Page 3982 - Week 10 - Thursday, 28 August 2008

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sometimes blunt assessment of my greatest ideas has left me a little crestfallen, to say the least, and I now admit that some of them found their way into the bin.

Sue is a seasoned player in Labor Party politics, participating at the highest organisational levels through her work there and has delivered more to the community than most would have to do outside of being an elected member. Although I know that Sue does not expect accolades, I know she deserves some. Sue and her partner are also about to retire. I have worn her out, I think. It has been too long. And they are going to enjoy a bit of skiing and travelling and some wine and fine food. Best wishes, Sue, and thanks on behalf of all of us whom you have helped. Thanks.

Finally, I would like to thank all of my political and industrial opponents for steeling my determination to carry on. You have got to have a hunger to do things and my opponents have given it to me. And in many ways, if it were not for you, I would not have done as much or tried as hard. You will have seen some passion in some of your experiences with me but my passion comes from a sense of injustice and it fuels my determination. I thank all members, past and present, and I wish you well, those of us who are here tonight, for the future and I will see you around. Thanks.

Adjournment

Valedictory

Motion (by Mr Corbell) proposed:

That the Assembly do now adjourn.

MR STANHOPE (Ginninderra—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Business and Economic Development, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Minister for the Environment, Water and Climate Change, Minister for the Arts) (6:52): Mr Deputy Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity now and firstly to acknowledge the enormous contribution of the four members of this Assembly who are retiring and from whom we have just heard.

I would acknowledge most particularly Mr Berry’s contribution to the Assembly. He is the father of the house, the only remaining full-time original that has served through all Assemblies. Mr Berry has made an enormous contribution to the political life and governance of the Australian Capital Territory and the community and he will be sorely missed.

I similarly acknowledge the enormous contributions of Karin MacDonald, of Bill Stefaniak and of Deb Foskey. I have enjoyed the contributions of each of those members. I congratulate them on their records of achievement as members of this place. I thank them for their contributions to the Assembly, to the government of the territory and, indeed, to the Canberra community. I wish all four all the best for the future.

I would also like in the short time available on this last day of sitting of this term of the Assembly to take the opportunity to thank, firstly, and most particularly, my ministerial colleagues and the members of my cabinet: Katy Gallagher, Simon Corbell,


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