Several pieces of legislation are expected to be debated this week when Parliament resumes.
The three day Sittings week will commence today with a statement on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the NT.
The Treaty Commissioner Bill 2020 and Return to Work Amendment Bill 2020 are two significant pieces of legislation on the table for debate. Both form part of the Territory Labor Government’s 2016 election promises.
The Treaty Commissioner Bill 2020 will implement the Barunga Agreement, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the four Northern Territory Land Councils.
The Return to Work Amendment Bill 2020 will reverse a number of changes made to the Workers’ Compensation Scheme in 2015 by the CLP.
Amendments acknowledge our first responders are exposed to extremely difficult situations during the course of their work, and are at greater risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Bill amendments incorporate presumptive legislation meaning PTSD is held to have been caused by work unless the employer can establish otherwise.
Other Legislation expected to be debated this week:
- Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2019;
- Ports Legislation Amendment Bill 2019;
- Planning Amendment Bill 2020; and
- Judicial Commission Bill 2020.
The Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) will also table its first report to the Legislative Assembly.
As stated by Leader of Government Business, Natasha Fyles:
“The Territory Government promised to do everything it could to save Territorians’ lives and jobs, and today the Parliament will hear a statement on our response so far.
“In addition, the Treaty Commissioner Bill 2020 will deliver on a very significant election promise we made in 2016.
“Our Return to Work Legislation will mean the Northern Territory is among the first Australian jurisdictions to provide presumptive legislation for PTSD for first responders – an important acknowledgement that these emergency services personnel can be exposed to horrific incidents in the course of keeping Territorians safe.”
