Page7 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 3 November 2020
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transport and housing, whilst taking real action on climate change. The agreement will ensure a stable territory government that benefits from the distinct, but collaborative, approaches of our two political parties.
Madam Speaker, I also want to acknowledge the Canberra Liberals. You raised many issues in the last parliament and during the campaign. We often disagree on politics and policy. However, I am optimistic that there will be times when we do agree, and I look forward to working constructively together at those times. Congratulations to Elizabeth Lee and Giulia Jones. Leading a party is an honour and a challenge, and I wish you both well in your new roles. And if I can be so bold, I offer one piece of advice: be nice to the Chief Minister.
I also acknowledge former opposition leader Alistair Coe and thank him for a respectful and hard-fought campaign. You kept me on my toes throughout the process. I perhaps do not want to be in the boxing ring with you.
Finally, I wish to thank my Labor colleagues, and the entire Labor family, for all of their hard work and dedication to our cause. I thank Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry and acknowledge the re-election of Rachel Stephen-Smith; Chris Steel; Mick Gentleman; Suzanne Orr; Tara Cheyne; Michael Pettersson; and you, Madam Speaker. I warmly welcome our newest MLA, Dr Marisa Paterson.
Sadly, we say farewell, for now, to Gordon Ramsay, Bec Cody and Deepak-Raj Gupta and we thank them for their contribution to this place.
I thank all of the Labor candidates and their supporters, who worked so tirelessly and passionately over many months to get us to where we are today.
I wish to pay special thanks to our campaign director, Mel James, and my team, under the leadership of my chief of staff, Michael Cook. I observed on election night that in this place we are only ever as good as our staff and the support that they provide us. I thank my entire office and the staff of every single member of the Labor Party.
I also acknowledge Greens and Canberra Liberals staff, who worked so hard for their causes.
I want to thank my family and my husband, Anthony—it is nice to be able to say that—for their ongoing love and support. We simply cannot do these jobs without the support of our families and friends.
Finally, Madam Speaker, I again thank the people of Canberra for putting their trust in me as Chief Minister. I am proud and humbled to lead Australia’s most progressive jurisdiction. We will work hard every day to protect the health and wellbeing of Canberrans.
Leader of the Opposition
MADAM SPEAKER: Under standing order 5A, the Leader of the Opposition shall be the leader of the largest non-government party, with the consent of that member.
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