, the first ever jobs plan in the Northern Territory, and the targeted expenditure of funds on employer and employee incentives and training, has seen a 50% increase in Territorians in training since 2001 - around 3100, up from 2200. It has also seen this government well on target to secure 10 000 commencements of traineeships and apprenticeships over the time of this second term.
Work to include all Territorians across rural and remote parts of the Territory is well under way, with the government’s Indigenous Education Plans having already been highlighted to this House. This will be critical work in continuing the effort to bring all Territorians into the mainstream Territory economy and to receive the benefits of being part of this growing economy.
The Territory is also in the midst of strong population growth. This is critical. Population growth generates demand; demand generates a growing economy. In the latter part of the 1990s, and into the early part of this decade, people fled the Territory, driven out by the economic slump. This has taken some time to turn around. A regeneration of our economy has been a significant incentive for population increase.
Successful government strategies aimed at marketing the Territory as a place to live and work has also had a significant impact in other states and in New Zealand. The Territory is now not just a great place to visit, but a great place to raise your family and make a go of your life. The Chief Minister has been instrumental in this marketing campaign and has undertaken numerous interstate visits to drive home this message.
Population growth was predicted to be 1.7% in calendar year 2005, and 1.5% in calendar year 2006 - among the highest in Australia behind Queensland and around Western Australia.
My Cabinet colleagues will speak on their various economic sectors at greater length, but I want to provide a quick summary on how some of these sectors are doing and what we forecast is likely to occur.
The construction and engineering sectors show strong and continuing growth. Certainly, the growth rate is moderating but the number of residential and non-residential properties remain at historic high levels. There are a number of graphs there, and I do want to refer to this particular one. It is engineering construction work done. You probably will not be able to read the dates there, member for Blain, so I will point that one out. This low point here was about mid-2001, a rocket like growth to absolute - these were historic levels over the longer term, mid-2001. Of course, we acknowledge the railway engineering, the LNG plant, and G3, which were mammoth projects in themselves. However, if you look at going forward, having absorbed those major projects, the level is just so much higher than the historic level enjoyed by the Territory for very many years. It was a significant date as, in fact, with the turnaround in debt and the turnaround in deficient budgets to surplus budgets. Whilst not immediately 2001, it certainly was engineering-wise. I guess we cannot take credit for the initial take-off because we had only just come to government. But we certainly can, and do, take credit for the longer term, higher level of activity than that previously enjoyed by the Territory.
I will be tabling all of these graphs for the benefit of members, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, because they do tell an important story in their own right. I table also for the information of members a publication titled The Construction Snapshot, published by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. It is a publication listing major projects by the government or the private sector that are in progress or expected to occur. That is a terrific read. Just going through the lists of the work in progress, or in the pipeline or proposed - both government and private sector - again, is a great and well complied document. I table that as well. It is certainly informative reading and it highlights the high level of construction in both the public and private sector.
Over the next five years at least, we can expect to see a sustained construction industry. Certainly, with longer-term projects such as the waterfront and the development of the Lee Point area into new suburbs, there is much hope for the construction industry and its members that their futures are pretty well secured.
In the mining and energy sector, mineral exploration in the Territory increased markedly in 2004-05 and 2005-06. This is on the back of the booming commodity prices as a result of the expanding growth of the Asian region, particularly China and, more recently, India. While commodity prices are dropping as production levels rise, we do expect that the industry sector will remain quite robust for the medium term. The nominal value of energy resources in the Territory increased by 77% in 2005-06, which reflects significant increases in energy prices and values. Energy exploration is increasing, particularly for petroleum, and this bodes well for continued strength over the medium term.
Tourism, I mentioned earlier, is one sector of the economy that has had intense government attention with very strong benefits. The onset of The Ghan passenger train; increased airline capacity from operators such as Tiger Airways; and the control of issues such as SARS and bird flu have all helped this sector. Tourism has bounced back but remains, as always, a market that has to be chased. Reduced prices for fuel will help bring more drive market here, and the government’s advertising campaign is clearly hitting the mark. The outlook for tourism remains broadly positive over the short term.
Rural industries and fisheries account for about 3% of gross Territory product and about 3% of employment in the Territory. The value of rural industry production has grown over the past few years, though it can be volatile, relying as it does on good seasons. The value of production is expected to have a healthy increase over this financial year of around 5.5%. There will be some weakening in the beef market, but some strengthening in the live cattle export market. Horticultural industries are expected to improve over the next few years on the back of grape and mango production and, after suffering some disease issues in recent times, the advantage offered by producing off-season melons and early mangoes remains a strength for this sector. If the quality of this fruit on my desk today is any example, we are producing absolute first-class mangoes. I am so looking forward to ducking out of here and enjoying that. I thank the minister for leaving us all one of those prize fruits.
Fishing value improved recently, and steady growth is predicted in the value of production in this industry.
The real estate property market is in a period of historic growth. Average retail prices for houses and units have increased. In the 12 months to June 2006, house prices have increased: Darwin 22%, Palmerston 23.8%, and Alice Springs 8%. Unit prices have increased: Darwin 33%, Palmerston 37.8%, and Alice Springs 13.5%. Those figures provide a very solid return on the investment made by property owners.
The Territory rental market has reached historical lows in vacancy levels and has seen the generation of building activity to provide more houses and units. As at June 2006, rental vacancies for Darwin were houses 1.8%, units 1.7%; in Palmerston, houses were 2.5% and units 0.8%. You would not want to be looking for a unit in Palmerston at the moment; it would suggest that there is not a lot of choice. In Alice Springs, vacancy rates were houses 4.3% and units 2.5%.
Territory retail is still strong. Over the year to July 2006, the growth in retail turnover stood at 6.1%. Motor vehicle sales declined slightly by 2.2% over the same period, but remain at high levels. The government is predicting that retail growth will continue solidly, if not at the level achieved over the year or so. We are forecasting growth of around 4.5% for 2006-07.
In the ministerial statement today, I have brought the House up to date on the state of the economy. I have outlined how the Martin government has approached the development and implementation of economic management policies and strategy. These policies have been successful and will underpin our ongoing approach to economic management. Fundamentally, we have a sound economy with a diversifying base and strong, medium to longer prospects. I acknowledge, as a small economy, we will have volatile periods, and movement up and down can occur quite quickly. However, the fundamentals are either in place or being put in place by this government to give the Territory and Territorians a long-term secure future. That was our fundamental commitment in both 2001 and 2005; that will be our fundamental commitment to Territorians in 2009. Territorians will then again judge us on our delivery of this commitment.
The Martin government will continue its close, careful and strong management of the economy. I have tabled the graphs used in the ministerial statement, and I commend to the House this report updating that work.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move that the statement be noted.
Mr MILLS (Blain): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I also welcome the statement. It gives an opportunity to speak about the Territory as it is operating economically now; the opportunities that are being addressed; and it gives the opposition, albeit jarring to the ear of government, some constructive criticism - as is the role in a parliamentarian democracy for opposition to actually ask some questions.
For the Treasurer to be offended by the inquiries made by opposition with regard to the waterfront and interpret them so sensitively as though we do not like the project – it is simply our role, as he well understands. In opposition, we are required to tell the other side of the story and to ask the questions that are deliberately hidden or obscured from view from the public, those whom we are chartered to serve.
If one goes into a McDonalds restaurant you will see the photograph of the burger meal deals that are on offer. Those photographs are quite impressive. I have often wondered whether the burger that I may get from McDonald’s, or Hungry Jacks, or wherever, is actually going to be the same as the one in the photograph. Often it is not, because the photograph is for illustrative purposes. It is to demonstrate what you could possibly have. It is the best possible looking burger that is possible within that restaurant.
So, too, with the way that we conduct our affairs in this Chamber, and the nature of the adversarial role of politics rather than serving the best interests of Territorians. We are endeavouring to serve the best interests of our endeavours to ensure that it looks the best possible burger imaginable from this restaurant. Then, they will dance around that photograph and say: ‘Look at this, look at this’. Then some naysayer, perhaps from Subway, will come and say: ‘Yes, but what about the fat in the chips?’ ‘Oh no, no. You are just talking negative. You are talking down the product’. That is the role of opposition; to say: ‘Yes, that looks fantastic’. However, we may like to inquire from this angle and look at it from another perspective and go into the kitchen and, perhaps, have a look and wonder what the long-term prospects of the Territory are from a different mindset.
We need to consider how we assess the product that has been presented for our appraisal today. Is it how it appears? Of course, if you are going to sell a product, sell a car, you are going to show off its most attractive attributes, and you will deliberately steer people away from parts that may compromise your intention to sell that vehicle. You will turn the customer’s attention cleverly to other aspects that are immensely favourable.
That is, very sadly, the nature of the game that is being played here. We have grants, and those grants present the picture most favourably for government. They select the graphs, they select the descriptions that best suit the case, so that we are all left with this warm inner glow that everything is just hunky-dory.
However, with that fact - that is true - being established, it is so considerate and responsible of government and this Treasurer to have, as the very last page on this impressive presentation today, a disclaimer. It was not read out, as often the attention of a customer or a constituent’s attention is not drawn to the small print. The small print at the back of this very impressive presentation is an important disclaimer. Once again, perhaps, a little compromising to the Treasurer and the great Martin Labor government is the role of the other person - the opposition, the other player in the game - to draw attention to the disclaimer. The disclaimer says that:
- No reliance is to be put on information herein …
This is the very last page of the presentation:
- No reliance is to be put on the information herein, and no costs should be incurred by any party without making their own inquiries ...
Check it out for yourself!
- … satisfying themselves as to the current status of all or any project or information reported in this document’. That is the disclaimer at the back of this impressive presentation.
This is what I really like. It warms your heart when you know that these blokes really are doing the best they can. It says in the next sentence:
- although it is provided with the best intentions, no guarantee of accuracy or currency is given, and no legal responsibility can be accepted by the Northern Territory or contributors to this document and to any links to … Internet sites.
that may be referred to in it, and so on.
It is fortuitous that you had that disclaimer at the back because it does illustrate what is really being played here. Yes, I know that in the trade you guys might call it a ‘woody’. You get all excited in your little caucus room and say: ‘Yes, we are going great guns. It looks fantastic. So we all have united consent. We have group think. Everything is going well, and three cheers for the Treasurer and the wonderful Martin Labor government’.
Yes, there are good things. We are all aware of that. We have seen the cranes, the graphs, property prices increase, people returning to the Territory and all of those sorts of things. We can, therefore, assume that the great Martin Labor government has brought great prosperity to the Northern Territory. If you did not have an opposition, Independent members, or perhaps the Chamber of Commerce or thinking people out there, we would be seduced into thinking that prosperity has been brought to the Northern Territory by the Martin Labor government.
Fortunately, we have a parliament and a democracy, and there are other aspects to the story. My role will be to draw attention to things that were not amplified in this statement. The dear, sensitive members on the other side will think that I am being critical of them and I should talk up the Territory. I am not talking down the Territory; I am trying to put some balance into the discussions so we can actually respond to the real situation, otherwise we will be living in fantasy land and we may end up going nowhere we really want to go, or could go if we were fair about how things are, in fact, going in the Territory.
At this point, the Territory is going well. There are both national and international factors at play which have come to bear upon the fortunes of the Territory. The Territory is a very fortunate place in its situation, the opportunities and potential it has by its location within the region, its vast natural resources, and innovative and resilient people. It has many assets, the greatest being the people. On top of that, like Western Australia is also very fortunate at this juncture in history, as is Queensland by virtue of the resources boom. That has presented great opportunities for the Northern Territory and it is our responsibility to ensure we maximise them.
This is the question: has this government maximised the opportunities for Territorians? It has been able to deflect some of the positive feeling to its own political fortunes, cleverly – and they are very good at that, I must say. Nonetheless, the Territory has been the beneficiary of international and national forces.
There is also the careful and well-structured approach to the national economy. Tax reforms brokered in 2000 were put in place before the Martin Labor government came to office in the Northern Territory. At that time, the Labor government was in opposition and was very concerned about the GST and how the Territory would be a great loser if the GST ever came to pass. It did come to pass and those comments have been disowned because you cannot criticise the windfall that has come to every state and territory, where the greater beneficiary has been the Northern Territory.
The spirit of those taxation reforms was to take the whole nation to a different place and to change the psychology of the nation so we could turn our collective attention to reform - national taxation reform should then flow into the states for state reform. That was the tone of the whole discussion - the biggest reform since 1946. How has that gone? We have had a change in every state. I am not sure exactly the time frame of that, but not long after that the, naysayers to the GST then became the beneficiaries of the GST. The momentum of the reform, as the GST largesse began to flow into the states, then became the challenge of how each of those states would use that unexpected GST windfall.
That is the juncture in this story where the Labor government in the Northern Territory took office. It was very fortunate, because it happened to coincide with the time where the national economy was strong. It was not strong by accident; there had been some carefully considered reforms. You see the evidence of that by looking at other national economies and how they fared during difficult times. The Australian economy has gone from strength to strength. I am not a Labor Party politician, so I do not spend a lot of time speaking up the names of political people and that sort of stuff, but it is a fact. You know it is a fact. I know there is a federal election coming, but it is an actual fact. That economic reform flows and benefits to the Territory, the GST being one of them.
Mrs BRAHAM: A point of order, Mr Acting Deputy Speaker! I draw your attention to the state of the House.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: Ring the bells.
There is a quorum present. Please continue, member for Blain.
Mr MILLS: As I was saying, the strength of the national economy has then benefited the Territory, as every other state. The property market strengthened. The resources boom occurred. From the property market strengthening came a huge appetite for and appreciation of the stamp duty that was received by every state government. Receipt of those stamp duties was a very pleasant surprise, and the money was then incorporated into state and territory coffers.
The impetus for the reforms was for the states also to commit to that reform. That is what industry understands to be the driving force of the GST and taxation reforms; that it was then to flow into the states. However, rather than being committed to reform, the state and territory governments then became even more demanding on the Commonwealth for money. The reforms, rather than being for the purposes of building the nation, strengthening infrastructure and broadening the capacity to capitalise on the potential through the people, the resources and the natural assets that we have, it came to the state governments to grow their own apparatus, their own systems, to make government bigger. That is the case.
All of the other things that the Treasurer has spoken of regarding cranes in the sky, the development and the exciting growth that we see around us, are not directly attributable to this government. They have played a part, as governments should; they have had a light hand on the tiller. However, generally, the economic forces have taken a life and direction of their own. Government has managed, largely, to put on hard hats and have photographs taken of themselves at opportune times so that they can create the impression that they are the creators of this great prosperity in the Northern Territory. A fair amount of effort has gone into that. They have done that very well, when you look at the amount of money that is spent on drawing attention to themselves with the production of glossy brochures which once offended them so deeply whilst they were in opposition; now it does not even raise a concern as they come out one after the after, generally, with all arrows of all directions pointed to themselves: ‘Look at us and look at what we have done’. The Territory, nonetheless, is still moving along.
However, there is the money story. In all of this, the intention was to bring about significant reform to the Northern Territory - that was the expectation. There have been some changes: payroll tax, granted, and a number of other taxes and charges that have been reduced. You make a lot of noise about them, but it has been a slow process. If the intent was to pass that on to benefit Territorians, it is my assertion there could well be a stronger result today; that is, if the payroll tax had been more aggressively pursued, we could have averted the departure of skilled labour at a particular time when Territory needed those people to stay in the Territory. They moved to other states, and now we have to spend more money to try to bring them back. If we had been more aggressive, as the position of the Territory opposition was at that time - and, quite seriously, if you make a more aggressive move in relieving the load on Territory businesses - then you could have averted the haemorrhaging of skilled labour to other states. Anyway, that is behind us.
However, what has happened is that there has now been flowing into this Territory $750m or more above expectation - more than was expected. It is rare that I would make a phone call to my wife and say: ‘I have just checked our account; we have a heck of a lot more than we expected’. My wife would say: ‘You had better go and check again’. She runs a very careful budget. There is, in fact, into the Territory coffers close to $1bn more than was expected when this whole wonderful adventure started. However, the story does not end there. Our own source taxation - that is, the capacity of the Territory government to tax its own citizens - has gone up by $78m in the last budget. More than they planned to; they taxed citizens more than $78m than they initially expected to. Well, no worries. The unexpected asset sales brought in $40m more than they expected, and other fees and charges raised another $36m. There is a fair bit of cash floating around the place. The question is: what you have done with it to maximise the potential of the Northern Territory? This is stuff you did not even budget for.
If we go behind this beautiful picture that has been painted by the minister, we need to draw attention to some important infrastructure. We know very well this Labor government, in its very strong focus on political objectives, has strategically turned its attention - not satisfied with the largesse that it is receiving from the Commonwealth - and put in demands for more cash for Tiger Brennan, Farrar just to name two that come to mind and I think of every day. They have become demanding of cash; they want more money from the Commonwealth. They do not have enough. But putting that aside, which is a sad state when any person becomes more demanding and cannot be more resourceful and take responsibility for that which they have received, and transfer blame elsewhere. That is not really inspiring.
Let us look at the problem. The problem is simply that government speaks of the amount of money it puts into things as though that is an achievement: ‘We have spent this much money on this, that or the other’. They can quote figures, and demonstrate that that much money has been spent. I make a list from time to time of the words that are used by this government; whether it is education, indigenous art, economic development - everything is their highest priority and they are committed to all sorts of things. Great sounding words. However, generally, at the end of all sorts of statements comes the amount of money that has been spent or, if it is a really difficult problem, it is the Commonwealth that has not spent the money. They start to get a bit sooky about that because the Commonwealth has not done the right thing, and it makes them feel pretty good because it is really about how they appear and they have been able to transfer the attention elsewhere: ‘Do not look at me, it is not my fault. I have received $750m more than I expected, but do not look at me, it is the Commonwealth. They are the baddies here. By the way, there is a federal election coming up. Send a message to Canberra’. That seems to be the game.
Let us look at it. Money going in is not the objective; it is outcome - what you produce. Education is a good example. Just yesterday, I had a preliminary read of the DEET annual report, and this annual report is illustrative of the problem. The problem is that the capacity of the Territory is not being properly released through the approach of this government. By being able to spend money because of the capacity to do so by virtue of the GST and property booms and so on, it has just become lazy and thinks that expenditure is the objective.
In the Territory, what really will grow our potential is getting our education system right. We are clear about the amount of money that is going into the education system, but are we getting the results? If you are not getting the results, what a Labor government will do is just spend more money and then hope like heck better results will come out. If you look at the DEET annual report - using this as an illustrative example of the problem that we have in the Territory - we recognise in the Territory tonnes of young potential. The student cohort in the Territory is the youngest of any other state or territory and it is the highest in population: 25.3% are under the age of 15. If we could really maximise the potential of those young people we would have a secure future. If we channelled our resources to really maximise the potential of those 15-year-olds and younger, we could be securing a very good future. We have that –by virtue of the fact that the Territory is young, with tonnes of potential.
Interestingly, since 2001, the population of that student cohort has reduced. That is just an interesting aside. The Territory population has also reduced over that period of time, and it has just started to come up a little. However, since 2001 until today, the student cohort is 2% down from 2001 - an interesting aside. A total of 30% of that student population is indigenous, and 31% come from an ESL background. That is a good snapshot of the Territory. If we could maximise the outcomes in education, we would really know that we are building this place.
How do you measure whether you are doing anything good in education? As is typical of a Labor government, it would be the expenditure of money, and they have certainly done that. In 2005-06, the budget that was set was exceeded by $18m. Not to be outdone in the year before, 2004-05, the budget was exceeded by $28m. They are certainly spending a lot of money. From 2004-05, they exceeded their budget, moved it up next time they went for the budget bidding round. They got that new amount and, then, still went over by $18m. All right, it is an expensive operation. Bear in mind the student population had dropped. They have achieved something; they have spent a lot of money in education.
However, the acid test comes when we assess whether there has been an improvement. The benchmarks, sadly, in the DEET annual report indicate that, apart from an improvement of only 1% for Year 3 indigenous students, every single category, indigenous and non-indigenous, from Years 3 to 7 have dropped, and some of those significantly. Rather than government responding to that by batting it away and saying: ‘You are just being critical and are down on the students’, we need to stop and think. If we want to be fair dinkum, we need to focus our endeavours to improve those sorts of outcomes. The expenditure is colossal. You are fortunate you able to spend the money. The expenditure of money has, largely, been able to achieve another objective; that is, to drown the voice of opposition. There is so much activity; government is large and it is has considerable resources to create a strong impression.
Those sorts of outcomes in education, which I am using for an illustrative purpose, are really where we need to be looking. If it is in exports, it is in how many containers go across the port and is it to potential? Is it up or down significantly? It is those kinds of measurements, not the programs so much; they are the things that allow you to achieve a measurable outcome. That is what we need to see: with all the capacity that government has, is it achieving measurable outcomes that make a difference to Territorians, both now and into the future?
Education is the focus, and you need to have that kind of outcome improved for the 24% increase of expenditure in education since 2001 to the current budget - 24% increase. Millions and millions of additional dollars have been spent, but the benchmarks are dropping. That is what your report says. That is the concern of government, not the glossy brochure, not the nice graphs, but the measurable outcomes, the program changes which need to occur to change those results to turn it around for people, other than government and their good fortunes, how people might regard them so that families will get a sense that their needs are being attended to.
Here is another issue if we are really going to grow the Territory. Fly in to Alice Springs, look out the window of the plane and you will see land everywhere. Yet, you will hear people tell you everywhere there is not enough land in Alice Springs. These are the sorts of things we must find solutions to: the cost of land in Palmerston, and out at Lyons. The nation is finding it so difficult to source affordable housing. There is one positive story about property prices going up, and it is only positive for those who own their house. However, my children and other children see land everywhere which, for some invisible reason, is locked up. It needs to be opened up if we want to develop the Territory. There is land everywhere. We need to solve that problem. Release the land so that young people can get into affordable housing. As a local member, day after day I am dealing with people who are telling me stories that are quite affronting. If they are out of the housing system, they cannot get in.
Last of all, if you want to grow the Territory, we need water. We will need – I’m not quite out of time yet.
Ms Carney: Over there you are.
Mr MILLS: Well, over here, I am not.
Mr Henderson: We will go by this clock, Terry. Keep going.
Mr MILLS: Anyway, just calm down. I am just going to the last point. I am not going to hog it. The last point is water.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: May I just clarify if the member is it out of time?
Mr MILLS: That clock is out of time.
Mr ACTING DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sorry, member for Blain, you are out of time.
Mrs BRAHAM: Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, I move an extension of time to allow the member for Blain to conclude his remarks, in accordance with Standing Order 77.
Motion agreed to.
Mr MILLS: Excellent. I will go back over my main points. I have the last three points. One is if we really want to measure these sorts of statements, using the concept of money in and measurable outcomes, focus on the outcomes where you are actually achieving the results. In education: no. The benchmarks are falling, even though there has been a 24% increase in expenditure. Look at the release of land. There is plenty of land. How do we solve that problem? They are the sorts of things that will bring about economic reform to the Territory.
Last is water. We have plenty of it in the Top End flowing into the sea. If we really want to have a future for the Territory, we need to have that water issue dealt with. We need a comprehensive water policy. These are the sorts of things that are the domain of Territory government. Yes, there is lots of stuff happening around the place, largely private sector driven. The initiatives taken by government in the last couple of days to present our tropical city in the best possible light is to be applauded and supported; however, it is largely going to be requiring the support of the private sector. That is why we need to ensure that we work in a very cooperative way, ensuring that we are going to address the needs of Territorians and not the political objectives of nice presentations that come with the disclaimer at the end. Once again: ‘No reliance is to be put on any information contained herein’, which is at the end of the minister’s statement.
Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer on his statement to the House today. As the Treasurer made clear in that statement, we made a commitment to Territorians in the lead-up to the 2005 election to deliver a strong and growing economy and create jobs and opportunities for Territorians, now and into the future. It is clear we are delivering on that commitment, and the principles underlying our economic strategy are integral to the success we have had in creating one of the country’s strong economies.
Let me repeat them. We are committed to providing a high level of cash for capital works and infrastructure, focusing funds on economic drivers to produce future growth, making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business and the community, and maintaining strong fiscal discipline.
Investment is the one acting driver for long-term economic success, and it is an area I want to focus on this afternoon. In recent times, we have seen billions of dollars of private investment injected into the Territory economy and more is to come, a story I will return to shortly. Importantly, we have also played our part by continuing to invest in the future through our capital works program on infrastructure like our modern bulk handling facilities at East Arm, which has now seen new manganese exports contracts from Bootu Creek commence this year, and new iron ore contracts from Francis Creek plan to begin next year.
This kind of strategic government investment is creating opportunity and it has seen the AustralAsia Trade Route become a viable alternative for traders to our north and south. Darwin has established itself as Australia’s gateway to Asia and, increasingly, Asia’s gateway to Australia’s southern states.
Our strategic investment in infrastructure is one reason why independent forecasters are predicting strong and sustained growth for the Territory. Put simply, the right building blocks are being put in place to deliver results down the track. This is important for every Territorian. We are building a broader economic base which, over time, will reduce our economic volatility, create new opportunities, and build on the momentum that you can see and feel today. It will mean more jobs for Territorians - sustainable jobs, driven by a major surge in our productive capacity. Government remains a key player, but every day a more modern, dynamic and enterprising economy is emerging. Australia and the world are changing at a rapid pace and we need to move ahead as well.
This afternoon, I would like to highlight a number of major developments happening across the Territory and the positive impact they are having on our economy now and into the future. I will show how the flow-on effects from these major developments are generating significant activity and confidence throughout the Territory’s business community.
Earlier this year, Darwin officially became the nation’s second international gas export hub when the first shipment of LNG left ConocoPhillips’ new plant at Wickham Point for Japan. It was an important day for us but, given the massive and yet still vastly unexplored gas reserves within 500 km of Darwin in the Timor Sea, it will be seen in years to come as just the beginning. The LNG plant will produce 3.7 million tonnes per annum. ConocoPhillips is already considering an expansion, boosting production up to 10 million tonnes. Together with Santos, they are currently exploring further gas reserves to supply this proposed expansion.
Italian company ENI will proceed with it big Blacktip gas project in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf off the west coast of the Territory. They have signed a sales agreement with our Power and Water Corporation to provide domestic gas into the local market from 2009. Earlier this week, local contractor MacMahon Constructions commenced the civil works for ENI’s onshore gas plant at Wadeye. It involves the construction of a 12 km all-weather road from the plant to Wadeye, and the establishment of a 30-person camp, both to be completed by the end of the year.
Last January, Australia and Timor-Leste signed a revenue sharing agreement covering the Greater Sunrise gas field in the Timor Sea. This could well pave the way for the development of gas fields that holds 7.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
There is a fair bit going on, but our gas industry is really still in its infancy. We are where Western Australia was 20 years ago - still young with lots of potential. However, the opportunities are there now for businesses currently servicing the Timor Sea gas developments - like rig servicing and maintenance companies and equipment suppliers - to come and base themselves in Darwin rather than indirectly servicing these developments from elsewhere in Australia.
These are exciting times, but downstream gas-based manufacturing will add a whole new dimension. Already, we have BOC Gas looking to establish the southern hemisphere’s first helium plant in Darwin next year, and other commercial proponents are now undertaking a detailed feasibility study for the establishment of a new condensate processing facility, with a final investment decision due next year. Looking further ahead, we have the opportunity to develop a new petrochemical industry base in the Territory, producing a range of industrial chemicals like ethylene, PVC, menthol and fertilizer. Industries like this can deliver up to 4.5 times the capital investment, and 10 times the employment per peterjule compared with LNG. This is before the benefits from flow-on industry are considered.
Mr Deputy Speaker, as you can see, our burgeoning gas industry is generating, and will continue to generate, new opportunities for Territorians. It has the potential to broaden and strengthen our economic base, as well as bringing new business to the Top End.
Another area that is seeing new opportunities created is in tourism. The tourism sector has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years after the global downturn of the beginning of the decade. As the Treasurer outlined, we have invested an additional $30m over a three-year period to get things moving again and sell the Territory, not only domestically but internationally. There is no doubt this investment has paid dividends for the Territory. The worldwide demand for the Territory’s unique natural and cultural experiences has seen confidence rise in our tourism sector in recent times.
A number of major developments are having a significant impact on our economic, such as developments like the Darwin City Waterfront project. The waterfront project is set to transform Darwin and its connection to the harbour, and will provide a major boost to our tourism industry. It is also producing jobs for Territorians and new opportunities for Territory business. Around 1000 jobs are expected to be created during the construction, and more than $70m in contracts have already been awarded to local Territory businesses. Importantly, and in line with our commitment to local industry, 100% of the $41m of contracts for the community infrastructure works within the waterfront precinct have been awarded to local business, and around 95% of the $29m worth of contracts for the construction of the convention centre itself have also been awarded to local business. These contracts have resulted in a whole suite of local contractors being engaged in the project such as Wagner, Nilsen Electric, Project Plumbing and M & J Welding. It is not just the government that verifies this level of local industry participation; it is independently audited by the Northern Territory’s Industry Capability Network. It is good news for the Territory economy and, once complete, the development is set to generate more business and more activity here.
The surge in investment and new business opportunities is not just confined to our major centres. We are seeing new tourism products spring up right across the Territory, and an increasing number of Aboriginal communities are looking to provide quality cultural experiences for our visitors, and a secure future for themselves and their children.
Kakadu National Park is a good example. We are seeing new Aboriginal developments like the Kakadu Cultural Camp near Cooinda and Hawk Dreaming at Canon Hill giving visitors to the region truly memorable cultural experiences. We are working closely with local Aboriginal groups to help them develop tourism products, like an eco-designed tourism lodge and arts and craft centre and high quality accommodation.
In Central Australia, we are developing outback experiences that are set to bring long-term economic benefits to the region. The new Red Centre Way is one of those initiatives which will offer visitors to the region the option of taking a unique nature and cultural driving holiday. The drive covers Alice Springs, the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, and incorporates the Larapinta Trail and Kings Canyon, before arriving at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It is a great drive and it will only get better once the road is sealed; and we are committed to achieving that. The potential is there to transform the communities along the route by creating tourism jobs and sustainable business opportunities. The Minister for Tourism will tell you more about some of the work being done with communities along the Red Centre Way later in this debate.
While in Central Australia, let me tell you a little more about what is happening in Alice Springs. At the moment, Alice Springs is seeing the largest amount of commercial construction for 15 years. Some of the projects under way are the Melanka Backpacker Lodge redevelopment, which the Minister for Tourism will talk about; the Yeperenye Shopping Centre expansion; Sitzler’s Quest Serviced Apartment Block; Imparja’s new digital broadcasting studios; the Alice Springs Plaza redevelopment; the Stuart Lodge redevelopment, for which the $2.2m contract was awarded to local construction company, Probuild; the Keith Lawrie Flats redevelopment, which is expected to be completed this month - a contract in excess of $1.75m was awarded to another local construction company, Patrick Homes; and planning for the $8.1m Alice Springs Aquatic Centre has already begun.
In addition to all this activity, we have committed $10m to rectify construction defects at the Alice Springs Hospital. We have also committed a further $5m towards the upgrade of the Emergency Department, and $1m to upgrade the Flynn Drive Renal Unit. This is great news for the people of Alice Springs and for the dedicated staff working in those facilities, as well as for local companies which will continue to benefit from our commitment to continually improving public infrastructure.
Of course, the Desert Knowledge Australia project, which includes the Desert Knowledge CRC, will have a profound and long-lasting impact on the local economy. We have committed $30.2m to the development of the Desert Knowledge Precinct, and $9.5m of in-kind support over the seven year life of the CRC. The Desert Knowledge project involves many government and private sector initiatives to research and develop techniques for sustainable living and development in our vast desert regions. In the three years the CRC has been operating, it has already generated more than $20m of additional private and public sector investment in Central Australia. The development of the Desert Knowledge precinct is really taking shape. Already, $10.7m has been spent on the headworks for the precinct, and the primary contract awarded to local company, Sitzler. Work has also begun on the $2.1m business and innovation centre. The contract for this work was won by another local company, MBY Constructions.
Later this year, tenders will be advertised for the commencement of Stage 1 of the Desert People’s Centre, and that is worth in excess of $8.5m. This groundbreaking project is all about researching, developing and marketing world’s best practice in sustainable arid living. It will give the local economy a big boost and, most importantly, will continue to create jobs for the people of Alice Springs and Central Australia.
Defence is another sector that is producing significant spin-offs for Territory business. The Defence presence in the Territory has more than doubled since the early 1990s. We host around 10% of the ADF, and there are around 13 000 Defence personnel and their families living and working in the Territory. In recent times, we have become a base for a raft of new Defence platforms including the Armidale Class patrol boats and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, with new Abrams tanks and Tiger helicopters soon to come. These new platforms have opened up many opportunities for local business and industry. For example, the Robertson Barracks expansion project saw around 90% of the work, or around $74m worth, subcontracted to local small businesses such as Weir’s Top End Constructions, Nortruss, Territory Glass and Aluminium, Curtains on Cavenagh, Wildman River Stock Contractors and Halikos Roofing. Also, 90% of the $65m Bradshaw Training Base development west of Katherine is being delivered by Territory businesses like Greg Meyer Paving and C&V Concreters. Importantly, 30% of the work for the project has been drawn from the local Aboriginal communities. It spells good news for the people of the Katherine region. These new platforms and the increasing Defence presence in the Territory will mean more opportunities and more jobs for Territorians in the future.
Before winding up, I would like to briefly mention last week’s inaugural Chief Minister’s NT Export and Industry Awards. The awards celebrate excellence and highlight our high achievers in the business community. The winners include exciting niche enterprises such as TAAU, which produces top grade spirulina at its headquarters near Berry Springs, of which more than 90% is exported to Asian markets. Guppytraders, which started off in the back of a house in Katherine, is now a respected provide of financial market analysis advice in the Asian region and regularly provides live commentary to the China market on global business channels such as CNBC.
Aboriginal art was recognised as a growing export business for the Territory. Maningrida Arts and Culture won the Austrade Arts and Entertainment Award, and the Mbantua Gallery from Alice Springs won the Territory FM Small to Micro Business Award. Congratulations to all winners. They are great examples of why the Territory economy keeps powering ahead, and of the some of the diversity we now have in our Territory economy.
Access Economics has described the Territory economy as turbocharged. There is no doubt that the levels of confidence and investment we are seeing at the moment backs up their analysis. The days of unsustainable budget deficits and a shrinking economy, I hope, are a world away. Our big ticket projects are creating exciting new opportunities for Territorians in both the cities and the regions, and our business sector is responding to the challenge and benefiting from what is a dynamic environment. That is why we will continue to invest in vital infrastructure and capital works that encourage investment. We are proud of the success we have had in managing the economy and the constructive partnership we have formed with the Territory business community. We will continue to steer a course that will see the Territory economy continue to grow and diversify in the years ahead. That, Mr Deputy Speaker, means more jobs and more business opportunities for all Territorians.
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I support my colleague, the Treasurer’s, statement on the Territory’s economic future and update this afternoon. I will be speaking in my capacity as Minister for Employment, Education and Training and the Minister for Tourism.
Strong economic growth brings with it significant benefits and challenges. The ongoing prosperity of the Territory hinges on a skilled and competitive workforce. Economic and social prosperity will be governed, in part, by the capacity of Territorians to fill job opportunities and for the Territory to compete with the rest of Australia and the world for future labour markets.
In 2004, this government made a commitment of 10 000 trainee apprenticeship commencements over the following four years, and we are on track to meet that commitment. The number of Northern Territory trainees and apprentices increased by 67% since 2001, reflecting this government’s continued focus on training. That is a huge outcome - a 67% increase is a very significant achievement.
Currently, there are 3289 trainees and apprentices in training throughout the Territory. Whilst these figures are positive, I want to highlight that 41% of those in training are in traditional trades where there are severe skill shortages. In our economy, skilled tradespeople are integral to ongoing economic growth. Recognising this fact, in 2005 the government provided an additional $3m to Charles Darwin University to improve the quality of trade training and support ongoing growth in apprenticeship numbers, and it is paying off.
In the last budget, the Treasurer announced that over the next four years we will spend $300m on training and supporting Territorians to develop better skills and access local jobs. For 2006-07, those initiatives include: $60m in recurrent funding for the delivery of a broad range of Vocational Education and Training programs that will assist Territorians to access and retain employment and upskill to better contribute to economic growth; approximately $15m to training and support of apprentices and trainees in the Territory; $1.05m in incentives for employers of skills shortage trade apprentices with 50 incentives allocated at $7000 per incentive; and $375 000 in incentives for small business employers of trainees and apprentices - to date, 94 incentives allocated at $3000 per incentive.
In addition to assist apprentices and trainees for costs incurred at the beginning of their training, we introduced the Workwear/Workgear Bonus, which makes available payments of $1000 for traditional trades apprentices and $300 for trainees at the end of their three-month probation. As at 8 September, 643 skill shortage apprentices and 1096 other apprentices and trainees have taken up this program.
The 2006-07 budget saw $4.4m allocated to assist young Territorians to make a successful transition from school to work. The programs funded include: $3.2m for the VET in Schools program and provision of careers advice in Territory secondary schools; $0.2m for the Work Ready Program, which prepares students for employment, including school-based apprenticeships and traineeships; and, $1m for training and licensing for 16- to 18-year-olds. I am sure we all agree that preparing our young Territorians for productive roles in our workforce is critical to ensure ongoing economic growth.
Preparing indigenous Territorians for employment is also a key priority for this government to support ongoing economic growth. Indigenous Territorians are able to access training through: the $60m recurrent funding program; apprenticeships and traineeships; pre-employment programs at $400 000 per annum; flexible response and community response programs at $2.1m per annum; and training for remote youth and VET in Schools programs. Currently, there are a total of 773 indigenous people in training. This represents an increase of 70% since 2001. By providing indigenous Territorians with access to training across the Territory, we are preparing people for employment and giving access to employment opportunities.
The training effort also provides an opportunity to support people in potential new business ventures; for example, arts and craft, horticulture and tourism ventures. Some examples are:
Gurungu Fabric Printers - 15 women participated in a two-month training program run at the Gurungu Council Women’s Centre, a joint initiative with council and DEET. The women were trained through a whole design and developing process of fabric printing and sewing. Over 60 items of the women’s work was exhibited in Tennant Creek, including clothing, shoulder bags, quilts and baby blankets. The exhibition was a resounding success, with orders for more items to be produced. The artists are now developing the enterprise further and plan to establish a shopfront at Elliott in order to market their products locally.
Gunya Titjikala, the five-star indigenous tourism venture, located at Titjikala. DEET has supported this enterprise since its inception in 2005 by providing funding to enable the business to access appropriate and relevant industry training and hospitality and cultural tourism.
Tiwi Islands business ventures. DEET has provided considerable funding towards the training of Tiwi people to be employed in various businesses, including the Point Hurd Barramundi Farm, Great Southern Plantations’ forestry projects and Tiwi tourism ventures. Training included fishing and seafood industry skills, forestry and horticulture, and customer service and retail training.
Whilst I have outlined a wide range of programs to assist Territorians prepare for work, it has also been recognised there is a need to upskill existing workers. The Build Skills program, at $500 000 per annum, was introduced to allow workers and key industries to have their existing skills assessed and provided with gap training to enable them to gain qualification. Successful programs have been run in civil construction, specialised welding, rural, transport, electrical and Defence sectors. We will continue to deliver business management and capability programs, including upskills workshops and business coaching services in the business growth program.
In addition, this year we will contribute $0.19m in grants to support research and innovation. The government is making sure that we use strong economic performances to create opportunities for all Territorians. We are investing in our future economic prosperity by building a skilled workforce. Picking up on the comments from the member for Blain earlier, regarding government speaking a lot about funding and allocations of funding, I point to two specific numbers here in outcomes since 2001. The number of trainees and apprentices has increased by 67% since 2001, and the number of indigenous people in formal training has increased by 70%, so that is a significant bang for buck.
I am also pleased to speak in support of my colleague, the Treasurer, in regard to the exciting times ahead for the tourism industry in the Northern Territory. It was not that long ago, when I first came to the Tourism portfolio in 2002, that the tourism industry was facing many new and difficult challenges - challenges which saw a global decline in tourism generally, affecting many businesses here in the Territory. As an industry, they were having to deal with the effects of SARS, the war on terrorism, Ansett collapse, Bali bombings, and general rationalisation of the aviation markets and its impact on consumer confidence. It was an uncertain time for the industry and for a reasonably new government. As I said to the industry, in my first term of being Tourism Minister, we did not have any tourists and we did not have much money. Now we have a lot more tourists and the tourism budget is a lot healthier.
We also inherited a dire financial bank balance due to poor fiscal management by the previous government. In other words, there was no cash to spare. However, this government’s response was strong in its resolve and desire to help the Territory tourism industry back on its feet. In 2003, we committed the single largest injection of funding at the time - $27.5m over three years - to reshape the Territory’s tourism sector. With this injection, we are starting to see improvements, and through our focused marketing activities and disciplined application, we are making a real difference.
We were able to develop and launch a new consumer website, travelnt.com. We were able to undertake extensive research that identified our competitive point of difference and the type of traveller most likely to enjoy the sort of holiday experience the Territory has to offer. We really honed in on who our targeted audience is, which is identified as ‘the spirited traveller’. We know what they watch, what they read, where they live, and what they want to learn from their travel experience, and this information formed the changes we made to our marketing campaigns. Then we refreshed and refined our marketing brand and introduced the new tag line Share our Story, and initiated destination marketing campaigns for our six priority destinations in the domestic market. We led the repositioning of Alice Springs as a tourism destination in its own right. They are just some of the initiatives Tourism NT were able to undertake because of the $27.5m injection of funds. Much of the positive results can be attributed to the successful marketing campaigns. In May this year, we further demonstrated our commitment to the industry by increasing Tourism NT’s base funding on a permanent basis by $10m per annum.
A snapshot of where we are today: Territory tourism is performing well against a national decrease in holiday visitor numbers, as I identified in Question Time today. We are defying the national trend. In fact, for the year ending June 2006, the Territory recorded a 7.6% increase; that is, 341 000 extra visitors in interstate holiday visitation. International holiday visitation increased by 9%; that is, 335 600 visitors more than June 2005.
International aviation capacity into Darwin for the year ended September 2006 compared to September 2005, was 22% higher. This can be attributed to the introduction of Tiger Airway services between Singapore and Darwin from 19 December 2005, providing an extra 720 seats a week. This year, the year of exchange between Australia and Japan, 11 charters arrived in Alice Springs from Japan carrying a total of 2300 passengers, and injecting $1.7m into the Central Australian economy. This represents an increase of 43% in visitor numbers over 2005, and highlights just how successful this charter program has been to date. I just wish that the Commonwealth government would come clean on its election commitment to match the $200 000 that this government has put in to see the Alice Springs Airport able to handle international flights on a permanent basis.
Total domestic aviation capacity into the Territory is 13% higher for September 2006 compared to September 2005. This increase can be attributed to the commencement of Jetstar services, which equates to approximately 3200 seats a week.
The Ghan passenger numbers were up 5% with over 186 000 passengers carried to date. The Ghan service has been one of those accidental surprises, and has proven to be so popular that Great Southern Railways put on a second service to Darwin on 17 March this year. It has helped boost visitation in the shoulder and low season.
Crew ship visits: we are expecting 32 cruise ship visits this year, an increase of 10 from last year. That increase is mostly due to Orion Expedition Cruises, a luxury cruise company which bases themselves here during the Dry Season. There are 573 new direct tourism jobs throughout the Territory as at August 2006, compared to August 2005.
Territory Discoveries’ call centre in Alice Springs, the government commercial and wholesaling division, reported an increase of 47.6% in gross revenue bookings in August 2006 compared to August 2005. For the 2005-06 financial year overall, Territory Discovery earned $28.8m gross revenue, a 27.6% increase compared to the previous year, and an average booking value of $1362 excluding airline travel.
Business tourism: the conference and meeting market is an increasingly lucrative market for the Territory and has the ability to bring delegates to the Territory beyond the high peak season. A key initiative is to build this market and bring high yield and business visitors to the Territory during the non-peak season. Tourism NT plays an important role in attracting conferences, meetings and exhibitions to the Territory to support government’s investment in the Alice Springs Convention Centre and, of course, the Darwin convention centre. The business tourism sector is also showing positive signs. Tourism NT reports the number of events across the Territory for the period April to September 2006 up nine events compared to September 2005. The estimated economic impact of these events is around $4.1m, an increase of $1.4m compared to the same period in 2005.
Malu Barrios, the GM of the Darwin convention centre, informs me there has been strong and positive interest in the Darwin convention centre, and the level of inquiries has been high. She has confirmed two national conventions for the new convention centre, bringing 1100 delegates to Darwin with an economic impact of $4m.
The Northern Territory government’s investment in infrastructure: the government’s role is to provide the investment in public infrastructure and, hopefully, this will stimulate and encourage new investment, new opportunities, new products, and new tourism visitor experiences. We also want to see examples of private sector growth in investing, and it is great to see confidence across the Northern Territory by the private sector investing in new tourism product. Such examples include expansion of the Darwin Airport Resort, Pandanus Outrigger Apartments, the proposed Little Mindil resort - and for the life of me I cannot believe that the CLP is opposing the development of that resort. For a party that used to support development, it really is quite strange to see them opposing the development of a tropical resort for Darwin at Little Mindil - the Dugong Beach Resort at Groote Eylandt - again I pay tribute to the Anindilyakwa Land Council and the people on Groote Eylandt for investing so much of their own royalty monies in developing economic infrastructure and tourism infrastructure to employ local people and provide ongoing revenue streams into the future. There is also Gilligan’s Backpackers in Alice Springs, the Mandorah resort, and the All Suites Serviced Apartments in Alice Springs.
There is also growth in the regions. These positive results are further supported by encouraging news from the local tourism sector. The Regional Tourism Associations report good news, despite a slower start to the season brought about by Cyclone Monica and subsequent flooding. This affected tourism up and down the track; however, all indicators are that we have had a busy peak season.
The Central Australian Tourism Association has reported strong bookings throughout Central Australia, particularly from the second week of June, and there are good booking patterns through to November. There is evidence of a strong international market presence and visitors are reportedly staying for three to four nights rather than the usual one to two. The drive market in Central Australia remains strong despite the rising cost of fuel, and hire car companies appear to be up 10% on last year.
Barkly Tourism has reported a strong drive market and numbers within the Visitor Information Centre are up between 30% and 40%. Promising, also, is support shown by outside investors with recent purchases of the Three Way Roadhouse and the Outback Caravan Park.
The Katherine Regional Tourism Association, in particular, has reported hardship in the tourism industry this season, primarily due to the effects of the cyclone and subsequent floods. However, it appears the season has ended up quite well with the anecdotal feedback suggesting an increase in the average length of visitor stay in the region. Tourism NT has worked closely with KRTA and operators and provided funding to support the tourism recovery marketing action plan. Financial assistance was also provided to tourism businesses which were most affected by the flood. Also in the Katherine region I pay tribute to the Jawoyn Association which has released their new plan for continuing to increase and improve investment in product to Katherine Gorge. The Chief Minister released that plan just recently.
To conclude on forecasts and trends, that is a snapshot of where we are and where we were. Average annual growth rate for international holiday visitors is forecast to grow 2% for the 2007-08 year. Average annual growth rate for interstate holiday visitors is forecast to grow by 1.9% - and these are conservative forecasts.
Today we operate in an increasingly competitive environment. Constant changes in the global marketplace such as world events, competition from other tourism destinations and streamlining within the aviation industry as major carriers restructure to ensure route profitability continue to challenge us.
However, the tourism industry is in good shape. We have more work to do and cannot rest on our laurels. This government will continue to support the tourism industry, an industry which creates jobs and opportunities for the benefit of all Territorians. Mr Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the Treasurer and support his statement.
Dr BURNS (Health): Mr Deputy Speaker, we have already heard from my colleague, the Treasurer, about the Martin government’s commitment to delivering a strong and growing economy for the people of the Northern Territory.
On coming to office in 2001, the Martin government had to find ways of dealing with the challenge of turning around an economy that was not only contracting, but lacking significant budgetary flexibility to deal with the difficulties that we had inherited. It was interesting to hear the member for Blain saying it is all circumstantial and fortuitous that things turned around when this government came to office. Whilst, as a government, we acknowledge that we are part of a wider economy, both nationally and internationally, the Treasurer strongly demonstrated the measures that we have taken to stimulate our economy in many ways, including capital works budget, becoming the lowest taxing government in Australia on small business, and a whole range of measures.
I well remember when I was doorknocking prior to the 2001 election. The building industry in particular was as flat as a pancake, as flat as a lizard drinking. A lot of people complained about the state of the economy and the fact that they were having trouble making ends meet. The certainly blamed the CLP government for that state of affairs.
It did not long for this government to turn things around. We were very active. We brought down a mini-budget in November after we were elected. It is just wrong, wrong, wrong for the member for Blain to shrug his shoulders and say it was all the federal government’s doing. I completely reject what the member for Blain had to say, which was political posturing on his part, and jealousy, I would have to say.
We are a government that is serious about this economy and having sustainable development. Moreover, we are committed to regional development in the Northern Territory - stimulating regional economies and employment markets, particularly for indigenous people in our remote areas. This is our focus.
I am speaking in my role as Minister for Health, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing.
We had to set about developing the economic parameters that would allow us to both grow the economy and create jobs. We also recognised that getting the Territory economy back on track could not be achieved by government alone; it required a partnership with private enterprise. One of the root causes of the Territory’s economic malaise in 2001 was the consistent failure of CLP governments of the 1990s to adequately manage the budget and infrastructure program.
When the Martin government set about adopting the principles needed to underpin the resuscitation of the Territory economy, it recognised the need to ensure a sufficiently high level of spending on capital works and infrastructure. This capital works spending has been a vital factor in pointing our economy in the right direction. As the House has already heard, this government has spent more than $2.7bn on infrastructure projects over the past five years. I am proud to stand here today as the former Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, having a pivotal role in developing those infrastructure projects, overseeing them and bringing them to fruition. I know my colleague, the member for Karama, who is now the minister, will continue on that good work and kick goals for the Territory.
As the House has already heard, this government has spent more than $2.7bn on infrastructure projects over the last five years. The extent of infrastructure spending, combined with the strategy to allocate work throughout the year, has played a significant role in the rebound of the Territory’s all important construction industry.
As you know, Mr Deputy Speaker, I recently became Minister for Health, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing. I would like to look at my current areas of responsibility to give the House an idea of their place in the economic progress of the Northern Territory under the Martin Labor government. I will begin with health.
Spending on the Territory’s health budget has increased by a massive 64% since Labor came to government in 2001. I must pay tribute to my predecessors, the member for Nightcliff, and the former member for Stuart, who played such an important and crucial role in lifting our expenditure on health from the doldrums that it was in under the CLP government. Additional spending of this magnitude would not have been possible without continuing strong and responsible management of our economy. This 64% increase in Health funding is a direct dividend of the Martin government’s strategy of growing our economy. Thanks to the prudent economic management, we have been able to provide more and higher quality health services for Territorians, as well as meeting the increasing demand on our health system.
It has also allowed the employment of more frontline health staff, and access for Territorians to improved health system infrastructure, including important new facilities for Territorians. These new facilities include the new Emergency Department at Royal Darwin Hospital, along with a new hospice and medical records department, plus a planned birthing centre, which recently went to tender. We have also built new health centres at Yuendumu $2m, Daly River/Nguiu $2.1m, Milikapiti $2.66m, and Minjilang $3.36m.
In addition to new regional health centres, we are continuing to confront the challenge of renal disease. We have invested in new renal facilities at Tennant Creek, Palmerston, Galiwinku and Groote Eylandt, and committed to a $1m upgrade to the Alice Springs Flynn Drive unit. Infrastructure development of this nature does not just help the health of Territorians, they obviously also provide ongoing stimulus to the Territory economy.
We have also committed to ongoing upgrades of our hospitals. At Alice Springs, we have committed $5m for a major upgrade of the Emergency Department for 2007-08, and a new $39m wing, including Emergency Department opened at Royal Darwin Hospital in 2003.
It would be remiss of me not to comment on the necessary remediation work that we have had to undertake at Alice Springs Hospital that was a direct result, I believe, of the way in which the former CLP government handled that particular matter, where the contract was let and in which the contractor was involved. I believe that will be a matter for the courts, so I am not going to comment any further on that, except to say that it was the CLP government, to some degree, that presented us with this problem at the Alice Springs Hospital with the remediation works, regarding the type of contract that they let.
The $4.5m Northern Territory Hospice has just celebrated its first anniversary. This financial year, we moved to address additional demand at Royal Darwin Hospital by committing to six extra beds which are already online as part of an overall increase of 24 beds. We also provided an extra 24 beds at Alice Springs Hospital. In a bid to reduce emergency department waiting times and speed up patient admissions at RDH, we have committed $7.8m recurrent to a new state-of-the-art Rapid Admission Planning Unit. A strong economy for the Northern Territory is predicated on having a healthy population and a health sector which is able to deliver high-quality services.
This close link between a healthy population and a strong economy was recognised by the Council of Australian Governments this year. Human capital is a key component of the COAG national reform agenda, with its four areas of focus being: early childhood, diabetes, literacy and numeracy, and childcare. Each of these areas is inextricably linked to health. To remind you, children who are born healthy and receive good food, good care and attention and who exercise regularly are more likely to develop normally, succeed in school, join and contribute to the workforce, and are less likely to get into trouble with the law. These children are also less likely to develop chronic ailments such as diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
People who suffer from a chronic disease often find their ability to work is restricted, whether that employment is as part of the paid workforce or as a parent, grandparent or unpaid carer. The sicker you are, the less likely you are to be contributing to the economy.
I also note that the Menzies School of Health Research Director, Jonathon Carapetis is quoted as saying, in the most recently edition of the publication Territory Quarterly that ‘good health saves money’. To quote Professor Carapetis further:
- It means that there will be a new generation of fit and healthy young people to keep the economic going.
This government has already embraced the concept of human capital in its Building Healthier Communities framework as articulated, for example, through the themes of ‘Giving kids a good start in life’, ‘Strengthening familles in communities’, ‘Getting serious about Aboriginal health’ and ‘Filling service gaps’. Furthermore, we have already made significant inroads into some of these critical areas; for example, work on giving kids a good start in life has resulted in a fall of infant mortality rates, a fall in perinatal mortality rates, and an increase in the number of children who are fully immunised. There has also been a sustained increase in Territory life expectancy from 1992 to 2004. One of the positive outcomes since 2001 has been a three-year increase in life expectancy for indigenous women in the Northern Territory.
The current state of the health system is a reflection of the health of the Territory economy to some degree, and of the Martin government’s commitment to a stronger, more diverse economy.
I will move now to Police, Fire and Emergency Services. One of the areas most seriously neglected by the previous government was our police force. The combination of under-funding and a three-year recruitment freeze by the CLP meant that, in 2001, we inherited a police force in need of a serious overhaul. While the force itself was led by a professional commissioner and staffed by dedicated members, it had been starved of necessary funds. Our police force had been so badly neglected we committed to the $75m Building Our Police Force plan. Overall, this represents a 55% increase in funding since 2001. We saw this as the only way to rebuild police numbers to a point where they could deliver a safer environment for Territorians.
Finding the funds necessary for the comprehensive plan we adopted was only possible because of the Martin government’s responsible economic management. In outlining principles underpinning our government’s approach to economic management my colleague, the member for Nhulunbuy, pointed out that we were focusing on economic drivers to produce future growth, making sensible and strategic reductions to taxation on business and the community, maintaining fiscal discipline, and providing a high level of cash for capital works and infrastructure.
Our police force and, therefore, the Territory in general, has certainly benefited from high levels of cash and capital works and infrastructure. We have seen the construction of a new $2m police and fire station in Humpty Doo, and it is pleasing to note that the contract for that project went to a local firm, Norbuilt. The new station is a highly visible presence in the heart of Humpty Doo, and is delivering an improved level of policing and fire response for rural residents and businesses.
At Numbulwar, we have opened a new $1.4m police post, while at Mutitjulu $2.4m was provided to construct the police post and two houses through a joint funding arrangement with Commonwealth. I am looking forward to jointly opening the Mutitjulu police post next month, hopefully, with the federal minister for Indigenous Affairs. I am yet to hear whether Mal Brough will actually front on the day, but I am looking forward to meeting him in person.
Cabinet has also approved construction of a new fire station at Marrara. A construction contract was awarded to Tomazos Construction Pty Ltd in June, with commissioning scheduled for March 2007. I am informed that block work is progressing well and nearing completion. Government has also committed to constructing a new police station at Casuarina to better service the people of the northern suburbs. Construction of the new Casuarina station will cost $4.9m and will follow the building of the new Marrara Fire Station.
In 2001, we inherited a Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit that did not have the boats to get out on the water and, in fact, had not had them for some years. We responded by purchasing new vessels such as the $440 000 Beagle Gulf which went in to service last year. The Beagle Gulf gives the NT Police, Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit the capacity to patrol up to 30 nautical miles offshore. This was the fourth vessel delivered as part of our $1m coastal vessel program.
It is also worth adding that our program to rebuild our police force to campaign against the supply of illicit drugs in remote communities has been boosted by funding for the NT Police Remote Community Dog Desk which works closely with another important initiative, the Drug Detection Dog Unit. Policing, and law and order are important issues which undergird our economy.
I want to turn now to Racing, Gaming and Licensing. We have recently seen the official end of the Top End’s Dry Season, one of the best in living memory. Without doubt, one of the highlights of this Dry Season was the Darwin Cup Carnival. The carnival means so much to so many people. It is estimated that this year’s Cup Carnival generated more than $10m for the Territory economy. The Darwin Cup has won the reputation Australia-wide as not just a great horse racing festival, but a great social event. If you live in Darwin, it is one of the big events of the busy Dry Season social calendar.
If you look at some of the statistics from the carnival, it is obvious why it provides such a great boost for the Territory economy. During the carnival, the Darwin Turf Club employed an extra 280 staff, some 130 additional horse stalls were erected, an extra 110 television sets connected, 20 km of cable was laid, and more than 20 000 extra meals were prepared. There were more than 35 000 tickets issued over the month-long carnival. In addition to the carnival, this year’s gala ball on the lawns of SKYCITY casino was a sell-out with more than 2300 people there on the big night.
In addition to the carnival, the Fannie Bay Racecourse has also benefited from significant extra government funding. Two new stable complexes have been built at a cost of about $970 000, with construction about to start on an additional 19-horse stable block. Some $420 000 will be spent on this new stable block. Members would also be aware that the equine pool was built at Fannie Bay Racecourse in 2005 at a cost of $405 000, providing valuable training for horses, particularly in the Top End’s climate.
The 2006 Alice Springs Cup Carnival was held at Pioneer Park Racecourse in April through to May. There was more than $400 000 of prize money up for grabs over the four days of the carnival. The jewel in the crown, the Alice Springs Cup, was on the first Monday of May and attracted a crowd of about 1800 who saw a stunning track record performance by the locally trained Silvester in the $75 000 feature event. More than 4000 people attended over the four days of the carnival. It is also a great carnival for local businesses. It is estimated the Cup Day long weekend injected $1.5m in to the local economy. The Alice Springs Cup Ball at Lasseter’s Convention Centre attracted 600 guests, making it one of the biggest nights of its kind in Alice Springs.
It is fantastic that the carnival in Alice Springs received such great exposure across Australia with both the Saturday program and Monday’s Cup Day being seen live on the TVN racing channels. The Territory government is proud to have committed $60 000 to making the TVN deal a reality. In addition, this government has made payments of $7.23m to the racing industry across the Territory in the 2006-07 financial year.
The success of major events like the Darwin and Alice Springs Cup Carnivals, and the spin-offs for the broader economy, highlight the importance of this governments continued support for the Territory racing industry.
All the initiatives outlined today are possible because the Martin government has been able to turn around the economic fortunes of the Territory through strong economic management policies and strategies. It is only by getting the economic fundamentals right that we can ensure Territorians will live in safer communities and have access to improved health care. Ours is a small economy so it is important that we continue focusing on the fundamentals while striving to develop our economic base. This is in keeping with our commitment to deliver a strong and growing economy which will ensure Territorians have access to the types of facilities I have outlined today.
Mr Deputy Speaker, ours is a government focused on economic development, particularly in the regions of employment, but also on those fundamentals which support our society: law and order and police, our health system, and other matters that I have outlined here today.
Ms SCRYMGOUR (Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the Treasurer for his report on the Territory’s economy. It is a pity that the Treasurer was not able to delay his statement until next Wednesday, because I would have enjoyed lighting the candles on his birthday cake. Next week, he will be celebrating his fourth anniversary in his job as Treasurer. As he and my other colleagues have pointed out, there is cause for quiet celebration. That cause for celebration is reflected not just in the picture of the strong growth now being experienced in our Territory economy, but in the fact that economic management is being increasingly geared to sustainability and resilience, rather than being dependent on the random, irrational opportunism that characterised the mismanagement of the past.
In my view, the key elements of this approach are:
1. backing an approach of long-term capital developments rather than one depending on a series of big bangs alternating with cyclical downturns;
3. moving towards diversification of economic activity rather than a narrow focus on a few industries; and
4. linking government assets together to achieve developmental outcomes rather than treating those assets as separate bureaucratic entities.
Above all, economic management by this government over the last five years has been characterised by strong fiscal discipline. Put simply, we have lived within our means while successfully seeking to reduce the burden of debt we faced when we came to government. Meanwhile, the capital injections that we have undertaken have been strategic ones geared towards sustainable outcomes.
A good example of this has been the waterfront development. The strategic investment by government in the waterfront development has levered long-term - a decade plus - investment by the private sector, many times larger than the government’s outlays. Put simply, this means sustainability over an extended period of time rather than the big bang projects which have so characterised economic policies of the past. This cargo cult of the big bang has exacerbated the economic cycles between boom and catastrophic bust the Territory has endured in the past. Just as importantly, projects such as the waterfront development are diverse within themselves; in this case comprising building tourism infrastructure as well as facilities that will be utilised by Territorians and residential and commercial accommodation. In short, it is an area that will be lived in as well as one that will make an ongoing contribution to the economy.
On top of this, the major developer, the TOGA Group, has also committed to substantial support to contemporary artists in the Northern Territory through public art projects at the waterfront and through long-term support to an annual contemporary art award. As the Chief Minister said at the inaugural Togart Exhibition earlier this year, this sort of initiative sees the beginning of a cultural dividend for the Territory from the waterfront.
It is the cultural dividend of Labor’s economic management over the past five years I want to comment on briefly today in support of the Treasurer’s statement. For over 30 years, the Labor Party has recognised the important link between the arts and community development, on the one hand, and the arts and sustainable and economic development on the other. This has not been an idle commitment, but one that has been increasingly demonstrated as being evidenced based, particularly in the development of regional economies. It is why the Martin Labor government has provided a significant expansion in resources to arts and cultural affairs to the point where the Territory enjoys the greatest per capita expenditure on these areas in the nation. It has made the Territory a better place to live in, not just in the bigger centres such as Darwin, but out bush as well.
Our first priority was in actively resourcing the indigenous arts industry, in visual arts, particularly, the Territory’s most vibrant arts sector. The indigenous arts strategy developed as part of this process was the first of its kind in the nation. I will soon be announcing details and mechanics of the second stage of that strategy.
It is worth noting by members of the Assembly something that is often overlooked: since 1985, the value of the industry to the Territory has grown from $5m to $100m, something unparalleled anywhere else in the economy. Indeed, as I have pointed out on a number of occasions recently, arts and craft centres generate around $28m annually, with private non-indigenous dealers generating a similar amount in Central Australia. It is now reckoned that the arts and craft industry generates greater economic activity than the cattle industry. Therefore, those who say that Aboriginal-owned land is somewhat unproductive, are quite simply wrong. Do not get me wrong; I am not criticising the pastoral sector or anyone else, just pointing out that the wealth can and is being generated in other ways - new ways, and ways strongly supported by this government.
A core part of the approach of the Martin Labor government over the past five years has been its consistent resourcing of the tourism industry in an effort to rebuild such a vital part of the economy after the shock of 11 September, the collapse of Ansett, SARS and the Bali bombings. That is fine but, as I pointed out earlier in my comments today, the support to tourism has not been one-dimensional. There has been a very clear perspective from this government that the economy must be diversified. That means we have, through mechanisms such as arts and cultural funding, adopted a deliberate approach whereby tourism funding has supported our thriving arts and cultural industries, with these industries, in turn, supporting and promoting tourism.
A key component of this has been through support to local festivals, big and small, throughout the Territory. Festivals create destinations for our visitors, as well as to sustain jobs in the arts and cultural sector. In the last year, we have provided some $200 000 to remote festivals, some of which have been established a long time, such as the Barunga Festival, and some more recent, such as the festival at Batchelor. In all cases, however, they have significant capacity to build local economy through enhancing strengthened community identity, as well as becoming stronger destination targets for visitors to the Territory.
In this context, it is worth reminding the House and expanding somewhat on the broader benefits of the Central Australian economy; for example, of the Territory’s success in winning the Regional Arts Australia Conference in 2008. The Arts from the Heart Conference will really be the icing on the cake for Alice Springs in 2008, not just because it is to do with the arts, not even because it will provide work to the artists of the region, but because of the flow-on effect to the rest of the community, both before and after the conference. The conference will be positioned between the Alice Desert Festival, BassintheDust, and the 2008 Masters Games, all of which are also strongly supported by the Northern Territory government. The games have been estimated to be worth $6m to the Alice Springs economy. Couple this with the $2m for Arts from the Heart, we are looking at an $8m boost in a period of three weeks. The increasing economic clout of events such as the Alice Desert Festival, levers this even further. Sales at the Desert Mob exhibition and Desert Mob marketplace, for example, add another $350 000 in 2006 to this figure, even before the economic effects of the festival generally are taken into account, at a time, in September/October in which, a few short years ago, the tourist season saw major contractions. These events will see a significant economic boost to the Central Australian economy. This is what it is about: spreading economic activity across a large number of sectors.
As I noted previously, a key element of Labor’s strategy in economic management is to link government assets together to achieve development outcomes, rather than treating those assets as separate bureaucratic entities. This is a key area in which my department and the government, generally, looks to have agencies work for the Territory as a whole; not just as a series of isolated agencies that are laws unto themselves. In this context, I was rather taken with some comments made from the member for Macdonnell at a CDU symposium last month when she was talking about one of the government’s assets, the Araluen Cultural Precinct, and I quote:
- Araluen itself is called - in English - a ‘cultural precinct’. But the idea of a cultural precinct that is locked in by Larapinta Drive, Memorial Avenue, and the Frank McEllister community park makes no sense to me. With all respect, it is a pretty stupid idea. As far as I am concerned, the whole of Central Australia is a cultural precinct - and we should all start thinking like that. That should be our common ground for all of us here in Central Australia.
How we approach Central Australia - creatively - is how we will achieve a shared citizenship in this vast and beautiful region. It means finding ways in which our creativity can benefit all of us here in Central Australia: through the arts, and the ways in which this will benefit the economy through employment and, at the same time, enrich our lives.
…
… through the tourist industry, and the ways in which cultural understanding of the history, geography and ecology of the region can provide unique and rewarding visitor experiences. An increasing number of people in Central Australia are now exploring the possibilities of cultural and ecotourism. And through the knowledge industry - through places such as the Desert Knowledge Centre, where both traditional and western science, can creatively work together.
As she said:
- … through government, where we are exploring, widening the lengths between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage and traditions, scientific and non-scientific; between our national parks and those same heritage sites and, indeed, the ways in which places such as the Araluen Centre can contribute to it all.
That is the key to Labor’s management of the economy. The idea of the whole-of-government is not just an empty phrase or a piece of glib rhetoric; it is fundamental to our plans for the future economic development of the Territory, just as it has been the basis for our approach over the last four years.
As I said at the beginning, we are looking to long-term sustainability for our economy, and we are achieving it. We are looking for a spread of capital outlays by government, and that is precisely what we are doing. We are looking to diversify our economy, and that is the way we are moving ahead. We are looking to getting government assets to work together for all Territorians, and that is where there is more to be done.
However, the important decisions we make in our economic planning and management are not simply about money; they are about people. They are about investing in the Northern Territory; not just as an abstract idea driven by Treasury or other officials, but about investing in the people of the Northern Territory, because it is the people of the Northern Territory who are our ultimate resource.
As minister for the Arts, I am acutely aware of the tremendous amount of work and skill required to achieve artistic excellence. So it goes with the fine art of economic management. Five years ago, the Chief Minister and Treasurer of the first Labor government in the Territory’s history was handed an economy that was not so much as an empty canvas, as a scrap of butchers paper and a couple of broken crayons. The tubes of paint were dried up, and what was left of the brushes had seen far better days. Then she was told there were still heaps of money still owing on the crayons. The previous Treasurer had abandoned paintings by numbers as being all a bit too hard and had taken up video-graphics. In short, the art of economic management in the Territory had descended into crude finger painting. Although there is much left to be done, the current Treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister have done much to restore the picture for which, I am sure, many Territorians now and in the future will be thankful.
Mr VATSKALIS (Business and Economic Development): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, this afternoon I support the Treasurer’s statement, Building the Territory’s Future: an Economic Progress Report. The Treasurer has outlined the difficult economic conditions this government inherited from the CLP in 2001. I do not have to remind you what we found in 2001: economic activity in the Territory was dead, dead, dead - like the dead parrot in the Monty Python skits. There was one crane in Mitchell Street at the Mitchell Centre and as for the budget, we will not go there because it was really tragic.
The work the Martin government has done developing and implementing economic strategies and policy continues to deliver a strong economic role and strong economy with a diversifying base and strong medium- to long-term prospects.
Business investment in the Northern Territory is stronger than ever, with investment increasing from just over $2bn in 2001-02 to $2.5bn in 2005-06. Since 2001, we have secured a total of more $11.4bn of business investment, a huge vote of confidence in our current economic action and our economic settings for the future - $11.4bn in just five years. This strong business investment is underpinned by the ramping up of Alcan’s $1.9bn alumina refinery expansion at Gove; LNG developments near Darwin; and other onshore mining development such as the browns cobalt/copper/nickel project under way for Compass Resources in Batchelor. Not only that, there are more mines coming online: Territory Iron; Arafura Resources; Matilda Minerals; the GEMCO upgrade of the mine of $400m; and, of course, ENI and Blacktip with nearly $600m for the production of gas. Further development of Darwin’s East Arm Port is under way, including the soon to be completed natural fuels biodiesel plant.
The quarterly Sensis Business Index is now showing consistently strong business competition in the Territory, a marked turnaround from the dark days of 2001. In 2001, only 20% of Territory business people surveyed expressed confidence in the prospect of their business in the next 12 months. In the most recent Sensis Business Index in August 2006, nearly 60% of business people surveyed were confident about their business prospects. This puts current business confidence in the Territory up there with that of other strong performing economies of Queensland and Western Australia.
We are not prepared, however, to sit on our collective hands. We are also putting in place what is required to maintain our economic development momentum. I have spoken during these sittings on this government’s priorities for regional development and the value and importance of this action to our future economic growth.
The key plank of our planning spans the whole economy through the finalisation of our 2015: Moving the Territory Ahead economic development framework. The framework has been developed to provide a common focus for the next decade of economic growth. It provides a blueprint for economic development in the Northern Territory and is aimed to guide further strategies and programs across both the public and private sectors. The framework was developed through extensive consultation and collaboration.
The Economic Development Summit held last November provided an opportunity for leaders from government, business and the community to participate in discussion on the Northern Territory economic future. In 2005, in the weeks leading up to the summit, five regional forums were held in Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Nhulunbuy and Darwin. The framework was built around five key objectives.
Importantly, the first objective is focused on regional growth sharing in our prosperity. This objective reflects the major challenge of ensuring all Territorians share in the Territory’s growing prosperity. This particularly applies to Territory’s regional communities, and indigenous and young people. The Territory will not advance, the Territory will not progress if there is a big gap between the haves and the have nots. We have to make sure the wealth of the Territory is shared equally among people living in Darwin, Tennant Creek, Timber Creek, Bulman or Ngukurr, where all Territorians are all the rightful owner of this place and we have to share its wealth. We cannot - and I repeat, we cannot - afford to create divisions in a society. Divisions in a society destroy the society as we know it.
The second objective, investing in our Territory, recognises that the economic development would be underpinned by continued investment by the private sector. The significant reforms to payroll tax and stamp duties highlighted by the Treasurer are central to maintain the Territory’s low tax environment and ensuring that the Territory remains an attractive destination for private sector investment.
To meet its economic development objectives, the Territory needs a job-ready and productive workforce. The Developing Our Workforce objective of the framework highlights the importance that education and training plays in ensuring Territorians are getting every possible opportunity to participate in our economic prosperity.
Central to these objectives is the ability of the Territory to attract global talent. The Treasurer has already mentioned initiatives this government has put in place to market the Territory as a place to live and work. It is vitally important to address skilled labour shortages. Our efforts to attract appropriately qualified business and skilled migrants to the Territory are proving valuable, where it has not been possible to attract skilled Territory or interstate workers. Since the inception of the business and skilled migration program, 732 suitably qualified migrants have been assisted to take up employment in the Territory. These efforts are contributing to continued economic growth.
The economic development framework also promotes improved productivity and reduces the impact of red tape on business. This government is undertaking a range of activities focused on providing information on and streamlining licensing requirements, particularly for home-based and other small businesses.
The last objective of the framework acknowledges that integrating development with our environment is the basis of sustainable economic development. Through this objective as well as the other framework objectives, we are positioned to provide an economy, an environment and a social setting which better meets today’s needs then every before, while also providing for the needs of future Territorians on a sustainable basis.
I explored the Territory government key indigenous and regional economic initiatives in my ministerial statement in the House earlier this week. Much has already been achieved; however, I cannot overstate the importance of continued economic development to Territorians living and working in regional and remote areas. Other initiatives are bearing fruit for economic growth now and laying the groundwork for continued development in future.
Our Defence-related initiatives for creating a Defence support hub to turn through-life supported repairs and maintenance requirements into valuable industry development opportunities and strengthening Territory capabilities are providing the foundation for strong sectoral growth. Similar action to support growth in the petroleum and mining sectors to achieve manufacturing and general industry development and to facilitate investment is achieving results now and providing a sound base for further growth.
We must not lose sight of the wider Territory business community, which provides the backbone of our economy. The Martin government is providing business with the support required to assist continuing growth. This involves business services and support such as are provided by the programs like October Business Month currently taking place across the Territory. Over 1000 people have registered to attend October Business Month events in just the first two weeks. There are over 90 events on offer throughout the month.
Obviously, time does not allow me to cover all of the impressive body of work currently under way to maintain and enhance the economic development momentum that we have generated. As the Treasurer noted in his statement, our economic policies have been successful. They are providing a growing, more diversified economy with strong medium- to longer-term prospects. Our economy is strong. We have the fundamentals either in place or being put in place to give the Territory and Territorians a long-term secure future.
There is, however, much still to be achieved. We are definitely not sitting on our hands or resting on our laurels. We are doing all within our powers to locate the gains and continue to achieve economic growth across the Territory so Territorians can share in the benefits.
In the past, I have been accused as being a conservative or right wing or a pro-development minister, and I am not ashamed to say I am a pro-development minister because I can see the benefits of development. The role, the core function of a government, among other things, is to create economic development, economic prosperity and create more jobs. I am not afraid to say that this is what I aim to do. In the position with which I have been entrusted, this is what they asked me to do and I intend to do it.
Creating economic growth and economic development in the Territory is to provide Territorians with jobs - jobs, jobs, jobs, wherever they are living, wherever they are, where they come from, whatever colour they are. When people have jobs, they have money. When people have money, they spend it. People who live and work in the Territory spend their money in the Territory. It is, of course, an endless cycle. At the same time, I am the first one to say that it cannot be development at any cost; it has to be sustainable, managed development and it has to be development that takes into consideration other elements of the Territory lifestyle and the environment.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I commend the Treasurer for his statement and I will be a strong supporter of the Treasurer in his endeavours to further advance the economy and the Territory’s future.
Debate adjourned.
MATTER OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Sundowner Caravan Park
Mr ACTING SPEAKER: Honourable members, the Speaker has received the following letter from the member for Nelson:
Madam Speaker,
Pursuant to Standing Order 94, I wish to raise a matter of public importance for the following matter:
The proposed closure of the Sundowner Caravan Park which will mean that approximately 80 people will lose their homes (caravans) at the park, and in which many of them have lived for some years and the requirement to take action which would save the park, the park the residents’ occupancy.
Is the proposal supported? The proposal is supported. I call on the honourable member for Nelson.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Mr Deputy Speaker, I thank the government for supporting the bringing forward of this matter of public importance.
Sundowner Caravan Park has existed as a caravan park for many years on the edge of Darwin at Berrimah. It was operating before Cyclone Tracy and it has been the home for many people over the years. The Overlander Caravan Park was its neighbour but, about two years ago, the park was demolished to make way for the WOW complex. This development was the subject of some planning concerns in relation to obstructing access to the Sundowner Caravan Park.
The Sundowner has about 60 permanent sites as well as a number of motel units and some camping sites. Many of the permanent residents have lived at that park for up to 15 years. They have built quite substantial annexes, protecting their caravans and giving them extra living space. Some have also bought their site from a previous tenant. One particular resident paid around $25 000 for a home only about six months ago, and he is not the only one. They did this believing the present owner intended to keep the site as a caravan park.
This caravan park is not just a caravan park, it is a community. It is a home for many people. Residents I spoke to like living at the park, not just because it is their home, but because they feel secure and it is a place where they know everyone. Until recently, many people believed that their future was assured. A number of them said they were told verbally that the caravan park would continue, only to find out, when they saw two pink development signs go up out at the front of the park in the last weeks of September, that their home was to be sold and redeveloped. Neither the manager nor the owner had told them what was happening. I presume that was because the management did not want to lose customers before the closing date.
I hand delivered a letter to people advising them that they could write to the Development Consent Authority and object to the development application, and I understand a number did. I have since met with the residents and told them to write to the council and government expressing their objections to the development of this land and asking the government to consider a land swap. The Chief Minister and the Minister for Planning and Lands may have received some letters from residents regarding this matter. There is no doubt the present owner has every right to sell his land and, at the same time, apply for permission to develop that land as showrooms. His intention is to sell his land, subject to planning approval being given for the showrooms.
Many of the park residents were quite angry that they had not been told anything until I hand delivered information regarding the development application the other day. The owner gave the residents information as to the future of the park only yesterday. That was only after he had rung me on Sunday morning accusing me of inciting, saying he was only selling the park as a going concern, and that it was up to the new owner to decide what the future of the park would be. Unfortunately, he failed to mention that it is his company that is applying for planning approval for the showrooms. The residents of the park have been kept in the dark.
There are four options for the people: find another park that will take them, find alternative Housing Commission accommodation, rent a house on the private market, or ask the government to do a land swap. On the first count, finding other parks that will take these people will be impossible, because my understanding is that there are not enough parks that will take them in. Here is a rundown of the spaces of parks available, and you will note that most parks do not take permanents: the Coolalinga Caravan Park will take permanents but no pets; Lee Point Village Resort – no permanents; Oasis Tourist Park – no sites available, not even next year; Shady Glen will take a few but no pets; KOA and Malak – only two sites available and they will not take pets; Sundowner Caravan Park – well, I will come back to that one; Leprechaun Motel and Caravan Park does take permanents but does not take pets; and Howard Springs Holiday Park has permanent sites available, again does not take pets. The funny thing is we rang the Sundowner Caravan Park, the one that is being closed, and they said: ‘Oh, there is one site coming up and we will take pets’. What they did not say was it was going to close down on 31 January. You can see why people have been misled.
The other issue that is very important in relation to these caravan parks is public transport. Many of the people from these parks are pensioners or on low income, and you will find that most of these caravan parks do not have public transport nearby. That is one of the advantages of the Sundowner Caravan Park; it has public transport for Palmerston, Casuarina and Darwin.
In relation to pets at the Sundowner park, many residents have small yards to keep their animals so they do not have to be tied up as happens in other parks. Their pets are their companions and they live at Sundowner because they are able to keep those pets. The other good thing is that this park is not adjacent to residential areas so there is not cause for any complaints. It is a quiet park except for planes flying overhead. However, the residents say that does not worry them at all.
Many residents have substantial infrastructure built on their site. What will happen to that? It will either have to be bulldozed or removed and relocated, which would certainly be difficult and costly. The other option the people have is to apply for public housing. While some people may fit into the criteria of priority housing, most would probably have to wait at least five to six months for a placement. Then, of course, they would have to find a place for their caravan.
Most people live in caravan parks because it is affordable. The option to rent accommodation is not a practical one. Regarding private accommodation, one resident said it costs her $130 a week including the cost of using the airconditioner. Where else would you be able to get accommodation at that price? People want a choice of accommodation, and that is why people do not want to leave their homes at the Sundowner.
That is why the next option, I believe, is the only practical and proper solution. That option is a land swap. I am asking the government to offer part of Crown land Portion 2237 adjacent to WOW along Vanderlin Drive to the developer who is purchasing the Sundowner Caravan Park, and for the government to take over the caravan park, under its management, for at least five years. I refer to a map that I have put on members’ desks. It will show you where the Sundowner Caravan Park is - section 2845. It shows you where WOW is, and it shows you the suggestion that I am making; that the government looks at land on Vanderlin Drive.
The present owner of the caravan park would still get his money from the new developer owner - he is selling that - the developer will get the same size block of land as the caravan park, and the residents would keep their homes. The amount of land offered to develop it would be the same area as the caravan park. It would be, to use an old clich, a win/win situation.
In June this year, the ACT government did a similar thing. The residents of the Narrabundah Long Stay Caravan Park were given eviction notices. Dr Foskey, a member of the ACT Greens, passed the following motion with an amendment from the ACT Chief Minister, Mr Stanhope. This is the motion that the ACT Assembly finally passed:
- That in relation to the Narrabundah Long Stay Caravan Park this Assembly:
- 1) acknowledges:
- (a) the strength and value of the community of residents presently living at the Narrabundah Park;
- (b) the absence of alternative long stay caravan park berths in the Canberra region;
- (c) the shortage of affordable private rental accommodation; and
- (d) the long public housing waiting lists;
(2) notes, with regret:
- (a) the rushed and improvident transfer of ownership of the park from the ACT Commissioner for Housing to Koomarri in 2000;
(b) Koomarri's decision to put the park on the open market this year and to sell it to the highest bidder; and
- (c) the intention of the new owner, Consolidated Builders Ltd, to evict all residents and cease operations of the Narrabundah Long Stay Caravan Park;
- (3) welcomes:
- (a) the ACT Government's commitment to a positive and sustainable outcome for the Long Stay park residents; and
- (b) Koomarri's preparedness to refund most of the sale price and work with the ACT Government and Consolidated Builders Ltd to redress the situation; and
- (4) calls on:
- (a) Consolidated Builders to work constructively with the Government to find a resolution that will ensure the residents can remain at the Longstay Park; and
(b) the ACT's peak business and property organisations to publicly commit to an ethics-based approach of corporate social responsibility.
This was agreed to and passed. The Chief Minister at the time, Jon Stanhope, put out this press release headed ‘Long-Stay Park Saved – Land-Swap Agreed’. This was on 8 August 2006, so it is quite recent:
- Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has announced that the homes and futures of the residents of the Narrabundah long-stay caravan park have been secured, with the owners agreeing to a land-swap that will see the park revert to government ownership.
Mr Stanhope said he was delighted to have been able to strike the deal, which will see the owners, Consolidated Builders, exchange the block on which the park is located for one immediately opposite, on the other side of Narrabundah Lane.
‘I am hugely relieved to be able to tell the residents today that an in-principle agreement has been reached with Mr Josip Zivko, the Chief Executive of Consolidated Builders’, Mr Stanhope said. ‘This has not been an easy negotiation for either Mr Zivko or the government, with complex legal, planning and financial implications for both parties. I am pleased that the process has been conducted in a spirit of such mutual goodwill and only regret that residents have had to endure so many weeks of uncertainty while these complexities were worked through’
- Mr Zivko has joined the Chief Minister in welcoming the land-swap agreement.
‘I am delighted that we have jointly been able to come up with a solution that has been satisfactory to everyone and, like the Chief Minister, am pleased that the negotiations have been conducted in such a cordial manner’, Mr Zivko said.
Under the agreement, Consolidated Builders will exchange the caravan park block for a block directly opposite, of the same size and with the same development rights.
I am asking our government to do something similar. I believe there is room for negotiation, especially when you see from the plans that the car parking requirement for the new showrooms will require the Darwin City Council to sell off some of their land along the Stuart Highway reserve. If the Darwin City Council does not support the development, it is unlikely that the developer would be able to develop the property as planned. If there is no guarantee that the proposal, as planned, could go ahead the developers may be willing to negotiate with the government for another site large enough to satisfy the car parking requirements.
The government could sit on its legal bottom, you might say, and say that they should not get involved. They might say that this is an open market and it is only a caravan park, which is illegal under existing zones so let us get rid of it. But I say to the government: this is more than that. It is about Territorians, the people our government should stick up for. The government cannot just sit idly by; it can do something positive. The government can help these people. They could do a land swap with the developer at little or no cost to themselves. They will give a developer a block of land and get a similar block of land back in return.
The people at this caravan park are not the wealthy folk of our Fannie Bay or northern suburbs areas. They are ordinary folk who want to save their homes and live where they have for many years. We know there are very few alternatives for these people to live. We know the price of land and housing is too high for some people today, that these people have the right to have a roof over their head. These people at Sundowner want the government to help them. Can the government fix it? Yes, they can; just like Bob. The land swap is a real solution at little or no cost to the government. I ask the government to seriously consider this proposal and allow the residents of Sundowner Caravan Park to keep their investment, their lifestyle, and their homes.
I should raise one other issue that this issue highlights; that is, that there is a lack of long-term caravan park-style accommodation in the Darwin region. With the price of land continuing to go up, people will be looking at alternative living and permanent caravan parks so that there is a reasonable alternative for people who cannot afford either buying or renting a home. The government should seriously consider a plan to develop more of these parks. The parks will need to be accessed with good public transport and could be in locations such as near the airport where, normally, such accommodation would not be permitted.
This government is always standing in front of the latest waterfront development, the big 33-storey block of flats, the luxury apartments, and selling the Territory. That is fair enough, but it must not lose sight of the little people - the average Joe Blow and his wife and the single pensioner living on his own. I raise that as an aside to the main purpose of my MPI tonight. There are other issues that we need to discuss when it comes to accommodation for people, especially those on lower incomes. We have a case here where a caravan park will close down on 31 January and at least 80 people will have to find alternative accommodation.
I suggest people have a look at the Sundowner Caravan Park. Until recently, whilst I had been there, I had not made the effort to look at the people there personally. When I had a look, I realised that these people will be emotionally affected by being kicked out of this park. They were of the belief that the present owner had given them a verbal assurance that they could stay in that park. They have made substantial additions to where they live. There are solid steel annexes that they have erected. I was there late on Saturday or Sunday night and I was talking to one gentleman under his annexe. He said: ‘I have just put this annexe up worth about $12 000 - all new material’. He said: ‘Luckily I have not concreted the posts in yet’. He does not know what to do.
There will be issues with how you move some of these caravans. They are not licensed, the wheels are off them. One person said to me: ‘Do you realise we thought we were allowed to stay here so we poured the concrete floor?’ There was no existing concrete. They poured a concrete floor, filled it all in, have this well set-up little room right next to their caravan. They were of the belief that they had a long-term future.
As I said, there is a gentleman there who has paid around about $26 000 because you could buy someone’s site with the caravan and the annexe on it. He bought that in the belief that it was going to continue. We could say: ‘Silly buggers them. They should have got it in writing’. That is possibly right, but this caravan park has existed since before Cyclone Tracy; it is nearly a heritage site. However, it plays an important role for a number of people who like that kind of accommodation, find that that is the sort of accommodation they can afford, and enjoy the security of the accommodation because they are actually close to their neighbours. It is an interesting place when you start to talk to some of the people.
They all have their bit of independence but they all know there is someone over the road who can help them if they are sick. There are a number of quite old people there. One gentleman the other night, after I had been around and explained to him that this caravan park was going to be turned into showrooms - they did not know that; they did not even understand what the pink signs meant. They had not been told by the management or the owner. This gentleman was quite ill and the reason he was ill is he under stress. All he could think of was that he was losing his home. Although they are caravans and might not be the finest places in the world, they are definitely their homes.
The government can do something. It can look at the ACT example. There is a fine example from just two months ago by the ACT government. The government will not lose out. There may be some argument that the developer would not have the Stuart Highway frontage, but there is no guarantee that he will be able to get that development because the strip of land along the front actually belongs to Darwin City Council, and they would have to acquire some of that land for car parking. If you look at the development plan, it says: ‘Subject to acquisition on land from the Darwin City Council’.
Here is room for negotiation. Here is room for saying, to the owners of the WOW complex: ‘Yes, we will give you a piece of land on Vanderlin Drive, that is still a very busy road, and here we can protect the homes of these people’. People or the government might say: ‘Well it is an old caravan park, some of the buildings might not be up to the building code. The zone actually probably does not allow the caravan park to exist’. I say, minister, you know you have the power under certain exceptional development permits; you could allow it to continue. I believe that would be the good thing to do. By taking it over and saying: ‘We will work through these issues, you will not be moved from this caravan park for at least five years’, would allow people time to discuss the future of this park. I would not like to see it close down. In fact, I say this caravan park serves a purpose. It could be upgraded. There is nothing wrong with the government owning it; you could put management in to run it. At the same time, it is telling us we should also, perhaps, be looking at more of this kind of development.
In summing up, I would say to the government, please give this serious consideration. There are a lot of people who will be affected by this. These are the salt of the earth Territorians. They are just plain, ordinary folk who lived in this caravan park, some of them for up to 14 years. The government would just show these people that they are not just addresses, they are real people. There is an opportunity here for the government to do something. I just hope they will, and I believe the land swap is a proper alternative.
Ms LAWRIE (Planning and Lands): Mr Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the member for Nelson for bringing this matter to both the attention of the public and this parliament. I met with the member for Nelson earlier this week on this and other issues. He outlined to me the situation and we discussed some of the ideas that he had been working on, the ideas we have heard in the Chamber today.
The Sundowner Caravan Park is located on portion 2845 on the Hundred of Bagot. It is zoned B3, which is Highway Commercial. The Sundowner Caravan Park is for sale. There are currently two planning applications: (1) to consolidate the caravan park with the adjoining WOW/Toyworld development, and (2) to develop the site for showroom sales in a single-storey building. These planning applications were lodged last month to consolidate the two sites and develop showroom sales in a single-storey building. The applications will be considered by the Development Consent Authority on 1 November this year. Clearly, if these applications are approved and the site is developed, then the caravan park will close and the current residents will have to find new accommodation.
The member for Nelson has requested that the DCA consider the plight of these residents in their considerations. All submissions received must be considered by the DCA, and I am aware the member for Nelson and the residents have made a submission. However, they should understand that the role of the DCA is to consider the appropriateness of the development application in the context of the zoning of the land, and in accordance with the Planning Act and the planning scheme. It should be also understood that if the DCA decides not to approve these applications, then this does not guarantee that the caravan park will continue to operate. It is not up to the DCA or, indeed, the government to insist that a certain business continue to run. They, obviously, are obligated to comply with any leases or tenancy agreements that they may have but, ultimately, if they decide to close their business, well, that is a matter for them.
As I mentioned, I met with the member for Nelson earlier this week and he raised several ideas. While some of his ideas probably are not that practical, he is certainly looking at all options. One of the suggestions was for government to compulsorily acquire the property and to provide them with nearby land on Vanderlin Drive. We have that suggested land swap map here.
Mr Wood: Not quite compulsorily acquire; swap it.
Ms LAWRIE: This is not Crown land, it is freehold land owned by the Power and Water Corporation. Power and Water has future plans for this site and intends to construct large water tanks to supply the increasing development occurring at the port and the Darwin Business Park. This land is also zoned RD, Restricted Development, in recognition of its location under the flight path, which means that most developments, including showroom sales, are prohibited. Additionally, the government does not believe that we should be in the business of running caravan parks. There are other commercial caravan park operators who, I am sure, would not be too happy if the government enters their market.
However, I appreciate that the member for Nelson is saying that these residents should not be left to be victims of market forces. The member for Nelson has contacted other caravan parks to asses their suitability and capacity to take on the current residents. I know he has also had talks with the service station at BP Palms about starting a caravan park on a site there. The government will be happy to offer our assistance to help progress such a proposal. In the event that the caravan park does close down and the residents do have to move on, then the government will offer to assist. The Minister for Housing will talk more about this. It is quite likely that these residents may be eligible for consideration for public housing.
The situation at Sundowner is not unique. It may not happen with caravan parks that often, but we do frequently see residential properties sold or developed, and rental tenants are required to find alternative accommodation. It is a reality of the rental property market of which caravan parks play a part.
I congratulate the member for Nelson for his effort to date. I encourage him to keep in touch if there is anything he feels the government can assist with. We are not going to leave the residents of Sundowner and ignore their plight; we are making a genuine offer to work with you, member for Nelson, to find solutions to their plight. What you are clearly saying is that the proposed land swap with the Power and Water land is not an option. It is not something government can entertain. If you want to continue your discussions with the BP service station then, by all means, we encourage you to do so. It is important that we get an assessment of the residents’ needs at Sundowner. At the end of the day, we cannot force a business to keep operating.
Mr McADAM (Housing): Mr Deputy Speaker, I speak also in respect to this matter of public importance raised by the member for Nelson in regard to those people at Sundowner Caravan Park. I, too, applaud you, member for Nelson, for your commitment and your dedication to your electorate but, more importantly, in regard to the people who are presently occupying caravans at the Sundowner Caravan Park. I know it is not an easy issue. It is something which, effectively, government has no control over. Obviously, the Minister for Planning and Lands has outlined to you the government’s response to the land swap.
However, I want to say a few things. I hope it may be of some consolation to you and, indeed, some of your constituents there who, obviously, have been there for a very long time - probably battlers and people looking for a fair go in life. We were able to send down client relation officers today from the Department of Territory Housing. They have been there, as I understand it, this afternoon. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to give you any feedback at this point in time of what the outcomes might be. However, I know they have been there. Obviously, after I get a report back from them tonight, I will ask them to go back tomorrow if necessary. I will also ask them to be available after hours for those people who are working so that we get a full picture of where Territory Housing might be able to assist.
There are a number of options open in regard to people staying there. Clearly, they should be the result of further discussions, consultations regarding their eligibility in respect to public housing. Obviously, for those people who are eligible for public housing, we will do all that we possibly can to assist them by putting them on to the emergency housing list. Bear in mind that there is a very long waiting list. For those people who fulfil that criteria for emergency housing, obviously, we will respond accordingly. Where necessary, we will do all that we possibly can. You also mentioned that you are aware of a long waiting list; I know that too. Let us treat each case on its merits in respect to options in public housing.
The other matter which residents there should be aware of - and officers from my department will obviously be conveying this sort of information to them – is that Territory Housing can provide help through a security deposit, through a bond assistance scheme. Effectively, this allows eligible clients to access an interest-free loan from Territory Housing for a security deposit if they wish to relocate or to avail themselves of housing in the private sector. That is one of the options, and we will do what we can for those people if they wish to go down that path.
The other option which might be of interest to people there, member for Nelson, is that there is a Commonwealth Rent Assistance grant which is available for people. There are conditions that do apply to it but, effectively, it enables them to rent into the private sector. If they fall within that criteria, they are able to get a Commonwealth Rent Assistance subsidy from the Commonwealth. They would need to be assessed, and that is available through a Centrelink office. For those people who wish to avail themselves of that, that is one of the options open to them.
The other option which I would like to advise of is the HomeNorth Extra Scheme. That is a scheme which some people who are staying there at the moment may wish to avail themselves of. As you would know, that has conditions as well: $1160 weekly income and up to $260 000 in value. That may not meet their immediate needs but, if there are people there who wish to contemplate that option then the client relation officers at Territory Housing would be prepared to assist those people where possible.
I also had people from my office make some inquiries regarding other available caravan parks, particularly for people who may wish to stay permanently. I know that there is not much available. There is short-term accommodation available, I have been advised, but it probably does not meet the needs of the people that you refer to.
I trust that that may be of some assistance. It certainly does not meet the immediate needs in regard to those people who are, clearly, in need of alternative accommodation. However, it does raise a very interesting question. We have heard from the Minister for Planning and Lands who said that, subject to discussions or further considerations that the member might wish to talk to BP Palms. That is down the track. As I say, it does raise some other issues to do with suitable accommodation for those people who choose to live that lifestyle, if I could put it that way. For those people who are not in a position to afford houses, living in that sort of environment is probably very special for them. It is not a bad lifestyle, actually, and it is something that should be encouraged.
As I said to you earlier, they are not always in a position to have the dollars to get into $350 000 houses or whatever. Of course, many people may not wish to live in units and smaller-type dwellings where you are, basically, enclosed in a unit-type set-up.
As I said, it does warrant further attention and it has to do with providing that sort of accommodation. I am not necessarily suggesting it be in a caravan park establishment. I believe there is some capacity to have a look at other options – perhaps a multipurpose arrangement where it could include a caravan park-type set-up or also provide suitable accommodation at a lesser rate. As you know, there would be a fee apply. Whilst I cannot give you any commitment at this point in time, the model that I have just mentioned needs some more thought. However, it is something I have discussed about, particularly with people in Alice Springs about alternative accommodation options.
I am not going to go into detail on that, but the government has to be flexible and have the capacity to look at options - to assist and facilitate, not invest in. I do not think that is a role of government at all. There is a market out there that may be of interest to the private sector in that sort of accommodation.
As I mentioned previously, member for Nelson, I hope that has given you some information which may be of assistance to your constituents. As I said, I will get a report back, probably this evening I would hope. If all of the people down there have not been spoken to today, then we will ask people to go back tomorrow. We will ask people to go down there after hours, and do what we can to alleviate the problems that they have and to provide a bit of support for them.
Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. As I said, I am quite happy to have further discussion about alternative options that might be available. You have raised this also in regards to other areas in your electorate, and we will look at being a bit more innovative and flexible in terms of how we do things. The whole issue of housing affordability is a big one. Territory Housing is having a look at the HomeNorth Extra scheme at present. My understanding is that there is a broader theme happening at the same time. Unfortunately that does not address your immediate problem.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to have other discussions in regards to some other options, possibly not in the short term, that might address some of these issues into the future, when we have people who, for historic purposes, are choosing the life in a caravan park and, obviously, having no security regarding their capital commitment to it. We will see what we can do, but that is it for the time being.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr HENDERSON (Employment, Education and Training): Mr Deputy Speaker, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.
Ms MARTIN (Fannie Bay): Mr Deputy Speaker, last month I had the pleasure of presenting the inaugural Chief Minister’s Award in Public Sector Management at the Convention Centre in Alice Springs. The awards will be held every two years and celebrate some of the great work being done in our public sector - work that is helping create safer, healthier and more prosperous communities right across the Territory. Recognition like this is very important. It is often the spur for people to really take off and excel in what they do. These awards also help raise awareness in the community about our public sector, its employees and the positive contribution they make to the Territory, year in and year out.
The inaugural awards were offered in four categories and we received 30 nominations, which was very encouraging for the first year. The first award category recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote cross-government cooperation and partnership initiatives. The winner was the Court Referral and the Valuation for Drug Intervention Treatment initiative from the Department of Justice. This program, known as CREDIT, tackles the real underlying causes of drug-related crime through rehabilitation in centres for offenders. The Jidan Gudbelawei - Peace at Home initiative was highly recommended in this category and was awarded to the Katherine Integrated Family Violence Service of the Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
The second award category recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote highly effective engagement of government with the community. The winner of this category was The Libraries and Knowledge Centres Program, which is an initiative of the Department of Local Government, Housing and Sport. The focus of this program is on literacy, access to information, and preservation of culture, and it has seen remote Aboriginal communities using the library services to bring all their songs and stories together, ensuring they are preserved and shared in the future. Once again, the Jidan Gudbelawei - Peace at Home initiative was highly commended in this category.
The third award recognised outstanding performance and achievements that promote strong and vibrant regional and remote communities. The winner was the Progressive Joint Management in Partnership with Indigenous People of the Katherine Region. It is a Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts initiative, and has produced great results for Nitmiluk, Flora River and Gregory, and demonstrates that working closely with Aboriginal stakeholders increases capability in parks and tourism across the board.
There were also two highly commended initiatives in this category: the Revive and Refocus Forums for Remotely Located Employees, which is run by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment, and the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area: Both Ways Management initiative from the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts.
The last of the awards was in the Indigenous Community Development category, and the winner was the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area: Both Ways Management initiative. Both Ways Management sees rangers and staff from the Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and the Parks and Wildlife Service working together and learning about traditional and contemporary land management on a day-to-day basis. Three initiatives were highly commended in this category and they were: the Libraries and Knowledge Centres Program, the Progressive Joint Management Partnerships with Indigenous People of the Katherine Region, and the Flexible Employment Program in the Southern Region Parks.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Their work - and the work of many other people in the public sector - continues to make a real difference to the life of the Territory. I thank them for their dedication and look forward to the next awards in two years time.
We all know that our Territory show circuit generates a fair bit of excitement among all ages each year. However, that is not all it generates. The show circuit also brings social and financial benefits to many communities across the Territory. A recent report, compiled by a leading independent marketing consultant, estimates the circuit which comprises the Freds Pass, Adelaide River, Central Australian, Tennant Creek, Katherine and District, Royal Darwin and the Borroloola Gulf shows, is worth more than $20m to the economy each year. That figure gives a fair indication of how much we Territorians love our regional shows, and how we turn out in force to support these great community events. Let me tell you a little about each of the shows this year.
First, to the Central Australian Show. I was very pleased to be able to open, yet again, the Central Australian Show. It was the 47th show and was dedicated to Barry Bohning, who had a tremendous input into the event over a quarter of a century. Barry was a horse steward in the early 1970s when the show was held at Traeger Park. In 1985, he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Central Australian Show Society, and was president from 1995 to 2004, when he retired due to ill health. He helped shape the show into the wonderful event it is today, and his contribution will not be forgotten.
It was terrific to wander around and talk to stallholders, some of whom are new businesses. One of those new businesses, which has just started up, is Action Ideas. The brains behind the operation are long-term Centralian residents, Merrilyn McIver, her daughter, Dale, and another well-known local, Scott Boocock. I certainly wish them the very best of luck.
There were, of course, also established businesses and veterans of the show. A special mention to Greg Revel from Centralian Sports, this year celebrating his 24th year in business, and he is still as motivated as ever.
There was a great atmosphere at the show and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved: the stallholders, the volunteers and all those Centralians who got along in support of their show. In particular, I thank Brad Bellette, the Show Society President, Jan Dunk, the society’s admin officer, and all the other committee members: Jeff Farmer, Kev and Margaret Betterman, Doc Cunningham, Harry Cook, Col Penley and Ellen Earea. They are a hard-working team and their commitment and dedication to the show is well known and appreciated by all of us.
This year’s Tennant Creek and District Show was a big success, with record numbers and very happy traders. Show Society President, Greg Marlow, said more than 2700 passed through the gates, and that is a great turnout. The dancing ducks were a hit again, and the puppet show was as popular with the children as ever. The show’s main pavilion was packed with all sorts of information, and one of the most popular stands there was the Anyinginyi health stand. They were inviting show-goers to have an on-the-spot health check and find out more about healthy living.
The show committee, which includes secretary Beth Staunton Engles, should be congratulated. However, on a sad note David Mills performed as MC for the last time. David’s voice has been a fixture at the show for over 18 years. I take this opportunity to thank David for his contribution to the show. He will be a hard act to follow.
Clashing knights, leaping dogs and prancing horses were some of the attractions at the Katherine District Show. This year marked the show’s 41st anniversary, and the community turned out in force with more than 10 000 people attending on the first day. As usual, the cattle and horses attracted a lot of attention and there was no shortage of entertainment for the kids.
Let me tell you about a few of the show’s high achievers. The mother and son team of Janine and Phillip Morrow took out the senior and junior highest aggregate in the cake cooking section. Taylah Locke’s ‘Palace of Dreams’ cake was named most outstanding exhibit. Taylah, who is only seven, cooked and decorated the fruit cake all by herself. In the crafts section, June Edwards cemented her position as Katherine’s best needleworker with her eighth straight highest aggregate win in the needlework section. Other winners included Ian and Deborah Young, whose Rhode Island Red rooster Robbie cleaned up in the poultry section. The impressive Robbie was top Rhode Island Red Champion Standard Breed highest aggregate points winner and was also named Champion Bird of the Show.
Rural shows are struggling around Australia, but the local community really got behind this year’s show and its future certainly looks bright. A good example of that community support was the effort that the schoolchildren of Katherine went to in decorating the poultry pavilion with hundreds of plywood cut-outs of roosters. It looked terrific. The show was a great opportunity for the people of the Katherine region to come together after a very difficult year. Their resilient community spirit was there for all to see. Congratulations to Cath Highet, the show society president and CEO, Kathy Smale, and all the other tireless volunteers for a great show.
The 54th Darwin Show also drew record crowds with around 50 000. President Rink Van Der Velde, CEO, Cherry Court, and admin officer, Rose Aston, all did a great job, as they have done for so many years. The traditional president’s reception, which welcomes stallholders, was a great success with more than 100 attending. Several awards were presented and I congratulate the following recipients: The Most Outstanding Stall - the Department of Defence; Rural Ambassador of the Year - Kaaran Hassal; Junior Steward of the Year and recipient of the Administrator’s Medal - Lindsay Wilson; and Senior Steward of the Year and recipient of the Chief Minister’s Cup – Bill Fry.
The younger generation were again very involved in this year’s show. Twelve-year-old Skye McFarlane showed great expertise to win the Handler Class of the Paraders competition at the show. That is a great achievement; well done, Skye. Joanna Kaltourimidis, who is 16, won the poultry section of the Best Pet competition with her little rooster, Big Red. Joanna has been entering since she was eight and was thrilled to come out on top at this year’s show.
The hi-tech Holden utes were again a crowd pleaser with their high speed crossovers and lightening fast handbrake demonstrations. The show finished with a bang when the fireworks lit up the Winnellie Showgrounds on the Saturday night.
Last, but certainly not least, was the 20th Borroloola show. The Borroloola Show is the region’s most important social and sporting event, and there was a strong turnout this year. Schoolchildren from Kiana, Borroloola, Robinson River and Wandangula supported the craft section of the show, with over 300 entries being received.
Show president and Borroloola School Principal, Judy Cotton, and Felicity Thomson a senior teacher from the school, were the judges. Kiana School won the scarecrow building competition and Harry and Alex Chapman, in a joint effort, won the cooking section with a delicious chocolate cake. The colouring-in section was also hotly contested with Narida Bob from Wandangula pipping the rest.
As usual, businesses in Borroloola continued with their support of the show with Red Dirt Trading sponsoring the Junior Art Prize, Paperback Caf sponsoring the cooking, and the Gulf Mini Mart supporting the horticultural section. Congratulations to Judy and her team for the hard work; it certainly paid off.
Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, you cannot underestimate the value of our show circuit. As well as the financial boost it gives our economy, it also allows communities across the Territory the chance to come together and have fun. They are a big part of our great Territory lifestyle. Once again, I thank everyone who has helped support these shows – and the others I did not mention.
Dr LIM (Greatorex): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, tonight I speak about a lady who lives with her disabled husband on the Tiwi Islands, on Melville Island. She has written to every member of parliament, so what I am saying is not new to anybody. However, it appears that nobody has been prepared to assist. I hope the Minister for Housing might be the one who will be able to look into this. She stays on a property on Melville Island, having lived in that same house for some 30 years. I would like to read her letter so that it is on record. Perhaps then the government would respond accordingly. On 29 September 2006 she wrote:
To someone who has a conscience to resolve this urgent plea.
Re: Aboriginal elder caused to be bathed like an animal.
I would like to seek your urgent help for alterations to our house to include disability accessible bathroom/toilet for the use of my husband to allow him the right to be bathed like a human being. The problem is the bathroom in the house is too small for both of us to be in there at the same time. He cannot bath himself.
My husband and I are old. My husband is disabled and suffers from dementia. We don’t have a disability bathroom in our house that we can use. I have had to wash my husband hair outside the house, using a bucket while he is sitting in his wheelchair. This is very degrading not only for him but for me as well as he is a strong, well-known Aboriginal man in our community.
Attached are documents that provide a background to the problems and what we have already done to try and fix this matter.
Attachments:
Maybelle Bourke letter dated 27 September 2006, 3 pages;
Maybelle Bourke letter dated 28 September 2006, 2 pages;
letter to Milingimbi Council dated 5 April 2005, 3 pages;
letter from Michael Hodgson, Physiotherapist for Darwin Remote Aged and Disability dated 30 August 2006, 7 pages.
All I have heard from people is ‘leave it with me and I will look into it’. If you are able to do more than just look into it and have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on … [phone number].
Maybelle Bourke.
I have spoken to this lady on several occasions and, from what she has described, I believe she has a case that needs to be addressed - and addressed quickly. As far back as May 2005 - and I have a copy of the minute from the Tiwi Island Local Government Council meeting. In it, as reported by one of the officers, in the first article under ‘housing’:
Extension of en suite to Lot 223 (Jake Bourke) does management board want to go ahead with construction as there is enough funds? Jim said that Health Services will pay for taps and fittings.
- That management board approves go ahead for housing to build en suite to Lot 223.
The mover and seconder were named in the minute. All were in favour and the motion was, thus, carried. That was May 2005. After that, it appeared that there was money made available to construct the en suite for the elderly couple.
On 22 December 2005, a note was made by Michael Hodgson, the physiotherapist at the Darwin Remote Aged and Disability Unit:
- Housing is to build an accessible bathroom out the back door. Hope to start in February but funding is the problem ... Met with Housing … and stressed the importance of the new bathroom.
On 23 March 2006, there was another note by the physiotherapist:
- House is on the list to be done.
In continued to search through the paperwork - some of which Mrs Bourke faxed to me - it was definitely clear that sewerage pipes had already been laid in the ground ready for the en suite and plumbing. The costing was, in fact, already prepared so that the en suite could be built, and the money identified as being available. There were plans provided by the physiotherapist to indicate how the bathroom should be built; the design allowing a person with a wheelchair to be pushed into the bathroom with enough room to manoeuvre around the bathtub, the sink and the door. These plans were very detailed and, obviously, made available to support the construction.
Unfortunately, since that time, nothing further has happened. I can understand why Maybelle Bourke is most distressed. She is not a young woman herself and she is caring for a disabled spouse who is confined to a wheelchair. She needs a mechanical lifter to assist with lifting her husband from the chair into the bath.
This, as I said, started way back in 2005. In fact, Maybelle Bourke wrote this to the Pirlangimpi Council on 5 April 2005:
- To Whom it May Concern
As you are all probably aware, my husband, Jack Bourke, is in need of full-time care; I hereby apply to the council for an en suite and wheelchair ramp to be built as in the diagram …
Attached to the document that she sent:
- In the near future, I will be provided with a hydraulic (patient) lifter; but our bathroom/toilet (separate) is just too small to enable me to operate the lifter along with the bath chair etc.
Hoping this letter meets your approval.
As a consequence of this letter, the Tiwi Island Local Government Council met and passed the resolution approving the en suite being built on Lot 223. Since then, she has been waiting, and been waiting for a long while, with no result.
I now propose to read a handwritten note that Maybelle Bourke provided to me and, I understand, to every member of parliament. This was written on 27 September:
- To Whom it May Concern
My name is Mrs Maybelle Bourke. I am a full-time carer for my husband, Jack Bourke, who has dementia and is in a wheelchair.
I would appreciate it very much if you could help me finalise this matter concerning a disability en suite and wheelchair ramp as explained in the copy of my letter to the Pirlangimpi Council dated 5/4/05.
I am not getting anywhere with people who is responsible and who is supposed to get this very important (extension) en suite and wheelchair ramp built for caring for my disabled husband.
Early in May 2005, Jim Groom the builder came to our house (rented) and told me that he would be building the en suite etc in two weeks time as he had the money for the required extension. Weeks and weeks went by, and he had not started the job, and didn’t have the decency to let me know what was going on.
My husband has worked all his working life for this council, and retired in 1998. He has lived in this house since before Cyclone Tracy and has supervised many local people on jobs for this very council. He has not missed paying rent in this house over 30-odd years.
As I said, my husband has dementia and is in a wheelchair. One would think that the least this council can do to repay his dedication for working so long with them, is to make him comfortable in his retirement and especially his illness.
It seems to me that everybody who is responsible in getting up the en suite and the wheelchair ramp don’t even want to know about it! Even though my letter of application was approved last year in May 2005 by the council, they are now trying to fob me off by saying that I only applied for the extension in May this year, 2006, which is a big lie and they know it. I am beginning to think that they are waiting for my husband to pass away so as to save the money. I would not be carrying on like this if I only applied in May this year, as they say, as these things do take some time to accomplish. This has now been going for almost two years now. It has never crossed my mind to dump my husband in a nursing home, as I am quite able to give him the best care here at home.
I have been provided with a (patient) hydraulic lifter, which is a huge help to me, plus bath chair, toilet commode and wheelchair, as I will be caring for him from this house only.
The Pirlangimpi Clinic, registered nurses and health workers do a marvellous job in helping to look after Jack (medically). I also get all the support from Age and Disability in Darwin, and also NT Carers Dept, and the family as well. So why can’t the people responsible for getting up this very important extension do the job properly?
I believe that caring full-time for my husband at home is saving the government a lot of money, so please help us out here to have this work (extension) en suite and wheelchair ramp) completed ASAP as we are not getting any younger or fitter. Thank you.
That was written on 25 September. Then, on 28 September, she wrote again:
- In support of my letter, I would like to add that the builder, Jim Groom …
… has recently offered to renovate the existing bathroom/toilet for the reason I am fighting for, which is unsuitable as it is down the corridor and is next to the lounge room. He even said it could be done a lot cheaper than the en suite.
I have refused this other option as we have been sleeping in the lounge room for over 17 months now, because the bathroom/toilet is closer for me to get my husband in and out of the bathroom and toilet. As can be seen in the photocopy, that the plumbing for the new en suite is already there and was completed and waiting for connection since May last year, 2005.
We would very much like to move back to our bedroom when this en suite, (disability and wheelchair ramp) is completed. Jim even told me in May 2005 that it would take him six weeks to build; seems a hell of a long time since the plumbing has been completed and waiting for connection at that time as well.
Our lounge room should only be used for relaxation and to receive family and friends and for entertainment etc, not for sleeping and nursing my husband there. He should be made comfortable, and that is in our bedroom.
He has been in a wheelchair for two years now and we do not even have a wheelchair ramp.
Please do something about this, as it has been going on too long, and I have been patient - too patient.
If this elderly couple have been waiting for nearly two years now, I believe it is time that government undertook the responsibility to get this sorted out. It is not going to cost a lot of money, probably only a couple of thousand dollars. I am sure that could be easily found to assist the Bourkes in their retirement, and they can live at home and Mrs Bourke can look after Mr Bourke very well and capably. Why force the elderly couple to seek other places to try to accommodate them if they do not want to leave their house anyway? A couple of thousand dollars of expenditure would make their lives a lot easier and it would go a long way to making an elderly couple very happy. I strongly urge the government to look into it as soon as you possibly can. Perhaps, by Monday, they can start the investigation so that the Bourkes can get this done within a couple of weeks, and life can be better for them.
Mr VATSKALIS (Casuarina): Mr Acting Deputy Speaker, August is Seniors Month but I and Paul Henderson, the member for Wanguri, made a decision to actually extend the Seniors Month to include the beginning of September. The reason for that is because we wanted to invite many of our seniors in our electorates to a morning tea at Tracy Village Social and Sports Club. We were thrilled to see so many from this special group of citizens took the time to share that morning with us. Everyone enjoyed being entertained by the very talented Wanguri Primary School Choir headed by Ms Judy Weepers. A wonderful array of home cooked cakes and pastries baked by the Tracy Village chef were delicious. It was so good to catch up with so many seniors and enjoy a cuppa and a delicious morning tea with them. Thank you very much, Teena, from Tracy Village Social Club for organising the morning tea, and Judy Weepers and the Wanguri Primary School Choir for their beautiful songs. It was a wonderful morning enjoyed by all.
More and more, senior Territorians choose to stay in the Territory for retirement. As a matter of fact, senior people now have decided to come from other states to the Territory to be here with their loved ones and their families. In addition to that, changes in the Commonwealth legislation about migration, about returning back to home country, has seen many of these senior Territorians migrate to the Territory; and they feel unable to go back to their country unless they are prepared to lose their pension and their benefits, so they decide to stay in the Territory. Of course, that puts a lot of pressure on our existing resources, especially for nursing homes and senior villages. I was very pleased yesterday, with the Chief Minister and my colleague, Marion Scrymgour, to attend the official unveiling of the plan by Masonic Homes in Tiwi for a $25m expansion of the retirement aged care complex there.
It is great to see more senior Territorians taking the option to stay in the Territory. Masonic Home was granted 2.4 ha of vacant Crown land adjacent to the existing aged care facility for the expansion. The Tiwi Gardens aged care facility will be the largest in the Territory when it is completed in five years. Masonic Homes yesterday announced that the new development will include 85 new aged care beds in addition to the existing 50 beds, 35 new retirement homes, 12 new low-cost housing units, the expansion of day therapy and rehabilitation, increased focus on dementia support facilities and services, and relocation of the Darwin Nursing Home residents to the new facilities in 2008.
It was a great time, a great day. The Tiwi facilities are absolutely top of the range. I know quite a few people who live in the seniors’ village and they are very pleased. However, I also met quite a few people who are actually in the nursing home and they are quite satisfied with the service and the care that they receive there, together with their families.
I turn to the schools in my electorate. I congratulate students from Nakara school, Julia Gomes and Arthur Nieto, for receiving my achievement award. As you are aware, I have established an achievement award and every month I visit my schools at their assemblies and present two achievement awards plus $25 book vouchers to the children who perform very well that month. Julia Gomes and Arthur Nieto attend the Nakara Primary School, together with a group of special students.
The Nakara Primary School students had fantastic results in the recent Tournament of the Minds. Nakara Primary School nominated two teams in two categories; Language and Literature, and Maths and Engineering. I would like to congratulate team members, Gabby Williams, Luci Murphy, Melissa Nayda, Kate Joyce, Chloe Moo, Clarisa Lopez, Campbell Burton, together with the principal, Katrina Otway, and teacher, Vicki Manley, for their terrific win. They won the Language and Literature section and will be travelling to Adelaide to compete in the national finals at Flinders University on 21 October.
Nakara Primary School’s other team also received an honourable mention for coming second in the Maths and Engineering challenge out of a field of 16 teams - a fantastic result as well. The girls were given three hours to decide on a solution and present their challenge in a play format with costumes and props – all created from recycled materials - within the three hours. They had to incorporate two or more presentation styles - for example, music, humour, characterisation - within the presentation and identify these to the judges. The teams are not allowed any adult help and are interrupted for 10 minutes during their three-hour presentation to respond to a smaller, spontaneous problem, where the judges watch their teamwork skill and processes.
The teachers have said they are a very talented and dedicated group of young ladies who deserve the chance to represent the Northern Territory at the nationals. I was very proud of the girls and happy to provide them with a donation to assist them with their fundraiser to help cover the cost of their trips. Congratulations also belong to the teachers and their parents. I wish them all the best in the national finals in Adelaide. I look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return.
Dripstone High School has every year organised Dripstone Day. It is an annual event run by staff and students of the school and is always a success. Crop and Colour, the Student Talent Show and the Football Challenge are annual events held at the school on this day in order to raise money for children who are ill, and to showcase the enormous hidden talent at Dripstone High. There is a great effort by the students and staff who get involved every year by cropping/colouring their hair, by competing in events or donating. This is a fun-filled event that generates a lot of interest each year, with the main idea being that the students really enjoy being involved in assisting to raise funds for community charity. Dripstone High recognise the importance of supporting the community and, over the past six years, has raised many thousands of dollars for charities such as the Cancer Council, the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and the Down Syndrome Association.
My colleague, Paul Henderson, and I are always happy to participate and enjoy the activities during Dripstone Day and were very happy to donate $500 to Dripstone High students to assist them with their fundraising efforts.
I turn now to sporting events and people who are achieving in sports. Congratulations to Simone Liddy, one of my young Nakara constituents, for winning the Northern Territory Institute of Sport Award for Excellence in Athletic Career and Education. Simone has managed to balance her career and sporting commitments over the past few years. She recently co-captained the Northern Territory Under 21 hockey team, and was also a member of the Territory Pearls hockey team early this year. She managed to combine these commitments together with her Northern Territory Institute of Sport scholarship, and studying full-time in her second year of a Bachelor of Pharmacy at Charles Darwin University. At the same time, she finds time to do professional practice at Royal Darwin Hospital. Congratulations, Simone, and well done.
I also congratulate the Northern Territory Institute of Sport for a successful awards presentation night at SKYCITY. I am sure all the athletes, coaches and parents also enjoyed the night and the entertainment.
I will take the next few minutes to comment on an adjournment made last night by the member for Greatorex with regard to the water supply interruption to Alice Springs. Of course, the member for Greatorex always speaks about various burning issues at adjournment because he knows very well nobody is going to give him the answer that he needs to know. It would have been very easy for the member for Greatorex to ask during Question Time today about the events at Alice Springs, and he would get the answers the real answers not what he presented yesterday at the meeting in Alice Springs.
In his adjournment, the member for Greatorex got his facts wrong again. He mentioned that the interruption was because of a burst water main. Wrong; it was a computer glitch. A computer sensor indicated that one of the tanks was full when, in reality, it was empty. The member for Greatorex went on to say that for the last five years and I quote:
- The infrastructure is some 30 years old and needs to be upgraded. For the last five years, Power and Water have been saying they need to be resourced adequately so they can do the work and get the pipes up to standard.
Wrong again; the infrastructure is not old. The infrastructure, according to the engineers, is near the halfway lifespan, and it is not substandard. Power and Water has a constant maintenance and upgrading program in place with $9.7m in the till, and continues to do it.
Then, of course, the member for Greatorex claimed that everything happened because the Martin government puts all the money into the waterfront and not in infrastructure. Wrong again! The Martin government puts a lot of money into infrastructure. Of course, the member for Greatorex and his colleagues in the CLP tried to run down the waterfront. They are not interested in jobs or development. It must be the first time ever that CLP members do not want development in the Northern Territory, or want jobs for Territorians. The member for Greatorex continues to scaremonger over the waterfront. The waterfront is a fantastic development. It is a development by the government, but most of the money will come from the private sector. No money has been taken away from projects around the Territory and put in the waterfront.
Money had been allocated - record spending has been allocated - to infrastructure in the Territory in order to maintain and to improve existing infrastructure in the Territory. We go further than that. He now has had a go at the power station in Alice Springs and the installation of the turbine - it was noisy. Of course, Power and Water admit the turbine was noisy. The reason it is noisy is because, unfortunately, the people who are affected by the noise live very close to the valley where the Alice Springs power station was established. This is not the first time this has happened. This happens often when you have an interface between industrial or commercial areas and a residential area.
Power and Water identified the problem when it was brought to their attention and immediately took action to rectify the problem. Of course, the problems cannot be rectified by clicking your fingers. It will take time, especially when there are complex machines like this particular turbine. First, Power and Water organised to get some special seals to put around the exhaust of the turbine and, when that did not adequately minimise the noise problem, Power and Water, in consultation with the company, organised to get specially design baffles to put in the exhaust to reduce the noise and to reduce the speed of the exhaust gases so there is no internal component on the south that affects residents. Not only that, but Power and Water has given a commitment that, should the problem not be rectified, they are prepared to move the turbine to a more appropriate location in order to remove the noise problem from the area.
The member for Greatorex went on to say that if the EPA had any teeth, it would have closed down the power station a long time ago. Well, you had better tell that to the people in Alice Springs: ‘Sorry, no power today because there is noise’. Of course, there is going to be noise; it is an industrial area. The power station was established by the CLP government 25 years ago. It has been there for a long time. Of course, it needs to be upgraded because Alice Springs has increased the demand for power, and Power and Water, in order to meet this demand, has purchased and installed new generation turbines that, unfortunately, create more noise that has to be dissipated at that location.
In addition to the member for Greatorex complaining that the EPA not having any teeth, I would like to hear from him what the CLP government did when not only they never contemplated introducing noise regulations, but steadfastly refused to introduce noise regulation even when it was demanded by the public. I know that well because, as a qualified noise officer, when I first came to Darwin, I received many complaints from residents being annoyed by noisy conditions in Darwin from night clubs. I was unable to do anything because there were no noise regulations in Darwin.
I find it very hypocritical of the member for Greatorex to make accusations and allegations against our government, repeatedly at a time when he knows very well he is not going to receive any answers. If he had the guts, he should have stood in Question Time this afternoon and asked the question in front of the television cameras, and he would get the real answers - the answers that people in Alice Springs deserve to receive, not the hypocrisy of the member for Greatorex. The member for Greatorex, by his actions, has shown that he does not care about his constituents, the people of Alice Springs. If he did, he would ask real questions and receive real answers.
Mr WOOD (Nelson): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, this is the only opportunity I have to respond on the matter of public importance and I thought I would do it while it is fresh in my mind. I should have started with: where there is a will there is a way.
I appreciate the comments from both the Minister for Planning and Lands and the Minister for Local Government and Housing. However, I must say at the outset that I believe the land swap is feasible. If this land belongs to Power and Water, then I will go to Power and Water. I will go to their board and their Managing Director. With a name like Mr Kim Wood, I must have some sway. There must be family there somewhere along the line. I will be putting it to them, as good corporate citizens, that they have a role to play in this as well.
The minister said they need this land for water storage tanks. You can bet your bottom dollar that they do not need all that land for water storage. If anyone has seen the amount of land they own out at Coolalinga, the McMinns pumping station, they have a huge amount of land compared to the land they need. It is the same with this particular land.
What I would be saying is that Power and Water could actually take the land over because what we are after is some time. If they said they will take it over and run it themselves as a caravan park - put management in - it may not be perfect, it may not be the role of Power and Water or of government, but aside from these people a place to live for the time being, it would not put pressure on the housing authority to find accommodation. We would give time for changes to occur. You would not have to rush looking for another piece of land near the BP Palms service station. That could be developed within the time frame that we are looking at, the five years.
I believe there is a solution. The minister said the land is zoned RD or something and, therefore, is not suitable for showrooms. The government, the minister, is the person who changes zones. I could not believe that you could not have showrooms at that particular spot, under the flight path. What would that matter? It is not residential, it is commercial, shops. Many places in Australia have commercial development under the flight path. It could be done. That is why I say, where there is a will there is a way. I do appreciate what the ministers are saying, but I do think we can do it. The solution would create a lot less problems than what is going to occur if this land is sold off in three-and-a-half months. The Minister for Housing and Local Government said that he is sending people there to talk to the people. I will find out, as I go around, what they are saying. However, the reality is there are not going to be enough places for these 67 sites - which is, I presume, around 80 people - to find accommodation for them.
I do not know what they are going to do. However, because we do not know what is going to happen to all these people, to me it is a much easier solution to see if we can work out an arrangement that the Power and Water Corporation - and I would put that down as government even though they are, in theory, separate - looks after the caravan park say, for five years. That will give people time to, I suppose, live there to that point in time and they will be able to plan, knowing that the caravan park will possibly close down in five years. Power and Water will get that land. I cannot imagine, in the next five years, that they are going to need every square inch of the land they have on Vanderlin Drive. However, Power and Water will get that land in five years. They would not lose any land so, in the end, it is not as though, if they did need every square inch, that they would suffer from giving some of their land over to WOW at the moment, because they would pick up the land from the Sundowner Caravan Park in the future.
I thank the ministers for their statements. It is especially good to hear that the Minister for Housing has made the effort to ask his officers to go out and talk to those people. I believe that is encouraging, and it is important that government does that. However, I say to the Minister for Planning and Lands: you are a minister who has a lot of power and I am sure that you could find ways around some of the issues.
I will certainly be taking it up with Power and Water. I will be asking them to act as good corporate citizens, as was done in Canberra with a company there. I will be speaking to the Darwin City Council. I want to find out what their feelings are about this development, and whether they intend to sell off the land in front of the caravan park. That is fairly important in relation to whether this development goes ahead at all. I would like to know what they think. I will be putting it to them that they actually support this process of a land swap. I know the land itself we are talking about is not theirs, but they are a community body, they are a local body, local government that can lobby the government. I will be asking them to at least please consider what I am saying. Perhaps they can talk to government and influence government and put pressure on government to look at this option. I believe it is the best option; the other options have many question marks about them. They do not give certainty to people. They may give certainty to some people, but to other people it is going to be very hard.
I will continue to push the concept of a land swap. I will look for solutions. I am happy to come back and talk to both ministers, but I will keep trying because these people need someone to give them some certainty. If we go down the path we are at the moment, where it will close on 31 January, unfortunately, these people will not have that certainty that they need. However, I will keep trying.
Yes, the Development Consent Authority has legal requirements when it comes to approving or not approving development. One option they may take up is that they may ask that the caravan park, because it has been there such a long time and is a permanent caravan park, they cannot develop that land until a certain time frame occurs to allow an orderly relocation of the residents there - whether it is six months or 12 months. That is the other process I have going as well because, surely, the Development Consent Authority cannot stand and just talk legal terminologies when it comes to doing its job. It knows that people live there. There is a section of the Planning Act which talks about amenity. That amenity applies to the people who are being affected. In this case, they are the people who live in the caravan park. I will be asking the planning authority to use that clause, if they approve this development, to allow time for these people to relocate.
There are two avenues I will go down. I prefer the land swap because that would give people, especially those who have spent, as I said, quite considerable amounts of money on buying their site - at least they would get value for the money they spent on those sites. Then, we would be able to organise something for them to eventually to move to. Hopefully, there another site has been established by then, and these people can live in the lifestyle they enjoy; the lifestyle that they feel gives them security and which is really all about their homes. I am sure this particular debate will be continued.
Mr STIRLING (Nhulunbuy): Madam Acting Deputy Speaker, it is a bit of a throwback for me to see the member for Arnhem in the Speaker’s Chair. It reminds me of my first and second sessions of parliament in the early to mid-1990s when the then member for Arnhem - former, former member for Arnhem - who was an exceptionally dear friend of mine, used to sit in that Chair, often with a shy smile but always with great dignity and presence. I looked this evening and saw the member for Arnhem and I was immediately taken back about 13 or 14 years to very fond memories of Wes Lanhupuy who, on quite rare occasions, used to take the Chair always, as I said, with great dignity and presence. It is good to see the member for Arnhem back in the Chair. The immediate past member for Arnhem, of course, could not fill that Chair because he was a minister. Thank you for a distant but, no less, very special memory.
The Liquor Commission has supported the initiative of the East Arnhem Harmony Mala Group to declare Gove Peninsula a restricted area under the Liquor Act. The commissioners have indicated their in-principle support for the Harmony Group and other stakeholders to continue to work through the practical application. I am pleased with the support from an extensive number of organisations within the region, and their commitment on Harmony to deliver a solution to the alcohol issues in the community.
I congratulate Senior Sergeant Tony Fuller for his direction and support in seeing the project through thus far. Having firsthand experience in developing a similar plan on Groote Eylandt, Tony has created a PowerPoint presentation clearly representing the facts, not only to our region but to other interested regions as well.
The proposal is to restrict alcohol sales in the East Arnhem region and introduce a permit system for the purchase of takeaway alcohol. The Yolngu communities at Yirrkala and Ski Beach are working closely together with Harmony. They recognise the urgency in addressing alcohol abuse involving humbug, deprivation of sleep, family disturbance, no money for food, and the impact on families - particularly the youth where the suicide and attempted suicide rate has increased dramatically in the last couple of years.
Government agencies such as the ACCC, the Information Commission, the Anti-Discrimination Commission and Trade Practices will now be consulted with the legalities and implementation of the decision to make sure that no federal legislation is being trespassed in this area.
On 23 August 2006, the Alcan Gove Emergency Response Team attended the 2006 NT Mines Rescue Competition in Darwin. Alcan Gove’s competition team including Mal Pitkin, Craig Jensen, Mark Twomey, Tony Williams, Nick Ralph, Reece Ravlich, Trevor Quick, Jeremy Chrzanowski, Jabin Smith and Peter Logan, showed that their skills and knowledge were the best in the Territory. Their dedication and training was rewarded, with Alcan performing very well in all disciplines. At the end of the competition, the team was awarded Best Overall, Best Captain, Best Medic, first in Team Safety, first in Fire Fighting, first in Road Accident Rescue, second in Team First Aid, third in Hazchem, and third in Search and Rescue in Smoke. I congratulate the team for an outstanding performance in a diverse range of simulated situations, a terrific effort. Thanks must go to the supervisors who allow their crew members to participate in such valuable training and competition, and to Perkins Shipping who generously transferred their equipment to Darwin.
Nhulunbuy Christian School recently participated in the Northern Territory’s Young Scientists Award. A total of 10 students from Years 5, 6 and 7 placed first with their research and investigations. The students worked in small groups, selected a project and engaged in a range of supervised and supported learning activities which addressed their chosen categories. Congratulations to Ayden Koch, Caris Graham, Kody Lynch, Sharma Mitchell, Emily Pilgrim, Alison Hoskins, Joshua McKeogh, Henry Walker, Kyle Rogers and Ky Baker. The competition was organised by the Science Teachers Association of the Northern Territory, and participants represented both private and public schools. That is a terrific effort by the Christian school.
Two respected indigenous elders from east Arnhem Land have been recognised for becoming Northern Territory Justices of the Peace at this year’s Garma Festival. I was pleased to publicly acknowledge both Banambi Wununggmurra and Raymattja Marika’s appointments at Garma and present a ceremonial certificate of appointment to them. Banambi and Raymattja have worked tirelessly in the justice area and have been the driving force behind the community court in Nhulunbuy. I thank them both for the important contribution they make as respected citizens and leaders, not only of their own community, but in the broader Northern Territory community.
The Dhimurru Land Management Aboriginal Corporation and Parks and Wildlife Services were recognised at the inaugural Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Sector Management. Dhimurru won the Indigenous Community Development category for their Both Ways Management. Dhimurru and Parks and Wildlife Service NT have had a formal agreement to jointly manage the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Areas since 2003. They have successfully shared and practised aspects of traditional and contemporary land management on a day-to-day basis with the care and control remaining in the hands of the traditional owners according to the vision of the elders. My congratulations to Dhimurru’s Executive Officer, Steve Roeger, he does a fantastic job, Banula Marika and the team for their achievement, and to the Parks and Wildlife Service for their continued support and advice.
A new agreement with indigenous communities in north-east Arnhem Land will deliver positive benefits for the environment, employment and social cohesion. I was pleased to travel to Yilpara along with a colleague, Warren Snowdon, to be part of the launch. Under the new management plan, the Yolngu people will be assisted in managing their land according to international conservation guidelines. The Yirralka Rangers will control feral water buffalo and pigs to reduce the threat to the wetlands around the rivers flowing into Blue Mud Bay. I have to mention a most spectacular helicopter trip down to Yilpara where we followed the coast, which is spectacular enough in itself, down Cape Arnhem. We had a photographer who was filming the work that rangers do all around the world, and he wanted the chopper to get low enough to pick up if there were any nets on the beach that trap the turtles. A little over wave height along the coast of Cape Arnhem is spectacular enough. We then crossed inland - I am not sure which direction from Wundawuy, which is a community out there, but you could see Wundawuy in the distance on one side - and as we travelled toward Yilpara which is further down the coast, came across a green section ahead I thought for all the world looked like a spectacular golf course in the middle of nowhere. There are no roads - absolutely no roads. There is no access to this place and, like going around the first nine, it opened up into the most spectacular wetland.
I would have flown over that 20 or 40 times in my 16 years in parliament and never knew it was there. The reason I never knew it was there because I am always in a fixed wing aircraft at about 8000 or 9000 feet. Often, there is fire or smoke around that country, and you would never see it. Then, as we came around the corner in the chopper, at probably a couple of hundred feet, you could see the feral pigs in and around the few clumps of trees that exist across the floodplain, and huge buffalo wallowing in the mud. There were probably 15 or 20 pigs, about the same number of buffalo. Some of the pigs looked to be almost the size as the very smallest of the buffalos that were there. Particularly the pigs are the sorts of pests that really cut that country up.
A little further on and because there is a perspex floor in the JetRanger helicopter so you could see straight through at what is happening - and the sky just turned black. First of all, it was ducks and then it was magpie geese, which all settled on this spectacular floodplain because it is the last of the wetlands in that whole area that still contained water this late into the Dry. Interspersed between the ducks and the magpie geese, of which there were many thousands, there were almost as many brolga. It was an absolutely sensational flight. I thank Nick Holmes, the pilot of the chopper, who knows that country like the back of his hand because he is flying over it all the time. It is those pigs that are a major threat to the wetlands around those rivers flowing into Blue Mud Bay.
These rangers will clear the dangerous ghost nets which foul the coastline and improve the protection of important turtle nesting habitats. It also provides a pathway for these remote communities to meaningful jobs with spin-offs in health and education, and provides a great opportunity for Yolngu people to be employed in managing the country, using the knowledge of both cultures built on the current work program, and grow the ranger force skills and capacity.
Some of the communities are already establishing small scale economic activities - tourism, art and craft, harvesting bush tucker for sale, harvesting pest animals and the possibility of producing mud bricks. Communities need to build on these small developments with government and private enterprise. I congratulate Laynhapuy, I congratulate Djambuwa Marawili and the community on this great initiative protecting the interest of future generations in an important way, both economically and culturally.
I should thank Greg Hunt, the Parliamentary Secretary for the minister for Environment from the federal government, who is very supportive and was there on the day to speak. I also pay tribute to the former minister for the Environment, now ambassador to the United States, former Senator Robert Hill, who was a great friend of the Yolngu in that region, and over-rode the previous CLP Northern Territory government to sign off on the first indigenous protected area in Australia, which was the Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area. We now have two of the three indigenous protected areas in this great country.
I want to pay tribute to a Year 11 physics teacher at Nhulunbuy High School, Damian Alahakoon. Damian is a personal friend. He has been there for many years. He is Sri Lankan. His Year 11 physics students participated in the Eratosthenes Project Australia 2006. Nhulunbuy High School was the 2006 national winner of this project, with a $1000 prize. Millicent High School South Australia were equal second place with $500 prize, Our Lady of Mercy College of New South Wales was also equal second place, $500.
The students who participated were: Kirsten Dunkin, Brendon Drzezdzon, Jordon Byles, Matthew Beven, Damian Chesson, Tiffany Crane and Bradley Vellacott. They all contributed to the project at different levels, but the most critical contribution came from Kirsten Duncan, who spent a lot of her time putting everything together in the award-winning report. She drafted and redrafted the report several times.
The project was the national experiment coordinated by RMIT as one of the major events for Science Week 2006. Sixty high schools across Australia competed. Partnered schools measured the angle of the sun at local moon and used their combined results to calculate the circumference of the earth. Each pair of partnered schools were chosen to be as close as possible to the sun in longitude, but be the farthest possible latitude apart. Our partner school at Nhulunbuy was Millicent High. Both schools conducted the experiment on 16 August.
The original experiment took place 2200 years ago when astronomer-poet Eratosthenes attempted to calculate the size of the earth through measurement. Eratosthenes correctly assumed the sun is sufficiently far away from the earth that you consider its rays to be parallel when they reach the earth. In this modern re-creation of the experiment, students at each school measured the angle of the sun on the same day at local moon and, using Eratosthenes idea, measured the circumference of our planet.
Winners were chosen on the basis of a good result for the earth’s circumference and the best analytical report of the accuracy and the uncertainty in their result. Well done, Kirsten Duncan. Well done, to those students and well done, Damian Alahakoon. I am always very proud of our schools, and here is another reason to be enormously proud of the Year 11 physics class at Nhulunbuy High School.
Motion agreed to; the Assembly adjourned.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016