Page 4305 - Week 13 - Thursday, 19 November 2015
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Bill agreed to in principle.
Leave granted to dispense with the detail stage.
Bill agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion by (Mr Gentleman) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Valedictory
Mr BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Urban Renewal and Minister for Tourism and Events) (5.49): I rise briefly in the adjournment debate this evening to extend my best wishes for the festive season to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and to all members of this place, all staff of ministers and MLAs, and indeed warm thanks to all of the staff of the Assembly for their assistance in this year, 2015.
It has been a busy and productive year for the Assembly. We have debated a wide variety of issues and passed some very significant and important legislation. I will acknowledge that some of that legislation received unanimous support in this place. I thank all members for that. Some obviously was contentious. These are things that you would anticipate in a democracy and in a place as politically engaged as Canberra. But throughout all of the debates in this place, by and large, we are respectful of the diversity of opinions.
We do engage in vigorous debate during the course of the year, but when it comes to times like these, as we approach the festive season, it is time to reflect upon the achievements of the year and to acknowledge, particularly for members, members’ staff and Assembly staff, that we are kept here often at very odd hours and we do spend a lot of time away from our family and friends. I certainly encourage all members, and indeed all staff in this place, to enjoy the summer break and to get some time off, because the festival of democracy that is 2016 is approaching.
On a personal level, I thank my staff for providing such fantastic support to me in this role. It is certainly one of the most challenging roles in this place, and I acknowledge the very strong support that I receive from my caucus colleagues. I wish to thank Minister Rattenbury for his support and his work within the government. Can I acknowledge Minister Rattenbury’s staff, too. We have a very close working relationship across the government, across the two parties. That is demonstrated in the strength of this government, the consistency of our approach to public policy and our delivery of key outcomes for the city of Canberra. We look forward to continuing that in 2016. Having said that, Madam Deputy Speaker, to you, and everyone else, have a safe and happy holiday season.
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