Page 1871 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 1 May 1991
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Australian Labor Party
MR HUMPHRIES (Minister for Health, Education and the Arts) (4.43): I might briefly contribute a little bit, Mr Speaker. I also note the anniversary of the Australian Labor Party and agree reluctantly with the comment made by my colleague Mr Duby that there are some positive features of Australian society which are attributable to Labor governments. One great catchcry or issue facing the labour movement during the early period of the Labor Party's existence was the call and quest for an eight-hour day - eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep and eight hours of rest. There are some of us who would dearly wish that we could today achieve an eight-hour day - eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep and eight hours of rest - but, for some of us, it is not possible, and for some people in our community it is also not even desirable.
Mr Duby: An unattainable dream, I think.
MR HUMPHRIES: An unattainable dream, indeed. It is good to see that both the ALP and Mr Connolly have matured in that time. Of course, in three years' time, in 1994, the Liberal Party will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. It is not quite as old as the ALP; but certainly, at the present point in Australian political life, it has somewhat more vigour, I would think, than the Australian Labor Party and somewhat more prospect of governing in future years in Federal and State parliaments.
Mr Speaker, when I got up this morning I had no idea that putting on this red tie would have such significance; but, indeed, it did have that significance. It must have been some subconscious calling on the part of my mind that I put it on. Anyway, I use it to commemorate this important day in international folklore.
Australian Labor Party
MR COLLAERY (Deputy Chief Minister) (4.45), in reply: Mr Speaker, I also rise to congratulate the Labor Party on its centenary and to congratulate Mr Connolly on the passage of his first year in this house. I also believe that one day - not too soon, but a long way off - Mr Connolly will be potential Chief Minister material in this Territory. We wish him well in his career and the sooner he gets to the front bench the better. I do not want to give him the kiss of death, so I will not say anything more that is nice about him.
Mr Duby: You know that he will be doomed to a lifetime as Leader of the Opposition.
MR COLLAERY: I said "front bench", I remind my colleague Mr Duby, not "Government bench". Mr Speaker, I also recall Mr Connolly's very good inaugural speech.
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