2010-11 budget papers - department of treasury and finance · northern territory government...

2010-11 Budget Papers

No. 1 Speech The Treasurer’s speech to the Legislative Assembly describes the Northern Territory Government’s Budget strategy and key features of the 2010-11 Budget, together with the Bill presented to Parliament outlining appropriations for 2010-11.

No. 2 Fiscal and Economic Outlook Meets the requirements of the Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Act. Includes a discussion of the Government's fiscal strategy, the fiscal and economic outlook for 2010-11 and the forward estimates period, and an overview of expenditure and revenue initiatives in the Budget. It also discusses current and topical issues in intergovernmental relations from the Territory’s perspective and outlines financial arrangements with the Commonwealth for Specific Purpose Payments and National Partnership Agreements. The financial data provided meets the Territory’s obligations under the Uniform Presentation Framework as agreed between governments.

No. 3 The Budget Detailed information about agency budgets, grouped by Ministerial portfolio. Includes agency budget highlights, appropriation amounts, output statements and accrual financial statements (Operating Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement) for all agencies within the Northern Territory budget sector. A detailed summary of revenue information is also provided.

No. 4 The Infrastructure Program Presents a summary of the Government’s Infrastructure Program for all budget sector agencies, as well as descriptions of 2010-11 capital projects for each agency. Expected committal dates for major projects in 2010-11 are also provided.

Related Papers Budget Overview

Key features of the 2010-11 Budget.

Northern Territory Economy A detailed assessment of the Territory economy, including recent performance and growth prospects, employment, population, trade, and Australian and international conditions. Includes chapters on the performance and outlook for major Territory industries. An overview is also provided as a separate, self-contained document.

Regional Highlights Government’s initiatives, programs and expenditures in the 2010-11 Budget detailed by region.

Any of the above papers can be obtained from: Northern Territory Government Printing Office, Retail Sales, Railway Street, Parap NT 0820 or GPO Box 1046, Darwin NT 0801 Telephone (08) 8999 4031, Facsimile (08) 8999 4001, or Northern Territory Budget website at www.budget.nt.gov.au

The cover photographs are reproduced with the kind permission of Department of Health and Families; Department of Construction and Infrastructure; Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport; and Steve Strike.

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Budget Overview

ContentsBudget at a Glance 2

Fiscal Outlook 4

Working Future 6

Housing 10

Regional Highlights 12

Infrastructure and Business 14

Education and Training 16

Community Safety 18

Health and Families 20

Lifestyle and Environment 22

Economic Outlook 24

2 Budget at a Glance

2010-11 Budget

Budget at a Glance

Housing the TerritoryHousing is the primary focus of the 2010-11

infrastructure program with $948 million

for urban and remote public housing,

government employee housing, land

servicing and augmentation of essential

services infrastructure.

The following table sets out the

infrastructure program in 2010-11 for

housing.

Total Program

$M

Working Future

Indigenous Housing 352.6

Land Servicing and Essential Services

264.6

Public Housing 68.2

Government Employee Housing 62.6

Government Employee Housing 5.6

Grants

Indigenous Housing 126.6

Indigenous Essential Services 31.8

Municipal and Essential Services 4.1

Repairs and Maintenance 18.6

Other 6.2

Total 947.9

Tax CutsThe 2010-11 Budget supports Territorians

buying a house to live in through a range of

concessions and rebates:

Increased stamp duty concession for first

home buyers, with the first $540 000 of

the value of the home exempt from stamp

duty, up from $385 000, resulting in a

saving of up to $26 730.

A new senior, pensioner and carer

concession of $8500.

Higher principal place of residence

stamp duty rebate, from $2500 to $3500.

The 2010-11 Budget includes a range of initiatives to support the Territory economy and community. It provides the largest infrastructure program delivered in the Territory’s history aimed at strengthening the economy, creating jobs, improving service delivery and meeting the needs of Territorians. The 2010 Budget focuses on key Government priorities including Territory 2030 and Working Future.

Key 2010-11 Budget HighlightsThe 2010-11 Budget totals $5.1 billion and significantly increases funding for service and infrastructure across the Territory.

Operating ExpensesFunding to key service delivery agencies in 2010-11 is:

$1.16 billion for Health and Families;

$886 million for Education and Training;

$476 million for Housing, Local Government and Regional Services;

$310 million for Police, Fire and Emergency Services; and

$216 million for Justice.

CapitalThe 2010-11 Budget includes unprecedented infrastructure expenditure of $1.8 billion. Expenditure is for new and continuing projects, with new projects outlined in later chapters. The continuing projects have increased significantly with the addition of $514 million new and expanded projects during 2009-10, largely included to allow major works to commence in 2009-10. Key projects include:

$184 million for Indigenous housing, land servicing and essential services, through the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program, Remote Indigenous Housing agreement and additional Territory funding;

$74 million brought forward from 2010-11 for school upgrades as part of the Commonwealth’s 2009 stimulus package;

$52.5 million for a new emergency department and rectification works at the Alice Springs Hospital;

$43.5 million to upgrade the electrical system and stand-by power generation at Royal Darwin Hospital; and

$19.6 million for new police stations and officer accommodation at Yarralin, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining.

RevenueThe Territory’s 2010-11 Revenue Budget is $4.8 billion, comprising 52 per cent GST revenue, 31 per cent tied Commonwealth funding and 18 per cent Territory revenue.

GST revenue remains the largest source of funds for the Territory, however in 2010-11 it remains lower than historical levels due to the effect of the global financial crisis (GFC), lower relativities and a higher proportion of tied funds from the Commonwealth. GST is not expected to return to pre-GFC levels until 2012-13.

3Budget at a Glance

Working FutureWorking Future is a targeted strategy to

improve the lives of Territorians living in

remote areas, closely linked to the COAG

National Indigenous Reform Agreement.

The initial focus of the policy is the

development of Territory Growth Towns,

20 of the Territory’s biggest and most

strategically placed communities, into

regional commercial centres and hubs

for the delivery of government services

for residents of the Growth Towns and

associated outstations/homelands.

Some of the key highlights of Working

Future in 2010-11 include:

$715.8M for remote Indigenous housing

and related infrastructure;

$75.3M for additional police and new

police stations;

$73.9M to upgrade and improve

transport infrastructure and services; and

$73.8M for Indigenous essential services.

Total Infrastructure Payments2009-10 2010-11

Program Cash Program Cash

$M $M $M $M

Budget Sector

Capital Works 1 591 749 1 776 995

Grants 142 179

Repairs and Maintenance

186 198

Infrastructure-Related 8 8

Total Budget Sector 1 085 1 380

Power and Water

Corporation

Capital Works 366 379

Repairs and Maintenance

54 58

Total Power and

Water Corporation

420 437

Total Infrastructure 1 505 1 817

Key Economic OutcomesThe Territory economy slowed during 2009-10, due to the effect of the GFC, with estimated economic growth of 0.4 per cent. However, for 2010-11 the economy is forecast to grow by 3.6 per cent reflecting the benefits of a strengthening international trade surplus and further growth in public investment. In addition, employment and population growth are expected to remain strong for 2010-11 with 2.5 per cent growth forecast for resident employment and 2.1 per cent for population. CPI is also expected to moderate at 3.1 per cent.

The table below sets out actual outcomes for 2005-06 to 2008-09, an estimate for 2009-10 and forecast for 2010-11 for key economic indicators.

2005-06 Actual

2006-07 Actual

2007-08 Actual

2008-09 Actual

2009-10 Estimate

2010-11 Forecast

% % % % % %

Real GSP 6.7 6.7 3.9 2.6 0.4 3.6

Resident Employment 3.2 5.1 5.9 4.2 3.3 2.5

Population1 2.3 1.9 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.1

Darwin CPI2 2.6 4.4 3.4 4.0 2.8 3.1

1 As at December, annual percentage change.

2 As at December, year-on-year percentage change.

Fiscal PositionThe Territory’s fiscal strategy remains unchanged from that adopted in the 2009-10 Budget. The strategy in the short term is to invest significantly in infrastructure in order to stimulate the Territory economy and protect jobs. The growth in operational spending has been limited through a number of budget improvement measures, including a public sector staffing cap and reprioritisation of 2 per cent of agencies’ output appropriation to fund demand growth and new and expanded initiatives. The Territory will incur cash deficits as a result of higher infrastructure investment, however once revenue streams and economic growth normalise, the medium-term strategy is to return the budget to a surplus position.

InfrastructureThe $1.8 billion infrastructure expenditure is 40 per cent higher than 2009-10 and more than double 2008-09.

Cash Allocations to Infrastructure since 2001

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

2000

01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11

$M

4 Fiscal Outlook

2010-11 Budget

Fiscal Outlook

Government’s Fiscal StrategySustainable Service Provision

Target: Expenditure growth not to

exceed revenue growth, excluding tied

Commonwealth funding.

Assessment: Return Budget to surplus

once economy improves.

Infrastructure for Economic and

Community Development

Target: Maintain total public sector

infrastructure investment at appropriate

levels.

Assessment: Infrastructure spending of

at least twice depreciation expenses on

average over the current economic cycle

and at least equal thereafter.

Competitive Tax Environment

Target: Ensure Territory taxes and charges

are competitive with the average of the

states and territories.

Assessment: Taxation effort below the

state average.

Prudent Management of Debt and

Liabilities

Target: Reduce debt to pre-GFC levels

once the economy rebounds.

Assessment: Once economy improves,

debt levels to reduce on average by

5 per cent per annum of additional

debt incurred since 2007-08.

The 2010-11 Budget invests significantly in infrastructure in order to stimulate the Territory economy and protect jobs while planning to return the Budget to a surplus position over time.

The fiscal highlights in the 2010-11 Budget include:

operating surpluses maintained for all forward years;

substantial infrastructure investment in 2010-11 of $1817 million, and remaining higher than long term trends in all forward years;

cash outcome and accrual fiscal balance in deficit over the economic cycle but trending to improvement by 2013-14; and

the ratios of net debt and net financial liabilities to revenue to increase as a result of significant infrastructure investment and prevailing economic conditions while remaining below 2001-02 levels.

The fiscal outlook of the Territory continues to be affected by constrained revenue growth despite the national economy moving into a recovery phase, and the outcome of the Commonwealth Grants Commission’s major review of GST relativities.

The current outlook means that achievement of fiscal strategy targets, will continue to be a challenge to the Territory, requiring ongoing expenditure restraint in addition to the budget improvement measures included in the 2010-11 Budget.

General Government Fiscal Aggregates

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Estimate Budget Forward Estimates

$M $M $M $M $M

Operating Result 371 441 98 56 57

Fiscal Balance - 186 - 310 - 211 - 115 - 81

Cash Outcome - 137 - 268 - 173 - 90 - 61

Note: surplus (+), deficit (-)

Net Debt and Net Financial Liabilities (NFL) – General Government Sector

Year Ended 30 June 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Net debt ($M) 887 837 901 1 256 1 442 1 567 1 680

Net debt to revenue (%) 23 20 20 26 32 36 37

NFL ($M) 3 381 3 749 3 851 4 264 4 507 4 676 4 828

NFL to revenue (%) 87 90 84 89 102 106 108

Lowest TaxesBudget 2010-11 continues the Territory Government’s commitment to cutting business expenses, maintaining the lowest level of tax on businesses in Australia. For businesses with wage costs of up to $5 million, the Territory has the most competitive payroll tax scheme, with the Government’s tax reform strategy delivering cumulative savings of $291 million to small and medium businesses since 2001.

250

300

350

400

450$(000)

NSW ACT Tas WA Qld Vic SA NT

State average = $365 865

Recurrent Taxes on Businesses with 100 Employees

5Fiscal Outlook

Intergovernmental ArrangementsIntergovernmental financial relations

have changed substantially in the last

two years. The reasons are the ongoing

implementation of the Council of Australian

Governments’ reform agenda, the effect

of the global financial crisis on the

finances of all Australian governments

including the consequential flow on to both

revenues and expenses through economic

stimulus payments, the outcome of the

Commonwealth Grants Commission’s

2010 Review of Relativities and, more

recently, the Commonwealth’s health reform

proposals. Further changes are expected

as a result of the Henry Tax Review which

was released on 2 May 2010.

Total Revenue 2010-11 $M

Total Commonwealth Revenue 3 944

- Goods and Services Tax (GST) 2 480

- Specific Purpose Payments (SPP) 274

- National Partnerships (NP) 961

- Other Commonwealth Revenue 229

Own Source Revenue 840

Total Revenue 4 784

Budget Highlights

Infrastructure Total infrastructure payments in 2010-11 will be $1.8 billion, including $256 million for repairs and maintenance, an increase in total infrastructure payments of 21 per cent on the revised 2009-10 Budget. The Budget sector capital works program is $1.78 billion, $185 million higher than 2009-10.

RevenueTerritory revenue is expected to be $4.8 billion in 2010-11. This comprises 82 per cent from the Commonwealth and 18 per cent from Territory own-source revenue.

The projected revenue for 2010-11 from main own-source revenue totals $555.2 million as shown below.

ExpensesTerritory expenses are estimated to be $4.3 billion in 2010-11 with total payments of $5.1 billion when capital is added. The key functions of health, education, and public order and safety comprise 54 per cent of total expenses, with housing services now contributing 12 per cent of expenses in line with the commitment to new and upgraded housing in remote areas.

Taxes on property $113.1M

Taxes on gambling $57.0M

Taxes on insurance $29.8M

Mining royalties $156.6M

Motor vehicle taxes $47.1M

Taxes on employers $151.6M

General public services $114M

Public order and safety $488M

Education $903M

Health $946M

Social security and welfare $238M

Housing and community amenities

$518M

Recreation and culture $162M

Other industry

services $750M

Transport and communications

$224M

6 Working Future

2010-11 Budget

Working Future

2010-11 Infrastructure Highlights Territory Growth Towns

$M

Central Region

Hermannsburg Papunya Yuendumu

Housing 19.9

Land Servicing and Essential Services 11.1

Education 5.3

Transport 2.8

Barkly Region

Ali Curung Elliott


Education 0.5

Katherine Region

Borroloola Daguragu/Kalkarindji Lajamanu Ngukurr Numbulwar

Housing 56.0


Education 5.3

Police 1.5

Transport 9.1

Health 0.8

East Arnhem Region

Angurugu/Umbakumba Galiwin’ku Gapuwiyak Millingimbi Ramingining Yirrkala

Housing 90.7


Education 5.3

Police 16.8

Transport 34.5

Health 4.5

Top End Rural

Gunbalanya Maningrida Nguiu Wadeye

Housing 105.5


Education 9.2

Transport 13.5

Health 2.6

On 20 May 2009, the Territory Government announced Working Future, a targeted strategy to improve the lives of Territorians living in remote areas. Working Future is closely linked to the COAG National Indigenous Reform Agreement. It recognises that to address the factors that create Indigenous disadvantage a multi-faceted approach is required that directs effort across seven key building blocks: community infrastructure including housing, transport linkages, community safety, health, early childhood education and schooling, economic participation, and community governance and partnerships.

The initial focus of Working Future is the development of Territory Growth Towns, 20 of the Territory’s largest and most strategically placed communities, into developed towns with infrastructure and services aligned with individual community needs. Working Future will promote the development of Territory Growth Towns into hubs for government service delivery in remote areas and as commercial centres supporting residents from surrounding homelands and outstations to work, learn, shop, and access health care and basic services.

Remote HousingWorking Future aims to increase the availability of better, healthier homes in Territory Growth Towns, properly managed through the public housing system. The Territory and Commonwealth governments continue to deliver record investment in remote housing, with a $1.76 billion package to improve housing in remote communities over 10 years and support Working Future. In 2010-11, works will include:

$354 million for remote Indigenous housing and related infrastructure, under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program;

$236.5 million to provide land servicing and essential services infrastructure in Territory Growth Towns; and

$125.3 million to continue upgrades to remote Indigenous housing and related infrastructure.

Improved remote housing will be supported by a $3.63 million three-year project to survey new and existing housing and infrastructure in Territory Growth Towns.

TransportGood transport links between Territory Growth Towns, related smaller communities and the Territory’s highway network are important for the development of Territory Growth Towns, providing access to opportunities for work, education, health services, cultural events and private investment. In 2010-11, Working Future will deliver upgrades to important arterial roads including:

an additional $46 million to upgrade roads associated with Territory Growth Towns including, Central Arnhem and Umbakumba roads, and $3.2 million to improve roads to other remote communities; and

$9.7 million to continue road upgrades associated with Territory Growth Towns and $13.3 million to continue other road upgrades.

7Working Future

Government Employee HousingHousing government employees in remote

communities is a key aspect of ensuring

effective delivery of government services.

In 2010-11 the Government employee

housing program is $68.2M, including:

$39.5M to continue upgrades to

government employee housing in remote

areas across the Territory;

$28M of new works for housing in

Territory Growth Towns and related

communities, including Commonwealth

funding of $7.8M for teacher housing as

part of the 200 extra teachers initiative;

and

$3.8M to construct new housing for

health professionals at Gove District

Hospital.

Additional funding to support the operation of airstrips in remote areas including:

$7.5 million to upgrade remote airstrips at Utopia, Canteen Creek and Yarralin communities and $4.5 million to continue improvements to airstrips including Lajamanu and Minjilang;

$4.5 million over five years for airstrip reporting officers at Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) certified remote air strips including Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi and Maningrida; and

$0.89 million for the remote aerodrome safety program.

As part of the Regional Transport Strategy, the 2010-11 Budget will provide:

$2 million as part of a $6.2 million three-year program to upgrade barge landing facilities at Nguiu, Gapuwiyak, Raminigining, Maningrida and Galiwin’ku; and

$1.95 million to trial regional road passenger transport services in Central Australia and the Top End.

Safe CommunitiesIn 2010-11, the Territory Government will work in partnership with the Commonwealth to make Territory communities safer places to live, learn and work through increased police in Territory Growth Towns and related communities, and a focus on the safety of children and families through:

$27.1 million from the Commonwealth and $2.3 million from the Territory to continue additional policing in remote areas;

$18.8 million for new police stations at Arlparra and Imanpa funded by the Commonwealth, and $27.1 million to complete stations in Gapuwiyak, Ramingining and Yarralin;

$4.9 million for cyclone shelters in remote communities across the Territory including Galiwin’ku and Maningrida;

$1 million for the establishment of Northern Territory Emergency Services volunteer units in Territory Growth Towns;

$0.5 million to expand the delivery of remote family violence intervention services across the Territory;

$0.3 million to expand the justice-based Indigenous family violence community-based program; and

$0.3 million for additional remote area corrections officers.

HealthA key target of Working Future is enhancing health services to improve Indigenous health outcomes to a level comparable with the broader population. In 2010-11, Working Future will continue to enhance health care in remote communities, including:

$2.8 million to improve access to renal facilities in Katherine and $4 million to continue upgrades to facilities across the Territory;

8 Working Future

2010-11 Budget

Working Future

2010-11 Working Future Infrastructure Highlights outside Territory Growth Towns

$M

Central Region

Housing and Land Servicing 66.9


Outstation Services 2.4

Transport 5.3

Police 9.4

Barkly Region

Housing and Land Servicing 14.6



Transport 7.1

Police 10.0

Katherine Region

Housing 13.2



Transport 9.9

Police 9.4

East Arnhem Region

Housing 0.7



Top End Region

Housing 9.7



Transport 3.7

$1.2 million to continue the implementation of a coordinated approach to patient care from hospital to community for Indigenous patients with chronic conditions;

$0.8 million to upgrade the Borroloola health centre and $7.6 million to continue upgrades to health centres in other remote towns including Wadeye; and

$0.3 million to continue the expansion of sexual assault referral centres in Darwin, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Katherine, and enhance services to remote communities.

Early Childhood and SchoolingThe development of Territory Growth Towns into economic hubs relies on the availability of an educated, work-ready workforce. Working Future aims to deliver quality comprehensive education and training for Indigenous Territorians from early childhood to the transition to work, including improving numeracy and literacy standards. The 2010-11 Budget incorporates Territory Government and Commonwealth co-investment through the Smarter Schools Education National Partnership.

To support early childhood education in 2010-11, Working Future includes:

$17.7 million for children and family centres in Yuendumu and Gunbalanya and to continue centres in other remote communities;

$3.6 million for 20 ‘virtual’ early childhood integrated service hubs and Families as First Teachers programs in Territory Growth Towns, supported by establishment of an early childhood coordinator in each Territory Growth Town; and

$2.5 million for mobile preschools.

Schooling gains a significant boost through Working Future, including:

$5.3 million to boost education and training in Territory Growth Towns;

$5 million in 2010-11 for upgrades to remote schools in Maningrida, Hermannsburg, Elliott and Yirrkala and $10.2 million to continue upgrades in other Territory Growth Town schools including Galiwin’ku, Gunbalanya and Milingimbi;

$2 million to upgrade homeland learning centres at various schools and $2 million to continue upgrades at other remote schools;

$1.5 million to expand the @School Pilot, using virtual schooling as an alternative for senior secondary students;

$0.6 million to continue the expansion of information technology capability in remote communities; and

$0.4 million for additional office space for student counsellors at Gunbalanya and Nhulunbuy.

9Working Future

Child ProtectionIn 2010-11, the Territory Government will

spend an additional $14.7M to increase the

capacity of child protection services.

In addition to the expansion of the $7.9M

joint police and family and community

services Child Abuse Task Force, key child

protection initiatives will include:

$6.5M for new placement options,

increased care places under the Care and Protection of Children Act and to

meet additional costs;

$3.9M for more child protection officers,

support staff therapeutic and residential

care;

$2.5M for child and family services in

Alice Springs and Palmerston; and

$1.5M to increase the capacity of

Aboriginal child protection and family

services.

Working with CommunitiesWorking Future aims to develop stronger

communities that are responsible for the

direction of their growth, health and safety.

In 2010-11 Working Future will include:

$9M over four years for priority projects

identified in Local Implementation Plans

being developed in Territory Growth

Towns. This will be in addition to the

Territory’s share of a three-year $46M

Commonwealth fund for projects in

29 Indigenous communities across

Australia;

$8M to provide advanced information

technology services in Territory Growth

Towns; and

Commonwealth funding of $2.9M in

2010-11 to expand the Aboriginal

Interpreter Service.

The Territory will also work in conjunction

with the Commonwealth and local

government to plan the staged roll out of

government business centres in Territory

Growth Towns, providing residents with

convenient access to a wide range of

government services.

The 2010-11 Budget will continue to support young people’s engagement in school through:

$3.5 million to establish a comprehensive Youth Pathways service, with a focus on Territory Growth Towns, to support and monitor student pathways within and beyond schooling;

$3.1 million to establish a 3-9pm after-school Indigenous language and culture initiative in very remote community schools;

$2.3 million for student engagement programs such as Clontarf Football Academy and Sporting Chance; and

$2.2 million for a ‘Going to School’ enrolment and attendance strategy including the implementation of Family Responsibility Agreements.

Working Future will support quality teaching in remote schools through:

$21.4 million as part of the Commonwealth’s five-year commitment to fund 200 additional teachers;

$2.3 million for additional teachers and assistant teacher positions;

$1.9 million to consolidate and expand training and development for Indigenous educators, including $0.12 million for two Indigenous teacher scholarships;

$1.7 million for English as a Second Language (ESL) training and support for teachers; and

$0.4 million to support teacher quality through the establishment of a quality remote teaching service unit.

Economic ParticipationThe development of Territory Growth Towns into economic hubs in their regions requires the growth of commerce and industry, supported by a skilled workforce. In 2010-11, the Territory Government will continue to support the Commonwealth’s efforts to increase Indigenous economic participation through:

$2.75 million as part of Jobs NT 2010-12, including:

$1.5 million for Indigenous entry level employment programs in the –NTPS including general and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships and supporting guaranteed employment for school leavers in remote communities; and

$1.25 million to boost Indigenous employment programs targeting –Territory Growth Towns.

$4.7 million for Indigenous training and employment programs which provide relevant training linked to identified community jobs;

$1.3 million to support Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs to develop new products with a focus on opportunities in Territory Growth Towns; and

$0.6 million for the Indigenous Regional Development Program.

10 Housing

2010-11 Budget

Housing

HOMESTART NTHOMESTART NT is a Territory Government

initiative that supports low to middle-income

earners and first-home buyers to purchase

their own home through shared equity

loans, low deposits and fee assistance

loans. Since July 2009, the scheme

has assisted 129 Territorians become

homeowners.

The HOMESTART NT purchase price caps

and income limits increase to provide

Territorians with access to 40% of the

market with mortgage repayments of no

more than 30% of income.

New price cap

Old price cap

Increase

Darwin and Palmerston

$475 000 $420 000 $55 000

Katherine $285 000 $267 000 $18 000

Tennant Creek

$125 000 $120 000 $5 000

Alice Springs $385 000 $300 000 $85 000

Household Size

Income Household Size

Income

1 $70 000 4 $105 000

2 $90 000 5 $112 500

3 $97 500 6 or more $120 000

The 2010-11 Budget continues the Territory Government’s commitment to provide safe and affordable housing for all Territorians, providing funding of $948 million to construct new and to refurbish existing public and government employee housing, land servicing and improvements to essential services infrastructure in remote communities. The 2010-11 Budget also supports home ownership through the continued release of residential land and increased stamp duty concessions.

Tax Cuts to Support Home OwnershipThe 2010-11 Budget includes a number of initiatives to reduce taxes and support Territorians purchasing a home to live in, including:

an increase in the stamp duty concession for first home buyers, with the first $540 000 of the value of the home exempt from stamp duty, up from $385 000, resulting in a saving of up to $26 730;

a new concession to assist senior Territorians and Pensioner and Carer Concession Card holders buy a home, reducing stamp duty payable by $8500; and

an increase in the principal place of residence stamp duty rebate from $2500 to $3500.

Fast-Tracking Land ReleaseThe Government’s Housing the Territory plan will be releasing land over the next five years from developments in Palmerston East such as Bellamack, Johnston, Zuccoli and Mitchell.

The 2010-11 Budget includes:

$20 million towards key headworks infrastructure in Palmerston East;

$10 million towards the development of the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) site for the new suburb of Kilgariff in Alice Springs;

$1.95 million to progress planning for the new Town of Weddell; and

$0.9 million for the release of 54 fully serviced residential lots in Tennant Creek.

Affordable HousingThe 2010-11 Budget continues the Territory’s affordable land release strategy, with 15% of lots in Government land releases to be set aside for affordable and social housing.

In addition, the role of the Land Development Corporation is being expanded to include residential and affordable housing development in Stage 1 of the new suburb of Zuccoli.

As part of the Housing the Territory initiative the Territory Government will establish a new affordable housing rental company to provide quality and affordable rental housing for low to middle income earners at below market rent.

11Housing

Indigenous HousingThe Territory and Commonwealth

governments continue to invest in remote

housing, with a $1.76 billion package as

part of the Remote Indigenous Housing

National Partnership Agreement to

improve housing in remote communities

over 10 years, supporting Working Future.

The construction and refurbishment of

remote housing will create a healthier, safer

environment for Indigenous Territorians

living in remote areas, closing the gap on

Indigenous disadvantage.

Budget 2010-11 provides:

$354M for remote Indigenous housing

and related infrastructure, under the

Strategic Indigenous Housing and

Infrastructure Program;

$237.5M to provide land servicing

and essential services infrastructure in

Territory Growth Towns; and

$125M to continue upgrades to remote

Indigenous housing and related

infrastructure.

The 2010-11 Budget also delivers an

extra $1.73M to survey new and existing

residential developments and infrastructure

in Territory Growth Towns as part of a

$3.63M three year initiative.

Public HousingThe 2010-11 Budget provides $57.8 million for new urban public housing.

As part of the $60 million initiative under Stage 2 of the Nation Building and Jobs Plan National Partnership Agreement, $32 million will be provided in 2010-11 to construct and refurbish 186 public housing dwellings across the Territory, including 99 in Darwin and 87 in Alice Springs.

$1.3 million will also be provided under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness for housing families at risk of homelessness.

The 2010-11 Budget will also assist senior Territorians in Alice Springs and Palmerston with $5.6 million to construct the Larapinta Seniors Village and $10 million to continue work on the 40-unit Bellamack Seniors Village.

A further $4 million will be provided to redevelop older style public housing unit complexes in the Territory.

New Supported AccommodationThe Territory and Commonwealth governments are working together to provide new supported accommodation.

The 2010-11 Budget includes $2.7 million to operate five new managed accommodation facilities in Alice Springs and Darwin, constructed under the Alice Springs Transformation Plan and the Commonwealth Stimulus Package (Stage 2), providing managed accommodation for 294 people across the Territory including:

Percy Court Transitional Village in Alice Springs, providing 28 units to house up to 70 people;

Bath Street Lodge in Alice Springs to accommodate up to 40 people requiring self-administered renal dialysis;

Goyder Street accommodation facility in Alice Springs to be operated by the Salvation Army, consisting of eight single-bed units;

Alice Springs Accommodation Park which will have a mix of accommodation types to cater for 150 visitors to Alice Springs from outlying areas and remote communities; and

a new domestic violence and crisis transitional facility in Malak will be constructed in 2010-11 to house up to 26 people in eight self-contained units.

Government Employee HousingThe 2010-11 Budget provides an additional $28 million to construct, replace and upgrade government employee housing, providing more frontline police, teachers, nurses and other government staff in remote communities, supporting Working Future.

12 Regional Highlights

2010-11 Budget

Regional

Territory-wide$56.7M to support business

$42.6M for community development

$38.6M for lifestyle and environment

$32.1M for jobs and training

$31.8M as part of the Nation Building

and Jobs Plan initiative for new

construction and the refurbishment of

existing public housing stock, stage 2

$25.9M for better schooling

$23.1M for government employee

housing in remote areas

$15.1M from the Nation Building and

Jobs Plan Primary Schools for the 21st

Century initiative for non-government

schools

$14M for the National Highway

Network, strengthening and widening

$13M for safer communities

$10.7M for better health

$8.1M for child and family centres at

Gunbalanya and Yuendumu

$8M for the National Network flood

immunity improvements

$5M for the National Network

Infrastructure Road Safety initiatives

$5M for the Stuart Highway – Darwin to

Katherine overtaking opportunities

$4.6M for the Roads to Recovery

Program

Katherine$81.3M for better schooling

$69.2M for Indigenous housing

including the Strategic Indigenous

Housing and Infrastructure Program


$26.9M for safer communities

$23M for land servicing and essential

services infrastructure in Territory

Growth Towns


$9.4M for a new police station and

associated accommodation at Yarralin

$6M for a new high-level bridge over

Cullen River on the Stuart Highway

$5.6M for jobs and training including

$4.73M for vocational education and

training

$5M for lifestyle and environment

$4.4M to support business

$2.8M to upgrade and expand existing

renal facilities at Katherine District

Hospital and associated services

Palmerston and Litchfield$123.4M for better schooling


$48.6M for continuing work on Tiger

Brennan Drive

$20M for headworks for future

development of Palmerston East


$13.6M for development of the

Palmerston Water Park

$11.4M for the Darwin Business Park

South and Stage 1 North




$6M for the Darwin Business Park

North Stage 2

$5M to provide sewer services to East

Arm Marine Services Precinct

$4.5M to construct a haul link between

Hidden Valley and East Arm


$3M to construct a new bicycle path

from Palmerston to Howard Springs

Darwin$784M for better health



$43.5M for upgrading Royal Darwin

Hospital’s power generation capacity

$25.1M for jobs and training including

$18.5M for vocational education and

training


$18.6M for patient accommodation at

Royal Darwin Hospital


$5M to upgrade Casuarina Senior College

$4.2M to upgrade the track surface at Arafura Athletics Stadium

$3.5M to construct two eight-bed secure transitional care facilities


$3M to expand teaching, learning and administration facilities at Nemarluk School

$3M for the Vanderlin Drive Duplication – Patterson Street to Mueller Road

Katherin

Top EnRural

Darwin

Centra

Palmerston and Litchfield

13Regional Highlights

Highlights

Barkly

ne

East Arnhemnd

al Australia

Top End Rural$115.1M for Indigenous housing including the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program

$84.8M for land servicing and essential services infrastructure in Territory Growth Towns





$10M for upgrading Port Keats Road



$4M to support business

$3M for the Litchfield Road, stage

3 – upgrade and seal a further 6

kilometres

$2.5M for a further upgrading and

sealing of Fog Bay Road

$2.5M for Indigenous power, water and

sewerage services infrastructure

$2M to upgrade and strengthen the

Arnhem Highway

East Arnhem$91.3M for Indigenous housing



$86.8M for land servicing and

essential services infrastructure in

Territory Growth Towns



$34M to upgrade the Umbakumba and

Central Arnhem roads

$18.8M for new police stations

and associated accommodation at

Ramingining and Gapuwiyak




$3.8M to construct six two-bedroom

accommodation units at Gove District

Hospital

$3M for Indigenous power, water and

sewerage services infrastructure


Barkly$27M for better schooling



$9.7M for land servicing and essential

services infrastructure in Territory

Growth Towns

$9.4M for a new multi-purpose police

station and officer accommodation at

Arlparra


$5.1M for a new 50-bed prisoner work

camp at Tennant Creek





$3.7M to expand and refurbish Tennant

Creek Police Station

$2.7M to remove naturally elevated

fluoride and nitrate levels in the water

at Ali Curung


Central Australia$219.2M for better health







$57.6M for upgrading Alice Springs

Hospital including $19.6M for a new

emergency department

$32.2M for land servicing and essential services infrastructure in Territory Growth Towns



$10M for headworks for residential development of the Arid Zone Research Institute site

$9.4M for a multi-purpose police station and officer accommodation at Imanpa


$6.4M to upgrade the Centralian Middle School and establish a youth hub at Anzac Hill to support the Alice Springs Youth Plan

$5.9M to construct two eight-bed secure transitional care facilities

$5.6M for Larapinta Seniors Village

$2.8M for the Acacia School special education infrastructure upgrade

$2.6M for Indigenous power, water and sewerage services infrastructure

14 Infrastructure and Business

2010-11 Budget

Infrastructure and Business

Investing in the TerritoryThe 2010-11 Budget continues the Territory Government’s commitment to improving the Territory’s infrastructure through a record investment of $1.8 billion.

The 2010-11 infrastructure program includes essential infrastructure, housing and land release, continues major upgrades to schools, and improves health and other community infrastructure. Major highlights include:

$948 million for Housing in the Territory including:

$591 million for the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure –Program and land servicing across the Territory;

$75.2 million for urban public housing; and –

$68.2 million to construct and improve existing government –employee housing across the Territory.

$213 million for education infrastructure including:

$101.9 million under the Nation Building and Jobs Plan – Building –the Education Revolution for new school infrastructure across the Territory; and

$111 million to upgrade Territory schools. –

$211 million for health infrastructure including:

$43.5 million to upgrade emergency stand-by power generation at –Royal Darwin Hospital; and

$72.2 million to continue upgrades at Alice Springs Hospital. –

$64.7 million for new and improved police infrastructure including $18.8 million for police stations at Arlparra and Imanpa;

$53.7 million for land servicing and headworks, including $10 million for headworks at the Arid Zone Research Institute site in Alice Springs for the new suburb of Kilgariff; and

$18.9 million to continue the development of strategic industrial land at the Darwin Business Park.

Improving Major RoadsThe 2010-11 Budget continues upgrades to

Territory roads as part of the Government’s

long-term strategy to improve urban traffic

flow and upgrade arterial links to major

communities and the rest of the Territory.

In 2010-11 the Budget includes $331M in

road projects across the Territory, funded

by the Territory and Commonwealth

governments. Work continues on the $110M

Tiger Brennan Drive project and further

work to strengthen and widen major roads

across the Territory including the Central

Arnhem, Port Keats and Litchfield roads.

Major projects include:

$34M for Community, Beef and Mining

roads across the Territory

$20M to seal the Umbakumba Road

$19M for upgrades to the Stuart,

Victoria and Barkly highways including

strengthening and truck parking bays;

$14M for the Central Arnhem Road;

$10M for the Port Keats Road;

$3M to seal a further 6 kilometres of

Litchfield Road;

$6M for a new high level bridge over the

Cullen River;

$5M for overtaking lanes between Darwin

and Katherine; and

$3M to duplicate Vanderlin Drive between

Patterson Street and Mueller Road.

15Infrastructure and Business

Business GrowthBudget 2010-11 introduces new measures to improve the business potential of the Territory and make it easier to do business in the Territory, including employer incentives, industry and business up-skilling, incentives for mineral exploration and the release of industrial land in the Darwin area.

In 2010-11, the Budget includes measures to increase the number of workers in key skill shortage areas including:

$5.9 million over three years as part of Jobs NT 2010-12 including to extend of the employer incentives for apprentices in skill shortage occupations and expand Northern Territory Public Sector apprenticeship and traineeship programs; and

$6 million to upgrade the skills and qualifications of existing workers and job seekers in partnership with the Commonwealth.

The Territory Government is committed to making it easier to do business in the Territory including:

$4.8 million to promote business and industry development and provide business with assistance in responding to changing economic conditions including through Territory Business Centres and the Territory Business Growth and Business Upskills programs; and

$1.4 million to develop a one-stop online service for Territory businesses to interact with government for business registration.

Resources for Industry Growth In 2010-11, the Budget also includes measures to develop Territory industry, in particular mineral and pastoral industries, including:

$15.3 million to stimulate mineral exploration in the Territory including increased geophysical surveys and improved access to Aboriginal land for mineral exploration;

$5.4 million to facilitate major economic development projects and promote Asian relations and trade development;

$1.4 million through the Industry Development Support program to provide operational and program support for peak business-related organisations; and

$0.79 million to support the pastoral industry to develop Indigenous pastoral enterprises and the live cattle overseas export market.

Supporting Tourism GrowthBudget 2010-11 continues the Territory Government’s commitment to support and develop the Territory’s tourism industry including:

$5 million for major tourism marketing campaigns to stimulate demand for holidays in the Territory, supporting small to medium Territory tourism businesses; and

$1.3 million to develop new products from emerging Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Major Capital Works Projects by Functional Category

$M %

Housing and Related Works

770.6 43.4

Transport 343.1 19.3

Health 189.0 10.6

Education 185.2 10.4

Land Release and Community Development

98.4 5.5

Lifestyle and Environment 97.1 5.5

Community Safety 65.1 3.7

Other 27.8 1.6

Total Budget Sector 1 776.3 100.0

Power and Water Infrastructure

Investment in Power and Water

infrastructure continues in 2010-11, building

power, water and sewerage infrastructure

to cater for the expanding population in the

greater Darwin region, including:

$137.8M for the Channel Island Power

Station;

$71.2M to recommission Manton Dam;

$67.4M for the Weddell Power Station;

$65.6M for the Larrakeyah outfall closure;

$56.7M for the Palmerston pump station

mains and tank;

$51.3M for the Leanyer and Snell Street

(Darwin) zone substations;

$35.5M for Darwin River Dam; and

$15M for Berrimah Power Station.

16 Education and Training

2010-11 Budget

Education and Training

Alice Springs Youth Hub and Middle School A key aspect of the Government’s

Alice Springs Youth Action Plan is to

support young people in and around

Alice Springs to attend and stay at school.

In 2010-11 this will include:

$6.4M to upgrade Centralian Middle

School and establish a Youth Hub at

Anzac Hill;

$0.95M for specialised education

support, including:

$0.7M to support an alternative –education program at the Youth Hub

for youth with extreme behaviours;

$0.25M increasing to $0.5M in 2011-12 –to deliver integrated support services

in schools for at risk young people.

All service providers, including police,

family and community services,

non-government organisations and schools

will coordinate their activities to support the

best possible outcomes for young people in

Alice Springs.

TrainingIn 2010-11, the Territory Government will

spend more than $97M to fund Vocational

Education and Training. Specific initiatives

in 2010-11 include:

$4.7M to provide targeted training linked

to identified jobs in remote communities;

$2.87M as part of Jobs NT 2010-12,

incorporating:

$1.5M for public sector entry-level, –apprenticeship and traineeship

programs, including a sector-wide

school-based apprenticeship program;

and

$1.37M to continue incentives to –employ apprentices and trainees in

skills shortage areas or persons from

disadvantaged groups;

$6M to upgrade the skills and

qualifications of existing workers and

job seekers in partnership with the

Commonwealth.

The 2010-11 Budget provides $886 million for the Department of Education and Training, including $623 million to deliver quality education outcomes through Territory Government schools, $152 million for non-government schools and $97 million for training.

Building Territory SchoolsThe 2010-11 Budget continues an unprecedented program to upgrade and expand Territory schools through a combination of Territory Government initiatives to provide additional funding to every government school over four years and the Commonwealth’s Fiscal Stimulus package – Building the Education Revolution. The $213 million infrastructure program for schools includes:

continuation of the $101.9 million Commonwealth funded Primary Schools for the 21st Century Program to upgrade 130 Territory schools, incorporating:

$92.5 million for major new infrastructure for primary and special –schools across the Territory, including libraries and multipurpose halls; and

$9.5 million for science and language centres to support secondary –education, including language centres at Alice Springs High School and Maningrida, and science centres at Tennant Creek, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, and Galiwin’ku.

$9.4 million to upgrade secondary facilities, including $5 million for Casuarina Senior College, $1 million for Sanderson Middle School and $3.4 million to complete a multipurpose sports facility at Tennant Creek High School;

$7 million to upgrade remote schools and homeland centres, including at Yirrkala, Maningrida, Hermannsburg and Elliott;

$6.8 million to upgrade the Acacia, Henbury and Nemarluk special schools in the first year of a five year program to build and upgrade eight special education sites across the Territory;

completion of the $54.5 million Rosebery Primary and Middle schools opening at the beginning of the 2011 school year; and

$6.3 million to upgrade 21 primary schools, with each school receiving $0.3 million as part of the four-year plan to upgrade every government primary and group school.

17Education and Training

Working FutureThe 2010-11 Budget continues the

Territory and Commonwealth governments’

commitment to improve the educational

outcomes of Indigenous students,

including:

$17.7M for child and family centres at

Yuendumu, Gunbalanya, Maningrida and

Ngukurr funded by the Commonwealth;

$5.3M to boost the delivery of education

and training programs in Territory Growth

Towns;

$3.6M for 20 ‘virtual’ early childhood

integrated service hubs and associated

Families as First Teachers programs; and

$2.5M for mobile preschools for remote

communities.

The Territory Government will continue to

support young people’s engagement in

school, through:

$3.5M to establish a comprehensive

Youth Pathways service, with a focus

on Territory Growth Towns, including

training and employment brokerage and

monitoring of student pathways within

and beyond schooling;

$3.1M to establish a 3-9pm after-school

Indigenous language and culture

initiative in very remote community

schools;

$2.3M for student engagement programs

such as Clontarf Football Academy at

11 sites and Sporting Chance at six sites;

$2.2M for a ‘Going to School’ enrolment

and attendance strategy, including the

implementation of Family Responsibility

Agreements; and

$0.25M to pilot the use of Vocational

Education and Training and work

experience programs for middle years

students.

TeachingQuality teaching is a key element in improving educational outcomes. The 2010-11 Budget continues funding for additional teachers and initiatives that support quality teaching practice, including:

$21.4 million for 170 teachers for Territory Government remote schools, through the four-year 200 extra teachers initiative funded by the Commonwealth;

$6.3 million for additional teachers, assistant teachers and school support staff including for the new Rosebery Primary and Middle schools opening in 2011;

$2.8 million to establish the Institute of School Leadership, Learning and Development to develop existing and aspiring educational leaders, jointly funded by the Territory and Commonwealth governments;

$1.9 million to consolidate and expand training and development pathways for Indigenous educators;

$1.7 million for English as a Second Language (ESL) training and support for teachers; and

$0.4 million to establish a quality remote teaching service unit to support very remote Indigenous schools.

Education InitiativesThe 2010-11 Budget incorporates a number of targeted education initiatives, including:

$10.1 million for the operations of the Rosebery schools;

$1.5 million to expand the @School pilot, using virtual schooling as a learning alternative for senior secondary students;

$0.7 million to establish a literacy and numeracy taskforce to oversee whole-of-school approaches to improving literacy and numeracy; and

$0.3 million to establish the first two of five Centres for Excellence in senior secondary colleges and comprehensive high schools, with the first two centres at Darwin High School and Casuarina Senior College.

Student and Family SupportThe Territory Government will continue to support families and students with the 2010-11 Budget including:

$3.1 million for the Back to School Payments scheme, providing $75 toward essential school items for every school-aged child;

$1.7 million to continue intensive support services for students with intellectual disabilities and/or high level behavioural and emotional difficulties; and

$0.8 million to remodel and expand the Palmerston Positive Learning Centre to re-engage students into schooling, establishing centres at Palmerston High School and Gray Primary School as part of the Palmerston Youth Action Plan.

18 Community Safety

2010-11 Budget

Community Safety

Fire and Emergency ServicesIn 2010-11, additional funding of $4.37M is

provided to enhance and improve fire and

emergency services across the Territory,

including:

$1.68M to better resource firefighters

to meet current and future fire and

emergency risks;

$1.49M to expand community fire

services fire awareness and education;

$1M to expand fire and emergency

services in Territory Growth Towns; and

$0.2M for an additional firefighter in

Jabiru.

Support to Victims of Crime The Victims of Crime Assistance Scheme

provides victims access to free counselling,

support and financial assistance.

Budget 2010-11 provides increased

funding of $2.56M to support victims of

crime, including:

$1.5M for the Crimes Victims Assistance

Fund; and

$1.06M to support the Crime Victims

Services Unit.

This boost will be supported by a

$10 increase in the victims levy applied to

infringement notices including speeding

fines and traffic offences.

Building a safer community and keeping Territory families safe is a key priority of Government in 2010-11, with significant resources provided to support police, fire and emergency services and the justice system. The 2010-11 Budget includes funding of $310 million for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and $216 million for the Department of Justice.

Well Equipped Police A continued emphasis on tackling crime and delivering a highly visible police presence to support a safer community sees further investments in essential police services, facilities and other support in 2010-11, including:

$6 million to complete and maintain Police Beats in Parap, Nightcliff, Karama, Casuarina, Palmerston and Alice Springs;

$3.7 million to upgrade the Tennant Creek Police Station;

$2 million per annum increase in police housing support; and

$1.4 million to maintain and support key information and communications technology systems necessary to support frontline policing.

The 2010-11 Budget continues to deliver police services in remote communities including:

$27.1 million to continue support for policing in 18 remote communities, a key aspect of Working Future; and

$18.8 million to construct new police stations and officer accommodation at Arlparra and Imanpa and $25.6 million to complete stations at Yarralin, Gapuwiyak and Ramingining, supporting Working Future.

Targeting Alcohol Related Crime and

Antisocial Behaviour The 2010-11 Budget reaffirms targeted efforts to curb the incidence of alcohol-related crime and antisocial behaviour through an integrated approach of crime prevention, early intervention and education, with:

$1.57 million to continue day and night patrols around Darwin and Palmerston, including known antisocial behaviour hotspots, and operation of a public hotline for residents to report instances of antisocial behaviour;

$1.44 million for closed circuit television monitoring in Darwin, Casuarina and Palmerston;

$0.37 million to continue repatriation, antisocial behaviour intervention and case management services in Palmerston;

continued responsible drinking education campaigns; and

strengthening of the Alcohol Court to deal with problem drinkers and mandate treatment.

19Community Safety

Alice Springs and Palmerston Youth Action PlansThis year, the Territory Government will

introduce specific youth action plans to

improve coordination and strengthen key

services to vulnerable and disconnected

young people in Alice Springs and

Palmerston to combat truancy and

antisocial behaviour.

As part of the new Palmerston Youth Action

Plan the 2010-11 Budget provides:

$1.1M to expand the use of Family

Responsibility Agreements;

$0.45M, rising to $1.3M in 2011-12, to

improve key services including family

support and crisis accommodation; and

increased targeting of police operations

including youth crime, diversion and

school-based constables, and expansion

of authorised officers to enforce school

attendance.

In addition, Stage 2 of the Alice Springs

Youth Action Plan includes:

$1.5M to operate two supported group

homes for children and young people;

$0.95M to support an alternative

education program at the Youth Hub for

youth with extreme behaviours and to

strengthen resources in schools to deliver

integrated support services;

$0.62M to provide an after-hours

response to youth on the street; and

$0.4M to support the operation of the

Youth Hub.

Supporting the Justice SystemTo further support the delivery of justice services to the community, the 2010-11 Budget provides:

$2.8 million to continue improvements to court security and safety and provide prosecutorial capacity;

$2.7 million to transition the Integrated Justice Information System to a contemporary IT environment to better support justice processes and maintain integrity and timeliness of criminal justice information; and

additional funding of $0.7 million to implement a case management system and other legislative initiatives and reforms relating to the National Partnership Agreement to Deliver a Seamless National Economy.

Rehabilitation and ReintegrationThe success of strategies in tackling crime has led to a significant increase in prisoner numbers. The 2010-11 Budget builds capacity in the justice system to address these pressures, with an extra $7.5 million to boost the capacity of correctional centres to manage adult offenders and $2 million to manage juvenile detainees, including additional staff.

The 2010-11 Budget continues efforts to improve rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners to break the cycle of crime, with $5.1 million to construct a new prisoner work camp at Tennant Creek with capacity for up to 50 low security prisoners and $2.55 million to operate the work camp.

Prisoners at the camp will participate in community work projects and targeted education and training in skill shortage areas to better link prisoners post release to jobs. This will provide prisoners with the opportunity to give something back to the community and vocational and life skills, increasing their chance of making a successful transition from prison to community on release.

In addition, the Territory Government will provide more rehabilitation support for offenders in 2010-11, with increased funding of:

$0.3 million for additional corrections officers in remote areas to support offenders while on parole; and

$0.25 million for sex offender rehabilitation programs.

Domestic ViolenceThe Territory Government continues its effort to reduce domestic and family violence in 2010-11 with $5 million provided to continue the three-year $15 million program to support women and families threatened by, or exposed to, domestic violence.

In 2010, the new $2 million domestic violence and transitional accommodation facility at Malak will be operational. The facility will provide eight self-contained units and house up to 26 people.

20 Health and Families

2010-11 Budget

Health and Families

Building the Territory’s Health WorkforceIn 2010-11, increased funding is provided

to expand the Territory’s health workforce,

including:

$9.5M per annum, commencing from

2009-10, to implement a new nurse

staffing methodology, with an additional

95 nursing positions employed across

the Territory hospital network;

$1.5M to fund an additional market

allowance for Territory surgeons;

$0.62M for additional staff in the Royal

Darwin Hospital pathology unit;

$0.58M for additional environmental

health officers; and

$0.5M to increase health and community

school-based apprenticeships.

Hospitals and Health Facilities Major upgrades and improvements to

health infrastructure totalling $211M in

2010-11, include:

$43.5M to upgrade the emergency

stand-by power generation at Royal

Darwin Hospital and $2.6M for interim

power generators during planned

infrastructure upgrades;

$19.6M to relocate the Alice Springs

Hospital Emergency Department;

$12M over three years to improve

security, fire and electrical safety at

hospitals;

$9.4M to continue implementing new

facilities in Darwin and Alice Springs,

providing secure accommodation for

young people and adults with complex

care needs;

$3.8M for additional staff

accommodation at Gove District Hospital;

$4.5M for Milingimbi health centre; and

$0.8M to upgrade Borroloola health

centre.

Continued improvement in the health and wellbeing of Territorians, particularly young people, is a key Government priority for 2010-11. Significant investment in initiatives that build the health workforce, enhance child protection services and deliver local radiation oncology services are underpinned by major upgrades to Territory hospitals and health facilities.

In 2010-11, $1.16 billion is provided for the Department of Health and Families including $483.6 million for Territory hospitals, $311 million for health and wellbeing services, $63.7 million for public health services and $135.6 million for family and children’s services.

Oncology Services The 2010-11 Budget includes increased funding of $7.26 million for ongoing operational costs of the new $22 million Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and associated radiation oncology and chemotherapy services from Royal Darwin Hospital, including:

$3.2 million to support operation of the new centre;

$2.48 million for additional specialist allied health staff and ancillary hospital services;

$0.82 million for expanded chemotherapy services and staff; and

$0.75 million for self care patient accommodation at the newly refurbished Mirambeena Street facility.

An additional $3.07 million is also provided in 2009-10 for the implementation of oncology and associated services.

Community Health Initiatives The 2010-11 Budget includes new and continuing health initiatives for community health services delivered through community care centres, rural and remote health centres and services from clinics, schools and in the home. Additional funding includes:

$2.26 million to continue enhancements to secure care services for young people and adults with complex care needs;

$0.93 million to establish a new Territory-wide 24 hour mental health hotline and emergency support service;

21Health and Families

National Health ReformOn 20 April 2010, the Council of Australian

Government’s (COAG), with the exception

of Western Australia, agreed to implement

National Health Reform. The reforms will

determine the future direction of health and

hospital funding in Australia. Key features are:

funding for public hospitals, including

research, training and capital investment,

will be split, with the Commonwealth

assuming responsibility for 60 per cent

and 40 per cent provided by states and

territories;

the Commonwealth will take over

100 per cent funding responsibility for

primary health care services;

additional funding will be made

available for aged care, elective surgery,

emergency department, health workforce

and mental health;

Local Hospital Networks and an

Independent Hospital Pricing Authority will

be established; and

about one-third of the GST pool will be

tied to health and hospitals.

While the agreements are yet to be

formally concluded, and are therefore not

incorporated in current Budget estimates,

the reforms are expected to begin in

2010-11 and be fully implemented by

2014-15. Implementation of the reforms will

be a focus for 2010-11.

$0.2 million to establish the statutory Office of the Public Guardian, as part of the reform of adult guardianship in the Territory; and

$1.04 million for the Pensioner and Carer Concession scheme, bringing total funding to $14.6 million, to provide a range of subsidies and concessions for Territory seniors, pensioners and carers.

Renal Services Renal disease continues to be a major health issue for the Territory. Over recent years the Territory Government has expanded capacity to meet increased demand for renal dialysis and services to manage chronic and early kidney disease.

The 2010-11 Budget includes:

$2.8 million to expand the Katherine renal facility, providing an additional eight chairs; and

$1.7 million to operate expanded services at the Tennant Creek renal unit.

Budget 2010-11 also provides $1.2 million to increase coordinated patient care and preventative programs for Indigenous patients with chronic disease, targeting kidney failure as well as diabetes, respiratory disease and hearing loss.

Children and Young TerritoriansThe 2010-11 Budget increases the focus on services that support children and young people in the Territory, including increased funding for expanded child protection and out of home care services. Additional funding includes:

$6.5 million to expand out of home care services for children in care and provide greater support for foster carers;

$3.89 million for additional child protection workers and support staff and to expand the residential care unit and therapeutic services team; and

$1.5 million to provide increased support for community-based Aboriginal child protection and family support services.

The 2010-11 Budget includes an additional $4.72 million for targeted youth action plans in Alice Springs and Palmerston. Initiatives are aimed at addressing antisocial behaviour involving young people, increasing support and response services particularly alternative accommodation. Additional health-related funding includes:

$2.1 million to provide an after-hours response service for youth on the street and two supported group homes for children and young people in Alice Springs; and

$0.4 million, increasing to $1.2 million in 2011-12, for more family and carer support services and crisis accommodation.

22 Lifestyle and Environment

2010-11 Budget

Lifestyle and Environment

Sport and Recreation Facilities Delivering improved sport and recreation

infrastructure, the 2010 Budget continues

to develop facilities to be enjoyed by all

Territorians, including:

$13.57M to construct Stage 1 of the

Palmerston Water Park, including water

play areas, shaded playgrounds, kiosk

and lifesaving facilities;

$4.2M for the reconstruction of the

Arafura Athletics Track;

$1.25M to upgrade the Hidden Valley

Raceway Motor Sports Complex;

$0.26M towards the upgrade of facilities

at Traeger Park in Alice Springs; and

$0.25M for the Ethnic Communities

Facilities Development Program.

In addition, $1.43M for Fred’s Pass Reserve

will be provided to upgrade and maintain

sporting and community infrastructure. This

includes a new multi-purpose indoor facility

and electrical work required to bring the

paintball facility online.

Arts and CultureThe 2010-11 Budget includes funding to

enable Territorians to access to arts, culture

and entertainment opportunities through:

$11.3M for Museums and Art Galleries of

the NT;

$10.9M for the Northern Territory Library;

$4.4M for the Araluen Arts Centre;

$1.5M to support Territory festivals; and

$0.5M for BASSINTHEGRASS

and the Alice Springs music event

‘THE CONCERT’.

The 2010-11 Budget provides additional funding to protect and enhance the Territory’s unique environment through the sustainable use and conservation of our natural resources. The Territory Government continues its extensive support of major events and sport, recreational, community and fishing facilities.

Major Sporting Events The 2010 Budget supports major sporting events across the Territory, including:

$1.8 million to host the Arafura Games in May 2011;

$1.5 million to bring AFL matches to the Territory as part of a four-year $5.6 million agreement;

$1.1 million to host the Alice Springs Masters Games in October 2010;

$1.1 million for the V8 Supercars;

$0.4 million for Superbikes;

$0.3 million to stage a pre-season Brumbies Rugby Union trial match;

$0.3 million to bring the North Queensland Cowboys to Darwin for a National Rugby League game and training camp; and

$0.1 million for the Hottest 7’s Rugby Tournament.

Supporting Territory Sport By continuing to invest in sport, the Territory Government helps Territorians access a wide range of activities that enhance our great Territory lifestyle. In 2010, $22.5 million will be directed to sport and recreation throughout the Territory, including:

$3.7 million in peak sporting body funding;

$3.5 million to support athletes through the NT Institute of Sport; and

$2.3 million for remote community sport and recreation programs to support Working Future.

A further $12 million is provided to support the thoroughbred and greyhound racing industries and the major racing carnivals.

23Lifestyle and Environment

Fishing Infrastructure Territorians can make the most of our

exceptional fishing, with improved access

and upgrades to key locations, including:

$2.5M to upgrade Fog Bay road;

$1M to upgrade and improve recreational

fishing infrastructure in the Top End; and

$1M to upgrade fishing access roads –

Woolianna Road and the Marrakai

access road.

Climate Change Budget 2010 incorporates a range of

subsidies and initiatives under the Territory

Government’s Climate Change Policy,

including:

$2M for renewable and low-emission

energy at Alpurrurulam, Ti Tree and

Daguaragu/Kalkarindji;

$0.72M in EnvironmeNT Grants to

community groups, organisations and

schools;

$0.7M for the ecoBiz NT program,

assisting small-to-medium businesses to

reduce energy and water use;

$0.39M for the Water Tank Rebate

Scheme, encouraging preservation of

water; and

$0.25M for the Centre for Renewable

Energy.

The 2010-11 Budget also provides

funding of $0.22M to address climate

change in the schoolyard, with the

Energy Smart Schools Program aimed at

achieving a Territory-wide approach to

energy management and sustainability in

60 schools.

Protecting the Territory’s Natural Resources The 2010-11 Budget provides funding to protect the natural assets of the Territory, including:

$0.7 million to rehabilitate damaged wetlands and protect Mary River freshwater wetlands;

$0.64 million for the Marine Ranger Program in Indigenous communities and $0.1 million to boost the Indigenous Ranger Group Development Program;

$0.6 million for the Territory Eco-link program, linking parks and conservation areas for the protection of biodiversity;

$0.34 million to assess and monitor biodiversity within the Daly River under the Living Rivers program; and

$0.2 million for the Air Quality program.

Upgrades to park infrastructure continue in 2010-11, including:

continuation of the $3.33 million West MacDonnell Visitor Centre and facilities upgrade;

continuation of the $2.4 million infrastructure upgrade at Nitmiluk National Park;

$2.1 million for construction of the Wangi Falls Visitor Centre in Litchfield National Park; and

$1.8 million for waterplay and aquatic wildlife viewing at Howard Springs Nature Park.

An additional $0.5 million has been provided in 2010-11 to the Environment Protection Authority to support its expanded role and enhanced responsibility, following the introduction of stronger powers by the Territory Government.

Greening the Suburbs The 2010-11 Budget continues the Territory Government’s Green Streetscape initiatives, with:

$4 million over two years for the Green Heart of Darwin, including a new bridge across Rapid Creek, bike paths and a mangrove boardwalk;

$2 million for Green Streetscape initiatives across Darwin; and

$0.4 million each for Katherine and Tennant Creek Main Street initiatives.

Additional funding of $0.625 million has been provided in 2010-11 to establish the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme by 2011. Cash for Containers will reduce litter, improve recycling and give schools and community groups a chance to raise funds.

The Territory Government will also introduce legislation to ban lightweight plastic bags in 2011, further reducing litter and landfill, and encouraging the use of reuseable bags.

24 Economic Outlook

2010-11 Budget

Economic Outlook

EmploymentResident employment is estimated to

increase by 2.5 per cent in 2010-11

supported by increased residential

construction activity and record levels of

public investment related to:

the Strategic Indigenous Housing and

Infrastructure Program;

land servicing and essential services

infrastructure (as part of Working Future);

roads in urban and remote areas;

head-works for the Arid Zone

Research Institute land development

in Alice Springs and Palmerston East

subdivisions; and

stage two of the Tiger Brennan Drive

extension.

Wages are forecast to strengthen in

2010 with growth of 4.2 per cent before

moderating to 3.8 per cent in 2011.

The Territory economy is forecast to grow by 3.6 per cent in 2010-11, reflecting the benefits of a strengthening international trade surplus and further growth in public sector investment. The Territory’s trade surplus is forecast to increase due to strong growth in alumina, manganese and iron ore production as the global economic recovery strengthens over the year and LNG production returns to specification following scheduled maintenance shutdowns in 2009-10.

The Territory’s population growth rate is forecast to be 2.1 per cent in 2010 and 2.0 per cent in 2011 including lower net interstate migration due to the relocation of the 7th Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR) and the completion of a number of major projects. Population growth is expected to be supported by increased levels of residential construction activity, strong public sector investment and jobs creation flowing from a record Territory Government capital works program.

Total consumption expenditure is forecast to increase by 1.9 per cent in 2010-11 reflecting a recovery in household consumption, supported by public consumption. Although dampened by a rising interest rate environment, household consumption is forecast to increase by 1.8 per cent, supported by strengthening residential construction activity, population, wages and employment growth. Public consumption expenditure is forecast to moderate to 2 per cent due to lower public sector employment growth, the relocation of the 7RAR and the unwinding of Commonwealth stimulus measures.

Key Economic Indicators

2005-06 Actual

2006-07 Actual

2007-08 Actual

2008-09 Actual

2009-10 Estimate

2010-11 Forecast

% % % % % %

Real GSP 6.7 6.7 3.9 2.6 0.4 3.6

Resident Employment

3.2 5.1 5.9 4.2 3.3 2.5

Population1 2.3 1.9 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.1

Darwin CPI2 2.6 4.4 3.4 4.0 2.8 3.1

1 As at December, annual percentage change

2 As at December, year-on-year percentage changeAcknowledgementsThe photos in this publication are

reproduced with the kind permission of:

Northern Territory Police, Fire and

Emergency Services

Department of Education and Training

Department of Housing, Local

Government and Regional Services

Department of Health and Families

Department of Resources

Department of Construction and

Infrastructure

Steve Strike

Kinny Photography

2010-11 budget papers - department of treasury and finance · northern territory government...

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