Page 1340 - Week 05 - Thursday, 26 April 1990
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acknowledge that in December Mr Collaery made a mealy-mouthed apology for his action in that matter, but the apology was barely reported.
The allegation should never have been made. I do not possess sufficient charity to forgive either the Deputy Chief Minister or his party colleagues for that action. Hector Kinloch used the Collaery allegations to defame me on ABC radio shortly afterwards. I think the Deputy Chief Minister should reflect on his pattern of behaviour last year and feel some shame. I suggest that he should begin by reading the Hansard of the very first question time in this chamber. When he has reminded himself of the nature of the first questions he asked in this place he will begin to understand why he is held in such low regard by my party and by some of his own colleagues.
Mr Speaker, on the question of the Remuneration Tribunal, I have already criticised the decision of the Remuneration Tribunal to award such a pitiful salary that only retired people or part-time members would be encouraged to serve in this place. I have highlighted in my resignation that the essential element was not the level of the salary but the virtual determination that this employment is part-time, and the inevitable conflicts of interest that would result from that. I believe it takes a special dedication to serve constituents in the ACT where there are fewer politicians by far per head of population than anywhere else in Australia, and to serve for the lowest salary paid to any member of a parliament in Australia. It must be corrected.
Mr Speaker, I wish to thank my current personal staff, who include Lynne and Geoff, and particularly my staff who served me as a Minister last year. I am particularly grateful for the loyalty and support that I received from them. I have placed on record many times my belief that in Canberra we are served by some of the most dedicated, effective and competent public servants that exist in this country, and I state it once again. I am grateful for the period that I spent with those public servants and, on behalf of the people of Canberra, I am grateful for the service that they provide to Canberra. I consider that these officers are uniquely effective and professional and I trust that they will be allowed to continue to serve the Government and the people of the ACT so effectively.
In conclusion, Mr Speaker, I thank the Assembly for the opportunities of the exchanges here. I believe that there is a great deal of need for improvement in the Assembly. I hope that, if my departure in some way reduces the political temperature in this place, then I will at least have made that contribution. I leave with regret. It is not something that I have chosen to do; it is something that I have considered carefully, and I think members will acknowledge the context in which I have made that decision. I thank you all.
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