Page 3667 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012
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I also thank Bernard, Kurt and Brooke, who form the policy unit within my office; Dan and Tracey, who look after media and communications; Gayle, who runs the entire office; and my DLOs, Heidi and Shonella, who work incredibly hard to process all of the paperwork associated with the Treasury and Economic Development portfolios, and who I think provide wonderful service to all members in this place.
Over the course of this Assembly I have had the opportunity to work with a number of other staffers who have gone on to bigger and better things. I would also like to acknowledge Michael, Phil, Paul, Pierre, Lorna, David, Amanda, Miriam, Jack and Edward, and particularly thank other DLOs whom I have had the opportunity to work with, Ashleigh King, Emma and Ellis.
Mr Hargreaves: It sounds like an org chart.
MR BARR: It is starting to sound like an org chart. My office helpfully thought I could have a little bit of visual comedy. The note was that the media team thought I might need this for the adjournment debate, but I will resist that temptation, other than—
Members interjecting—
MR BARR: Yes, you are not allowed to use props, are you, Mr Speaker? Seriously, I would also like to put on the record my thanks to the Under Treasurer, Megan Smithies, David Dawes in the Economic Development Directorate, and all of the staff that work in those areas.
I also thank the Education and Training Directorate. I particularly enjoyed my time as education minister. For a period there I think I was the old man of the education ministerial council, with just over six years in that role. It is one of the most important portfolios and anyone who has the opportunity to serve as education minister will see just how important that portfolio and how important education and training are to our city.
In the 30 seconds remaining to me, I would like to conclude by saying I am particularly pleased by the level of law reform that has occurred in this Assembly. I will always seek to ensure that Canberra’s gay, lesbian, transgender and intersex community are represented in this place, that their rights are advanced and that we achieve a more equal society. I will continue to dedicate myself to that cause.
MR SMYTH (Brindabella) (7.06): I might start by saying that the departure of Mr Hargreaves as the sole survivor of the class of 98—it is interesting that Mr Stanhope, Mr Quinlan and Mr Rugendyke have gone and Mr Hargreaves is on the way—means they are all gone. I just need to outlast Mr Corbell, and I will do everything to make sure that that happens.
Mr Speaker, if I can start by thanking you and your staff. Parliaments are interesting places. You do not always get on with everybody all the time, but they do work. I think a large part of that is particularly the Assembly staff. So to you, Mr Duncan, the
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