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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 5 (Hansard) 16 May) . . Page.. 1411 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

I am going to miss, I am sure, the likeable way the Serjeant-at-Arms dealt with us. I can remember how polite he was when I was asked by the Speaker to leave the Assembly following a vote of the Assembly on the matter of standing order 202(e), I believe it was, on an occasion or two. You will notice, Mr Speaker, that I have become much more careful, and perhaps that is a result of the kind coaching from the Serjeant-at-Arms, which he would provide for all members.

The contribution Keith Johnson has made to this house is one that often is not obvious or seen by the public or by many people, but each member who has been through here knows about the contribution he has made, and part of that is the way the tone of the Assembly is set. There have certainly been times, Mr Speaker, when the tone of the Assembly has reached a pretty low ebb over the last seven or eight years; but the positive side coming through that always seemed to be the cool, calm Keith Johnson. I would like personally to thank him for his time and to join with you, Mr Speaker, in congratulating him. Thank you, Keith.

MR BERRY (6.01): I would like to say a few words about Keith and my association with him, but before I do I would like to say to Roberta: Do not be too worried; Keith is my real running mate. We have travelled a few miles together - more miles than anybody else in this place. Truly, the association has been a good one, mostly because from the beginning of self-government in 1989, when we first became associated with Keith, we always got the best treatment, the most professional treatment and the most courteous treatment. The treatment you receive in opposition, I have to say, because of Keith's attention to duty, I think, has had a bit of an edge on the sort of treatment you got in government. There has been at least one good side of opposition, and that is the treatment we have had from the Secretariat under Keith Johnson's leadership. My staff have had nothing but good words to say about Keith over the years we have dealt with him, and my office has always performed more efficiently as a result of his efforts. In due course, Keith and I will bump into each other around the traps, I am sure. One thing that I think will go down with some pleasure is that Keith is one of the few people who will go out of this place having received so many accolades. Good luck, Keith, good luck, Margaret; I hope that all goes well for you.

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