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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 10 Hansard (25 September) . . Page.. 3270 ..

MR WOOD (10.50): Mr Speaker, I move:

That the Assembly places on record its appreciation of the assistance given to its successive Standing Committees on Scrutiny of Bills and Subordinate Legislation by its independent legal adviser, Emeritus Professor Douglas Whalan, AM, and, on his retirement, records its thanks for the outstanding contribution he has made to the Assembly and the Territory.

Professor Douglas Whalan's current poor health has required him to retire as legal adviser to the Scrutiny of Bills and Subordinate Legislation Committee. Members will acknowledge his retirement with regret, as we all appreciate the outstanding work he has performed for the Assembly and thus for the Australian Capital Territory.

Professor Whalan accepted his position very early in the life of self-government, when we were all inexperienced and very much in need of his expert advice. We were fortunate to gain the services of such an outstanding adviser, acknowledged as perhaps the foremost in his field in the Commonwealth. He has checked an enormous volume of legislation and subordinate legislation and in the process has helped to protect the interests of the Territory and its citizens. He has also educated members of this Assembly and the officers who prepare legislation and subordinate legislation. I believe that the number of reports which provide critical comment will continue to diminish as a result of his role.

Many members have served on the Scrutiny of Bills Committee and would know that the technical and detailed nature of its proceedings would not normally be described as exciting, at least by us. Lawyers, I understand, have a different view. Professor Whalan's ever-present good humour and lively wit have made the meetings a pleasure to attend; and, from time to time, his reports and occasional informal appendages have been a delight to read.

Professor Whalan has been an outstanding servant of this Assembly and of the ACT. This motion places on record our appreciation of his efforts and of the quality of his work. I know that members wholeheartedly endorse the motion's sentiments as we all join in conveying our thanks to Professor Whalan and our best wishes for good health in the future. May he long keep "Rolling" on.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General) (10.53): Mr Speaker, I am very happy to rise to associate the Government with the motion that Mr Wood has moved. I was very sad to hear that Professor Whalan had retired from the Scrutiny of Bills Committee and, I assume, from his service to the Senate committee where he served a similar purpose. I have known Professor Whalan for quite a long time. My association with him began during my time at the Australian National University, where he served as chairman of the Board of the Faculties while I was president of the Students Association. I had a continuing association with him during that period and subsequently. I was delighted to find him return into my life as adviser to the Scrutiny of Bills Committee of the Assembly.

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