Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
It is just on a quarter past nine.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
If you'd like to get in contact with me this morning,
you can give us a call eight nine four one
one four nine. You can also send me a message
zero four double nine seven double one three six zero.
But well, we do know that trade talks are going
to dominate the Prime Minister Anthony Albanesi's long anticipated four
day visit to China. It began yesterday after jetting into
(00:22):
Darwin for a Labor Party fundraiser on Friday night. Now,
speaking before jetting north from the Darwin Airport, well, mister Albanezi,
welcome the strengthening of the Australia China relationship in recent years,
telling the media, I think that the visit in itself
is a very positive thing. So we will wait and
see what outcomes are certainly made as a result of
(00:45):
that trip to China.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
It seems as though it's a step in the right direction,
but like.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I said, many wanting to see some tangible outcomes when
the Prime Minister jets off anywhere, including Darwin and joining
me in the studio right now as the Chief Minister
Natasha files, good morning to.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
You, Good morning Katie, good morning listeners.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Now Chief Minister. Firstly, you met with the Prime Minister
on Friday. What was on the agenda?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Thanks Katie.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
It was his second visit to the territory in around
a month and we caught up to discuss the progress
of the Northern Territory. There's some really exciting initiatives and
industries happening here, for example space. He was in the
US speaking on the White House lawns about the space
industry that directly relates to East Arnham Land, but defense
capability amongst other things that we caught up on.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Now I know that one of the things that has
been on the agenda is needs based funding when it
comes to domestic violence and the Northern Territory Police this
morning issuing a statement saying that they've charged a twenty
nine year old man with murder after an alleged domestic
violence incident in Moil on Saturday. At about five o'clock
on Saturday afternoon, police received reports that a seventy one
(01:48):
year old man was unresponsive in a swimming pool at
a residence on McMillan's Road. Now they and Dambo's attended
and the man was declared deceased at the scene. His
exact cause of death was unknown at the time of
police arrival, but a twenty nine year old man, the
son of the deceased, was arrested at that location and
(02:08):
a crime scene declared. Investigations of since deemed that the
death was suspicious and the twenty nine year old's being
charged with one count of murder. He's going to appear
in the Darwin Local Court today. Now, this is a
terrible situation that goes without saying absolutely terrible, but another
example of horrendous domestic violence.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Katie and police are investigating that I lay charged, but
absolutely horrific for the family and for the community there.
But stepping away from that, this is where it's so
important for those in the Commonwealth to understand the needs
based and for your listeners, Katie, it's we get funded
on population. We've got a very small population compared to
the rest of Australia.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
But when you look at our need.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Which is both a proportion of rates for example of
domestic and family violence, but also in the health space
of underlying chronic illness as well as the cost of
service delivery costs more to services in the Northern Territory,
and then when you get into remote and regional areas
it costs even more. So I absolutely did raise that
with the Prime Minister and what if.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
We say, because it seems like it's been raised now
a few times. I know that Kate Wharton had in
the previous role, had traveled to Canberra, had spoken about it.
We have been calling for needs based funding for months
and months, Katie. He was certainly responsive and having been
an infrastructure minister previously in government, he understood the cost
of service delivery in the territory. But it's that needs
(03:28):
based funding and domestic and family violence, also in health,
and also in education.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
It just simply costs more to deliver those essential services.
So I certainly will continue to pursue this with the Commonwealth.
There's a number of agreements that you are coming to
the end of their time span, and so in negotiating
new agreements, can we have that needs based funding, not
population based, which will really allow us to deliver the
services we need.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Again, though, I will say this is something we've been
talking about for such a long period of time. All
the while the Coronial Inquest continues, we continue to hear
absolutely devastating evidence handed down a lack of funding, a
lack of resourcing, and at this point in time, there
really doesn't seem to be any movement from the federal government.
It doesn't seem like the Prime Minister is coming to
(04:13):
the table here. I know that you're saying that you've
spoken to him, but even in the comments that have
been printed in the Northern Territory News today, he's not
committing to anything.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Like We've had a budget handed down earlier.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
This year and it didn't seem as though the needs
based funding is something that's going to happen.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
So how is the territory government.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Going to deal with this issue if you're not able
to get the funding that you want.
Speaker 4 (04:34):
And Katie, that's why it's so vitally important. We're doing
everything we can. We've provided additional resources into domestic and
family violence. We fund into the health space, you know,
more than other jurisdictions in that primary health care, which
is the responsibility of the Commonwealth. In terms of education,
we did see movement with the enrollment based funding into
Central Australia. So I will continue to make sure that
(04:55):
the Northern Territories point is pushed and them understanding when
we talk about making difference and overcoming disadvantage and poverty
this is exactly what we're talking here.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
So maybe at a point though that you've just got
to accept that you're not going to get that needs
based funding and make the most impactful changes that it
can with the budget that you've got.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
So Katie, that's what we've already done in terms of
putting additional resources into domestic and family violence. But if
we truly want to overcome these issues, and the rate
of domestic homicide in the Northern Territory is six times
the national average and the rate of domestic and family
violence related assaults is three times the national average. So
we have the cost of delivering those services, which is
just more because we're isolated and remote, and then when
(05:34):
you look at the proportion of incidents, it's higher. So
we can't We are putting everything we can and we
cannot simply just let the status quo. We have to
push ford needs based funding.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And then when you look at.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
The level of call out that the Northern Territory police
are going out to every single day and the strain
on resources as a result of what's happening with domestic violence,
it doesn't seem as though it's getting any better.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
In fact, it seems as though it's getting and I
know that.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Last week it was revealed that two highly respected Territory
cops have been reshuffled out of the police top brass
amid a leadership shakup which has upset domestic violence advocates.
So the Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy confirmed with
the ABC that Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael White and Assistant
Commissioner Satch and Shama would not be continuing in their
(06:22):
current roles. Now, Women's Safety Services of Central Australia, their
Chief Executive, Larissa Ellis, has told the Coroner the sector
had lost two senior champions with that reshuffle. Is this
a bad move with the rates of domestic violence and
what we are currently seeing.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
So the Commissioner for Police has made an operational decision, Katie.
People were acting in roles and they would be questions
better pointed to him. But in terms of the sector
wanting to know that the Northern Territory government understands the
domestic and family violence.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Issues we have.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
We absolutely get it and we do everything we can
each day to try and deliver those services so that
we can change the behaviors.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
We all right, I want to move along.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
There is a lot to cover this morning, and the
development at Middle Arm is on the federal agenda this week,
with submissions being put forward for the inquiry into the project.
As I understand that the inquiry gets underway early next year.
Is this something that you spoke to the Prime Minister about?
I mean, presumably you're hoping that this inquiry doesn't stifle things.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
I did, Katie.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I raise this that this is an important project for jobs,
jobs for territories, both in the construction and ongoing. It
is lower missions, Katie. We care about our environment, we
care about our community because we live here. We're not
a Southerner that thinks Palmerston is a suburb of Darwin.
We know how important those people's homes are. We know
how important our harbor is. So we have provided a
submission to this inquiry Katie, so that we can outline
(07:44):
the work that is being undertaken, not just the assessments
around the environment, but also culture and heritage. So we
certainly have nothing to be afraid of in terms of
this inquiry. This is a great project for jobs and
providing stability and certainty to business.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Is there the potential well here though this could totally
stifle the development.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
I don't think it will, Katie. I think that this
is just a case of you know, those on the
East Coast. I wish that they would go and look
at some of the projects in their own states. You know,
we've got coal, dirty coal in the East Coast. What
are they doing to get rid of that. Queensland's not
coming off coal till twenty thirty five. This project has
a circular economy principle, Katie, which what it means is
if one industry there makes something that causes emissions or
(08:27):
you know, has things at the end of it, another
industry out there will potentially use that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
So we've done that.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
We're going through all the environmental assessments, making sure that
the Larakias traditional owners or across the project. So we
believe that this is important project for jobs for our
community into the future, not at the sake of our environment.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Has the Prime Minister committed to supporting this project.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
So he's been very positive about this project. We do
have supporting it, Yes, Katie, there is commwalth dollars to
help with key infrastructure and as I've said to you previously,
rather than in twenty years time, having projects scut across
our harbor that stack up individually. We're actually stepping forward
and saying, let's make this a precinct. Let's have a
whole of project enabling infrastructure, but let's also do whole
(09:09):
of project assessments for our environment for emissions and make
sure that we protect that in our harbor, which is
finding that balance between a working harbor and protecting it. Now,
it certainly wasn't smooth sailing for the Prime Minister while
he was here. He attended that five thousand dollars ahead
fundraiser on Friday before the visits to China. I mean, firstly,
do you think it's appropriate for the Prime Minister to
(09:31):
be attending labor fundraisers while he's in town. Presumably he
flew here on a taxpayer funded jet. So, Katie, political
fundraising is a part of the system. We have elections
cost dollars and we declare everything. There's processes. We've strengthened
that so that there is more accurate presentation of the donations.
But the Prime Minister did attend a fundraising dinner and
(09:52):
unfortunately we did see people. You invade that within a
private space. It was a private building. Other people we're
trying to have a meal and a drink within that
facility as well.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Just firstly, does it blur the lines of what's appropriate
though if you're flying here presumably for official business, but
then you're.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Also attending fundraisers.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
So Katie, the.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Comworth have got different rules around this. So for example,
federal members of Parliament, they're able to put that they're
the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory or the COLP
Senator for on their buildings. In the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
We're not allowed to have any political identification, which actually
frustrates some people because they want to know, you know,
are you Labor, are you c ORP. So there's different
(10:34):
rules and I'm absolutely sure the Prime Minister would comply
with them.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
All right.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
So with that vision that's emerged from the event those
protesters rocking up, now, I wouldn't have been surprised if
they are actually protesting at the Middle Arm precinct. But
they were protesting, you know, the well free Palestine is
basically what they were saying Ceespire. They were pretty upset
with the Prime Minister. They look pretty angry. They were
holding small children as well. Will they arrested. What's a
(11:00):
situation there?
Speaker 4 (11:01):
So, Katie, you'd need to speak to Northern Churchy Police.
I understand that Australian Federal Police and Anti police were
obviously on scene. I don't think ambushing people is the
way to go. And Katie, what is happening in the
Middle East is horrific. My heart breaks. It is absolutely awful.
Innocent lives, you know, children who should just be playing
and happily going to school have had their lives turned
upside down. It is horrific. My heart breaks for them.
(11:23):
But ambushing the Prime Minister around that topic, I just
don't think is a way to get your message through.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
So do you think the Prime Minister should be doing
more or do you think the response from the Federal
government's adequate at this point?
Speaker 4 (11:33):
I think that the Federal government and the response around
making sure that Australians that are caught up in this
conflict getting them out is you know, to date, has
been satisfactory. And I think this is incredibly complex. Middle
Eastern politics has been complex for hundreds of years, and
I know that not only our Prime Minister, but our
Foreign Minister and navigating the changing space internationally, the politics
(11:56):
of not only our region in the Pacific, but more
broadly in a way that they will have difficult conversations
when they need to, but also trying to maintain peace
and world order.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Now, last week you announced a massive reshuffle. Plenty of
raised eyebrows about Brent Potter and Joel Bouden being elevated
to very high level portfolios, but you and I have
already spoken about that. I want to ask you about
the separation of police, fire and emergency services. When do
you anticipate that this is actually going to come into effect?
Speaker 4 (12:25):
So the police Commissioner, who was previously in charge of
a try services is really excited by this announcement as well.
His words were why should a cop be in charge
of the fire services? So the work has begun. It
is the machinery of government changes. So fire and emergency
services will have their own chief executive, Katie. They have
an existing budget that sits in with police, so there'll
(12:46):
be separation of that budget out. But we have provided
more resources to our firefighters and I look forward to
working with them as they stand in that standalone service
with emergency services.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
And so are they going to have their own budget?
Speaker 4 (12:59):
So Katie, yes, they'll have their own budget, they'll have
their own chief executive. Now it's not necessarily creating a
whole new budget. They've got a budget within the Trial
Services presently, so it's.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Shifting things across.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
As a government, we have shared services, so legal, corporate services,
those things are provided by a separate government department.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
But I think this is a really exciting move so
that the Foreign.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
Emergency Services have got that clear line of authority around
what is independent to police and allows the Commissioner for
Police to focus on crime and community safety.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And so you're thinking that it could happen sort of
early next year.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
I would hope that would be within that time frame, Katie.
As I said, there's already conversations with the Commissioner. He's
started to start that process. There'll obviously be a transition
period in acting arrangements, but I think this is really
welcomed by both police and Foreign Emergency Services.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Now, Chief Minister, you're revealed on the show last week
that Frank Daily is no longer the chief executive of
the Department of Chief means Ken Davies obviously stepping in
did doctor Daily's contract Dean Durley, meaning that he'd need
a contract payout.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Katie, it's a matter in terms of Ken Davies is
finalizing that contract in the arrangement, so it'd be in
appropriate to comment on individuals. But yes, in terms of
the role he was in that role, he did not
continue in that so I do imagine that you know,
he had a contract, so there would be some steps
around that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
And how much do you anticipate that's going to cost
the taxpayer?
Speaker 3 (14:21):
O Katie.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
I don't have those details. But I made a decision
around what's in the best interests of the Northern Territory,
and making these changes is never easy. Doctor Daly did
an enormous amount, particularly through COVID, but I felt that
for where the territory is now and stepping forward, we
needed some changes, not only in my cabinet but there.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
So presumably though there is going to be a payout
that he is going to cost the taxpayer. But by
the sounds of it, you did zacking.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
So Katie, I'm not going to get into commenting on
an individual. I can talk to is the work that
doctor Daily did, an exceptional job, and there's steps around
that and that's being worked through, all.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Right, So Ken Davies had retired, hadn't he? So is
he now on a new contract.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
So Kenn had been on leave, so he'd taken a
period of leave from his chief executive role at the
Department of Territory Families Housing, and so he's come back
in to take.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
Over this role.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So he hadn't retired, he'd taken my understanding, Katie, And
again I'm getting into talking about personal but I'm sure
Ken will be comfortable with me. He'd taken a period
of leave from that agency, but he's agreed to come
over and be the head of Chief Minister and Cabinet.
He's someone that's worked for a very long time in
our public service, across different governments, of political persuasions. And
I think you know, right now the territory has got
(15:32):
such an exciting opportunity, but we've also got some really
big challenges and I need to make sure that the
public sector is responsive to those.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
And was that the issue here?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Did you feel that the public sector was not responding
in the way in which you needed them to on
some of those huge issues.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
Katie, It's just about we're at a point and you know,
I think there's a real opportunity for the Northern Territory.
But at the same time, we've got some real social
challenges and i have to make tough decisions, but I'm
not afraid of making them in the best interests of
Northern Territory and it you know, we needed the change,
all right.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
One of those tough decisions is the role out of
OC spray.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Now, some people do not think that this should happen.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
There's some that are saying that, you know, we're basically
handing over a weapon to people who aren't adequately trained.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
There are others.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
We've spoken to the CEO of Hospitality on Friday and
he's calling for it to be fast tracked. Alex Bruce saying,
you know, we need to make this happen, and we
need to make it happen soon.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
When is it going to actually happen?
Speaker 4 (16:26):
So, Katie, I really support measures that keep our community
safe and make the job of our police easier. So
restricting alcohol to those that cause problems. You know, if
we can work in with private security, if we can
work in with our council rangers so that we've got
a safer community, and this is something that we've committed to.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
There are some logistics around working it through.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
But I believe that our in terms of crowd controllers
and security guards, they are trained, there's a licensing process,
and if we can have measures that deter people from
misbehaving and keep our community safer, I support that.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
So when's it going to happen, Katy, I'll have.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
To get this spec if it's for you.
Speaker 4 (17:00):
We changed the legislation for the transport safety officers to
carry the capsicum spray, and we've committed to the at
bottle shops people being whether it's the crowd controllers and
security guards working through that. So trying to make that
happen as quickly as possible, but these things do take
time because we do need to make sure there's the
training and the checks and balances in place by the
end of the year.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Katie.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
I will come back to you with the timeframe. I
apologize that don't have it in front of me.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Now, just a really quick one.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Hopefully we know that you tabled the alcohol review, that
summary review a couple of weeks ago in Parliament. Are
you expecting that there's going to be legislation or changes
introduced at the next parliamentary sittings?
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Yes, Katie, so I'm working through that review, and there's
some things that sit within the band Drinker Register, and
there's some things that sit within the Liquor Act. But
I do anticipate there'll be further legislative changes, both in
the sittings that we've got coming.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Up and then early next year.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Are you able to tell us what any of those
changes might be.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Those conversations, Katie, are continuing, particularly with industry, particularly with
police and those involved in community safety, around what are
the best measures that we can roll out to keep
working in this space, because we know alcohol is a
large basis for the harm we see, but we know
there's many people that do things responsibly and I don't
want to, you know, make.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Sure that they can access alcohol, which is a legal product.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
All Right, We're going to have to leave it there,
Chief Finiston, Natasha Files, thanks for your time this morning.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Take care,
It is just on a quarter past nine.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
If you'd like to get in contact with me this morning,
you can give us a call eight nine four one
one four nine. You can also send me a message
zero four double nine seven double one three six zero.
But well, we do know that trade talks are going
to dominate the Prime Minister Anthony Albanesi's long anticipated four
day visit to China. It began yesterday after jetting into
(00:22):
Darwin for a Labor Party fundraiser on Friday night. Now,
speaking before jetting north from the Darwin Airport, well, mister Albanezi,
welcome the strengthening of the Australia China relationship in recent years,
telling the media, I think that the visit in itself
is a very positive thing. So we will wait and
see what outcomes are certainly made as a result of
(00:45):
that trip to China.
Speaker 1 (00:46):
It seems as though it's a step in the right direction,
but like.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I said, many wanting to see some tangible outcomes when
the Prime Minister jets off anywhere, including Darwin and joining
me in the studio right now as the Chief Minister
Natasha files, good morning to.
Speaker 3 (00:58):
You, Good morning Katie, good morning listeners.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
Now Chief Minister. Firstly, you met with the Prime Minister
on Friday. What was on the agenda?
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Thanks Katie.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
It was his second visit to the territory in around
a month and we caught up to discuss the progress
of the Northern Territory. There's some really exciting initiatives and
industries happening here, for example space. He was in the
US speaking on the White House lawns about the space
industry that directly relates to East Arnham Land, but defense
capability amongst other things that we caught up on.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
Now I know that one of the things that has
been on the agenda is needs based funding when it
comes to domestic violence and the Northern Territory Police this
morning issuing a statement saying that they've charged a twenty
nine year old man with murder after an alleged domestic
violence incident in Moil on Saturday. At about five o'clock
on Saturday afternoon, police received reports that a seventy one
(01:48):
year old man was unresponsive in a swimming pool at
a residence on McMillan's Road. Now they and Dambo's attended
and the man was declared deceased at the scene. His
exact cause of death was unknown at the time of
police arrival, but a twenty nine year old man, the
son of the deceased, was arrested at that location and
(02:08):
a crime scene declared. Investigations of since deemed that the
death was suspicious and the twenty nine year old's being
charged with one count of murder. He's going to appear
in the Darwin Local Court today. Now, this is a
terrible situation that goes without saying absolutely terrible, but another
example of horrendous domestic violence.
Speaker 4 (02:31):
Katie and police are investigating that I lay charged, but
absolutely horrific for the family and for the community there.
But stepping away from that, this is where it's so
important for those in the Commonwealth to understand the needs
based and for your listeners, Katie, it's we get funded
on population. We've got a very small population compared to
the rest of Australia.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
But when you look at our need.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
Which is both a proportion of rates for example of
domestic and family violence, but also in the health space
of underlying chronic illness as well as the cost of
service delivery costs more to services in the Northern Territory,
and then when you get into remote and regional areas
it costs even more. So I absolutely did raise that
with the Prime Minister and what if.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
We say, because it seems like it's been raised now
a few times. I know that Kate Wharton had in
the previous role, had traveled to Canberra, had spoken about it.
We have been calling for needs based funding for months
and months, Katie. He was certainly responsive and having been
an infrastructure minister previously in government, he understood the cost
of service delivery in the territory. But it's that needs
(03:28):
based funding and domestic and family violence, also in health,
and also in education.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
It just simply costs more to deliver those essential services.
So I certainly will continue to pursue this with the Commonwealth.
There's a number of agreements that you are coming to
the end of their time span, and so in negotiating
new agreements, can we have that needs based funding, not
population based, which will really allow us to deliver the
services we need.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Again, though, I will say this is something we've been
talking about for such a long period of time. All
the while the Coronial Inquest continues, we continue to hear
absolutely devastating evidence handed down a lack of funding, a
lack of resourcing, and at this point in time, there
really doesn't seem to be any movement from the federal government.
It doesn't seem like the Prime Minister is coming to
(04:13):
the table here. I know that you're saying that you've
spoken to him, but even in the comments that have
been printed in the Northern Territory News today, he's not
committing to anything.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Like We've had a budget handed down earlier.
Speaker 2 (04:24):
This year and it didn't seem as though the needs
based funding is something that's going to happen.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
So how is the territory government.
Speaker 2 (04:30):
Going to deal with this issue if you're not able
to get the funding that you want.
Speaker 4 (04:34):
And Katie, that's why it's so vitally important. We're doing
everything we can. We've provided additional resources into domestic and
family violence. We fund into the health space, you know,
more than other jurisdictions in that primary health care, which
is the responsibility of the Commonwealth. In terms of education,
we did see movement with the enrollment based funding into
Central Australia. So I will continue to make sure that
(04:55):
the Northern Territories point is pushed and them understanding when
we talk about making difference and overcoming disadvantage and poverty
this is exactly what we're talking here.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
So maybe at a point though that you've just got
to accept that you're not going to get that needs
based funding and make the most impactful changes that it
can with the budget that you've got.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
So Katie, that's what we've already done in terms of
putting additional resources into domestic and family violence. But if
we truly want to overcome these issues, and the rate
of domestic homicide in the Northern Territory is six times
the national average and the rate of domestic and family
violence related assaults is three times the national average. So
we have the cost of delivering those services, which is
just more because we're isolated and remote, and then when
(05:34):
you look at the proportion of incidents, it's higher. So
we can't We are putting everything we can and we
cannot simply just let the status quo. We have to
push ford needs based funding.
Speaker 1 (05:44):
And then when you look at.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
The level of call out that the Northern Territory police
are going out to every single day and the strain
on resources as a result of what's happening with domestic violence,
it doesn't seem as though it's getting any better.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
In fact, it seems as though it's getting and I
know that.
Speaker 2 (06:01):
Last week it was revealed that two highly respected Territory
cops have been reshuffled out of the police top brass
amid a leadership shakup which has upset domestic violence advocates.
So the Northern Territory Police Commissioner Michael Murphy confirmed with
the ABC that Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael White and Assistant
Commissioner Satch and Shama would not be continuing in their
(06:22):
current roles. Now, Women's Safety Services of Central Australia, their
Chief Executive, Larissa Ellis, has told the Coroner the sector
had lost two senior champions with that reshuffle. Is this
a bad move with the rates of domestic violence and
what we are currently seeing.
Speaker 4 (06:38):
So the Commissioner for Police has made an operational decision, Katie.
People were acting in roles and they would be questions
better pointed to him. But in terms of the sector
wanting to know that the Northern Territory government understands the
domestic and family violence.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Issues we have.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
We absolutely get it and we do everything we can
each day to try and deliver those services so that
we can change the behaviors.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
We all right, I want to move along.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
There is a lot to cover this morning, and the
development at Middle Arm is on the federal agenda this week,
with submissions being put forward for the inquiry into the project.
As I understand that the inquiry gets underway early next year.
Is this something that you spoke to the Prime Minister about?
I mean, presumably you're hoping that this inquiry doesn't stifle things.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
I did, Katie.
Speaker 4 (07:20):
I raise this that this is an important project for jobs,
jobs for territories, both in the construction and ongoing. It
is lower missions, Katie. We care about our environment, we
care about our community because we live here. We're not
a Southerner that thinks Palmerston is a suburb of Darwin.
We know how important those people's homes are. We know
how important our harbor is. So we have provided a
submission to this inquiry Katie, so that we can outline
(07:44):
the work that is being undertaken, not just the assessments
around the environment, but also culture and heritage. So we
certainly have nothing to be afraid of in terms of
this inquiry. This is a great project for jobs and
providing stability and certainty to business.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Is there the potential well here though this could totally
stifle the development.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
I don't think it will, Katie. I think that this
is just a case of you know, those on the
East Coast. I wish that they would go and look
at some of the projects in their own states. You know,
we've got coal, dirty coal in the East Coast. What
are they doing to get rid of that. Queensland's not
coming off coal till twenty thirty five. This project has
a circular economy principle, Katie, which what it means is
if one industry there makes something that causes emissions or
(08:27):
you know, has things at the end of it, another
industry out there will potentially use that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
So we've done that.
Speaker 4 (08:34):
We're going through all the environmental assessments, making sure that
the Larakias traditional owners or across the project. So we
believe that this is important project for jobs for our
community into the future, not at the sake of our environment.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
Has the Prime Minister committed to supporting this project.
Speaker 4 (08:48):
So he's been very positive about this project. We do
have supporting it, Yes, Katie, there is commwalth dollars to
help with key infrastructure and as I've said to you previously,
rather than in twenty years time, having projects scut across
our harbor that stack up individually. We're actually stepping forward
and saying, let's make this a precinct. Let's have a
whole of project enabling infrastructure, but let's also do whole
(09:09):
of project assessments for our environment for emissions and make
sure that we protect that in our harbor, which is
finding that balance between a working harbor and protecting it. Now,
it certainly wasn't smooth sailing for the Prime Minister while
he was here. He attended that five thousand dollars ahead
fundraiser on Friday before the visits to China. I mean, firstly,
do you think it's appropriate for the Prime Minister to
(09:31):
be attending labor fundraisers while he's in town. Presumably he
flew here on a taxpayer funded jet. So, Katie, political
fundraising is a part of the system. We have elections
cost dollars and we declare everything. There's processes. We've strengthened
that so that there is more accurate presentation of the donations.
But the Prime Minister did attend a fundraising dinner and
(09:52):
unfortunately we did see people. You invade that within a
private space. It was a private building. Other people we're
trying to have a meal and a drink within that
facility as well.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
Just firstly, does it blur the lines of what's appropriate
though if you're flying here presumably for official business, but
then you're.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Also attending fundraisers.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
So Katie, the.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Comworth have got different rules around this. So for example,
federal members of Parliament, they're able to put that they're
the Labor Senator for the Northern Territory or the COLP
Senator for on their buildings. In the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
We're not allowed to have any political identification, which actually
frustrates some people because they want to know, you know,
are you Labor, are you c ORP. So there's different
(10:34):
rules and I'm absolutely sure the Prime Minister would comply
with them.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
All right.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
So with that vision that's emerged from the event those
protesters rocking up, now, I wouldn't have been surprised if
they are actually protesting at the Middle Arm precinct. But
they were protesting, you know, the well free Palestine is
basically what they were saying Ceespire. They were pretty upset
with the Prime Minister. They look pretty angry. They were
holding small children as well. Will they arrested. What's a
(11:00):
situation there?
Speaker 4 (11:01):
So, Katie, you'd need to speak to Northern Churchy Police.
I understand that Australian Federal Police and Anti police were
obviously on scene. I don't think ambushing people is the
way to go. And Katie, what is happening in the
Middle East is horrific. My heart breaks. It is absolutely awful.
Innocent lives, you know, children who should just be playing
and happily going to school have had their lives turned
upside down. It is horrific. My heart breaks for them.
(11:23):
But ambushing the Prime Minister around that topic, I just
don't think is a way to get your message through.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
So do you think the Prime Minister should be doing
more or do you think the response from the Federal
government's adequate at this point?
Speaker 4 (11:33):
I think that the Federal government and the response around
making sure that Australians that are caught up in this
conflict getting them out is you know, to date, has
been satisfactory. And I think this is incredibly complex. Middle
Eastern politics has been complex for hundreds of years, and
I know that not only our Prime Minister, but our
Foreign Minister and navigating the changing space internationally, the politics
(11:56):
of not only our region in the Pacific, but more
broadly in a way that they will have difficult conversations
when they need to, but also trying to maintain peace
and world order.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Now, last week you announced a massive reshuffle. Plenty of
raised eyebrows about Brent Potter and Joel Bouden being elevated
to very high level portfolios, but you and I have
already spoken about that. I want to ask you about
the separation of police, fire and emergency services. When do
you anticipate that this is actually going to come into effect?
Speaker 4 (12:25):
So the police Commissioner, who was previously in charge of
a try services is really excited by this announcement as well.
His words were why should a cop be in charge
of the fire services? So the work has begun. It
is the machinery of government changes. So fire and emergency
services will have their own chief executive, Katie. They have
an existing budget that sits in with police, so there'll
(12:46):
be separation of that budget out. But we have provided
more resources to our firefighters and I look forward to
working with them as they stand in that standalone service
with emergency services.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
And so are they going to have their own budget?
Speaker 4 (12:59):
So Katie, yes, they'll have their own budget, they'll have
their own chief executive. Now it's not necessarily creating a
whole new budget. They've got a budget within the Trial
Services presently, so it's.
Speaker 3 (13:08):
Shifting things across.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
As a government, we have shared services, so legal, corporate services,
those things are provided by a separate government department.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
But I think this is a really exciting move so
that the Foreign.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
Emergency Services have got that clear line of authority around
what is independent to police and allows the Commissioner for
Police to focus on crime and community safety.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And so you're thinking that it could happen sort of
early next year.
Speaker 4 (13:31):
I would hope that would be within that time frame, Katie.
As I said, there's already conversations with the Commissioner. He's
started to start that process. There'll obviously be a transition
period in acting arrangements, but I think this is really
welcomed by both police and Foreign Emergency Services.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Now, Chief Minister, you're revealed on the show last week
that Frank Daily is no longer the chief executive of
the Department of Chief means Ken Davies obviously stepping in
did doctor Daily's contract Dean Durley, meaning that he'd need
a contract payout.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
Katie, it's a matter in terms of Ken Davies is
finalizing that contract in the arrangement, so it'd be in
appropriate to comment on individuals. But yes, in terms of
the role he was in that role, he did not
continue in that so I do imagine that you know,
he had a contract, so there would be some steps
around that.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
And how much do you anticipate that's going to cost
the taxpayer?
Speaker 3 (14:21):
O Katie.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
I don't have those details. But I made a decision
around what's in the best interests of the Northern Territory,
and making these changes is never easy. Doctor Daly did
an enormous amount, particularly through COVID, but I felt that
for where the territory is now and stepping forward, we
needed some changes, not only in my cabinet but there.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
So presumably though there is going to be a payout
that he is going to cost the taxpayer. But by
the sounds of it, you did zacking.
Speaker 4 (14:46):
So Katie, I'm not going to get into commenting on
an individual. I can talk to is the work that
doctor Daily did, an exceptional job, and there's steps around
that and that's being worked through, all.
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Right, So Ken Davies had retired, hadn't he? So is
he now on a new contract.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
So Kenn had been on leave, so he'd taken a
period of leave from his chief executive role at the
Department of Territory Families Housing, and so he's come back
in to take.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
Over this role.
Speaker 4 (15:11):
So he hadn't retired, he'd taken my understanding, Katie, And
again I'm getting into talking about personal but I'm sure
Ken will be comfortable with me. He'd taken a period
of leave from that agency, but he's agreed to come
over and be the head of Chief Minister and Cabinet.
He's someone that's worked for a very long time in
our public service, across different governments, of political persuasions. And
I think you know, right now the territory has got
(15:32):
such an exciting opportunity, but we've also got some really
big challenges and I need to make sure that the
public sector is responsive to those.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
And was that the issue here?
Speaker 2 (15:40):
Did you feel that the public sector was not responding
in the way in which you needed them to on
some of those huge issues.
Speaker 4 (15:47):
Katie, It's just about we're at a point and you know,
I think there's a real opportunity for the Northern Territory.
But at the same time, we've got some real social
challenges and i have to make tough decisions, but I'm
not afraid of making them in the best interests of
Northern Territory and it you know, we needed the change,
all right.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
One of those tough decisions is the role out of
OC spray.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Now, some people do not think that this should happen.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
There's some that are saying that, you know, we're basically
handing over a weapon to people who aren't adequately trained.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
There are others.
Speaker 2 (16:15):
We've spoken to the CEO of Hospitality on Friday and
he's calling for it to be fast tracked. Alex Bruce saying,
you know, we need to make this happen, and we
need to make it happen soon.
Speaker 1 (16:24):
When is it going to actually happen?
Speaker 4 (16:26):
So, Katie, I really support measures that keep our community
safe and make the job of our police easier. So
restricting alcohol to those that cause problems. You know, if
we can work in with private security, if we can
work in with our council rangers so that we've got
a safer community, and this is something that we've committed to.
Speaker 3 (16:43):
There are some logistics around working it through.
Speaker 4 (16:46):
But I believe that our in terms of crowd controllers
and security guards, they are trained, there's a licensing process,
and if we can have measures that deter people from
misbehaving and keep our community safer, I support that.
Speaker 1 (16:57):
So when's it going to happen, Katy, I'll have.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
To get this spec if it's for you.
Speaker 4 (17:00):
We changed the legislation for the transport safety officers to
carry the capsicum spray, and we've committed to the at
bottle shops people being whether it's the crowd controllers and
security guards working through that. So trying to make that
happen as quickly as possible, but these things do take
time because we do need to make sure there's the
training and the checks and balances in place by the
end of the year.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Katie.
Speaker 4 (17:20):
I will come back to you with the timeframe. I
apologize that don't have it in front of me.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
Now, just a really quick one.
Speaker 2 (17:24):
Hopefully we know that you tabled the alcohol review, that
summary review a couple of weeks ago in Parliament. Are
you expecting that there's going to be legislation or changes
introduced at the next parliamentary sittings?
Speaker 4 (17:36):
Yes, Katie, so I'm working through that review, and there's
some things that sit within the band Drinker Register, and
there's some things that sit within the Liquor Act. But
I do anticipate there'll be further legislative changes, both in
the sittings that we've got coming.
Speaker 3 (17:50):
Up and then early next year.
Speaker 1 (17:51):
Are you able to tell us what any of those
changes might be.
Speaker 4 (17:54):
Those conversations, Katie, are continuing, particularly with industry, particularly with
police and those involved in community safety, around what are
the best measures that we can roll out to keep
working in this space, because we know alcohol is a
large basis for the harm we see, but we know
there's many people that do things responsibly and I don't
want to, you know, make.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
Sure that they can access alcohol, which is a legal product.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
All Right, We're going to have to leave it there,
Chief Finiston, Natasha Files, thanks for your time this morning.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
Take care,
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