That irksome advertising slogan “brand Darwin” took a hammering when the NT Legislative Assembly turned into the Blackhole of Calcutta and the Waitomo glow worm caves in a lively Question Time session . When the lights went out during the streamed debate beamed to a global audience of 3,000,000, and a large Martian invading fleet of UFOs , there was a cheer , Fong Lim MLA Dave Tollner cracked a joke about the Casuarina sub -station and glow worms suddenly appeared in the gloom . Prior to the blackout, Health Minister, Kon Vatskalis, had been grilled and chiacked by the Opposition about his reaction to the AMA’s report on the nation’s hospitals, especially in respect of the Royal Darwin Hospital waiting time for elective surgery and the time it takes to be seen in emergency. His answers were impossible to understand from the West Wing , so people watching live on the internet may have thought they were listening to a Mandarin speaking encyclopedia saleman on SBS.
By way of light relief, the omnipotent Member for Nelson, Gerry Nelson, asked Mr Vatskalis, in his role as Minister for Primary Industry , what steps he was taking to save the billy goat nut trial now in the hands of NAB . Also known as Kakadu plums, this is grouse bush tucker with a supposed economic future. The Minister’s answer was impossible to understand from the public gallery , but wild tomatoes seemed to get a mention .
By way of light relief, the omnipotent Member for Nelson, Gerry Nelson, asked Mr Vatskalis, in his role as Minister for Primary Industry , what steps he was taking to save the billy goat nut trial now in the hands of NAB . Also known as Kakadu plums, this is grouse bush tucker with a supposed economic future. The Minister’s answer was impossible to understand from the public gallery , but wild tomatoes seemed to get a mention .
Soon after , the chamber was plunged into darkness when an 11,000 volt cable was cut. And some CLP members held up what at first seemed to be large birthday cake candles , battery powered candles stored in their desks from a previous stunt when Darwin experienced a series of blackouts. Six were seen bobbing about like Kiwi glow worms . An emergency generator nearby kicked in and there was partial illumination. Speaker Jane Aagaard, with a black look, tersely told the CLP's leading light ,Terry Mills , to stop playing with his glow worm and he immediately doused his fluorescence .
After all the excitement, Little Darwin’s speleological correspondent withdrew for a latte in the parliamentary café , and while enjoying the soothing view across the harbour heard the familiar sound of fire appliances which, three in number , including the high rise building Bronto , converged on Government House . Was the Administrator’s residence on fire , had a flambe imploded , or had his cat climbed a Royal Palm and refused to come down ?
After all the excitement, Little Darwin’s speleological correspondent withdrew for a latte in the parliamentary café , and while enjoying the soothing view across the harbour heard the familiar sound of fire appliances which, three in number , including the high rise building Bronto , converged on Government House . Was the Administrator’s residence on fire , had a flambe imploded , or had his cat climbed a Royal Palm and refused to come down ?
Our scribe travelled to parliament in a bus for Question Time and witnessed a truly amazing episode when a passenger, dressed like a swaggie or shearer , with a navy blue singlet, daggy pants and a roll , a shapeless felt hat pulled down over his locks , got into a blue with the driver . Still standing as the bus pulled away from the kerb, the fellow was thrown off balance, bounced from side to side and ended up at the front of the vehicle, abusing the driver. The driver replied in kind. Whipping up his singlet , the said shouting swaggie /shearer, exposed a distended stomach, possibly indicating he was on the elective surgery waiting list. Arriving at the city depot, the man from the back of Bourke continued his abuse of the driver who gave as good as he got. A female passenger rolled her eyes and shook her head. It was yet another weird day in brand (bonkers) Darwin.
