Speeches

Scrutiny of Legislation Conference 2024

Parliament of Victoria, LCAC, conference program, jurisdiction reports, explanatory memorandum, in-house legal counsel, importance of pre-enactment scrutiny, improving democratic governance.

Attorney-General’s Omnibus Bill

Tidying legislation, scrutiny, NAAJA, NTCAT, Justice of Peace, Commissioner of Oaths, conveyancing, electronic titling, legal profession, synthetic medicines, residential tenancies.

Racism Eradication

Indigenous, diversity, courage, multiculturalism, discrimination, racism data, fighting to eradicate racism together, social cohesion, UMNT, personal experiences, government’s role.

Community Choirs & Musical Groups

Recognising and celebrating, Chorale, Vocalective, Arafura, Collective, Wind Ensemble, Beach Choir, Hot and Cold, Navy Band, FANFARE festival.

World Autoimmune & Arthritis Disease Day

Raising awareness about autoimmune diseases, symptoms, impact, medical science, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, gratitude for healthcare and modern medicine.

Scrutiny of Water Amendment Bill

Westminster system, bill consultation period, scrutiny committees across Australia, respecting process, utilising Parliamentary mechanisms effectively.

Economic Development & Infrastructure

Utopia, DAMA, diversification, realistic project funding, workforce dependencies, optimism versus confidence, Federal Budget, economic crisis, enabling infrastructure, return on investment.

Multifaith Communities, Harmony Day & Multiculturalism

Cultural diversity, multifaith communities, Harmony Day, evolution of Australia’s multicultural policy, bipartisan support, proactively defending and fighting for multiculturalism.

Grant Tambling AM

Career biography, generosity, intellectual depth, bipartisan cooperation, discussion papers, social security, welfare, poverty, parliamentarian, man of principle.

Investment in Healthcare

Healthcare workforce, cost of agency labour, global shortages, sustainable workforce pipelines, demographic decline, stroke treatment, specialist doctors, need for bipartisanship.

Darwin Symphony Orchestra

Romance and Revolution Concert, new principal musicians, Territory Tour to Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, DSO history and community roots.

School Attendance Officers

Importance of education, attendance rates, public schools, reducing disengagement, authorised officers, infringement notices, national schools identifier.

Debt Ceiling Repeal

Economic vision, restraining spending, fiscal management, NT revenue, deregulation to encourage private investment, debt position, infrastructure expenditure.

Commonwealth Day & Mary Poppins

History of Commonwealth Day, common values, educational opportunities, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Together We Thrive, sold-out production of Mary Poppins.

Comedy Festival & Darwin Entertainment Centre

Inaugural event, fifty-seven comedians, headliners, local lineup and venues, artist pathways, DEC contribution to arts, economy, and CBD, city activation.

Hon Austin Asche AC KC

Service, career biography, contribution as President of the Law Reform Committee of NT 1997-2018, constitutional affairs, autonomy of NT legislature.

Territory Coordinator

Major projects, regulatory inefficiency, economic and industrial competitiveness, TERC, Commissioner structures, NT (Self Government) Act 1978, executive overreach, ultra vires.

National Apology to Australia's Indigenous People

Listening, 17 th Anniversary, Stolen Generations, Canberra, Brendan Nelson, Indigenous disadvantage, open and respectful discussions.

Defence Investment in the NT

Launch of NT Defence Week, East Arm, economic multiplier effect of defence industries, construction sector, ASPI, Defence Strategic Review.

Minimum Unit Pricing Repeal

Alcohol policy, academic literature, on-ground testimony, history of MUP internationally, British Medical Journal, police auxiliaries, evidence-based strategies, context-specific solutions.

Local Problem Solving – Berrimah Northcrest and Stuart Park

Improving bus services for schoolkids, helping young families, council affiliation, essential primary school security upgrades, reinvigorating Stuart Park High Street.

Cyclone Tracy 50th Anniversary

The tale of Tanzil’s uncle Nazmul Huq surviving Christmas Eve 1974, and the strength, courage and good humour of Territorians.

Treasury Mid Year Report & Auditor General’s Report to Legislative Assembly

Financial reporting, declining population growth, results of audits, operating performance, public sector staffing, growing gap between revenue and expenditure.

Environmental Protections

Safeguarding for future generations whilst also promoting sustainable economic development, with reference to Territory Coordinator model, gas industry, and renewables.

50th Anniversary of the Legislative Assembly

Conversion rates in cricket, and reflections on 50 th anniversary commemoration event attended by past NT Parliamentarians.

First Homeowner Grants

History in Australia, rental crisis, absence of supply, new NT scheme, mitigating negative net interstate migration, housing academic research.

Musical Institutions & Contributors

Tribute to Haileybury’s Willy Wonka, BEAT Festival, Darwin Chorale, Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Music NT, NT Music School, Stuart Park Primary.

Delivering for Territorians

Economic policy direction including housing supply stimulus, payroll tax reform, incentivising small business, and CommSec State of the State reports.

Population Growth & Demographic Decline

Loss of human capital, explanation of components of population, discussion of demographic data, importance of migration.

TAFR – Treasurer's Annual Financial Report

Making best use of Parliamentary time and understanding our economic position with reference to current debt, revenue, and fiscal balance.