Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
We know that there was a further interest rate rise.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Reserve Bank lifted its official interest rate to four
point one percent yesterday. It's a level that's not seen
since early twenty twelve, and the Bank's board decided to
lift the cash rate target by zero point twenty five
of a percentage point for the second month in a row.
It's amit concerns that inflation is taking too long to
come down.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Now.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the decision will be
difficult for many Australian households, stressing that the rise was
not the result of the federal budget or wage rises.
Now joining me on the line is the Northern Territories
Treasurer Evil Lawler. Good morning to your treasurer.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Now, Treasurer, what impact are these rate rises having here
in the Northern Territory from your perspective?
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Yeah, so, I think that everybody that has a mortgage
is absolutely feeling the cash rate rise to four point
one percent, and that's why is the government we put
in some measures around costs of living in our budget,
so we're really pushing to keep our power prices down.
That's something that we can control in the Northern Territory.
As I said, cash rates are the Reserve Bank and
(01:10):
the Federal government. So it's something that we can do
which is really pushed down those power prices.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
It is a really tough one though, isn't it, because
you know, we are saying more and more people start
to struggle, and I think it's really like it's Middle Australia,
those that do have mortgages and people are having to
tighten their belts in ways that they've maybe not previously
had to.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Well, yes, it's all I think we heard today it's
been ten years since we've seen a four point four
point one percent cash rate, so it's been ten years
where we've had really low, really low, less than one
percent cash rates. So yeah, it is. It is a
problem for territories, it's a problem across Australia. But it
is a way to drive down that inflation is to
(01:52):
put up those cash rates and then that's the idea
is that it pushes down spending. That that was a
part of the result of OVID where we saw a
lot of cash flushing through. So things need to be tightened.
But yeah, I can understand, and we're all in the
same boat around comper living, you know, whether that's your
grocery bill going up. And I think everybody, every family
(02:14):
is having to make some adjustments around those things, the
decisions they make, which is, you know, less going out
for dinner, maybe you know, cheaper cuts of meat, all
of those things that we do. But Katie, I was
around when interest rates with seventeen percent, Yes, I really
do remember only having not being able to pay off
any interest on loans and things like that at times,
and having your visa card maxed down was a terrible
(02:37):
situation to be in with young kids. So absolutely can
empathize and understand around this. So as I said, yes,
and it's a position no one wants to be in.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, it's tough going.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
It is tough going for so many And I know
that you touched on there and take that the Northern
Territory government, you know, with the power prices, I think
we are in a good situation here in the territory
where at least we're not seeing those power prices go
up enormously likes happened in other states. Treasure, do you
reckon there is more that we could be doing in
the Northern Territory to assist with the cost of living
for territorians.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Know, I'm always happy to hear ideas from people, and
you know we take advice obviously from Treasury around that.
We actually have some really good things in place in
the territory and things like you know, the sports vouchers,
the back to school vouchers, all of our concessions for pensioners.
We've got some really good concessions in place, but you know,
(03:29):
we're always looking at other options and things to improve
that because you know, it's a double edged sword for
government as well. If people have more cash in their pocket,
people are more likely to go out and spend it.
So you know, that's why I've just talked about restaurants.
You know, if people have some extra cash, they're more
likely to go out and spend that, which means more jobs,
and that's what you want to see as a treasurer,
more people in the territory, more jobs. So yeah, it
(03:51):
is one of those ones that but you know, the
predictions are by the end of this year we'll start
to see things improve around inflation and going into twenty
twenty four. So yeah, I think we all have to
just hold our breath for a bitten as I said,
ride this one out. But you know it's worldwide, it's
not just here. And as I said, it was one
of those results out of COVID where every country puts
(04:15):
so much money into rebounding as well as things that
we're doing to simulate spending.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Now, you did touch on just a moment ago you said,
you know, more people coming to the Northern Territory and
there has been some concerns around accommodation for international students.
So I know that CDU Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman, he's
making headlines after urging territories with a spare room in
their homes to open them.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Up to international students.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
It is expected that thousands of those students are going
to move to Darwin in the coming years, but in
the short term, about six hundred are expected to flood
into Darwin in the next few weeks with nowhere to stay.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Minister.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
The government and CDU have been pushing for additional international
students for quite some time. It was part of the
Terci report. Why are we in a situation where there's
not adequate student accommodation?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, so o, Katie, as you said, it has been
a clear vision of our government to revitalize the CBD
and bring more students into town. In government has been
working on this since at least twenty sixteen seventeen, so
you know Scott Bowman, we've heard him talking about study
stays and those options over the next few months or
the next twelve months. The figures are I think between
(05:26):
six and seven hundred new students coming in. But government
has been working. Louise McCormack, our Infrastructure Commissioner, has been
working on solutions. There is the Planning has approved the
seventy two room, eight story development in Shepherd Street, so
that's one option that's about to get off the ground.
But the government is absolutely working with a range of
(05:50):
developers that have some interest. We've approved a number of
developments previously for the CBD, so things like Palm Court,
Chinatown Noodle House on the Esplanade. There's been a number
of approvals that we've done in the past around future accommodation.
I also suspect that some of our developers aren't jumping
(06:11):
at development at the moment because we're seeing increases in
the cost of building supplies by up to thirty percent
and the shortage of labor as well, which is really
tight at the moment, So what we where we might
have previously seen some developers who have already got approvals
around some developments that haven't rushed into that. That might
be one of the problems around that. But Louis and Formack,
(06:33):
our Infrastructure Commissioner, she's got a team that's working with CDU,
so they have a very clear picture of the demand
that Scott Bowman has for CDU around that. And again
it's government's role to facilitate the process for private developers,
not necessarily our role to compete with private developers.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
And I don't think anyone's suggesting that now people to sort.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Of provide some land or so a developer can come
to our surround them at land and we might be
able to allocate land and then there's an opportunity for
them to build and then to have long term leases
with Northern Terby Government or with CDUTH.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
So just with that, with that location on Shepherd Street,
when are you expecting that that is going to get
under construction or is it a new build or is
it a refer No, No.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
It's a brand new build. So that has got all
the approvals, so it should be starting very very soon.
So that's underway seventy two room specific student accommodation.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Yeah, I guess you know.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
The concern here is that, you know, if we do
want to meet that seven thousand student target that was
raised in the Tersi report, we are going to need more,
of course than just locals offering rooms. And I know
that you've touched on one of those projects there and
said that Louise McCormack working with industry. But you know
this has been that Tersey report came out quite some
(07:53):
time ago. Why are we dragging our heels well, I.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Said, Katie. I think there's been a number of approvals
and but I think also you know, it is costly
at the moment to build, as we've talked about an
additional thirty percent, So some of our people, who some
of our territorians who are developers, haven't jumped at those
opportunities around that. But you know, there is there are
other things that are in the pipeline. There is a
(08:19):
housing accord that's I mean obviously needing to go through
the Senate, which the federal government is talking about a
million new homes in ten years. So you know, there
are options, and they're the conversations that we're having is
can some of those suggestions around new builds or homes
be around student accommodation? Could so could some of those
be used for student accommodation in the Darwin CBD. So yeah,
(08:42):
Louise McCormack's leading that team and doing a lot of
work around that. But as you said, it's not cheap
to actually eat it's how the new building or build
a new builds around that. But as I said, it's
one that there is something happening and will continue to
work with developers and Louise has a couple she's having
some good, strong conversations around around options that the territory
(09:05):
might be able to facilitate around land and then building.
So there are things. When the time's we'll obviously make
announcements around that.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
And look, I guess what people will be wondering is
are we going to have adequatesh and enough accommodation for
international students when the new CDU campus is complete, Because
you know, we do want international students here, we do
want to see the town flourishing, but we've got to
make sure that there's somewhere safe for them to live.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yes, one hundred percent absolutely agree on that we know
the value of having international students for the economy let alone,
you know the vibrant multicultural community having young people in
our CBD. So yes, government's very much aware of that.
As I said, Louis McCormack at one of our great
public servants, is working very hard around this issue.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
I know the CLP did say yesterday they'd come out
and said that we could be capitalizing on the high
commercial vacancies in the Darwin CBD and create an immediate
framework that will allow the streamlined conversion of commercial to residential.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Is that something that the Northern Territory government is looking.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
At, that's already happened, that can already happen. I was
actually quite confused when Leah came out talking about that,
the leader of the opposition. So there's already buildings that
have been repurposed so people would understand the Hate hotel
and those apartments in Smith Street. So that was during
the impacts when there was a strong demand for accommodation.
(10:26):
In Palmerson, there's Baywood Plaza which has a retail down
the bottom and some office down the bottom. It used
to have on its second the next floor up office
accommodation that's been turned into bedsits, So there is you know,
as long as as long as the building owners comply
with the National Construction Code guidelines around that that's already
(10:48):
in place. And as I said, we have examples where
there's already work being done to convert office accommodation into
residential or to as I said, apartments and things, so
that one absolutely can happen. And if there are any
landholders or in the CBD, absolutely have some conversations with
(11:09):
either myself or Louise McCormack. Very open to those conversations.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Minister.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Let's move along because there is a few other things
I'd like to get your take on. But one of
the things that got a few of our listeners well
really quite concerned a couple of weeks ago was the
situation on school counselors. Are you able to give us
a bit of an update or is there a bit
of an update on the situation with those school counselors.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Yes, so, Katie, I absolutely must emphasize that counselors must
be in schools. You know, it's my role as minister
and the Northern Territory Government's role as elected government is
to set the policy position. It's then up to the
CEO and the department who then implement those policy decisions
and operationalize those policies. So I can assure people your
(11:52):
counselors will not be removed from schools. We all absolutely
understand the value of counselors. You know that work around
the social well being of young people in our schools
is absolutely important.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Are they going to be based at the Mitchell Center though,
and then sort of sent out to rove around.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
No, they aren't. They will be in schools. Have been
absolutely adamant about that. As I said, that's our policy
position is to have that additional support, whether it's school nurses,
whether it's school based constables, or whether it's counselors. Schools
need those additional resources. They're part of the whole puzzle.
(12:30):
I mean, a school will have a well being planned.
They will you know, in their curriculum they'll talk about
well being and how to be resilient and you know,
all of those things around the health and well being
of young people. They have policies in place, but it's
also the culture of the school. You know, that zero
tolerance to bullying, you know, supporting and celebrating the diversity
of their student population, whether it's students with disabilities or multicultural.
(12:53):
But absolutely those counselors will stay in schools.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
But we also did the department.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Was the Department doing something contrary to what you wanted
in terms of talking about them being based out of
the Mitchell Center, because that was a really big concern
that was being raised both by the Council of Government
Schools COGSOIT and also by students.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Yes, yes, I mean obviously heard Ladline and clearly from
a range of people around that. I think the issue
is that there's a national shortage of qualified professionals, whether
that's social workers or ots or speech therapists. There is
an absolute shortage across Australia child psychologists in all of
those areas, so all those areas that support the young
(13:36):
people with their mental health. So I think what the
Department was doing was trying to manage the shortage, but
also where there was a vacancy, say at Nightclift Middle School,
trying to move staff between those and manage it that way.
But as I said, it then obviously worried people that
their counselor that they had in their school, whether that
(13:57):
was Casualina Senior College would be removed. So we've been
very clear about that. The Department's now doing a national
recruitment campaign around that. We're also in discussions with the
department around ideas to look at how they can get
how they can support and train people to become those
allied health professionals as well, So whether that's through scholarships
(14:21):
or opportunities for them to be on the current wage
where they are, but to get those qualifications because we
do know there's a shortage whether you're waiting for your
child to be assessed for speech or ot. But yeah,
very clear that those counselors must remain in schools.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Yeah, I think it is so incredibly important. We know
that they do a phenomenal job. Now, Minister, before I
let you go this morning, just a couple of quick ones.
Yesterday the Children's Commissioner released a position paper on restraint
chairs and spi hoods, calling for their prohibition to be
enshrined in law. Does an Athern Territory government have any
plans to do this?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
No, we don't. The band spittled for you detention facilities
and for young people. That was a decision of Cabinet
so you know, that is an absolute decision of Cabinet
that we've put in place. So at this stage there
is no plans around putting that in legislation.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
I mean, we've got to make sure our police are
protected too, right, you know, stare being spat at. It's disgusting.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Oh, I think absolutely all our front line I mean,
and I include teachers in when I talk about frontline,
I also include teachers in frontline. Often we talk about
ambos and fieries and our police, but our teachers and
health workers. But also I'd like to include teachers in that.
It is a disgusting thing to do and I think
all territorianes agree around that. So you know, police have
(15:41):
previously reviewed what they're doing in their watch houses, they
have modernized their processes, but it has to uphold the
safety of our police and we know those in custody
as well. And I think we all agree it's absolutely
disgusting and we absolutely support our police around that.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
A lot of concerns being raised at the moment as well.
We've had quite a few calls and messages about this,
and I know that it is a federal government responsibility.
The lights of the Berkley Highway. But we're being told
that there's massive potholes around the place.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Yes, so that we do gain. I often get lots
of text messages and emails around potholes. So the diple
have a plan around what their road repairs. And obviously
they've been very much focused on where they've had to
literally rebuild roads in that kal KORINGI that area, but
they continue to roll out upgrades. I know the Stuart
(16:34):
Highway has been a priority for them as well as
I drove between Tenant Creek and Alice Springs recently and
there's some washout areas there that they are working on.
So but yet, let any of listeners let them know
anybody listening. You know, you can on the Dipple's website
there's a complaints aureo, an area where you can actually
notify and we'll we'll get onto it. But there is
(16:57):
a plan around that work. And as I said prior,
I think some of the bigger areas. But yes, understand
around potholes, it's something when you've had a big wet
that's inevitable almost.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Yeah, it is. And pleased to hear that that work
is getting underway. Minister.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Before I let you go it is thank you first
responded day. Obviously we just touched on the wonderful work
that our first responders do. But do you have a
message for our first responders this morning?
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Yeah, absolutely grateful for the work you do. None of
us ever want to be in the situation where we
need an ambulance or we need to need police, but
absolutely grateful for the work our first responders do. My
husband was a firefighter for thirty five years and I
know how difficult that work was at times. But thank
you to all our first responders.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Well Treasurer and also Minister for various portfolios, Evil Lawler,
We really.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Appreciate your time this morning. Thanks for coming on the show.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Thanks Katie, thank you
We know that there was a further interest rate rise.
Speaker 2 (00:02):
The Reserve Bank lifted its official interest rate to four
point one percent yesterday. It's a level that's not seen
since early twenty twelve, and the Bank's board decided to
lift the cash rate target by zero point twenty five
of a percentage point for the second month in a row.
It's amit concerns that inflation is taking too long to
come down.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Now.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
The Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the decision will be
difficult for many Australian households, stressing that the rise was
not the result of the federal budget or wage rises.
Now joining me on the line is the Northern Territories
Treasurer Evil Lawler. Good morning to your treasurer.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Now, Treasurer, what impact are these rate rises having here
in the Northern Territory from your perspective?
Speaker 3 (00:48):
Yeah, so, I think that everybody that has a mortgage
is absolutely feeling the cash rate rise to four point
one percent, and that's why is the government we put
in some measures around costs of living in our budget,
so we're really pushing to keep our power prices down.
That's something that we can control in the Northern Territory.
As I said, cash rates are the Reserve Bank and
(01:10):
the Federal government. So it's something that we can do
which is really pushed down those power prices.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
It is a really tough one though, isn't it, because
you know, we are saying more and more people start
to struggle, and I think it's really like it's Middle Australia,
those that do have mortgages and people are having to
tighten their belts in ways that they've maybe not previously
had to.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Well, yes, it's all I think we heard today it's
been ten years since we've seen a four point four
point one percent cash rate, so it's been ten years
where we've had really low, really low, less than one
percent cash rates. So yeah, it is. It is a
problem for territories, it's a problem across Australia. But it
is a way to drive down that inflation is to
(01:52):
put up those cash rates and then that's the idea
is that it pushes down spending. That that was a
part of the result of OVID where we saw a
lot of cash flushing through. So things need to be tightened.
But yeah, I can understand, and we're all in the
same boat around comper living, you know, whether that's your
grocery bill going up. And I think everybody, every family
(02:14):
is having to make some adjustments around those things, the
decisions they make, which is, you know, less going out
for dinner, maybe you know, cheaper cuts of meat, all
of those things that we do. But Katie, I was
around when interest rates with seventeen percent, Yes, I really
do remember only having not being able to pay off
any interest on loans and things like that at times,
and having your visa card maxed down was a terrible
(02:37):
situation to be in with young kids. So absolutely can
empathize and understand around this. So as I said, yes,
and it's a position no one wants to be in.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Yeah, it's tough going.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
It is tough going for so many And I know
that you touched on there and take that the Northern
Territory government, you know, with the power prices, I think
we are in a good situation here in the territory
where at least we're not seeing those power prices go
up enormously likes happened in other states. Treasure, do you
reckon there is more that we could be doing in
the Northern Territory to assist with the cost of living
for territorians.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Know, I'm always happy to hear ideas from people, and
you know we take advice obviously from Treasury around that.
We actually have some really good things in place in
the territory and things like you know, the sports vouchers,
the back to school vouchers, all of our concessions for pensioners.
We've got some really good concessions in place, but you know,
(03:29):
we're always looking at other options and things to improve
that because you know, it's a double edged sword for
government as well. If people have more cash in their pocket,
people are more likely to go out and spend it.
So you know, that's why I've just talked about restaurants.
You know, if people have some extra cash, they're more
likely to go out and spend that, which means more jobs,
and that's what you want to see as a treasurer,
more people in the territory, more jobs. So yeah, it
(03:51):
is one of those ones that but you know, the
predictions are by the end of this year we'll start
to see things improve around inflation and going into twenty
twenty four. So yeah, I think we all have to
just hold our breath for a bitten as I said,
ride this one out. But you know it's worldwide, it's
not just here. And as I said, it was one
of those results out of COVID where every country puts
(04:15):
so much money into rebounding as well as things that
we're doing to simulate spending.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Now, you did touch on just a moment ago you said,
you know, more people coming to the Northern Territory and
there has been some concerns around accommodation for international students.
So I know that CDU Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman, he's
making headlines after urging territories with a spare room in
their homes to open them.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Up to international students.
Speaker 2 (04:40):
It is expected that thousands of those students are going
to move to Darwin in the coming years, but in
the short term, about six hundred are expected to flood
into Darwin in the next few weeks with nowhere to stay.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
Minister.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
The government and CDU have been pushing for additional international
students for quite some time. It was part of the
Terci report. Why are we in a situation where there's
not adequate student accommodation?
Speaker 3 (05:04):
Yeah, so o, Katie, as you said, it has been
a clear vision of our government to revitalize the CBD
and bring more students into town. In government has been
working on this since at least twenty sixteen seventeen, so
you know Scott Bowman, we've heard him talking about study
stays and those options over the next few months or
the next twelve months. The figures are I think between
(05:26):
six and seven hundred new students coming in. But government
has been working. Louise McCormack, our Infrastructure Commissioner, has been
working on solutions. There is the Planning has approved the
seventy two room, eight story development in Shepherd Street, so
that's one option that's about to get off the ground.
But the government is absolutely working with a range of
(05:50):
developers that have some interest. We've approved a number of
developments previously for the CBD, so things like Palm Court,
Chinatown Noodle House on the Esplanade. There's been a number
of approvals that we've done in the past around future accommodation.
I also suspect that some of our developers aren't jumping
(06:11):
at development at the moment because we're seeing increases in
the cost of building supplies by up to thirty percent
and the shortage of labor as well, which is really
tight at the moment, So what we where we might
have previously seen some developers who have already got approvals
around some developments that haven't rushed into that. That might
be one of the problems around that. But Louis and Formack,
(06:33):
our Infrastructure Commissioner, she's got a team that's working with CDU,
so they have a very clear picture of the demand
that Scott Bowman has for CDU around that. And again
it's government's role to facilitate the process for private developers,
not necessarily our role to compete with private developers.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
And I don't think anyone's suggesting that now people to sort.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
Of provide some land or so a developer can come
to our surround them at land and we might be
able to allocate land and then there's an opportunity for
them to build and then to have long term leases
with Northern Terby Government or with CDUTH.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
So just with that, with that location on Shepherd Street,
when are you expecting that that is going to get
under construction or is it a new build or is
it a refer No, No.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
It's a brand new build. So that has got all
the approvals, so it should be starting very very soon.
So that's underway seventy two room specific student accommodation.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Yeah, I guess you know.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
The concern here is that, you know, if we do
want to meet that seven thousand student target that was
raised in the Tersi report, we are going to need more,
of course than just locals offering rooms. And I know
that you've touched on one of those projects there and
said that Louise McCormack working with industry. But you know
this has been that Tersey report came out quite some
(07:53):
time ago. Why are we dragging our heels well, I.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Said, Katie. I think there's been a number of approvals
and but I think also you know, it is costly
at the moment to build, as we've talked about an
additional thirty percent, So some of our people, who some
of our territorians who are developers, haven't jumped at those
opportunities around that. But you know, there is there are
other things that are in the pipeline. There is a
(08:19):
housing accord that's I mean obviously needing to go through
the Senate, which the federal government is talking about a
million new homes in ten years. So you know, there
are options, and they're the conversations that we're having is
can some of those suggestions around new builds or homes
be around student accommodation? Could so could some of those
be used for student accommodation in the Darwin CBD. So yeah,
(08:42):
Louise McCormack's leading that team and doing a lot of
work around that. But as you said, it's not cheap
to actually eat it's how the new building or build
a new builds around that. But as I said, it's
one that there is something happening and will continue to
work with developers and Louise has a couple she's having
some good, strong conversations around around options that the territory
(09:05):
might be able to facilitate around land and then building.
So there are things. When the time's we'll obviously make
announcements around that.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
And look, I guess what people will be wondering is
are we going to have adequatesh and enough accommodation for
international students when the new CDU campus is complete, Because
you know, we do want international students here, we do
want to see the town flourishing, but we've got to
make sure that there's somewhere safe for them to live.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Yes, one hundred percent absolutely agree on that we know
the value of having international students for the economy let alone,
you know the vibrant multicultural community having young people in
our CBD. So yes, government's very much aware of that.
As I said, Louis McCormack at one of our great
public servants, is working very hard around this issue.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
I know the CLP did say yesterday they'd come out
and said that we could be capitalizing on the high
commercial vacancies in the Darwin CBD and create an immediate
framework that will allow the streamlined conversion of commercial to residential.
Speaker 1 (10:03):
Is that something that the Northern Territory government is looking.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
At, that's already happened, that can already happen. I was
actually quite confused when Leah came out talking about that,
the leader of the opposition. So there's already buildings that
have been repurposed so people would understand the Hate hotel
and those apartments in Smith Street. So that was during
the impacts when there was a strong demand for accommodation.
(10:26):
In Palmerson, there's Baywood Plaza which has a retail down
the bottom and some office down the bottom. It used
to have on its second the next floor up office
accommodation that's been turned into bedsits, So there is you know,
as long as as long as the building owners comply
with the National Construction Code guidelines around that that's already
(10:48):
in place. And as I said, we have examples where
there's already work being done to convert office accommodation into
residential or to as I said, apartments and things, so
that one absolutely can happen. And if there are any
landholders or in the CBD, absolutely have some conversations with
(11:09):
either myself or Louise McCormack. Very open to those conversations.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
Minister.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Let's move along because there is a few other things
I'd like to get your take on. But one of
the things that got a few of our listeners well
really quite concerned a couple of weeks ago was the
situation on school counselors. Are you able to give us
a bit of an update or is there a bit
of an update on the situation with those school counselors.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Yes, so, Katie, I absolutely must emphasize that counselors must
be in schools. You know, it's my role as minister
and the Northern Territory Government's role as elected government is
to set the policy position. It's then up to the
CEO and the department who then implement those policy decisions
and operationalize those policies. So I can assure people your
(11:52):
counselors will not be removed from schools. We all absolutely
understand the value of counselors. You know that work around
the social well being of young people in our schools
is absolutely important.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Are they going to be based at the Mitchell Center though,
and then sort of sent out to rove around.
Speaker 3 (12:10):
No, they aren't. They will be in schools. Have been
absolutely adamant about that. As I said, that's our policy
position is to have that additional support, whether it's school nurses,
whether it's school based constables, or whether it's counselors. Schools
need those additional resources. They're part of the whole puzzle.
(12:30):
I mean, a school will have a well being planned.
They will you know, in their curriculum they'll talk about
well being and how to be resilient and you know,
all of those things around the health and well being
of young people. They have policies in place, but it's
also the culture of the school. You know, that zero
tolerance to bullying, you know, supporting and celebrating the diversity
of their student population, whether it's students with disabilities or multicultural.
(12:53):
But absolutely those counselors will stay in schools.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
But we also did the department.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Was the Department doing something contrary to what you wanted
in terms of talking about them being based out of
the Mitchell Center, because that was a really big concern
that was being raised both by the Council of Government
Schools COGSOIT and also by students.
Speaker 3 (13:14):
Yes, yes, I mean obviously heard Ladline and clearly from
a range of people around that. I think the issue
is that there's a national shortage of qualified professionals, whether
that's social workers or ots or speech therapists. There is
an absolute shortage across Australia child psychologists in all of
those areas, so all those areas that support the young
(13:36):
people with their mental health. So I think what the
Department was doing was trying to manage the shortage, but
also where there was a vacancy, say at Nightclift Middle School,
trying to move staff between those and manage it that way.
But as I said, it then obviously worried people that
their counselor that they had in their school, whether that
(13:57):
was Casualina Senior College would be removed. So we've been
very clear about that. The Department's now doing a national
recruitment campaign around that. We're also in discussions with the
department around ideas to look at how they can get
how they can support and train people to become those
allied health professionals as well, So whether that's through scholarships
(14:21):
or opportunities for them to be on the current wage
where they are, but to get those qualifications because we
do know there's a shortage whether you're waiting for your
child to be assessed for speech or ot. But yeah,
very clear that those counselors must remain in schools.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Yeah, I think it is so incredibly important. We know
that they do a phenomenal job. Now, Minister, before I
let you go this morning, just a couple of quick ones.
Yesterday the Children's Commissioner released a position paper on restraint
chairs and spi hoods, calling for their prohibition to be
enshrined in law. Does an Athern Territory government have any
plans to do this?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
No, we don't. The band spittled for you detention facilities
and for young people. That was a decision of Cabinet
so you know, that is an absolute decision of Cabinet
that we've put in place. So at this stage there
is no plans around putting that in legislation.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
I mean, we've got to make sure our police are
protected too, right, you know, stare being spat at. It's disgusting.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
Oh, I think absolutely all our front line I mean,
and I include teachers in when I talk about frontline,
I also include teachers in frontline. Often we talk about
ambos and fieries and our police, but our teachers and
health workers. But also I'd like to include teachers in that.
It is a disgusting thing to do and I think
all territorianes agree around that. So you know, police have
(15:41):
previously reviewed what they're doing in their watch houses, they
have modernized their processes, but it has to uphold the
safety of our police and we know those in custody
as well. And I think we all agree it's absolutely
disgusting and we absolutely support our police around that.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
A lot of concerns being raised at the moment as well.
We've had quite a few calls and messages about this,
and I know that it is a federal government responsibility.
The lights of the Berkley Highway. But we're being told
that there's massive potholes around the place.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
Yes, so that we do gain. I often get lots
of text messages and emails around potholes. So the diple
have a plan around what their road repairs. And obviously
they've been very much focused on where they've had to
literally rebuild roads in that kal KORINGI that area, but
they continue to roll out upgrades. I know the Stuart
(16:34):
Highway has been a priority for them as well as
I drove between Tenant Creek and Alice Springs recently and
there's some washout areas there that they are working on.
So but yet, let any of listeners let them know
anybody listening. You know, you can on the Dipple's website
there's a complaints aureo, an area where you can actually
notify and we'll we'll get onto it. But there is
(16:57):
a plan around that work. And as I said prior,
I think some of the bigger areas. But yes, understand
around potholes, it's something when you've had a big wet
that's inevitable almost.
Speaker 1 (17:07):
Yeah, it is. And pleased to hear that that work
is getting underway. Minister.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
Before I let you go it is thank you first
responded day. Obviously we just touched on the wonderful work
that our first responders do. But do you have a
message for our first responders this morning?
Speaker 3 (17:21):
Yeah, absolutely grateful for the work you do. None of
us ever want to be in the situation where we
need an ambulance or we need to need police, but
absolutely grateful for the work our first responders do. My
husband was a firefighter for thirty five years and I
know how difficult that work was at times. But thank
you to all our first responders.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
Well Treasurer and also Minister for various portfolios, Evil Lawler,
We really.
Speaker 1 (17:46):
Appreciate your time this morning. Thanks for coming on the show.
Speaker 3 (17:49):
Thanks Katie, thank you
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