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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 13 Hansard (4 December) . . Page.. 4654 ..

Motion (by Mr Humphries) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

MRS LITTLEWOOD (7.37): I rise this evening to pay tribute to Annette Wright, who regrettably leaves my staff tomorrow. I would like to place on record the high esteem in which I hold Annette. I must say I was devastated at Annette's decision to call it a day. She is a rock. I owe Annette a debt of gratitude for the way in which she has assisted me during her time as a highly regarded member of my team. Not only do I hold Annette in high regard; in her former role with the RAN as a warrant officer she was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in recognition of her capabilities and dedication. She is a quiet achiever, intelligent, efficient, straightshooting and, in general, a great person. She is a very steadying influence. Like me, she is a lover of animals, except that in her case she has two ginger cats which we have discussed on many occasions.

I do not believe Annette realises just how highly I regard her, or just how much she will be missed. I hold the view that, mostly, politicians are only as good as their staff. Annette has been an integral part of my team and she established a first-rate office. I will miss her tremendously, but I wish her well for the future. After 21 February, who knows? - Annette's unbelievably professional approach may grace my office again. I wish her well and I am sorry to see her go.

MR CORBELL (7.38): I rise to speak in the adjournment debate this evening because of some comments that Mr Humphries made in the debate on CIR. I am sure he is very aware of the comments he made that have prompted me to speak this evening. My comments relate to motor sport and a debate in the Assembly and a decision of the Assembly earlier this day. Mr Humphries seemed to be suggesting that the Motorsport Council had come to the ALP and said to us, "Jump", and we had said, "How high?". I want to put on the record that that is not what occurred at all.

Contrary to the propaganda that has been put out by the Government side of this chamber, the Labor Party has entered into discussions with representatives on both sides of the fence when it comes to the noise issue at Fairbairn Park. I think the support we achieved from a majority of members in this place this evening indicates the ability of the Labor Party to resolve a problem which the Government failed to resolve, even within its own ranks.

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