The following my contribution in a letter to the editor (Centralian Advocate)…

Sir,

I was very impressed by the number of people who attended the Anzac Day dawn service on Wednesday. It was terrific to see the broad representation of young people in the mix of those of us who were able to attend the event. Along with the many children accompanied by their parents and families, there were several hundreds of young people there independently. Tremendous to see many of our veterans also proudly taking part. The event is a real celebration of their efforts and commitment to others.

The speaker representing Legacy made some very valid comments regarding the impact of wars on people and communities. His views essentially reflected a desire to see peace as a real objective in this world we live in. Live in peace…and the ‘rest’ is inevitable for all of us. Unfortunately, the horrors of war on many scales continue around the planet at any given point in time because some people are only driven by greed and the economic picture. From a humanitarian perspective, it’s all about the ways in which we choose to think…and it doesn’t cost a cent to change the way we think!!!

Phil Walcott
Alice Springs

Over the past several months, it has become very obvious that a homelands (outstations) platform will be an important contribution that I can help to make to the next Assembly. There are over 500 homelands attached to the 73 remote Aboriginal communities around the NT. The Greens and CLP parties both have homelands as part of their policy position. Funding it will be the issue.

I believe that if we are really going to work together in a ‘whole-of-community’ approach to well-being and growth, we each have to contribute to our community in a financial way f we want to get what we want. The only way to reduce ‘dependency’ is to encourage an active buy-in from all people who want something to be realised. Much the same as buying a home versus renting one…the more you have invested in your own space, the harder you work in it and the more you ‘own’ the process.

Aboriginal corporations and organisations (e.g. Central Lands Council and Northern Lands Council) in the NT receive many millions of dollars each year in royalties from mining companies. My understanding is that these royalties are then hived off into various funds and a portion of them (not sure how much) distributed to various family groups according to criteria established by the respective Councils.

What I would like to see is that the Aboriginal organisations ‘buy in’ to a partnership with the NT and Federal governments on a $ for $ basis to help fund the establishment and maintenance of these homelands. With the groups effectively helping to ‘buy’ the homeland, they will have a much better invested interest in the process. The ‘government has to pay’ mentality is over!!! In a ‘whole-of-community’ approach, we ALL have to share the cost of these investments so that people have a stronger sense of pride and contribution into the process.

I’m yet to work through all of the machinations of how that might work, but I’ll look forward to working with the next NT government on the strategy…all things are possible. The only way to stop the ‘dependency’ trap evolved across all of Australia’s society over the past half century is to start the ‘independent’ focus…all tiers of government, private industry and Aboriginal organisations working together to improve the lifestyles of the whole NT community. With harmony and partnerships, we can all win. The strength of the homeland concept to many Aboriginal people is paramount…the sense of belonging is imperative. Let’s all share the investment costs so we can all share the positive outcomes!!!

I get alot of feedback from people saying that government and others often engage in too much talking without any meaningful actions following. It’s all too typical that people don’t ‘trust’ politicians who talk too much and say very little. Alot of ‘Polly waffle’ really. I believe it’s important to take carriage of ones words and turn them into deeds.

This letter was sent through to my lawyer prior to the local elections.

Hi Peer,

With regard to the up-coming Council elections, I’ve had occasion to re-investigate the NT Electoral Act. My reading of that indicates a contradiction between that Act and The NT Anti-Discrimination Act.

Part of that 2004 Electoral Act [dated 21st December, 2011 - Section 14.3(d)] states that only currently serving MLAs and registered political parties can have access to a copy of the electoral roll for particular electorate they are contesting (or in the case of political parties, copies of all rolls in the jurisdiction).

Under the legislation, Independent candidates who are not currently sitting MLAs are not entitled to the same priviledge. This appears to contradict the NT Anti-Discrimination Act dated 1st March, 2011Part 3.19(n) – political opinion, affiliation or activity and Part 1.5 – Act to bind Crown.

As an Independent candidate nominating for the Legislative Assembly election in August this year, I believe that puts me at an unfair disadvantage. I note two reports from the Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bill Shepheard, following the 2005 and 2008 elections recommended that anomoly be removed (see Table 25 # 11 pg. 53 of the 2008 report – Allow the roll as at roll close be made available to all
candidates, subject to an appropriate undertaking being made by the candidate that restricts its electoral usage to the election period only. Still supported by the Commission). After two report recommendations (2005 and 2008) and 6 years this has still not happened. Such continues to place Independent candidates for election to the NT Legislative Assembly at an unacceptable disadvantage. Further, by not adopting the recommendations of the Electoral Commissioner, it places the Electoral Commission in direct contravention of the NT’s own Anti-Discrimination legislation.

Could you please advise if you believe there is a case to present here and, if so, how I should proceed. Could you also indicate if you believe it would be possible to have the Electoral Act amended to allow all nominated candidates access to relevant electoral rolls in time for the 25th August elections.

Many thanks, Peer. I look forward to your reply.

Warm regards,

Phil
www.philwalcott.com.au

The top three preferences logged by readers to the question ‘What are the three most important attributes you look for in a local Member of Parliament’? came in as integrity, connection to community and representing constituent issues.

Thanks to all of you who voted in the poll. The answers indicate that those three attributes are important indicators…and I’m listening!!! The role is very clearly about being a community-based and orientated person who works hard for his/her constituency. Media grabs and headlines count for little when the real work is about helping the people in the electorate.

There’ll be another poll added shortly so please take the time to complete it – I really want to know your thoughts and opinions along with your comments on each of the platform areas.

Sir,

Congratulations to the Alice Plaza Management Team for the screening of ‘old Alice’ footage on media screens around the Food Court during the day particularly around lunchtime.

Various screenings ‘loop’ around over a period of around 10-12 minutes each. They cover such things as previous BangTail Musters, Speedway highlights, Anzac Day marches and other features of The Alice and her people over the past 60 years or so. Some older Alice identities feature prominantly as do old businesses and buildings that have since ‘moved on’. A great way to enjoy a bite of lunch from one of the array of food outlets and perhaps share some stories with other locals (or visitors).

This is a great opportnity for those of us who live here to reflect upon some of our former history and for visitors to catch a glimpse of what has made us strong as a community. Tracking our history in various forms is always important. Hoping many of your readers will take the opportunity to catch some of Alice’s history!!!

Well done, Alice Plaza!!!

Phil Walcott
Alice Springs.

Great(orex) to be back home after a few quite hectic weeks. Today is my first ‘day off’ for over 3 weeks. The trip home was very pleasant – overnighting in Katherine on the Friday (stayed at Knott’s Crossing Resort – delightful as always) so I could keep up-dated on the local Council elections that had been held the previous Saturday. Results were supposed to be posted on the NT Electoral Commission’s web-site around 6pm but they didn’t come through until well after 9pm. I received the news of the Alice Springs’ outcome via Twitter from friends and colleagues!!! Sincere congratulations to Damien Ryan who was returned as Mayor for a well-deserved second term and to the eight Councillors elected.

Saturday saw me drive from Katherine to Tennant Creek (about 700km) with a stop for lunch at Daly Waters pub where I had stayed overnight the previous week. Stayed at the Eldorado Motel over night in Tennant and caught up with Bec Healy and Jason Newman (owners) discussing politics (as we tend to do). Enjoyed a terrific catch up and meal with my good friend, Kate Foran, at the Memo Club.

Sunday breakfast was spent with Kate and the delightful Barb Shaw who had just been elected as the Barkly Shire President. Barb is a tremendous woman who is very keen on building a strong sense of community as well. Barb is married to former Member for Barkly, the equally sensational Elliot McAdam. Together, they are a strong leadership team who offer Tennant Creek and The Barkly region excellent guidance.

Rolled back into Alice (500 more km) mid afternoon and catch up with Glenn. I sure miss him when I’m away so it’s always lovely to catch up when we do. We headed to the Barra On Todd at Chifley Alice Springs Resort for a delightful late lunch and catch up conversation. So much work to catch up with….and I’m still catching up!!!

Monday morning the Mayor and Council members were introduced to the community. I’m certainly hoping that the members will seek to act cohesively and deliver good governance for our town. Some bright and talented new additions along with some former members should be able to work well together.

Tuesday afternoon, I was a guest on the local ABC radio’s ‘Polly Waffle’ hosted by the delightful Alex Barwick and in company with the very affable Dr. Charlie Carter. The show has two or three people on each week to discuss items of a political nature. I used to be called upon to be on the Friday Wrap segment. Now I’ll be on ‘Polly Waffle’ occasionally, it’ll good to be taken seriously as a political candidate. I certainly intend to bring a different dimension to the art of political debate and presentation.

Lunch yesterday shared with the ‘yet to be announced’ ALP candidate for the seat of Greatorex. That announcement will be made in a week or so. I happen to get along quite well with this person and we share several colleagues and friends in common. Always happy to discuss political possibilities with people. The more choices the people of Greatorex have to choose from, the better. So there’s at least 3 of us in contention – maybe a Greens candidate and potentially another IndependeNT or two to add to the mix…we’ll see!!!

I’ve booked the theatrette at Centralian Senior Middle School for a Greatorex Gathering (open forum) on Wednesday 1st August from 7-9pm. I’ll invite all the constituents and the other candidates along with the media so that people can ask us questions. I believe that this entry to the NT Parliament is primarily a job interview and the constituents are the selection panel.

I lodged my resignation from the Department of Education and Training effective from Thursday 5th July. The Alice Springs Show is on the following day so I can attend in full campaign mode. From there, I’ll continue to campaign extensively for the 8 weeks leading up to the polls. I’ll suspend my private practice as well during that time. The Chief Minister will go to the Administrator sometime in early August requesting that the government be dissolved. The NT Administrator, Sally Thomas, will then issue the Writ to hold the election.

Met with Bellette Media during the week to begin conversations around the media campaign to be launched at the beginning of August. Last year, I won $2,000 worth of air time on Seven Central TV at a Chamber of Commerce ‘Business at Sunset’ event. That’ll go some way to helping with ‘getting the word out’. I’ll aim to keep the funding bucket filled in whatever ways I can…an investment in what I hope will be a very successful campaign leading to my election os the next member for Greatorex!!!

Parliamentary sittings have concluded now so it’s time to head home to Alice. Next sittings in May (to deliver the 2012-13 budget) will be the last before we go to election in August – just 20 weeks away. Four current members have announced their intention to retire at that time (Jane Aagaard, Chris Burns, Marion Scrimgour (all ALP) and Ross Bohlin (CLP).

The final day of sittings was interesting. Some good legislation passed over the three days. Some ‘argy,bargy’ around the Chris Burns’ assertions regarding Alison Anderson and John Elferink’s retort last night in reply. Other than that, they all pretty much got on with the job. Some members just can’t seem to help themselves with the ‘theatre’ aspect. The Member for Karama was expelled from The House for an hour during Question Time on Wednesday for interjecting with what was considered to be a ‘frivilous point of order’ – first time that’s happened to a deputy Chief Minister!!!

So…catch up back in Alice – only 1500 kms to drive!!!

The last two days of parliamentary sittings have been interesting. Being able to observe the ways in which the Members go about their business is very helpful. Adjournments are full of posibilities!!! Question time yesterday was fairly tame in comparison to past ‘events’. There is alot of legislation being introduced which the government is hoping will help it to win the August elections. They really do need to not give the Opposition ‘oxygen’ by continually referring to the possibility of them winning. The CLP is managing to take the government to task on most issues though some of the offerings are purely postering. What we need in the parliament is more stringent debate that focuses on well-being for the whole community. So many ‘wasted breaths’ trying to point score against each other. Interesting that the Treasurer was ejected from the House yesterday during Question Time for a ‘frivolous’ point of order.

Got to catch up with friend Olli for lunch yesterday and to share his hopes for Darwin winning the bid to host the Asia-Pacific Outgames in April, 2014. It’s a very exciting opportunity for the local community. Robyn’s birthday celebrations last night with her family were great! So good to finally meet her Mum, Nola, friends Dianne and Emily, brother David (Frost), wife Michelle and their two daughters Monique and Kristin. Such a fun mob!!!

Dr. Chris Burns’ allegations against Alison Anderson will prove to be interesting!!! Check out NT Legislative Assembly Hansard…

Back into The House this morning to observe this final day of sittings for this session. It’s really great to have the opportunity to keep learning what I can. I’m proposing to resign my current job on 5th July so I can spent a solid 7 weeks in campaign mode!!!

With only 21 weeks to go before the election, it’s great(orex) to be in Darwin to observe parliamentary proceedings this week. Still learning so much, being observant of the body language in the Chamber, who’s talking with who, who’s being thrown out for poor behaviour (so far only Dave Tollner though that will invariably change over the next couple of days). The incumbent Member for Greatorex usually manages to be removed at least once during sittings – I still find it difficult to understand how a member can adeqately represent his or her electorate if they’re not in the Chamber!!! Listening to the debates, learning about new legislation being introduced and meeting up with others who are in town for parliament is always useful. Question Time yesterday was fairly tame…we’ll see what today’s offerings reveal.

Results from last Saturday’s Local Government elections are still undecided – they’ll be posted late Friday afternoon. The incumbent Mayor of Alice Springs, Damien Ryan, looks to be returned though the proportional representation for this election is yet to be decided. None of the five mayoral candidataes polled 50% plus one vote. Mayor Ryan is sitting at 44% so needs another 6 or 7% to be elected. His nearest rival is sitting at around 21%. Polls will be declared next Monday.

So…off into the day. My friend Robyn celebrates her 49th birthday today so she, her family and I are all meeting for a celebratory dinner tonight from 7pm. Happy birthday, Rob!!!

Glenn and I get to stay in touch by ‘phone each day…good to have coverage!!! He’s busy back home doing his usual stuff. He is so very supportive and encouarging of my attempts to be elected to represent the people of Greatorex…I’m so lucky to have him on my team.