Debates Day 2 - Wednesday 1 May 1991
Parliamentary Record 3
Debates for 6th Assembly 1990 - 1994; ParliamentNT; Parliamentary Record; 6th Assembly 1990 - 1994
1991-05-01
Made available by the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
English
Debates
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
Darwin
application/pdf
Attribution International 4.0 (CC BY 4.0)
Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/279515
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/418775
DEBATES - Wednesday 1 May 1991 hear much about that from the member for Wanguri. South Australia has reduced its teaching numbers by 800, and has closed down schools. In the national environment in which we are forced to operate, the federal policies espoused by the member for Wanguri block every initiative to create employment and wealth. He should remember that when he talks to his constituents. No doubt, he says to them: 'This has been brought about because of policies which I stand for, but don't worry about it. If we get in, we will charge you more taxes. We will fix it up for you'. His attitude is despicable. In the Northern Territory, we are talking about a 5% cut. That is much less than has occurred anywhere else. Let us look at the conduct of this process. We must be aware of the concerns which always arise in the community when cuts are made to government services. Of course, cuts to school services always cause a great deal of emotion. There are 2 factors which must be considered. One is the emotional environment and the other is people - children, parents and teachers. We have also to consider quality and standards in the provision of education services and the ability of all Territorians to have access to high-quality services. The emotional distress caused by school closures is very real. Inevitably, parents and teachers will be upset by changes in the way things occur. However, if the member for Wanguri has retained even 1% of the knowledge he gained in his psychology studies, he would realise that people suffering distress as a result of change require considerable support. They have to make a decision in relation to what has occurred and then take positive steps to face the change and to make the best of the situation. The member for Wanguri knows that distress and emotional problems are only compounded when people are given false information and false hope. I notice that the member for Wanguri has now left the Chamber. The issue is so important to him that he cannot be bothered to stay for the debate. That is how much he cares for his constituents and the school which he is supposed to be representing. He cannot be bothered to stay in the Chamber. That is absolutely pathetic. The member for Wanguri has made claims, in letters and the news media, that Tiwi Primary School is to become a psychiatric centre. Actually, I had not thought about that. Perhaps he is trying to look after some of his mates in the psychology industry. On reflection, it is not such a crazy idea. As I said in debate yesterday ... Mr BAILEY: A point of order, Mr Speaker! The honourable minister has now twice implied that he was not aware of this recommendation prior to seeing it in my newsletter. I believe that he is misleading the House. Mr SPEAKER: There is no point of order. Mr MANZIE: I have referred the member for Wanguri's suggestion to my department because, in the course of his scaremongering, he may have come up with an idea that may save the taxpayers some money. Mr Bailey: God, you are a low life. Mr MANZIE: We will see what results after some expert investigation. The member for Wanguri contributed in the debate with his normal level of intelligence, great command of the English language and judicious use of adjectives. It really is an eye-opener for all concerned. 795