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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 10 Hansard (18 October) . . Page.. 3146 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

I consider today, Mr Speaker, how much the ACT has changed in those 20 years since that day. Probably in no period has it changed as much as it has in the last six years. The former Chief Minister, Kate Carnell, takes much of the credit for that change. Among many other achievements, the ACT economy today is stronger, not just in the cyclical sense of being in an upswing rather than a downswing at the moment. It is quite demonstrably more sustainable than it was in the past and better able to withstand the downturns and reverses that inevitably come any economy's way. Kate Carnell takes that knowledge with her, brought down, as she has been, by people whose vision and whose energy is greatly inferior to her own.

The ACT can face a confident future. I intend to lead a government which will further secure that future. I know I have the support in that venture of wonderful colleagues, dedicated staff, an outstanding public service, and, of course, my own family who I have asked to forgive me in advance for neglecting them over the next year.

Once again, Mr Speaker, I thank the house.

MR STANHOPE (Leader of the Opposition): I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

MR STANHOPE: Mr Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr Humphries on his election as Chief Minister. It certainly is a very significant and signal honour to be elected as Chief Minister of the ACT, and it is an achievement that Mr Humphries can be justly proud of. I think it is an acknowledgment of his standing within his party room, and I am sure it reflects the respect with which his party holds him. I guess to that extent it reflects the length and breadth of his political experience.

Mr Humphries commented on his doubts or concerns about the length of the honeymoon that he will receive as a new Chief Minister. I am sure Mr Humphries will receive a honeymoon of a length that he deserves, and we, of course, will look forward to having some contribution to that.

Once again, Mr Speaker, on behalf of myself and the Labor Party, I congratulate Mr Humphries on this honour today.

Notice No 1 having been called on and the member failing to move the motion-

MR SPEAKER: Pursuant to standing order 128, the motion will be withdrawn from the notice paper.

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