Page 582 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 22 March 2023
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animals in a place that she loved, where she felt that calm and was able to just be, and where animals love to be.
There is now a space which is beautiful, comfortable and safe for any person in that spot for whatever reason there may be, whether they are simply enjoying the space exercising or maybe they too just need to be. It continues her legacy through justice reform. It is no secret that Brontë is gone too soon, and there is so much more work
to do.
The bench was unveiled in the same month that the coroner’s findings were handed down regarding Brontë’s death. I know how the family feels about those findings, but also that there are some very pointed remarks in those findings that will be the subject of further consideration and certainly further conversation.
Also, it was just after the three-year mark of Brontë’s death, which occurred in February 2020. I think that underlines just how hard the family has been working in that time to bring justice to Brontë and to others like her, and just how difficult that has been. Could I pay tribute to Janine Haskins, to Peter McLaren and to their son, Bailey, for that incredible hard work and acknowledge just how much more needs to be done.
The bench—and I am looking at my phone because there is a most stunning photo of it that I took—has an inscription: “In loving memory of Brontë—Poppy—Haskins and others gone too soon.” That is again a pointed reminder to all of us about the work that we need to do to ensure that this does not continue for others.
The bench, by Innovative Metalworks operating out of Queanbeyan, is stunning in its beauty. It includes an etching of a dog, a wolf, eagles, butterflies and a dream catcher, as well as red and purple poppies. It is a stunning piece of artwork. There is also an inscription which reads, “Just hold me in your heart and let the ocean take me,” and, when the sun is shining just right, that is also reflected as light through shadow on the ground behind it. I think that is incredibly moving for anyone who will be in that spot and deserves to know about the contribution that Brontë made in her life and her legacy that will continue.
I acknowledge that the bench came about through a petition through the work of Mr Cain and then the support of the ACT government, but it was the result of ultimately years of hard work by the family. We are so very pleased that it is in this space, and how fitting it is, indeed.
Disability services—Abilities Unlimited
MS DAVIDSON (Murrumbidgee—Assistant Minister for Families and Community Services, Minister for Disability, Minister for Justice Health, Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Veterans and Seniors) (4.53): I recently had the joy of visiting Abilities Unlimited Australia at Evatt Primary School. Abilities Unlimited engages children of all abilities in sporting and recreational activities, builds self-esteem, and fosters inclusion and social connection.
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