Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
News this morning that after twenty years of celebrating Territory
Day at Mindle Beach, the Territory Day fireworks celebrations are
going to be moving to another location this year.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Now.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
We raised the issue last week on the week that
was after being contacted by concerned territorians. Now the government
and Northern Territory Major Events have confirmed.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That there will be a switch.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Brent Potter, the Minister four Major Events, joins me in
the studio.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Good morning to your minister.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Where's it moving to.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
It's going to the waterfront. It will only be for
one year.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
As the local member for Fanny Bay that has Mindle Beach,
I'm extremely disappointed, as I know many territorians are. The
sad reality though on this one is that we for
the first time in twenty four years, we were told
that we would need an up accreditational certificate in the time.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
I don't know why that has changed. I don't think
it's ever changed.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I don't think it's ever been articulated directly to nt
MECH and government. And it came around through Base in
the Grass but also the City of Darwini and do
some repairs and they were told they needed certificate as well.
Once you know that information, if you progress with with
Mindle Beach fireworks on Territory Day and there's an issue,
will potentially government's liable.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
So if somebody made a complaint about Territory Day happening,
because correct me if I'm wrong. Aren't the fireworks let
off from a barge? Like they're not actually let off
from Mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yeah, but it's the volume of people on the beach
and there are some sacred sites that are marked out there.
I'm unsure if it's a particular person or a group
of people. I don't have that detail. But what I
know is that we were informed we'd need that certificate
and rather well, APPA told NTI Mech and nt Mech
came to me and I put it to nt Mech
and said, well, if we will not get it in time,
is that sort of with the timeframe we have, And
(01:37):
that was the general consensus. And rather than make you
leave it to last minute and sort of annoyed territories
with the last minute twenty four change, we made the
decision to move it earlier and get it to Darwin Waterfront.
But I'm telling people that are going back next year,
because that's where it has always been and that's where
it should be.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
There will literally, So some people are going to be wondering,
who are is that's the Aboriginal Area's Protection for Authority,
Who's running the territory them?
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Or you guys, Well, it falls under legislation and we're
bound by legislation. I don't think it's every other non
government agency goes and gets those certificates for any type
of work they want to do.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Government should be no different.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
But what was different in this instance was the first
time in twenty four years we'd ever been told we
needed one.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
So what's changed in twenty four years?
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Why now all of a sudden does the Aboriginal Areas
Protection Authority feel that that certificate is required when they
haven't in the past.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
That's probably a better question for them to answer. You know,
that's not in my wheelhouse, but from an NTA Major
Events minister portfolio, I'm glad the Department did the right
thing in the diligence and asked the question. But the
reality was if we progress without that certificate, potentially we
reliable to litigation. And the last thing I want is
territory tax payers having to pay money for it.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Could be sued for having a Territory Day event in
a Northern Territory location.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
If something was to go wrong and there was to
be damage to a traditional site or a sacred site
that's on there, yes, then potentially, And I'm not aware
of who has or hasn't said they wouldn't support Territory
Day or get that certificate. But what I do know
is the time to go through the process to get
it from the moment we were told the timelines are
going to be too close to Territory Day and the
last thing I want to do is stuff territories around Territory.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Day and cancel it.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So how we're still able to have base in the grass?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Well, based on the grass moved, I meant to have
a beach front or a beach stage that got pulled back.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
How we're still able to have Mindle markets.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Mindle Markets is necessarily on the beach itself, as you
know as we go down.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But that's the way it's worked out.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Have we literally got a situation here where the Aboriginal
Areas Protection Authority could stop territorians or anybody from going
down on Mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (03:36):
Just to be really clear, though, this is an nt
mech and upper issue to resolve. At the end of
the day, we will be back next year. We'll do
everything we can to be back next year. I am
disappointed as the local member. There's nothing more I want
to see or don't want to see. Is it moved
to another area?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
And look, I know that you are not the Aboriginal
Areas Protection Authority. I know that you know by the
sounds of it, major events trying to do their best
to still make the event happen.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
But to everybody out there listening this.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Morning, you know what what is stopping the Aboriginal Areas
Protection Authority from enabling the Mindle Markets goers to be
able to sit down there on Mindle Beach or from
people being able to enjoy going down there on to
Mindle Beach at this point in time.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
And I'm not the expert in this, but and it's
probably better Anti mechan up to have that discussion. But
my assumption would be that the area for the event
would include the beach when the application would have been
all when they conduct the event, and that's what's brought
it into question. Whereas Mindle Beach Markets, they aren't actually
putting their event onto the beach. People going on there,
that's no different. You know, people going about on their
weekends walking their dog on the beach, that's no different.
(04:39):
But this particular instance, what we got Once Anti Mech
got that information, they needed to act on that information,
and it's disappointing.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
But were so.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Disappointing, honestly, it's so disappointing because we are such a
multicultural place, right, we are a place that we have
so many wonderful events. I mean, even on the weekend,
You've got a situation where Indigenous culture is being celebrated
in the Northern Territory at Baranga. You know, every like
you know, there are some incredible, incredible things that happen
(05:07):
in the Northern Territory. But like I'm being told behind
the scenes here, and please correct me if I'm wrong,
but I'm being told behind the scenes here that this
is a retaliation from some by the fact that the
Lee Point development is going ahead.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Do you know anything about that?
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Listen, I've had that informally presented to me from various
people in the public, but it's not a formal position
that's been delivered, and I'd be speculating and say if
it was or wasn't have we got.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
A situation here where territory days being weaponized.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Oh listen, that's probably a question for those people you
talk about that potentially have an issue with it being
done there. I mean, it is just disappointing, Like you know,
removing all of all of all of the stut, the
white noise out of it's just plainly disappointing. It needs
to be back there next year. You know, no one
wants to be the no one wants to be the
person that moves the event. Antimch certainly does not want
(05:57):
to be.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
We know what we know.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Once that information is there, they had to act on it.
So we've had to act with them. So it'll be
back next year.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
So Minister, as far as you're concerned, at this point
in time, nothing can be changed to have it still
go ahead at mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
The time frames to get that certificate would we would
be pushing it right up to last minute if not unachievable,
And so that was why the decision was made.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
To move it. And listen, we've got to give people certainty.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
There's people that have booked rooms in Canova and I
read the comments on NT News and there's people that
booked accommodation a Columba to walk down. For those people,
I'm disappointed with you, but we needed to make decision
earlier rather than later so that we can continue the event.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
But next year we'll be back at Mindle Beach.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Now we've also though, got market stallholders who are really concerned,
Like I can totally understand why if you booked a
unit you'd be furious now that it's been moved. But
we've also now got a situation where those market stall holders,
you know, I know quite a few of them.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
They're literally mums and.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Dads that have those stools as a second income, yes,
you know, to try and pay their bills in cost
of living crisis, and now they're in a situation where
they've probably already ordered to some degree additional stock for
the event.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
They're no longer going to be able to operate.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
I can only sympathize with their situation and agree with them.
I'd be angry to let's just put that front and center.
There will be an expression of interest opened up later today.
I believe for some of those vendors to then go
down to the waterfront so that they can continue to
deliver that service and that should go out later today.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
All right, So there's going to be an EI for
some of those vendors. That'll only be for a small number,
though I won't.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
It the number off the top of my head. I
think it's fifteen or thereabouts. It's not a huge number.
It doesn't nearly go to all of the vendors we
see at mendele Beach and kon disappointed.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
I just can't.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
There's nothing I can interfere in this place. There's no
discretion there. I'm disappointed it's got to this for those businesses.
You know, it's disappointing, but we'll be back in twenty
two four.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
I mean, what is your message though, to like to
the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority this morning.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Well, I don't think it's necessarily there either in the
context they're not the deny or the approver.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
They work with the tos or the custodians.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Andtos that have said they don't want it there.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
Listen, you've said that you've got informal feedback. I haven't
necessarily had that formally either. I think it's two things.
It's the timeline to get it done, so we've never
needed it before, and then the time in which we
got told that we would absolutely need one, the risk
was too great and n Tamak has made the decision
to move it, and we support them on that for
the reason that we don't want to see government or
the tax payer pay for the degation.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Brent.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
People are going absolutely off about this on the tech signe.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Like they're really really upset and annoyed.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
I think, to put it bluntly, you know, people sort
of say, look, it's just not passing.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
The pub test.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
They're really like they're really upset, And you know, I
don't know what to articulate to you, because by the
sounds of it, you're pretty upset and disappointed about it
as well, and doing your best to still try and
save territory day happening, and still trying to make sure
that it happens under what is a less than ideal situation.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
But I guess we're just trying to get to the
bottom of why.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Well, I mean I've made it pretty clear that if
I'm the Portfolio Minister in the next year, I'll be
doing everything to make sure it's back at Mindle Beach
where it should be and it should never have left,
and you know, if I could text in and be angry,
I would as well. I think you'd realize it was
my number and call me out for it. But I'm frustrated.
I'm angry. It's my electorate that's had it for the
last decades. We don't want to see it move, but
(09:24):
we are bound by what is the protocol and the
process in this instance, and if that needs to be
looked at next year, well then I'll be doing it
because it should never.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
Have had to move.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Honestly.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Look, I'm really surprised by it, to be honest, I'm
really surprised, Yeah, where this has happened, particularly when it's
just sort of weeks after basing the grass has occurred.
And what I feel worried about is the impact that
it's having then on those cycle businesses as well. But
it's such a wonderful event.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Absolutely, and I think there is we'll get to a
solution for next year. You know.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Unfortunately the calls been made to move it and we've
just got to do better for next year. And I
think that ARPO and NTI, MECH and those that are
concerned stakeholders, we need to get there and resolve it.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
For next year.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Somebody's just asked, Andrew's just messaged and said, Katie, can
the exercise pitch black display still happen? That's due to happen.
I think in a few weeks time.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Where's that being done?
Speaker 2 (10:16):
That's down at Mendel as well.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I believe the issue is the actual beach itself for
what was being asked.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
It was the same for basing the grass.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
There was meant to be a beach stage that got
pulled back, and I believe Counsel's had similar issues with
the pair on the boardwalks.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
All right, I do want to ask you about the
IKAQ findings, just to move along for a moment. We
know that the IQAQ inspectors report into the allegations of
the Ikak commissioner that he had paid the allegations that
he paid his former partner twenty thousand dollars to suppress
the domestic violence allegation. They've been released and found that
that allegation.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Well, it was not true.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
What do you make of these findings and where to
from here?
Speaker 4 (10:59):
I think, for and foremost is distressing that we hear
the Ikak's individual health. I think we need to as
a community understand this has impacted someone both personally and professionally.
He's been inconclusive on the validity of the allegations. But
I think the one you specifically raised, he said he
wasn't able to that that is probably false or from
what he's saying, I'm happy to be corrected. I haven't
(11:19):
seen the full report. I think he needs to take
a period of time. We see the Deputy KA Commissioner
stepping in now and will be there indefinitely. It doesn't
change the organization and what it's there to do. It
still is there to investigate allegations of corruption or misconduct.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Do you think that this clears things up and that
the IKAK Commissioner, Michael Richard should be able to step
back into that role when he is fit to do so.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
From a personal point of view, I think as long
as there is a resolution on the allegations, whether it's
this is it or whether it's with police saying we're
not investigating, there's no complaint made, then yes, I do.
But I also think that you know, he needs a
period of time and to be healthy enough to come
back in that role because it is a difficult role.
It is one where I can understand people feeling ostracized
(12:04):
because they are the IKAC commissioner on their own and
I think this here he just needs a period of time,
As the Inspector General has said.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
A couple of listener topics that have been raised over
the last week or so. We did speak to Alexi
last week, who's god daughter had been assaulted outside allegedly
assaulted outside of Royal Darwin Hospital last week. He says
that the police have still not contacted their family around
that investigation. Minister, do you think that it is appropriate
(12:32):
that then that family, if it is indeed the case
that they've not been contacted for over a week since
that alleged incident.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
No, it's not appropriate and they should Sorry, it's not appropriate.
They should have been contacted at the very least. As
I said to you, if I can get the get
in contact with those people, I'll follow up.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Yeah, definitely we will chase that.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
I'll just let you get your breath back here. You've
got a bit of a cough over there. Just finally
this morning we know that ester Mertz is getting underway.
I believe the Chief Minister and the hot seed well
has been for around the last hour. The Independent Member
for Ara Luh and Robin Lamley, though raising some concerns
about really, I guess the you know, the well, the
(13:11):
validity of the whole process and whether it really is
up to the standard that it should be given the
fact that there are three former ministers who are now
on that panel and part of this process presumably able
to ask questions about portfolios that they sort of had
responsibility for up until just a short time ago.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Well where else are you going to get, rob if
the Member for Ara Luin can articulate who else they
put on the panel that they're sitting members of Parliament
the MLAs they're meant to fill the committee positions. Robin
Lamley will ask her questions. I'm sure she'll then walk
out and text them and put them on her Facebook,
as she always does, as she should. But I don't
understand the point that she's making.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
For she says, the ethics and the optics around three
former government ministers scrutinizing government are appalling.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Well, that's the whole point of the Stimate's Committee.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
You have government official in government officials, and you have
the opposition independence. I mean, that's always been the convention,
that's always been the rules and it's always how it
has been. I just don't understand the premise. We only
have a certain amount of members within the Legacyve Assembly,
so if they're not a minister, they have to sit
on the Estimates Committee.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
That's how that works.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Well, look, you know, I can understand the point that
she's making, and she will obviously still ask plenty of
questions as as they should do, and so.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
It goes for what this whole week.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
Goes for this week and next week. But remember for
Ara Leun was the deputy Chief Minister. I believe she
was in a treasurer. She's held multiple portfolios for the CLP.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So but not under this current government's question.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
If there's ever a change of government and is a
CLP is it then therefore not because.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
You're not actually like up until a few months ago,
you've got the Chief Minister who was you know, who
was actually making decisions on those portfolios. So to then
be asking questions, they're just going to be Dorothy Dixon's
as in, you guys just be asking yourself questions that
you want good answers for, which is going to waste
time for the independence in the opposition.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
The day opposition and the cross bench have every opportunity
to ask questions, and if they continue to take a
line of questioning, well then that's up to them. I mean,
at the end of the day, there is enough time
on there for the opposition cross bench to ask any questions.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
They like, So you guys won't be wasting any time
with your own ministers or your own former ministers asking
you guys questions.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
But also in the same context, therese questions that don't
relate to the estimates process that the opposition and cross
bench will raise just to get political points scoring, that
will have nothing to do with the budget or the
previous year's financial outcomes.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Yeah, but they have every right to ask about crime
or ask about the impact that it's had, you know.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
And then arguably that is it not the same thing
that where we're doing something good at the opposition don't want.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
To talk about it.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
You guys got the opportunity to send out pressure releases
and you ask yourselves questions like that in parliament.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
So like everyone has the opportunity to ask the questions
they want, whether it's on the floor the.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Process of estimate it's not really supposed to be in
place for the opposition and the independence to get to
the bottom of your spending and to get to the
bottom of the issues that territory ands care about.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
What it's meant to be a bipartisan cross bench. That's
how it works in any est processed, whether in any
jurisdiction that it is made up of people to question
the budget process.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
They'll get that opportunity, as Robin Lanley will.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
You're not concerned that your ministers are going to waste
any time or really, to put it really bluntly, take
the piece now and.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I'm one of those ministers that's going to sit down there,
arguably with the most important portfolio of the territory at
the moment, and I'll answer questions that have put before me.
But also those questions have to be relevant to my
portfolios and ultimately to the budget process that we're going through.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
But that's not up to you to determine whether the
opposition or the independence questions are appropriate.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
You're right, but it's in line with the format of
how so that there is rules to how the process goes.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
So that is something that those former ministers then will
be determining. Sure, absolutely, can you see how can you
see the concern.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
But again that she can their standing orders to allow
them to go. Know, the question meets the form like
we're arguing semantics. To my point is they will have
every chance to ask the questions they want when I'm
sitting there or the Chief right now, all right, we
better leave.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
It the Minister for Major Events Police, various portfolios. Brent Potter,
appreciate your time. We'll talk to you again soon.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Thanks, Gattie and Kirk
News this morning that after twenty years of celebrating Territory
Day at Mindle Beach, the Territory Day fireworks celebrations are
going to be moving to another location this year.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Now.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
We raised the issue last week on the week that
was after being contacted by concerned territorians. Now the government
and Northern Territory Major Events have confirmed.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
That there will be a switch.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Brent Potter, the Minister four Major Events, joins me in
the studio.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Good morning to your minister.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Good morning Katie.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Where's it moving to.
Speaker 3 (00:28):
It's going to the waterfront. It will only be for
one year.
Speaker 4 (00:31):
As the local member for Fanny Bay that has Mindle Beach,
I'm extremely disappointed, as I know many territorians are. The
sad reality though on this one is that we for
the first time in twenty four years, we were told
that we would need an up accreditational certificate in the time.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
I don't know why that has changed. I don't think
it's ever changed.
Speaker 4 (00:47):
I don't think it's ever been articulated directly to nt
MECH and government. And it came around through Base in
the Grass but also the City of Darwini and do
some repairs and they were told they needed certificate as well.
Once you know that information, if you progress with with
Mindle Beach fireworks on Territory Day and there's an issue,
will potentially government's liable.
Speaker 1 (01:04):
So if somebody made a complaint about Territory Day happening,
because correct me if I'm wrong. Aren't the fireworks let
off from a barge? Like they're not actually let off
from Mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
Yeah, but it's the volume of people on the beach
and there are some sacred sites that are marked out there.
I'm unsure if it's a particular person or a group
of people. I don't have that detail. But what I
know is that we were informed we'd need that certificate
and rather well, APPA told NTI Mech and nt Mech
came to me and I put it to nt Mech
and said, well, if we will not get it in time,
is that sort of with the timeframe we have, And
(01:37):
that was the general consensus. And rather than make you
leave it to last minute and sort of annoyed territories
with the last minute twenty four change, we made the
decision to move it earlier and get it to Darwin Waterfront.
But I'm telling people that are going back next year,
because that's where it has always been and that's where
it should be.
Speaker 1 (01:51):
There will literally, So some people are going to be wondering,
who are is that's the Aboriginal Area's Protection for Authority,
Who's running the territory them?
Speaker 4 (02:00):
Or you guys, Well, it falls under legislation and we're
bound by legislation. I don't think it's every other non
government agency goes and gets those certificates for any type
of work they want to do.
Speaker 3 (02:10):
Government should be no different.
Speaker 4 (02:11):
But what was different in this instance was the first
time in twenty four years we'd ever been told we
needed one.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
So what's changed in twenty four years?
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Why now all of a sudden does the Aboriginal Areas
Protection Authority feel that that certificate is required when they
haven't in the past.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
That's probably a better question for them to answer. You know,
that's not in my wheelhouse, but from an NTA Major
Events minister portfolio, I'm glad the Department did the right
thing in the diligence and asked the question. But the
reality was if we progress without that certificate, potentially we
reliable to litigation. And the last thing I want is
territory tax payers having to pay money for it.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Could be sued for having a Territory Day event in
a Northern Territory location.
Speaker 4 (02:50):
If something was to go wrong and there was to
be damage to a traditional site or a sacred site
that's on there, yes, then potentially, And I'm not aware
of who has or hasn't said they wouldn't support Territory
Day or get that certificate. But what I do know
is the time to go through the process to get
it from the moment we were told the timelines are
going to be too close to Territory Day and the
last thing I want to do is stuff territories around Territory.
Speaker 3 (03:09):
Day and cancel it.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
So how we're still able to have base in the grass?
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Well, based on the grass moved, I meant to have
a beach front or a beach stage that got pulled back.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
How we're still able to have Mindle markets.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
Mindle Markets is necessarily on the beach itself, as you
know as we go down.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
But that's the way it's worked out.
Speaker 1 (03:27):
Have we literally got a situation here where the Aboriginal
Areas Protection Authority could stop territorians or anybody from going
down on Mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (03:36):
Just to be really clear, though, this is an nt
mech and upper issue to resolve. At the end of
the day, we will be back next year. We'll do
everything we can to be back next year. I am
disappointed as the local member. There's nothing more I want
to see or don't want to see. Is it moved
to another area?
Speaker 1 (03:50):
And look, I know that you are not the Aboriginal
Areas Protection Authority. I know that you know by the
sounds of it, major events trying to do their best
to still make the event happen.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
But to everybody out there listening this.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
Morning, you know what what is stopping the Aboriginal Areas
Protection Authority from enabling the Mindle Markets goers to be
able to sit down there on Mindle Beach or from
people being able to enjoy going down there on to
Mindle Beach at this point in time.
Speaker 4 (04:17):
And I'm not the expert in this, but and it's
probably better Anti mechan up to have that discussion. But
my assumption would be that the area for the event
would include the beach when the application would have been
all when they conduct the event, and that's what's brought
it into question. Whereas Mindle Beach Markets, they aren't actually
putting their event onto the beach. People going on there,
that's no different. You know, people going about on their
weekends walking their dog on the beach, that's no different.
(04:39):
But this particular instance, what we got Once Anti Mech
got that information, they needed to act on that information,
and it's disappointing.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
But were so.
Speaker 1 (04:46):
Disappointing, honestly, it's so disappointing because we are such a
multicultural place, right, we are a place that we have
so many wonderful events. I mean, even on the weekend,
You've got a situation where Indigenous culture is being celebrated
in the Northern Territory at Baranga. You know, every like
you know, there are some incredible, incredible things that happen
(05:07):
in the Northern Territory. But like I'm being told behind
the scenes here, and please correct me if I'm wrong,
but I'm being told behind the scenes here that this
is a retaliation from some by the fact that the
Lee Point development is going ahead.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
Do you know anything about that?
Speaker 4 (05:23):
Listen, I've had that informally presented to me from various
people in the public, but it's not a formal position
that's been delivered, and I'd be speculating and say if
it was or wasn't have we got.
Speaker 1 (05:32):
A situation here where territory days being weaponized.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
Oh listen, that's probably a question for those people you
talk about that potentially have an issue with it being
done there. I mean, it is just disappointing, Like you know,
removing all of all of all of the stut, the
white noise out of it's just plainly disappointing. It needs
to be back there next year. You know, no one
wants to be the no one wants to be the
person that moves the event. Antimch certainly does not want
(05:57):
to be.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
We know what we know.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
Once that information is there, they had to act on it.
So we've had to act with them. So it'll be
back next year.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
So Minister, as far as you're concerned, at this point
in time, nothing can be changed to have it still
go ahead at mindle Beach.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
The time frames to get that certificate would we would
be pushing it right up to last minute if not unachievable,
And so that was why the decision was made.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
To move it. And listen, we've got to give people certainty.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
There's people that have booked rooms in Canova and I
read the comments on NT News and there's people that
booked accommodation a Columba to walk down. For those people,
I'm disappointed with you, but we needed to make decision
earlier rather than later so that we can continue the event.
Speaker 3 (06:34):
But next year we'll be back at Mindle Beach.
Speaker 1 (06:36):
Now we've also though, got market stallholders who are really concerned,
Like I can totally understand why if you booked a
unit you'd be furious now that it's been moved. But
we've also now got a situation where those market stall holders,
you know, I know quite a few of them.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
They're literally mums and.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Dads that have those stools as a second income, yes,
you know, to try and pay their bills in cost
of living crisis, and now they're in a situation where
they've probably already ordered to some degree additional stock for
the event.
Speaker 2 (07:06):
They're no longer going to be able to operate.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
I can only sympathize with their situation and agree with them.
I'd be angry to let's just put that front and center.
There will be an expression of interest opened up later today.
I believe for some of those vendors to then go
down to the waterfront so that they can continue to
deliver that service and that should go out later today.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
All right, So there's going to be an EI for
some of those vendors. That'll only be for a small number,
though I won't.
Speaker 4 (07:30):
It the number off the top of my head. I
think it's fifteen or thereabouts. It's not a huge number.
It doesn't nearly go to all of the vendors we
see at mendele Beach and kon disappointed.
Speaker 3 (07:40):
I just can't.
Speaker 4 (07:41):
There's nothing I can interfere in this place. There's no
discretion there. I'm disappointed it's got to this for those businesses.
You know, it's disappointing, but we'll be back in twenty
two four.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
I mean, what is your message though, to like to
the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority this morning.
Speaker 4 (07:56):
Well, I don't think it's necessarily there either in the
context they're not the deny or the approver.
Speaker 3 (08:00):
They work with the tos or the custodians.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Andtos that have said they don't want it there.
Speaker 4 (08:07):
Listen, you've said that you've got informal feedback. I haven't
necessarily had that formally either. I think it's two things.
It's the timeline to get it done, so we've never
needed it before, and then the time in which we
got told that we would absolutely need one, the risk
was too great and n Tamak has made the decision
to move it, and we support them on that for
the reason that we don't want to see government or
the tax payer pay for the degation.
Speaker 2 (08:28):
Brent.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
People are going absolutely off about this on the tech signe.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Like they're really really upset and annoyed.
Speaker 1 (08:36):
I think, to put it bluntly, you know, people sort
of say, look, it's just not passing.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
The pub test.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
They're really like they're really upset, And you know, I
don't know what to articulate to you, because by the
sounds of it, you're pretty upset and disappointed about it
as well, and doing your best to still try and
save territory day happening, and still trying to make sure
that it happens under what is a less than ideal situation.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
But I guess we're just trying to get to the
bottom of why.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:03):
Well, I mean I've made it pretty clear that if
I'm the Portfolio Minister in the next year, I'll be
doing everything to make sure it's back at Mindle Beach
where it should be and it should never have left,
and you know, if I could text in and be angry,
I would as well. I think you'd realize it was
my number and call me out for it. But I'm frustrated.
I'm angry. It's my electorate that's had it for the
last decades. We don't want to see it move, but
(09:24):
we are bound by what is the protocol and the
process in this instance, and if that needs to be
looked at next year, well then I'll be doing it
because it should never.
Speaker 3 (09:31):
Have had to move.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Honestly.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
Look, I'm really surprised by it, to be honest, I'm
really surprised, Yeah, where this has happened, particularly when it's
just sort of weeks after basing the grass has occurred.
And what I feel worried about is the impact that
it's having then on those cycle businesses as well. But
it's such a wonderful event.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
Absolutely, and I think there is we'll get to a
solution for next year. You know.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Unfortunately the calls been made to move it and we've
just got to do better for next year. And I
think that ARPO and NTI, MECH and those that are
concerned stakeholders, we need to get there and resolve it.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
For next year.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
Somebody's just asked, Andrew's just messaged and said, Katie, can
the exercise pitch black display still happen? That's due to happen.
I think in a few weeks time.
Speaker 3 (10:15):
Where's that being done?
Speaker 2 (10:16):
That's down at Mendel as well.
Speaker 4 (10:18):
I believe the issue is the actual beach itself for
what was being asked.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
It was the same for basing the grass.
Speaker 4 (10:25):
There was meant to be a beach stage that got
pulled back, and I believe Counsel's had similar issues with
the pair on the boardwalks.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
All right, I do want to ask you about the
IKAQ findings, just to move along for a moment. We
know that the IQAQ inspectors report into the allegations of
the Ikak commissioner that he had paid the allegations that
he paid his former partner twenty thousand dollars to suppress
the domestic violence allegation. They've been released and found that
that allegation.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Well, it was not true.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
What do you make of these findings and where to
from here?
Speaker 4 (10:59):
I think, for and foremost is distressing that we hear
the Ikak's individual health. I think we need to as
a community understand this has impacted someone both personally and professionally.
He's been inconclusive on the validity of the allegations. But
I think the one you specifically raised, he said he
wasn't able to that that is probably false or from
what he's saying, I'm happy to be corrected. I haven't
(11:19):
seen the full report. I think he needs to take
a period of time. We see the Deputy KA Commissioner
stepping in now and will be there indefinitely. It doesn't
change the organization and what it's there to do. It
still is there to investigate allegations of corruption or misconduct.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
Do you think that this clears things up and that
the IKAK Commissioner, Michael Richard should be able to step
back into that role when he is fit to do so.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
From a personal point of view, I think as long
as there is a resolution on the allegations, whether it's
this is it or whether it's with police saying we're
not investigating, there's no complaint made, then yes, I do.
But I also think that you know, he needs a
period of time and to be healthy enough to come
back in that role because it is a difficult role.
It is one where I can understand people feeling ostracized
(12:04):
because they are the IKAC commissioner on their own and
I think this here he just needs a period of time,
As the Inspector General has said.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
A couple of listener topics that have been raised over
the last week or so. We did speak to Alexi
last week, who's god daughter had been assaulted outside allegedly
assaulted outside of Royal Darwin Hospital last week. He says
that the police have still not contacted their family around
that investigation. Minister, do you think that it is appropriate
(12:32):
that then that family, if it is indeed the case
that they've not been contacted for over a week since
that alleged incident.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
No, it's not appropriate and they should Sorry, it's not appropriate.
They should have been contacted at the very least. As
I said to you, if I can get the get
in contact with those people, I'll follow up.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Yeah, definitely we will chase that.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
I'll just let you get your breath back here. You've
got a bit of a cough over there. Just finally
this morning we know that ester Mertz is getting underway.
I believe the Chief Minister and the hot seed well
has been for around the last hour. The Independent Member
for Ara Luh and Robin Lamley, though raising some concerns
about really, I guess the you know, the well, the
(13:11):
validity of the whole process and whether it really is
up to the standard that it should be given the
fact that there are three former ministers who are now
on that panel and part of this process presumably able
to ask questions about portfolios that they sort of had
responsibility for up until just a short time ago.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
Well where else are you going to get, rob if
the Member for Ara Luin can articulate who else they
put on the panel that they're sitting members of Parliament
the MLAs they're meant to fill the committee positions. Robin
Lamley will ask her questions. I'm sure she'll then walk
out and text them and put them on her Facebook,
as she always does, as she should. But I don't
understand the point that she's making.
Speaker 1 (13:51):
For she says, the ethics and the optics around three
former government ministers scrutinizing government are appalling.
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Well, that's the whole point of the Stimate's Committee.
Speaker 4 (14:00):
You have government official in government officials, and you have
the opposition independence. I mean, that's always been the convention,
that's always been the rules and it's always how it
has been. I just don't understand the premise. We only
have a certain amount of members within the Legacyve Assembly,
so if they're not a minister, they have to sit
on the Estimates Committee.
Speaker 3 (14:17):
That's how that works.
Speaker 1 (14:18):
Well, look, you know, I can understand the point that
she's making, and she will obviously still ask plenty of
questions as as they should do, and so.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
It goes for what this whole week.
Speaker 4 (14:28):
Goes for this week and next week. But remember for
Ara Leun was the deputy Chief Minister. I believe she
was in a treasurer. She's held multiple portfolios for the CLP.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So but not under this current government's question.
Speaker 4 (14:38):
If there's ever a change of government and is a
CLP is it then therefore not because.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
You're not actually like up until a few months ago,
you've got the Chief Minister who was you know, who
was actually making decisions on those portfolios. So to then
be asking questions, they're just going to be Dorothy Dixon's
as in, you guys just be asking yourself questions that
you want good answers for, which is going to waste
time for the independence in the opposition.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
The day opposition and the cross bench have every opportunity
to ask questions, and if they continue to take a
line of questioning, well then that's up to them. I mean,
at the end of the day, there is enough time
on there for the opposition cross bench to ask any questions.
Speaker 1 (15:12):
They like, So you guys won't be wasting any time
with your own ministers or your own former ministers asking
you guys questions.
Speaker 4 (15:18):
But also in the same context, therese questions that don't
relate to the estimates process that the opposition and cross
bench will raise just to get political points scoring, that
will have nothing to do with the budget or the
previous year's financial outcomes.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Yeah, but they have every right to ask about crime
or ask about the impact that it's had, you know.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
And then arguably that is it not the same thing
that where we're doing something good at the opposition don't want.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
To talk about it.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
You guys got the opportunity to send out pressure releases
and you ask yourselves questions like that in parliament.
Speaker 4 (15:41):
So like everyone has the opportunity to ask the questions
they want, whether it's on the floor the.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Process of estimate it's not really supposed to be in
place for the opposition and the independence to get to
the bottom of your spending and to get to the
bottom of the issues that territory ands care about.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
What it's meant to be a bipartisan cross bench. That's
how it works in any est processed, whether in any
jurisdiction that it is made up of people to question
the budget process.
Speaker 3 (16:04):
They'll get that opportunity, as Robin Lanley will.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
You're not concerned that your ministers are going to waste
any time or really, to put it really bluntly, take
the piece now and.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
I'm one of those ministers that's going to sit down there,
arguably with the most important portfolio of the territory at
the moment, and I'll answer questions that have put before me.
But also those questions have to be relevant to my
portfolios and ultimately to the budget process that we're going through.
Speaker 1 (16:26):
But that's not up to you to determine whether the
opposition or the independence questions are appropriate.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
You're right, but it's in line with the format of
how so that there is rules to how the process goes.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
So that is something that those former ministers then will
be determining. Sure, absolutely, can you see how can you
see the concern.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
But again that she can their standing orders to allow
them to go. Know, the question meets the form like
we're arguing semantics. To my point is they will have
every chance to ask the questions they want when I'm
sitting there or the Chief right now, all right, we
better leave.
Speaker 1 (16:53):
It the Minister for Major Events Police, various portfolios. Brent Potter,
appreciate your time. We'll talk to you again soon.
Speaker 2 (16:59):
Thanks, Gattie and Kirk
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