1 00:00:00,120 --> 00:00:01,360 Speaker 1: And in the Northern Territory. 2 00:00:01,400 --> 00:00:05,680 Speaker 2: That ceremonial reading of the Proclamation of the Accession of 3 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:09,320 Speaker 2: His Majesty King Charles the Third was conducted by Her 4 00:00:09,360 --> 00:00:12,559 Speaker 2: Honor the Honorable Vicki o'haller and AO yesterday. It was 5 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:15,640 Speaker 2: just after lunch in the Chamber of the Legislative Assembly 6 00:00:15,680 --> 00:00:18,480 Speaker 2: inside of Parliament House. It was then followed of course 7 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:21,239 Speaker 2: by contribution from the Chief Minister and also from the 8 00:00:21,239 --> 00:00:24,560 Speaker 2: Opposition Leader. But what does the change mean for the 9 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:27,200 Speaker 2: Northern Territory. Well, joining me in the studio right now 10 00:00:27,640 --> 00:00:29,640 Speaker 2: is the Chief Minister, Natasha Files. 11 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:31,960 Speaker 1: Good morning to you, Good morning Katie, Good morning listeners. 12 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:35,159 Speaker 2: Now, Chief Minister, will there be any real changes here 13 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:37,720 Speaker 2: in the Northern Territory following the passing of the Queen 14 00:00:37,760 --> 00:00:40,720 Speaker 2: and obviously the proclamation of King Charles the Third. 15 00:00:41,159 --> 00:00:43,760 Speaker 1: So we acknowledge and pay our condolences to the royal 16 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:47,440 Speaker 1: family on the passing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. In a 17 00:00:47,560 --> 00:00:51,000 Speaker 1: legal sense, the King has now been proclaimed as our 18 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:53,720 Speaker 1: head of state and he's the King. But in terms 19 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:57,280 Speaker 1: of there's been questions around currency, the seal on your passport, 20 00:00:57,320 --> 00:01:01,160 Speaker 1: for example, none of that changes and immediately it's still 21 00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:05,120 Speaker 1: legally valid, but you'll see over time a gradual change 22 00:01:05,160 --> 00:01:08,759 Speaker 1: as and you know, going back, it's been seventy years, 23 00:01:08,760 --> 00:01:12,120 Speaker 1: so seven decades a very long time. But people would 24 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: talk about a coin would pop up with the previous 25 00:01:14,880 --> 00:01:17,280 Speaker 1: king before it changed over to the queen. That was 26 00:01:17,280 --> 00:01:19,319 Speaker 1: more in England. So that's what you'll see is a 27 00:01:19,319 --> 00:01:21,680 Speaker 1: gradual change on those type of documents. But there's no 28 00:01:21,760 --> 00:01:22,360 Speaker 1: legal standing. 29 00:01:22,600 --> 00:01:24,440 Speaker 2: There had been some people that were a bit concerned 30 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:26,319 Speaker 2: about their passports. Were they still going to be able 31 00:01:26,360 --> 00:01:28,720 Speaker 2: to travel, especially following on from sort of a lot 32 00:01:28,720 --> 00:01:31,680 Speaker 2: of people just getting them updated after COVID. Yeah. 33 00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:34,280 Speaker 1: No, So all of those legal documents stay in place. 34 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:36,800 Speaker 1: They're legally valid, and then you'll see a gradual change 35 00:01:36,800 --> 00:01:39,479 Speaker 1: into the future where the queen will be phased out 36 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:42,560 Speaker 1: and you'll see the king appear on those documents. 37 00:01:42,240 --> 00:01:45,080 Speaker 2: And will there be sort of any other official proceedings 38 00:01:45,120 --> 00:01:46,640 Speaker 2: aside from what we saw yesterday. 39 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:49,040 Speaker 1: I think it's important to acknowledge Queen Elizabeth and the 40 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:52,080 Speaker 1: contribution she made to the Northern Territory. She visited five 41 00:01:52,160 --> 00:01:55,880 Speaker 1: times over the decades, and she granted us self government Katie, 42 00:01:55,920 --> 00:01:58,440 Speaker 1: which I think is a really important point. But in 43 00:01:58,560 --> 00:02:02,160 Speaker 1: terms of the official ceremonial, the proclamation in the Parliament 44 00:02:02,240 --> 00:02:06,240 Speaker 1: yesterday was the formality, and then there will be recognition 45 00:02:06,400 --> 00:02:08,800 Speaker 1: of the Queen and her passing over the coming week. 46 00:02:08,880 --> 00:02:12,639 Speaker 1: People are asked to perhaps dress in darker colors, and 47 00:02:12,720 --> 00:02:15,720 Speaker 1: then of course there'll be the public holiday Thursday Week 48 00:02:15,919 --> 00:02:17,320 Speaker 1: on the twenty second of September. 49 00:02:17,520 --> 00:02:19,519 Speaker 2: Yes, so that is indeed the case for the Northern 50 00:02:19,600 --> 00:02:21,760 Speaker 2: Territory as it is for the rest of Australia. 51 00:02:21,800 --> 00:02:24,760 Speaker 1: The twenty second of September. Yes, that'll be a national 52 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:27,120 Speaker 1: day of observance, so that we can acknowledge it's a 53 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:29,080 Speaker 1: one off public holiday. It's not intended to be in 54 00:02:29,120 --> 00:02:31,720 Speaker 1: place into the future, so that we can acknowledge the 55 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:33,560 Speaker 1: Queen and her contribution to our country. 56 00:02:33,600 --> 00:02:35,639 Speaker 2: Do you think that we're going to have any sort 57 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:39,359 Speaker 2: of concern from businesses as a result of that additional 58 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:40,560 Speaker 2: public holiday. 59 00:02:40,480 --> 00:02:43,480 Speaker 1: Katie, that's a natural question to ask, and of course 60 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:45,600 Speaker 1: it will have some impact, but you may see in 61 00:02:45,639 --> 00:02:50,000 Speaker 1: fact some benefit tourism and hospitality. People may choose to 62 00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:52,880 Speaker 1: mark the occasional or use the opportunity of having that 63 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:55,240 Speaker 1: day to perhaps head out for a meal or go 64 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:58,160 Speaker 1: and do something. So you've seen someone off public holidays 65 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:00,360 Speaker 1: recently in England and that's what they have. No, but 66 00:03:00,400 --> 00:03:02,480 Speaker 1: there will be an impact, but it's important for people 67 00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:04,959 Speaker 1: to understand it's a one off public holiday. Now. 68 00:03:05,040 --> 00:03:07,320 Speaker 2: We will catch up with Alex Bruce from Hospitality in 69 00:03:07,360 --> 00:03:09,160 Speaker 2: a few minutes time as well to find out their 70 00:03:09,240 --> 00:03:11,560 Speaker 2: take on that public holiday whether it's going to have 71 00:03:11,639 --> 00:03:15,400 Speaker 2: much of an impact on our businesses. But no doubt 72 00:03:15,480 --> 00:03:17,560 Speaker 2: there is going to be some changes as a result 73 00:03:17,600 --> 00:03:19,600 Speaker 2: of the queen passing. Do you think that we're going 74 00:03:19,639 --> 00:03:22,760 Speaker 2: to see a greater push for some you know, from 75 00:03:22,800 --> 00:03:25,799 Speaker 2: some within Australia for Australia to become a republic. 76 00:03:26,080 --> 00:03:28,560 Speaker 1: I think it's important that we do mark the following 77 00:03:28,680 --> 00:03:31,040 Speaker 1: days and weeks with respect to the Queen. I think 78 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:33,800 Speaker 1: that she certainly did have a strong personal following within 79 00:03:33,840 --> 00:03:36,560 Speaker 1: Australia and the Northern Territory. She was a woman in 80 00:03:36,600 --> 00:03:39,800 Speaker 1: some senses before her time. Her leadership that she showed 81 00:03:40,680 --> 00:03:42,960 Speaker 1: and you know that we saw that leadership right till 82 00:03:42,960 --> 00:03:45,560 Speaker 1: the end, just working, you know, with a smile till 83 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:47,640 Speaker 1: a couple of days before she passed. But I think 84 00:03:47,640 --> 00:03:50,680 Speaker 1: that'll be a conversation into the future for Australia and 85 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:53,400 Speaker 1: the Northern Territory as a part of that, let's move along. 86 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:56,000 Speaker 2: You have been out at Royal dal And Hospital, as 87 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,560 Speaker 2: I understand it, this morning talking about the territory government 88 00:03:58,640 --> 00:04:03,320 Speaker 2: signing an Moumorandum of Understanding with the Royal Australian College 89 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:06,520 Speaker 2: of Surgeons. What is THISMOU all about and what's it 90 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:07,160 Speaker 2: aimed at doing. 91 00:04:07,360 --> 00:04:10,320 Speaker 1: So we're really focused around creating greater accessibility to our 92 00:04:10,360 --> 00:04:13,000 Speaker 1: health services and developing more services in the territory. So 93 00:04:13,080 --> 00:04:16,400 Speaker 1: this MU established a training program for surgeons in the territory. 94 00:04:16,440 --> 00:04:19,279 Speaker 1: It also identifies and develops opportunity for the training of 95 00:04:19,320 --> 00:04:23,599 Speaker 1: Indigenous surgeons and also around indigenous health comes, how can 96 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:27,520 Speaker 1: we improve those and so the College of Surgeons provides 97 00:04:27,560 --> 00:04:30,560 Speaker 1: training pathways, they provide professional support to the surgeons in 98 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:33,640 Speaker 1: the territory. So it's really exciting to see their college 99 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:36,159 Speaker 1: has taken this big step forward and acknowledging the Northern 100 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:38,080 Speaker 1: Territory and the work that can be done. 101 00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:40,119 Speaker 2: How soon do you reckon we might see some change 102 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:41,960 Speaker 2: in this space because I guess when you look at 103 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:45,080 Speaker 2: the medical profession at the moment, whether it's surgeons on 104 00:04:45,360 --> 00:04:47,720 Speaker 2: Friday or Towards the end of last week, we also 105 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:50,920 Speaker 2: spoke to Robin Khl from the Palmerston GP Superclinic about 106 00:04:50,960 --> 00:04:53,719 Speaker 2: the lack of GPS not only in the territory but 107 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:56,360 Speaker 2: right around Australia. How soon do you think we might 108 00:04:56,400 --> 00:04:58,560 Speaker 2: sort of see some change in this space. 109 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:01,599 Speaker 1: So I think that the different colleges provide professional support 110 00:05:01,640 --> 00:05:04,640 Speaker 1: and training pathway. So someone goes to university and studies 111 00:05:04,640 --> 00:05:07,040 Speaker 1: to become a doctor, Katie, and it's once they've got 112 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:10,360 Speaker 1: their degree they then continue with their training and their credentialing. 113 00:05:10,400 --> 00:05:12,799 Speaker 1: And so I know that the different colleges, for example, 114 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:15,680 Speaker 1: the College of General Practice, are really focused around how 115 00:05:15,720 --> 00:05:18,960 Speaker 1: we can strengthen and have more GPS across Australia. So 116 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:22,400 Speaker 1: this particular MoU is around surgeons and their capabilities and 117 00:05:22,440 --> 00:05:23,520 Speaker 1: the needs in the territory. 118 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:26,359 Speaker 2: Is the GP shortage something that you're looking at the 119 00:05:26,360 --> 00:05:29,080 Speaker 2: moment as well as something that you've got concerns around. 120 00:05:29,279 --> 00:05:32,240 Speaker 1: So with the College of GPS, we work with all 121 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:34,680 Speaker 1: the colleges in the medical professional around how we can 122 00:05:34,760 --> 00:05:37,160 Speaker 1: see training and how we can enhance that in the 123 00:05:37,160 --> 00:05:39,599 Speaker 1: Northern Territory and provide those opportunities. And we do have 124 00:05:39,680 --> 00:05:42,720 Speaker 1: some really good rural generalist pathways where people can be 125 00:05:42,800 --> 00:05:45,040 Speaker 1: not only in Darwin and Alla Springs, but places such 126 00:05:45,040 --> 00:05:46,800 Speaker 1: as Null and Boy and continue their training. 127 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:50,160 Speaker 2: Now, in terms of the surgeon sin and that MoU, 128 00:05:50,400 --> 00:05:52,520 Speaker 2: how quickly are you going to sort of see some 129 00:05:52,600 --> 00:05:54,080 Speaker 2: of those changes implemented. 130 00:05:54,480 --> 00:05:56,840 Speaker 1: So it's around making sure that we strengthen our health 131 00:05:56,839 --> 00:05:59,720 Speaker 1: workforce and that we make services more accessible and as 132 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:03,480 Speaker 1: I said, said in terms of indigenous pathways, creating that 133 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:06,240 Speaker 1: for doctors coming through. So we're really excited at this 134 00:06:06,279 --> 00:06:09,320 Speaker 1: opportunity and it's being enacted immediately. 135 00:06:08,880 --> 00:06:11,760 Speaker 2: Okay, so it is an immediate change now. Just in 136 00:06:11,839 --> 00:06:14,479 Speaker 2: terms of that announcement this morning as well, out at 137 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:17,200 Speaker 2: the hospital there was also a new project which is 138 00:06:17,240 --> 00:06:19,520 Speaker 2: aimed at optimizing as I understand its some of the 139 00:06:19,560 --> 00:06:23,840 Speaker 2: digital solutions and telehealth. What exactly is this change and 140 00:06:24,640 --> 00:06:27,000 Speaker 2: is the project already underway or is it something that's 141 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:28,680 Speaker 2: going to be implemented over coming weeks. 142 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:31,919 Speaker 1: This is a really exciting project, Katie, around optimizing digital 143 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:35,760 Speaker 1: solutions and telehealth, and so it's ensuring that we have access. 144 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:38,640 Speaker 1: This is in the primary health care space, particularly noting 145 00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:42,440 Speaker 1: our remote community. So the Digital Health Cooperative Research Center 146 00:06:42,480 --> 00:06:44,960 Speaker 1: and Anti Health Amensis are going to evaluate what we 147 00:06:45,040 --> 00:06:49,080 Speaker 1: have existing but also emerging technologies. So for example, you 148 00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:51,200 Speaker 1: have a patient they're in Royal Daleen Hospital, they have 149 00:06:51,279 --> 00:06:53,680 Speaker 1: some surgery. Rather than forcing them to stay in duh 150 00:06:53,800 --> 00:06:56,239 Speaker 1: And for a week to ten days, they can safely 151 00:06:56,279 --> 00:07:00,080 Speaker 1: return to community but have those digital telehealth appointments to 152 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,080 Speaker 1: ensure that they're still well. So you'll see better compliance 153 00:07:03,120 --> 00:07:06,239 Speaker 1: because they will attend to that appointment rather than perhaps 154 00:07:06,360 --> 00:07:09,600 Speaker 1: leaving Darwin and heading back to home and not attending 155 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,600 Speaker 1: that follow up. But equally, in terms of telehealth, what 156 00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:14,640 Speaker 1: can we do to support our clinicians is that digital 157 00:07:14,680 --> 00:07:17,520 Speaker 1: technologies is it training? So this is a really exciting 158 00:07:17,520 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 1: project because it looks at what we have, the opportunities, 159 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:21,640 Speaker 1: but what we need to do to strengthen it. 160 00:07:21,760 --> 00:07:23,640 Speaker 2: Look I'm sure that there's going to be people listening 161 00:07:23,640 --> 00:07:25,720 Speaker 2: this morning who are thinking how is this going to 162 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:28,000 Speaker 2: help the hospital and how is this going to help 163 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 2: Territorians in terms of being. 164 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:30,520 Speaker 1: Able to get a bed. 165 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:33,920 Speaker 2: We know that over recent weeks and months we've seen 166 00:07:33,920 --> 00:07:36,200 Speaker 2: code yellows. Even last week there was the Code Brown 167 00:07:36,240 --> 00:07:39,000 Speaker 2: following on from the explosion in Austin Lane and It 168 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:41,000 Speaker 2: left a lot of people questioning, well, how do we 169 00:07:41,040 --> 00:07:43,920 Speaker 2: wind up in a code brown after one incident? And 170 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:47,760 Speaker 2: how understress is the hospital already? So how are these 171 00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:50,000 Speaker 2: different measures going to help when it comes to the 172 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,560 Speaker 2: day to day care of Territorians. 173 00:07:51,880 --> 00:07:53,640 Speaker 1: If I could answer that question in two parts. So 174 00:07:53,680 --> 00:07:55,760 Speaker 1: the code Brown was called, it was only in place 175 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:58,200 Speaker 1: for a few hours. So what code brown is is 176 00:07:58,240 --> 00:08:01,000 Speaker 1: that there's an emergency out side of the hospital that 177 00:08:01,080 --> 00:08:03,120 Speaker 1: may have significant impacts. So as soon as we heard 178 00:08:03,120 --> 00:08:06,119 Speaker 1: there was an explosion, that was called and it makes 179 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:09,320 Speaker 1: practices within the hospital step up staff are called in 180 00:08:09,720 --> 00:08:12,360 Speaker 1: now in this situation, fortunately we had a very small 181 00:08:12,440 --> 00:08:14,760 Speaker 1: number of patients that were injured and my thoughts are 182 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:17,760 Speaker 1: with them. But if we'd seen twenty thirty forty people injured, 183 00:08:18,080 --> 00:08:20,000 Speaker 1: then that is why the code Brown was called. So 184 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:22,760 Speaker 1: it was for us. It's more of a preemptive thing. Absolutely, 185 00:08:22,800 --> 00:08:24,920 Speaker 1: it's a part of a structure. We see different codes 186 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:28,120 Speaker 1: called within the hospital for different situations. In terms of 187 00:08:28,120 --> 00:08:31,160 Speaker 1: this telehealth, how it will help our hospitals. If you 188 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:35,240 Speaker 1: have better compliance with post operative care, for example, you 189 00:08:35,520 --> 00:08:38,880 Speaker 1: will see people not potentially needing readmission because they've left 190 00:08:38,920 --> 00:08:42,000 Speaker 1: the hospital haven't engaged with clinicians and then become quite 191 00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:44,440 Speaker 1: unwell and need to come back into hospital. So it's 192 00:08:44,480 --> 00:08:48,160 Speaker 1: about that comprehensive plan supporting acute with primary health care 193 00:08:48,280 --> 00:08:48,880 Speaker 1: all right. Now. 194 00:08:48,880 --> 00:08:50,880 Speaker 2: We talk a lot obviously about making sure that we've 195 00:08:50,880 --> 00:08:53,760 Speaker 2: got enough staff for the hospital, not only in that 196 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:57,080 Speaker 2: sector but also in other areas and bolstering the workforce. 197 00:08:57,120 --> 00:08:59,640 Speaker 2: But we're still facing concerns from a number of industries 198 00:08:59,640 --> 00:09:02,640 Speaker 2: when it came to the government's wage freeze. Further strike 199 00:09:02,679 --> 00:09:05,360 Speaker 2: action is planned this week now. I understand that Catherine's 200 00:09:05,360 --> 00:09:08,680 Speaker 2: going to be a focus for the unions, possibly teachers, 201 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:13,600 Speaker 2: power water and Jacana staff chief minister firstly, from your understanding, 202 00:09:13,679 --> 00:09:15,720 Speaker 2: who is taking industrial action this week? 203 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:18,880 Speaker 1: So Katie, the process is in terms of an EBAs 204 00:09:18,920 --> 00:09:22,080 Speaker 1: that you're bargaining. But within that Fair Work can approve 205 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:25,160 Speaker 1: protected action, which means members of a union can strike. 206 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:27,760 Speaker 1: So we'll certainly make sure that information shared. But we 207 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:29,920 Speaker 1: are at the table working with the unions. I met 208 00:09:29,920 --> 00:09:32,520 Speaker 1: with unions on Friday, I'll meet with them again this week. 209 00:09:33,360 --> 00:09:36,720 Speaker 1: So there is a number of enterprise bargaining agreements that 210 00:09:36,760 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 1: are up for you at the present time. Okay, So 211 00:09:39,559 --> 00:09:41,760 Speaker 1: do we know who's going on strike this week. My 212 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: understanding is that we have got power and water, possibly 213 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:50,600 Speaker 1: education and corrections. I'll provide exact details to offair if 214 00:09:50,640 --> 00:09:52,440 Speaker 1: that's okay. That's okay, now I know that. 215 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:54,600 Speaker 2: Well, look, I guess we're in a bit of a 216 00:09:54,640 --> 00:09:57,280 Speaker 2: hard situation at the moment because the Northern Territory government 217 00:09:57,320 --> 00:09:59,720 Speaker 2: doesn't have a lot of money or any money really 218 00:09:59,760 --> 00:10:02,560 Speaker 2: to to those frontline public servants. 219 00:10:02,880 --> 00:10:05,160 Speaker 1: So what else can be offered at this point in time? 220 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:07,880 Speaker 2: I know you said that the ABA negotiations are continuing, 221 00:10:07,920 --> 00:10:10,320 Speaker 2: but what else can actually be offered at this point 222 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:13,760 Speaker 2: in time so that we don't lose public servants, frontline 223 00:10:13,760 --> 00:10:15,360 Speaker 2: public servants to other states. 224 00:10:15,520 --> 00:10:17,199 Speaker 1: What I would like to say, Katie, is that we've 225 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:20,800 Speaker 1: heard loud and clear that with the rising cost of living, inflation, 226 00:10:21,160 --> 00:10:24,320 Speaker 1: interest rates, for example, that pay is important and we 227 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:27,199 Speaker 1: do have that responsibility of managing our budget. So what 228 00:10:28,040 --> 00:10:30,040 Speaker 1: do we do in that space? And that's being worked through. 229 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:32,440 Speaker 1: But there are other things that potentially don't even have 230 00:10:32,480 --> 00:10:35,960 Speaker 1: a cost, but can make someone's employment, you know, it 231 00:10:36,000 --> 00:10:38,840 Speaker 1: can improve that. So they're the aspects that we're looking 232 00:10:38,880 --> 00:10:44,120 Speaker 1: and they vary greatly within the different areas, for example, corrections, education. 233 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:47,280 Speaker 1: So we're working with the individual unions around what they 234 00:10:47,280 --> 00:10:48,080 Speaker 1: would like to see. 235 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:50,280 Speaker 2: Look, I think that for again, for a lot of 236 00:10:50,280 --> 00:10:53,320 Speaker 2: people listening this morning, if you are a parent who's 237 00:10:53,360 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 2: got children who are at school, you'll be thinking how 238 00:10:55,840 --> 00:10:58,000 Speaker 2: much longer and how many more strikes do we need 239 00:10:58,040 --> 00:11:00,880 Speaker 2: to go through? We support tea, We do think that 240 00:11:00,920 --> 00:11:03,200 Speaker 2: they need to be paid better and need better conditions, 241 00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:05,760 Speaker 2: but how do we continue to sort of ride out 242 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:10,480 Speaker 2: this disruptiveness throughout school? But then if you've you know, 243 00:11:10,480 --> 00:11:12,400 Speaker 2: if you've got a husband or a partner that works 244 00:11:12,400 --> 00:11:14,320 Speaker 2: in corrections, you're thinking you want them to go to 245 00:11:14,320 --> 00:11:16,880 Speaker 2: work and have a safe working environment, all of these 246 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:20,679 Speaker 2: frontline workers. So what exactly is the government going to 247 00:11:20,760 --> 00:11:23,360 Speaker 2: do to try and calm this down? Because how long 248 00:11:23,400 --> 00:11:25,280 Speaker 2: can we go on with these rolling strikes? 249 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:28,480 Speaker 1: So, Katie, it's part of a process and it does 250 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:31,400 Speaker 1: go through fair work and it is part of that 251 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:34,840 Speaker 1: enterprise bargaining. We have the right to negotiate in good faith, 252 00:11:34,920 --> 00:11:37,240 Speaker 1: as do the unions have the right to take that 253 00:11:37,320 --> 00:11:40,840 Speaker 1: protected industrial action. But we within the different areas that 254 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:44,680 Speaker 1: are presently under negotiation, we're acknowledging things that can be 255 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:47,400 Speaker 1: changed that would help those workplaces. You just pointed to 256 00:11:47,480 --> 00:11:49,920 Speaker 1: safety as as one aspect. So we're working through and 257 00:11:49,920 --> 00:11:53,240 Speaker 1: they're quite individualized depending on the occupation, I mean to 258 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:54,200 Speaker 1: put it really bluntly. 259 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:57,959 Speaker 2: View seeing that vision on you know from the from 260 00:11:58,040 --> 00:12:01,360 Speaker 2: outside Parliament House, when all of those union members were 261 00:12:01,360 --> 00:12:06,080 Speaker 2: striking outside of Parliament House, they are absolutely disappointed, to 262 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:09,280 Speaker 2: put it really mildly, in the Northern Territory government. They 263 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,320 Speaker 2: had said that they thought there would be change with 264 00:12:11,400 --> 00:12:12,320 Speaker 2: a new Chief Minister. 265 00:12:13,240 --> 00:12:15,800 Speaker 1: Is there going to be change in this space? So Katie, 266 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:18,520 Speaker 1: we're working through this and we're absolutely doing it from 267 00:12:18,559 --> 00:12:20,920 Speaker 1: a point of good faith, and of course we'd love 268 00:12:20,960 --> 00:12:23,120 Speaker 1: to give everybody a priorize, but we have to make 269 00:12:23,160 --> 00:12:26,200 Speaker 1: sure that we manage the Northern Territory budget that we're 270 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:29,120 Speaker 1: not in a situation that into the future we can't 271 00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:32,320 Speaker 1: afford what we decide. So we're working through that. It's 272 00:12:32,320 --> 00:12:35,440 Speaker 1: incredibly complex and we're working with each of the unions 273 00:12:35,440 --> 00:12:37,520 Speaker 1: around the different scenarios for the professions. 274 00:12:37,559 --> 00:12:40,760 Speaker 2: Okay, to those union members or those teachers, anybody listening 275 00:12:40,840 --> 00:12:43,920 Speaker 2: this morning who are thinking, it doesn't really sound as 276 00:12:43,920 --> 00:12:46,080 Speaker 2: though anything much is going to change what's your message 277 00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:46,440 Speaker 2: for them? 278 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:49,120 Speaker 1: No, absolutely, and there is a sense of urgency around this. 279 00:12:49,160 --> 00:12:51,360 Speaker 1: As I said, I met with union representatives last week. 280 00:12:51,360 --> 00:12:54,640 Speaker 1: I'll continue to do so. We acknowledge the hard work, 281 00:12:55,679 --> 00:12:57,720 Speaker 1: but we at the same time acknowledge the current cost 282 00:12:57,720 --> 00:13:01,320 Speaker 1: of living pressures. How long can we expect this to tell? Katie? 283 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:03,480 Speaker 1: As I said just in my previous response, we're working 284 00:13:03,520 --> 00:13:05,560 Speaker 1: with a sense of urgency. We get that people would 285 00:13:05,600 --> 00:13:08,440 Speaker 1: rather be doing their jobs not taking this action, but 286 00:13:08,520 --> 00:13:10,800 Speaker 1: I do have the complexity of managing the budget. So 287 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:12,439 Speaker 1: we'll continue to work in this space. 288 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:15,600 Speaker 2: Now, Chief Minister. Just moving on to another topic, isolation. 289 00:13:15,760 --> 00:13:18,280 Speaker 2: Changes have come into place when it comes to COVID, 290 00:13:18,760 --> 00:13:22,080 Speaker 2: So no longer seven days of isolation, it's five days 291 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:25,880 Speaker 2: of isolation. What's the situation though with the mask wearing. 292 00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:29,360 Speaker 1: Correct, Katie, So nationally last Friday we stepped from seven 293 00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:32,800 Speaker 1: days to five days isolation if you are feeling well. Now, 294 00:13:32,840 --> 00:13:35,240 Speaker 1: initially we had said could you please wear a mask 295 00:13:35,280 --> 00:13:37,600 Speaker 1: and the direction was for five days if you were 296 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:41,120 Speaker 1: feeling well post your isolation. There's been some work over 297 00:13:41,160 --> 00:13:43,840 Speaker 1: the weekend with the Chief Health Officer and that's going 298 00:13:43,840 --> 00:13:46,440 Speaker 1: to change later today. Just to be days six and seven. 299 00:13:46,679 --> 00:13:48,800 Speaker 1: But if you're feeling unwell, you need to remain in 300 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,800 Speaker 1: isolation and remembering masks a really gate tool to protect 301 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:52,400 Speaker 1: our community. 302 00:13:52,480 --> 00:13:55,120 Speaker 2: Okay, So it will be changed from this afternoon after 303 00:13:55,160 --> 00:13:58,280 Speaker 2: you've done your five days of isolation, just two days with. 304 00:13:58,240 --> 00:14:01,520 Speaker 1: A mask, correct, Katie. And that is on the advice 305 00:14:01,559 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 1: of the Chief Health Officer. Yeah, and it's working through 306 00:14:04,360 --> 00:14:07,640 Speaker 1: the evidence that's presented and what the proportionate response is 307 00:14:08,040 --> 00:14:10,480 Speaker 1: and so that work will be published in a chow 308 00:14:10,520 --> 00:14:11,520 Speaker 1: direction later today. 309 00:14:11,640 --> 00:14:13,959 Speaker 2: Now, I do want to ask you, following on from 310 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:16,480 Speaker 2: the Skills Summit that was held a couple of weeks ago, 311 00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:18,680 Speaker 2: there was some changes or there is going to be 312 00:14:18,720 --> 00:14:21,520 Speaker 2: some changes in this space around the skill migrant cap 313 00:14:21,560 --> 00:14:23,880 Speaker 2: as I understand it. What's it going to mean for 314 00:14:23,920 --> 00:14:26,240 Speaker 2: the Northern Territory when we talk about that shortage of 315 00:14:26,280 --> 00:14:27,640 Speaker 2: workers that we've currently got. 316 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:30,400 Speaker 1: So there was an acknowledgement at the Jobs and Skills Summit, 317 00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:34,000 Speaker 1: Katie that the current visa system for people to migrate 318 00:14:34,080 --> 00:14:36,440 Speaker 1: is not working for our country and that we're losing 319 00:14:36,560 --> 00:14:40,920 Speaker 1: valuable employees who can bring skills to other countries overseas 320 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:43,400 Speaker 1: because their system is much more robust and agile. So 321 00:14:43,440 --> 00:14:46,760 Speaker 1: the Commonwealth will enact some immediate changes and they'll continue 322 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:49,880 Speaker 1: to make changes and so for us in the Northern Territory, 323 00:14:49,880 --> 00:14:52,560 Speaker 1: this can impact a range of occupations. But we're committed 324 00:14:52,840 --> 00:14:55,800 Speaker 1: to working with the Commonwealth to ensure that Territorians get 325 00:14:55,800 --> 00:14:58,400 Speaker 1: the best. Yeah, any idea how many we'll be able 326 00:14:58,400 --> 00:15:00,760 Speaker 1: to guess, We don't have that specific to provide that 327 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:06,320 Speaker 1: to you. We certainly saw in terms of training, we've 328 00:15:06,360 --> 00:15:09,440 Speaker 1: got high levels of training numbers people doing apprenticeships and 329 00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:12,160 Speaker 1: trades presently, but we know that we've got an immediate 330 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:14,960 Speaker 1: skilled workforce shortage here in the territory. All right, Chief Finister, 331 00:15:15,040 --> 00:15:16,280 Speaker 1: a couple of listener questions. 332 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:18,240 Speaker 2: I've got one from Daryl that came in a little 333 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:20,440 Speaker 2: bit earlier this morning, and Daryl says, it's been some 334 00:15:20,640 --> 00:15:23,600 Speaker 2: time and just wondering what's happening with these fuel prices, 335 00:15:23,880 --> 00:15:27,040 Speaker 2: as it seems the price of diesel hasn't fallen at all. 336 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:28,800 Speaker 1: It's been roughly now. 337 00:15:28,640 --> 00:15:31,280 Speaker 2: Over three weeks and at the moment the price has 338 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:34,160 Speaker 2: fallen at the gate, yet still nothing at the pump 339 00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:38,200 Speaker 2: whilst the ulp has decreased. Has an Northern Territory government 340 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:41,440 Speaker 2: had any response back to the so called written information 341 00:15:41,720 --> 00:15:44,560 Speaker 2: asking retailers to show their profit margins. 342 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:47,600 Speaker 1: Yes, Katie, I did have a conversation with the CEO 343 00:15:47,640 --> 00:15:49,760 Speaker 1: of Cole's at the job summit and he informed me 344 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:53,520 Speaker 1: that they're the retail aspect of that operation, but in 345 00:15:53,600 --> 00:15:56,960 Speaker 1: terms of the fuel prices, it is the responsibility of 346 00:15:57,000 --> 00:15:59,520 Speaker 1: another company. So I received that information and we're chasing 347 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:02,040 Speaker 1: up on that. So we certainly did right to both 348 00:16:02,080 --> 00:16:04,280 Speaker 1: the A Triple C as well as the retailers, and 349 00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:05,320 Speaker 1: we're following through on that. 350 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:07,600 Speaker 2: Is it good enough from your perspective that we just 351 00:16:07,640 --> 00:16:09,840 Speaker 2: seem to be on this, you know, like it just 352 00:16:09,880 --> 00:16:12,480 Speaker 2: feels like we're on this ever going wheel of the 353 00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:15,440 Speaker 2: prices not going down and the fuel excise is about 354 00:16:15,480 --> 00:16:15,880 Speaker 2: to end. 355 00:16:16,200 --> 00:16:17,920 Speaker 1: I think, Katie, you've picked up on that point, and no, 356 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:20,360 Speaker 1: it's not good enough. And with that excise ending, there 357 00:16:20,400 --> 00:16:22,400 Speaker 1: is a sense of urgency around this. We need to 358 00:16:22,440 --> 00:16:24,760 Speaker 1: be pushing every button we can to make sure that 359 00:16:25,040 --> 00:16:27,600 Speaker 1: the territorians are not forgotten about that. You know, the 360 00:16:27,640 --> 00:16:30,080 Speaker 1: East Coast, we don't see changes in prices. What can 361 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:31,560 Speaker 1: we do here in the territory. 362 00:16:31,200 --> 00:16:32,840 Speaker 2: And is there anything that you're looking at that you 363 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:35,160 Speaker 2: could potentially do differently here in the territory. 364 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,840 Speaker 1: So, Katie, I've seeking some further advice now that I've 365 00:16:37,840 --> 00:16:40,880 Speaker 1: had that response around what we can do for territories 366 00:16:40,880 --> 00:16:43,200 Speaker 1: because the cost of living, you know, it's not just groceries, 367 00:16:43,200 --> 00:16:45,560 Speaker 1: but fuel is a big part of it, particularly when 368 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,040 Speaker 1: the fuel cost does add to groceries. 369 00:16:48,160 --> 00:16:50,400 Speaker 2: Okay, So I think the CLPS do to bring in 370 00:16:50,480 --> 00:16:52,320 Speaker 2: the present their legislation. 371 00:16:52,360 --> 00:16:54,000 Speaker 1: Aren't that the next sittings? Is it something that the 372 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:57,480 Speaker 1: government's going to support, Katie, We've been waiting for that legislation. 373 00:16:57,560 --> 00:16:59,960 Speaker 1: It hasn't been presented. It's been introduced, but it hasn't 374 00:17:00,080 --> 00:17:02,400 Speaker 1: come on for debate. But I think that in terms 375 00:17:02,400 --> 00:17:05,080 Speaker 1: of this space, I'm not sure it's a legislative response. 376 00:17:05,200 --> 00:17:07,720 Speaker 1: It's working with the retailers and putting that pressure on 377 00:17:07,760 --> 00:17:09,600 Speaker 1: them that it's not good enough for us to see 378 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:13,920 Speaker 1: prices vary interstate regularly and no movement here in the territory. 379 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:16,480 Speaker 2: We have another fuel summit like we did with Adam Giles. 380 00:17:16,520 --> 00:17:18,639 Speaker 1: I think territories are a bit over talk fest, Katie. 381 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:20,040 Speaker 1: I think they want to see action and that's what 382 00:17:20,080 --> 00:17:20,719 Speaker 1: I'm focused on. 383 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:22,720 Speaker 2: But when there's no action, that's when they want to 384 00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:24,600 Speaker 2: actually see people come to the table and try and 385 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:25,240 Speaker 2: sort it out. 386 00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:28,480 Speaker 1: So, Katie, there certainly is action from my part in 387 00:17:28,560 --> 00:17:30,920 Speaker 1: terms of working with this industry so that we can 388 00:17:30,960 --> 00:17:33,960 Speaker 1: see changes for territories. All right. Jeff has also been 389 00:17:33,960 --> 00:17:34,560 Speaker 1: in contact. 390 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:36,680 Speaker 2: He wants to know why is the government looking at 391 00:17:36,680 --> 00:17:40,200 Speaker 2: halting the development at Lee Point when this land's been 392 00:17:40,280 --> 00:17:41,800 Speaker 2: earmarked for a long time. 393 00:17:42,040 --> 00:17:43,200 Speaker 1: Are we seriously going. 394 00:17:43,080 --> 00:17:45,840 Speaker 2: To see a situation where the federal government could overturn 395 00:17:45,880 --> 00:17:48,280 Speaker 2: a decision made by the Northern Territory government. 396 00:17:48,440 --> 00:17:50,679 Speaker 1: So this is in relation to Lee Point and the 397 00:17:50,840 --> 00:17:53,800 Speaker 1: planned expansion to suburbs out there, and your listeners absolutely 398 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:57,360 Speaker 1: correct in terms of whether there's a Holtz there has 399 00:17:57,400 --> 00:18:01,080 Speaker 1: not been that decision. There is one specific area where 400 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:04,879 Speaker 1: we're seeing the Gordian finches, and so the Commonwealth looking 401 00:18:04,920 --> 00:18:08,000 Speaker 1: at that. We're certainly keen to get a practical outcome, 402 00:18:08,040 --> 00:18:11,080 Speaker 1: but we do need to see the ability for homes 403 00:18:11,080 --> 00:18:13,120 Speaker 1: to be built. My electric of Nightcliff, where I live 404 00:18:13,280 --> 00:18:15,960 Speaker 1: was once bushland and a day's trip from Darwin, CBD. 405 00:18:16,160 --> 00:18:19,119 Speaker 1: So we do have strong processes and this development has 406 00:18:19,160 --> 00:18:20,800 Speaker 1: been through those. I mean, yeah, and is. 407 00:18:20,760 --> 00:18:23,080 Speaker 2: This just another situation where it's a group of people 408 00:18:23,080 --> 00:18:24,800 Speaker 2: who do not want this in their backyard. 409 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:27,080 Speaker 1: No, Okatie. I think this is a little unique in 410 00:18:27,119 --> 00:18:29,600 Speaker 1: the sense that the birds, there's a water source there 411 00:18:29,600 --> 00:18:32,600 Speaker 1: and the birds have moved in in large numbers, and 412 00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:36,240 Speaker 1: so just working through the balance of you know, the 413 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:39,080 Speaker 1: Gordian finches, which are a very rare species of birds, 414 00:18:39,119 --> 00:18:42,960 Speaker 1: and versus the plan development that's been through the processes. 415 00:18:43,240 --> 00:18:45,400 Speaker 2: I'm just reading between the lines there, and it does 416 00:18:45,440 --> 00:18:48,919 Speaker 2: sound as though there could be some change in this 417 00:18:48,960 --> 00:18:50,440 Speaker 2: space and it's not going to move forward. 418 00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:53,960 Speaker 1: No, Katie, that's certainly not what I'm trying to come across. 419 00:18:54,000 --> 00:18:56,480 Speaker 1: And present. There's quite a large area out there. You've 420 00:18:56,520 --> 00:19:00,160 Speaker 1: already got some coastal reserve, you've got Buffalo Creek, you've 421 00:19:00,200 --> 00:19:02,920 Speaker 1: got some tourism and recreation space with the Lee Point 422 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:06,360 Speaker 1: Caravan Park, as well as the area that's planned for houses. 423 00:19:06,400 --> 00:19:08,960 Speaker 1: So exactly where the birds are. Is there any way 424 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:11,800 Speaker 1: that we can manage this with, you know, in terms 425 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:14,480 Speaker 1: of allowing the development of the houses but at the 426 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:17,000 Speaker 1: same time protect an area that may be where the 427 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:18,200 Speaker 1: birds are nesting. 428 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:22,320 Speaker 2: And so would that mean stopping future development on that area? 429 00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:26,160 Speaker 1: No, Katie, My understanding is that the planned development areas 430 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:28,840 Speaker 1: are clearly outlined. As I just said, there is some 431 00:19:29,040 --> 00:19:33,119 Speaker 1: reserve area there as well as the tourism and recreation space. 432 00:19:33,280 --> 00:19:36,679 Speaker 1: So could that development area be reduced, Katie, This is 433 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:40,040 Speaker 1: you know in terms of the Commonwealth Minister has said 434 00:19:40,080 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 1: that they'll look at it. We'll certainly work with them 435 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:44,720 Speaker 1: to make sure that we do see the development of homes. 436 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:48,000 Speaker 1: It's important. It's been long identified since the nineties and 437 00:19:48,040 --> 00:19:50,280 Speaker 1: early two thousands that used to be defense land for 438 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:53,040 Speaker 1: radar towers out there. But at the same time we've 439 00:19:53,080 --> 00:19:55,400 Speaker 1: got a unique situation where a large number of these 440 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:57,239 Speaker 1: birds that are quite rare have moved in. 441 00:19:57,560 --> 00:20:00,000 Speaker 2: All right, Chief Minister Natasha Files, we better leave it there. 442 00:20:00,119 --> 00:20:01,760 Speaker 2: Thank you very much for your time this morning. 443 00:20:01,840 --> 00:20:02,199 Speaker 1: Thank you. 444 00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:05,000 Speaker 2: It is just after nine point thirty coming your way. 445 00:20:05,040 --> 00:20:07,080 Speaker 2: Next we're going to be speaking to the CEO of 446 00:20:07,240 --> 00:20:09,199 Speaker 2: Hospitality NT Alex Bruce.