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| Bill presented and read a first time. Ms MARTIN (Chief Minister): Madam Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time. The Disasters Amendment Bill 2007 amends the Disasters Act as in force 18 March 2003. The amendment is to enable the special powers to enforce clean-up to come into effect once a cyclone watch has been announced rather than when a cyclone warning has been announced. This amendment is designed to give the Northern Territory Emergency Services the power to effectively prepare for an approaching cyclone. As members would be aware, a large part of the Northern Territory’s population lives in communities which can be directly threatened by cyclones. Experience has shown that flying debris is one of the biggest threats faced in a cyclone. It is, therefore, important that anything which might become debris is cleaned up as the cyclone approaches. In the vast majority of cases, Territorians respond to this problem well, cleaning up their properties prior to the cyclone season each year and again when cyclones directly threaten. Unfortunately, there are always instances where people do not do the right thing, putting their community at risk. It is important that NT Emergency Services have the power to deal with these individuals appropriately. At present, regional and local counter disaster controllers can order clean-up when a cyclone warning is declared, or 24 hours before a cyclone is expected to strike. Recent history with Cyclone Monica suggests that this is insufficient time. Consequently, this amendment provides them with special powers to enforce clean up from when a cyclone watch is declared, or 48 hours before a cyclone is expected to strike. Amendments have also been made to review penalty provisions under the act. A separate penalty has been included for a breach of section 44 of the act, which includes offences such assaulting or obstructing a person exercising powers under the act. The penalty under section 45 for a general breach of the provision of the act has also been increased significantly. The original penalty for a breach of the act was set in 1982 and is inadequate to reflect current times. The increased penalty provisions will ensure that NT Emergency Service workers are adequately protected and help ensure that people and bodies corporate do the right thing in an emergency or disaster. Madam Speaker, many Territorians enjoy a tremendous tropical lifestyle which is the envy of the rest of Australia. However, for those who reside near the coast with this tropical lifestyle comes the unavoidable risk posed by cyclones. It is important these risks be minimised to the maximum possible extent and this means providing the Northern Territory Emergency Services with the necessary tools. Madam Speaker, I commend the bill to honourable members. Debate adjourned. |