Page 4349 - Week 13 - Thursday, 11 December 2014

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I believe that the exemptions for home owners from capital gains and land taxes need to be looked at … I think it is fair to say that the price of a house in Canberra these days is a reflection of its tax-free haven status …

Debts, deficit and taxing the family home are not a vision for Canberra. A billion dollar tram that nobody voted for is just a plan to keep Labor in government. There are those on the Labor backbench—probably not Ms Gallagher, I would accept—who know that light rail is wrong. They have an option today to stand up for their constituents rather than the factions of the Labor Party.

Madam Speaker, I ask members for their support.

MADAM SPEAKER: Is there anyone else who would like to address the question about the election of Chief Minister? There being no-one else who wishes to speak, we will go to the distribution of ballot papers. Members will please write on the ballot paper the name of the candidate for whom they wish to vote and hold the ballot paper for collection. The candidates are Mr Barr and Mr Hanson.

Visitors

MADAM SPEAKER: While the ballot papers are being collected, I acknowledge the presence in the chamber of former members: former Speaker Mr Berry, former Deputy Chief Minister Mr Lamont, and former Deputy Chief Minister Mr Whalan. Welcome back to your Assembly.

Election of Chief Minister

A ballot having been taken—

MADAM SPEAKER: The result of the ballot is: Mr Barr, nine votes; Mr Hanson, eight votes. Therefore, Mr Barr, the candidate with the majority of the votes of members present and voting, is declared Chief Minister.

MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister), by leave: I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to elders past and present.

Madam Speaker, ladies and gentlemen and friends gathered this morning, I am deeply honoured by the result of today’s election and I am deeply grateful for the Assembly’s support. Thank you.

Eight and a half years ago I was elected to fill the vacancy left by a great Canberran, Ted Quinlan, so I know a little about having big shoes to fill. But nothing could be more humbling than to follow Katy Gallagher as ACT Labor leader and Chief Minister of the ACT. Katy, few people have left this Assembly better liked and more respected than when they arrived. You are one of the few. You have been a great leader of our government in this place. You are an ACT Labor hero and I know you will be a great voice for this city in the federal arena.


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