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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (4 November) . . Page.. 3493 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

For 15 years, Mr Speaker, Professor Whalan also served as legal adviser to the Senate Standing Committee on Regulations and Ordinances. I think it is appropriate that we are able to reflect on the strength that was derived for the ACT's scrutiny of Bills process by sharing that resource with the Australian Senate. In the inaugural phase of the Scrutiny of Bills Committee's work, it certainly assisted in establishing a strong link with practice in another important parliament. Professor Whalan was the deserving recipient of the award of Member of the Order of Australia for his service to parliament. I know that he showed great respect for all the members of this Assembly who were not lawyers. He was adept at putting legal concepts into plain English for the benefit of members. This ability is reflected in the clarity of the committee's reports.

I say, on a personal level, that Professor Whalan was a man blessed with a good heart and a lively sense of humour. Regrettably, many of the witticisms which appeared in his reports as drafted for the Scrutiny of Bills Committee were removed before those reports were tabled in this place, but members who enjoyed his good humour in that committee will not forget it. He will be missed not only for his professional skills but also for his personal attributes - the courtesy and humour that he brought to his parliamentary work.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Pam; son, Comus; and two grandchildren. I am sure that all members will join with me in expressing our deep sympathy to Professor Whalan's family and friends and in acknowledging his distinguished service to parliament and his fine academic career. I am sure I speak for all members in saying that we will all miss him very much.

MR WOOD: Mr Speaker, it is with sadness that I support this motion of condolence. Professor Whalan was an outstanding servant of this Assembly. We were very fortunate in the first year of self-government to gain his services as a legal adviser to the Scrutiny of Bills Committee. He was even then regarded as the most eminent in this field in Australia, and in the novice Assembly members certainly needed his advice.

For nearly nine years Professor Whalan guided us in the preparation of legislation and delegated legislation that had a high degree of technical excellence. He guided this Assembly; but, of no less importance, he guided those bureaucrats who prepared the material. At a recent meeting he expressed confidence that the quality of work was always improving; that comments that the committee had persistently made were acknowledged by those who were preparing the material. When we consider the number of laws that have been passed over the years and the volume of delegated legislation, we can understand the enormous amount of work, quality work, that he accomplished. I repeat that the education of members and of bureaucrats is of great importance. All this work was undertaken with efficiency and our meetings, though serious, were always enjoyable, due largely to Professor Whalan's high spirits and good humour. He was respected and he was much liked by all in this Assembly and beyond, and we will miss him.

I join in expressing our condolence to Mrs Whalan and her family. I know the great loss to them, but they may be comforted by the knowledge that Professor Whalan was much admired and respected.

Question resolved in the affirmative, members standing in their places.

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