Page 2475 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 23 August 1994
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MR KAINE (2.43): Madam Speaker, I would like to speak briefly on this matter and, in the capacity of his former boss, to welcome Bill back. The relationship will be rather different now. As some members will recall, Bill was an Executive Deputy in the Alliance Government; so he brings experience and qualifications, which is a little rare. He did not actually carry the responsibilities of a Minister, in terms of accountability, but he did perform much of the work that a Minister is expected to perform; so Bill has been exposed to the business of government at a level that few people in this Assembly have been exposed to. I know that Bill will contribute greatly to the proceedings in this place, both on the floor of the house and in the committees. I do not know whether "Big Bill" is colourful or not; but he certainly brings a bit of bulk to the front row.
MR STEVENSON (2.44): It will certainly be good to have "Big Bill" back in the Assembly, and there is value in the previous experience that he has had. However, it will be sad to lose Lou Westende. Someone like Lou is fairly unusual in governments, not only in the ACT but throughout Australia, in that he understands business and has actually achieved success in the area. If there is one type of person we need in government in Australia, it is someone who understands business and can actually achieve success in the area. I wish them both well.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
OATH OF ALLEGIANCE BY MEMBER
Mr William George Stefaniak was introduced and made and subscribed the oath of allegiance required by law.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr Stefaniak, on behalf of all members, I bid you a warm welcome.
DEATH OF MR L. CROFT
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer): Madam Speaker, I move:
That the Assembly expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr Lindsay Croft, the 1992 ACT Junior Citizen of the Year, who made a significant contribution to youth issues in the Territory, and tenders its profound sympathy to his widow and his parents in their bereavement.
It is with considerable regret that I rise to move this motion of condolence. Lindsay Croft was a well-respected and highly energetic member of the ACT community. In his few short years he made many friends and colleagues - and I count myself as one of them - in politics, academia, the community sector and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Lindsay Croft was particularly well known for his commitment to youth issues, volunteering a great deal of his own time to assist young people. His selfless work in helping youth was recognised in 1992, when he was named ACT Junior Citizen of the Year.
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