Page 2714 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 10 August 2016
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Macarthur; Denise Merces from Macarthur; Ms Misaela Leahy from Macarthur, Sabrina Biswas, Tamika Brinkley, Linda Bernardi, Virginia Blanko, Kerrie Lovebridge, Vidya Vorkady, Chhimi Wangmo and Shaz Salehzahi. They also were all from the Macarthur centre. From the Curtin centre, I thank Shaista Farook, Rachel, Livia, Abbegaile, Baljit, Karabi, Wah Wah, Michelle, Nana; Sara, Wendy and Anna.
Thank you so much to all of Canberra Toyota, Toyota Australia, Planet Ark and the Teddybears childcare centres in Macarthur and Curtin for their outstanding service to our environment and for their help with National Tree Day.
Valedictory
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Disability, Minister for Small Business and the Arts and Minister for Veterans and Seniors) (10.01): Tomorrow night we draw the Eighth Assembly to a close and look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the Ninth Assembly. As ever, our focus is on delivering good government for the ACT so all members of our community can prosper and enjoy our unique city, which was born over a hundred years ago with dreams for a new capital for a new nation.
In 2012 Katy Gallagher as Chief Minister led us into the Eighth Assembly. We kept the Canberra economy strong and fought for the ACT in the face of federal Liberal government cuts. We celebrated Canberra’s centenary, instilling a new pride, confidence and can-do spirit in our city. We tackled the Mr Fluffy legacy, steering through a solution once and for all.
Since Andrew Barr became Chief Minister in December 2014 he has cleverly built the case for brand Canberra as the coolest capital, with a diversified, innovative economy and a city buzzing with events, arts, cultural opportunities and entertainment.
Meanwhile, I and colleagues continue to improve our world-class health and education systems and to build a better transport system to service a population of over 400,000. We have worked to make Canberra a more inclusive community with better opportunities for all. It is wonderful to be part of the continuing development of Canberra as a caring, diverse, prosperous and fun city.
I am proud to end this Assembly with ministerial responsibilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Children and Young People, Disability, Small Business and the Arts, and Veterans and Seniors. They are portfolios that cover communities I am passionate about. As a proud Aboriginal Canberran, it is a special responsibility to serve the interests of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and it has been an honour to do so.
Of course, I thank my family for their support, particularly my wife, Julie, who encourages me at every opportunity. I also thank my talented staff for their commitment and to all my volunteers who generously give their time, thank you for your hard work and belief.
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