Page 1088 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video

I thank Mr Gentleman for his contribution and his recollection of his grandfather, I think it was, and an important part of our military history that he contributed to. I also thank Mr Smyth. The works of Bean are a monument. They are an extraordinary testament to the man’s courage and dedication to recording the history of World War I. It is the legacy of Bean that we see not just in that work but also in the War Memorial of which he is the inspiration and the founder. He is the father of the War Memorial. I also thank Mr Smyth for the recollection of his grandfather who served.

Ms Fitzharris, your role as a Kiwi is acknowledged. It is good to have an Anzac partner here to share in that experience and to highlight the challenges of contemporary service life. It is very difficult for service personnel. You asked the question: what is it like to return to Canberra after being at war for months? Let me tell you that for me personally that was the most joyous moment in my life. I flew into Canberra from Sydney, after many months in Iraq, in a little bug smasher aircraft. I looked down and saw that landscape of Canberra. I knew that my wife and family were there waiting for me. It is moments like that when you really do appreciate how awesome Canberra is. It really is.

Madam Speaker, as we know, there are many out there doing it tough. There are many families out there doing it tough. There are many who have got partners deployed, who are about to deploy or who are still grieving the loss of a loved one. There are many veterans still doing it tough and there are many of those working tirelessly in the community to support veterans—in Legacy, for the widows; in the RSL, people like Jim Gilchrist, who is here today in the chamber. For those of you who may not be aware of this, he is the president of the Woden Valley sub-branch of the RSL. I should declare a conflict of interest: I am a member.

As we commemorate Anzac Day this year, let us spare a thought for what it means for those in Canberra who have served and who are still serving, many of whom are still paying the price of that service. I thank members for their support today.

Motion agreed to.

Education—Canberra Institute of Technology

MS PORTER (Ginninderra) (11.01):

That this Assembly:

(1) notes:

(a) that access to high quality skills education is necessary to the ongoing prosperity of the community;

(b) that a well funded public TAFE system ensures that all citizens can gain access to skills education and training opportunities;

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video