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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 14 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 5043 ..

MR OSBORNE (10.51): I congratulate Mr Moore and Mr Humphries for that wonderful speech. It was terrific. I want to say a few words in the final adjournment debate of this Assembly. I would like to wish everybody a happy, safe and, to some, a holy Christmas. To Mr Moore and the other non-Christians in here, I can only assume you are taking time off to celebrate the pagan feast that Christmas once was. So, I hope you do not get into too much trouble.

When I first entered politics, Mr Speaker, I had no idea whatsoever about politics and how it worked. Some people will say that nothing has changed.

MR SPEAKER: Has that changed, Mr Osborne?

MR OSBORNE: I like to think that my staff have changed at least, Mr Speaker. There have been times in this place when I have been bitterly disappointed, and there have been times when I have been very happy. I suppose the first lesson that I had to learn on coming into politics is that you do not always win. It is very hard when you come from the Canberra Raiders, Mr Speaker, when we used to win every week.

Mrs Carnell: When you are a grand final hero.

MR OSBORNE: A grand final hero. I would like to thank a few people who have helped me along this interesting walk, Mr Speaker, people who have worked behind the scenes, people whom I have used as sounding boards and people who have just been there. I would like to thank my staff, first of all, and the huge tally of people who have worked for me for three years. I think we have three or four. Firstly, and most importantly, Mr David Moore has been with me since day one. He has not resigned. He has been very loyal at times, and has been tempted at times. I have given him the most pathetic jobs to do and he has never once argued with me. That is why I like him so much. At all times I have had complete faith in him. He, like I, had no experience in politics prior to coming in here and he has certainly been the real brains in the office. So, to you, David, I say thank you very much and do not worry. If we get back next year I will keep giving you the crappy jobs. I would also like to say thanks to Debbie, David's wife, who worked in the office for the first 18 months. She was the only person who had any idea where anything was and was the only person who kept the place in order. She has been sadly missed in the last 18 months, let me tell you.

I would also like to thank the other people who have worked in there at various times, and, most importantly, Chris Uhlmann who has just started full time with us. I think all members will agree that few people know this place as well as Chris does, and he has certainly been a great bonus to the team. The only criticism I have of Chris is that he is a pathetic cricketer, having seen him last week. He scored one run off three overs and had none for about 30, I think, so it was a great effort by him. Just as an aside to all members and all staff, I would suggest that you listen to FM 104.7 tomorrow when you will hear him on a crazy call. It will be at about 8.10, if anyone is interested. Marty Haynes got him. He has his wedding on Saturday, so I wish him the best.

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