Page 6273 - Week 19 - Tuesday, 17 December 1991
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ADJOURNMENT DEBATE
Motion (by Mr Berry) agreed to:
That so much of standing and temporary orders be suspended as would prevent the adjournment debate from continuing until 8.15 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion (by Mr Berry) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Valedictory
MR SPEAKER: Members, this is a momentous and historic occasion. Tonight we bring to a conclusion the final sitting of the first parliament of the ACT under self-government. This has been a most difficult period, not only because of the legislative process and the difficulties associated with bringing a previously free enterprise ACT public service to heel, but also because of the depressed economic climate and the hardships being encountered within the community at large.
These aspects were coupled with considerable anti-self-government sentiment - still held by some Territorians who are continually being fed abolish self-government sentiments - and the media-driven embellishment of the negatives, with little balance to build up the positive and excellent efforts of members of this parliament. Derision has been misrepresented as fair comment on minor events and individual happenings which deserve to be overlooked and ignored by the media.
That is not to say that the media should not keep the Assembly members on their toes. They should, and they did. What I am commenting on is the fact that the media has not presented an understanding in the community of just how hard their elected representatives have worked. Who is aware that a total of 84 committee reports have been presented - and of the thousands of hours of dedicated effort that they represent? Who is aware that the Assembly has passed into law about 220 Acts? Self-government in its current form, or some improvement thereto, is here as the direct result of a majority vote at the last election - and, I add, is here to stay.
Regardless of their preferences, I am sure that all constituents agree that the Assembly has given to them a significant voice in their community affairs which was previously unavailable to them. Therefore, I would like to congratulate all members on their dedication to their
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