Page 6290 - Week 19 - Tuesday, 17 December 1991
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I have said many times that when the history of this Assembly is written, after people have forgotten that it was forced upon the people of the ACT, people will find that there have been a number of real achievements by this Assembly. I think the Chief Minister, Ms Follett, has catalogued some of them. I think this has been a reforming parliament. We were left a legacy of neglect by a series of Federal administrations and I think it has been a very good and productive process that will not be appreciated until long after all of us have gone.
While there have been occasions, Mr Speaker, when things have been a bit tense - I have been in your chair on the odd occasion; that has been an interesting exercise and I appreciate that opportunity - there has been a degree of camaraderie between members. It is a small Assembly and that probably has something to do with it. Like my colleague Mr Collaery, I have been privileged to serve with you all. I must not forget Mr Whalan who, as my colleague Mr Collaery said, was a formidable opponent. I guess that in some respects we missed him from that point of view when he went, and I think we said that at the time.
I would like to thank the members of my staff who have provided sterling support, particularly Mrs Cathy Rossiter, who served with me for the majority of the time, Patti Collins, and, more recently, Kay Rudolph-Borgar and Lisa Middlebrook, who have both provided particular support in these last few months. Of course, Mr Speaker, we cannot forget the secretariat, who have provided sterling support. Mr Mark McRae and Mr Don Piper have already been mentioned.
I think it would be remiss of me if I did not also pay a tribute to my family, particularly my wife Wendy, who has been of considerable support to me over this period. I think we all appreciate how difficult the life of a politician can be for our families. I think we all owe them a debt of gratitude. In closing, let me wish you and yours all the best for the festive season, and I hope to see a few of you back here next year.
Valedictory
MR CONNOLLY (Attorney-General, Minister for Housing and Community Services and Minister for Urban Services) (8.19): Mr Speaker, I have not had the pleasure of sharing the full three years with you in this place. I came in as a casual appointment and will be both the first and the last person to be appointed by that provision because, whatever happens at the referendum, the most likely result is that if there are future resignations or retirements there will be a by-election for the local member constituency. Even in the event that the Hare-Clark Independence Party's favoured choice wins, and there is a Hare-Clark system, there will be a countback. So, the casual appointment provision operated only for this First Assembly and will not operate again. So, there is a footnote in any event.
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