Page 581 - Week 02 - Thursday, 18 February 2016
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
about everything, whether it was the tribulations of party politics, sometimes my own party’s politics, the latest show or family life. She is a sincere person with a glowing personality.
It is easy to note Mary’s wonderful personality, dedication and sincerity, but what must not go unnoticed is that amongst all these wonderful attributes is a very professional politician. She is a good operator and is very well respected in political circles. Her electoral performance is extremely impressive. It is worth noting just how well she has done at the elections in which she has stood. Her work as Deputy Speaker and as chair of committees has also been noted. It has always been impartial; it has always been fair.
I have had some very interesting times with Ms Porter, not the least of which was a planning committee trip to Brisbane. It was quite a sight. Imagine me, Mary and Caroline Le Couteur traversing the night clubs of Fortitude Valley at 11 pm. Who knows what people thought when the three of us bypassed the queue and zipped in like A-listers at Cloudland. There we were making a beeline for the bar, and it just opened like the Red Sea. Quite extraordinary. We have had good conversations in many locations: on buses in Tasmania and on committee trips out to various subdivisions in Canberra and elsewhere.
Mary has had many local and territory-wide policy wins. Her work in the retirement village community is worth noting. The wonderful Ridgecrest community in Page would be able to provide many testimonials about her diligence in this space. She is truly a local member to this community, and indeed all of Ginninderra, and her work is to be admired.
As has already been said, I believe Mary provided a blueprint on how to be a visible community member and a local MLA. Given the challenges of being housed in this building without electorate offices, Mary’s example of regular shopping centre visits is first-class.
Regularly on a Thursday or Friday evening, you could walk down the corridor of the Assembly on level 1 and catch a flash of light—Mary in one of her many sparkling jackets, heading for the theatre. Mary and Ian’s love for and involvement in the regional theatre community are legendary, and they have a wonderful legacy in this space. Her generous scholarship is an intergenerational gift she has given. Through the donation of the funds for that scholarship, she has facilitated many young Canberrans to be able to follow their dream of theatre. Ian and Mary’s work at the CAT awards has been a very special part of their life, and I very much respect them for it.
Madam Speaker, Canberra got two for the price of one with Mary Porter—Mary and Ian were and are a true duo. We have all had many great experiences chatting with Ian and Mary at various events across town. Their loving and supportive relationship is something to admire. Patience is also something which is obviously part of their relationship. Evidence of this is Ian’s dedication in helping set up her mobile offices and returning an hour or two later to pack them up. Mary’s patience, or perhaps lack thereof, is evident with Ian getting caught in a conversation at the end of the night and
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video