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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1998 Week 5 Hansard (27 August) . . Page.. 1427 ..

MR SMYTH (continuing):

Something that I can relate to more closely is that I am told that John had a wicked sense of humour, and that although he may have had a facade of conservatism there was a humorous streak underneath. He was an avid Goons, Monty Python, Blackadder and, of all things, Irish joke fan. During his years at the commission, he was one of the major contributors to the NCDC's annual Spoilers magazine. In that, he wrote many humorous poems about his close friends and associates.

I am told that John asked that his funeral be a celebration of life, not an occasion of mourning. "I have", he said, "been extremely fortunate to have worked with some of the best professionals in the world on tasks with international and national significance. I have been allowed to make a modest contribution, and for that I am extremely grateful. I have a wonderful family. What more can a man ask for?".

I join with other members in welcoming here today John's wife, Marijke, and his daughter Elsa. John is also survived by his sons, Peter and Tony; daughter Sharon; and grandchildren, Jacob, Cody, Leith and Tayla. It is with great respect and sympathy that I offer our best wishes to the family at this time.

MR CORBELL: Mr Speaker, I will be brief as I never met John Gilchrist. Late last week I was contacted by two people who specifically rang me to tell me that John Gilchrist had unfortunately passed away. These two people were significant people in the planning community of Canberra. The fact that they took the time to ring me, someone who had never met this man, to tell me that he had died and that he was a significant loss to the planning debate in this town impressed upon me the significance of the enormous contribution he must have made to this city.

Increasingly, many people who have been intimately involved in the planning and development of our town are leaving us in one way or another. I think it is important that at times like this we recognise the achievements of people like John Gilchrist in their communities. We should always remember the principles and the issues for which they strove. I am glad that the Assembly has this opportunity to pass this condolence motion, and I too tender my sincere sympathy to the family of John Gilchrist.

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

MS CARNELL (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (10.51): Mr Speaker, I present the Administration (Interstate Agreements) (Amendment) Bill 1998, together with its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MS CARNELL: I move:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

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