Page 979 - Week 03 - Thursday, 7 April 2022

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is recognising the other lake walkers. Indeed, my portrait has been hung next to Graeme’s, and I do not think Delene had any idea that Graeme and I actually know each other, but we do, because of walking around the lake. Having always passed each other on the lake walk at around the same time each morning and saying our usual hellos in passing, several years ago we stopped to have a longer chat and now when we see each other that is more typical of what we do.

I encourage all Canberrans, but especially Belconnen residents, to explore this fun and beautiful exhibition that shows off such a special part of our home, so meaningfully reflected by nine talented artists.

Federal election—candidates

MR PARTON (Brindabella) (5.37): We are very close to a federal election. I do not know if you guys have noticed, but it is very close, and it is apparent, isn’t it? It is apparent every time you open Facebook, it is apparent every time you step out to a community event and it is apparent walking around the suburbs with the signs that are appearing in front yards.

I just wanted to bring it to members’ attention today that at this point in the campaign, albeit not officially in the campaign, we are not seeing a great deal of effort from the Greens in promoting their No 1 Senate candidate. I do not know if you can remember the Simon Sheikh for the Senate campaign, which was just massive; it was huge. Simon was everywhere, and it happened at a time when social media was not as all-pervading as it is now. It must have cost a fortune.

Do you remember how big the Lin Hatfield Dodds campaign was? Again, everywhere you looked you saw Lin Hatfield Dodds. Where is the Greens campaign machine now? How sad is it that the Greens have pre-selected a proud First Nations woman as their lead candidate for the Senate, but then the party has just gone missing? Does it strike you as being a little odd?

I think Canberra needs to know what is going on here. We are all friends in here, so let us break it down to the basics and be honest about what is going on in here. Because Dr Tjanara Goreng is not actually the lead Greens candidate in the Senate. She is not the lead Greens candidate; David Pocock is the lead Greens candidate in the Senate! I think everybody that intends to vote for Mr Pocock should be well and truly aware of that.

Disability services—Daydream Machine

MS DAVIDSON (Murrumbidgee—Assistant Minister for Families and Community Services, Minister for Disability, Minister for Justice Health, Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Veterans and Seniors) (5.39): Over the past two years most of our conversations about people with disability have focused on increased health risks from COVID and the unrelenting threats by the federal government to undermine choice and control in the NDIS. But today I want to tell you about a wonderful local initiative that is focused on the ways in which disability can contribute to greater


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