Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now we know the Northern Territory a is set for
an historic week in Parliament, debate on voluntary assisted dying
legislation expected to begin when Parliament sits tomorrow. The AMA
Northern Territory, along with the opposition, some CLP backbenches and
the Independent Justine Davis, a calling for some key changes
to the proposed laws, including removing that clause preventing doctors
(00:22):
from raising voluntary assisted dying with patients and scrapping a
twelve month terminal prognosis requirement. The Chief Minister Leofanocchio joins
me in the studio ahead of what could be one
of the most significant debates in this term of Parliament.
Good morning to your Chief Finess, some.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Mining Kadian to your wonderful listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Now the Northern Territory on the brink of what would
be a historic moment, with voluntary assisted dying set to
come before the Parliament this week.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
There are already calls.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
From the medical profession for significant changes to this proposed
framework work. So I do want to get your response
to those concerns. But first off, can you talked me
through exactly what Territorians can expect when Parliament sits from
a logistical perspective, tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Yeah, look, we are going to be debating and that's
going to you know, our estimation be it takes hours
and hours and hours. It's going to be a really
long process, and rightfully so, we want to be really
respectful in how this business is conducted. We know there
are varying views across the spectrum on this issue and
so our intention is to have a very respectful debate
(01:30):
where everyone gets their safe so it.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Will be on the agenda first thing tomorrow. Is that correct?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Yeah, we are certainly starting that process tomorrow and then
just see where that takes us. It's obviously going to
be a really significant debate and again we're just really
focused on making sure it's respectful. And as I've said before,
the CLP has guaranteed passage through the Parliament with that
majority vote.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I know the Deputy Chief Minister Jared Bailey had flagged
on Friday throughout the week that was that it may
be a situation because that debate goes for so long
that then the actual passing of that legislation and going
through the amendments, etc. Might not happen until later in
the week Thursday. What is your thoughts.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Yeah, that's certainly possible.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
We just will play it by air to make sure
that we know there's a lot of interest in this.
We don't see much point passing the bill at four
o'clock in the morning, so we'll just see how it
plays out tomorrow. But people will be kept abreast, you know,
the news will be covering this, social media will be
covering it, so people can be along the journey that
every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
All right, let's talk about the actual legislation. We know
that the AMA, the Australian Medical Associations calling for the proposed.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Gag clause to be removed.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
They're saying that doctors should be able to have open
conversations with patients about all of their legal end of
life options. Is that an amendment that you would support.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
No, Katie, We've been really clear.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
So this is the voluntariest is are dying the rights
of the terminally ill legislation, and there are safeguards and
it is drama in a way that is patient led.
So the two most I suppose controversial. West talked about
clauses around the twelve month period determination. That is consistent
with every other state in Australia. Some have a six
(03:15):
month depending on the type of illness, some have twelve months,
but very consistent and in line with the expert panel
that was put together under the previous government. And then
in terms of it being patient led, this is really
important to make sure we are safeguarding people from coercion.
And there have been a number of very significant organizations,
(03:36):
including the Australian New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine and
even the AMA President who have said that this could
open the door to subtle coercion if it's not patient led.
So once a patient suggested or asked for it, then
all of the information will be provided to them.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Is it a.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Concern to you then, like stepping away from the AMA
for example, is it a concern to you that your
own back benches and some within the COLP right now
are pushing really hard on this. I mean even in
today's paper you've got Barry Calter saying that this is
the path that you need to go down.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Is that a concern for you?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
No, not at all.
Speaker 4 (04:12):
That's democracy and this is of course a conscience vote.
Members have been out in their communities for months, if
not years. Really canvassing this topic. As I said, people
are incredibly passionate about it and others, you know, are
not so interested. So it's one of those debates. We
welcome it. It's going to be a big week in Parliament,
but everyone is voting on what they believe is right
(04:34):
and that's exactly what.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
You're s though, losing the support of some within your
party by going down a different path to what they're
pushing for.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
No, because you know, as we like to say, it's
a broad church. And ultimately there are many people who
absolutely agree with what they're saying, what we're saying, and
because that's the case, you're not hearing from them out
publicly in the media. So there's certainly a campaign happening,
which is rightfully so, and again that's the beauty of
the Democrat process we have. So we welcome all of
(05:03):
the exposure to the bill in all its forms, and
ultimately the votes will decide on the floor.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Chief Minister, it is a conscience vote. What are you
going to be saying when you stand up to speak
on this.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Yeah, I'm very proud to be part of a government
that is finally delivering rights of the termly illed to Territorians,
and I won't be supporting the amendments, but we've made
it very clear that this is a bill that puts
the rights of people to lead this process. First, it
has appropriate levels of safeguards, and then the important work
starts as a government to implement this as soon as
(05:35):
possible so that people can actually safely access it.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
How quickly do you think that it could be implemented
and are you confident that this is absolutely going to
pass this week?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
It will one hundred percent past the Parliament this week.
I have guaranteed that. And also in terms of implementation,
Health have been saying to us about eighteen months. We're
pushing really hard to bring that back to twelve months,
but ultimately they have to run a clinical process that
is safe. But we will be keeping the pressure on
because I know people have been waiting thirty years, Katie,
(06:05):
and we don't want them to have to wait anything.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
Look, even over the weekend, we had a number of
people get in contact with us on the email. It
is something that people are very passionate about. But we
also know that obviously Health is under quite a bit
of stress at the moment, so I want to just
shift to that last week we finally came off that
code yellow after twenty one days at our two major
hospitals were are things that with some of the health
(06:29):
funding planning, so we.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Have lifted those code yellows. They were on for an
extensive period of time. The easiest way we're going to
alleviate this issue is to get that thirty two bed
ward open, and so we've been working with health. I
think I said to you last week, whatever they need,
we will provide. So I think that is very close.
It's a matter of weeks away. And then the mental
health hospital or ward next to RDIH will take twenty
(06:55):
four patients out of d So that's immediately, you know,
fifty six beds straight up.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That we're going to have.
Speaker 4 (07:02):
We are continuing to push really hard though there are
eighty people at any given day occupying beds in hospital
when they deserve the dignity of age care, and so
this is an issue we're pushing with the federal government.
We've put our money on the table, we've got our
land on the table. We've even changed payroll tax laws
so that age care providers have an incentive to come
to the territory. So we've taken three huge steps as
(07:24):
a territory government, but age Care is federal and they
need to step up.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Chief Finister.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
Just in terms of those thirty two beads and that
thirty two bed ward, is it going to be full
as soon as it opens? Oh?
Speaker 2 (07:34):
I imagine so, Katie. Yeah, but it will provide really
important reprieve to ed for example.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
So it's not a problem in and of itself that
it will be full. We want it to be full
because that means pressure will be relieved in other parts
of the system.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
And we've got all of the staff.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
It's all been we budgeted for this last year Katie,
So we are very serious about making sure this is
working properly.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Look totally get what you're saying around those thirty two
beads and the mental Health woard, and also completely understand
what you're talking about with the age care facility. It's
something we've been speaking about time well for a long time,
even under the former government. But in terms of your
planning as the Chief Minister, and in terms of that
planning for future hospital infrastructure, I know we've got Chris
(08:15):
Hosking in that role now looking at at our future
health infrastructure. But what else can be done at this
point in time to a get that moving a little
bit more quickly. And also, you know, look at our staffing,
I guess within these hospitals, because it does appear that
this you know, the repeated code yellows, and then we've
(08:35):
got the nurses rejecting the latest enterprise agreement. You know,
it seems like things are a bit of a mess
at the moment within health.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Look, we're certainly going through the EBA process and that
will take its course. We are doing the planning treasury
we have We've dedicated resources in treasury to look at
all of our hospital needs. Once we work out what
we need, we will then fund and build whatever that is. Katie,
I want to give real certainty to our community about this.
Healthcare is not an option. It's not a nice to have.
(09:05):
It is a must have. And so, just like with
other areas of government, we will work through what do
we need, when do we need it, what does that
look like, then we will fund it through the budget.
So I would expect Territorians to see information on that
as we lead into the next budget period, you know,
for middle of next year.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Could that include a new hospital or of the hospital yeah,
it could include both or all or some of those things, Katie.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
So we're very committed to this. I just want to
reassure people, once we have a clear picture of the
plan on what we need, we will fund and deliver
that plan for territory.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
All right, we are we are going to move along
because there's a lot to cover off.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
This morning, you're.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Celebrating two years in power, two year anniversary as the
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.
Speaker 3 (09:50):
What would you class as your highest achievement.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
I am so proud to be the Chief Minister of
the Northern Territory. I can't tell you, Katie. It's been
such a privileged and honor. And our greatest achievement by
far is staying tight to our election commitments and delivering
on them. So ten thousand less offenses under labor. There
were forty one thousand offenses a year. We have wiped
ten thousand off that, dragging the clock back to twenty
(10:14):
seventeen levels. We have three and a half thousand less victims,
two hundred and fifty nine graduated recruits since we've been
just that's just in two years, Katie, So by far,
that's been an incredible effort, and there's much more work
to do, and what that's done is unlocked our economy
and we're starting to make national headlines and lead the
nation on population growth, housing builds.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And I just love those two.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
Little surveys that came out recently that said we're the
most optimistic and happiest people in the country. I think
I think that's just incredible.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Look, you regularly do highlight crime.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
We know that it is back at those twenty seventeen levels,
but according to Justine Davis, she joined us last week,
she said that was one of the highest levels on
record and is higher than two thousand and eight to
twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
What do you say to that.
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Yeah, I don't really know what she's talking about, Katie,
or why she's trying to say crime isn't better, because
it is.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
It just is.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
Ultimately, what we've done is simple maths. It was forty
one thousand under labor. If you minus ten thousand, it
takes us back to twenty seventeen. So there's no tricky
accounting here.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
It's just the facts.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
And if she doesn't like it, well that's her problem.
But I think Territorians are broadly happy with our focus
on law and order.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
They know we have more work to do.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
We've just made that huge announcement around the twelve hundred
bed men's remand Center and standalone two hundred bed women's prison.
That shows people for the long haul that we are
committed to keeping criminals off the street and keeping our
community safe.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
It's a juggle though now.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Right because people are starting to sort of go okay,
they can't just be a one trick pony, you know,
You've got to be able to do other things as well. Yes,
she might be making a bit of an impact when
it comes to crime, but what about health, what about
some of those other areas of the ECONO, Like, yes,
the be Toloo is coming online, but the bea Toloo
was coming online, you know, I'm not It's taken maybe a.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Little longer, I don't know, but it was.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
But it was coming online.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So what's your focus going to be for the next
two years.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Yeah, we're just staying true to what we got elected
to do, Katie. Reducing crime remains number one, rebuilding the
economy and restoring our lifestyle. So on economy, we have
four nation building projects happening right now to are government
projects in the Northern Marine Complex and in the territory
Energy Link, and then we have Beaterloo Basin and Ourfura
(12:33):
Rare Earth. These are anchor projects for the territory and
they are lifting everything. You can just feel it and
see it in all of the data, Katie, So that
work continues. We're backing in our lifestyle that purchase of
thirty thousand hectares of silkwood or bringing back test cricket,
International cricket after twenty years. We're showing through our actions
(12:53):
that we mean to stick to those three points around crime, economy, lifestyle,
and we will continue to be consistent and united and
discipline in our delivery of those election commitments.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
All Right. A listener question that keeps coming up over
the last couple of weeks. Nigel in Stuart Park wants
me to ask about Castle law. Is this something that
you're looking at introducing.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
We are certainly looking at it.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
I won't make any commitments to Nigel, but it is
something that we have been looking at. Our big focus
has been OC spray and legalizing that at the end
of this year, following the conclusion of the trial in September.
So one thing at a time, but it's definitely not
off the table. It's just we've got a lot of
things to work through, and just like everything else, we
are very committed to reform in this area. This week
(13:39):
in Parliament we will have Hooning legislation which came from
the frontline. You know, I visit police stations and I
ask them.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
What do you need? What do you want?
Speaker 4 (13:47):
How can I make your life better? And these laws
directly came from coppers in Alice. So we are out
there listening and we'll have more to stay over the
course in the next two years.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
All right now, the gun buy back that's happening nationally,
I believe there was another state that came on board
over the course of the weekend. You've pushed back on this,
she did several months ago when I'd asked you about this,
But what's.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
Going to happen here in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
I have been very very clear. In fact, we came
out first, Katie. The Northern Territory was straight out the
gate and said a gun buy back is not for
the territory. Territorians will not be paying a single cent
towards a buyback scheme. If Cameron wants a buy back
then Albo can pay for it. That remains my position
today as it did six months ago. I'm glad to
(14:31):
see other states coming on board with our position, but
ultimately this is not something Territorians will be paying for
and I will not be changing my position.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
So you've finised a quick one before I let you go. Malca.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
We know that Yinya Guayula, of course, announcing his retirement
last week quite critical of your government in a number
of ways. But I want to ask, is the COLP
going to have a genuine candidate in Malca? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (14:58):
Look, we you know, I want to wishing all the
very best. I've worked with him for a very long
time and you know he three barbs on the way out.
That's entirely a matter for him. I think you know,
certainly over the years we've worked well together. So as always, Katie,
preselection is a matter for the for the party, not
for the politicians, and so I'll leave that to our
parliamentary team. But there's still time, so if people are
(15:20):
interested in running for Milk, get in touch with the CLP.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We'd love to hear from you.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
I know it's a matter for the party, but is
it going to be a test of your leadership in
any way. Is it going to be a test of
the opposition's leadership in any way?
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Well, let me put it to you this way, Katie.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
The CLP has not held that seat for the entire
time I've been alive, so it would be a tough
one for us to win, I can put it that way,
and it's not one that we've lost.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
So you know, I'll leave my robin.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
So you reckon it's a matter for Well, you think
it's going to be a test of the of the opposition.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Well, I think they will be chomping at the bid
on this one. But we continue our important work and
obviously for me, the Nolan Boy.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Transition is just so important. I've just come back from Gama.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
We're working really closely on fuel security and getting those
Nolan Boy fuel tanks used for our national fuel reserves.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Were wishing any sort of feedback from the federal government
on that, so we're still we're still working on that.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
It's something we continue to push a school much corporation.
We're Tina Corporation and the Northern Territory government are really
focused on this issue and rio support us as well.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
I have to credit Rio for coming in and seeing
the sense in this.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
So that's the important work I'm focused on, and I'll
let the party deal with the rest well.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Chief Minister Lea Finocchiaro, congratulations on two years and appreciate
your time.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
As always, thank you, take everyone
Now we know the Northern Territory a is set for
an historic week in Parliament, debate on voluntary assisted dying
legislation expected to begin when Parliament sits tomorrow. The AMA
Northern Territory, along with the opposition, some CLP backbenches and
the Independent Justine Davis, a calling for some key changes
to the proposed laws, including removing that clause preventing doctors
(00:22):
from raising voluntary assisted dying with patients and scrapping a
twelve month terminal prognosis requirement. The Chief Minister Leofanocchio joins
me in the studio ahead of what could be one
of the most significant debates in this term of Parliament.
Good morning to your Chief Finess, some.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Mining Kadian to your wonderful listeners.
Speaker 1 (00:41):
Now the Northern Territory on the brink of what would
be a historic moment, with voluntary assisted dying set to
come before the Parliament this week.
Speaker 3 (00:50):
There are already calls.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
From the medical profession for significant changes to this proposed
framework work. So I do want to get your response
to those concerns. But first off, can you talked me
through exactly what Territorians can expect when Parliament sits from
a logistical perspective, tomorrow.
Speaker 4 (01:07):
Yeah, look, we are going to be debating and that's
going to you know, our estimation be it takes hours
and hours and hours. It's going to be a really
long process, and rightfully so, we want to be really
respectful in how this business is conducted. We know there
are varying views across the spectrum on this issue and
so our intention is to have a very respectful debate
(01:30):
where everyone gets their safe so it.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Will be on the agenda first thing tomorrow. Is that correct?
Speaker 4 (01:36):
Yeah, we are certainly starting that process tomorrow and then
just see where that takes us. It's obviously going to
be a really significant debate and again we're just really
focused on making sure it's respectful. And as I've said before,
the CLP has guaranteed passage through the Parliament with that
majority vote.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
I know the Deputy Chief Minister Jared Bailey had flagged
on Friday throughout the week that was that it may
be a situation because that debate goes for so long
that then the actual passing of that legislation and going
through the amendments, etc. Might not happen until later in
the week Thursday. What is your thoughts.
Speaker 2 (02:10):
Yeah, that's certainly possible.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
We just will play it by air to make sure
that we know there's a lot of interest in this.
We don't see much point passing the bill at four
o'clock in the morning, so we'll just see how it
plays out tomorrow. But people will be kept abreast, you know,
the news will be covering this, social media will be
covering it, so people can be along the journey that
every step of the way.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
All right, let's talk about the actual legislation. We know
that the AMA, the Australian Medical Associations calling for the proposed.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Gag clause to be removed.
Speaker 1 (02:40):
They're saying that doctors should be able to have open
conversations with patients about all of their legal end of
life options. Is that an amendment that you would support.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
No, Katie, We've been really clear.
Speaker 4 (02:53):
So this is the voluntariest is are dying the rights
of the terminally ill legislation, and there are safeguards and
it is drama in a way that is patient led.
So the two most I suppose controversial. West talked about
clauses around the twelve month period determination. That is consistent
with every other state in Australia. Some have a six
(03:15):
month depending on the type of illness, some have twelve months,
but very consistent and in line with the expert panel
that was put together under the previous government. And then
in terms of it being patient led, this is really
important to make sure we are safeguarding people from coercion.
And there have been a number of very significant organizations,
(03:36):
including the Australian New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine and
even the AMA President who have said that this could
open the door to subtle coercion if it's not patient led.
So once a patient suggested or asked for it, then
all of the information will be provided to them.
Speaker 3 (03:53):
Is it a.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Concern to you then, like stepping away from the AMA
for example, is it a concern to you that your
own back benches and some within the COLP right now
are pushing really hard on this. I mean even in
today's paper you've got Barry Calter saying that this is
the path that you need to go down.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Is that a concern for you?
Speaker 2 (04:11):
No, not at all.
Speaker 4 (04:12):
That's democracy and this is of course a conscience vote.
Members have been out in their communities for months, if
not years. Really canvassing this topic. As I said, people
are incredibly passionate about it and others, you know, are
not so interested. So it's one of those debates. We
welcome it. It's going to be a big week in Parliament,
but everyone is voting on what they believe is right
(04:34):
and that's exactly what.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
You're s though, losing the support of some within your
party by going down a different path to what they're
pushing for.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
No, because you know, as we like to say, it's
a broad church. And ultimately there are many people who
absolutely agree with what they're saying, what we're saying, and
because that's the case, you're not hearing from them out
publicly in the media. So there's certainly a campaign happening,
which is rightfully so, and again that's the beauty of
the Democrat process we have. So we welcome all of
(05:03):
the exposure to the bill in all its forms, and
ultimately the votes will decide on the floor.
Speaker 1 (05:08):
Chief Minister, it is a conscience vote. What are you
going to be saying when you stand up to speak
on this.
Speaker 4 (05:13):
Yeah, I'm very proud to be part of a government
that is finally delivering rights of the termly illed to Territorians,
and I won't be supporting the amendments, but we've made
it very clear that this is a bill that puts
the rights of people to lead this process. First, it
has appropriate levels of safeguards, and then the important work
starts as a government to implement this as soon as
(05:35):
possible so that people can actually safely access it.
Speaker 1 (05:38):
How quickly do you think that it could be implemented
and are you confident that this is absolutely going to
pass this week?
Speaker 4 (05:45):
It will one hundred percent past the Parliament this week.
I have guaranteed that. And also in terms of implementation,
Health have been saying to us about eighteen months. We're
pushing really hard to bring that back to twelve months,
but ultimately they have to run a clinical process that
is safe. But we will be keeping the pressure on
because I know people have been waiting thirty years, Katie,
(06:05):
and we don't want them to have to wait anything.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
Look, even over the weekend, we had a number of
people get in contact with us on the email. It
is something that people are very passionate about. But we
also know that obviously Health is under quite a bit
of stress at the moment, so I want to just
shift to that last week we finally came off that
code yellow after twenty one days at our two major
hospitals were are things that with some of the health
(06:29):
funding planning, so we.
Speaker 4 (06:33):
Have lifted those code yellows. They were on for an
extensive period of time. The easiest way we're going to
alleviate this issue is to get that thirty two bed
ward open, and so we've been working with health. I
think I said to you last week, whatever they need,
we will provide. So I think that is very close.
It's a matter of weeks away. And then the mental
health hospital or ward next to RDIH will take twenty
(06:55):
four patients out of d So that's immediately, you know,
fifty six beds straight up.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
That we're going to have.
Speaker 4 (07:02):
We are continuing to push really hard though there are
eighty people at any given day occupying beds in hospital
when they deserve the dignity of age care, and so
this is an issue we're pushing with the federal government.
We've put our money on the table, we've got our
land on the table. We've even changed payroll tax laws
so that age care providers have an incentive to come
to the territory. So we've taken three huge steps as
(07:24):
a territory government, but age Care is federal and they
need to step up.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
Chief Finister.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
Just in terms of those thirty two beads and that
thirty two bed ward, is it going to be full
as soon as it opens? Oh?
Speaker 2 (07:34):
I imagine so, Katie. Yeah, but it will provide really
important reprieve to ed for example.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (07:39):
So it's not a problem in and of itself that
it will be full. We want it to be full
because that means pressure will be relieved in other parts
of the system.
Speaker 2 (07:46):
And we've got all of the staff.
Speaker 4 (07:48):
It's all been we budgeted for this last year Katie,
So we are very serious about making sure this is
working properly.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Look totally get what you're saying around those thirty two
beads and the mental Health woard, and also completely understand
what you're talking about with the age care facility. It's
something we've been speaking about time well for a long time,
even under the former government. But in terms of your
planning as the Chief Minister, and in terms of that
planning for future hospital infrastructure, I know we've got Chris
(08:15):
Hosking in that role now looking at at our future
health infrastructure. But what else can be done at this
point in time to a get that moving a little
bit more quickly. And also, you know, look at our staffing,
I guess within these hospitals, because it does appear that
this you know, the repeated code yellows, and then we've
(08:35):
got the nurses rejecting the latest enterprise agreement. You know,
it seems like things are a bit of a mess
at the moment within health.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Look, we're certainly going through the EBA process and that
will take its course. We are doing the planning treasury
we have We've dedicated resources in treasury to look at
all of our hospital needs. Once we work out what
we need, we will then fund and build whatever that is. Katie,
I want to give real certainty to our community about this.
Healthcare is not an option. It's not a nice to have.
(09:05):
It is a must have. And so, just like with
other areas of government, we will work through what do
we need, when do we need it, what does that
look like, then we will fund it through the budget.
So I would expect Territorians to see information on that
as we lead into the next budget period, you know,
for middle of next year.
Speaker 1 (09:22):
Could that include a new hospital or of the hospital yeah,
it could include both or all or some of those things, Katie.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
So we're very committed to this. I just want to
reassure people, once we have a clear picture of the
plan on what we need, we will fund and deliver
that plan for territory.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
All right, we are we are going to move along
because there's a lot to cover off.
Speaker 3 (09:41):
This morning, you're.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Celebrating two years in power, two year anniversary as the
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.
Speaker 3 (09:50):
What would you class as your highest achievement.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
I am so proud to be the Chief Minister of
the Northern Territory. I can't tell you, Katie. It's been
such a privileged and honor. And our greatest achievement by
far is staying tight to our election commitments and delivering
on them. So ten thousand less offenses under labor. There
were forty one thousand offenses a year. We have wiped
ten thousand off that, dragging the clock back to twenty
(10:14):
seventeen levels. We have three and a half thousand less victims,
two hundred and fifty nine graduated recruits since we've been
just that's just in two years, Katie, So by far,
that's been an incredible effort, and there's much more work
to do, and what that's done is unlocked our economy
and we're starting to make national headlines and lead the
nation on population growth, housing builds.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
And I just love those two.
Speaker 4 (10:38):
Little surveys that came out recently that said we're the
most optimistic and happiest people in the country. I think
I think that's just incredible.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Look, you regularly do highlight crime.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
We know that it is back at those twenty seventeen levels,
but according to Justine Davis, she joined us last week,
she said that was one of the highest levels on
record and is higher than two thousand and eight to
twenty twenty.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
What do you say to that.
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Yeah, I don't really know what she's talking about, Katie,
or why she's trying to say crime isn't better, because
it is.
Speaker 2 (11:10):
It just is.
Speaker 4 (11:11):
Ultimately, what we've done is simple maths. It was forty
one thousand under labor. If you minus ten thousand, it
takes us back to twenty seventeen. So there's no tricky
accounting here.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
It's just the facts.
Speaker 4 (11:23):
And if she doesn't like it, well that's her problem.
But I think Territorians are broadly happy with our focus
on law and order.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
They know we have more work to do.
Speaker 4 (11:31):
We've just made that huge announcement around the twelve hundred
bed men's remand Center and standalone two hundred bed women's prison.
That shows people for the long haul that we are
committed to keeping criminals off the street and keeping our
community safe.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
It's a juggle though now.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
Right because people are starting to sort of go okay,
they can't just be a one trick pony, you know,
You've got to be able to do other things as well. Yes,
she might be making a bit of an impact when
it comes to crime, but what about health, what about
some of those other areas of the ECONO, Like, yes,
the be Toloo is coming online, but the bea Toloo
was coming online, you know, I'm not It's taken maybe a.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Little longer, I don't know, but it was.
Speaker 3 (12:07):
But it was coming online.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So what's your focus going to be for the next
two years.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
Yeah, we're just staying true to what we got elected
to do, Katie. Reducing crime remains number one, rebuilding the
economy and restoring our lifestyle. So on economy, we have
four nation building projects happening right now to are government
projects in the Northern Marine Complex and in the territory
Energy Link, and then we have Beaterloo Basin and Ourfura
(12:33):
Rare Earth. These are anchor projects for the territory and
they are lifting everything. You can just feel it and
see it in all of the data, Katie, So that
work continues. We're backing in our lifestyle that purchase of
thirty thousand hectares of silkwood or bringing back test cricket,
International cricket after twenty years. We're showing through our actions
(12:53):
that we mean to stick to those three points around crime, economy, lifestyle,
and we will continue to be consistent and united and
discipline in our delivery of those election commitments.
Speaker 1 (13:03):
All Right. A listener question that keeps coming up over
the last couple of weeks. Nigel in Stuart Park wants
me to ask about Castle law. Is this something that
you're looking at introducing.
Speaker 2 (13:14):
We are certainly looking at it.
Speaker 4 (13:17):
I won't make any commitments to Nigel, but it is
something that we have been looking at. Our big focus
has been OC spray and legalizing that at the end
of this year, following the conclusion of the trial in September.
So one thing at a time, but it's definitely not
off the table. It's just we've got a lot of
things to work through, and just like everything else, we
are very committed to reform in this area. This week
(13:39):
in Parliament we will have Hooning legislation which came from
the frontline. You know, I visit police stations and I
ask them.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
What do you need? What do you want?
Speaker 4 (13:47):
How can I make your life better? And these laws
directly came from coppers in Alice. So we are out
there listening and we'll have more to stay over the
course in the next two years.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
All right now, the gun buy back that's happening nationally,
I believe there was another state that came on board
over the course of the weekend. You've pushed back on this,
she did several months ago when I'd asked you about this,
But what's.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
Going to happen here in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
I have been very very clear. In fact, we came
out first, Katie. The Northern Territory was straight out the
gate and said a gun buy back is not for
the territory. Territorians will not be paying a single cent
towards a buyback scheme. If Cameron wants a buy back
then Albo can pay for it. That remains my position
today as it did six months ago. I'm glad to
(14:31):
see other states coming on board with our position, but
ultimately this is not something Territorians will be paying for
and I will not be changing my position.
Speaker 3 (14:42):
So you've finised a quick one before I let you go. Malca.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
We know that Yinya Guayula, of course, announcing his retirement
last week quite critical of your government in a number
of ways. But I want to ask, is the COLP
going to have a genuine candidate in Malca? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (14:58):
Look, we you know, I want to wishing all the
very best. I've worked with him for a very long
time and you know he three barbs on the way out.
That's entirely a matter for him. I think you know,
certainly over the years we've worked well together. So as always, Katie,
preselection is a matter for the for the party, not
for the politicians, and so I'll leave that to our
parliamentary team. But there's still time, so if people are
(15:20):
interested in running for Milk, get in touch with the CLP.
Speaker 2 (15:22):
We'd love to hear from you.
Speaker 1 (15:23):
I know it's a matter for the party, but is
it going to be a test of your leadership in
any way. Is it going to be a test of
the opposition's leadership in any way?
Speaker 2 (15:31):
Well, let me put it to you this way, Katie.
Speaker 4 (15:33):
The CLP has not held that seat for the entire
time I've been alive, so it would be a tough
one for us to win, I can put it that way,
and it's not one that we've lost.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
So you know, I'll leave my robin.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
So you reckon it's a matter for Well, you think
it's going to be a test of the of the opposition.
Speaker 4 (15:50):
Well, I think they will be chomping at the bid
on this one. But we continue our important work and
obviously for me, the Nolan Boy.
Speaker 2 (15:58):
Transition is just so important. I've just come back from Gama.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
We're working really closely on fuel security and getting those
Nolan Boy fuel tanks used for our national fuel reserves.
Speaker 1 (16:10):
Were wishing any sort of feedback from the federal government
on that, so we're still we're still working on that.
Speaker 4 (16:15):
It's something we continue to push a school much corporation.
We're Tina Corporation and the Northern Territory government are really
focused on this issue and rio support us as well.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
I have to credit Rio for coming in and seeing
the sense in this.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
So that's the important work I'm focused on, and I'll
let the party deal with the rest well.
Speaker 1 (16:32):
Chief Minister Lea Finocchiaro, congratulations on two years and appreciate
your time.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
As always, thank you, take everyone
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