LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY CO-OPERATION
ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
AUGUST 2010
Presented and ordered to be printed by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
August 2010
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE as at 30 June 2010
Mr Gerry Wood, MLA, Member for Nelson – Chair
Ms Marion Scrymgour, MLA, Member for Arafura
Ms Lynne Walker, MLA, Member for Nhulunbuy (from 18 March 2010)
Mr Willem Westra Van Holthe, MLA, Member for Katherine
Mr David Tollner, MLA, Member for Fong Lim (from 18 June 2010)
Ms Alison Anderson, MLA, Member for Macdonnell
Previous Membership
Mr Michael Gunner, MLA, Member for Fannie Bay (to 18 March 2010)
Mr John Elferink, MLA, Member for Port Darwin (to 18 June 2010)
COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT as at 30 June 2010
Ms Helen Campbell – Secretary (from 6 April 2010)
Ms Jan Whitehead – Principal Research Officer
Mr Simon Flavel – Research Officer (from 11 June 2010)
Ms Karen Turner – Adminstration Officer (from 1 April 2010)
Ms Kim Cowcher – Committee Support Assistant
Previous Committee Staff
Ms Pat Hancock – Secretary (to 1 April 2010)
Mrs Kay Parsons – Administration Officer (to 31 March 2010)
Council of Territory Co-operation Department of the Legislative Assembly GPO Box 3721 DARWIN NT 0801
Telephone: (08) 8946 1464 Fax: (08) 8999 6603 Email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.nt.gov.au/lant/parliament/committees/comm/comm.shtml
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CONTENTS
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE...... I
COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT...... I
CHAIR’S LETTER TO MADAM SPEAKER...... III
1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNCIL OF TERRITORY CO-OPERATION ...... 1 CTC INQUIRY PROCESSES ...... 1 CTC REPORTS AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE ...... 2 COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT ...... 2
2. CTC WORK PROGRAM...... 4
OVERVIEW OF THE CTC FUNCTIONS ...... 4 SELF -REFERENCES ...... 4 PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS ...... 4 CTC REPORTS AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES ...... 5
CTC EXPENDITURE TO 30 JUNE 2010 ...... 7
APPENDIX A ...... 9
APPENDIX B ...... 21
APPENDIX C ...... 24
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CHAIR’S LETTER TO MADAM SPEAKER
NORTHERN TERRITORY LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY CO-OPERATION
Telephone: 08 89461408 GPO Box 3721 Fax: 08 8999603 Darwin NT 0801 Email: [email protected]
The Hon. J. Aagaard MLA Speaker Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory GPO Box 3721 DARWIN NT 0801
Dear Madam Speaker
On behalf of the Council of Territory Co-operation and in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 7 of the Council’s terms of reference, I submit this Annual Report on the Council’s activities, staffing and operations from establishment as a Sessional Committee on 14 October 2009 to 30 June 2010.
Yours sincerely
GERRY WOOD Chair
6 August 2010
www.nt.gov.au/lant/parliament/parliament.shtml
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1. INTRODUCTION
Establishment of the Council of Territory Co-operation
On 14 August 2009 the Independent Member for Nelson, Mr Gerry Wood MLA and the Chief Minister, the Hon Paul Henderson MLA entered into an agreement that included provision for the establishment of a Council of Territory Co-operation. Under the terms of the Agreement, a Council of Territory Co-operation’s role was to examine government decision making, in consultation with opposition and other members of the Legislative Assembly. See Appendix A for a copy of the Agreement.
On 14 October 2009 the Legislative Assembly resolved to establish a Sessional Committee to be known as ‘The Council of Territory Co-operation’ (CTC or the Council). See Appendix B for a copy of the Council’s full terms of reference.
The CTC is comprised of up to six members including two government members, two opposition members and at least one independent member, with Mr Wood appointed as Chairman. The CTC’s purpose is to facilitate:
(a) greater levels of collaboration in the governance of the Northern Territory; (b) enhance parliamentary democracy by providing a stronger role for members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the Executive – particularly on matters of common concern; (c) expand involvement in important Northern Territory initiatives and projects; (d) provide new avenues for Territorians to have input through the Legislative Assembly into the governance of the Northern Territory; and (e) provide a roadmap for tackling some specific issues currently facing the Northern Territory.
CTC Inquiry Processes
Meetings of the CTC usually follow one of the following formats:
Public Hearings/Inquiry
These hearings are open to the public, including the media. The media may report any public session of the CTC, unless otherwise ordered by the CTC. Transcripts of the proceedings are produced and made publicly available on the CTC’s internet site.
The CTC’s findings from an inquiry or public hearing are collated into a report which is tabled in parliament and is therefore made a public document, accessible either through the Parliamentary Table Office or the CTC’s internet site.
Deliberative Meetings
Deliberative meetings are private meetings of the CTC where confidential matters and the proceedings of the CTC are discussed, together with general administrative business. Deliberative meetings are minuted, recorded and transcribed, however the transcript and minutes are for the Council’s use only and are not public documents.
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Briefings
Briefings are a tool used by the CTC to gain information on particular issues either from the public sector and/or the public and are usually of a confidential nature. They take place before, during or after a public hearing and are used to gather general background information, or learn about established policies and programs.
Briefings may be recorded and it is the right of the CTC to decide if the transcripts of briefings are made public or not. This is usually determined from the nature of the material discussed and the preference of the person/s providing the briefing.
Taking of Evidence
Like all parliamentary committees, the CTC’s effectiveness is essentially reliant on the type and quality of information developed, gathered or submitted during its deliberations.
The source and content of information received by the CTC, in written and oral submissions, can be of a professional and specialist nature on specific subjects, or the promotion and presentation of particular attitudes, trends and ideas. Generally, evidence taken from written submissions or at oral hearings will be made public in support of the CTC’s findings. However, evidence may be deemed to be in camera if it is of a sensitive, personal or confidential manner or if it is a third party document to which parliamentary privilege may not apply.
Submissions
The Council welcomes submissions both in writing or presented orally. Submissions do not have to be long or detailed and can set out a community’s, organisation’s or an individual’s concerns in dot points and can be emailed or posted to the Secretariat.
CTC Reports and Government Response
The CTC is required to report to the Legislative Asssembly, as per the terms of reference (Appendix B), on an annual basis as well as providing specific reports from time to time to report on its proceedings and evidence taken.
The Council has committed to regularly provide information on its activities and findings through the Legislative Assembly and as broadly as possible through the media. It reports regularly to the Legislative Assembly on matters of public importance detailed in the terms of reference.
The Northern Territory Government is required to respond to a CTC report, as per the terms of reference, within three months from the date a report is received.
Committee Secretariat
Staffing for the CTC is provided by the Department of the Legislative Assembly. The CTC has a full-time Secretary who is supported by an Administrative Assistant and two Research Officers. The resources of a further position of Committee Support Assistant is shared between all Committees.
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Comprehensive research and report writing is undertaken by a Principal Research Officer. Consultants with knowledge and expertise in particular subjects are engaged as needed by the CTC. At the end of the financial year, two consultants have been engaged on short term contracts to undertake specialist research and prepare CTC promotional material.
Hansard staff provided an additional transcribing and editing service for the CTC. Due to demands on Hansard staff for transcribing services, the CTC has sought transcribing services from a private company.
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2. CTC WORK PROGRAM
Overview of the CTC functions
The work of the CTC has centred around its references arising from its terms of reference that include:
(a) the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP); (b) local government reform; (c) the planning scheme and the establishment of Weddell; (d) A Working Future (including homelands policy); (e) any other matter of public importance referred to it by the Legislative Assembly; and (f) any matter of public importance concerned with the administration of matters of which ministers of the Territory have executive authority pursuant to the provisions of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act and Regulations (Commonwealth).
After meeting to discuss priorities and an immediate work plan, the Council announced in October 2009 that its immediate priorities were to investigate SIHIP, local government and Working Future .
Following the establishment of the Council as a Sessional Committee, newspaper advertisements were placed advising of a program of public hearings into SIHIP, local government reform and Working Future (including the Homelands policy) and seeking registrations of interest to address the Council on related issues.
Self-references
In addition to the references contained in its terms of reference, the CTC has the power to self-reference any matter of public importance.
Using this power in December 2009, the CTC resolved to inquire into the compilation of domestic violence statistics. At the same time it was resolved to inquire into the power generation network in respect of gas supply to determine what led to a significant power outage across parts of the Territory’s Top End in late November 2009.
Subsequently, the CTC has decided to look more generally into the management of the Power Water Corporation.
Public Hearings and Meetings
In its first eight months, the CTC has held 30 meetings, hearings and briefings and talked to over 200 witnesses representing a range of organisations and interests. Details of the CTC public hearings, briefings and witnesses are listed at Appendix C.
Initial public hearings were conducted in Darwin, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Katherine from November to December 2009. Additional hearings have been conducted in Darwin and Alice Springs and as part of site visits to Indigenous communities.
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In addition to the public hearings, the Council has undertaken site visits and received briefings from interested organisations. Site visits have been undertaken to:
• Tennant Creek town camps; • Nguiu; • Wadeye; • Angurugu, Umbakumba and Alyangula on Groote Eylandt; • Trucking Yards and Larapinta town camps in Alice Springs; • Santa Teresa; and • Hermannsburg (Ntaria).
It is planned to undertake site visits and conduct public hearings in various regions and in particular to revisit Groote Eylandt, Nguiu and Wadeye in the coming months.
CTC Reports and Government Responses
Two reports have been tabled by the CTC to date. The First Report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 24 February 2010 and contained 21 recommendations on SIHIP, local government reform and Working Future.
The Second Report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 6 May 2010 and included 14 recommendations on the power generation network, crime statistics, Working Future , local government reform and SIHIP.
The government’s response to the CTC’s First Report was tabled in the Legislative Assembly on 4 May 2010.
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COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION
EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
30 JUNE 2010
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
CTC EXPENDITURE TO 30 JUNE 2010
ACTUAL EXPENDITURE $ Total Salaries 165,170 Property Maintenance and Power 494 Accommodation 7,306 Communications 16,021 Consultants Fees 4,400 Consumables/ General Expenses 531 Document Production 898 Entertainment/ Hospitality 3,681 Fees and other Regulatory Charges 86 Information Technology Charges 13,992 IT Hardware and Software Expenses 3,026 Library Services 292 Marketing and Promotion 10,335 Motor Vehicle Expenses 6,726 Office Requisites & Stationery 5,335 Official Duty Fares 11,484 Other Equipment Expenses 4,504 Relocation Expenses 500 Training and Study Expenses 1,401 Travelling Allowance 2,650 Total Operational Expenses 93,661 Total Salaries and Operational Expenses 258,831 Committee Members Travel 36,207 TOTAL EXPENSES 295,038
Note to the Expenditure Statement
The total salaries figure includes $30,340 to employ casual handsard transcription staff.
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APPENDICES
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
APPENDIX A
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Appendix A
CHANGE POLITICAL CULTURE
The approach and mechanisms of governance in the Northern Territory are often overly Party political and adversarial in nature. There should be enhanced recognition of the contribution that can be made by all MLAs and those from the broader Territory community to devising approaches to tackle the important issues facing the Territory.
MLAs, Local Government and the community should have a greater involvement in the oversight of important initiatives across the Northern Territory.
Legislation will be enacted to establish the Council of Territory Co-operation. The Council shall be made up of up to six Members of the Legislative Assembly: 2 ALP, 2 CLP and at least 1 Independent.
The Council shall facilitate: • greater levels of collaboration in the governance of the Northern Territory; • enhance Parliamentary democracy by providing a stronger role for MLAs who are not members of the Executive – particularly on matters of common concern; • expand involvement in important Northern Territory initiatives and projects; • provide new avenues for Territorians to have input through the Legislative Assembly into the governance of the Northern Territory; and • provide a roadmap for tackling some specific issues currently facing the Northern Territory.
The Council shall be empowered to conduct inquiries and make recommendations on matters of public importance which are referred to it by the Legislative Assembly or self referred.
Current matters of public importance which the Government agrees to support being referred to the Council include: Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP); Local Government Reform; the Planning Scheme and the establishment of Weddell; and A Working Future (including Homelands Policy).
The Council shall determine the appropriate timeframes and workplan for the matters referred to it. Where the Council has multiple references to it, the Council shall determine which matter it enquires into first.
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The Council shall be empowered to conduct enquiries which shall include the capacity to conduct public hearings, consult with stakeholders such as Local Government and call expert evidence.
Reports and recommendations of the Council shall be tabled in the Legislative Assembly and made publicly available.
PARLIAMENTARY AND OTHER REFORMS :
1. Reform Question Time to allow more non-government questions
2. Dispense with Ministerial Reports.
3. Other Parliamentary reforms to be discussed.
4. Allow Government reports available under FOI to be free of charge to MLAs.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Government to produce a public Report to Parliament – Nov 09 Public and MLAs (Independent, Parliament discussion paper with a report to Opposition and Government). be presented to Parliament with any necessary legislation to implement the reforms.
BUDGET CONSULTATIONS
Prior to the framing of the Territory Budget Mr Wood shall receive a briefing from NT Treasury regarding Budget parameters.
Prior to the finalisation of the Budget, Mr Wood and the Budget Cabinet Sub-Committee shall meet to enable Mr Wood to advocate Budget proposals.
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PRISON LOCATION
1. Establish Expert Review Panel to review location
2. Examine alternative options to one large prison.
3. Investigate prison farms for Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Review of location and alternative End Nov 09 – report to Sub- Sub-Committee consisting of Mr Cabinet options by an expert panel Committee Wood, Minister for Corrections and reporting to Sub-Committee that Treasurer. reports directly to Cabinet. Prepare discussion paper on Discussion Paper – Jan 10 prison farms.
CARAVAN LEGISLATION
1. Protect permanent tenants.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Cabinet Submission to approve Introduce legislation in October 09 Mr Wood’s comments on legislation to Parliament legislative changes. sittings be provided to Cabinet.
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PROPERTY LAW REFORM
1. Vendor disclosure.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Cabinet Submission Introduce legislation in October 09 Mr Wood’s comments on legislation to Parliament sittings be provided to Cabinet.
LANDS AND PLANNING ISSUES
1. Address pricing and availability of land especially for first home owners.
2. Subdivision of Forestry Land in rural area.
Where possible expedite Native Title issues and housing proposals for Howard Springs Forestry Land to overcome residential land shortage.
3. Industrial Land.
Review Glyde Point as a potential site and detail other options.
4. Review and update the Humpty Doo District Plan with a view to encouraging housing opportunities.
5. Investigate development of Girraween District Centre.
6. Establishment of the City of Weddell.
Competition to be announced by November 09 asking for architects and town planners to design a visionary plan, including sustainability principles, for the new city of Weddell.
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7. Future Development of Middle Arm.
Future approvals to be dealt with by the existing Litchfield Development Consent Authority.
8. Town Planner
Appoint a qualified and experienced town planner to provide direct advice to the Minister.
9. Darwin Regional Land Use Structure Plan
Review and update the Darwin Regional Land Use Structure Plan following public consultation.
10. Address issues with traffic from Robertson Barracks to Northern Suburbs via Knuckey Lagoon (Campbell Road Realignment).
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION DECISION 1. Cabinet Submission on land March 2010 Mr Wood to be consulted in Cabinet price and availability preparation of Cabinet Submission 2. Prepare Cabinet Submission November 2010 Mr Wood, Native Title claimants and Cabinet dealing with Native Title and Representative Bodies to be other issues dealing with the consulted Forestry area 3. Cabinet Submission on March 2010 Mr Wood to be consulted in Cabinet Industrial Land including Glyde preparation of Cabinet Submission Pt to be prepared 4. Review Humpty Doo District April 2010 Minister, Mr Wood, Litchfield Shire Cabinet Plan Council an d local community to be consulted 5. Investigate development of June 2010 Minister, Mr Wood, Litchfield Shire Cabinet Giraween District Centre Council an d local community to be consulted 6. Refer to Council for Determined by Council investigation and report to
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Parliament 7. Policy decision November 2009 Minister to consult Mr Wood 8. Appoint Town Planner December 2009 9. Review and update Darwin Recommendations by August 2010 Broad community Cabinet Regional Land Use Structure Plan 10. Traffic study June 2010 Local community
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AUTHORITY (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Authority to receive the following additional powers and functions:
• Auditing and reporting on compliance with environmental approvals and licences;
• Investigating and responding to pollution complaints;
• Monitoring and reporting on water and air quality across the Territory;
• Producing regular “report cards” on the health of our environment; and
• By amending the referrals criteria empower the EPA to comment on Environmental Impact Statements for future major developments
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Ministerial Statement and Introduce legislation in Nov 09 Sittings All MLAs legislation
PUBLIC HOUSING
1. Public housing waiting lists
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The Government will set goals to reduce waiting lists for public housing by type, by region each year. Work towards these reductions over the next 5 years.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Report goals and achievements to Oct 2009 and annually Parliament Parliament
NATURAL RESOURCES & THE ENVIRONMENT
1. National radioactive waste repository
The Northern Territory Government will continue to call on the Australian Government to repeal the Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 (Cwlth) and for site selection for the national repository to be based on scientific evidence and allow for appropriate consultation and approvals.
2. Container Deposit Legislation
Continued commitment to the implementation of the Container Deposit Scheme.
3. Heritage Parks
Establishment of Heritage Parks especially WWII Heritage
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION 1. & 2. – Continuation of current efforts 3. – Develop policy position December 09 Minister and Mr Wood. Cabinet
STRATEGIC INDIGENOUS HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
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1. Refer Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program (SIHIP) to the Council of Territory Cooperation for enquiry and report back to Parliament.
YOUTH
1. Youth Clubs
Development of Youth Clubs based on the old Police Boys Clubs model in urban areas at Casuarina, Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs, to be managed by Police or non-government organisations.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Identify potential partners and Plan by December 09, implementation Minister to consult with Mr Wood Minister and Cabinet locations and develop policy ongoing through the process and receive framework. comment on final proposal.
RURAL AREA ISSUES
1. Investigate:
- sewer system to Howard Springs commercial area to allow for existing demands and future growth.
- sewerage infrastructure for Coolalinga.
- replacement of private water mains with Power Water Corporation mains where appropriate
2. Fred’s Pass Reserve
Support Fred’s Pass Reserve by funding greater capital and operational funds on an annual basis
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3. Development of aquatic centre for the rural area.
4. Work on improving relations between NT Government and Litchfield Council.
5. Commence construction of bicycle paths into the rural area in conjunction with preserving the old railway corridor.
6. Regional Waste Facility
Review and expedite the development of a regional waste facility in the rural area
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION 1. Technical report Report by March 10 Minister with Mr Wood on final report. PWC / Minister 2. Discussion with Mr Wood, Report by Nov 09 As outlined. Cabinet Fred’s Pass Reserve Trustees and representatives of users, followed by a report and public discussion paper.
3. Review of current plans for Report with costings – Feb 2010 As per process Cabinet aquatic centre in the rural area in conjunction with stakeholders and Mr Wood. 4. Discussion between Litchfield Ongoing Shire, NT Government and Mr Wood. 5. Technical and heritage report Report by March 2010 Mr Wood and Minister to monitor Budget Cabinet 2010 followed by public consultation. process. 6. Review work to date and Dec 2010 Minister to discuss options with Mr Cabinet present to Cabinet for decision. Wood prior to developing Cabinet Decision.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
1. Investigate and report on delivery. 2. Investigate and provide plan for infrastructure upgrades.
PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION Reports by Department of Feb 2010 Community Cabinet Education and Training.
AGRICULTURE
1. New emphasis placed in Primary Industry in the NT as a key industry and driver of regional economic development and employment.
2. Ord River
NT Government will have an ongoing relationship with the WA Government and Kimberley Development Commission into matters concerning the development of Ord River Irrigation Project, especially those areas in the NT.
The relationship will be managed by a senior officer of the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources.
3. Beef Roads
Further upgrades of beef, commercial and community roads such as those in the Douglas Daly Region.
4. Land Clearing / Native Vegetation
Introduce Native Vegetation Act to provide clearer guidelines for vegetation preservation land clearing
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PROCESS TIMELINE CONSULTATION FINAL DECISION 1&2. Ministerial Statement Feb 2010 Parliamentary Debate 2. To provide 10 year plan for Dec 09 Minister to consult with Mr Wood on Cabinet development of rural roads the draft plan. 3 Exposure draft of legislation Feb 2010 Community, Stakeholders
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Local Government Reform
Refer to the Council of Territory Cooperation for enquiry and report to Parliament.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Promote bi-partisanship in the Territory - hold quarterly meetings with Chief Minister, Leader of the Opposition and Mr Wood.
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APPENDIX B
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY CO-OPERATION
TERMS OF REFERENCE
(1) That the Legislative Assembly establish a Sessional Committee to be known as ‘The Council of Territory Co-Operation’;
Purpose of the committee
(1) That the committee facilitate:
(a) greater levels of collaboration in the governance of the Northern Territory;
(b) enhance parliamentary democracy by providing a strong role for members of the Legislative Assembly who are not members of the executive government, particularly on matters of common concern;
(c) expand involvement in important Northern Territory initiatives and projects;
(d) provide new avenues for Territorians to have input through the Legislative Assembly into the government of the Northern Territory; and
(e) provide a road map for tackling some specific issues currently facing the Territory.
(2) The committee consist of up to six members including two government members, two opposition members and at least one independent member to be appointed by a subsequent resolution and that unless otherwise ordered, Mr Wood be appointed Chairman of the committee.
Duties of the committee
(3) That the committee inquire into, consider, make recommendations and report to the Assembly from time to time on the following matters of public importance:
(a) the strategic indigenous housing and infrastructure program (SIHIP);
(b) local government reform;
(c) the planning scheme and the establishment of Weddell;
(d) a working future (including homelands policy);
(e) any other matter of public importance referred to it by the Legislative Assembly; and
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(f) any matter of public importance concerned with the administration of matters of which ministers of the Territory have executive authority pursuant to the provisions of the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act and Regulations (Commonwealth).
(4) That the provisions of paragraph (4) have effect notwithstanding the terms of reference of other Assembly committees.
(5) That the committee determine appropriate timeframes and work plans and the priority for consideration of matters referred to it;
(6) That, notwithstanding paragraph (4) above, the committee report to the assembly as soon as possible after 30 June each year on its activities during the preceding financial year;
(7) That in the event of an equality of voting, the member chairing the committee shall have a casting vote;
(8) That the committee have power to appoint subcommittees and to refer to any such subcommittee any matter which the committee is empowered to examine.
(9) That three members of the committee constitute a quorum of the committee and two members of a subcommittee constitute a quorum of the subcommittee.
(10) That the committee or any subcommittee have power to send for persons, papers and records, to adjourn from place to place, to meet and transact business in public or private session and to sit during any adjournment of the Assembly.
(11) That the committee shall be empowered to print from day to day such papers and evidence as may be ordered by it and, unless otherwise ordered by the committee, a daily Hansard shall be published of such proceedings of the committee as take place in public.
(12) That the committee have leave to report from time to time and any member of the committee has power to add a protest or dissent to any report.
(13) That any report tabled by the committee which recommends action by the government, shall within three months from the date of tabling of such report generate an information paper in response to the report and that the Assembly has the capacity to take note of the response.
(14) That unless otherwise ordered by the committee, all documents received by the committee during its inquiry shall remain in the custody of the Assembly provided that, on the application of a department or person, any document, if not likely to be further required, may, in the Speaker’s discretion, be returned to the department or person from whom it was obtained.
(15) That members of the public and representatives of the news media may attend and report any public sessions of the committee, unless otherwise ordered by the committee.
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(16) That the committee may authorise the broadcasting of public hearings of the committee under such rules as the Speaker considers appropriate.
(17) That the committee shall be provided with all necessary staff, facilities and resources and shall be empowered, with the approval of the Speaker, to appoint persons with specialist knowledge for the purposes of the committee.
(18) That the committee be empowered to consider the minutes of proceedings, evidence taken and records of committees established in previous Assemblies; and
(19) That the foregoing provisions of this resolution, so far as they are inconsistent with Standing Orders, have effect notwithstanding anything contained in the Standing Orders.
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APPENDIX C
COUNCIL OF TERRITORY CO-OPERATION
LIST OF PUBLIC HEARINGS, BRIEFINGS AND WITNESSES
Darwin Public Hearing Monday 9 November 2009
Northern Territory Department of the Chief Minister Mr Mike Burgess, Chief Executive Mr Ken Davies, Deputy Chief Executive
Northern Territory Treasury Ms Jennifer Prince, Under Treasurer
Northern Territory Department of Local Government and Housing Dr David Ritchie, Chief Executive Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP Mr David Alexander, Director Business Strategy and Performance
Darwin Public Hearing Tuesday 10 November 2009
Private Citizen Mr Rollo Manning
Darwin City Council Ms Helen Galton, Deputy Lord Mayor
Palmerston City Council Mr Robert Macleod, Mayor
Brustolin Builders Mr Mark Brustolin, Director
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) Ms Amanda Cattermole, Group Manager Office of Remote Indigenous Housing Mr Robert Ryan, Executive Director SIHIP
Northern Territory Department of Local Government and Housing Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP
Earth Connect Alliance - Canstruct Pty Ltd, WorleyParsons Services Pty Ltd, Force 10 International Pty Ltd, Greene & Associates Pty Ltd, Ostwald Bros. Pty Ltd Mr Andrew Schroth
New Future Alliance – Leighton Pty Ltd, Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd, Opus Pty Ltd, Ngarda Civil & Mining Pty Ltd Mr Brian Hughey
Territory Alliance - Sitzler Pty Ltd, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd, McMahon Services Australia Pty Ltd, Sub Alliance partner - Compass Group (Australia) Pty Ltd Mr Dick Guit Mr Allan McGill
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Litchfield Shire Council Ms Mary Walshe, President Mr Russell Anderson, CEO
Public Forum Mr Graham Ring, Journalist National Indigenous Times Mr Graham Watts, private citizen Ms Jane Carrigan, private citizen Mr Morris Foley, private citizen Mr Roger Higgins, private citizen
Tennant Creek Public Hearing Thursday 19 November 2009
New Future Alliance (Included a site visit of SIHIP construction program) Mr Brian Hughey
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mr Robert Ryan, Executive Director SIHIP
Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation Ms Gina Smith, Chairperson Ms Pat Brahim, CEO Mr Joe Carter, SIHIP Project Coordinator
Barkly Shire Council Mr Phil West, Director Works and Services Mr Gary Cleary, Director Corporate and Community Services
Public Forum Ms Brigid Walsh, private citizen
Alice Springs Public Hearing Monday 23 November 2009
Central Land Council Mr David Ross, Director Ms Jayne Weepers, Senior Policy Officer Ms Alyson Wright, Policy Research Officer Ms Virginia Newell, Coordinator Leasing
Territory Alliance Mr Allan McGill, Manager Mr Rob Marchant, Package Manager Package 12
Northern Territory Department of Local Government and Housing Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP
Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation Mr Darryl Pearce, CEO
Tangentyere Council Mr William Tilmouth, Executive Director Mr David Donald, Manager, Environmental Health and Essential Services
Central Desert Shire Council Mr Roydon Robertson, A/CEO
25 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Alice Springs Town Council Mr Damien Ryan, Mayor
MacDonnell Shire Council Mr Sid Anderson, President Mr Des Rogers, Deputy CEO Mr Graham Taylor, CEO Mr Mike Freeman, Director Technical Services Ms Kath O’Leary, Manager Agency Services
Intervention Action Rollback Group Ms Barbara Shaw Ms Marlene Hodder Ms Lauren Mellor
Katherine Public Hearing Wednesday 2 December 2009
Victoria Daly Shire Mr Donald Wegener, Mayor Ms Sandra Cannon, CEO
Roper Gulf Shire Ms Clair O’Brien, Deputy Mayor Ms Catherine Proctor, Director Corporate and Community Services
Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Mr Rohan Sullivan, President
Katherine Town Council Ms Anne Shepherd, Mayor Mr Geoff Brooks, CEO
ShiresBiz Remediation Project Mr Des Kennedy, Project Director
Northern Territory Department of Local Government and Housing Ms Sarah Polhill, Executive Officer Big Rivers Region
Public Forum Mr Jim Forscutt, Public Officer Edith Farm Volunteer Fire Brigade Ms Tina MacFarlane, private citizen
Darwin Public Hearing Thursday 28 January 2010
Power and Water Corporation Mr Andrew Macrides, Managing Director Mr John Tarca, Manager Gas Supply Mr Gerald White, Chief Financial Officer Mr Kelvin Strange, General Counsel and Company Secretary Mr Mike Knowles, General Manager Strategy and Corporate Affairs Mr Ian Pratt, General Manager Generation
Northern Territory Police Mr Grahame Kelly, Assistant Commissioner for Operations Service Mr Peter Gordon, Acting Commander in Charge Strategic Planning Command Mr Richard Mu, Strategic Planning Command
26 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Department of Justice Mr Greg Shanahan, Chief Executive Mr Stephen Jackson, Director Research and Statistics
Northern Territory Government Mr Bob Beadman, NT Coordinator-General for Remote Services
Nguiu Public Hearing Tuesday 2 February 2010
Tiwi Island Shire Council Mr Alan Hudson, Chief Executive Officer Mr Henry Dunn, Elected Member Mr Alan Hughes Mr Maurice Rioli, Director Mr Marius Puruntatameri, Elected Member
Tiwi Land Council Mr John Hicks, Chief Executive and Secretary Mr Robert Tipungwuti, Chairman Mr Murruwiupi Gurrupuwu, Deputy Chair Mr Walter Kerinaiua, Manager Mr Andrew Tipungwuti, Manager Mr Brian Clancy, Development Risk Manager Mr Cyril Kalippa OAM Mr Matthew Wonaeamirri Mr Walter Kerinaiua Junior Mr Marius Puruntatameri, Tiwi Education Board Chair
Bathurst Island Housing Association (BIHA) Mr Ian Ritchie, Manager
Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services Mr Matthew Fagan, Executive Director Service Delivery Coordination Unit
Wadeye Public Hearing Thursday 4 February 2010
Northern Land Council Mr Kim Hill, Chief Executive Officer Mr Ron Levy, Principal Legal Officer Mr Syd Stirling, Senior Policy Officer Ms Shanti Reilly, Solicitor Mr Steven Shepherd, General Manager Corporation Services Mr Patrick Briston, Field Officer Darwin/ Daly office Mr Guy McLeod, Media Officer
Thamarrurr Incorporated Mr John Berto, Chief Executive Officer Mr Phil Mitchell, Manager Mr Thaddeus Dartinga, Chairman Mr Martin Mullumbuk Mr Francis Kohumboort
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr Catholic School Mr Shayne Kidd, Principal Mr Chris Pollard, Education Consultant Indigenous Catholic Community Schools
27 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Darwin Briefing Wednesday 24 February 2010 (This was a briefing without a publicly available transcript) Ingkerrke Outstations Resource Services Mr Scott McConnell
Darwin Hearings/ Briefings Wednesday 3 March 2010
Power and Water Corporation (This was a closed briefing; evidence was given in camera ) Mr Andrew Macrides, Managing Director Mr Charles Staples, Gas Project Manager
NT Gas Mr Stephen Ohl, Director NT Gas and Group Manager APA Group Ms Wendy Oldham, General Manager Mr Kevin Stephens, Ward Keller, Legal Counsel NT Gas
Inquiry into the Child Protection System Dr Howard Bath, Co-Chair Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong, Executive Officer
Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services (DHLGRS) (This was a closed briefing; evidence was given in camera ) Mr Ken Davies, Chief Executive
Angurugu Public Hearing Wednesday 10 March 2010 (Due to the failure of the recording system there is no publicly available transcript) East Arnhem Shire Council Mr Gordon Walsh, Shire Services Manager Mr Jabani Lalara, Community Liaison Officer Mr Jonathon Nunggunajarr, Local Board Member
Umbakumba Public Hearing Wednesday 10 March 2010 (Due to the failure of the recording system there is no publicly available transcript) East Arnhem Shire Council Mr Kamahl Wilson, Shire Services Manager Mr Nesman Bara, Housing Manager Ms Danielle Wilson
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mr Royston Prasad, Government Business Manager
Groote Eylandt Bickerton Island Enterprises (GEBIE) Ms Nadia Sinhovich, GEBIE Job Shop
Alyangula Public Hearing Thursday 11 March 2010 (Due to the failure of the recording system there is no publicly available transcript) Anindilyakwa Land Council Mr Walter Amagula, Chairman Mr Richard Preece, Chief Executive Mr Joaz Wurramarra, Board Member and Liaison Officer
GEBIE
28 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Mr Dean Niesler, Workshop Manager
Earth Connect Alliance Mr Andrew Schroth, General Manager
Darwin Briefing Monday 22 March 2010 (This was a closed hearing; evidence was given in camera ) Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mr Ian Boyson, Executive Director NT Housing
Darwin Public Hearing Wednesday 14 April 2010
Office of Township Leasing Mr Pat Watson, Executive Director Township Leasing Mr Scott Kinley, Director Township Leasing
Darwin Briefing Friday 30 April 2010 (This was a closed briefing; evidence was given in camera ) Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP
Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Mr Ian Boyson, Executive Director NT Housing
Santa Teresa Briefing Tuesday 11 May 2010 (This was an informal briefing without a publicly available transcript) Housing Reference Group (HRG)
Ms Louise Cavanaugh, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Mary Therese Mulladad, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Imelda Palmer, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Elaine Goring, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Paula Turner, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Annie Young, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Analese Young, Santa Teresa HRG Mr Justin Hayes, Santa Teresa HRG Mr Chris Wallace, Santa Teresa HRG Mr Victor Dobson, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Wendy Brooks, Government Business Manager, FaHCSIA Ms Diane Nona, Shire Services Manager, Macdonnell Shire Mr Tony Radalj, New Future Alliance Ms Karen Murray, New Future Alliance Mr S Tuituri, New Future Alliance Mr Ken Lechleitner, New Future Alliance Mr Roman Erwin, New Future Alliance Mr Robert Zupanovich, New Future Alliance
29 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Santa Teresa Public Hearing Tuesday 11 May 2010
Community Public Meeting Ms Louise Cavanaugh, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Mary Therese Mulladad, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Imelda Palmer, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Elaine Goring, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Paula Turner, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Annie Young, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Analese Young, Santa Teresa HRG Mr Justin Hayes, Santa Teresa HRG Ms Wendy Brooks, Government Business Manager, FaHCSIA Ms Diane Nona, Shire Services Manager, MacDonnell Shire Mr Greg Crowe, Ltyentye Apurte Community Education Centre Mr Will McDonnell, Northern Territory Police Sister Liz Wiemers, Catholic Parish Santa Teresa Ms Tamara Giles, Community Enterprises Australia Limited (CEA) Ms Miriam Dieudonne, Community Member
Alice Springs Public Hearing Wednesday 12 May 2010
Alice Springs Transformation Plan Mr Peter McDonald, Executive Director, Alice Springs Transformation Plan (Department of the Chief Minister) Mr Mark Coffey, Executive Director, Alice Springs Transformation Plan (FaHCSIA)
MacDonnell Shire Council Mr Syd Anderson, President Mr Graham Taylor, CEO Mr David Doolan, Elected Member Mr Gary Wilson, Elected Member Mr Joe Rawson, Elected Member
Alice Springs Briefing Wednesday 12 May 2010 (This was an informal briefing without a publicly available transcript) Ingerrkeke Outstation Resource Services Mr Scott McConnell, General Manager Ms Liz Spencer, Business Development Administration Ms Amelia Turner, Director Ms Matthew Palmer, Director Ms Veronica Lynch, Director Ms Kathleen Martin, Director Ms Benita Kopp, Director Ms Marjorie Lindner, Director Ms Skye Thompson, Finance/ Deputy Manager Ms Joyce Measures, HR Manager Ms Jozan Collins, Accounts Officer Ms Colleen Campbell, Accounts Officer Ms Michelle Swan, Divisional Manager Ms Shannelle Moseley, Housing Officer Ms Michelle Liddle, Reception Mr Clarrie Robinya, Muncipal Supervisor Mr Jamie Roman, Municipal Supervisor Mr Chavas Johnson, Municipal Supervisor Mr Earl Palmer, Municipal staff member Mr Peter Palmer, Municipal staff member
30 COUNCIL OF TERRITORY COOPERATION ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2010
Mr Eric Williams, Muncipal team member Mr Camden Vigona-Ross, Municipal team member
Alice Springs Briefing Thursday 13 May 2010 (This was an informal briefing without a publicly available transcript) Territory Alliance Mr Allan McGill Mr Ian Wilson
Hermannsburg (Ntaria) Public Hearing Thursday 13 May 2010 (Due to the failure of the recording system there is no publicly available transcript) Community Public Meeting Ms Serena Williams Mr Kenny Windley Ms Heidi Williams, Manager Historical Precinct Mr Warren H Williams Mr Darrell Fowler, Principal Ntaria Community School, Remote Services Development Reference Group Mr Bryan McKain, Government Business Manager, FaHCSIA Mr John Rigby, Coordinator, Hermannsburg Potters Mr Peter Mitchell, Shire Services Manager Mr Bob Durnan, Western Aranda Health Aboriginal Corporation (WAHAC) Health Services Development Officer Ms Elfreda McLean Ms Roxanne Kenny, Remote Services Development Reference Group Mr Mark Inkamala Ms Marjorie Wheeler Mr Benjamin Paroultja Ms Sonja Brayborn Mr Selwyn Kloeden, FRM Manager, Remote Services Development Reference Group
Darwin Public Hearing Thursday 3 June 2010
Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services Mr Ken Davies, Chief Executive Ms Fran Kilgariff, Senior Executive Director Local Government, Regional and Community Services Mr Mathew Fagan, Executive Director Services Development Coordination Unit Mr Andrew Kirkman, Executive Director SIHIP
Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) Ms Kerry Moir, President Mr Tony Tapsell, Chief Executive Mr Peter McLinden, Infrastructure Ms Sue Davy, People and Capacity Development
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