Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now joining me on the line is the Deputy Chief Minister,
Nicole Madison. Good morning to you, minister.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Good morning Katie now.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Minister, the situation in the Barkley region has been very
challenging by the sounds of things when it comes to
those bushfires. From your perspective, what is the latest in
terms of the government's response.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Yeah, thanks, thanks Katie. In personally, I just want to
say a huge thank you to all of the teams
that have been working very hard since last week as
this fire broke out. But also just knowing that the
conditions there, we've had some wet conditions for the last
few years, which meant that there's a lot of fuel
out there. Uh you know, the wind speed, you know,
(00:45):
the heat is just made for unfortunately very difficult conditions
out there. So there have been there's been a huge
amount of work happening in terms of dealing with the fire,
for mitigating the risk against the fire, for planning of
all different possible scenarios that could happen with the fire.
So yeah, there's there's been a huge amount of activity
(01:08):
and people have worked incredibly hard on that. So just
you know, a big thank you to the teams out
there for everything that they're doing right now. We're meeting
regularly about this, making sure all of our agencies are
working closely together, that they've got the people, the resources,
and the assets that they need. Because this is the
difficult thing about it. You know, the weather changes and
(01:31):
you know, so we're trying to plan for many different scenarios.
But I'd assure that people of Tenant Creek and the
surrounding communities that there's been a lot of planning. There's
a lot of mitigation work happening around the township to
protect them from any issues.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
Now, tell me, are we expecting issues when it comes
to supply lines or transport at this point in time.
I know that the Barkley Highway, as understand all the
Highway was closed for a little while there, I understand,
and it's back open. How are things going when it
comes to those supply lines and those road closures.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Well, you would have noted that the Barkley Highway has
been opened and closed a few times now of this
FIA activity. And we've been looking closely at the Barkley,
the Stuart Highway, the rail line, and we've got our
logistics groups that have been meeting and discussing. We've got
departments Infrastructure, planning and logistics at the table too, so
(02:29):
we try to keep those road closures to a minimum.
Safety comes first, you want to make sure people can
get through safely, but we've kept them to a minimum
because we need our supply chains to keep continuing food
security and those supply chains are always a very big
point of discussion in our emergency preparing and planning and
(02:52):
at this stage we don't see any compromises to our
supply chains. However, you know, we keep it very close
eye on this and try to minim disruptions so I
thinks can keep flowing where they need to go.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Well, Minister will certainly keep an eye and an ear
on things that are happening as they progress in the
Barclay region. And yeah, no doubt it's an unnerving time
for a lot of people there. But I know, like
you've said, our fire ees, everybody that's working on the
front line working incredibly hard to keep everybody safe.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
And can I shout out to the pastoral us out
there in the area as well. There's been it's been
a huge amount of week by bush Fries NTEA, by police,
Foreign Emergency Services and We've also had conversations, lots of
work done with the pastor US have been doing a
big job out there trying to mitigate the risk of
(03:43):
their property, their stock, which ultimately helps the whole area
and region as well. So thank you to them too,
because I know we've got some very tired pastor USTs
out in the area. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Well, we are going to be catching up with the
Cattleman's Association after ten o'clock this morning, so we'll talk
a little bit further about that. So I do want
to ask you. I know this morning you've actually been
out talking tourism, announcing a revised NTY tourism industry strategy
for twenty thirty. Now, as I understand it, you're aiming
for an ambitious target of two point eight is it
(04:14):
million or billion million visitors I should say, accounting for
an associated spend of five point three billion by twenty thirty.
It's been six How do you plan to increase these numbers?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
It's a range of different areas. We need to get
all the different aspects of our tourism industry working together
to get this right. That includes airline connectivity and getting
greater services coming in there, enhancing the road traffic and
making sure that you know, we've got the tourism experiences
that people want. So for me, it's really important to
(04:51):
see continued investment into those great natural assets like Ularu Kakadu,
but making sure that when people get here at our
tourism businesses are delivering what they want. And today with
great so also announce another round of the BEEP Grants,
which is the Visitor Enhanced Experience Enhancement program where we
(05:12):
work with industry. We've invested three million dollars, industries investing
another ten, so that's a thirteen million dollar investment going
right across the territory to upgrade and enhance our tourism
businesses are hospitality businesses, so people have a better experience
when they go.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Minister, how many visitors do we currently get a year?
Speaker 2 (05:34):
So the number tends to fluctuate, but you know we'll
heading towards of course, sorry, I've just got the numbers
there in front of it. We have got the numbers
are fluctuated between one point six to about two and
basically you know it is seasonal. We look at it
every quarter, but we really want to enhance those numbers.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
And so heading from around one point six to two million,
all the way up to two point eight million. How
are we going to do this when you know, one
of the biggest issues we've got is the expense and
how bloody much it costs to fly into the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, and in your spot on, you know, it's the
biggest point of conversation in tourism, not just here in
the territory but nationally. You would have seen a huge
amount of debate over the last week about Qatar Airlines
and their access into Australia. So as you know, we're
working with our Aviation Attraction scheme, we're working with the
airports to try to get more people into the Northern Territory.
(06:35):
That's really important to us. And making sure that you've
got that air connectivity, like for example, when I was
out at Yallara just in the middle of the year
talking to voyagers out there, like their air connectivity to
Queensland isn't quite what it used to be and for
them that's about a sixteen seventeen percent hit on their visitation,
(06:56):
you know, trying to make sure that we've got as
many planes coming in from as many different destinations at
a reasonable price. Is what we all want to see
and that plays a critical role in tourism. International tourism
numbers have not returned to pre pandemic yet. We are
still working through that and we do need that connectivity.
So when people either come into the Northern Territory direct
(07:20):
or if they come through other airports, that they've got
connectivity to get in here.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
So where are things at with those discussions with other airlines?
I mean you mentioned then Qatar Airlines. Is that a
possibility for the Northern Territory that we could see some
flights with Qatar Airlines?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
That's not the immediate possibilities we're looking at, Katie, to
be really blunt, but I'm hoping to have some good
news for you very soon.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Okay, I want to ask I guess what I'm trying
to get to know. If we're looking at boosting these
tourism numbers from you know, the one point six two
million per year to two point eight, how are we
going to get there? You know, if we don't have
that greater connectivity yet, are you saying that it is
on the horizon?
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, our Tourism Aviation and Attraction Scheme, Our Territory Aviation
Attraction scheme has been getting interest out there, and we're
working very hard to get some of those airlines over
the line, working with the airports out there, and I'm
hoping to have some good news for you soon.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
All right. Now, with the you know, with the situation
as well with Quantas, we know that they've well had
some pretty scandalous issues over the last couple of weeks.
Alan Joyce is out. The new CEO of Vanessa Hudson
has stepped in. Have you had a chance to meet
with the new CEO or are you expecting to over the
coming weeks.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Well, we have already met with her, so she's already
had a history of coming to the Northern Territory and
gosh it, two months ago we had Vanessa here, the
Chief Minister and myself spent some really good time with her,
having a good chat about the circumstances of the Northern
Territory and where were to go. And so yeah, it's
(09:02):
fair to say we've already well and truly started that
relationship with the new chief executive of Quantus.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Do you reckon we get to see some more connectivity
under the new CEO, because it's been you know, fair
to say that the Territory has been coppying the rough
end of the stick in a lot of ways when
it comes to flights.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, so you know, we'll see in time, Katie. But
we've always advocated for more services and stronger connectivity here
and the best possible price for territorians. And Quantus do
do some territory deals with the residents of Central Australia,
which you know we are very grateful for. But you know,
(09:43):
they are a national carrier. They do have the largest
market share here and the message we always send a
Quantist is that we want more services. We want to
make sure that there's good flight availability for people in
the Northern Territory and at the right price. And when
they don't prioritize Northern Territory and or if they change schedules,
(10:07):
it just has such a greater impact on us here
because of our remoteness and our isolation. We are so
dependent on airlines like we just need them because people
just can't jump in a car and drive here if
they can't get on a plane.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Well, this is the thing, Minister. I know you are
pressed for time, but I guess what I'm trying to
get to is there's going to be people listening this
morning thinking to themselves, all right, we've got this strategy
for twenty thirty. We want to try to increase that
visitation to two point eight million visitors and also the
associated spend of five point three billion dollars by twenty thirty.
(10:40):
But aside from the incentive that you spoke about just
a moment ago, you know, it sounds as though we're
a bit lacking on detail.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
No, there are rafter different things that we do, Katie
to get visitors here. So yeah, we are trying to
build the aviation sector. Today, I've just announced again more
grants to go out there to boost the tourism offering
and the products that we have out there so people
have a fantastic experience here in the Northern Territories. They'll
inject an under thirteen million dollars into tourism and hospitality
(11:13):
businesses across the Northern Territory. We've got our do Summer
Differently campaign out in market right now, you know, while
people are freezing, telling them to come and have a
magnificent holiday here in the Northern Territory. And there's a
lot of material going out there right now that we're
looking to convert into people taking real holidays here. So
there's a huge amount of work that also happens with tourism,
(11:37):
NTEE and industry going to agents selling products, showing people
the great offerings. We've got the cruise ship season about
to kick off in October, and I'm delighted to say
it looks like we're going to have record numbers coming
through Darwin this year.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
So you're our wedsits, you definitely reckon that we're going
to You know that we are going to reach this
visitation of two point eight a million visitors. It's not
going to be sort of a number that a lot
of people don't have great confidence in. I know, when
we talk about the economy, the forty billion dollar economy
by twenty thirty, there's a lot of people that sort
of roll their eyes and think, are we going to
(12:12):
get there?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Make no mistake, it's an ambitious target, Katie, But I
think it's important to be ambitious because it sunds a
really clear message to our public sector about the pace
we want them to work at and what we want
to deliver, but also to investors that we are open
to business and that we want them to come and
invest in the tourism sector up here, and also just
(12:35):
our determination of backing in our hard working tourism operators here.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Deputy Chief Minister, A quick one. We know that speaking
of those flight prices, much has been said over the
last week or so about the cost of the Chief
Minister's trip to the US for ten days. Ninety two
thousand dollars was the cost to the taxpayer? This was
for the Chief Minister and one staff member. Were public
servants from the department also traveling on that trip?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Yes, I believe we've got some public servants also on
that trip. But what I would say.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
How much did that cost for them to go?
Speaker 2 (13:08):
I don't have that in front of me, but we
can get that for you. But what I will say, Katie.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Is so can I just clarify that that's on top
of the ninety two thousand dollars?
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Of course, yes, that would be, but I just don't
have that figure in front of me, Katie. But again,
can I just talk about what these trips actually generate
back into the Northern Territory economy. And it's important to
note that you know, other states have offices, they have
os trade representatives, they have staff full time over in
(13:37):
these countries working to build up trade and investment. These
types of trips are important to do. We haven't had
one six prior to COVID to make sure that in
America investors but also those important decision makers in defense
can see what we have on offer here in the
Northern Territory and this trip could generate billions of dollars
(13:59):
into the Noise and Territory economy. And the other thing,
Katie that has changed is the Inflation Reduction Act coming
into place and having a free trade agreement with the
States as well. That really does open up critical minial
supply chains as well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Look, I don't have a huge issue with this trip
with the you know, with the Chief Minister traveling to
the United States. I do believe that there's going to
be a huge investment, of course when it comes to
defense into the Northern Territory, and those discussions do need
to happen. But I guess a lot of people questioning
why it is costing so much, and you know, hearing
that there are public servants as well traveling in addition
(14:33):
to the Chief Minister and that staff member this morning
is probably going to be a bit of a shock
to people as they listen this morning without knowing the
cost of that. But then you know, when you look
at Minister Moss traveling for six days to attend a
United Nations Water conference and the cost of that trip
fifty thousand dollars of that was on flights for her
(14:55):
and her staff member. I mean, do you think that
passes the pub test?
Speaker 2 (15:01):
And again, Minister Moss was asked to represent Australia at
the United Nations conference and it was about indigenous water
and that is a very important issue to economic development
here in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Do you reckon though fifty grand for flights is good enough?
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Just the cost of travel these days, as we know about.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
The first class travel, that's very different to you know,
to flying premium economy or economy.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Yeah, I think Katie, it's one of those things you know,
you want to go over there, you want to do
the job well when you do go represent the Northern
Territory and Australia.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well, like I say, I know that a lot of
people will be continuing to question that cost. Particularly I
know you were very critical when in opposition of others
traveling at the taxpayer's expense, you know, on flights that
were that expensive.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Yeah, and again what else say is that when we
go overseas to do these trips, Katie, it's for a reason,
and it is to help get investments into the Northern
Territory and build the economy. What you don't see with
us on these trips is people doing it like the
CLP used to do, which was trying to line their
own personal investment portfolios racking up huge It's.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Still a huge amount of money, you know, it is
still a huge amount of money. Is it time motto
for these expenses to just be put on a press
release before you guys go away like you're doing when
you're first in power.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
Yes, yes, you know they will be going out there, Katie.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Yeah, I think they should. I think that it's good
to be upfront for people to be able to see
exactly how much money has been spent on these trips
and to know exactly what they are for. Deputy Chief Minister.
I appreciate your time this morning. I will be keen
to find out the cost for those public servants too
also travel across to the US with the Chief Minister
(16:57):
and that staff member. But we appreciate you having a
chat with us this month morning.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Thanks Katie, thank you
Now joining me on the line is the Deputy Chief Minister,
Nicole Madison. Good morning to you, minister.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Good morning Katie now.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
Minister, the situation in the Barkley region has been very
challenging by the sounds of things when it comes to
those bushfires. From your perspective, what is the latest in
terms of the government's response.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Yeah, thanks, thanks Katie. In personally, I just want to
say a huge thank you to all of the teams
that have been working very hard since last week as
this fire broke out. But also just knowing that the
conditions there, we've had some wet conditions for the last
few years, which meant that there's a lot of fuel
out there. Uh you know, the wind speed, you know,
(00:45):
the heat is just made for unfortunately very difficult conditions
out there. So there have been there's been a huge
amount of work happening in terms of dealing with the fire,
for mitigating the risk against the fire, for planning of
all different possible scenarios that could happen with the fire.
So yeah, there's there's been a huge amount of activity
(01:08):
and people have worked incredibly hard on that. So just
you know, a big thank you to the teams out
there for everything that they're doing right now. We're meeting
regularly about this, making sure all of our agencies are
working closely together, that they've got the people, the resources,
and the assets that they need. Because this is the
difficult thing about it. You know, the weather changes and
(01:31):
you know, so we're trying to plan for many different scenarios.
But I'd assure that people of Tenant Creek and the
surrounding communities that there's been a lot of planning. There's
a lot of mitigation work happening around the township to
protect them from any issues.
Speaker 1 (01:47):
Now, tell me, are we expecting issues when it comes
to supply lines or transport at this point in time.
I know that the Barkley Highway, as understand all the
Highway was closed for a little while there, I understand,
and it's back open. How are things going when it
comes to those supply lines and those road closures.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Well, you would have noted that the Barkley Highway has
been opened and closed a few times now of this
FIA activity. And we've been looking closely at the Barkley,
the Stuart Highway, the rail line, and we've got our
logistics groups that have been meeting and discussing. We've got
departments Infrastructure, planning and logistics at the table too, so
(02:29):
we try to keep those road closures to a minimum.
Safety comes first, you want to make sure people can
get through safely, but we've kept them to a minimum
because we need our supply chains to keep continuing food
security and those supply chains are always a very big
point of discussion in our emergency preparing and planning and
(02:52):
at this stage we don't see any compromises to our
supply chains. However, you know, we keep it very close
eye on this and try to minim disruptions so I
thinks can keep flowing where they need to go.
Speaker 1 (03:02):
Well, Minister will certainly keep an eye and an ear
on things that are happening as they progress in the
Barclay region. And yeah, no doubt it's an unnerving time
for a lot of people there. But I know, like
you've said, our fire ees, everybody that's working on the
front line working incredibly hard to keep everybody safe.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
And can I shout out to the pastoral us out
there in the area as well. There's been it's been
a huge amount of week by bush Fries NTEA, by police,
Foreign Emergency Services and We've also had conversations, lots of
work done with the pastor US have been doing a
big job out there trying to mitigate the risk of
(03:43):
their property, their stock, which ultimately helps the whole area
and region as well. So thank you to them too,
because I know we've got some very tired pastor USTs
out in the area. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Well, we are going to be catching up with the
Cattleman's Association after ten o'clock this morning, so we'll talk
a little bit further about that. So I do want
to ask you. I know this morning you've actually been
out talking tourism, announcing a revised NTY tourism industry strategy
for twenty thirty. Now, as I understand it, you're aiming
for an ambitious target of two point eight is it
(04:14):
million or billion million visitors I should say, accounting for
an associated spend of five point three billion by twenty thirty.
It's been six How do you plan to increase these numbers?
Speaker 2 (04:28):
It's a range of different areas. We need to get
all the different aspects of our tourism industry working together
to get this right. That includes airline connectivity and getting
greater services coming in there, enhancing the road traffic and
making sure that you know, we've got the tourism experiences
that people want. So for me, it's really important to
(04:51):
see continued investment into those great natural assets like Ularu Kakadu,
but making sure that when people get here at our
tourism businesses are delivering what they want. And today with
great so also announce another round of the BEEP Grants,
which is the Visitor Enhanced Experience Enhancement program where we
(05:12):
work with industry. We've invested three million dollars, industries investing
another ten, so that's a thirteen million dollar investment going
right across the territory to upgrade and enhance our tourism
businesses are hospitality businesses, so people have a better experience
when they go.
Speaker 1 (05:29):
Minister, how many visitors do we currently get a year?
Speaker 2 (05:34):
So the number tends to fluctuate, but you know we'll
heading towards of course, sorry, I've just got the numbers
there in front of it. We have got the numbers
are fluctuated between one point six to about two and
basically you know it is seasonal. We look at it
every quarter, but we really want to enhance those numbers.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
And so heading from around one point six to two million,
all the way up to two point eight million. How
are we going to do this when you know, one
of the biggest issues we've got is the expense and
how bloody much it costs to fly into the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Yeah, and in your spot on, you know, it's the
biggest point of conversation in tourism, not just here in
the territory but nationally. You would have seen a huge
amount of debate over the last week about Qatar Airlines
and their access into Australia. So as you know, we're
working with our Aviation Attraction scheme, we're working with the
airports to try to get more people into the Northern Territory.
(06:35):
That's really important to us. And making sure that you've
got that air connectivity, like for example, when I was
out at Yallara just in the middle of the year
talking to voyagers out there, like their air connectivity to
Queensland isn't quite what it used to be and for
them that's about a sixteen seventeen percent hit on their visitation,
(06:56):
you know, trying to make sure that we've got as
many planes coming in from as many different destinations at
a reasonable price. Is what we all want to see
and that plays a critical role in tourism. International tourism
numbers have not returned to pre pandemic yet. We are
still working through that and we do need that connectivity.
So when people either come into the Northern Territory direct
(07:20):
or if they come through other airports, that they've got
connectivity to get in here.
Speaker 1 (07:24):
So where are things at with those discussions with other airlines?
I mean you mentioned then Qatar Airlines. Is that a
possibility for the Northern Territory that we could see some
flights with Qatar Airlines?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
That's not the immediate possibilities we're looking at, Katie, to
be really blunt, but I'm hoping to have some good
news for you very soon.
Speaker 1 (07:43):
Okay, I want to ask I guess what I'm trying
to get to know. If we're looking at boosting these
tourism numbers from you know, the one point six two
million per year to two point eight, how are we
going to get there? You know, if we don't have
that greater connectivity yet, are you saying that it is
on the horizon?
Speaker 2 (08:01):
Well, our Tourism Aviation and Attraction Scheme, Our Territory Aviation
Attraction scheme has been getting interest out there, and we're
working very hard to get some of those airlines over
the line, working with the airports out there, and I'm
hoping to have some good news for you soon.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
All right. Now, with the you know, with the situation
as well with Quantas, we know that they've well had
some pretty scandalous issues over the last couple of weeks.
Alan Joyce is out. The new CEO of Vanessa Hudson
has stepped in. Have you had a chance to meet
with the new CEO or are you expecting to over the
coming weeks.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Well, we have already met with her, so she's already
had a history of coming to the Northern Territory and
gosh it, two months ago we had Vanessa here, the
Chief Minister and myself spent some really good time with her,
having a good chat about the circumstances of the Northern
Territory and where were to go. And so yeah, it's
(09:02):
fair to say we've already well and truly started that
relationship with the new chief executive of Quantus.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Do you reckon we get to see some more connectivity
under the new CEO, because it's been you know, fair
to say that the Territory has been coppying the rough
end of the stick in a lot of ways when
it comes to flights.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yeah, so you know, we'll see in time, Katie. But
we've always advocated for more services and stronger connectivity here
and the best possible price for territorians. And Quantus do
do some territory deals with the residents of Central Australia,
which you know we are very grateful for. But you know,
(09:43):
they are a national carrier. They do have the largest
market share here and the message we always send a
Quantist is that we want more services. We want to
make sure that there's good flight availability for people in
the Northern Territory and at the right price. And when
they don't prioritize Northern Territory and or if they change schedules,
(10:07):
it just has such a greater impact on us here
because of our remoteness and our isolation. We are so
dependent on airlines like we just need them because people
just can't jump in a car and drive here if
they can't get on a plane.
Speaker 1 (10:19):
Well, this is the thing, Minister. I know you are
pressed for time, but I guess what I'm trying to
get to is there's going to be people listening this
morning thinking to themselves, all right, we've got this strategy
for twenty thirty. We want to try to increase that
visitation to two point eight million visitors and also the
associated spend of five point three billion dollars by twenty thirty.
(10:40):
But aside from the incentive that you spoke about just
a moment ago, you know, it sounds as though we're
a bit lacking on detail.
Speaker 2 (10:50):
No, there are rafter different things that we do, Katie
to get visitors here. So yeah, we are trying to
build the aviation sector. Today, I've just announced again more
grants to go out there to boost the tourism offering
and the products that we have out there so people
have a fantastic experience here in the Northern Territories. They'll
inject an under thirteen million dollars into tourism and hospitality
(11:13):
businesses across the Northern Territory. We've got our do Summer
Differently campaign out in market right now, you know, while
people are freezing, telling them to come and have a
magnificent holiday here in the Northern Territory. And there's a
lot of material going out there right now that we're
looking to convert into people taking real holidays here. So
there's a huge amount of work that also happens with tourism,
(11:37):
NTEE and industry going to agents selling products, showing people
the great offerings. We've got the cruise ship season about
to kick off in October, and I'm delighted to say
it looks like we're going to have record numbers coming
through Darwin this year.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
So you're our wedsits, you definitely reckon that we're going
to You know that we are going to reach this
visitation of two point eight a million visitors. It's not
going to be sort of a number that a lot
of people don't have great confidence in. I know, when
we talk about the economy, the forty billion dollar economy
by twenty thirty, there's a lot of people that sort
of roll their eyes and think, are we going to
(12:12):
get there?
Speaker 2 (12:14):
Make no mistake, it's an ambitious target, Katie, But I
think it's important to be ambitious because it sunds a
really clear message to our public sector about the pace
we want them to work at and what we want
to deliver, but also to investors that we are open
to business and that we want them to come and
invest in the tourism sector up here, and also just
(12:35):
our determination of backing in our hard working tourism operators here.
Speaker 1 (12:38):
Deputy Chief Minister, A quick one. We know that speaking
of those flight prices, much has been said over the
last week or so about the cost of the Chief
Minister's trip to the US for ten days. Ninety two
thousand dollars was the cost to the taxpayer? This was
for the Chief Minister and one staff member. Were public
servants from the department also traveling on that trip?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Yes, I believe we've got some public servants also on
that trip. But what I would say.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
How much did that cost for them to go?
Speaker 2 (13:08):
I don't have that in front of me, but we
can get that for you. But what I will say, Katie.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Is so can I just clarify that that's on top
of the ninety two thousand dollars?
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Of course, yes, that would be, but I just don't
have that figure in front of me, Katie. But again,
can I just talk about what these trips actually generate
back into the Northern Territory economy. And it's important to
note that you know, other states have offices, they have
os trade representatives, they have staff full time over in
(13:37):
these countries working to build up trade and investment. These
types of trips are important to do. We haven't had
one six prior to COVID to make sure that in
America investors but also those important decision makers in defense
can see what we have on offer here in the
Northern Territory and this trip could generate billions of dollars
(13:59):
into the Noise and Territory economy. And the other thing,
Katie that has changed is the Inflation Reduction Act coming
into place and having a free trade agreement with the
States as well. That really does open up critical minial
supply chains as well.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
Look, I don't have a huge issue with this trip
with the you know, with the Chief Minister traveling to
the United States. I do believe that there's going to
be a huge investment, of course when it comes to
defense into the Northern Territory, and those discussions do need
to happen. But I guess a lot of people questioning
why it is costing so much, and you know, hearing
that there are public servants as well traveling in addition
(14:33):
to the Chief Minister and that staff member this morning
is probably going to be a bit of a shock
to people as they listen this morning without knowing the
cost of that. But then you know, when you look
at Minister Moss traveling for six days to attend a
United Nations Water conference and the cost of that trip
fifty thousand dollars of that was on flights for her
(14:55):
and her staff member. I mean, do you think that
passes the pub test?
Speaker 2 (15:01):
And again, Minister Moss was asked to represent Australia at
the United Nations conference and it was about indigenous water
and that is a very important issue to economic development
here in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (15:15):
Do you reckon though fifty grand for flights is good enough?
Speaker 2 (15:20):
Just the cost of travel these days, as we know about.
Speaker 1 (15:22):
The first class travel, that's very different to you know,
to flying premium economy or economy.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Yeah, I think Katie, it's one of those things you know,
you want to go over there, you want to do
the job well when you do go represent the Northern
Territory and Australia.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
Well, like I say, I know that a lot of
people will be continuing to question that cost. Particularly I
know you were very critical when in opposition of others
traveling at the taxpayer's expense, you know, on flights that
were that expensive.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Yeah, and again what else say is that when we
go overseas to do these trips, Katie, it's for a reason,
and it is to help get investments into the Northern
Territory and build the economy. What you don't see with
us on these trips is people doing it like the
CLP used to do, which was trying to line their
own personal investment portfolios racking up huge It's.
Speaker 1 (16:20):
Still a huge amount of money, you know, it is
still a huge amount of money. Is it time motto
for these expenses to just be put on a press
release before you guys go away like you're doing when
you're first in power.
Speaker 2 (16:33):
Yes, yes, you know they will be going out there, Katie.
Speaker 1 (16:36):
Yeah, I think they should. I think that it's good
to be upfront for people to be able to see
exactly how much money has been spent on these trips
and to know exactly what they are for. Deputy Chief Minister.
I appreciate your time this morning. I will be keen
to find out the cost for those public servants too
also travel across to the US with the Chief Minister
(16:57):
and that staff member. But we appreciate you having a
chat with us this month morning.
Speaker 2 (17:01):
Thanks Katie, thank you
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