Page 599 - Week 02 - Thursday, 9 March 2006
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Perhaps most significantly, Ted directed the development of the government’s economic white paper, the most comprehensive strategic blueprint ever undertaken in relation to this community’s business future. Ted has long and robustly defended our interests when it comes to the apportioning of federal grants, securing territorians something close to their fair share.
Through thick and thin, no Canberran could ever have been in any doubt that Ted Quinlan had the interests of the ACT—of ACT ratepayers, of ACT taxpayers, of ACT businesses, of ACT workers and of ACT families—at heart. Balancing those often competing interests is not for the faint-hearted. Ted Quinlan may be crook-kneed, but never faint-hearted. I thank Ted Quinlan for his service to his city and his generosity as a colleague and a friend. Thank you very much, Ted.
Mr Ted Quinlan—retirement
MR MULCAHY (Molonglo) (6.03): I would like to add some words on this occasion of farewelling Mr Quinlan as Treasurer. Mr Speaker, the real reasons for Ted Quinlan resigning and his timing probably remain a bit of a mystery. He was a canny footballer, I understand, and has been a canny politician. Since he intends to continue living in Canberra and one of Canberra’s main industries is rumour, clearly he does not want to set any hares running about what he really thinks about the various players whose paths he may cross at some time in the future, and I understand that.
Mr Quinlan came to Canberra as a footballer; that is, one who kicks an oval-shaped ball and does not throw it. I removed the word “proper” that Ian Wearing had put in my notes, as he is a South Australian and I played rugby union. I understand that Mr Quinlan was a rover and, as such, he played a key role in picking up crumbs from his ruckmen and passing the ball out to dashing players on the flank and wing. I hear he was very good at the flick pass. The rovers often do not receive the accolades that they deserve. They are generally loyal supporters and servants of the star players and they feed the ones who get the glory. The team may win but they never get to hold the cup.
Often that is how it is in politics. Those of us who know the game recognise the contribution, however, of a good team player. But that does not necessarily mean that a team has made best use of the player’s talents. So I have some sympathy with Mr Quinlan’s rather rueful remark last year that a prophet is not heard in his own land. I believe that Mr Quinlan has done a very good job against the odds but, as the budget and outlook show, the odds have been rather overwhelming. The ball did bounce his way during a period of high growth in the ACT economy, but not always do things prevail as one might hope.
I think that he is leaving big shoes to fill. I have always given him appropriate respect for his competence in the field. I have regularly said that I am not sure that his perspective is always appreciated on the other side, but I do think that he has reflected in the very short time I have been in the Assembly a genuine interest in trying to do a good job on behalf of the people of Canberra. He has demonstrated his external experience. Notwithstanding what the Chief Minister said, I would like to see people with more external experience in this institution.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .