The Legislative Assembly will return for a special session tomorrow to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
All legislation will be introduced and debated in the one day to further strengthen the Northern Territory Response to COVID-19.
Legislation being introduced:
- Tenancies Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 to implement additional measures to support Territory landlords and tenants adversely affected by COVID-19;
- Public and Environmental Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 to implement tough fines on those who spit and cough on workers; and
- Utilities Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 to help with the cost of power, water and sewerage for businesses.
There will be no Question Time, no notice papers and a sole focus on the delivery of emergency legislation in relation the Northern Territory Response to COVID-19.
The Government will move a motion to convene a special Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing for one day a month, commencing from next Thursday.
The monthly PAC meetings will allow for questions from the opposition and independent members about the COVID-19 emergency measures put in place to save lives and save jobs.
The first order of business will be the introduction of a motion on the use of teleconferencing in order for remote Members to participate from their communities in what is a landmark Sittings day.
This motion will also allow remote members to vote.
Tomorrow’s Legislative Assembly Sittings will begin at the special time of 8.30am.
As stated by Leader of Government Business, Natasha Fyles:
“Legislation on the table tomorrow is purely Coronavirus related, strengthening our Territory Response to COVID-19 and protecting Territorians.
“We will sit under extraordinary circumstances with the sole focus of passing emergency legislation only.
“We have shown that we are the safest place in Australia.
“Our proposed legislation is designed to save lives, save jobs and protect Territorians.”
