Parliamentary Sittings resumes this week with a range of Bills to be debated.
Prioritising the safety of the Territory’s biosecurity, the Livestock and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 ensures the Chief Inspector has proportionate emergency powers to protect Territory livestock, by effectively and efficiently responding to emergency animal disease threats.
The Fire and Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, enables the appointment of a Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services. This follows a commitment by the Chief Minister to separate the Northern Territory Fire and Emergency Services from the Northern Territory Police Force.
In line with recommendations of the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory, a number of changes to strengthen the Office of the Children’s Commissioner will be debated. The Children’s Commissioner Amendment Bill 2024 expands the functions of the Commissioner; enhances reporting requirements for investigations and inquiries; and strengthens the investigation and inquiry processes to better protect informants, complainants, and those who provide information to the Commissioner. It also provides for the NT Children’s Commissioner to be an Aboriginal person, if practical.
The Racing and Wagering Bill 2024 rewrites the Racing and Betting Act 1983 to implement the best-practice harm minimisation measures, that better equip the regulator to address poor behaviour, increase fines and penalties, and minimise red tape.
Also up for debate is the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 to support the transfer of management of government-owned public housing to Community Housing Providers to promote the growth of a diverse, multi-provider social housing system.
Quotes attributable to Leader of Government Business Chansey Paech:
“The Legislative Assembly has a busy two weeks of Sittings ahead, with a range of legislation on the agenda.
“Our Government is always looking to modernise and streamline our legislation and during this Sittings we will be continuing this work.”
