Page 912 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 2 April 2008
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by that legend in his own larynx, Mr Ross Solly. Sledging is his byword, Mr Speaker. I was absolutely disgusted by the underhand and crooked tactics employed by the media. However, the good Lord, in all of his glory, spat at the members of the media and shined his light upon us all. He gave us a significant victory. They got flogged, Mr Speaker—absolutely beaten senseless.
How did that come about? I have to say that the Leader of the Opposition acquitted himself well and did smack them around the park. He did get out twice, however, to Geraldine Norfeldt from WIN. Imagine that! Minister Barr only got out the once to Geraldine, the Joan of Arc of media cricket. But we saw something that we will probably never see again—caught Seselja, bowled Barr. They acted as a team on Sunday. They were pals on Sunday and that is why the good Lord shone down his benevolence upon us and delivered us. We thwarted those giants. I took a cricket ball in a very delicate spot. I coughed, the earwax flew out, but I got on with the game. Furthermore, I did actually take a tumble. I was manhandled by the media, but I was ruled not out and went on to smash them around the park.
On a serious note, it was a case of leave your weapons in the car and let us go and have a good game of cricket. The game was played in a true gentlemanly spirit by representatives of the Assembly and grudgingly by the media. However, we all went back afterwards and we all, the media and the Assembly, congratulated the Assembly on its victory. I think it was a wonderful time. We should see more of that.
Minister Barr is the custodian of the trophy. If you have not seen it, you can make an appointment to see him because his autograph signings are to be seen. We will receive representations from all members on how this trophy can be displayed. I was thinking of the Speaker’s showcase. I have seen the Speaker running, but I have never seen him play cricket, unlike his predecessor who actually looked like a Lord’s Taverner standing there at the stumps. It was terrible.
Mr Speaker, I think that this place should record that it was an historic victory. It was a victory only delivered by blood on the pitch by the servants of the people—our good selves. Next year, when we defend it, I would like to see everybody in the Assembly come out there and root on the sidelines for the team.
Tobacco retailing
MRS BURKE (Molonglo) (6.21): Mr Speaker, today I received some 132 signed letters from retailers opposing the Tobacco Amendment Bill. I understand that the minister received the original copies of these letters earlier today. I would like to read it out for the public record. Each letter is the same and each is signed by different people from the length and breadth of Canberra. It states:
Dear Ms Gallagher,
Re Tobacco Amendment Bill 2008
We are writing to oppose the Tobacco Amendment Bill 2008, particularly the provisions that relate to tobacco product display.
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