Comments on NT News stories by Poor Old Henry

Picking on Aboriginal children

I sometimes wonder whether the establishment of myriad sporting and cultural programs for Aboriginal children and people only plays a part in this sad social and cultural reaction. In schools, homework centres for Aboriginal children only, special weeks, months, sporting events, the ever-growing ‘welcome to country’ program, and so on may well elicit some of the responses playing out in the lives of Aboriginal children.

More police for Katherine

Let us face it – crime in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs is out of control. If there were 250 police in Katherine, I believe there would still be no crime reduction. The situation in Darin, Palmerston. and Nhulunbuy is a little better. I cannot wait for the CLP’s new countering legislation and hope it is quickly developed, passed and enacted. CLP promises of action on this front, leading to the party’s resounding election, cannot be delayed.

Get rid of the Don Hotel

There are too many hotels. Knock it down (remember the old Darwin Hotel) and build more apartments for incoming university students on the new CDU campus. Apartments could also be allocated to some defence force personnel rolling into town.

$50,000 home building and new home purchase grants

This is terrific news, out of the top drawer of hope and expectation about permanently building the Territory’s population base. The Chief Minister is to be congratulated on this initiative.

Don’t allow the emulation of crime through video

Of course, access to social media allows videoing and uploading visual proof of aberrant and criminal activities as they happen, eulogising and celebrating the terrible behaviours of those offending law and decency. Many offenders have this sharing  – and the supposed emulation it brings them – as their prime focus.  This activity must be discouraged by penalties.

Alcohol costs

P

The horrendous costs associated with managing alcohol access and consumption in Alice Springs and elsewhere in the territory are mind-boggling. I sometimes wish we were a ‘Teetotal Territory’ because of the absolute harm that alcohol brings to this place – and not only to Aboriginal Territorians but everyone else as well.

The Laksa festival

This fantastic festival brings a month of unrequited culinary joy to the Territory each year – for locals and visitors alike.  I often think of and thank past Chief Minister Michael Gunner for how he – and his government of the time – stood behind and promoted this great event. It is indeed a standout event on the NT calendar.

Housing, then pub, then nothing

P 

New housing areas must be established with the immediate action of establishing a tavern or hotel quickly following. Forget the need for commercial and retail establishments. The pub comes first and forget the rest. Example: Muirhead in Darwin’s northern suburb spread.

Casuarina Shopping Square upgrades

These changes will add to the function and facility of the Casuarina Shopping Square precinct. There have already been spectacular changes, most suitable, and the trend continues. I hope there will also be a reduction in the behaviours that often threaten and intimidate shoppers – especially those among us in our senior years.

East Arnhem Shire issues

As a person who lived in this area – Aboriginal communities and in Nhulunbuy – for 12 years, I am somewhat bemused at what is happening within the East Arnhem Shire. I imagine that locally generated income is earned from services provided, constituting a small percentage of the Shire’s revenue base. Does the rest come through government grants? Where will the extra funds needed to pay salary increases come from?

Vandalism at Sadadeen and Ross Park Primary

Many years ago, the Katherine Times paper was criticised when students deliberately broke into Clyde Fenton school. Children responsible for the damage were named and shamed by the press. Also criticised were those who required the miscreants to front the school student community, where they were verbally counselled and called upon to apologise. This procedure is worth contemplating, for anonymity should be denied those deliberately vandalising and destroying property belonging to fellow students  and staff.

Free bus travel rewards sinners

Fix the problem of possible contestation between bus drivers and possibly aggressive passengers by making travel free?  It seems like a reward for those who, if required to pay, might respond by aberrant and physical response.  So, who finishes paying for the buses? 

Moriarty for top building board position

What an excellent choice. Mr Moriarty will do an outstanding job in this position, honing organisational effectiveness and giving full attention to efficiency needs within the building industry.

Greg Ireland leaves

Mr Irelad has done an outstanding job in this position, working hard to further the Chamber’s dealings with business, industry and government. He is a man who draws together those with stake and interest in our Territory, working to ensure both consensus and a group approach to developmental tasks through the synergy of collective energy.

Pastoral Industry is vital

The NT is indeed  blessed to have so many families and so many others who contribute to the vital pastoral  industry of the NT. To the credit of the NT News, their contributions are being recognised and appreciated.

St Vincent de Paul relocates to Coconut Grove

St. Vincent de Paul are empathetic rtowarsd  and caring of the vulnerable. Neither do I overlook the contributions of other groups, including The Salvation Army and Mission Australia. My concern is that the expectation is those coming to Darwin from communities will be accommodated and fed. Sadly, this leaves them more of their disposable income to spend on alcohol – which is often the root cause of the issues they are confronting.

Alice Springs new tennis courts

This is terrific news for tennis players and Alice Springs alike. It is so good the facilities are here in time for the Masters Games – an iconic event and so much a part of the Alice Springs social, cultural and sporting calendar.

Broom , brooms for Darwin in 2025

The announcement of this key sporting event is great news for Darwin. Our city is blessed by such activities that bring interest and visitors to the Territory. It must be encouraging for those who think the NT is underpopulated, for many visitors come, stay, and become part of the Territory.

Poor picture of Territory health – RDH facilities

This development will enhance the capacities of Territory Health to manage the ongoing health and well-being challenges confronting the community. To suggest that the overall picture of the health of Territorians is poor is almost an understatement. It is abysmal and seems to be getting worse.

Crime permeates and stains the Territory

I most fervently hope that the CLP Government, elected a month ago in a landslide turnaround of voter expression, will not resign from its determination to counter how crime, especially youth crime, ravages our territory. For the first time in many years, there seems to be a glimmer of hope on the horizon that considering the needs of the community rather than the entitlements of crime perpetrators is being prioritised by the government.

Alcohol in public

P

This initiative will enable a return to past common sense. There is a place for everything, and blatant use and indiscriminate public consumption of alcohol is not acceptable.

Fishing competition

As a non-fisher, I am delighted that those who fish, are doing so well in the opening weeks of this year’s competition. Those who fish deserve the rewards that may come their way. The fact that this year’s competition has started with such resounding success will draw more people into entering this season’s competition, which augurs well for this vital tourist attraction program.

New laws to protect frontline workers

P

I am so glad our new government is taking up and legislating on that attack on frontline workers. There is no room for hitting, bashing and spitting to be directed at those whose motivation is to offer humanitarian support.

Northcrest is going gang busters

Northcrest is doing a great job developing this new housing estate. The speed at which the group and all those connected are working, together with the quality of what is being done, takes my breath away. That area, once quiet, is being transformed by building, bustle and boom.

Forgiving youth crime

It is close to reprehensible for members of these interstate and overseas organisations that know little about what it is like to live in the NT to take to task a government resoundingly elected because of its commitment NOT to honour, justify and excuse criminal activity among youth of any age. For the first time in 20 years, I am confident we have a government that will not be unduly influenced by the words and recommendations of academic theorists whose approach is to excuse criminal actions perpetrated by young people.

Local Government back in the Barkly

It is wonderful to know that meaningful and representative local government is on the way to restoration in Tennant Creek and the Barkly Region. No significant area can afford to be deprived of the services of elected councillors with their genuine regional awareness and concerns for too long.

Brazen breaking of the law 

Talk about thumbing noses at authority and sneering at the law.

I cannot wait for the Finnochario Government to start coming back at this brazen flouting. 

Police Graduates

Thank you, graduating police, for your commitment to one of the most essential yet dangerous occupations. I admire your zest, enthusiasm, and dedication, and I hope that policing will be a satisfying and rewarding career for you. May the challenges you will face not be insurmountable, and may you earn great respect from the community for your concern and empathy. 

Behavioural responsibility and self awareness

P

As a retired educator, I am sick and tired of hearing that people aged ten do not know the difference between right and wrong. They do! What needs to be fixed for these youthful aberrants is the family system into which they have been born. Guidance and upbringing must be a prime family responsibility, and that is not happening. Sadly, governments tend to skirt the issue of parental responsibility for children.

Robyn Lambley for Assembly Speaker

Mrs Lambley will be an EXCELLENT speaker and manager of the Assembly business, which falls under her bailiwick. Her appointment has everything to do with selecting the best and most experienced parliamentarian to fill the role and nothing to do with her former parliamentary roles and positions. Well done, Chief Minister, on this thoughtful and considered appointment.

Declan’s Law passes

Declan’s Law is the first step in the CLP’s passing of legislation that will give enforcement authorities a chance to finally help overcome the chronic crime problems that have grown exponentially in frequency and consequence to victims over the past decade. For the first time in a long time, I feel that all criminal activity will be accorded the consequences it deserves.

The NT Assembly 50 years ago

P

We came to the NT in 1975, and I remember the issues raised in Mr Smith’s column.  It is good to have history recalled to us at times. I vouchsafe that 95% of today’s Territorians have no idea how the NT has been shaped, changed and developed. And that is sad.

NT Leaders awards

What a fantastic initiative! We can expect a field of excellent candidates in each category. My only thought is that self-nomination is personal appreciation and magnification unbecoming of persons whose successes and effectiveness depend on recognition by others.

Ship lift and vessel servicing

Servicing Australian navy vessels sits alongside the matter of the ship lift becoming a reality. Both these subjects have been on the visionary go for many years. May the vision of the ship lift and the capacity of Darwin to service marine vessels become a reality.  The question is ‘when’.

CLP and the first sitting week

I salute our Chief Minister and her team for the start of NT governance by the CLP team. Empathetic but assertive government, following through on commitments is somewhat of a new experience. The ability of the government to begin taking us in a new direction of safety, helping overcome the notion of all people being vulnerable to personal and property threats, is an enlightened ‘new’ approach. 

Northern Terriotorians  corraled by the airlines

Mr Gosling could meet with the airline companies – controllers of airfares  – three times a day, and it would make not a jot of difference to the policies and practices of our major carriers.  Begging, pleading, cajoling, and offering generous subsidies to tourists to fly to the NT make little difference to the impregnable attitude of airline executives to the needs of NT  residents. Truth be known, and despite all inquiries and representations, we are at the mercy of the airlines.

1,000 more prisoner beds.

Finally, a government that backs policy changes with the physical actions necessary to make them happen. It is so refreshing to have a government realigning social perspectives by recognising the needs of the community to be able to live in safe situations rather than going the bleeding heart line of why perpetrators of all ages put our Territory at risk. The CLP will work on rehabilitating offenders, but at last, the priority is shifting to support the majority of Territorians.

Needs of NT hunters being recognised

This is terrific news and will provide a real fillip to the NT hunting fraternity. For many years, government accommodation has been for fishers. It is timely that the needs of those who go hunting in our great outdoors are being accommodated—well done, CLP Government.

Adventure park in Alice Springs

This wonderful adventure park will certainly boost recreational opportunities for locals and those visiting from out of town alike. I hope things in Alice turn in an evermore positive direction in terms of every aspect of life and living.

Cruise industry looking up

How wonderful that the cruise industry is returning in an ever bigger and better way. I am so glad that our CBD service providers and retailers, along with tour operators stand to benefit – especially after having to withstand so many years of business challenges.

Gunlong trail violation

It is deeply worrying that more and more of our country is being skived off into the ‘no go’ zone because of the propensity of governments to cede what is essentially the sovereignty of more and more places in Australia to First Nations groups. Not only in the NT but around Australia, the provision of access and visitation entitlements is turning the country into a place that requires non-Aborignal people to live as foreigners in their home land.

Tourist numbers in Alice Springs – up or down?

Visitor numbers up – or down? Statistical data can be used to support both sides of any contentious question on policy, practice and procedure. 

Public notification of marine oil spills

Every and all oil spills, whether deliberate, accidental or unintentional, should be notified to the public. Indeed, that is the decent and common-sense thing to do.

The CLP is delivering

Each day after hearing of what is transpiring in the Assembly, with the Government proving true to its intentions, is a day of appreciation for me. The CLP is working to reinstate our community to what it once was – a safer and far more secure place.

No go areas of the NT and Australia

What a difference half a century makes.  Fifty-five years ago, when I started working in communities  – from 1970 – Australia was accessible for everyone to go everywhere. Now, that access is governed with permits being required and access restrictions being enforced.

Ever more improvements at Darwin Airport

The facilities, including culinary opportunities, are ever-improving with increasing opportunities for eating, drinking and shopping at the Darwin Airport. This is good news for those using our airport.

More pokies for new clubs in Zuccoli

Northern Territorians already hold the dubious record of being the heaviest of pokie gamblers – per capita – of all Australians. Excessive gambling means less money within many families for the essentials of living and, without doubt, plays a part in statistics showing more and more people relying on charities for essential foodstuffs. We can do without further extending poker playing opportunities for people in the NT.

NTG debt passes $9 billion

Many decades ago my Father, who was connected with local government in WA, told me that the right side of politics, the Liberals, were concerned about limiting debt and living within our means, with the left, Labor, draining the treasury then borrowing to continue the splurge. He told me that in the 1960s. Nothing has changed except our debt in territory, and state and federal terms is  ever worsening.

Howard Springs and Stuart Park conduct

This story about destruction at the Howard Springs centre and a letter in today’s (25/10) paper, ‘Sweet sound of silence for Stuart Part residents’ from Dean K, need to be considered together. There is a significant group within our society who behave in a highly antisocial way and think nothing of inflicting substantial damage on facilities offered for their support in times of need. And that conduct is accepted and explained away – or has been by our previous government. The arrogance of such behaviour should be beyond the pale for ALL Territorians.

This story about destruction at the Howard Springs centre and a letter in today’s (25/10) paper, ‘Sweet sound of silence for Stuart Part residents’ from Dean K, need to be considered together. There is a significant group within our society who behave in a highly antisocial way and think nothing of inflicting substantial damage on facilities offered for their support in times of need. And that conduct is accepted and explained away  – or has been by our previous government.  The arrogance of such behaviour should be beyond the pale for ALL Territorians.

World Teachers Day

Congratulations to all who were awarded recognition for their educational contributions – and indeed to all our educators and school support staff in the NT. The significance of the role of all those in our schools cannot be overstated.

Fishing stand-off on the Daly River

Let this issue be quickly resolved. Let there be oneness and unity underpin relationships between all Territorians.

Economic upturn a Finnochario Government motivation

For the NT, may an economic upturn be an outcome of our change of government. The CLP has motivation for economic uplift but will increasingly have to run the gauntlet of environmental groups that have anything to do with fossil fuels. This will take perseverance, but I believe our Finocchario Government can prevail.

The CLP dealing with crime

Over the past decade, the outreach of crime and criminal behaviour in the NT has escalated to epidemic proportions. The crime must be halted, which cannot happen with bonds, bail, ankle bracelets and other lightweight strategies that have allowed those guilty of aberrant behaviour an almost ‘home-free’ card. Good on the CLP for placing the rights of the vast majority of territorians ahead of those who, for too long, have attached to those whose behaviour and actions threaten our lifestyle.

Treasurer Yan and the Public Service

May Treasurer Yan’s dream about a ‘can do’ public service transition from vision to reality. There is a possibility of this happening, but transformation will not happen overnight. Performance management and limiting the obfuscation caused by paperwork compliance must be part of this so public servants are more alert to the realities of their tasks and responsibilities.

Government and Corrections

Time for some self-realisation about the seriousness of crime and the way issues of importance have been let slide for the last eight years. There is a lot of fixing to do and the government will get on top of the issues.

The Northern Territory’s ICAC needs to be cancelled. It has been all downhill since first Commissioner Ian Flemming – who was labelled as the most powerful territory by the NT News – made his public statements in Alice Springs following the death at Yuendumu of Kumanjai Walker. From there, circumstances have ensured it has been all downhill for this organisation, with salary and operational costs up and effectiveness down.

Zuccoli Early Leaerning Centre sold for $6.6 million

The critically important element that must never be forgotten is that this and all other early learning centres – along with schools- are, first and foremost, for children and their critically important development. While early learning centres are businesses, I hope that the needs of children will never be downgraded for profit.

“Aboriginal only” sports competitions

More generally, why are Aboriginal sportspeople primarily acknowledged with separate competitions across a host of sports in which only Aboriginal people can participate? In regular terms, sports competitions are open to all people based on their prowess and merit, with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people eligible and with many teams and sports with a high proportion of Indigenous participants. Why, then, did this ‘extra’ separation limit eligibility – for Indigenous Australians only?

Hockey competition to expand 

This is terrific news for the NT and for the hockey fraternity. Hockey is a wonderful sport that territorians have featured in prominently over the years. Importantly, it concentrates on developmental programs at all levels, ensuring the sport will endure and expand. This competition will be a tremendous fillip for hockey and the Territory.

NT tourist industry and advertising blitz

This campaign may well galvanise an upturn in visitor response. However, if crime continues rampant and visitors feel uncomfortable because of social or environmental negatives, any upturn may be short-lived. Right now, the NT tourist industry is suffering because of these drawbacks, and that will not change long term without the correction of these deficiencies.

 

Oddments 

Alice Springs down the gurgles

Nothing is getting better in Alice Springs at the moment. Crime seems to be ramping up around the NT. Many parents, particularly a lot of Aboriginal parents, do not regard their responsibilities toward parenting as being of a very high priority.

Gala Day for the CLP on Monday September 16 

On Monday, the many  Electoral Office’s that have been deserted since Labor’sc  resounding defeat, on August 24, will come to life. They will come to life with new members elected for the Country Liberal Party (CLP).

The doors,  with new members confirmed and installed will open in EVERY electorate in Darwin and its suburbs – for all sitting members were either not re-standing (Port Darwin and Wanguri) or were defeated (Karama, Sanderson, Johnson, Casuarina, Fannie Bay, Nightcliff). 

It was a clean sweep in. terms of out with Labor and in with the CLP, Independents and Greens.