In the lead up to the 2012 Territory elections, the Country Liberal Party put forward its views and policy plans at the Property Council’s State of the Union event.
Panelists Terry Mills, Kezia Purick, John Elferink, David Tollner and Adam Giles were questioned by the ABC’s Julia Christensen on each of their CLP portfolios.
Mr Mills, leader of the Opposition, reiterated that a CLP government would not introduce a land tax; while on the Land Development Corporation (LDC) he says government has no place ‘competing’ with the private sector.
The LDC has proved contentious - taking a lead role in the residential sector. Many property owners, managers and developers view the residential projects undertaken by the LDC as competition.
Mr Mills was also questioned on public housing stock, affordable housing, Asian relations and trade, Public Private Partnerships and delivering infrastructure to regional Northern Territory.
The CLP was also questioned on its stance on uranium mining.
Ms Purick, deputy leader and shadow minister for Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources, Statehood and Women’s Policy, says a CLP government would support uranium mining in the Northern Territory; given companies adhere to the due processes of the law.
She uses the example of the Angela Pamela Uranium Mine as an enterprise the CLP would support.
Mr Elferink, shadow treasurer and shadow minister for Justice and Attorney General, expressed the CLP’s willingness to amend the Business Tenancies Act and to enable the retrospective application of the Unit Titles Schemes Act: Two significant issues for the Northern Territory property industry.
While Mr Tollner, shadow minister for Lands and Planning, Business and Development, says a CLP government would fund the Property Council’s bi-annual Office Market Report, which would include Palmerston, Casuarina, Parap and Stuart Park.
Tollner says he would work with the Property Council under the auspices of the CLP’s proposed Strategic Planning Commission to achieve relevant and proactive planning outcomes.
Revisiting Public Private Partnerships, Mr Giles, shadow minister for Transport and Construction, Regional Development and Indigenous Policy, says these will prove a necessity in the delivery of much needed infrastructure.
The Property Council’s December division lunch will hear from Chief Minister Paul Henderson, who will deliver a year in review and insights into the ALP’s future policy platforms. Click here for more on the State of the Territory December event.
