November 6, 2025 • 46 mins
Katie Woolf was joined by NT News Head of News Gary Shipway, CLP Minister Josh Burgoyne and Opposition leader Selena Uibo.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Mixed one at four point nine three point sixty the
week that was the most listened to our in Territory Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Well, it is Friday morning, it is time for the
week that was and in the studio with us this
morning from Alice Springs, Josh Burgo and the Minister for
Lands Planning and various other portfolios.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Good morning, morning, Katie, Good morning to listers, and good
morning to all the people who are partaking in November
this night.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Are you growing a mustache?
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Well, I'm attempting to, Katie, as you can probably see
at the moment, it just looks like I've forgotten a
she for a couple of days. But we're going to
get there by the end of the month. Hopefully we'll
have a nice mustache.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
And all for a very good call, absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Well, look when my husband grew one, he looked like
super Marios.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
So I don't know whether it's best to hear for
your mate. We'll see how you go now.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Gary Shipway, the head of news at the Northern Territory News,
Good morning to.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
You, Good morning, good morning listeners.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Growing a mustache for a lot of years and.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
I'm no longer going to.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Not going for at this time round.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
Everyone's just what I should be in the movies, but
it wasn't sort of movies.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
I want to Selena, you, boy and Catherine, good morning to.
Speaker 6 (01:11):
You, Good morning Katie. And no I'm not growing either,
but I'm a great friends.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Selena, you and I'll be doing the opposite making sure
we don't have one.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'll tell you what not the way I was expecting
to start the week that wash. You guys are full
of fun today.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Now, well, there's plenty to cover off on this morning,
but Gary, I might go to you quickly first because
I understand the Northern Territory News has got a little
bit of information about a plane traveling from Darwin to
Brisbane that landed in Brisbane this morning.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
What's happened?
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Yeah, actually was last night.
Speaker 5 (01:51):
The plane out of the Virgin El one's flight out
of Darwin. I think it goes out just after midday
one o'clock lands in Brisbane at seven pm. It was
one hundred and eighty people on board the plane and
just after it landed there was a fire underneath the
plane either the breaks of the wheels caught fire. No,
no panic for the passengers. The firefighters were there really
(02:14):
quickly and extinguished the blaze. So yes, a bit of
a drama at the airport and everything seems okay.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
So yeah, so yeah, that's what I've got.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yeah, well, and no doubt further from the NTM throughout
the day, throughout the day, just to.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
Find out a bit more from Virgin our lines. But
as I say, it seemed like no threat to the passengers.
But yeah, and the firefighters got onto it really quickly.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Well, we'll keep a close eye on that as you
get further detail.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Now, I'll tell you what.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It's been a big week this week when it comes
to health. Health has been a high on the agenda.
We know that Royal dal And Hospital is currently experiencing
the capacity challenge due to an increase in the number
of patients requiring ongoing acute care. Now, yesterday we caught
up with the Health ben Steve Veggington. He confirmed that
the code yellow was still in place for Royal Darwin
(03:05):
Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital because there are no beds
available in residential aged care for about forty four age
care patients currently occupying beds. Now, that's on top of
maternity services being well and truly in the spotlight on
the weekend when fresh questions were emerging over maternity care
(03:26):
in the Northern Territory and the government. The territory government requesting,
of course, thirty five million dollars from the federal government
to upgrade the Royal Darwin Hospital maternity ward, but Steve
Edgington revealing on the show yesterday that we are more
likely to be getting ten million dollars.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Now.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
The head of the AMA, John Zorbis, had joined us
on the show straight after that interview with Steve Veggington
and said that he was angry that we're in a
situation that we are likely getting ten million dollars from
the federal government for maternity services rather than the thirty
five which had been requested. Now, there's a lot to
unpack here, obviously, a couple of different issues. We might
(04:09):
talk code yellows first, I mean, Josh, the fact that
we've got this code yellow. It's not a new situation
in the sense that we've been juggling really busy hospitals
for quite some time, but it does demonstrate the need
for some really serious investments in our healthcare system right
across the Northern Territory.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Yeah, you're right, Katie, and obviously over the previous Labor
government there were some thirty five code yellows over those
eight years. And what we're seeing there is I guess
we're having to deal with the issues that have have
been handed as a government. But also I think the
age care, which is something you've spoken about just previously,
is a really important part of this. So there's something
like forty four beds currently at the Darwin Royal Dale
(04:50):
Hospital that are being occupied by those age care patients.
It's really important that we look after those people, but
we also need to acknowledge that we need to get
another facility so those age care patients can move out
of Royal daal In Hospital be looked after in a
purpose built facility and obviously then free up those forty
four to fifty four beds for other patients so that
are needing to come into the hospital. And that's really
(05:10):
the issue that we have at the moment. We have
a lot of people that have been in the hospital
for a long time, they can't be discharged and we
really need the support to get that age care facility.
We know that previously there's been that sixty million dollars
promise and I think something that hasn't been spoken about
a bit. There have been bids to the federal government
to actually build age care facilities up here and down
(05:32):
they haven't been accepted. So now going forward, we need
to obviously see what the best model is going forward,
how we can best spend that sixty million dollars that
the feds are putting on the table to alleviate these
pressures that we're seeing in our hospitals.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
I know though, obviously that EOI went out for the
age care beads earlier, well towards the end of last week.
I think it was from the federal government the expression
of interest to build those additional beads. Selena, when I
spoke to you earlier in the week, you had said
that you felt as though the Northern Territory government had
taken I think it was twelve million dollars or fifteen
million dollars off the table.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
For headworks out there. Is that figure correct?
Speaker 6 (06:09):
Yeah, Katie. We have looked at the budget books to
make sure that we're providing the right information from us
as opposition, and it's actually under the what they're calling
projects that have been parked so land servicing in parmeersan
regional hospital for the development of a residential age care facility,
reprioritize concept design face so a hold on that. Not
(06:31):
sure what the COLP is doing if they think if
they're saying one thing, Katie, which is Josh is saying yes,
absolutely agree. We do need to get on with the
work to support our senior territorians and release the pressure
off our hospital beds with those senior Territorians who are
better suited to an age care facility. But like parking
(06:51):
at project that is so important and critical in terms
of releasing that pressure and supporting our senior territories and
our age cares those who require agekre Katie, I just
it is into mine at the moment. It doesn't make
sense hearing one thing from the government and then seeing
on the budget paper that that project has been parked.
(07:12):
I think it's ridiculous. We need answers.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
So what's today?
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Thank you, Katie. I am able to respond to that
says the lands planning environment is really important for people
to understand Holts which is out by the new Palmestan Hospital.
There has been money put forward in that proposal to
develop the area, so I think when they're talking about
other there was ten million dollars initially itemized for this
specific project. We're ensuring that the water, the surge and
(07:35):
the electricity are there for the entire subdivision and this
site ready to go. So I think that's where the
confusion is so exactly right, exactly right, Katy. The other
thing that's really important for people to understand if someone
comes in a proponent and actually puts forward a proposal
that isn't beside the Palmerston Regional Hospital, they may have
(07:56):
their own land that they want to develop this this
one hundred and twenty sixty million age care facility out
So there's lots of moving pieces here. The land is there,
ready to go. We're investing in the headworks through that
Wholt subdivision and we're excited to see obviously whatever the
Feds come back with and hopefully a proponent can actually
win the contract.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Yeah. Look, Katie, I think this whole issue just demonstrates
that it's going to be an ongoing problem in Dawn
because we've got a lot of people here that have
come and spent a lot of here years here. They
don't want to go, they don't want to leave and
they're going to get old here. And likewise, we've got
young people who've come and made a life here and
they've put their parents here, so we are getting a
much older population. And it's the problem that really seriously
(08:35):
needs to be addressed because as we get new we're
talking about here holts going up. These people hopefully will
stay and create a life here. They will need an
agecare facility going forward. So it's a serious problem that
the federal government really needs to be paying it more
attention once again to what's happening in the Northern territory,
what's happening in the regions, and we see this time
and time again where the regions get forgotten because we
(08:56):
don't carry as many votes. That's my belief. But there's
some serious attack needs to be put because we have
the Cucherers of the world who don't want to leave.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Nor should they. You know, they have worked here their
whole lives.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
They've helped to build this place into the place that
it is, and they shouldn't have to leave because they
need health care and they can only get it by
living in a capital city or away from their family.
That's I mean, we are a capital city like this,
This is the whole point of it.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
This is where their friends are and where their support
base is. Why should they have to move and we
don't want them to move.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Well, that's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
And look on top of the age care situation, we
also have spoken at length about maternity services. Now we
know there's a couple of issues sort of bubbling along here.
Obviously we heard the forum on the weekend where a
number of Northern Territory women and families mesh at that
forum to really voice their concern and that is part
(09:52):
of the closure of the maternity services obviously at the.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Darwin Private Hospital.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
But we're also here and then is that we've got
a public hospital, the maternity services at the public hospital
that are under stress. Women want that continuity of care
when it comes to birthing and it's something that they
feel that there is serious flaws at this point in time.
I mean, Selena, you attended that forum on the weekend
(10:17):
and some of the stories were harrowing, weren't they?
Speaker 6 (10:20):
Oh? Absolutely, Katie, and I think when the community comes together,
it doesn't matter we're from. They're talking about the different
experiences that they've had, you know, many shared positive experiences
with the maternity service that they have received. Many shared
those really heartbreaking stories about the loss of a child
or loss of an infant, and you know, coming together
(10:41):
that power of the community. So there really does need
to be a bigger spotlight from the CLP government. I
know that there's been the ten million dollars that the
Federal Labor government has provided, and that's more than what
has he got, which is great for us for the
Northern Territory. But in terms of really starting to address
the serious issues that are being brought forward by territorians,
(11:02):
by families, by our health workers, by our health professionals,
I think is something that the CELP government is not
providing that plan, not providing that certainty with people don't
want those excuses anymore, Katie. They want to know what
is the government doing, How are they working with the
federal government to really make sure that maternity services right
across the Northern Territory are supported in the way that
(11:25):
territorians deserve.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Look on this, I want to say, I mean ten million.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Dollars comparatively to the thirty five that had been requested,
I think is a kick in the guts for territorians
when you look at our maternity services and what we require.
And when you look at the fact that our health
service is trying to deliver, you know, maternity services across
what is an incredibly vast in some cases, you know,
you've got women coming in from remote areas to have babies,
(11:51):
and then you've got you know, all of our defense families.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
Like you've got it's such a vast.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Range of people in the Northern Territory wanting to to
have their kids here. Now, ten million dollars, I don't
want to sound ungrateful, but comparatively to the thirty five
million dollars that had been requested, is really not up
to the standard that we expect.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
But in addition to that.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
This argibarjie between the Northern Territory and the federal governments
on this.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
I'm going to call it it's bullshit.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
You know, we got an email yesterday from Luke Gosling saying,
you know that they hadn't received the level of information
that was required. Well, for goodness sake, if that leisure
or that proposal went through in June or July this year,
why hasn't somebody sat down with the Department of Health
or whoever needs to sit down together to work it
(12:40):
out so we can get bloody thirty five million rather
than ten.
Speaker 6 (12:44):
Absolutely, yeah, Katie, I think, yeah, you've hit the nail
on the head and we're understanding more and more about
the change of that figure because I'm obviously following this
very closely. My Deputy Opposition Leader Duran Young has been
in canber He's met with both the Health binister this
week in his shadow portfolio as Health as well as
Minister Sam Ray around age and disability care for Territorians.
(13:07):
So there's some really interesting information. But we're now understanding
that the thirty five million dollars was around a basically
a propping up of the private maternity services, not a
commitment around Royal dal And Hospital. Now I don't think
that has been made clear by the SELPA government when
they've been in those negotiations and providing that really important
(13:30):
information to Territorians and our health professionals about that figure.
So my understanding now, Katie, I'm thinking at further the
ten million it will go to Royal dal And Hospital
to support our maternity services and the great work that
our teams do there to support women in the Northern Territory.
It received that very important and vital care. But the
thirty five million dollars we're now understanding was not for
(13:53):
Royal dal And Hospital, it was for the private maternity service.
So the government again is going out and asking and
diflecting what are their plans around maternity services for territory women.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
Yeah, thank you, Katie, and I think this is really important.
So I've obviously seen over the period of time I've
had the private hospital shut and this has been an
issue because then we've needed to obviously support women and
families through that process. At Royal Dalen Hospital in Ala Springs,
we only have the public hospital. My wife has given
birth to our two beautiful girls there and the support
that we received there was absolutely incredible. In one case,
(14:25):
we were there for eleven days. Midwives. We couldn't speak
highly enough of them. The stories we're hearing coming out
of Dawn is that we do need more resources to
be able to support families through that, and we're working
with the federal government to enable that to occur. And
the private hospital is absolutely a really important part of that,
because if we want to give families that come to
a major capital city like Darwin the option to go
(14:46):
the private route. That's an option they should be afforded.
And I think this isn't a neither all. This is
we're working with the federal government who are currently working
with Healthscope along with our public hospital here to ensure
that all services across maternity can be improved and in
the case so the private health center can be returned.
That's a really important thing, and I think I've even
heard the Chief say as part of that private health
(15:07):
deal that's going to be struck with the Feds, we're
trying to ensure that in that deal they must provide
maternity services. So that's a really important thing that we're
working with the federal government on and I completely agree
with you. We need to be working more hand in
hand rather than taking shots at one another, because no
one wins in that case. We just want to see
families better looked after. Yeah, I think that's important.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
Can you confirm is the thirty five million was that
to prop up the private maternity services or is the
thirty five million for the Royal Dane Hospital and the
public hospital service.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Now I don't have that level of detail in front
of me, Selena, But at the end of the day,
like I said, we're working to ensure that we can
restore maternity services up here in dal and I.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Think once again this is another case for the regions
missing out. We were at that forum as well. And
one of the other important elements, and you touched on it, Katie,
is the Defense Force families. Now we know that Defense
Force families, people in the Defense Forces who have families,
their preference is not to come to Dawn. Now they're saying,
we don't want to come to Darwin. Yeah, because we
(16:04):
don't have the medical services there in Darwin, which is shocking.
Which is terrible because now that's people who that impacts
our population, but it's also the Americans as well. We
know that Americans will be looking to build their horses here.
We know that's going to happen. We respectable people like
it or don't like it, we know that will happen
in the future. They're in the same situation. They want
to know that the proper medical facilities are here for their.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
People, absolutely, and you've got to make sure that they are.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
But you know all of this right, So everything that
we've discussed this morning when it comes to health, and
then I read in the paper this morning that more
than a thousand health workers will health support workers are
going to be walking off the job in public hospitals
right across the Northern Territory in the next ten days.
That is what a union delegate has warned the United
(16:52):
Workers Union. Those members who work in health support services
in NT hospitals have this week voted to take protected
industrial action. So over the next ten days, droves of workers,
including cleaners, caterers, personal care assistance, radiographers and sonographers, they're
all going to be walking, well looking at walking off
(17:13):
the job in territory hospitals in response to the ongoing
Northern Territory Public Sector General Enterprise Agreement negotiations. Now, I've
got to tell you, I'm all for the worker. However,
doing this at a time when we have got code
yellows at two of our hospitals stinks to me.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
It actually.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I get that they're fighting for their rights. I get
that they are fighting for what they feel is right
and what they feel they deserve. But to do it
at a time when the hospitals are at their knees,
I just don't think it's right.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Yeah, look, Katie, this is a frustrating one for everyone.
We want to see workers supported. But every time we
talk about this, I want to be really clear with
all your listeners. The head of the I'm just going
to get the name exactly right. The United Workers in
and NT secretary is Aaron l a former labor president.
We had for years, obviously a labor government, we didn't
see a lot of these mass walkouts, and now that
the Salperan we're seeing that. So as a government, we
(18:08):
want to support our workers. We're working with everyone to
ensure that they get respectable pay deals. And we've done
that with the police and you've seen the police come
out and say that it's the best paid deal in
twenty years. So we'll continue to work with all the
government workers across.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Set a precedent though now, like I get it right,
because our police.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Are front line.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
They are out there dealing with some of the most
dangerous situations that we have. And I am not undervaluing
any of our healthcare workers in any way. You know,
I have spoken a lot, you know, for a long
time about the wonderful work that they do. But have
you now set a precedent with that pay deal with
the Northern Territory Police that all other public servants are
(18:48):
really expecting to say.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
No, and I want to be really clear about that.
The government's position is a three percent across government. That's
the position. Obviously the police. There were negotiations there, but
at the end of the day, Kadie, if we can't
come to an agreement, it will go to the I
believe it's arbitration. The Public Employment Minister will know more
about all this, but it's important to ensure that we're
supporting workers. We want to ensure that our workers feel
(19:10):
value because we need these people. My mother worked in
the health department for thirty five years, you know, and
it's really important that we support people right across the
departments to ensure that they know they're valued here in
the Northern Territory and that we support them to stay
in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
I mean, Selena, at the timing, I just think it's
really poor timing. I don't know how Territorians are going
to feel about it.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
I'm sure they'll let me know on the.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Tech side and calls this morning, but I just feel
as though when we've got two co jellows for the
union to announce this, I don't know how it's going
to go down with everybody listening.
Speaker 6 (19:43):
Katie, this is just another example of the COLP government
failing our workers. This is about negotiations for reasonable pain
conditions and it happens with every single sector and particularly
around the different sectors within the public service. So now
we're talking about the enterprise bargaining negotiations for those ancillary
support workers within our hospitals, within our health system, and
(20:06):
they're obviously very very important roles.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
So when you look.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
Back at what Leaf Nocio promised the police in opposition,
she promised those higher percentage of public payments for police,
and that's what she did in opposition. When she became
Chief Minister and the Police Minister, she changed her tune
and it really pissed off police because they were promised
something before the election. The COLP got in and then
they said, oh no, actually no, we can't do that
(20:30):
deal for you, And there was this big huhah and
a big standoff between the Police Association and the Police Minister.
Leah for Nokiaio because she promised something, she got into
government and then she backed away. Hang on, hang on,
let me just finish. The first negotiations with the police
got knocked back, and then the second round was the
one that they got through. So what is happening now
(20:52):
is that there are public sector workers right across the field, frontline,
back of house, everyone in between who are not feeling
valued by this government. So this is really about the
workloads of the difficult conditions that all of our public
service do face, stay in and day out, particularly in
the hospitals. They need to have those good conditions so
they can put food on the table for their family,
(21:14):
so they can continue that good work looking after territories
when we're out of worse in the health system. So
this is really important, and I think Josh is showing
his neighbor to and being very disrespectful and tying in
the position that the United Workers Union president has with
because labor was in there was no strikes. Now, no,
(21:35):
we actually sat down, Josh. We did the hard work.
We had those hard conversations day in and day out,
every single EBA negotiation, which is why we had people
staying on the job and negotiating that better PAYKNS rubbish.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Selena, you told them there wouldn't be a play rise
for four years. That's what happened. And now we're in
government and we're trying to ensure that we support our
workers so they get effected. Josh, that's exactly what happens
to Lenda. That's what happened, no play rise four years.
You gave people the scraps. That's what you did.
Speaker 5 (22:03):
Well.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Look, I will just say a person who must be
in Allied Health is an Allied Health workers message the
tech sign and just said it's already before the Workfair
Work Commission. The colp I doesn't know what's going on.
Three percent is a pay cut, says that person.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
It's not a pay cut, right, Katie. We've seen what
is happening with CPI right now. We've seen that we're
supporting workers to get a real pay rise. That's what
we're doing to ensure that that continues to occur and
that we support our workers.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Right across in the unions in the back ended way
of previous Lavy government because they said there was a
pay freeze and that they are now they endured that
pay freeze. Now they want a fair go. I mean,
that's that's that's what they're saying.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
So I will say though at the time when that
pay freeze was in place, so I don't you know,
I'm not usually in the in the business of defending
political parties. But that pay freeze was in place because
we're on our knees, absolutely on our knees when it
came to the budget. So I think that label. We're
in a situation where they had to have that pay freeze,
(23:05):
like we couldn't continue on the path that we're on.
And in all honesty, I don't know that things are
looking all that much better at this point in time,
which is the frightening part.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
Everyone wants a pay rise.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Shit, I'd love a pay rise, let's all have one,
but we just I don't know whether we can afford it.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
And I feel for.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
These support workers because I know they work incredibly hard.
Anybody who's been up to the hospital knows how bloody.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
Hard they work.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
But how do we, like, how do we keep going
along here, you know, and handing out pay rises when
people deserve them. Do not get me wrong, but we
just don't have any money.
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Really, it's the harsh reality, Katie. And you're right, you know,
we're ten twelve, you can count it up. It's billions
of dollars in the red. We're trying to ensure that
we support our public service, to ensure that they feel
valued that they stay here in the Northern Territory, but
also work within our budgetary constraints. And it's really hard
when we're talking about all this money that needs to
be spent on all these really important sectors across government,
(24:01):
but we are literally going to the cupboard, and the
cupboard is bare.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
And look, I do want to point out because I
know that there is health workers listening to the show
this morning.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
I've got a few of them texting through.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
You know, we are expecting all these services at our hospitals.
We're expecting all of these services within age care, you know,
within our maternity services, and we're expecting them at a
really high level. But then we're not coming to the
table with that additional pay. I don't know where this
is all going to land, but what I do know
is that if those workers strike in the next ten
(24:34):
days and we're all ready in a situation where we've
got co yellows across our two major hospitals, it is
going to be a debarcle.
Speaker 5 (24:42):
It's certainly going to be a tough situation because our
hospitals are really flooded. You know, we can I can
go to the RDH and have a look in any
day and how busy that is. It's just so yeah,
because these people will only be also be your cleaners,
they also be people that feed people, could be primary carers.
(25:02):
So yeah, it's these are important, crucial areas.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
They are.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
Look, we're going to have to take a bit of
a break. You are listening to Mix one oh four
nine's three sixty.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
It is the week that was mixed one or.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Four point nine three sixty, the week that was the
most listened to our in Territory radio.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Well, if you have just joined us, it's been a
busy morning so far talking about health across the Northern Territory.
And in the studio with us today we've got Minister
Josh Burgoy, and we've got the head of news at
the NT News, Gary Shipway, and in Catherine this morning
we've got the Opposition leader Selena Yubo. Now, I do
want to take a look at the announcement that was
made late yesterday the Northern Territory Police Force releasing its
(25:43):
first anti racism strategy for staff.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Now.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
The first phase of the force's anti racism action plan
was revealed in Alice Springs at an announcement by the
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole and Executive Director of
the force's Cultural form Command, Leanne Little. Now, the anti
racism strategy was announced that it was going to be
happening in mid last year, largely in response, as we know,
(26:09):
to the high profile coronial inquest into the twenty nineteen
police shooting death of Kumenjay Walker, which made public well
made public some of those instances of racism within the
Northern Territory Police Force. Now, this strategy is made up
of four key priority areas. Serve and protect, eliminate racism,
(26:31):
represent and reflect our territory and be accountable. Now, I
know that we're probably all just sort of going through
this over the last twenty four hours or so.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
But first off, I guess Josh to.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
You as you know, as a minister within the COLP,
do you guys support.
Speaker 4 (26:50):
And you know think that this is a good move.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah. Look, it's really important one hundred percent acknowledge the
important work that's been underway for some time now. Commissioner
dol obviously when out yesterday with Leanne Little to announce
this strategy. Once again, I really want to say out
loud to all those police members who are listening. This
does not mean this does not tell you all as racist.
That's what's really important here. My father was a police
officer within thirty five years. The majority of people that
(27:14):
police are coming into contact with and helping our Aboriginal
people right across the Northern Territory that we work in
some remote communities supporting people. This is a strategy to
ensure that if there are people that have racist tendencies
that are not doing the right thing, that this is
an educational piece and it's really important. I've spoken to
people that have actually done programs that when police are
(27:37):
going through recruit training to I guess better inform them
about the cultural norms in the Northern Territory. We have
lots of people coming from New Zealand. We're always hearing
about the police coming from there all other states and
territories around OZ. We really need to be able to
support our police members to know that we support you
with the work, really important work that you're doing. But
(27:57):
we also need to ensure that our force is obviously
going through this strategic plan and ensuring that anything that
we do, anyone that we engage with that there isn't
then that those racist undertones, and I think it's really
important to just before I finish, once again, the Chief
Minister has been really clear on this. There isn't systemic
racism across our police force. There have been issues that
(28:18):
have been raised throughout those coronials. It's important that we
respond to those and the Commissioner.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Is doing that Selena.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It aims to boost Aboriginal employment by thirty percent across
all staffing levels to match the Northern Territory's Aboriginal population,
and to review and reform how data and statistics are collected,
stored and analyzed to eliminate racism. What do you make
of us?
Speaker 6 (28:43):
I think, Katie, this is a great step for the
police to be able to show that they've not sat
down and just waited for any of the coronial recommendations.
They've gone out. They've gone across the community, across the
NT and really worked on what matters most Tourians when
it comes to ensuring that we have those really strong
(29:04):
connections across the community and really strong engagement across the
Northern Territory with community members and police. And I think
that they've done an exceptional job in being able to
produce the anti racism strategy, which they said they would.
I know it's been a bit delayed, but I think
it's great. It was launched and released yesterday. Unfortunately, I
(29:24):
think an opportunity missed by the Colp government to support
the good work of police. There was no leadership from Leofinocchio,
who is the Police Minister, who said she will back
in police no matter what at the launch. This is
going to fundamentally drive some of those really important changes
around the engagement for police and recognizing some of the
(29:47):
hurt from the past. But we're more importantly, Katie, moving
everyone forward together. And I think that is really clear
because it's about an action plan. It's not just a
document that's supposed to sit on the shelf, etc. Is
really about the driving force of bringing police together internally
but also across the community and engaging strongly with the community.
(30:07):
I think this is going to be a really important strategy,
a really important way to move our community across the
Northern Territory forward together when it comes to policing and
the NT.
Speaker 5 (30:17):
Yes, you're absolutely correct, this is a This is a
very good outcome, particularly the delivery of the anti rac
racism training. But I'm quite surprised that I would have
thought this already existed. Yeah, I mean our company, you know,
we go through that proper processes, and previous government agencies
have worked for they have through all the anti racism.
(30:41):
I'm just wondering whether this is something that already exists
and is going to be expanded. But if it wasn't
there before, I mean, I'm surprised that it wasn't.
Speaker 3 (30:49):
I think this is about the police acknowledging that through
the coronial process there have been a number of things
that have been raised and again it's important that you
know these are these are not widespread across the police force,
but if we can improve on the processes that are
already there in any way, shape or form, and Leanne
Little has been working with police to look at those
current processes and improve upon them so that we are
better supporting the police to obviously ensure that everything that
(31:11):
they do every day they're liaising with the community, and
that we can also be better representative of the community.
I always say, whenever I go to a school in
my electric in the Northern Territory, I want to see
thirty percent Indigenous population, because that's what the Northern territory
is and they're essentially saying exactly that, as part of
this strategy, we want to improve the amount of Aboriginal
people that are a part of our force because we
want to be representative of the community. And I think
(31:33):
that's absolutely These are things that are already being worked on,
but we're now really putting it into focus.
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Do you think that instantly at your as well, do
you think this is going to be that thirty percent
target is going to be a hard target to get
to given the difficulty that's been in the past to
get Indigenous people to come and join the police force.
What's your thoughts on that?
Speaker 6 (31:57):
Is that for me? Garan?
Speaker 5 (31:58):
Yes, yeah, yeah, what was your thoughts?
Speaker 6 (32:00):
Well, I think it's just so ambitious because I think
the rest of the public service has a target of
I think it's ten percent at under employees across the
public service, So the police are going higher and I
think that's fantastic because, as you said earlier, Katie, we're
talking about the front line interactions with some of the
most complex issues across the Northern Territory when it comes
(32:22):
to community safety, and having a target of thirty percent
I think is fantastic because that does. I think it
is because it reflects the population Katie, Like if they're
thirty percent average on tosad is in Northern Territory and
the police are saying, let's represent our police force the
same as what the population base is in the community.
So I think they're on the right track when it
comes to some of those pathways into police particularly with
(32:44):
the average liaison officers that's been extremely successful. I think
there is they could improve. I met with the Police
Commissioner earlier. We're in November now at the end of
last month. In October was alongside Leanne Little who actually
involved and heading up that Cultural Command Reform Unit within
(33:05):
the police force, and I think having that as the goal,
having that as the target, and having that as the
expectation for the police force, I think is a great
move because it shows that they're really in touch with
what the community expectation is, but also wanting to make
sure there are more opportunities for people across the community
to enter the police force and to stay within the
(33:26):
police force. It might not be an officer, it could
be another role within police but making sure there are pathways,
I think it's a great target to have and it
shows that they're really listening and looking at their own
structures to make sure that police really do represent the community.
Speaker 4 (33:38):
Fantastic opportunities as well.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
For you know, if you're a kid growing up in
Managrita or Gumbalana or wherever you may be, if you've
then got a local police officer who you look at
and you go, hey, I want.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
To be like that. Isn't that a great thing?
Speaker 3 (33:52):
Absolutely? Absolutely, And I think it's one of the few
things that Selena and I will agree on today. But
that's really positive as well that you know, we can
see that obviously the police force of acknowledged what's happened
in the past, but it's also about really building on
the future and supporting police officers right across the Northern Territory,
supporting original people that might want to join the force.
And I've seen that Nallo Springs myself, where I've had
(34:12):
a very good friend of mine. He's gone from being
an aboriginal li aaison officer to a constable and now
is a detective. You know, he's working his way up
and it's about those pathways. You cannot be what you
can't see, and we want to ensure that everyone right
across the Orland Territory. You can see themselves one day
maybe as a police officer, which is great to see.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
We are going to have to take a really quick break.
You are listening to Mix one O four nine's three sixty.
It is the week that.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
Was mixed one or four point nine three sixty, the
week that was the most listened to our in Territory radio.
Speaker 2 (34:42):
Well, if you have just joined us in the studio
this morning, we've got Josh Burgoy and we've got Gary
Shipway and on the.
Speaker 4 (34:48):
Line in Catherine Selena Yubo.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Now, I do want to just speak about the fact
that we know the inquiry into alcohol fueled violence in
the Northern Territory is facing delays. Than Territory Liquor Commission
has postponed hearings and decision making for that key license review,
citing substantial materials still outstanding from the applicant as I
understand it, though, the Commission were on the ABC yesterday
(35:13):
and did apologize that it had been delayed. Now, community
groups out in Palmerston have warned that this hold up
comes at a time when alcohol related violence remains a
serious concern in the area.
Speaker 4 (35:28):
Now it's a really.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Difficult situation if you live out in that Drysdale area,
so gray.
Speaker 4 (35:34):
Around those different suburbs.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
There a short drive out there, and you do see
a lot of intoxicated people. But you also have to
remember that there's a sporting field a couple of hundred
meters away that kids attend every afternoon.
Speaker 4 (35:49):
There's also a school right nearby.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
There's not only been serious issues in terms of anti
social behavior, but there's been criminal behavior. You know, there's
been some really bad incidents unfold. This review needs to happen.
It needed to happen yesterday.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
Yeah, absolutely, Katie. I'm the member for Drysdale Clinton Howe.
I know he's been speaking to you and he's a
very strong advocate for his electorate in there. We've had
obviously the liquor Commissioner come on your show or on
ABC just the other day, spoke about obviously apologizing for
the delays. There was a letter sent to the Attorney
General and it only got sent through yesterday, Thursday, the
sixth of November. So it's really important that obviously the
(36:29):
Attorney General gets all the information regards to what's going
on there at the Liquor Commission. But I guess when
we look right across the Northern Territory in my hometown
of Alice Springs is probably a classic example. We've dealt
with a lot of these our correlated issues. We have
some of the strongest implementation of our core restrictions across
the NT, and obviously the member for Drysdale Clinton how
(36:49):
he's now looking to how he can best support his
community to reduce some of these issues that are happening
in Did you say.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
The Attorney Generals now written to the Liquor Commission?
Speaker 3 (36:57):
No, I no know, so the Liquor Commission. I believe
it was reported yeah, yes, today that the Liquor Commission
had rode in to the AG and I just wanted
to be really clear with everyone that letter was only
received yesterday. So in regards to I guess what, well
exactly acknowledging what's occurred, and that my understanding is now
the report and what the Liquor Commissioner said on radio
(37:17):
is that it will now be early next year. So
again for a lot of people, that's going to be
hard to hear because they're now going to be dealing with.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
I know, it's not your portfolio, nor is it your electorate,
But are there emergency measures that can be put into
place here, because if you live in that area and
you are dealing with some of the issues that are
going on out there, and also when you look at
the violence that's occurring, and I just don't know how
people are meant to continue on.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
Absolutely, and it's about supporting our police to be able
to respond to these issues and then the longer term,
have the plans in place that can actually deal with
the alcoholism that's occurring. So we've seen we've been recruiting
relentlessly to police. We're upping those numbers right across the territory.
Last year in Alie Springs we had South Australian Police
come up. We do not need that now because we
have enough police officers to be able to support our
(38:04):
frontline workers, our children and families to ensure that we
are dealing with these issues now. Obviously we acknowledge what
is happening in Palmerston, especially as Clinton Howe was raised,
but it's also about now those longer term options with
the Liquor Commission is working on to ensure that we
look beyond just I guess the police response. We need
(38:24):
another response as well.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
I think this is a microcosm. What's something elsewhere in
the territory. I mean you can go to Tenant Creek,
you can go to Catherine, you can go to Nightcliff,
you can go to where the Woolies is at Nightcliff.
You've got what used to be perap we used to
have problems at the prep store. It's Stuart Park. I
mean it's everywhere. So you know, what's happening with Clinton
is probably happening in a lot of other places as well.
(38:47):
And you've got to at what point do you, well,
maybe there's restrictions go back in place. I mean, you
affect the business of the corner stores. We've wrestled with
this before as a community. Just how far do you go?
Speaker 4 (39:00):
Well, I take on board what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
But then I believe it was Athena Pasco Bell and
pointed out how many licenses there are out in that
Palmerston region. I mean, Selena, hopefully I've got you there.
Speaker 4 (39:10):
What do you make of it?
Speaker 2 (39:11):
I mean, do you think this needs to happen more quickly?
I seem to be having an issue there with that
fine line. Look, I think it's pretty sack.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
Those liquor sales. This is something that we've literally struggled
with Anello springs as well. People will always say, if
we just close down some bottle shops, we'll fix the problem. Unfortunately,
when you're addicted to alcohol, people will find a way
to access those substances. So it's really important here we
look at where the alcohol's coming from. And this is
the work that the Liquor Commission can do. Look at
where it's coming from, when people are accessing it, and
(39:40):
how we can then best interact and help those people
that are quite literally addicted to alcohol. And this is
that other healthy I.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
Totally agree, But at what point do we go, Okay,
we've got X number of licenses in a particular area.
Is that maybe too many? Do we need to review this?
Where do we need to go from here? Because you know,
you want to make sure that you're managing it in
an appropriate way.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
And I guess that's the thing that the work that
needs to be done, Katey, if that's what the community wants.
So if you have liquor wholesalers, liquor outlets, theyre that
are happy to give back their licenses, that are willing
to talk. Remembering that there was a process previously that
was went through and I think we only had a
couple that were actually sold. It's all about working with
the community to find the best response in this area
because what works here might not work somewhere else. And
(40:24):
it's been the same with Olie Springs. What works and
Ellis might not work up in Gray.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
Yeah, I think, and you do you look at restricting
times that the alcohol is available. I mean, you've got
to try to work with the shopkeepers as well, because
they're not it's the people buying the grog and not everyone.
Not everyone's going out and abuse meent. So, yeah, at
what point do you where do you draw the line
where that doesn't impact Selena?
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Hopefully I've got you on the line.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
There.
Speaker 4 (40:50):
Are you able to hear me? Hopefully I've got Selena?
Can you hear me? Selena? No, we're having real.
Speaker 2 (40:58):
Issues with that phone for some reason this morning. Hopefully
we're able to get her back on the line. Let's
take a really quick break though. You are listening to
Mix one O four nines three sixty.
Speaker 1 (41:06):
It is the week that was mixed one of four
point nine three sixty, the week that was the most
listened to our in Territory Radio.
Speaker 2 (41:14):
It is just three minutes away from ten o'clock, and
I do apologize to Selena Rubo and Catherine.
Speaker 4 (41:20):
The phone line keeps dropping out. Selena, I'm glad we've
got you for the last break though.
Speaker 2 (41:24):
I apologize to you and well, if you have just
joined us, you've missed a cracking hour. Josh Burgoyn as
well as Gary Shipway and of course Selena in Catherine.
Now before I let you go, Josh, I've not had
the opportunity to ask you. I know the Northern Territories
are planning rules right at the center of this political stash,
with the COLP of course denying claims that red tape
(41:46):
is stopping new supermarkets from setting up shop. That follows
Luke Gosling saying the Commonwealth would deliver one point two
million dollars an incentive to reform planning and zoning laws
to make sure that well other supermarkets.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
Can come to the Northern Territory. What are you holding up?
Speaker 3 (42:04):
I tell you what, Katie. We're happy to take the
one point two million, but I'm not sure what planning
restrictions mister Gosling is talking about. So just to be
really clear with your listeners in other states and territories
around the country, there are certain regulations that are in
place here in the Northern Territory when we're looking at
obviously working with a proponent to come here. We're happy
to work with whoever wants to come here, talk about land,
talk about where they want to build. We're very supportive
(42:28):
of that. At the end of the day, I think
mister Gosling sort of made a promise around Audi. And
it may be Audi themselves or perhaps don't want to
come to Darwin, but we will always work with whoever
is willing to knock on the door and get them
up here and work with them to develop a project,
because that's what we're all about here, about getting stuff done.
And I'll tell you what, I've got it written on
my whiteboard up in the up in the office. Make
(42:49):
it happen, Katie. So if Audi come to me and
say we want to build in the territory, we'll make
it happen.
Speaker 4 (42:53):
You're more than happy to. I mean, do we want Aldi?
Will we rather someone else? I don't know. I guess
would take anyone.
Speaker 5 (42:59):
But look, there's no doubt died to create competition. But
we spoken We've reached out down and we can't get
them that they want to come here. No, so, and
I still don't know what the red tape is that's
been held up. We've reached out to the federal government
to find out what that was. But yeah, look, people
would like to have a choice. And those people that
feel that Coles and Woollies are you know, got the market, well,
(43:22):
Awdy does have some cheaper products. Having shopped in audi
when I go into state, yeah, yeah, visits and yeah,
but it would probably create good competition, but not voling
for them.
Speaker 2 (43:33):
I mean, Selena, I've spoken about this on numerous occasions,
and a lot of the time people text through and
they're like, Katie, can't we invest some or can't we
really try to get you know, IgA or some of
the others that are more Australian. I suppose to really
you know, get moving in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 4 (43:48):
What do you think?
Speaker 6 (43:50):
Yeah, I think more choice is definitely what territorians would
benefit from, Katie, And I think in this case having
that option, particularly in our major town centers of cities
of Darwen and Palmerston and for places like here in Catherine.
You know, we've got Woolworth. We've got one small independent
kind of growth through Mart and then that's it. So
in terms of I guess food security if there is
(44:11):
a flood in a place like Catherine, having some more options,
especially in the new development area of having that reliability
if we do have, unfortunately, dare I say, knock on
Wood another Catherine flood in the next couple of years.
You know, that would really put a town out and
the regional hub that Catherine is for all of our
remote communities. So I mean community resilience is also a
(44:33):
really important thing. It'd be great to hear more from
what the cop has around, you know, planned food security
in resilience. But I think choice when it comes down
to you know what Luke's been driving as the mempher
Solomon for that big part of the northern territory of
Dalwen and Palmerston under his electorate, I think choice and competitiveness.
Is it going to always make sure that it's better
for territorians in the pocket because we know the cost
(44:54):
of living is a big challenge for everyone at the moment.
Speaker 5 (44:57):
So the choice that you're saying it is a good thing.
And I just want to say that the federal government
needs to be get a patter in the back for
the remote stores program they've got going which is helped
create cheaper groceries in over those thirty grocery.
Speaker 6 (45:12):
Items item here.
Speaker 3 (45:14):
Yeah, so that's that's.
Speaker 5 (45:15):
Been a good good thing and that just demonstrates how
how cost is a factor in those areas. So you know,
just you recall, maybe think of that week good move.
Speaker 2 (45:27):
Well look that is all we've got time for this morning. Selena,
you bo in, Catherine as always, good to have you
on the show.
Speaker 6 (45:34):
Thank you, and happy Friday to over on Katie.
Speaker 2 (45:36):
Thank you you too, and Josh Burgoyne of course Minister
for Lands Planning, Environment, lots of other things, Thanks so
much for your time this morning.
Speaker 3 (45:44):
Thanks for having us on, Katie and go those mos.
Speaker 2 (45:47):
Hey We're not mine and Selena's we're not growing out.
Speaker 4 (45:53):
Garry ship way. Thank you so much for your time
this morning.
Speaker 5 (45:56):
Thanks Katie, and I'd like to wish all those in
at the Brogger Awards this weekend every success. Hope are
those people that are in the running what they deserve.
Speaker 2 (46:04):
Yeah, good stuff, wonderful to have you all in the studio.
Thank you again for your time. Plenty more coming your way.
Speaker 4 (46:11):
Today,
Mixed one at four point nine three point sixty the
week that was the most listened to our in Territory Radio.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Well, it is Friday morning, it is time for the
week that was and in the studio with us this
morning from Alice Springs, Josh Burgo and the Minister for
Lands Planning and various other portfolios.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Good morning, morning, Katie, Good morning to listers, and good
morning to all the people who are partaking in November
this night.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Are you growing a mustache?
Speaker 3 (00:25):
Well, I'm attempting to, Katie, as you can probably see
at the moment, it just looks like I've forgotten a
she for a couple of days. But we're going to
get there by the end of the month. Hopefully we'll
have a nice mustache.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
And all for a very good call, absolutely fantastic.
Speaker 4 (00:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
Well, look when my husband grew one, he looked like
super Marios.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
So I don't know whether it's best to hear for
your mate. We'll see how you go now.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Gary Shipway, the head of news at the Northern Territory News,
Good morning to.
Speaker 5 (00:50):
You, Good morning, good morning listeners.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Growing a mustache for a lot of years and.
Speaker 5 (00:56):
I'm no longer going to.
Speaker 4 (00:59):
Not going for at this time round.
Speaker 5 (01:01):
Everyone's just what I should be in the movies, but
it wasn't sort of movies.
Speaker 4 (01:04):
I want to Selena, you, boy and Catherine, good morning to.
Speaker 6 (01:11):
You, Good morning Katie. And no I'm not growing either,
but I'm a great friends.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Selena, you and I'll be doing the opposite making sure
we don't have one.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
I'll tell you what not the way I was expecting
to start the week that wash. You guys are full
of fun today.
Speaker 2 (01:36):
Now, well, there's plenty to cover off on this morning,
but Gary, I might go to you quickly first because
I understand the Northern Territory News has got a little
bit of information about a plane traveling from Darwin to
Brisbane that landed in Brisbane this morning.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
What's happened?
Speaker 3 (01:50):
Yeah, actually was last night.
Speaker 5 (01:51):
The plane out of the Virgin El one's flight out
of Darwin. I think it goes out just after midday
one o'clock lands in Brisbane at seven pm. It was
one hundred and eighty people on board the plane and
just after it landed there was a fire underneath the
plane either the breaks of the wheels caught fire. No,
no panic for the passengers. The firefighters were there really
(02:14):
quickly and extinguished the blaze. So yes, a bit of
a drama at the airport and everything seems okay.
Speaker 3 (02:21):
So yeah, so yeah, that's what I've got.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
Yeah, well, and no doubt further from the NTM throughout
the day, throughout the day, just to.
Speaker 5 (02:29):
Find out a bit more from Virgin our lines. But
as I say, it seemed like no threat to the passengers.
But yeah, and the firefighters got onto it really quickly.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Well, we'll keep a close eye on that as you
get further detail.
Speaker 4 (02:42):
Now, I'll tell you what.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
It's been a big week this week when it comes
to health. Health has been a high on the agenda.
We know that Royal dal And Hospital is currently experiencing
the capacity challenge due to an increase in the number
of patients requiring ongoing acute care. Now, yesterday we caught
up with the Health ben Steve Veggington. He confirmed that
the code yellow was still in place for Royal Darwin
(03:05):
Hospital and Palmerston Regional Hospital because there are no beds
available in residential aged care for about forty four age
care patients currently occupying beds. Now, that's on top of
maternity services being well and truly in the spotlight on
the weekend when fresh questions were emerging over maternity care
(03:26):
in the Northern Territory and the government. The territory government requesting,
of course, thirty five million dollars from the federal government
to upgrade the Royal Darwin Hospital maternity ward, but Steve
Edgington revealing on the show yesterday that we are more
likely to be getting ten million dollars.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Now.
Speaker 2 (03:45):
The head of the AMA, John Zorbis, had joined us
on the show straight after that interview with Steve Veggington
and said that he was angry that we're in a
situation that we are likely getting ten million dollars from
the federal government for maternity services rather than the thirty
five which had been requested. Now, there's a lot to
unpack here, obviously, a couple of different issues. We might
(04:09):
talk code yellows first, I mean, Josh, the fact that
we've got this code yellow. It's not a new situation
in the sense that we've been juggling really busy hospitals
for quite some time, but it does demonstrate the need
for some really serious investments in our healthcare system right
across the Northern Territory.
Speaker 3 (04:29):
Yeah, you're right, Katie, and obviously over the previous Labor
government there were some thirty five code yellows over those
eight years. And what we're seeing there is I guess
we're having to deal with the issues that have have
been handed as a government. But also I think the
age care, which is something you've spoken about just previously,
is a really important part of this. So there's something
like forty four beds currently at the Darwin Royal Dale
(04:50):
Hospital that are being occupied by those age care patients.
It's really important that we look after those people, but
we also need to acknowledge that we need to get
another facility so those age care patients can move out
of Royal daal In Hospital be looked after in a
purpose built facility and obviously then free up those forty
four to fifty four beds for other patients so that
are needing to come into the hospital. And that's really
(05:10):
the issue that we have at the moment. We have
a lot of people that have been in the hospital
for a long time, they can't be discharged and we
really need the support to get that age care facility.
We know that previously there's been that sixty million dollars
promise and I think something that hasn't been spoken about
a bit. There have been bids to the federal government
to actually build age care facilities up here and down
(05:32):
they haven't been accepted. So now going forward, we need
to obviously see what the best model is going forward,
how we can best spend that sixty million dollars that
the feds are putting on the table to alleviate these
pressures that we're seeing in our hospitals.
Speaker 2 (05:44):
I know though, obviously that EOI went out for the
age care beads earlier, well towards the end of last week.
I think it was from the federal government the expression
of interest to build those additional beads. Selena, when I
spoke to you earlier in the week, you had said
that you felt as though the Northern Territory government had
taken I think it was twelve million dollars or fifteen
million dollars off the table.
Speaker 4 (06:04):
For headworks out there. Is that figure correct?
Speaker 6 (06:09):
Yeah, Katie. We have looked at the budget books to
make sure that we're providing the right information from us
as opposition, and it's actually under the what they're calling
projects that have been parked so land servicing in parmeersan
regional hospital for the development of a residential age care facility,
reprioritize concept design face so a hold on that. Not
(06:31):
sure what the COLP is doing if they think if
they're saying one thing, Katie, which is Josh is saying yes,
absolutely agree. We do need to get on with the
work to support our senior territorians and release the pressure
off our hospital beds with those senior Territorians who are
better suited to an age care facility. But like parking
(06:51):
at project that is so important and critical in terms
of releasing that pressure and supporting our senior territories and
our age cares those who require agekre Katie, I just
it is into mine at the moment. It doesn't make
sense hearing one thing from the government and then seeing
on the budget paper that that project has been parked.
(07:12):
I think it's ridiculous. We need answers.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
So what's today?
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Thank you, Katie. I am able to respond to that
says the lands planning environment is really important for people
to understand Holts which is out by the new Palmestan Hospital.
There has been money put forward in that proposal to
develop the area, so I think when they're talking about
other there was ten million dollars initially itemized for this
specific project. We're ensuring that the water, the surge and
(07:35):
the electricity are there for the entire subdivision and this
site ready to go. So I think that's where the
confusion is so exactly right, exactly right, Katy. The other
thing that's really important for people to understand if someone
comes in a proponent and actually puts forward a proposal
that isn't beside the Palmerston Regional Hospital, they may have
(07:56):
their own land that they want to develop this this
one hundred and twenty sixty million age care facility out
So there's lots of moving pieces here. The land is there,
ready to go. We're investing in the headworks through that
Wholt subdivision and we're excited to see obviously whatever the
Feds come back with and hopefully a proponent can actually
win the contract.
Speaker 5 (08:13):
Yeah. Look, Katie, I think this whole issue just demonstrates
that it's going to be an ongoing problem in Dawn
because we've got a lot of people here that have
come and spent a lot of here years here. They
don't want to go, they don't want to leave and
they're going to get old here. And likewise, we've got
young people who've come and made a life here and
they've put their parents here, so we are getting a
much older population. And it's the problem that really seriously
(08:35):
needs to be addressed because as we get new we're
talking about here holts going up. These people hopefully will
stay and create a life here. They will need an
agecare facility going forward. So it's a serious problem that
the federal government really needs to be paying it more
attention once again to what's happening in the Northern territory,
what's happening in the regions, and we see this time
and time again where the regions get forgotten because we
(08:56):
don't carry as many votes. That's my belief. But there's
some serious attack needs to be put because we have
the Cucherers of the world who don't want to leave.
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Nor should they. You know, they have worked here their
whole lives.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
They've helped to build this place into the place that
it is, and they shouldn't have to leave because they
need health care and they can only get it by
living in a capital city or away from their family.
That's I mean, we are a capital city like this,
This is the whole point of it.
Speaker 5 (09:21):
This is where their friends are and where their support
base is. Why should they have to move and we
don't want them to move.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Well, that's exactly right.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
And look on top of the age care situation, we
also have spoken at length about maternity services. Now we
know there's a couple of issues sort of bubbling along here.
Obviously we heard the forum on the weekend where a
number of Northern Territory women and families mesh at that
forum to really voice their concern and that is part
(09:52):
of the closure of the maternity services obviously at the.
Speaker 4 (09:56):
Darwin Private Hospital.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
But we're also here and then is that we've got
a public hospital, the maternity services at the public hospital
that are under stress. Women want that continuity of care
when it comes to birthing and it's something that they
feel that there is serious flaws at this point in time.
I mean, Selena, you attended that forum on the weekend
(10:17):
and some of the stories were harrowing, weren't they?
Speaker 6 (10:20):
Oh? Absolutely, Katie, and I think when the community comes together,
it doesn't matter we're from. They're talking about the different
experiences that they've had, you know, many shared positive experiences
with the maternity service that they have received. Many shared
those really heartbreaking stories about the loss of a child
or loss of an infant, and you know, coming together
(10:41):
that power of the community. So there really does need
to be a bigger spotlight from the CLP government. I
know that there's been the ten million dollars that the
Federal Labor government has provided, and that's more than what
has he got, which is great for us for the
Northern Territory. But in terms of really starting to address
the serious issues that are being brought forward by territorians,
(11:02):
by families, by our health workers, by our health professionals,
I think is something that the CELP government is not
providing that plan, not providing that certainty with people don't
want those excuses anymore, Katie. They want to know what
is the government doing, How are they working with the
federal government to really make sure that maternity services right
across the Northern Territory are supported in the way that
(11:25):
territorians deserve.
Speaker 4 (11:26):
Look on this, I want to say, I mean ten million.
Speaker 2 (11:29):
Dollars comparatively to the thirty five that had been requested,
I think is a kick in the guts for territorians
when you look at our maternity services and what we require.
And when you look at the fact that our health
service is trying to deliver, you know, maternity services across
what is an incredibly vast in some cases, you know,
you've got women coming in from remote areas to have babies,
(11:51):
and then you've got you know, all of our defense families.
Speaker 4 (11:55):
Like you've got it's such a vast.
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Range of people in the Northern Territory wanting to to
have their kids here. Now, ten million dollars, I don't
want to sound ungrateful, but comparatively to the thirty five
million dollars that had been requested, is really not up
to the standard that we expect.
Speaker 4 (12:12):
But in addition to that.
Speaker 2 (12:14):
This argibarjie between the Northern Territory and the federal governments
on this.
Speaker 4 (12:17):
I'm going to call it it's bullshit.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
You know, we got an email yesterday from Luke Gosling saying,
you know that they hadn't received the level of information
that was required. Well, for goodness sake, if that leisure
or that proposal went through in June or July this year,
why hasn't somebody sat down with the Department of Health
or whoever needs to sit down together to work it
(12:40):
out so we can get bloody thirty five million rather
than ten.
Speaker 6 (12:44):
Absolutely, yeah, Katie, I think, yeah, you've hit the nail
on the head and we're understanding more and more about
the change of that figure because I'm obviously following this
very closely. My Deputy Opposition Leader Duran Young has been
in canber He's met with both the Health binister this
week in his shadow portfolio as Health as well as
Minister Sam Ray around age and disability care for Territorians.
(13:07):
So there's some really interesting information. But we're now understanding
that the thirty five million dollars was around a basically
a propping up of the private maternity services, not a
commitment around Royal dal And Hospital. Now I don't think
that has been made clear by the SELPA government when
they've been in those negotiations and providing that really important
(13:30):
information to Territorians and our health professionals about that figure.
So my understanding now, Katie, I'm thinking at further the
ten million it will go to Royal dal And Hospital
to support our maternity services and the great work that
our teams do there to support women in the Northern Territory.
It received that very important and vital care. But the
thirty five million dollars we're now understanding was not for
(13:53):
Royal dal And Hospital, it was for the private maternity service.
So the government again is going out and asking and
diflecting what are their plans around maternity services for territory women.
Speaker 3 (14:04):
Yeah, thank you, Katie, and I think this is really important.
So I've obviously seen over the period of time I've
had the private hospital shut and this has been an
issue because then we've needed to obviously support women and
families through that process. At Royal Dalen Hospital in Ala Springs,
we only have the public hospital. My wife has given
birth to our two beautiful girls there and the support
that we received there was absolutely incredible. In one case,
(14:25):
we were there for eleven days. Midwives. We couldn't speak
highly enough of them. The stories we're hearing coming out
of Dawn is that we do need more resources to
be able to support families through that, and we're working
with the federal government to enable that to occur. And
the private hospital is absolutely a really important part of that,
because if we want to give families that come to
a major capital city like Darwin the option to go
(14:46):
the private route. That's an option they should be afforded.
And I think this isn't a neither all. This is
we're working with the federal government who are currently working
with Healthscope along with our public hospital here to ensure
that all services across maternity can be improved and in
the case so the private health center can be returned.
That's a really important thing, and I think I've even
heard the Chief say as part of that private health
(15:07):
deal that's going to be struck with the Feds, we're
trying to ensure that in that deal they must provide
maternity services. So that's a really important thing that we're
working with the federal government on and I completely agree
with you. We need to be working more hand in
hand rather than taking shots at one another, because no
one wins in that case. We just want to see
families better looked after. Yeah, I think that's important.
Speaker 6 (15:25):
Can you confirm is the thirty five million was that
to prop up the private maternity services or is the
thirty five million for the Royal Dane Hospital and the
public hospital service.
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Now I don't have that level of detail in front
of me, Selena, But at the end of the day,
like I said, we're working to ensure that we can
restore maternity services up here in dal and I.
Speaker 5 (15:43):
Think once again this is another case for the regions
missing out. We were at that forum as well. And
one of the other important elements, and you touched on it, Katie,
is the Defense Force families. Now we know that Defense
Force families, people in the Defense Forces who have families,
their preference is not to come to Dawn. Now they're saying,
we don't want to come to Darwin. Yeah, because we
(16:04):
don't have the medical services there in Darwin, which is shocking.
Which is terrible because now that's people who that impacts
our population, but it's also the Americans as well. We
know that Americans will be looking to build their horses here.
We know that's going to happen. We respectable people like
it or don't like it, we know that will happen
in the future. They're in the same situation. They want
to know that the proper medical facilities are here for their.
Speaker 4 (16:28):
People, absolutely, and you've got to make sure that they are.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
But you know all of this right, So everything that
we've discussed this morning when it comes to health, and
then I read in the paper this morning that more
than a thousand health workers will health support workers are
going to be walking off the job in public hospitals
right across the Northern Territory in the next ten days.
That is what a union delegate has warned the United
(16:52):
Workers Union. Those members who work in health support services
in NT hospitals have this week voted to take protected
industrial action. So over the next ten days, droves of workers,
including cleaners, caterers, personal care assistance, radiographers and sonographers, they're
all going to be walking, well looking at walking off
(17:13):
the job in territory hospitals in response to the ongoing
Northern Territory Public Sector General Enterprise Agreement negotiations. Now, I've
got to tell you, I'm all for the worker. However,
doing this at a time when we have got code
yellows at two of our hospitals stinks to me.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
It actually.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
I get that they're fighting for their rights. I get
that they are fighting for what they feel is right
and what they feel they deserve. But to do it
at a time when the hospitals are at their knees,
I just don't think it's right.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Yeah, look, Katie, this is a frustrating one for everyone.
We want to see workers supported. But every time we
talk about this, I want to be really clear with
all your listeners. The head of the I'm just going
to get the name exactly right. The United Workers in
and NT secretary is Aaron l a former labor president.
We had for years, obviously a labor government, we didn't
see a lot of these mass walkouts, and now that
the Salperan we're seeing that. So as a government, we
(18:08):
want to support our workers. We're working with everyone to
ensure that they get respectable pay deals. And we've done
that with the police and you've seen the police come
out and say that it's the best paid deal in
twenty years. So we'll continue to work with all the
government workers across.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Set a precedent though now, like I get it right,
because our police.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Are front line.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
They are out there dealing with some of the most
dangerous situations that we have. And I am not undervaluing
any of our healthcare workers in any way. You know,
I have spoken a lot, you know, for a long
time about the wonderful work that they do. But have
you now set a precedent with that pay deal with
the Northern Territory Police that all other public servants are
(18:48):
really expecting to say.
Speaker 3 (18:50):
No, and I want to be really clear about that.
The government's position is a three percent across government. That's
the position. Obviously the police. There were negotiations there, but
at the end of the day, Kadie, if we can't
come to an agreement, it will go to the I
believe it's arbitration. The Public Employment Minister will know more
about all this, but it's important to ensure that we're
supporting workers. We want to ensure that our workers feel
(19:10):
value because we need these people. My mother worked in
the health department for thirty five years, you know, and
it's really important that we support people right across the
departments to ensure that they know they're valued here in
the Northern Territory and that we support them to stay
in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
I mean, Selena, at the timing, I just think it's
really poor timing. I don't know how Territorians are going
to feel about it.
Speaker 4 (19:31):
I'm sure they'll let me know on the.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Tech side and calls this morning, but I just feel
as though when we've got two co jellows for the
union to announce this, I don't know how it's going
to go down with everybody listening.
Speaker 6 (19:43):
Katie, this is just another example of the COLP government
failing our workers. This is about negotiations for reasonable pain
conditions and it happens with every single sector and particularly
around the different sectors within the public service. So now
we're talking about the enterprise bargaining negotiations for those ancillary
support workers within our hospitals, within our health system, and
(20:06):
they're obviously very very important roles.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
So when you look.
Speaker 6 (20:10):
Back at what Leaf Nocio promised the police in opposition,
she promised those higher percentage of public payments for police,
and that's what she did in opposition. When she became
Chief Minister and the Police Minister, she changed her tune
and it really pissed off police because they were promised
something before the election. The COLP got in and then
they said, oh no, actually no, we can't do that
(20:30):
deal for you, And there was this big huhah and
a big standoff between the Police Association and the Police Minister.
Leah for Nokiaio because she promised something, she got into
government and then she backed away. Hang on, hang on,
let me just finish. The first negotiations with the police
got knocked back, and then the second round was the
one that they got through. So what is happening now
(20:52):
is that there are public sector workers right across the field, frontline,
back of house, everyone in between who are not feeling
valued by this government. So this is really about the
workloads of the difficult conditions that all of our public
service do face, stay in and day out, particularly in
the hospitals. They need to have those good conditions so
they can put food on the table for their family,
(21:14):
so they can continue that good work looking after territories
when we're out of worse in the health system. So
this is really important, and I think Josh is showing
his neighbor to and being very disrespectful and tying in
the position that the United Workers Union president has with
because labor was in there was no strikes. Now, no,
(21:35):
we actually sat down, Josh. We did the hard work.
We had those hard conversations day in and day out,
every single EBA negotiation, which is why we had people
staying on the job and negotiating that better PAYKNS rubbish.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Selena, you told them there wouldn't be a play rise
for four years. That's what happened. And now we're in
government and we're trying to ensure that we support our
workers so they get effected. Josh, that's exactly what happens
to Lenda. That's what happened, no play rise four years.
You gave people the scraps. That's what you did.
Speaker 5 (22:03):
Well.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Look, I will just say a person who must be
in Allied Health is an Allied Health workers message the
tech sign and just said it's already before the Workfair
Work Commission. The colp I doesn't know what's going on.
Three percent is a pay cut, says that person.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
It's not a pay cut, right, Katie. We've seen what
is happening with CPI right now. We've seen that we're
supporting workers to get a real pay rise. That's what
we're doing to ensure that that continues to occur and
that we support our workers.
Speaker 5 (22:30):
Right across in the unions in the back ended way
of previous Lavy government because they said there was a
pay freeze and that they are now they endured that
pay freeze. Now they want a fair go. I mean,
that's that's that's what they're saying.
Speaker 2 (22:44):
So I will say though at the time when that
pay freeze was in place, so I don't you know,
I'm not usually in the in the business of defending
political parties. But that pay freeze was in place because
we're on our knees, absolutely on our knees when it
came to the budget. So I think that label. We're
in a situation where they had to have that pay freeze,
(23:05):
like we couldn't continue on the path that we're on.
And in all honesty, I don't know that things are
looking all that much better at this point in time,
which is the frightening part.
Speaker 4 (23:14):
Everyone wants a pay rise.
Speaker 2 (23:15):
Shit, I'd love a pay rise, let's all have one,
but we just I don't know whether we can afford it.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
And I feel for.
Speaker 2 (23:21):
These support workers because I know they work incredibly hard.
Anybody who's been up to the hospital knows how bloody.
Speaker 4 (23:27):
Hard they work.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
But how do we, like, how do we keep going
along here, you know, and handing out pay rises when
people deserve them. Do not get me wrong, but we
just don't have any money.
Speaker 3 (23:39):
Really, it's the harsh reality, Katie. And you're right, you know,
we're ten twelve, you can count it up. It's billions
of dollars in the red. We're trying to ensure that
we support our public service, to ensure that they feel
valued that they stay here in the Northern Territory, but
also work within our budgetary constraints. And it's really hard
when we're talking about all this money that needs to
be spent on all these really important sectors across government,
(24:01):
but we are literally going to the cupboard, and the
cupboard is bare.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
And look, I do want to point out because I
know that there is health workers listening to the show
this morning.
Speaker 4 (24:09):
I've got a few of them texting through.
Speaker 2 (24:11):
You know, we are expecting all these services at our hospitals.
We're expecting all of these services within age care, you know,
within our maternity services, and we're expecting them at a
really high level. But then we're not coming to the
table with that additional pay. I don't know where this
is all going to land, but what I do know
is that if those workers strike in the next ten
(24:34):
days and we're all ready in a situation where we've
got co yellows across our two major hospitals, it is
going to be a debarcle.
Speaker 5 (24:42):
It's certainly going to be a tough situation because our
hospitals are really flooded. You know, we can I can
go to the RDH and have a look in any
day and how busy that is. It's just so yeah,
because these people will only be also be your cleaners,
they also be people that feed people, could be primary carers.
(25:02):
So yeah, it's these are important, crucial areas.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
They are.
Speaker 2 (25:06):
Look, we're going to have to take a bit of
a break. You are listening to Mix one oh four
nine's three sixty.
Speaker 4 (25:10):
It is the week that was mixed one or.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Four point nine three sixty, the week that was the
most listened to our in Territory radio.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
Well, if you have just joined us, it's been a
busy morning so far talking about health across the Northern Territory.
And in the studio with us today we've got Minister
Josh Burgoy, and we've got the head of news at
the NT News, Gary Shipway, and in Catherine this morning
we've got the Opposition leader Selena Yubo. Now, I do
want to take a look at the announcement that was
made late yesterday the Northern Territory Police Force releasing its
(25:43):
first anti racism strategy for staff.
Speaker 4 (25:47):
Now.
Speaker 2 (25:47):
The first phase of the force's anti racism action plan
was revealed in Alice Springs at an announcement by the
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole and Executive Director of
the force's Cultural form Command, Leanne Little. Now, the anti
racism strategy was announced that it was going to be
happening in mid last year, largely in response, as we know,
(26:09):
to the high profile coronial inquest into the twenty nineteen
police shooting death of Kumenjay Walker, which made public well
made public some of those instances of racism within the
Northern Territory Police Force. Now, this strategy is made up
of four key priority areas. Serve and protect, eliminate racism,
(26:31):
represent and reflect our territory and be accountable. Now, I
know that we're probably all just sort of going through
this over the last twenty four hours or so.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
But first off, I guess Josh to.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
You as you know, as a minister within the COLP,
do you guys support.
Speaker 4 (26:50):
And you know think that this is a good move.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah. Look, it's really important one hundred percent acknowledge the
important work that's been underway for some time now. Commissioner
dol obviously when out yesterday with Leanne Little to announce
this strategy. Once again, I really want to say out
loud to all those police members who are listening. This
does not mean this does not tell you all as racist.
That's what's really important here. My father was a police
officer within thirty five years. The majority of people that
(27:14):
police are coming into contact with and helping our Aboriginal
people right across the Northern Territory that we work in
some remote communities supporting people. This is a strategy to
ensure that if there are people that have racist tendencies
that are not doing the right thing, that this is
an educational piece and it's really important. I've spoken to
people that have actually done programs that when police are
(27:37):
going through recruit training to I guess better inform them
about the cultural norms in the Northern Territory. We have
lots of people coming from New Zealand. We're always hearing
about the police coming from there all other states and
territories around OZ. We really need to be able to
support our police members to know that we support you
with the work, really important work that you're doing. But
(27:57):
we also need to ensure that our force is obviously
going through this strategic plan and ensuring that anything that
we do, anyone that we engage with that there isn't
then that those racist undertones, and I think it's really
important to just before I finish, once again, the Chief
Minister has been really clear on this. There isn't systemic
racism across our police force. There have been issues that
(28:18):
have been raised throughout those coronials. It's important that we
respond to those and the Commissioner.
Speaker 4 (28:23):
Is doing that Selena.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It aims to boost Aboriginal employment by thirty percent across
all staffing levels to match the Northern Territory's Aboriginal population,
and to review and reform how data and statistics are collected,
stored and analyzed to eliminate racism. What do you make
of us?
Speaker 6 (28:43):
I think, Katie, this is a great step for the
police to be able to show that they've not sat
down and just waited for any of the coronial recommendations.
They've gone out. They've gone across the community, across the
NT and really worked on what matters most Tourians when
it comes to ensuring that we have those really strong
(29:04):
connections across the community and really strong engagement across the
Northern Territory with community members and police. And I think
that they've done an exceptional job in being able to
produce the anti racism strategy, which they said they would.
I know it's been a bit delayed, but I think
it's great. It was launched and released yesterday. Unfortunately, I
(29:24):
think an opportunity missed by the Colp government to support
the good work of police. There was no leadership from Leofinocchio,
who is the Police Minister, who said she will back
in police no matter what at the launch. This is
going to fundamentally drive some of those really important changes
around the engagement for police and recognizing some of the
(29:47):
hurt from the past. But we're more importantly, Katie, moving
everyone forward together. And I think that is really clear
because it's about an action plan. It's not just a
document that's supposed to sit on the shelf, etc. Is
really about the driving force of bringing police together internally
but also across the community and engaging strongly with the community.
(30:07):
I think this is going to be a really important strategy,
a really important way to move our community across the
Northern Territory forward together when it comes to policing and
the NT.
Speaker 5 (30:17):
Yes, you're absolutely correct, this is a This is a
very good outcome, particularly the delivery of the anti rac
racism training. But I'm quite surprised that I would have
thought this already existed. Yeah, I mean our company, you know,
we go through that proper processes, and previous government agencies
have worked for they have through all the anti racism.
(30:41):
I'm just wondering whether this is something that already exists
and is going to be expanded. But if it wasn't
there before, I mean, I'm surprised that it wasn't.
Speaker 3 (30:49):
I think this is about the police acknowledging that through
the coronial process there have been a number of things
that have been raised and again it's important that you
know these are these are not widespread across the police force,
but if we can improve on the processes that are
already there in any way, shape or form, and Leanne
Little has been working with police to look at those
current processes and improve upon them so that we are
better supporting the police to obviously ensure that everything that
(31:11):
they do every day they're liaising with the community, and
that we can also be better representative of the community.
I always say, whenever I go to a school in
my electric in the Northern Territory, I want to see
thirty percent Indigenous population, because that's what the Northern territory
is and they're essentially saying exactly that, as part of
this strategy, we want to improve the amount of Aboriginal
people that are a part of our force because we
want to be representative of the community. And I think
(31:33):
that's absolutely These are things that are already being worked on,
but we're now really putting it into focus.
Speaker 5 (31:38):
Do you think that instantly at your as well, do
you think this is going to be that thirty percent
target is going to be a hard target to get
to given the difficulty that's been in the past to
get Indigenous people to come and join the police force.
What's your thoughts on that?
Speaker 6 (31:57):
Is that for me? Garan?
Speaker 5 (31:58):
Yes, yeah, yeah, what was your thoughts?
Speaker 6 (32:00):
Well, I think it's just so ambitious because I think
the rest of the public service has a target of
I think it's ten percent at under employees across the
public service, So the police are going higher and I
think that's fantastic because, as you said earlier, Katie, we're
talking about the front line interactions with some of the
most complex issues across the Northern Territory when it comes
(32:22):
to community safety, and having a target of thirty percent
I think is fantastic because that does. I think it
is because it reflects the population Katie, Like if they're
thirty percent average on tosad is in Northern Territory and
the police are saying, let's represent our police force the
same as what the population base is in the community.
So I think they're on the right track when it
comes to some of those pathways into police particularly with
(32:44):
the average liaison officers that's been extremely successful. I think
there is they could improve. I met with the Police
Commissioner earlier. We're in November now at the end of
last month. In October was alongside Leanne Little who actually
involved and heading up that Cultural Command Reform Unit within
(33:05):
the police force, and I think having that as the goal,
having that as the target, and having that as the
expectation for the police force, I think is a great
move because it shows that they're really in touch with
what the community expectation is, but also wanting to make
sure there are more opportunities for people across the community
to enter the police force and to stay within the
(33:26):
police force. It might not be an officer, it could
be another role within police but making sure there are pathways,
I think it's a great target to have and it
shows that they're really listening and looking at their own
structures to make sure that police really do represent the community.
Speaker 4 (33:38):
Fantastic opportunities as well.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
For you know, if you're a kid growing up in
Managrita or Gumbalana or wherever you may be, if you've
then got a local police officer who you look at
and you go, hey, I want.
Speaker 4 (33:50):
To be like that. Isn't that a great thing?
Speaker 3 (33:52):
Absolutely? Absolutely, And I think it's one of the few
things that Selena and I will agree on today. But
that's really positive as well that you know, we can
see that obviously the police force of acknowledged what's happened
in the past, but it's also about really building on
the future and supporting police officers right across the Northern Territory,
supporting original people that might want to join the force.
And I've seen that Nallo Springs myself, where I've had
(34:12):
a very good friend of mine. He's gone from being
an aboriginal li aaison officer to a constable and now
is a detective. You know, he's working his way up
and it's about those pathways. You cannot be what you
can't see, and we want to ensure that everyone right
across the Orland Territory. You can see themselves one day
maybe as a police officer, which is great to see.
Speaker 2 (34:29):
We are going to have to take a really quick break.
You are listening to Mix one O four nine's three sixty.
It is the week that.
Speaker 1 (34:34):
Was mixed one or four point nine three sixty, the
week that was the most listened to our in Territory radio.
Speaker 2 (34:42):
Well, if you have just joined us in the studio
this morning, we've got Josh Burgoy and we've got Gary
Shipway and on the.
Speaker 4 (34:48):
Line in Catherine Selena Yubo.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Now, I do want to just speak about the fact
that we know the inquiry into alcohol fueled violence in
the Northern Territory is facing delays. Than Territory Liquor Commission
has postponed hearings and decision making for that key license review,
citing substantial materials still outstanding from the applicant as I
understand it, though, the Commission were on the ABC yesterday
(35:13):
and did apologize that it had been delayed. Now, community
groups out in Palmerston have warned that this hold up
comes at a time when alcohol related violence remains a
serious concern in the area.
Speaker 4 (35:28):
Now it's a really.
Speaker 2 (35:30):
Difficult situation if you live out in that Drysdale area,
so gray.
Speaker 4 (35:34):
Around those different suburbs.
Speaker 2 (35:37):
There a short drive out there, and you do see
a lot of intoxicated people. But you also have to
remember that there's a sporting field a couple of hundred
meters away that kids attend every afternoon.
Speaker 4 (35:49):
There's also a school right nearby.
Speaker 2 (35:53):
There's not only been serious issues in terms of anti
social behavior, but there's been criminal behavior. You know, there's
been some really bad incidents unfold. This review needs to happen.
It needed to happen yesterday.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
Yeah, absolutely, Katie. I'm the member for Drysdale Clinton Howe.
I know he's been speaking to you and he's a
very strong advocate for his electorate in there. We've had
obviously the liquor Commissioner come on your show or on
ABC just the other day, spoke about obviously apologizing for
the delays. There was a letter sent to the Attorney
General and it only got sent through yesterday, Thursday, the
sixth of November. So it's really important that obviously the
(36:29):
Attorney General gets all the information regards to what's going
on there at the Liquor Commission. But I guess when
we look right across the Northern Territory in my hometown
of Alice Springs is probably a classic example. We've dealt
with a lot of these our correlated issues. We have
some of the strongest implementation of our core restrictions across
the NT, and obviously the member for Drysdale Clinton how
(36:49):
he's now looking to how he can best support his
community to reduce some of these issues that are happening
in Did you say.
Speaker 2 (36:54):
The Attorney Generals now written to the Liquor Commission?
Speaker 3 (36:57):
No, I no know, so the Liquor Commission. I believe
it was reported yeah, yes, today that the Liquor Commission
had rode in to the AG and I just wanted
to be really clear with everyone that letter was only
received yesterday. So in regards to I guess what, well
exactly acknowledging what's occurred, and that my understanding is now
the report and what the Liquor Commissioner said on radio
(37:17):
is that it will now be early next year. So
again for a lot of people, that's going to be
hard to hear because they're now going to be dealing with.
Speaker 2 (37:23):
I know, it's not your portfolio, nor is it your electorate,
But are there emergency measures that can be put into
place here, because if you live in that area and
you are dealing with some of the issues that are
going on out there, and also when you look at
the violence that's occurring, and I just don't know how
people are meant to continue on.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
Absolutely, and it's about supporting our police to be able
to respond to these issues and then the longer term,
have the plans in place that can actually deal with
the alcoholism that's occurring. So we've seen we've been recruiting
relentlessly to police. We're upping those numbers right across the territory.
Last year in Alie Springs we had South Australian Police
come up. We do not need that now because we
have enough police officers to be able to support our
(38:04):
frontline workers, our children and families to ensure that we
are dealing with these issues now. Obviously we acknowledge what
is happening in Palmerston, especially as Clinton Howe was raised,
but it's also about now those longer term options with
the Liquor Commission is working on to ensure that we
look beyond just I guess the police response. We need
(38:24):
another response as well.
Speaker 5 (38:26):
I think this is a microcosm. What's something elsewhere in
the territory. I mean you can go to Tenant Creek,
you can go to Catherine, you can go to Nightcliff,
you can go to where the Woolies is at Nightcliff.
You've got what used to be perap we used to
have problems at the prep store. It's Stuart Park. I
mean it's everywhere. So you know, what's happening with Clinton
is probably happening in a lot of other places as well.
(38:47):
And you've got to at what point do you, well,
maybe there's restrictions go back in place. I mean, you
affect the business of the corner stores. We've wrestled with
this before as a community. Just how far do you go?
Speaker 4 (39:00):
Well, I take on board what you're saying.
Speaker 2 (39:02):
But then I believe it was Athena Pasco Bell and
pointed out how many licenses there are out in that
Palmerston region. I mean, Selena, hopefully I've got you there.
Speaker 4 (39:10):
What do you make of it?
Speaker 2 (39:11):
I mean, do you think this needs to happen more quickly?
I seem to be having an issue there with that
fine line. Look, I think it's pretty sack.
Speaker 3 (39:20):
Those liquor sales. This is something that we've literally struggled
with Anello springs as well. People will always say, if
we just close down some bottle shops, we'll fix the problem. Unfortunately,
when you're addicted to alcohol, people will find a way
to access those substances. So it's really important here we
look at where the alcohol's coming from. And this is
the work that the Liquor Commission can do. Look at
where it's coming from, when people are accessing it, and
(39:40):
how we can then best interact and help those people
that are quite literally addicted to alcohol. And this is
that other healthy I.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
Totally agree, But at what point do we go, Okay,
we've got X number of licenses in a particular area.
Is that maybe too many? Do we need to review this?
Where do we need to go from here? Because you know,
you want to make sure that you're managing it in
an appropriate way.
Speaker 3 (40:03):
And I guess that's the thing that the work that
needs to be done, Katey, if that's what the community wants.
So if you have liquor wholesalers, liquor outlets, theyre that
are happy to give back their licenses, that are willing
to talk. Remembering that there was a process previously that
was went through and I think we only had a
couple that were actually sold. It's all about working with
the community to find the best response in this area
because what works here might not work somewhere else. And
(40:24):
it's been the same with Olie Springs. What works and
Ellis might not work up in Gray.
Speaker 5 (40:28):
Yeah, I think, and you do you look at restricting
times that the alcohol is available. I mean, you've got
to try to work with the shopkeepers as well, because
they're not it's the people buying the grog and not everyone.
Not everyone's going out and abuse meent. So, yeah, at
what point do you where do you draw the line
where that doesn't impact Selena?
Speaker 4 (40:48):
Hopefully I've got you on the line.
Speaker 3 (40:50):
There.
Speaker 4 (40:50):
Are you able to hear me? Hopefully I've got Selena?
Can you hear me? Selena? No, we're having real.
Speaker 2 (40:58):
Issues with that phone for some reason this morning. Hopefully
we're able to get her back on the line. Let's
take a really quick break though. You are listening to
Mix one O four nines three sixty.
Speaker 1 (41:06):
It is the week that was mixed one of four
point nine three sixty, the week that was the most
listened to our in Territory Radio.
Speaker 2 (41:14):
It is just three minutes away from ten o'clock, and
I do apologize to Selena Rubo and Catherine.
Speaker 4 (41:20):
The phone line keeps dropping out. Selena, I'm glad we've
got you for the last break though.
Speaker 2 (41:24):
I apologize to you and well, if you have just
joined us, you've missed a cracking hour. Josh Burgoyn as
well as Gary Shipway and of course Selena in Catherine.
Now before I let you go, Josh, I've not had
the opportunity to ask you. I know the Northern Territories
are planning rules right at the center of this political stash,
with the COLP of course denying claims that red tape
(41:46):
is stopping new supermarkets from setting up shop. That follows
Luke Gosling saying the Commonwealth would deliver one point two
million dollars an incentive to reform planning and zoning laws
to make sure that well other supermarkets.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
Can come to the Northern Territory. What are you holding up?
Speaker 3 (42:04):
I tell you what, Katie. We're happy to take the
one point two million, but I'm not sure what planning
restrictions mister Gosling is talking about. So just to be
really clear with your listeners in other states and territories
around the country, there are certain regulations that are in
place here in the Northern Territory when we're looking at
obviously working with a proponent to come here. We're happy
to work with whoever wants to come here, talk about land,
talk about where they want to build. We're very supportive
(42:28):
of that. At the end of the day, I think
mister Gosling sort of made a promise around Audi. And
it may be Audi themselves or perhaps don't want to
come to Darwin, but we will always work with whoever
is willing to knock on the door and get them
up here and work with them to develop a project,
because that's what we're all about here, about getting stuff done.
And I'll tell you what, I've got it written on
my whiteboard up in the up in the office. Make
(42:49):
it happen, Katie. So if Audi come to me and
say we want to build in the territory, we'll make
it happen.
Speaker 4 (42:53):
You're more than happy to. I mean, do we want Aldi?
Will we rather someone else? I don't know. I guess
would take anyone.
Speaker 5 (42:59):
But look, there's no doubt died to create competition. But
we spoken We've reached out down and we can't get
them that they want to come here. No, so, and
I still don't know what the red tape is that's
been held up. We've reached out to the federal government
to find out what that was. But yeah, look, people
would like to have a choice. And those people that
feel that Coles and Woollies are you know, got the market, well,
(43:22):
Awdy does have some cheaper products. Having shopped in audi
when I go into state, yeah, yeah, visits and yeah,
but it would probably create good competition, but not voling
for them.
Speaker 2 (43:33):
I mean, Selena, I've spoken about this on numerous occasions,
and a lot of the time people text through and
they're like, Katie, can't we invest some or can't we
really try to get you know, IgA or some of
the others that are more Australian. I suppose to really
you know, get moving in the Northern Territory.
Speaker 4 (43:48):
What do you think?
Speaker 6 (43:50):
Yeah, I think more choice is definitely what territorians would
benefit from, Katie, And I think in this case having
that option, particularly in our major town centers of cities
of Darwen and Palmerston and for places like here in Catherine.
You know, we've got Woolworth. We've got one small independent
kind of growth through Mart and then that's it. So
in terms of I guess food security if there is
(44:11):
a flood in a place like Catherine, having some more options,
especially in the new development area of having that reliability
if we do have, unfortunately, dare I say, knock on
Wood another Catherine flood in the next couple of years.
You know, that would really put a town out and
the regional hub that Catherine is for all of our
remote communities. So I mean community resilience is also a
(44:33):
really important thing. It'd be great to hear more from
what the cop has around, you know, planned food security
in resilience. But I think choice when it comes down
to you know what Luke's been driving as the mempher
Solomon for that big part of the northern territory of
Dalwen and Palmerston under his electorate, I think choice and competitiveness.
Is it going to always make sure that it's better
for territorians in the pocket because we know the cost
(44:54):
of living is a big challenge for everyone at the moment.
Speaker 5 (44:57):
So the choice that you're saying it is a good thing.
And I just want to say that the federal government
needs to be get a patter in the back for
the remote stores program they've got going which is helped
create cheaper groceries in over those thirty grocery.
Speaker 6 (45:12):
Items item here.
Speaker 3 (45:14):
Yeah, so that's that's.
Speaker 5 (45:15):
Been a good good thing and that just demonstrates how
how cost is a factor in those areas. So you know,
just you recall, maybe think of that week good move.
Speaker 2 (45:27):
Well look that is all we've got time for this morning. Selena,
you bo in, Catherine as always, good to have you
on the show.
Speaker 6 (45:34):
Thank you, and happy Friday to over on Katie.
Speaker 2 (45:36):
Thank you you too, and Josh Burgoyne of course Minister
for Lands Planning, Environment, lots of other things, Thanks so
much for your time this morning.
Speaker 3 (45:44):
Thanks for having us on, Katie and go those mos.
Speaker 2 (45:47):
Hey We're not mine and Selena's we're not growing out.
Speaker 4 (45:53):
Garry ship way. Thank you so much for your time
this morning.
Speaker 5 (45:56):
Thanks Katie, and I'd like to wish all those in
at the Brogger Awards this weekend every success. Hope are
those people that are in the running what they deserve.
Speaker 2 (46:04):
Yeah, good stuff, wonderful to have you all in the studio.
Thank you again for your time. Plenty more coming your way.
Speaker 4 (46:11):
Today,
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