Page 4079 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 30 November 2022
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This year I also took on the role as chair at the estimates hearings. To say that was an experience would have to be a bit of an understatement, as we were all locked out by WorkSafe! However, once we were able to continue, the estimates hearings ran smoothly and effectively, here in this chamber—another first! I would like to thank my other two colleagues here today, Mr Braddock and Dr Paterson, for their support through that estimates hearing period. I think we did extremely well. We achieved a really good outcome and all the feedback we have received has been very positive. I would also like to thank the committee secretaries for the hard work they have done during the estimates periods, Dr Monk and everyone else associated with that.
At the beginning of the year we saw a storm that occurred in Belconnen, and it seemed that maybe this year we would see many significant environmental events happening in the ACT. After my successful motion I brought to this place, there was a subsequent inquiry conducted and it came up with a whole series of recommendations. I certainly look forward to seeing the government’s response to that inquiry and ensuring situations like that and the government’s responses in such emergencies do not happen again.
In my sport and recreation portfolio, my major concerns relate to the lack of new infrastructure, grounds, indoor facilities or even the big items needed for a modern day city. The stadium replacement topic seems to have completely lost its way, continuing along its winding path without a firm direction.
The disability sector is an area where there is great need. It appears, though, that the government has completely forgotten about them. It is time the government stepped up. Yes, there are a lot of people out there that qualify for the NDIS but also there are more people out there with disability who do not qualify for the NDIS. That is why it is very important the ACT government do what it can to support those people that need support.
Similarly in the skills shadow portfolio—another area where the government has its eyes on its own institution, CIT—we are going to put pressure on this government to also recognise the important work the independent RTO sector do in terms of upskilling and creating the workforce that is critical in supporting local businesses with highly qualified employees.
So there is obviously plenty of work to be getting on with for next year, but before I conclude I would also like to offer my thanks to everyone in this building who works hard to support the operation of the Assembly—the attendants, the rest of the committee team, the library, the OLA HR and finance crew—your work commitment is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank my other colleagues here of other political persuasions. It has certainly been an interesting year and I look forward to what next year may bring for us, a year just before we go into the next election in 2024. So no doubt next year we will have a lot more heated debates in this place.
I want to thank my staff senior advisor Karin Oerlemans, she has been a great support with my portfolio and Assembly duties. Ewan Brown has provided wise counsel and valuable policy input and been a great support with my committee work. Kaylee
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