Page 1807 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 21 August 2007
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Whilst Gary has been a long-standing member and strong supporter of the ACT Liberal Party, his formal service to the party commenced with his election to the management committee in 1996, followed by his selection as president in 2000. The role of a divisional president is time consuming, often difficult, often thankless, as well as being heavily scrutinised. I believe that he made an extraordinary effort over the last seven years for the ACT Liberal Party.
All members in this chamber sign on for a life of public scrutiny and, on occasions, they wake up and expect to find their faces in the news, but this is not true of organisational members in any of the political parties represented here who work in a voluntary role. Gary’s tender as president has not always been easy and he deserves admiration for the way in which he has carried himself. Indeed, he indicated to me that his first day on the job involved a change of chief minister when Mrs Carnell was in the role, so it was certainly a baptism of fire.
Gary’s dedication to his role and his massive commitment of time and energy to the party have been a marvel and something on which he should be congratulated. He has provided substantial professional support to Liberal members of the Legislative Assembly and federal members over this period. He has worked and continues to work closely with various Liberal candidates at both territory and federal levels during election periods, partnering with the divisional director to ensure that the ACT Liberal Party is in the best possible position prior to each election.
On a personal level, I have enjoyed both a professional relationship and a close friendship with Mr Gary Kent during my time as a Liberal MLA and I find him to be a person of outstanding integrity and steadfastness, with firm values and a strong commitment to the ideals and goals of the Liberal Party and its leadership. He states that he is stepping down to allow for some fresh blood to enter the party and I respect his decision. It is pleasing to hear that he will continue as the ACT Liberal Party’s past president and remain on my party’s management committee. I am sure he will continue to provide a valuable contribution in his new role.
Once again I offer my congratulations to Gary Kent on his seven years of service and dedication to the ACT division of the Liberal Party and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 9.22 pm.
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