Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Now.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Yesterday, Natasha Fhiles announced a new cabinet team as part
of what she's described as a renewed, refreshed and refocused
Territory government, saying the Territory's cabinet team has the experience,
the energy and ideas to keep building the territory's future.
There are two new appointments to the cabinet. The Member
(00:21):
for Fanny Bay, Brent Potter, has been appointed the Minister
for Police, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Minister
for Veterans Affairs. The second new appointment is Member for
Johnson Joel Bowden. Now Mister Boden's going to serve as
the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, the Minister for
Business and Jobs, the Minister for Skills, Training and International Education,
(00:46):
as well as the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and
Minister for Recreational Fishing. But with the new appointments comes
the demotions of Lauren Moss and Paul Kirby, kicked from
the cabinet without so.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Much, so thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
In the Chief Minister's press release yesterday, the Chief Minister
joins me on the show. Good morning to your Chief Minister.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Good morning Katie, Good morning listeners.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Chief Minister.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Firstly, why did you boot Paul Kirby and Lauren Moss?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
So, Katv's are difficult decisions and as leader, I signed
up to make the tough decisions and I believe this
is in the best interests of Territorians. But I certainly
acknowledge Lauren and Paul and the contribution that they've made
and will continue to make as members of our government team.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Are they upset, Katie?
Speaker 1 (01:31):
They are disappointed and that's natural, But this is a
decision for the Northern Territory. It's a tough decision. They
are disappointed, but this is about making sure that we've
got a team that's focused in the ministry on the
needs of Territorians going forward.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
As is always the case, the rumors arrive around the
top end at the moment that Paul Kirby's not going
to be recontesting at the next election.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Is that the case, so, Katie, they would be questions
for Paul Kirby and perhaps Lauren as we head towards
twenty time twenty four. I think every member of the
Legislative Assembly reflects upon what they've achieved and what their
future is. It's an unusual job. You sign up for
four years and you know it's not a normal job
that you can take holidays when you want and sickly
(02:13):
even things. So everyone considers their future. But as I said,
Lauren and Kirby have done an enormous amount and they're
still part of our team. But I understand their disappointment.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I mean, presumably though they've had to have done something
that you didn't like for you to kick them out
of the cabinet and promote to junior members of Parliament.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
So Katie, you know, putting together cabinet is like putting
together a puzzle and you've got one piece here and
it pushes another piece over there. And I'm lucky to
have a talented team a wide variety of views. But
I believe that the members of the ministry are renewed,
refreshed and ready to work even harder for territory.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
All right.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It's a massive demotion as well for Kate Warden, who's
lost both the Police and Territory Families portfolio.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Why when you've been at.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Pains to say that there's never been a bigger investment
in police, more officers than ever before, and that she's
working so hard.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
So, Katie, I don't have anything bad to say about
my colleagues and particularly Kate Warden, but as I said,
it was time to renew and give different responsibilities, and
that's what I've done as leader, making these tough decisions.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
So it's not a matter where anybody's done anything wrong,
it's just that you've felt that you need a refreshed faces.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Katie. We've been an incredibly stable team, both under my
leadership and the previous years before that, since you know,
twenty sixteen, seven years and minimal cabinet reshuffles. But as
I've said, you know, from time to time you need
to reset that team. You need to put those pieces
in place, and that's what I've done yesterday. Heading into
twenty twenty four.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
It was widely discussed when you became the Chief Minister
that the support of Kate Warden is what.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Elevated you to the top job.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Is that leadership in jeopardy now that you've demoted her, Katie.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
We're a solid team and you work and have interviewed
Kate Warden. She is an important part of our team.
She's got tenacity, she is an incredibly hard worker, and
these changes were about making sure that we were focused
for Territorians and aligning people I believe with portfolios that
are important, which is community safety and also growing the
economy and reducing the cost of living.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So you've family, You've still got Kate Warden's support, Katie,
I've got the support of my team.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
It's not about that. It's about the cabinet and going
forward into twenty twenty four. We know that Territorians, you know,
will be thinking about who do they want to govern
and do they want a solid team that's delivering. We
don't want to go back to the eighteen cabinet reshuffles
of the COLP. So for me, it's about focusing on
the needs of Territorians as they head towards next August.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Well, I think the problem right now is that a
lot of Territorians don't actually feel that your government's delivering.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
The crime stats are woeful.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
Police have been saying that they're under resourced for some time.
I mean, is this change actually going to make any
kind of difference?
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So, Katie, my priorities, as I said, is growing the
economy and the cost of living, but absolutely making the
territory safer. And it's not one thing that will impact
on community safety. It's a multitude of measures. It's working
with police and the resources they need. We've got that
review underway, but it's also stopping those behaviors from before
they happen.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
You are giving, though arguably the most important portfolio right now,
to a person who's never been a minister before. The
Police Association yesterday welcomed your attempt to address the issue
of having one minister overseeing both police and territory families,
which often they say led to conflicting interests and priorities.
(05:37):
But they have a very real concern around mister Potter's
lack of experience. The Police Association say the police portfolio
is too important to be handballed to a novice minister
with a mere twelve months of government experience. A sensible
decision would have been for you yourself to reclaim that portfolio,
(06:00):
which is traditionally sat with the Chief Minister. Why didn't
you take the portfolio yourself and Katie.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
I accept that commentary from the nt Police Association. Their
job is to keep us account and make sure that
we are supporting police. But in terms of Brent, I
believe he has got the skills and the role he
will play will be vital. So the nature of the
cabinet is we generally have a lot of portfolios. I've
given Brent that specific focus. I've also separated police from
(06:28):
fire and emergency services, which means the Police Commission will
be solely focused on police. So, Katie, I'm confident into
the future with his very specific focus that this will
be successful.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
So what skills does he have that makes you think
that he's going to be better at this job than
what you yourself would have been.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
So, Katie, he served in the army for a decade,
serving as a major.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
But that's very different though to being a police officer.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Correct, But he also has served as a senior advisor
for police and I think since his elections of Parliament
last year, he's made a huge contribution in his community
working through these types of issues. And I know that
he knows how to take on a tough mission and
to make those hard decisions in stressful situations. So I'm
confident this is the right decision. And he's already out
there hitting the ground running in terms of speaking with
(07:15):
and working and will be out on the front line.
He's already done right along so that he can hear
directly from police officers on the front line around what
they need to support them in their role.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
So was Kate Warden not doing those things?
Speaker 1 (07:29):
So from my perspective, Katie, as I said, this changing
of cabinet ministry positions is about refocusing about refreshing so
that we can work even harder. And I've chosen people
and portfolios that i best reflect the priorities of territory.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
All right, the separation of the fire service, who's going
to so from the police So ordinarily it was the
same commissioner of course, Michael Murphy overseeing both of those
two areas. Who's going to take over as the CEO
of the fire service.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
So they'll become their their own agency and that position
will be recruited to for fire and emergency services in
terms of you know, the territory we're seeing more climatic
weather events as we do see climate change, So making
sure that we strengthen fire and emergency services so that
we've got that resilience is a key priority of making
that change, as well as allowing the police commissioner to
(08:19):
be solely focused on policing the charactory.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Is that going to be a costly exercise to separate
those two agencies.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Katie, the cost will be kept to a minimum. I
think this is important. It's something that I've thought about
long and hard. I've had discussions with the Commissioner and
others about it, and I feel that this will be
in the best interests of delivering those two outcomes that
I just said.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
All right.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Joel Bowden is also in now. He's taking on the
infrastructure portfolio amongst others. Infrastructure is a massive portfolio. I
know that Evil aw has had a lot of support
in this portfolio from industry.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Why is he in?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
So?
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Joel is someone that is a lifetime Territorian and I
believe that this is an important role and he'll be
able to feel that fulfill that right across the Northern Territory,
not just here in the top end. And it's about
making sure that we grow that economy and that Territorians
have jobs.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Chief Minister, have you had to do a deal with
Brent Potter and Joel Bowden to keep yourself on as
the Chief Minister?
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Oh? Absolutely not, Katie.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So this isn't about doing deals with different factions of
the party or anything like that to keep yourself safe.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
No, as Chief Minister, I'm there to make the tough decisions.
The last you know, dye or so has been incredibly
tough for my team making this change. But everyone is
at work listening to Territorians and there was certainly no
deals done, Katie.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Chief Minister.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
There are a lot of people questioning right now if
it's actually you who should be reshuffled out, Katie.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
People will reflect upon that next August. Do they want
a steady, stable government where we are absolutely delivering the
big projects growing the economy focused on cost of living?
You know, it is expensive out there for every day Ratorians,
the mums and dads. We've put in place a number
of measures and will continue to work in that space
as well as community safety, so people can make that
decision next August.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Do you genuinely believe right now that you are effective
in the role?
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Now, I want to ask you, have you also made
changes to the top of your department of Chief wins
is Frank Daily also being moved out.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
So Katie, as a part of this reset of you
know my team, doctor Daily won't be continuing in the
role as the head of Chief Minister and Cabinet. Ken
Davies will take on that role and be in that position.
Why so, Katie, you know there is important issues facing
the Northern Territory. We're absolutely focused about growing the economy,
(10:44):
getting those big projects here. We know the opportunities. It's
an age of opportunity for the territory. And at the
same time, you know the community safety is paramount to me.
So these are big changes, but I think this is
best place to serve the territory.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So was he not effective in that role as the
chief executive of your department? I mean it sort of
sounds as though you're feeling as though some of the
areas where you were hoping to see some change, you're
not seeing that change.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
So Katie, we've done an enormous amount and we've delivered hugely.
But from my perspective, it's about making tough decisions that
put the territory in the best position going forward. So
none of this is easy, but I think it's the
right thing to do to support the territory.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well, time will tell.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I suppose Chief Minister four Corners last night, did you
watch it? It focused on security, private security in the
Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Katie, I did I miss the start of it? Just
juggling the kids and getting them off to bed. But
I did get to see a fair chunk of it,
and I think that our security guards do an enormous
job in very tough conditions. I think that there's some
allegations around four corners, and I know that they've been
spoken about on your show and they've been referred to
the ABC formally, so you know, I think that there's
always two sides to a story. But from my perspective,
(11:57):
our security guards do an enormous job. They work in
with a number of agencies, for example, Larikia Nation City
Council as well as police.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Are though actually expecting these security guards to do the
jobs of police.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
So Katie, it's a balance. It's about making sure that
police are focused on policing and that we have security
that can play an important role in community safety, just
as we have transit security offices and other frontline services.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
So I mean, I guess at the heart though of
the report, and look, I don't necessarily agree with somebody
flying in from another state and making judgment on the
way in which we operate here in the Northern Territory
then flying out. But at the heart of that report,
questions about whether private security should actually be doing the
job that many see as being a police role. And
we know that right now in the territory we do
(12:43):
not have enough police to be able.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
To do that job.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
So Katie, I think, you know, perhaps a dollar figure
can help people understand. We invest around two million dollars
into private security. We have a billion dollar community safety budget, so.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Two million right across the board, across all your departments.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Understanding is that we invest two million dollars into private
security out of a one billion dollar community safety budget.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
So only two million dollars, But I thought we're investing
an enormous amount on security just out at Royal dal
And Hospital alone.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
So Katie, in terms of agencies they would interact with
different security. Those staff that work at Royal Dalen Hospital,
they fulfill a number of roles. Yes, they make sure
that the building is safe. Hundreds of people work there
and visit each day, and they fulfill a number of roles.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
So it's not only two million dollars by the sounds
of it. There are different budgets within each agency.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So Katie, in terms of the budget for private security,
I'm advised that it's two million out of a billion
dollar community safety budget in terms of agencies and what
their needs are specifically for their buildings and operations that
would be different.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Are you being negligent though by putting security into a
role that police should be doing. I mean that was
really what they were pointing out last night on that report,
is that these security guards are being placed into situations
that may not be for anybody.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
So, Katie, those security staff have qualifications mental health, advanced
first aid, cultural awareness, and de escalation, and as I said,
they are part of that community safety piece. I see
them at my local shopping center. They engage with people,
they try and stop behaviors before they become criminal, and
we need to interact with police. And this is a
process that's been in place in the territory for over
(14:23):
twenty years. I understand they are licensed, so there is
structures there that perhaps weren't represented last night in that program.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
So are there going to be any changes following that
report overnight?
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Katie? The one element that I'm probably looking at is
to have some type of complaints online for quick reporting.
So if you've got an interaction that you're not satisfactory with,
but you're not necessarily going to go to the police
and make a report. How can that information be ascertained
because the large majority of security guards do the right thing,
but there probably is some bad eggs, So how can
(14:56):
we provide that information? So that's probably the one aspect
that I would look at.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
And no changes to the security guards.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
You believe that they are doing a good job and
they've got your support, Katie.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
I do. And they licensed in the territory. Licensing and
T is the regulator, and additionally, if they're operating under
a government contract, the Ombunsman can provide oversight and do
an investigation. So I do think there is checks and
balances that perhaps weren't represented in that program last night.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Is that going to be something now that Brent Potter
as the incoming Minister for Police so is going to
have to take a look closer look at.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
So Licensing and T sits within the Department of Industry,
Tourism and Trade and Ombardsman sits generally.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
And so those security guards.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
So those security guards though sit within which department?
Speaker 1 (15:43):
So Katie, as we've just been saying, security guards are private, but.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Are they managed by a department?
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Because I know that that was something that the Police
Association had raised some concerns about.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
So the poor contract. I understand sits with police, but
we were just talking about the life and the oversight
which is not sitting in within police.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
But with the PORU that sits within the police. Does
that open you up to any kind of or does
that open the police up to any possibility of litigation
for them if one of those security guards does do
the wrong thing.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
I wouldn't believe so, Katie, because the oversight would be
the ombardsman if the government contract is not being delivered correctly,
and police overseeing those contracts means that they can say, well,
police are doing this job. We need some support here
and this would be the best tool. And I gain
point to these tools being used for a couple of
decades in the territory.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
All right, Chief Minister. Just lastly, I mean the fact
that we're having to use security guards around the city,
around the northern suburbs, right around the Northern territory right now,
does that demonstrate an absolute failure by your government to
be able to get this crime and anti social behavior
under control.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
The anti social behavior and crime issues in the territory
incredibly complex, and as I said, Katie, we've got a
number of resources and it is our absolute focus as
a government.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Chief Minister Natasha Philes will leave it there. Thank you,
as always for your time, Take care,
Now.
Speaker 2 (00:00):
Yesterday, Natasha Fhiles announced a new cabinet team as part
of what she's described as a renewed, refreshed and refocused
Territory government, saying the Territory's cabinet team has the experience,
the energy and ideas to keep building the territory's future.
There are two new appointments to the cabinet. The Member
(00:21):
for Fanny Bay, Brent Potter, has been appointed the Minister
for Police, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services and Minister
for Veterans Affairs. The second new appointment is Member for
Johnson Joel Bowden. Now Mister Boden's going to serve as
the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, the Minister for
Business and Jobs, the Minister for Skills, Training and International Education,
(00:46):
as well as the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and
Minister for Recreational Fishing. But with the new appointments comes
the demotions of Lauren Moss and Paul Kirby, kicked from
the cabinet without so.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Much, so thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
In the Chief Minister's press release yesterday, the Chief Minister
joins me on the show. Good morning to your Chief Minister.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Good morning Katie, Good morning listeners.
Speaker 3 (01:09):
Chief Minister.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
Firstly, why did you boot Paul Kirby and Lauren Moss?
Speaker 1 (01:14):
So, Katv's are difficult decisions and as leader, I signed
up to make the tough decisions and I believe this
is in the best interests of Territorians. But I certainly
acknowledge Lauren and Paul and the contribution that they've made
and will continue to make as members of our government team.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
Are they upset, Katie?
Speaker 1 (01:31):
They are disappointed and that's natural, But this is a
decision for the Northern Territory. It's a tough decision. They
are disappointed, but this is about making sure that we've
got a team that's focused in the ministry on the
needs of Territorians going forward.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
As is always the case, the rumors arrive around the
top end at the moment that Paul Kirby's not going
to be recontesting at the next election.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Is that the case, so, Katie, they would be questions
for Paul Kirby and perhaps Lauren as we head towards
twenty time twenty four. I think every member of the
Legislative Assembly reflects upon what they've achieved and what their
future is. It's an unusual job. You sign up for
four years and you know it's not a normal job
that you can take holidays when you want and sickly
(02:13):
even things. So everyone considers their future. But as I said,
Lauren and Kirby have done an enormous amount and they're
still part of our team. But I understand their disappointment.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
I mean, presumably though they've had to have done something
that you didn't like for you to kick them out
of the cabinet and promote to junior members of Parliament.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
So Katie, you know, putting together cabinet is like putting
together a puzzle and you've got one piece here and
it pushes another piece over there. And I'm lucky to
have a talented team a wide variety of views. But
I believe that the members of the ministry are renewed,
refreshed and ready to work even harder for territory.
Speaker 3 (02:47):
All right.
Speaker 2 (02:48):
It's a massive demotion as well for Kate Warden, who's
lost both the Police and Territory Families portfolio.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Why when you've been at.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Pains to say that there's never been a bigger investment
in police, more officers than ever before, and that she's
working so hard.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
So, Katie, I don't have anything bad to say about
my colleagues and particularly Kate Warden, but as I said,
it was time to renew and give different responsibilities, and
that's what I've done as leader, making these tough decisions.
Speaker 2 (03:15):
So it's not a matter where anybody's done anything wrong,
it's just that you've felt that you need a refreshed faces.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
Katie. We've been an incredibly stable team, both under my
leadership and the previous years before that, since you know,
twenty sixteen, seven years and minimal cabinet reshuffles. But as
I've said, you know, from time to time you need
to reset that team. You need to put those pieces
in place, and that's what I've done yesterday. Heading into
twenty twenty four.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
It was widely discussed when you became the Chief Minister
that the support of Kate Warden is what.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Elevated you to the top job.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
Is that leadership in jeopardy now that you've demoted her, Katie.
Speaker 1 (03:52):
We're a solid team and you work and have interviewed
Kate Warden. She is an important part of our team.
She's got tenacity, she is an incredibly hard worker, and
these changes were about making sure that we were focused
for Territorians and aligning people I believe with portfolios that
are important, which is community safety and also growing the
economy and reducing the cost of living.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
So you've family, You've still got Kate Warden's support, Katie,
I've got the support of my team.
Speaker 1 (04:20):
It's not about that. It's about the cabinet and going
forward into twenty twenty four. We know that Territorians, you know,
will be thinking about who do they want to govern
and do they want a solid team that's delivering. We
don't want to go back to the eighteen cabinet reshuffles
of the COLP. So for me, it's about focusing on
the needs of Territorians as they head towards next August.
Speaker 2 (04:39):
Well, I think the problem right now is that a
lot of Territorians don't actually feel that your government's delivering.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
The crime stats are woeful.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
Police have been saying that they're under resourced for some time.
I mean, is this change actually going to make any
kind of difference?
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So, Katie, my priorities, as I said, is growing the
economy and the cost of living, but absolutely making the
territory safer. And it's not one thing that will impact
on community safety. It's a multitude of measures. It's working
with police and the resources they need. We've got that
review underway, but it's also stopping those behaviors from before
they happen.
Speaker 2 (05:15):
You are giving, though arguably the most important portfolio right now,
to a person who's never been a minister before. The
Police Association yesterday welcomed your attempt to address the issue
of having one minister overseeing both police and territory families,
which often they say led to conflicting interests and priorities.
(05:37):
But they have a very real concern around mister Potter's
lack of experience. The Police Association say the police portfolio
is too important to be handballed to a novice minister
with a mere twelve months of government experience. A sensible
decision would have been for you yourself to reclaim that portfolio,
(06:00):
which is traditionally sat with the Chief Minister. Why didn't
you take the portfolio yourself and Katie.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
I accept that commentary from the nt Police Association. Their
job is to keep us account and make sure that
we are supporting police. But in terms of Brent, I
believe he has got the skills and the role he
will play will be vital. So the nature of the
cabinet is we generally have a lot of portfolios. I've
given Brent that specific focus. I've also separated police from
(06:28):
fire and emergency services, which means the Police Commission will
be solely focused on police. So, Katie, I'm confident into
the future with his very specific focus that this will
be successful.
Speaker 2 (06:38):
So what skills does he have that makes you think
that he's going to be better at this job than
what you yourself would have been.
Speaker 1 (06:45):
So, Katie, he served in the army for a decade,
serving as a major.
Speaker 3 (06:48):
But that's very different though to being a police officer.
Speaker 1 (06:51):
Correct, But he also has served as a senior advisor
for police and I think since his elections of Parliament
last year, he's made a huge contribution in his community
working through these types of issues. And I know that
he knows how to take on a tough mission and
to make those hard decisions in stressful situations. So I'm
confident this is the right decision. And he's already out
there hitting the ground running in terms of speaking with
(07:15):
and working and will be out on the front line.
He's already done right along so that he can hear
directly from police officers on the front line around what
they need to support them in their role.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
So was Kate Warden not doing those things?
Speaker 1 (07:29):
So from my perspective, Katie, as I said, this changing
of cabinet ministry positions is about refocusing about refreshing so
that we can work even harder. And I've chosen people
and portfolios that i best reflect the priorities of territory.
Speaker 2 (07:44):
All right, the separation of the fire service, who's going
to so from the police So ordinarily it was the
same commissioner of course, Michael Murphy overseeing both of those
two areas. Who's going to take over as the CEO
of the fire service.
Speaker 1 (07:59):
So they'll become their their own agency and that position
will be recruited to for fire and emergency services in
terms of you know, the territory we're seeing more climatic
weather events as we do see climate change, So making
sure that we strengthen fire and emergency services so that
we've got that resilience is a key priority of making
that change, as well as allowing the police commissioner to
(08:19):
be solely focused on policing the charactory.
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Is that going to be a costly exercise to separate
those two agencies.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Katie, the cost will be kept to a minimum. I
think this is important. It's something that I've thought about
long and hard. I've had discussions with the Commissioner and
others about it, and I feel that this will be
in the best interests of delivering those two outcomes that
I just said.
Speaker 3 (08:38):
All right.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
Joel Bowden is also in now. He's taking on the
infrastructure portfolio amongst others. Infrastructure is a massive portfolio. I
know that Evil aw has had a lot of support
in this portfolio from industry.
Speaker 3 (08:52):
Why is he in?
Speaker 2 (08:54):
So?
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Joel is someone that is a lifetime Territorian and I
believe that this is an important role and he'll be
able to feel that fulfill that right across the Northern Territory,
not just here in the top end. And it's about
making sure that we grow that economy and that Territorians
have jobs.
Speaker 2 (09:10):
Chief Minister, have you had to do a deal with
Brent Potter and Joel Bowden to keep yourself on as
the Chief Minister?
Speaker 1 (09:17):
Oh? Absolutely not, Katie.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
So this isn't about doing deals with different factions of
the party or anything like that to keep yourself safe.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
No, as Chief Minister, I'm there to make the tough decisions.
The last you know, dye or so has been incredibly
tough for my team making this change. But everyone is
at work listening to Territorians and there was certainly no
deals done, Katie.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Chief Minister.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
There are a lot of people questioning right now if
it's actually you who should be reshuffled out, Katie.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
People will reflect upon that next August. Do they want
a steady, stable government where we are absolutely delivering the
big projects growing the economy focused on cost of living?
You know, it is expensive out there for every day Ratorians,
the mums and dads. We've put in place a number
of measures and will continue to work in that space
as well as community safety, so people can make that
decision next August.
Speaker 2 (10:08):
Do you genuinely believe right now that you are effective
in the role?
Speaker 1 (10:13):
Yes?
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Now, I want to ask you, have you also made
changes to the top of your department of Chief wins
is Frank Daily also being moved out.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
So Katie, as a part of this reset of you
know my team, doctor Daily won't be continuing in the
role as the head of Chief Minister and Cabinet. Ken
Davies will take on that role and be in that position.
Why so, Katie, you know there is important issues facing
the Northern Territory. We're absolutely focused about growing the economy,
(10:44):
getting those big projects here. We know the opportunities. It's
an age of opportunity for the territory. And at the
same time, you know the community safety is paramount to me.
So these are big changes, but I think this is
best place to serve the territory.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So was he not effective in that role as the
chief executive of your department? I mean it sort of
sounds as though you're feeling as though some of the
areas where you were hoping to see some change, you're
not seeing that change.
Speaker 1 (11:11):
So Katie, we've done an enormous amount and we've delivered hugely.
But from my perspective, it's about making tough decisions that
put the territory in the best position going forward. So
none of this is easy, but I think it's the
right thing to do to support the territory.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Well, time will tell.
Speaker 2 (11:25):
I suppose Chief Minister four Corners last night, did you
watch it? It focused on security, private security in the
Northern Territory.
Speaker 1 (11:34):
Katie, I did I miss the start of it? Just
juggling the kids and getting them off to bed. But
I did get to see a fair chunk of it,
and I think that our security guards do an enormous
job in very tough conditions. I think that there's some
allegations around four corners, and I know that they've been
spoken about on your show and they've been referred to
the ABC formally, so you know, I think that there's
always two sides to a story. But from my perspective,
(11:57):
our security guards do an enormous job. They work in
with a number of agencies, for example, Larikia Nation City
Council as well as police.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Are though actually expecting these security guards to do the
jobs of police.
Speaker 1 (12:10):
So Katie, it's a balance. It's about making sure that
police are focused on policing and that we have security
that can play an important role in community safety, just
as we have transit security offices and other frontline services.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
So I mean, I guess at the heart though of
the report, and look, I don't necessarily agree with somebody
flying in from another state and making judgment on the
way in which we operate here in the Northern Territory
then flying out. But at the heart of that report,
questions about whether private security should actually be doing the
job that many see as being a police role. And
we know that right now in the territory we do
(12:43):
not have enough police to be able.
Speaker 3 (12:46):
To do that job.
Speaker 1 (12:47):
So Katie, I think, you know, perhaps a dollar figure
can help people understand. We invest around two million dollars
into private security. We have a billion dollar community safety budget, so.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Two million right across the board, across all your departments.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Understanding is that we invest two million dollars into private
security out of a one billion dollar community safety budget.
Speaker 2 (13:06):
So only two million dollars, But I thought we're investing
an enormous amount on security just out at Royal dal
And Hospital alone.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
So Katie, in terms of agencies they would interact with
different security. Those staff that work at Royal Dalen Hospital,
they fulfill a number of roles. Yes, they make sure
that the building is safe. Hundreds of people work there
and visit each day, and they fulfill a number of roles.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
So it's not only two million dollars by the sounds
of it. There are different budgets within each agency.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
So Katie, in terms of the budget for private security,
I'm advised that it's two million out of a billion
dollar community safety budget in terms of agencies and what
their needs are specifically for their buildings and operations that
would be different.
Speaker 2 (13:45):
Are you being negligent though by putting security into a
role that police should be doing. I mean that was
really what they were pointing out last night on that report,
is that these security guards are being placed into situations
that may not be for anybody.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
So, Katie, those security staff have qualifications mental health, advanced
first aid, cultural awareness, and de escalation, and as I said,
they are part of that community safety piece. I see
them at my local shopping center. They engage with people,
they try and stop behaviors before they become criminal, and
we need to interact with police. And this is a
process that's been in place in the territory for over
(14:23):
twenty years. I understand they are licensed, so there is
structures there that perhaps weren't represented last night in that program.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
So are there going to be any changes following that
report overnight?
Speaker 1 (14:35):
Katie? The one element that I'm probably looking at is
to have some type of complaints online for quick reporting.
So if you've got an interaction that you're not satisfactory with,
but you're not necessarily going to go to the police
and make a report. How can that information be ascertained
because the large majority of security guards do the right thing,
but there probably is some bad eggs, So how can
(14:56):
we provide that information? So that's probably the one aspect
that I would look at.
Speaker 3 (15:00):
And no changes to the security guards.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
You believe that they are doing a good job and
they've got your support, Katie.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
I do. And they licensed in the territory. Licensing and
T is the regulator, and additionally, if they're operating under
a government contract, the Ombunsman can provide oversight and do
an investigation. So I do think there is checks and
balances that perhaps weren't represented in that program last night.
Speaker 2 (15:24):
Is that going to be something now that Brent Potter
as the incoming Minister for Police so is going to
have to take a look closer look at.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
So Licensing and T sits within the Department of Industry,
Tourism and Trade and Ombardsman sits generally.
Speaker 3 (15:37):
And so those security guards.
Speaker 2 (15:39):
So those security guards though sit within which department?
Speaker 1 (15:43):
So Katie, as we've just been saying, security guards are private, but.
Speaker 3 (15:48):
Are they managed by a department?
Speaker 2 (15:49):
Because I know that that was something that the Police
Association had raised some concerns about.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
So the poor contract. I understand sits with police, but
we were just talking about the life and the oversight
which is not sitting in within police.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
But with the PORU that sits within the police. Does
that open you up to any kind of or does
that open the police up to any possibility of litigation
for them if one of those security guards does do
the wrong thing.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
I wouldn't believe so, Katie, because the oversight would be
the ombardsman if the government contract is not being delivered correctly,
and police overseeing those contracts means that they can say, well,
police are doing this job. We need some support here
and this would be the best tool. And I gain
point to these tools being used for a couple of
decades in the territory.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
All right, Chief Minister. Just lastly, I mean the fact
that we're having to use security guards around the city,
around the northern suburbs, right around the Northern territory right now,
does that demonstrate an absolute failure by your government to
be able to get this crime and anti social behavior
under control.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
The anti social behavior and crime issues in the territory
incredibly complex, and as I said, Katie, we've got a
number of resources and it is our absolute focus as
a government.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Chief Minister Natasha Philes will leave it there. Thank you,
as always for your time, Take care,
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