LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Public Accounts Committee

Associated Minutes of Proceedings

Annual Report 2019-20

July 2020

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Present:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 38

12.10 pm, Tuesday, 6 August 2019

Litchfield Room

Mrs Kate Warden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura (via teleconference)

Secretariat: Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

1. ELECTION OF CHAIR

The Committee Secretary sought nominations for Chair of the Committee.

Mr Sievers nominated Mrs Warden for Chair of the Committee and Mr Mills seconded the nomination.

As there were no other nominations, the Secretary declared Mrs Warden to be Chair of the Committee.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 37

Mr Sievers moved and Mr Higgins seconded:

That the Minutes of Meeting Number 37 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

3. TRANSCRIPT FROM PUBLIC HEARING ON THE MASTER BUILDERS FIDELITY FUND

Mr Wood moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

That the Committee authorises the publication of the transcript from the public hearing on the Master Builders Fidelity Fund on 14 May 2019.

4. DARWIN CORRECTIONAL PRECINCT

The Committee noted the correspondence from the Auditor-General regarding Darwin Correctional Precinct.

The Committee agreed to follow up in 2020 on the development of the Contract Management

Framework at item 4 in the letter and supporting policy and procedures.

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5. FORMER INPEX VILLAGE

Mr Wood raised questions regarding the Government's obligations regarding and management of the former INPEX workers' village, noting that he was to get a briefing on the matter. The Committee agreed that Mr Wood would email Members regarding any outstanding concerns following that briefing for consideration by the Committee.

6. INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Mrs Warden moved and Mr Mills seconded:

That the Committee invite the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics to provide a briefing on Indigenous Development Plans.

7. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 13 August 2019, unless earlier meeting convened.

Meeting closed at 12.25 pm

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Mrs Kate Warden N1 LA

Chair

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Present:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

DRAFT MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 39

12.05 pm, Tuesday, 13 August 2019

Litchfield Room

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

1. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 38

Mr Costa moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

2. ACPAC CONFERENCE

The Committee resolved to seek the Speaker's approval for Mrs Warden and Mr Mills to attend the ACPAC Conference on 6-8 November 2019 in Canberra on behalf of the Committee.

3. ANNUAL REPORT

That the Committee adopt the PAC Annual Report 2018-19

4. NORTHERN TERRITORY PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (NTPDF)

The Chair informed the Committee that she had followed-up with the Chief Minister's Office

regarding the Committee's letter on the NTPDF and was advised the Committee would receive a reply soon.

5. TURF CLUB GRANT

The Committee considered the letter from Mr Wood to the Chair regarding the Turf Club grant.

The Committee agreed to discuss this matter at its next meeting.

6. FORMER INPEX VILLAGE

Mr Wood provided an update to the Committee on the briefing he received. The Committee agreed to seek a tour of the Village and to keep the Village on the agenda for future follow-up.

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7. NEXT MEETING

To be convened at a convenient time in the next couple of weeks.

Meeting closed at 12.25 pm

Mrs Kate Worden MLA

Chair

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Present:

Apologies

Secretariat:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 40 1 pm, Monday, 26 August 2019

Litchfield Room

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura (by telephone)

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary

1. AUDITOR-GENERAL'S AUGUST REPORT

The Auditor-General, Mrs Julie Crisp, briefed the Committee on her August report.

In discussion on the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, Mrs Crisp noted that the Committee may wish to consider two recent reviews of the Institute and undertook to forward the reviews to the Committee.

Mrs Crisp withdrew from the meeting.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 39

Mr Sievers moved and Mr Wood seconded:

3. CORRESPONDENCE

Mr Mills moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

That the correspondence be noted.

4. TURF CLUB GRANT

The Committee agreed to write to the Minister to ask the questions raised in Mr Wood's letter

regarding the grant to the Turf Club.

5. YOUTH DETENTION FACILITY

The Committee agreed to write to the Minister to ask the questions raised in Mr Wood's letter

regarding the grant to the youth detention facility.

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6. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 17 September 2019.

Meeting closed at 2 pm

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Mrs Kate Warden MLA

Chair

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Present:

Secretariat:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 41

12.00 pm, Tuesday, 17 September 2019

Litchfield Room

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mrs Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Member for Spillett (substitute for Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly)

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

1. PUBLIC BRIEFING ON INDIGENOUS PARTICIPATION ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

In the absence of Mrs Warden, Mr Mills chaired the hearing.

The following witnesses from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics appeared before the Committee:

• Andrew Kirkman: Chief Executive Officer

• John Harrison: General Manager, Infrastructure, Investment and Contracts

• Bruce Michael: Acting General Manager, Transport and Civil Services The witnesses withdrew.

Mrs Warden took the chair.

2. PUBLIC BRIEFING ON DARWIN YOUTH JUSTICE CENTRE

The following witnesses from the Territory Families appeared before the Committee:

• Ken Davies: Chief Executive Officer

• Brent Warren: General Manager, Youth Justice

The witnesses withdrew and the Committee went into a deliberative meeting.

3. CONSIDERATION OF THE HEARING

The Auditor-General discussed the hearing with the Committee. The Auditor-General withdrew.

4. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 40

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That the Committee refers ProfAughterson's advice on the Liquor Regulations (No. 25 of 2019) to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for comment.

That the Committee write to the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources to thank her for the advice on the Petroleum (Environment) Amendment Regulations (No. 7 of 2019) and accept the offer to be advised of the outcome of the considerations.

6. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 11 February 2020.

Meeting closed at 1.15 pm.

Mrs Kate Warden MLA

Chair

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Present:

Secretariat:

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 42

12.00 noon, Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Litchfield Room

Mrs Kate Warden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson

1. PUBLIC BRIEFING ON DARWIN TURF CLUB GRAND

The following witness from the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation appeared before the Committee:

• Shaun Drabsch: Chief Executive Officer The witnesses withdrew.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 41

3. CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence was noted.

4. ARAFURA GAMES

The Committee agreed to hold a public briefing to follow up on questions regarding the cost of

the Arafura Games.

5. INPEX WORKERS' VILLAGE

The Committee discussed its visit to the former INPEX workers' village on 26 September 2019.

6. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 26 November 2019.

Meeting closed at 1..20 pm.

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Mrs Kate Warden MLA Chair

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Present:

Secretariat:

B|B|B|B

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 43

12.00 noon, Tuesday, 26 November 2019

Litchfield Room

Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member forArafura

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

1. PUBLIC BRIEFING ON THE ARAFURA GAMES COSTS

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee:

• Shaun Drabsch: Chief Executive Officer, Department of Trade, Business and Innovation

• Andrew Hopper: Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture (via teleconference)

• Tim Watsford: General Manager, Northern Territory Major Events Company (via teleconference)

[NEED TO INSERT REFERENCE TO QUESTIONS ON NOTICE]

The witnesses withdrew.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 42

Mr Sievers moved and Mr Mills seconded;

3. PUBLICATION OF TRANSCRIPTS

Mr Costa moved and Mr Wood seconded:

The Committee authorises the publication of the transcripts for the public hearings held on 17 September 2019 (Indigenous participation in construction projects and Darwin

youth justice centre) and 15 October 2019 (Darwin Turf Club grant).

4. CORRESPONDENCE

5. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION

Mr Mills moved and Mr Higgins seconded:

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5. CORRESPONDENCE

6. ARAFURA GAMES

Mrs Finocchiaro moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

That the Committee write to the Minister forArafura Games seeking a written response to the questions raised in the letter from the Leader of the Opposition.

7. DARWIN TURF CLUB GRANT

The Committee resolved to invite representatives from the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation to appear at a public briefing on the Darwin Turf Club Grant on 15 October 2019.

8. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION

Mr Wood moved and Mr Mills seconded:

That the Committee refers ProfAughterson's advice on the Petroleum (Environment) Amendment Regulations (No. 7 of 2019), Transport Legislation Amendment Regulations

(No.11 of 201 9), and Police Administration Amendment Regulations (No. 17 of 2019) to

the responsible Ministers for comment.

9. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 15 October 2019.

Mrs Kate Warden M LA

Chair

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 44

12.00 noon, Tuesday, 11 February 2020

Litchfield Room

Present: Mrs Kate Warden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. BRIEFING FROM AUDITOR-GENERAL ON NOVEMBER 2019 REPORT

The Auditor-General briefed the Committee on her November 2019 report.

The Auditor-General withdrew from the meeting.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 43

Mr Wood moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

3. PUBLICATION OF TRANSCRIPTS

Mr Higgins moved and Mr Wood seconded:

The Committee authorises the publication of the transcripts for the public briefing held on

26 November 2019 (Arafura Games Costs).

4. CORRESPONDENCE

Mrs Warden moved and Mr Wood seconded:

The Committee authorises the publication of the answers to the questions taken on notice

during the public briefing on the Arafura Games Costs (letter From NTMEC General

Manager regarding Staff and Travel forArafura games (questions taken on notice from public hearing) dated 19 December 2019, From Minister Moss on Government Sporting Facilities used for the Arafura games dated 6 January 2020, and From Commissioner for Public Employment providing response for Public Service employees seconded to the Arafura games dated 15 January 2020).

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Other correspondence was noted.

5. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION

Mr Sieves moved and Mr Wood seconded:

That the Committee refers ProfAughterson's advice on the Wagait Shire Council (Dog Management) By-Laws (No. 27 of 2019) to Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development for comment.

6. REPORTS FROM STATUTORY BODIES

Mrs Warden moved and Mr Wood seconded:

That the Committee write to the Minister for Health and seek information on the progress of the review of the Mental Health and Related Services Act.

That the Committee write to the Chief Minister to ask what action is being taken in response to concerns the Inspector raised regarding protecting whistle-blowers and resourcing of the ICAC.

7. FOLLOW UP ON DARWIN CORRECTIONAL PRECINCT CONTRACT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (RESOLVED 6 AUGUST 2019)

Mr Wood moved and Mr Costa seconded:

That the Committee write to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to seek an update on the two unresolved recommendations.

8. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 18 February 2020.

Mrs Kate Warden MLA

Chair

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 45

12.00 noon, Tuesday, 18 February 2020

Litchfield Room

Present: Mrs Kate Warden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson Apologies: Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 44

2. CORRESPONDENCE

The Committee agreed to write to the Chief Minister asking for a response to its letter from

October 2018 regarding the NT Project Development Framework

Other correspondence was noted.

3. FOLLOW-UP ON AUDITOR GENERAL'S NOVEMBER REPORT

The Committee agreed to look further into the Fines Recovery Process and the Power and Water Corporation Onerous Gas Contracts and asked for the secretariat to prepare briefing notes on these issues.

4. NEXT MEETING

12 noon, Tuesday, 24 March 2020.

Mrs Kate Warden MLA

Chair

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Present:

Apologies:

Secretariat:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 46

12.00 noon, Tuesday, 24 March 2020 Litchfield Room

Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

1. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 45 Mr Sievers moved and Mr Wood seconded:

That the Minutes of Meeting Number 45 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

2. SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION

The Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development to thank him for his response and recommending that regulations 33 and 34 of the Wagait Shire Council (Dog Management) By-Laws (No. 27 of 2019) be amended so the defences are applicable regardless of whether the behaviour was observed by another person.

3. REPORT ON MINISTERIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON SUBORDINATE LEGISLATION Mr Higgins moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

That the Committee adopt the report, with the inclusion of the letter to be sent to the Minister today.

4. CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence was noted.

5. NEXT MEETING TBA

Meeting closed. at 12.08 pm.

Chair MLA

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13th Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 47

10.00 am, Wednesday, 8 April 2020 Via teleconference

Present: Mrs Kate Warden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Apologies: Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Office

PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 46

Mr Wood moved and Mr Costa seconded:

TERRITORY FUEL PRICES

Mr Mick Butler, Deputy Under Treasurer, and Mr Andrew Baylis, Director Economic Analysis from the Department of Treasury and Finance gave a presentation and responded to questions on Territory fuel prices. Mr Butler and Mr Baylis withdrew from the meeting.

The Committee agreed to review the outcomes from the 2014 NT Government fuel summit.

The Committee agreed to write to the Chief Minister advising it will monitor wholesale and retail

fuel prices over the coming months to assist in determining it next steps, if any, in response to current Territory fuel prices.

CORRESPONDENCE

MONITORING GOVERNMENT SPENDING

The Committee considered correspondence from the Chief Minister regarding monthly hearings

with the Security and Emergency Management Sub Committee of Cabinet and the Under

Treasurer and from Mr Wood regarding monitoring Government spending.

The Committee agreed to write to the Chief Minister accepting his proposal and clarifying that

the meetings would be public, the role of the Auditor-General, and the products of the process,

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and to seek agreement that other Ministers and agency heads would be made available on request with reasonable notice from the Committee.

Mr Wood identified the changes to the solar subsidy scheme as a matter of interest and the Committee agreed this could be followed up at future meetings.

5. NEXT MEETING TBA

Meetjng closed at 11.24 am.

Mrs Kate Warden MLA

Chair

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Present:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 48 3.25 pm, Friday, 24 April 2020 Litchfield Room, Level 3 Parliament House Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly Mr Scott McConnell MLA, Member for Stuart In Attendance Ms Julie Crisp, Auditor-General

Secretariat: Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 47 Mr Sievers moved and Mr Costa seconded:

That the Minutes of Meeting Number 46 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

2. CORRESPONDENCE

Mr Higgins raised concerns regarding statements in the Chief Minister's letter regarding fuel pricing. The Chair undertook to discuss these concerns with the Chief Minister.

The other correspondence was noted.

3. MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH THE SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SUB COMMITTEE

The Committee discussed arrangements for the upcoming hearing.

Mr Costa moved, and Mr Sievers seconded,

That the Committee write to the Chief Minister asking that it be provided with key available information on the Territory's income and expenditure, including COVID-19 specific expenditure and forgone revenue, and that where practicable information,

including answers to questions on notice, be provided at least 48 hours before a hearing;

and also asking that a written brief be provided to the committee on the solar feed-in tariff.

Question put and passed.

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It was further noted room occupancy limits meant that Members wishing to participate in the hearings under Sessional Order 16 would need to either be given the seat of a Member at the table or call into the meeting.

4. TERRITORY FUEL PRICES

The Committee agreed to hold a public hearing on NT fuel prices. Prioritising hearing from fuel companies that operate in the NT.

The Chair will liaise with the secretariat regarding organising the earliest suitable time.

5. OTHER BUSINESS

The Committee agreed to hold a meeting for consideration of the Auditor-General's March Report.

6. NEXT MEETING

With SEMSC: Thursday 30 April, 2020 2.00 pm -4.00 pm, followed by deliberative meeting

Meeting closed at 4.08 pm

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Present:

Participating Member In Attendance Secretariat:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 49

1 .45 pm, Thursday, 30 April 2020 Litchfield Room, Level 3 Parliament House Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly (via videoconference) Mrs Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Member for Spillett

Ms Julie Crisp, Auditor-General

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration I Research Officer

1. HEARING PREPARATION

The Committee discussed arrangements for the hearing and authorised the publication of the hearing Agenda previously circulated.

2. AT 2 PM: PUBLIC HEARING WITH SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SUB COMMITTEE OF CABINET AND UNDER TREASURER

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee:

Hon Michael Gunner MLA, Chief Minister

Hon Nicole Manison MLA, Deputy Chief Minister Hon Natasha Fyles, MLA, Minister for Health

Ms Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Department of the Chief Minister

Mr Jamie Chalker APM, Commissioner for Police and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Professor Catherine Stoddart, Chief Executive, Department of Health Dr Hugh Heggie, Chief Health Officer, Department of Health

Mr Andrew Cowan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Department of the Chief Minister At 4 pm the witnesses and Mrs Finocchiaro withdrew and the Committee continued to deliberate, the Auditor-General in attendance.

3. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETING 48 Mr Costa moved and Mr Sievers seconded:

That the Minutes of Meeting Number 48 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

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4. CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence was noted.

5. PUBLIC HEARING WITH SEMSC

The Committee discussed the forthcoming hearing with SEMSC and the Under Treasurer on Thursday, 28 May 2020.

The Committee agreed that Members will forward agenda items to the secretariat so the Chair can settle the agenda prior to the hearing. Mr Mills indicated he would like support for the taxi industry to be included in the agenda.

The Committee agreed to write to the Chief Minister asking:

a) if the forthcoming quarterly report could be provided to the Committee by 20 May 2020;

b) if the Department of Trade Business and Innovation could provide before each of the monthly hearings a summary of applications received, number and value of

applications approved and actual expenditure for each of its grant programs c) the extent to which the borrowing program for 2019-20 has been drawn down;

d) the Department of Treasury's timeframe for releasing financial figures to the end of June by the end of July;

e) when decreases in payroll taxes and electricity charges and other revenue reductions in response to COVID-19 will end

6. TERRITORY FUEL PRICES

The Committee discussed arrangements for its hearing on fuel pricing and agreed to also invite Vopak as a witness to the hearing.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

The Committee agreed to meet at 1 O am on 12 May 2020 to consider the Auditor-General's March Report.

8. NEXT MEETING

Public Hearing on NT Fuel Prices, Tuesday 5 May 2020 9.00 am.

Meeting closed at 4.28 pm

kojW

Mrs Kate Worden MLA Chair

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Present:

Apologies

Secretariat:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 50 8.45 am, Tuesday, 5 May 2020 Litchfield Room, Level 3 Parliament House Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly (via videoconference) Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. NT FUEL PRICES HEARING PREPARATION

The Committee discussed arrangements for the hearing 2. AT 9 AM: PUBLIC HEARING ON NT FUEL PRICES

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee vie teleconference:

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: Mr Matthew Schroder and Mr Gary Dobinson

The witnesses withdrew.

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee:

Automobile Association of the Northern Territory: Mr Anthony Hill and Mr Edon Bell The witnesses withdrew.

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee via teleconference:

Puma Energy Australia: Mr Steve Niebling, Mr Alan Plews and Mr Mark McKenzie (ACAPMA) The witnesses withdrew.

The following witness appeared before the Committee via videoconference:

United Petroleum Pty Ltd: Mr David Szymczak The witness withdrew.

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee via teleconference:

Viva Energy (Coles Express): Ms Megan Foster and Ms Edwina Pribyl The witnesses withdrew.

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The following witness appeared before the Committee via teleconference:

Fue!Xpress: Mr Mark McKenzie (on behalf of independent owner) The witness withdrew.

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee via videoconference:

Vopak: Mr Mark Haggerty and Mr Fulco van Geuns The witnesses withdrew.

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee via videoconference:

Ca!tex Australia: Mr Prasad Kholkute and Mr Todd Loydell The witnesses withdrew.

Public Hearing finished at 12.35 pm The Committee discussed the hearing.

3. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 12 May 2020, 10.00 am for briefing on Auditor-Generals March Report.

Meeting closed at 12.40 pm

Mrs Kate Worden MLA Chair

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Present:

Apologies Secretariat:

LEG IS LA TIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 51

10.00 am, Tuesday, 12 May 2020 Litchfield Room, Level 3 Parliament House

Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson (via videoconference) Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson

Mr Gary Higgins MLA, Member for Daly (via teleconference) Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura (via teleconference)

Mr Terry Mills MLA, Deputy Chair, Member for Blain

Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. BRIEFING FROM AUDITOR-GENERAL ON MARCH 2020 REPORT The Auditor-general briefed the Committee on her March 2020 report.

The Auditor-General withdrew from the meeting.

2. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETINGS 49 AND 50 Mr Sievers moved and Mr Wood seconded:

That the Minutes of Meeting Numbers 49 and 50 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

3. CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence was noted.

4. MATTERS REGARDING COVID-19 REPONSE AND TERRITORY FINANCES

The Committee agreed to send proposed agenda items for the 28 May hearing to the Secretary by 24 May.

5. PUBLICATION OF TRANSCRIPTS

Mr Sievers moved and Mr Wood seconded:

The Committee authorises the publication of the transcripts for the public hearing held on 5 May 2020 (NT fuel prices).

Question put and passed.

6. NT FUEL PRICING HEARING

The Committee asked the secretariat to draft an issues paper and public notice on next steps for its consideration of fuel prices.

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7. NEXT MEETING

2.00 pm, Thursday 28 may 2020 unless earlier meeting convened Meeting closed at 11.46 am

Mrs Kate Worden MLA Chair

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Present:

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY 13

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 54

2.00 pm, Thursday, 11 June 2020 Webex Conference, (From Litchfield Room)

Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson (via videoconference) Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura (via teleconference)

Mrs Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Member for Spillett (substituting for Mr Gary Higgins) Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan (via videoconference)

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson

Apologies Mr Terry Mills MLA, Member for Blain

Secretariat: Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. PREVIOUS MINUTES MEETINGS 52 AND 53 Mr Sievers moved and Mr Wood seconded:

That the minutes of meeting number 52 and 53 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

2. CORRESPONDENCE

The correspondence was noted.

3. COVID-19 REPONSE AND TERRITORY FINANCES HEARINGS Mr Sievers moved and Mr Costa seconded:

Noting that the Assembly is to sit on 25 June and is due to be prorogued on 30 July, the Committee agrees to hold its monthly hearings with the Security and Emergency

Management Subcommittee of Cabinet and the Under Treasurer, in accordance with the resolution of the Assembly of 24 April 2020, on 18 June and on 23 July 2020, those dates being the last Thursdays in those months where such hearings are practicable.

Question put and passed.

The Committee agreed that Members will forward suggested agenda items to the secretariat so the Chair can circulate the proposed agenda prior to the next hearing.

4. NT FUEL PRICING

The Committee discussed the options paper and agreed to further develop proposals regarding increasing scrutiny of fuel pricing, increased monitoring and improved reporting on fuel pricing, price information collection and dissemination by the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs (and

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writing to the Attorney-General about the Commissioner's role in this regard), and six-monthly review of petrol pricing by a committee in the 14

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Assembly.

The Committee agreed to wait for additional replies from Alice Springs retailers in regards to explanations on high fuel pricing before further considering a public hearing in Alice Springs.

5. NEXT MEETING

Thursday 18 June 2020 with the SEMSC.

Kate Worden MLA Chair

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Assembly

Public Accounts Committee

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS Meeting No. 55

2.00 pm, Thursday, 18 June 2020 Litchfield Room, Level 3 Parliament House Present: Mrs Kate Worden MLA, Chair, Member for Sanderson

Mr Lawrence Costa MLA, Member for Arafura

Mrs Lia Finocchiaro MLA, Member for Spillett (substituting for Mr Gary Higgins) Mr Jeff Collins MLA, Member for Fong Lim (substituting for Mr Terry Mills) Mr Tony Sievers MLA, Member for Brennan

Mr Gerry Wood MLA, Member for Nelson In Attendance: Ms Julie Crisp, Auditor-General

Secretariat: Mr Russell Keith, First Clerk Assistant and Committee Secretary Ms Elise Dyer, Senior Research Officer

Mrs Melissa Campaniello, Administration / Research Officer

1. PUBLIC HEARING WITH SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SUB COMMITTEE OF CABINET AND UNDER TREASURER

The following witnesses appeared before the Committee:

Hon Michael Gunner MLA, Chief Minister

Hon Nicole Manison MLA, Deputy Chief Minister Hon Natasha Fyles, MLA, Minister for Health

Ms Jodie Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, Department of the Chief Minister

Mr Jamie Chalker APM, Commissioner for Police and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services

Professor Catherine Stoddart, Chief Executive, Department of Health Dr Hugh Heggie, Chief Health Officer, Department of Health

Mr Shaun Drabsch, Chief Executive Officer, Department of Trade, Business and Innovation Ms Sibylle Brautigam, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Department of Trade Business and Innovation

Mr Craig Graham, Under Treasurer, Department of Treasury and Finance

At 4pm the witnesses withdrew and the Committee continued to deliberate, the Auditor-General in attendance.

The Auditor-General withdrew from the meeting.

2. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Mr Sievers moved that:

The Minutes of Meeting No. 54, 11 June 2020 be confirmed.

Question put and passed.

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3. NT FUEL PRICING

The committee considered the responses it received regarding Alice Springs fuel pricing. The Committee agreed that fuel pricing, particularly in Alice Springs required further examination and monitoring, however, as there was not sufficient time to adequately examine pricing before the dissolution of the Assembly, the Committee would report back to the Assembly on its examination to date, noting the need for more detailed and historical fuel price data in Alice Springs, and suggesting that fuel pricing be regularly monitored by a committee in the 14th Assembly, and to write to the Attorney-General asking the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs look into ways of providing better petrol price information, particularly on the Alice Springs Township.

4. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday 23 June, 12.00 pm Meeting ^to^ed at 4.12 pm

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Kate Warden, MLA

Chair

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