ANSWERS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS - Answered by 29 November 2005
16 August 2005
1. Darwin City Waterfront – Contingent Liabilities
Ms CARNEY to TREASURER
Is the government’s risk exposure, full cost details and contingent liabilities regarding the waterfront incorporated in the 2005-06 budget papers?
ANSWER
The 2005-06 Budget Paper No 2 contains a description of the Darwin City Waterfront Redevelopment Project on pages 85 to 88.
The government’s risk exposure (and therefore the potential contingent liability) is identified in the Statement of Risks on page 22 of Budget Paper No 2 and in the abovementioned discussion of the project on page 87.
The Financial Statements included in Budget Paper No 2 incorporate all costs associated with the waterfront project that had been identified as at 28 April 2005. However, full cost details were not disclosed, as financial close had not occurred at that time.
Financial close occurred on 9 May 2005 and resulted in some minor timing variations to cost estimates from those included in the budget papers. These revisions were included in the Pre-Election Fiscal Outlook Report released on 9 June 2005.
11. Darwin City Waterfront – Unsuccessful Consortia
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
1. Are there any outstanding monies to be paid to the other two unsuccessful consortiums?
2. Are there any unresolved legal issues surrounding the awarding of the successful tenderer?
ANSWER
1. Both unsuccessful proponents have been debriefed on their bids and paid the ‘Territory Payment’ as per the call document.
24. Territory Development - Reports
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
Detail expenditure for the Office of Territory Development on reports produced that have been either outsourced or produced internally, including:
- (a) what was the purpose of the reports;
(b) who or what organisation prepared the reports;
(c) what was the cost of the report;
(d) has the report or reports been tabled in parliament; and
(e) what has been the outcome of those reports?
ANSWER
The Office of Territory Development did not produce any publicly available reports in 2004-05.
31. Territory Development – Bob Collins’ Employment
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for BUSINESS, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
1. In what capacity, if any, does Bob Collins work for the Office of Territory Development?
2. Is Bob Collins still receiving remuneration from government or the Office of Territory Development? If so, what are the terms and conditions?
3. Does Bob Collins receive anything by way of car, office space, secretarial support or correspondence from the government or Office of Territory Development?
4. Is Bob Collins still a board member of Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre and, if so, why?
5. What is the estimated value of the Desert Knowledge project and when is its scheduled completion?
6. To your knowledge, is Bob Collins involved with any other boards through the government or Office of Territory Development?
ANSWER
1. Bob Collins does not work for the Office of Territory Development.
2. No.
3. No.
4. No.
5. The answer relates to approved program provision on the Desert Knowledge Precinct.
2004-05 and prior – Precinct headworks, design fees and preparatory work.
2005-06 – Headworks, administration building, Desert Peoples Centre and Business Innovation Centre
Future works in 2006-07 and beyond will be considered in line with normal Territory budget approval timelines.
6. No.
91. Leisure Visitor Cost Conversion
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
What is the current cost of conversion for a visitor (leisure) to the Northern Territory, and how has that trended over the last five years?
ANSWER
As the NT Tourist Commission’s marketing cash budget1 relates to all of the commission’s marketing activities, not just those designed to increase leisure or holiday visitation, the ‘cost of conversion’ measure relates to the cost of converting all visitors to the Northern Territory.
Figure 1 (see Attachment C) shows that the cost of conversion2 rose over the last five years from $17 per overnight visitor in 2000 to $23 in 2004.
A notable rise in conversion costs was evident from 2002 to 2003 as the commission’s 18% marketing budget increase coincided with a global tourism downturn due to health and safety concerns arising from terrorist attacks, SARS and the Iraq war, and consequently, a 13% decrease in Northern Territory visitation. There was a 7% increase in Northern Territory visitation in 2004 but the further marketing budget increase (of 15%) kept the cost of conversion up at $23. These figures do not account for the time lag between marketing activities and impact on actual visitation.
1 The marketing cash budget includes Marketing and Corporate Services, but excludes cash budgets for Tourism Development, Territory Discoveries and Regional Tourist Associations where applicable over the last five years.
2 Cost of conversion calculation: the commission’s marketing cash budget/number of overnight visitors to the NT.
92. Tourism - Budget Increase
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
With the significant increase in the tourism budget, (I am not sure what the figures are exactly) has this evidenced itself in increased visitation?
ANSWER
The commission’s 17% cash budget increase in 2003 coincided with a global tourism downturn due to health and safety concerns arising from terrorist attacks, SARS and the Iraq war, resulting in visitation declines for both Australia (down 2%) and the Northern Territory (down 13%).
However, the further 11% increase in the commission’s cash budget in 2004 resulted in a 7% increase in Northern Territory visitation (refer to Figure 1, see Attachment D). This recovery was evident to a lesser extent from a national perspective, as Australia’s visitor numbers increased by 1% compared to 2003.
94. Tourist Visitation Intention
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
What is the current level of intention to visit the Northern Territory, in the domestic market, relative to the other state destinations? (Latest data suggests that the Northern Territory is not even on the radar with the potential traveller).
ANSWER
For the year ending March 2005, approximately 5% of Australians who are active in the travel market1 intend to visit the Northern Territory on the next long trip (refer to Figure 1, see Attachment E). This is a higher intention measure than for the ACT, and within 4% points of Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. Intention levels for Spirited Travellers2 are even higher at approximately 7%, exceeding intention to visit both the ACT and Tasmania.
Whilst New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria have notably higher proportions of travellers intending to visit, these states also have large population bases which support more people visiting friends and relatives on holiday.
1 People who have had an interstate or overseas trip of three or more nights in the last 12 months, or who intend to in the next 12 months.
2 Spirited Travellers is the collective term for the five segments targeted by the commission based on the segmentation research conducted in 2004. The five segments are young and restless; ready, set, adventure; great outdoors; looking for inspiration; and new lease on life.
96. Tourism - Industry Investment
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
What has been done to encourage investment in tourism infrastructure, and the establishment of new product in the Territory?
ANSWER
A multi-pronged approach is being taken to encourage investment in tourism infrastructure and the establishment of new product in the Territory including:
Promotion
Development of a dedicated brochure to communicate opportunities and elicit interest prepared by the Office of Territory Development titled Tourism Infrastructure: Building strategic infrastructure to underpin investment in Territory tourism:
The publication informs of the government's strategic approach which is based on three key elements: providing the tourism infrastructure required to make Northern Territory destinations more accessible and attractive to visitors; leveraging off this tourism infrastructure to attract private sector investment in the tourism industry; and increasing national and international marketing efforts to build the Northern Territory tourism brand.
Research
Undertaking dedicated research in partnership with Charles Darwin University to identify product gaps in the current marketplace to inform decisions about investments. The outcomes of the project will allow the NTTC and other public sector agencies with an interest in investment and product development decisions to identify what it is that public sector can do to stimulate investment in a range of target sectors and product types.
Financial Contribution
Support of up to $500 000 will be provided for the development of Wildman River Resort to assist with expenses associated with developing power, water, sewerage and road infrastructure.
Resources
Centralising tourism infrastructure development functions under the umbrella of the new Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development in order to streamline activities and leverage synergies to provide an improved focus on such development.
98. Northern Territory Airports
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
What benefit has the government seen from its contribution to the remuneration of the NT Airports business development executive role?
ANSWER
Since starting in 2002, the role of Aviation Development Director has been crucial in the development of aviation services into the Northern Territory. The role has provided a key link between the Northern Territory government and Northern Territory Airports Pty Ltd in pursuit of the common goal of increasing both domestic and international air services into the Territory.
The position has worked closely with both domestic and international airlines utilising established contacts and vast experience in the airline industry.
Total weekly seat capacity into the Northern Territory has increased 25% since 2002 (comparing August with August), with international capacity increasing 17% and domestic increasing 25%. This arrangement has seen the introduction of two new airlines in Australian Airlines and Skywest.
Fifty percent of the cost of the Aviation Development Director position is shared between the NT Tourist Commission, the Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development and the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.
99. Kakadu Consultancy
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
What has been the outcome of the consultancy commissioned by the government on tourism in Kakadu?
ANSWER
The consultancy for the future of Kakadu was a jointly funded project between the Northern Territory and federal government.
The final report A Shared Vision for Tourism in Kakadu National Park was delivered in February 2005.
The report put forward 71 recommendations for the Northern Territory and federal governments to consider covering areas of marketing, product development, increased indigenous involvement, information and interpretation and the future of Jabiru.
The Northern Territory government is waiting on the formal response from the federal government on the report and its recommendations. The response was due in July this year, however, has not been delivered.
The Northern Territory government has for the past 12 months offered $500 000, conditional on matching funds, to market Kakadu National Park. The federal government has not been forthcoming with matching funds. The Northern Territory government has now re-assessed its marketing of Kakadu due to the lack of matching funds from the federal government. The NTTC will continue to represent Kakadu in campaigns within the current budget parameters, but not to the extent the NTTC believes is necessary to reinvigorate or ‘re-launch’ the interest in this iconic park.
The NT Tourist Commission is currently working with two separate traditional land owners in Kakadu National Park on the development of tourism product. The interest shown by these traditional owners and several others can be linked back to the work undertaken in developing the report. Through the report they can now see how they can be a part of the tourism industry, instead of a bystander.
Due to a change in management structure at Kakadu National Park, the tourism industry, park management and traditional landowners are now engaging on a more frequent basis. This is seeing fruitful discussions by all parties on the development of a sustainable tourism industry in Kakadu.
100. Territory Parks and Reserves – Tourism Visitation
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
The National Parks and Reserves Estate in the Northern Territory has long been a significant element of the tourism mix and experience in the Northern Territory. How has visitation to these areas trended, and what commitment is government making to the maintenance and development of these resources to ensure that they continue to provide the Northern Territory with a competitive destinational advantage?
ANSWER
The Northern Territory managed national parks and reserves along with the two federally managed national parks play an important role to the overall tourism experience in the Northern Territory.
The tourism vision of the Northern Territory is to ‘become the leading nature and culture destination’. Although not exclusively linked to just national parks, nature and cultural experiences within our national parks are fundamental to realising this vision.
The NT Tourist Commission’s Destination Development Unit is working closely with Parks and Wildlife on the development and marketing of our natural assets. Projects like the NT Tourist Commission’s funded Larapinta Trail Management Strategy highlight how an ‘all of government approach’ is being used to develop, manage and market our key natural tourism assets.
In marketing the Northern Territory, the commission will continue to focus on its competitive advantage and where applicable promote the Northern Territory as a nature and or cultural experience. This has been recently demonstrated in the Destination Darwin marketing campaign where Darwin has been promoted amongst other things as ‘the gateway to nature and culture’.
Visitation to Northern Territory managed parks has been steady over the last four years. (see Attachment F).
101. Territory Discoveries - Market Share
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
Does Territory Discoveries pay its way, and is it actually growing the market to the Northern Territory and not competing for market share with independent distributors of Northern Territory product?
ANSWER
Does Territory Discoveries pay it way?
Territory Discoveries should record a profit for the year ended 30 June 2005 of around $1m. However, it is important to note that the NT Tourist Commission provides an operating subsidy of $2.118m to Territory Discoveries. If this operating subsidy was not provided, the end of year position for Territory Discoveries would be around $1.117m in deficit. Territory Discoveries is working to reduce its dependency on this operating subsidy in line with NT Treasury commercial guidelines.
In the 2004-2005 fiscal year, Territory Discoveries generated $16.2m in gross sales for the Northern Territory and its operators. This is an increase of 44.6% compared to 2003-2004 sales.
The increased sales is a result of business and culture change within Territory Discoveries (TD). Over the past year, TD has introduced booking ownership within the call centre and specific conversion incentives for sales consultants. TD has also delivered call control training, conversion training and more detailed product training and over the past year, TD has increased its average value of booking from $1100 to $1300 showing higher conversion and increased up-sell and cross-sell.
Is TD growing the market to the NT and not competing for market share?
Territory Discoveries has increased its gross sales and grown the Northern Territory market by:
completing a full year of servicing the New Zealand market - this contributed
approx. $500 000 in gross sales. This is new business to the Northern Territory
via the New Zealand travel agents and consumer network;
Territory Discoveries’ objective is to drive visitation to the Northern Territory and increase sales for Northern Territory industry. TD is the only wholesaler that fully focuses on the Northern Territory product, not only supporting the larger operators but the medium and smaller operators as well. TD is the only wholesaler that has a total of 209 listed operators. Territory Discoveries has a 60-page Central Australia brochure, a 72-page Top End brochure, a 60-page New Zealand brochure (Northern Territory product) and a 28-page Asia brochure (Northern Territory product).
Graph 1: See Attachment G
110. Shipping Services
Ms CARNEY to CHIEF MINISTER
On many of your overseas visits to East Kalimantan, Brunei, Jakarta and Malaysia, you have sought to attract additional shipping services to Darwin. Given that there are effective weekly services to and from Singapore and Darwin which are under-utilised, what do you hope to achieve?
ANSWER
During the visits by both ministers and Territory business delegations to the trading markets of our near neighbours in Indonesia and Malaysia, a number of potential trading opportunities have been identified.
In particular, these include the provision of supplies and services to the booming mining communities located in and around the eastern Indonesian city of Balikpapan, in East Kalimantan.
There is no doubt the present shipping services between Darwin and Singapore certainly provides a sound delivery of freight between the Northern Territory and Singapore, and beyond Singapore to markets such as Europe, the Middle East and the USA.
Whilst this valuable route serves to provide for the growth of the AustralAsia Trade Route, a need for more direct services between Darwin and Surabaya and other ports has also been identified to serve these markets in eastern Indonesia, Borneo Malaysia and potentially southern Philippines.
Having additional shipping services to Darwin creates choice, not only for Territory companies but also for those servicing southern ports through Darwin. These additional services, not only to our near neighbours but also beyond to major Asian ports, will build the capacity and competitiveness of the Darwin port on a global scale.
113. Air Freight Trials - Review
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for BUSINESS, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
1. What is the result of the review conducted into the Labor government’s bungling of the Malaysian Airlines freight trial?
2. Who conducted the review?
3. What was the cost of the review?
4. Is your government planning another freight trial similar to this?
ANSWER
1. The air freight trial was an industry development initiative to increase the international air freight capacity to assist
Northern Territory exporters to ship products direct to international markets. The results from an independently
facilitated workshop on 15 December 2004 attended by industry provides the views and needs of industry in
developing an international air freight service and produced the following recommendations:
This Industry Working Group should identify who should be involved and include freight forwarders,
consolidators, exporters, NT Airports, NT Horticultural Association and Seafood Council, with the
specific members being nominated by industry.
sought. For example, should the objective be achieved through increasing the viability of passenger
services through additional freight, or through dedicated freighter services? The primary objective of
the initiative needs to be made clear and understood by all parties to maximise collaboration and
communication between the sectors.
link will include Darwin on a flight from a South-East Asian hub to a southern destination, the viability is
impacted by the available freight on all legs of the flight, such as domestic inbound and outbound as well
as international inbound and outbound.
volume and seasonality, value, and consistency which impact on the viability of any service.
group, for example; regularity of service, capacity, the ability to reach the targeted destination within the
requested time frame and estimates of freight rates.
Development.
growth of NT industry.
2. Adam Gordon of Catalyst Consulting Darwin.
3. Cost of the review includes the workshop and the report: $1710
4. Whether a further air freight trial will be conducted will depend on the research outcomes as per the recommendations
from the report.
114. Coca-Cola Plant
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for BUSINESS, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
1. What did your government try to do to keep the Darwin Coca-Cola bottling plant being shipped to Jakarta?
2. How many local jobs were lost as a result of this?
ANSWER
On 28 January 2005, Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA), a listed Australian company, purchased the Northern Territory soft drink sales, distribution and production assets from Parmalat Australia. This acquisition makes CCA the sole licensee of Coca-Cola products in Australia and allows it to fully utilise production facilities in Brisbane and Adelaide.
CCA does not consult with government regarding commercial decisions it takes in relation to its production facilities.
1. As was made public by the company at the time, when CCA purchased the Northern Territory operation from Parmalat,
35 staff were transferred to the Coca-Cola Amatil NT distribution network and approximately 20 staff were made redundant.
We are advised that since being made redundant approximately 80% of the redundant staff have rejoined the work force.
118. Manufacturing Incentives
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for BUSINESS, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
What real, on-the-ground incentives has your government introduced to attract manufacturing businesses?
ANSWER
The government has:
and Natural Fuels Australia biodiesel plant;
support the operational activities of the Manufacturing Council;
up of NT Unions, the Northern Territory Industry Capability Network, the NT Manufacturers Council, key
manufacturing firms and relevant government agencies;
and Regional Development; and
services for Northern Territory business and skilled migration.
119. Business Innovation Funds
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for BUSINESS, ECONOMIC and RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
One of the CLP’s policies at the election was to establish a capital innovation fund, a venture capital body designed to provide funding to innovative companies looking to expand new technologies – and was very warmly received by many businesses:
1. Why has your government not introduced a similar venture capital proposal?
2. Is it true that a similar proposal was taken to Cabinet for submission but not approved?
3. Why has your government not taken steps to back these local, innovative businesses?
ANSWER
1. The government continues to monitor the finance environment and will consider how to encourage the establishment of
a venture capital fund when it is considered appropriate.
2. No.
3. DBERD works with the federal government agency, AusIndustry, to ensure eligible clients are able to access a range of
support programs that assist the commercialisation of emerging technologies.
124. Port Corporation – High Temperature Incinerator
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
In the 2004-05 Estimates Committee hearings, your government said it would enter into negotiations over the disposal of human body parts using a new $2m high temperature incinerator to be established by the Port Corporation. What was the outcome of those negotiations between the Port Corporation and the government?
ANSWER
In August 2004, URS Australia Pty Ltd were engaged by the Construction Division of DIPE to undertake a study on the generation and characteristics of quarantine and clinical wastes in Darwin.
The results of this study have been used to determine the size of incinerator required and tender documentation has been prepared.
A Notice of Intent has been lodged for the project as well as a development application.
125. Container Costs
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
What is the cost per container to move by direct call vessel from Adelaide to Singapore direct rather than moving from Adelaide through Darwin to Singapore by a vessel calling at Darwin?
ANSWER
The shipping lines calling at Darwin offer a tariff rate Adelaide-Darwin-Singapore via the AustralAsia Trade Route of US$650 per 20 foot container.
This is a generic rate struck to match the prevailing rates available out of Adelaide at the time of the opening of the AustralAsia Trade Route.
A main line shipping operator has since commenced calling at Adelaide offering Singapore at US$450 per 20 foot container. This is an unsustainably low rate and is an introductory rate to build the trade. Adelaide origin cargo is still moving on the trade route at the current market rates as price is not the only consideration of shippers.
The transit time offered by the main line operator Adelaide-Singapore is 12 days and some three to four days slower to that available through the AustralAsia Trade Route with direct shipping services Darwin-Singapore.
Direct comparisons of the sea freight rates are not useful when establishing the value of the trade route to a potential client. The value proposition for clients of the trade route is the transit time savings possible. The trade route is an alternative to direct shipping and is not attractive to itinerant shippers. However, it is attractive to shippers with mature supply chains and large inventory management issues that can realise the benefit of the reduced transit time and take advantage of the savings in in-transit inventory carry costs and the supply chain efficiencies by reduced inventory at both ends and higher inventory stock turns.
127. East Arm Port Utilisation
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT
Given a recent Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics Report on Australian Sea Freight statistics that shows Darwin Port (No 39) rated between Useless Loop WA (No 38 @ 1.117 million tonnes) and Port Bonython SA (No 40 @ 1.083 million tonnes), what has the minister been able to achieve in attracting further utilisation of the East Arm Port facility?
ANSWER
The BTRE figures are not a true reflection of the total freight task for Darwin as they only report the publicly available statistics of trade across DPC facilities. The statistics do not include the private port operations (Perkins), as they do not supply their trade data. The real total freight task for the Port of Darwin for the last financial year 2004-05 was possibly closer to two million tonnes.
The Port of Darwin is a multi-user, multipurpose, multi-trade port.
The port services a multitude of market sectors including the livestock export trade, offshore oil and gas industry, container and general cargo trade, domestic shipping and petroleum product imports.
The total freight task for DPC facilities in 2004-05 was in excess of 1.7 million tonnes.
The Northern Territory government has recently completed the Stage 2 extension of the East Arm Wharf providing intermodal facilities for the AustralAsia Railway, a 110 m extension of the general cargo berth and a further 154 m extension for the new bulk liquids berth for a total linear berth length of 754 m.
The Northern Territory government has also provided $10.4m in funding to construct a pipeline corridor from the bulk liquids berth to the new Vopak Darwin Industry Fuel Terminal. This is proving a catalyst for an increase in the import and distribution of domestic petroleum products and the attraction of further bulk liquids industry development including the Natural Fuels Australia biodiesel plant. The plant will import 150 000 tonne per annum of feedstock and export refined product through the new facilities at East Arm.
The Northern Territory government has also provided funding to establish new bulk mineral loading facilities at East Arm. The facilities will provide mines the ability to export bulk commodities through the East Arm facility. The first exports of manganese ore from Bootu Creek will go out through an interim loading facility in January 2006 with the ultimate facility being delivered in September 2006.
It will be a modern 2000TPH traveling gantry ship loader. It is anticipated further mineral exports will come on-line and a possible trade of 2.5 million tonnes per annum will evolve.
The East Arm facility was utilised extensively during the construction phase of the Darwin LNG plant and the 500 km sub-sea gas pipeline. In excess of 180 000 tonnes of project cargo transited the facility on the way to the Darwin LNG site and 600 000 tonnes of armour rock for the gas pipeline was stockpiled on the facility and loaded out over 12 months to cover the pipeline in the harbour. The Northern Territory government reclaimed a significant area of strategic port area to facilitate this development.
Further infrastructure and operational improvements have been made to facilitate the live cattle export trade and the treatment and clearance of containers through the Quarantine and Customs process. Also improvements in port security have been made to ensure the Port of Darwin meets the International Ships and Ports Security Code and is seen as a complying port for international trade.
The Northern Territory government has encouraged the extension of existing shipping services through fee relief and also facilitated a number of trial shipments from north Asia and South-East Asian ports. Expanded shipping services is one of the primary objectives of the ‘Growing Our Trade Route’ strategy.
172. Police, Fire and Emergency Services - Consultants
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
1. Did the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Services employ any consultants during 2004-05 to undertake work specifically relating to the area of Policy Advice and Public Sector Coordination?
2. If so, who were the consultants?
3. What was the nature of each consultancy?
4. Please list all the consultancies awarded by certificate of exemption.
5. In how many and in which consultancies were expressions of interest or tenders called before a person or body was engaged to carry out that promotion?
6. Please provide the detail and cost of each consultancy.
ANSWER
The NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services’ Human Resource Management Branch engaged one consultant who was John O’Leary from John O’Leary Consulting. He was engaged to provide strategic human resource management advice and project management. His engagement was not awarded by certificate of exemption but rather through a tender process. He is on the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment’s panel of tenders, and it is through this that he was engaged. Cost of his consultancy through the 2004-05 period was $53 227.
173. Police, Fire and Emergency Services - Reports
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Please provide the detailed expenditure for Police, Fire and Emergency Services in 2004-05 on reports produced that have been either outsourced or produced internally, including:
- (a) what was the purpose of the reports;
(b) who or what organisation prepared the reports;
(c) what was the cost of the report;
(d) has the report or reports been tabled in parliament; and
(e) what has been the outcome of those reports?
ANSWER
Staff of the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services produce many reports each day, and it is not feasible to provide details of each report prepared within the organisation.
The NTPFES Annual Report 2003-04 is an accurate record of the business of this organisation, and should be used for research as required.
175. Police, Fire and Emergency Services - Promotional Material
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
1. How much was spent by Police, Fire and Emergency Services on advertising/ promotional/activities/videos/DVDs/brochures and general printed matter in 2004-05?
2. How does this compare with 2003-04?
ANSWER
The department spent $111 344.27 in 2003-04 and $96 725.40 in 2004-05 on marketing and promotional activities for the organisation.
179. Property Crime – Reporting Rates
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
What are the reporting rates for property crime and break and enter in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
There is no overall measure of property crime reporting rates in the Northern Territory, only an approximate measure of the reporting rates for break-ins.
This approximate measure is the 2002 ABS Crime and Safety Survey which, among other measures, estimates the proportion of residential unlawful entries reported to police.
Because of the sample size, caution should be taken when interpreting the statistics for the Northern Territory. The summary results are subject to substantial sampling errors circa 25% to 50%. The survey is also limited to people living in private dwellings in major urban locations. The survey sample is not considered representative of the Northern Territory population generally.
It is important to note that the responses obtained in the survey are based on the respondent’s perception of their having been the victim of the offence. The terms used in the ABS questionnaire may evoke in the respondent a different response, which may not necessarily correspond to the legal definitions which are used for offence(s) by police.
The 2002 survey reveals the reporting rate for ‘break-in’ was 72.8% (national average 75.1%). It should be noted that the only other two reporting rates for property crime (attempted break-in and motor vehicle theft) are considered by the ABS to be too unreliable for general use.
What can be said is that the reporting rate is relatively constant - authorities have always known there is a gap between crime and reported crime, however, the gap is relatively constant over time.
180. Violent Crimes
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
In regard to crimes of violence and sexual assault (and I remind the minister of the spate of sexual assaults that have taken place in Darwin recently), what strategies were implemented in 2004-05 to combat this increasing problem?
ANSWER
In terms of violent crime, the Northern Territory Police launched their Violent Crime Reduction Strategy (VCR Strategy) in November 2004. The strategy identifies the link between domestic and personal violence to more serious crimes, such as sexual assaults and homicide. The objective of the VCR Strategy is to reduce the incidence of violent crime using an intelligence led approach by:
understanding and targeting the causal factors of assault and domestic violence;
services to victims of domestic violence.
A project team was established in February 2005 to implement a range of initiatives including the creation of Domestic and Personal Violence Protection Units in Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Each unit is responsible for developing strategies to target specific problems in their region.
The VCR Strategy is also supported by a quality assurance process, which has operated since February 2005. This process involves every domestic-related incident being reviewed to ensure a quality response is provided on every occasion.
Police have received a grant from the Australian Department of Family and Community Services to implement an integrated family violence service in the Katherine Region. This service will see the co-location of Police and NT Family and Children’s Services to manage more effectively, families who present with a range of issues, which include family violence. It will also focus on remote areas in the region to assist individual communities to develop sustainable support structures for victims of family violence.
182. PROMIS System Upgrade
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
What progress has been made in upgrading the PROMIS system and have the issues of lengthy response times been resolved?
ANSWER
In 2003, recurrent funding of $1.5m for the support and maintenance of the PROMIS application and associated ICT environment was approved. NTPFES continues to be aligned with the providers of PROMIS, the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The database software, Oracle, is used by PROMIS as an essential part of keeping in line with the AFP.
It was upgraded and will continue to be upgraded as required. The storage requirements of PROMIS have grown since implementation in 1999. The specific data storage hardware was replaced due to its age and to ensure the integrity of PROMIS data. The upgrade of the PROMIS backend (database) hardware was also completed, and is an essential part of keeping in line with the AFP.
The PROMIS system will require additional upgrades as and when required to ensure alignment with the AFP and to ensure old equipment is replaced.
At the current time, PROMIS response times are primarily an issue in remote police stations due to the low bandwidth telecommunication links being used. The recent Telecommunication contract awarded to Telstra will see all urban and remote police stations upgraded with satellite or terrestrial links over the period from August 2005 to approximately September 2006. It is envisaged that these upgrades will provide some relief for users of the PROMIS system and other information technology applications used by NTPFES. However, it should be noted that the response time of PROMIS or other NTPFES applications is determined by many factors other than the application itself. Local Area Network infrastructure or other users may affect the response times of users in single or multiple NTPFES locations. The NTPFES will, where possible, monitor performance in all areas. The Telstra contract will also provide a service whereby the performance of specific telecommunication links that are in question, can be monitored. The NTPFES will utilise this service where required.
183. Humpty Doo Police and Fire Station
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
The Humpty Doo Police and Fire Station is intended to provide services for Darwin’s growing rural population but key facilities have not been included. For example, there is only one holding cell which means that only one male can be held at a time with no facilities to hold female offenders. Similarly, there are no toilet facilities available meaning prisoners must be taken out of the cell to access these facilities to the toilet block.
The holding cell does not have closed circuit TV (CCTV) monitoring which is a requirement under the Aboriginal Deaths in Custody recommendations and, with the Palmerston cells also not compliant, it means that indigenous prisoners and excess prisoners at the Humpty Doo Station have to be driven to Police Headquarters in Mitchell Street in the city.
The Berrimah cells are not available as they are currently being used to store archives and records. This will mean that the whole process will take police off-line for up to four hours while they are taking prisoners to the Mitchell Street holding cells. If there is more than one prisoner that needs to be transferred, it effectively takes out one officer from active duty for a whole shift.
1. What was the reason behind failing to plan for simple things like holding cells, CCTV and toilets? Is this really the station police wanted or is this a result of police not having sufficient funds to do the job properly?
2. How many police have been allocated to the facility and what hours do they operate from?
ANSWER
The holding cells at the Humpty Doo Police Station were designed for short-term detention. It allows operational police officers to maintain the security of a prisoner prior to breath analysis, interview or transport. The glass frontage provides full visibility to police members carrying out duties in the muster room.
In compliance with the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody, the holding cells are not intended to be used as a replacement for custody at the city watch-house. The holding cells at Humpty Doo are also compliant for the purposes of short-term custody in that there is an absence of ‘hanging points’ and that any persons held in the cell can be continually observed.
Closed circuit television monitors are not to be used as a replacement for visual observations and physical checks.
The Humpty Doo facility was planned in conjunction with police staff and was built with possible future expansion in mind.
The current staffing level is as follows:
1 x sergeant
4 x constables
2 x auxiliaries
Patrols from the station operate from 0800 to 1800 hrs for day shifts and 1300 to 2300 hrs for evening shifts.
Front counter hours are 1000 to 1800 hrs for week days and 0800 to 1600 during weekends.
190. Drink Driving Arrests
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
How many people were arrested for drink driving in 2004-05 and how does this compare with 2003-04?
ANSWER
The following statistics for the 2003-04 and 2004-05 financial years were sourced from IJIS as at 29 August 2005. The numbers are generated from the proceeding population based on the Identification Justice Information System (IJIS) person identification number, case identification, and apprehension date. A proceeding represents a time (date) on which a person is proceeded against by police. For example, a person proceeded against for multiple offences in one day is counted once, and a person proceeded against for multiple dates is counted once on each of those dates.
 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 |
| PROCEEDINGS | 2769 | 2637 |
| ARRESTS | 2275 | 2088 |
| SUMMONS | 494 | 549 |
| 2003-04 | 2004-05 |
| PROCEEDINGS | 2769 | 2637 |
| ARRESTS | 2275 | 2088 |
| SUMMONS | 494 | 549 |
- PROCEEDINGS - ARRESTS
| CATEGORY | 2003-04 | 2004-05 |
| Driver Under Influence | 80 | 54 |
| Refuse Breathalyser | 35 | 18 |
| Fail to Supply Sufficient Sample | 237 | 194 |
| Exceed 0.00% | 74 | 78 |
| Exceed 0.05% | 62 | 66 |
| Exceed 0.08% | 612 | 701 |
| Exceed 0.15% | 1,175 | 977 |
| TOTAL | 2275 | 2088 |
PROCEEDINGS - SUMMONS
| Driver Under Influence | 40 | 51 |
| Refuse Breathalyser | 0 | 1 |
| Fail to Supply Sufficient Sample | 10 | 8 |
| Exceed 0.00% | 81 | 103 |
| Exceed 0.05% | 33 | 40 |
| Exceed 0.08% | 263 | 279 |
| Exceed 0.15% | 67 | 67 |
| TOTAL | 494 | 549 |
191. Unlicensed Drivers and Unregistered Vehicles
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
1. How many drivers were arrested for driving unlicensed and how many for driving unregistered motor vehicles in 2004-05?
2. How does this compare with 2003-04?
ANSWER
See Attachment A.
The offence Drive Unregistered Vehicle (751397) has been used by police since 2 May 2004, and explains the large increase from 2003-04 (07) to 2004-05 (461).
Prior to 2 May 2004, an ‘unregistered motor vehicle’ offence was mainly dealt with by issuing a traffic infringement notice. Prior to the date the offence was not time limited as to 30 days or less as currently described. It covered the offence regardless of vehicle registration expiry date hence the large decrease from 2003-04 (473) to 2004-05 (107).
Since 2 May 2004, the police have dealt with the offence using one of two TINs (751395 for expiry <30 days & 751396 for expiry >30 days but less than 1 year) or by direct summons or arrest (751397).
Offences 751395 and 751396 are persons proceeded against by Arrest or Summons after failure to pay a TIN for the offence(s). The shaded columns represent a sub-set of a larger population group of offenders within the offence set.
The counting methodology is based on the proceeding population as derived from the Integrated Justice Information System (IJIS) person identification number, case identification (case ID), and apprehension date. A proceeding represents a date on which a person is proceeded against by police. For example, a person proceeded against for multiple offences in one day is counted once, and a person proceeded against for multiple dates, is counted once on each of those dates.
192. Demerit Point System
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
Have police made any submissions to your government recommending the introduction of a drivers licence demerit point system for traffic infringements?
ANSWER
Road safety strategies are subject to constant review. Enforcement of all traffic laws and regulations form an important component of Northern Territory road safety strategies.
Research analysis is conducted on interstate and overseas strategies to address road safety, which assists in developing and implementing new enforcement and educational strategies for Northern Territory road users.
Strategies deployed in 2004-05 to deter and detect traffic offenders included:
Tactical intelligence-led use of speed camera vans and hand-held speed detection devices.
red light running, non-wearing of seat belts, and other offences under the Traffic Act and
Traffic Regulations.
Educational lectures are regularly conducted to school students, Defence Force personnel, and other corporations in respect of road user safety.
Media advice in respect of upcoming road safety campaigns also assist in raising public awareness to road safety imperatives.
The government’s policy in relation to a demerit points system was articulated publicly by the previous Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services in 2001-02. No consideration has been given to changing that position nor have submissions to that end been sought or obtained.
193. Emergency Response – Kings Canyon
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for POLICE, FIRE and EMERGENCY SERVICES
What strategies were implemented in 2004-05 to improve response to trauma and bushfire in the Kings Canyon region?
ANSWER
The Kings Canyon Emergency Response Post was established by the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES) to provide an immediate coordinated response to road accidents, vertical rescue, and search and rescue incidents in Watarrka National Park and on the Luritja and Mereenie Loop approach roads. The post has a permanent NTES officer to provide training to local NTES Units, as well as a coordination centre for major fire and rescue operations, and will in the near future, provide limited Motor Vehicle Registry services.
The initiative was announced by the Chief Minister at Alice Springs on 12 April 2005 and the Emergency Response Post, situated at the Old Ranger Station at Watarrka National Park, became fully operational on 16 May 2005.
Funding was provided in 2004-05 for provision of personnel, a four-wheel drive vehicle, fit-out and equipment for the post, and a lease payment.
In the first two weeks of operation, the Emergency Response Post and Watarrka Volunteer Unit responded to nine incidents in the immediate park area.
228. Tourism - Niche Market Development
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
1. Are you looking to develop niche markets?
2. If so, what niche markets are you targeting?
3. What research has identified these niche markets?
ANSWER
Yes, the NT Tourist Commission has identified a number of ‘niche’ markets that require a specialist marketing approach. Whilst research is not used to ‘identify’ these markets, ongoing research is used to substantiate and validate marketing opportunities. Niche markets are identified by the commission as those markets that are more likely to be influenced by the commission’s marketing activity in a more targeted manner, through specialist promotion and marketing activity.
There are many other markets that some may consider ‘niche’ such as bird watching, trekking, four-wheel driving, camping etcetera. The NT Tourist Commission does not specifically target these as they are reached through mainstream marketing activity undertaken by the commission. This has been substantiated through 2004 market segmentation studies conducted by independent consultants, Open Mind. This research identified 11 market segments, five of which are more likely to be predisposed to visiting a tourism destination such as the Northern Territory. These five segments are collectively referred to as the ‘spirited’ traveller. They are specifically interested in holidays that offer a nature and culture experience which can include activities like camping, trekking etcetera.
The backpacker market is an important niche market to the Northern Territory and is identified as that portion of the market who either stay in hostel/budget style accommodation and or participate in typical backpacker adventure style of activity.
Fishing is also an important niche market for the Top End. This market includes ‘hard core’ fishers as well as those who may travel to the Northern Territory for a nature and culture experience and decide to try their hand at fishing whilst here.
Finally, the last identified niche market is Gay and Lesbian (G & L) tourism, not because of the experience G & L people are seeking is any different to that of the Northern Territory’s identified ‘spirited traveller’ but to more easily target this relatively affluent sector in a marketing sense.
Since 1998, the NT Tourist Commission has utilised Tourism Research Australia’s figures collected through the International Visitor Survey (IVS) and the National Visitor Survey (NVS) to determine visitor numbers to the Northern Territory, as well as profile and activity undertaken by those visitors. These surveys have identified that in 2004, the backpacker market accounted for approximately 10% of all visitors to the Territory. Specific figures for the G & L and fishing markets are not captured by these surveys and it is recognised that both these markets are considerably smaller in size. As a result the marketing spend for both of these markets by the commission is considerably less.
In addition to both the IVS and NVS surveys, the NT Tourist Commission developed in 2004 a Gay and Lesbian strategy. The strategy was developed through a process of consultation and research with stakeholders. The National Recreational Fishing Survey was conducted in 2001 by the former Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development (Fisheries Division) where it is estimated that 25% of all recreational fishing in the Northern Territory is conducted by visitors to the Territory with estimated expenditure of $8.5m.
More recently, the NT Tourist Commission has dedicated personnel and resources to work with the backpacker industry in order to identify opportunities for marketing and product development within this sector. This process has included conducting of research with local operators and backpacker tourists throughout the Northern Territory.
229. Visitor Information Centres
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
Budget papers state that, in 2004-05, there were five accredited visitor information service providers. The budget 2005-06 estimates seven accredited visitor information centres.
1. Where are the seven accredited visitor information centres?
2. How is the new visitor information centre at Three Ways being funded?
3. How is the visitor information centre at Three Ways being serviced?
ANSWER
1. Where are the seven accredited VICs?
There are five accredited visitor information service providers throughout the Northern Territory – located in:
Darwin
Katherine
Barkly/ Tennant Creek (Nyinkka Nyunyu and Battery Hill Mining Centre)
Alice Springs
These five providers receive funding from the NT Tourist Commission through an annual grant of $2.175m. The $2.175m funding covers the operations of the Visitor Information Centres and the Regional Tourist Associations. The two functions are separate in Katherine and Tennant Creek. Each organisation is funded as follows:
- Regional Visitor
- Tourist Information
Darwin $320 000 $320 000
Katherine $200 000 $285 000
Tennant Creek $230 000 $180 000
Alice Springs $320 000 $320 000
The NT Tourist Commission undertook a review of the Partnership NT Agreement with the four Regional Tourist Associations in October 2003. The object of this review was to establish an accountable relationship which would be based on agreed service delivery to industry and effective outcomes with accountable key performance indicators.
The major Visitor Information Centres will become more destination focused and will be required to provide a full and comprehensive range of information for visitors on all regions.
In Katherine and Barkly, the new arrangements are now in place with the formal separation of the Visitor Information Centre and the Regional Tourist Association and agreements are essentially in place for the Visitor Information Centres. Katherine Town Council now operate the Visitor Information Centre and in the Barkly Region this responsibility has been transferred to Battery Hill Mining Centre and Nyinkka Nyunyu Aboriginal Cultural Centre, both are major attractions for the region.
Progress continues on the establishment of visitor information ‘service’ outlets along the highway (eg, Pine Creek, Mataranka and Timber Creek) and at entry points into the Northern Territory (eg, Kununurra, Mt Isa and Cooper Pedy). These sub-regional visitor information services will be located in existing businesses and will provide static displays of regional information, designed to assist the traveller with information to guide them through their journey and to extend their length of stay in the Northern Territory.
2. How is the new V.I.C. at Three Ways being funded?
Three Ways Wayside Inn was successful with their application for a Tourism Development Grant of $90 000 to turn a disused building attached to the roadhouse into a visitor information service. The funding was allocated for the ‘fit-out’ of the building including brochure display collateral, posters and interpretive materials.
3. How is the V.I.C. at Three Ways being serviced?
The Three Ways Visitor Information Services will be serviced by the Regional Tourism Associations by way of provision of regional booklets, maps, and information to assist the traveller with information up and down the track, as will any other information service established.
There is no provision for funding of these services for administration and staffing as these services will be undertaken by the proprietor.
230. Territory Discoveries - Agencies
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
1. In which states and territories does Territory Discoveries operate?
2. List the number of Territory Discoveries agencies there are in each state and territory.
ANSWER
1. Currently, Territory Discoveries has offices and representatives located in the following states and territories:
NT - Alice Springs
NSW - Sydney (also servicing ACT)
Victoria - Melbourne (also servicing Tasmania)
Queensland - Brisbane
- It also has a part-time representative in South Australia that services South Australia and Western Australia and a representative in New Zealand.
- Territory Discoveries product is sold throughout travel agency networks in Australia, New Zealand and some Asian markets.
2. As mentioned above, Territory Discoveries has offices and staff in each of the states and territories listed, it does not have any other offices or agencies.
232. Holiday Package Bookings
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
It is pleasing to see the increase in the number of holiday packages sold and estimated. Holiday package bookings for shoulder and low season have nothing showing in budget papers for 2003-04 to compare. Budget papers for 2004-05 estimate bookings at $2.69m, with the estimate for 2005-06 at $2.8m.
What were the actual figures for 2003-04 so that I can evaluate the development of Territory Discoveries?
ANSWER
In 2003-04, Territory Discoveries generated $1.793m in gross sales over the shoulder and low season for the Northern Territory.
233. Territory Discoveries – Operating Expenses
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for TOURISM
Operating expenses were budgeted in 2004-05 at $4.983m, operating expenses estimated for 2005-06 at $5.794m, a difference of $811 000.
Could you please give details of the make-up of the $811 000?
ANSWER
The operating expenses for 2004-05 increased from $4.983m to $5.794m during 2004-05 as a direct result of government’s approval for Territory Discoveries to expand its business operations along with other minor NT Treasury adjustments such as the EBA. Additional funding requested was as follows:
$429 000 - personnel costs
includes increased costs for insurance, telephones, IT charges etcetera)
234. Duck Pond in Frances Bay
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
What funding has your government provided for improving and the repairs and maintenance of the Duck Pond in Frances Bay?
ANSWER
The following budget has been allocated to the mooring basin for the year 2005-06.
Non-specific maintenance $ 45 000
Lock gate maintenance $100 000
Replacing tie rod anodes $ 50 000
235. Commercial Seafood Industry – Training and Facilities
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for PRIMARY INDUSTRY and FISHERIES
1. What extra funding has your government allocated to increase opportunities for training in the commercial seafood industry?
2. What funding are you providing for commercial seafood service facilities across the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
This government continues to provide financial support to the Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) with $175 000 allocated for 2005-06. NTSC operates from rented office accommodation at Fisherman’s Wharf and is administered by two full-time staff. The department provides further support through the secondment of a staff member accompanied by a motor vehicle, computer equipment and a mobile phone which in total is costed at $80 000 per annum.
NTSC provides training to industry members on an as needs basis covering seafood standards, hazard analysis critical control point systems, Australian Quarantine Inspection Service regulations, food safety and quality, fishery development and gear development.
In addition, the government provides funding to the Seafood and Maritime Industries Training Ltd to assist in the provision of coxswains, masters, and deckhand certificate courses. The breakdown of funding for 2004 calendar year provided by the Department of Employment, Education and Training was $492 212 in recurrent funding, $32 220 for new apprenticeship funding and $7670 as flexible response funds. Similar amounts have been set aside for 2005 - $492 210 recurrent funding and $32 490 for new apprenticeship funding. Within the general recurrent funding commitment $8775 has been set aside for a course in literacy and numeracy skills.
236. Environment and Heritage – Funding
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
Budget Paper No 3, p 217, 2004-05 estimate for Environment and Heritage is $6.726m, 2004-05 budget is $6.091m. Could you please give a breakdown of the difference of $635 000?
ANSWER
The difference of $635 000 arises from a variety of sources. The information for each of the three Environment and Heritage outputs is provided at Attachment B.
238. Environment and Heritage – Staffing Levels
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
How many staff are employed in Environment and Heritage and what are their salary levels?
ANSWER
At 1 September 2005, 34 staff were employed at the Office of Environment and Heritage. Of these, two have executive contracts, 26 are permanent full-time or part-time staff, and six are temporary full-time or part-time staff.
Salary levels at 1 September 2005 (reflecting current higher duties arrangements) are as follows:
Level Number
ECO2 1
ECO1 1
E02 1
P4 2
P3 4
P2 16
P1 2
A06 1
A04 1
A03 1
A02 2
A01 1
T4 1
241. Glyde Point Industrial Development – Environmental Assessment
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for NATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT and HERITAGE
At last year’s Estimates Committee hearings, your department advised that the Glyde Point Industrial Development Environmental Assessment was estimated to cost $51 000.
Can you tell the committee what the actual cost was?
ANSWER
A Notice of Intent for the Glyde Point Industrial Development was lodged with my Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) in December 2003. I determined that the proposal should be assessed under the Environmental Assessment Act at the level of an environmental impact statement (EIS) and in May 2004 I directed the proponent to prepare an EIS addressing matters set out in a guideline document prepared by my OEH.
Since last year’s Estimates Committee hearings there has been no further action with respect to this proposal and therefore, no costs were incurred by OEH for the environmental assessment in 2004-05.
243. Papunya Community Government Council - Operations
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Will you table in parliament the report into the operation of the Papunya Community Government Council dated 2004?
2. Does the report state that the community was dysfunctional and that vehicles were missing?
3. Will you now announce that you will investigate the loss of Northern Territory taxpayers’ money from that community?
ANSWER
1. My department conducts regular compliance reviews of councils under the Local Government Act and any identified matters of non-compliance are addressed by council concerned with guidance from my department. These reviews are privileged between the council concerned and my department.
2. Papunya community has had a range of issues in recent times that have impacted on community members. There has not been any evidence, however from conducting compliance reviews that council vehicles are missing.
3. A previous compliance review by my department did not identify a loss of monies from council.
244. Yuendumu Community Government Council - Administration
Ms CARNEY to MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Was the Yuendumu Community Government Council wound up by your department; if so, what were the reasons?
2. Why was the decision to put the council into administration delayed until after the general election?
ANSWER
1. The Yuendumu Community Government Council has not been wound up. However, the council was suspended for failure to comply with certain provisions the Local Government Act and was experiencing severe financial difficulties, hence my decision to appoint a manager. The manager will ensure basic services are continued to be delivered pending a future election.
2. The decision to put the council under a manager was not delayed until after the general election. Early in the year, my department commenced a review into the financial affairs of the council and was in the process of collating information and considering the options available to it when the election was called. The recommendation from the department for me to instigate the suspension of the council was not agreed to until after the election.
ANSWERS TO WRITTEN QUESTIONS
ATTACHMENT A – Answer to Question No 191
Persons Arrested or Summonsed for Driving Unlicensed and Unregistered Motor Vehicles
| Apprehension | Drive Motor Vehicle while Unlicensed (733030) | Drive Unregistered Vehicle (since 2/5/04 - 1 month or less) – TIN (pre 2/5/04 used regardless of vehicle registration expiry date) (751395) | Drive Unregistered Vehicle less than 12 months – TIN (used post 2/5/04) (751396) | Drive Unregistered Vehicle (used post 2/5/04) (751397) |
| 2004-05 | Arrests | 969 | 73 | 49 | 186 |
| Summons | 1214 | 34 | 25 | 275 |
| Total | 2183 | 107 | 74 | 461 |
| 2003-04 | Arrests | 1122 | Not limited to one month < 270 | Did not exist 0 | 0 |
| Summons | 1135 | Not limited to one month < 203 | Did not exist 0 | Since 2 May only 7 |
| Total | 2257 | 473 | 0 | 7 |
TIN = Traffic Infringement Notice
The data was extracted from IJIS as at 3 September 2005.
ATTACHMENT B – Answer to Question No 236
Environment Protection Services
| 2004-05 Original Budget $000 | Reason for Variation | $000 | 2004-05 Revised Estimate $000 |
| 3 211 | Additional funding in 2004-05 for: Enterprise bargaining agreement Internal transfer for personnel expenses to deal with additional assessment workloads One off transfer from Conservation and Natural Resources for Darwin Harbour stormwater strategy project Funding in 2004-05 for external litter abatement grants not finalised in 2003-04 Increase in corporate overheads Increase in DCIS notional charges Messaging contract adjustment | Total = +456 +29 +179 +100 +97 +29 +16 +6 | 3 667 |
Greenhouse Policy
| 2004-05 Original Budget $000 | Reason for Variation | $000 | 2004-05 Revised Estimate $000 |
| 468 | Additional funding in 2004-05 for: Enterprise bargaining agreement Increase in DCIS notional charges | Total = +7 +5 +2 | 475 |
ATTACHMENT B – Answer to Question No 236 (continued)
Heritage Conservation Services
| 2004-05 Original Budget $000 | Reason for Variation | $000 | 2004-05 Revised Estimate $000 |
2 412 | Additional funding in 2004-05 for: Funding in 2004-05 for external heritage grants not finalised in 2003-04 Transfer from Conservation and Natural Resources for Darwin Harbour cultural survey Increase in corporate overheads Enterprise bargaining agreement Increase in DCIS notional overhead charges Messaging contract agreement Offset by reduction in funding for 2004-05: Depreciation adjustment | Total = +172
+85+55 +18 +9 +5 +2 -2 | 2 584 |
ATTACHMENT C – Answer to Question No 91
Figure 1
- Source: Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey, and the Commission’s Annual Reports and internal financial systems
ATTACHMENT D – Answer to Question No 92
Figure 1
- Source: Tourism Research Australia’s National Visitor Survey and International Visitor Survey, and the Commission’s Annual Reports and internal financial systems
ATTACHMENT E – Answer to Question No 94
Figure 1
Source: Roy Morgan Research’s Holiday Tracking Survey (rounded, long trip data only)
ATTACHMENT F – Answer to Question No 100
Visitation to Northern Territory managed Parks has been steady over the last four years:
| (in 000s) | | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| Nitmiluk NP | | na | 254 | 248 | 268 | 233 |
| Litchfield NP | | 250 | 274 | 241 | 242 | 252 |
| Watarrka NP | | 259 | 270 | 281 | 270 | 261 |
| Ormiston Gorge | 63 | 71 | 86 | 88 | 89 | |
| Simpsons Gap | 139 | 144 | 125 | 118 | 121 | |
In comparison, Kakadu National Park figures show a decrease in visitor numbers:
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| 200752 | 197527 | 189134 | 170423 | 169955 |
Uluru figures have also decreased over the past four years:
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 |
| 387065 | 394315 | 391574 | 362428 | 345638 |
ATTACHMENT G – Answer to Question No 101
Graph 1:
The NT Tourist Commission research shows the following increases in holiday visitor numbers from July 2004 – March 2005 (most current research).
While this growth has been occurring, Territory Discoveries’ volume of calls decreased from 2003-04 to 2004-05 by 7%, leaving this mode of contact available for other operators, most of whose business is call-based.
Last updated: 04 Aug 2016