The Territory Labor Government will focus the first sittings of Parliament for 2019 on creating jobs, safer communities and boosting health services.

Parliament in 2019 will open with the Darwin Chorale performing the National Anthem, followed by a Welcome to Country address by The Member for Namatjira.

The Most Reverend Charles Gauchi will bless the opening of Parliament 2019 and the festivities will finish on a final blessing from the Chung Wah Lion Dance Troupe.

Sittings this week will focus on key legislation, which includes:

• Debating of the Superannuation Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
• Debating of the Justice Legislation Amendment Bill 2018
• Debating of the Nuclear Waste Transport, Storage and Disposal (Prohibition) Amendment Bill 2018
• Debating of the Tobacco Control Amendment Bill 2018

Also this week, the Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 is set to be introduced.

This key election promise will ensure water resources are better protected. Protecting water not only benefits the environment, it protects the thousands of jobs in farming, fish, agriculture and tourism that rely on sustainable water use.

The Motor Vehicles (Compensation) Amendment Bill 2019 will also be introduced into Parliament ensuring a fairer, more inclusive Motor Accidents (Compensation) Scheme for Senior Territorians.

Quotes from the Leader of Government Business, Natasha Fyles:

“The first Parliamentary sittings of the year will see the Territory Labor Government remain focused on delivering our promise to create jobs, boost health services, invest in our children and build safer, fairer and stronger communities right across the Northern Territory.

“The Chief Minister outlined his plans for 2019, last week and that will be reflected in Parliament – we have listened and are taking action and making key reforms.

“Territorians want and deserve a Government that delivers – The Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 fulfils an election promise to restore trust by better protecting the Territory’s resources – good environmental policy, is smart economic policy.”

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689