Page 1568 - Week 05 - Thursday, 2 June 2022
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the same way!—I certainly consider myself on a massive learning curve, learning from stumbles and occasional achievements and learning from being engaged.
When I joined the party in late 2016, Mrs Jones was one of the first and few people that I had considerable engagement with, in terms of how to cope with this world. For me, despite my years of experience in many forums, it was probably the newest world I had entered for quite a while. I want to thank Mrs Jones for the discussions we had in her home about practical things like how to build an A-frame and, very seriously, how as a fellow person of faith, I would deal with issues, conflicts and messaging of what is important to Canberra from my perspective—how I could make a contribution on that. And it has been a delight for Claire and me to be in your home and to share a meal with your family. As fellow large-family communities, it has been interesting to pick each other’s brains, as well.
I came into the Liberal Party and entered politics with my large family as well. Our seven kids were largely all grown up children. I think our youngest was in their mid-20s. So bravo to Mrs Jones, and to anyone with a young family entering this world—I do not think I could have done it—and thank you. As I entered into shadow portfolios, it has been a pleasure to babysit her multicultural affairs portfolio and, through my own direct engagement with the community over the last few months, to see how highly regarded she is. So, with everyone here I wish Giulia, Bernard and the children the very best and every success. We look forward to seeing her prosper and thrive in years to come. Thank you so much.
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (11.36), by leave: And I am really proud to say a few words about “Giulia with a G”, as she was so well known throughout the electorate. I first met Giulia in about 2010, when I was considering standing in the federal election. I was sent to visit Giulia for some advice. She basically said to me, “Put down the nomination form and back away from the table, because this is my spot.” And I did. And it was all good!
And then we both ran in the 2012 territory election, and Giulia was elected. When I came in to fill a casual vacancy in 2013, she was always full of support, encouragement and advice. And I really appreciated that. Throughout that time we have shared a number of election campaigns, childbirth—her not me—and many, many, ups and downs. No-one could ever say that Giulia is not passionate. No-one could ever say that Giulia is not committed. And no one could ever say that Giulia is not compassionate. She is very values based. She has conviction, and she really works with the strength of her conviction, but she is also practical and pragmatic and can have a debate about something and come to a landing point, an agreement, at the end.
Over the years that I have been in the Assembly with her I have seen her grow in skills and in confidence. She has always done what she thinks is right. She has always promoted the argument of what she thinks is right, but she has been able to have a discussion about it. So we have shared a lot of laughter; we have shared a few tears along the way, as well.
I know that Giulia was the subject of some terrible trolling on social media some years ago, which really took its toll on her, as it can and does on any of us. But
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