Emergency coronavirus-related laws pass NT parliament during fiery special sitting

THE NT Government’s revenue could take up to a $44 million hit under new measures to slash bills by 50 per cent for businesses hit by the unprecedented economic impacts of coronavirus

THE NT Government’s revenue could take up to a $44 million hit under new measures to slash power, water and sewerage bills by up to 50 per cent for businesses hit by the unprecedented economic impacts of coronavirus.

How badly the Territory budget has been hit is yet to be known, as Treasurer Nicole Manison revealed the Government was “restructuring budgets” to pay for revenue losses caused by the virus and consequent stimulus measures, estimated at a total of $180 million.

Treasurer Nicole Manison revealed the NT Government’s revenue could take up to a $44 million hit under new measures to slash power, water and sewerage bills by up to 50 per cent for businesses Picture: Che Chorley

NT Parliament convened for an emergency special sitting yesterday, passing three major pieces of coronavirus-related legislation unopposed.

New laws include allowing the Chief Health Officer to pursue people forced into mandatory quarantine in hotels for $2500 to cover food and security costs, the ability for the government to slash power and water bills for businesses, and for grubs who maliciously spit on virus frontline workers to be fined up to $5495.

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Renters and landlords who take advantage of emergency reforms can also face hefty fines of up to $78,500 or five years in jail under two new offences.

The government copped significant criticism after it binned question time and was accused of stifling debate after refusing to allow the CLP and Territory Alliance to non-coronavirus related petitions.

Robyn Lambley, Araluen MLA. Picture: Emma Murray

Parliament sat for less than a working day, sitting from 8.30am to 3.18pm.

There is also no guarantee that parliament will sit again before the August 22 election, with Opposition and crossbench MLAs concerned Territorians will go to the polls without knowing the state of the NT’s finances.

“You need to at least give an indication of when you intend to provide us with some data and information on the current state of the finances of the Territory,” Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley said.

Attorney-General Natasha Fyles revealed monthly Public Account Committee hearings, aimed at scrutinising the govenrment’s coronavirus response, would sit for two hours be open to the public.

The NT’s Under Treasurer and the chief executive of the Chief Minister’s Department will also be in attendance.

The PAC will hold its first meeting on Thursday.

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LAWS PASSED

Tenancies Legislation

- Negotiation period between renters and landlords extended to 120 days.

Utilities Legislation

- Ability to slash power bills by 50 per cent for businesses.

Public and Environmental Health Legislation

- Makes spitting or coughing on frontline worker an offence