Page 4496 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013
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As we approach the end of the centenary year, I praise the centenary projects and events that many of us have enjoyed. They are a great opportunity to share the wonders of this city and explore the possibilities for our next century.
Most recently I was at the Hall showgrounds to launch the Canberra centenary horse ride. It was a beautiful evening, and the young riders’ excitement was palpable about the next day’s ride. I learnt that we have the highest level of horse ownership per capita of any major Australian city.
Another recent centenary event was an opportunity to congratulate 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander golfers who took part in the national championships and came from across Australia. These are just a couple of recent events demonstrating the variety of the centenary and the joys of our city.
I am very grateful for the unerring support my team has received over the year from the learned Clerk and chamber support, the Speaker’s office, the helpful and talented Office of the Legislative Assembly, and Hansard, technology and library staff.
I mention also the cheerful and diligent attendants and facilities staff and the education office, of course, for encouraging the public to the Assembly, and all those involved in our magnificent display of artworks. I convey a very special thanks to the very able committee office, and particularly the expertise and patience of the committee secretaries Trevor, Nicola, Andrea and Margie.
I thank my Labor colleagues for their support, friendship and good humour, our colleague Shane Rattenbury and all of the executive staff who have assisted with my representations. I also thank our sparring partners across the chamber for some interesting times and occasional amusement. I thank my wife for her continued encouragement, help and forbearance, and I thank my office team and my volunteers for their hard work and loyalty.
Madam Speaker and the rest of the Legislative Assembly, I look forward to seeing many of you at the second set of annual report hearings for the year and all of you at the Speaker’s Christmas drinks. If anything like last year, it promises to be a great get-together.
Valedictory
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (6.43): It was less than four months ago that I made my inaugural speech in this place; so I do not feel the need to go through a million thankyous again. But I would very briefly like to express my appreciation to everyone in the Assembly, including the staff, but especially to Rachael Eason in my office, to Angela McGuinness, my adviser, and to my family.
Six months ago I would not have dreamed that I would be here making an adjournment speech. In fact, I did not know what an adjournment speech was. Here, hopefully for your enjoyment, is my Christmas adjournment offering, entitled “The last sitting day before Christmas.” I hope you take it in the festive spirit in which it is intended. With apologies to Clement Seymour, here we go.
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