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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 10 Hansard (30 August) . . Page.. 3887 ..

MR BERRY (continuing):

occasions when I go for a lunchtime run on a hot day and I keep emptying the water glass. On those occasions the attendants seem to give me a bit of a sideways look about how much water one can drink in this place, but I have enjoyed my association with them.

This term, as usual, I have had the loyal support of Sue Robinson in my office. She is probably the senior staffer in this place. She came here with the First Assembly, and she knows every nook and cranny. She knows what everybody is thinking. She even know what I am thinking, and she reminds me of what I should not be thinking from time to time. She has been the backbone of support in my office. This is true of the staff of many of the people in this place who have been and gone.

Your family give you up for your term in this place, except for a bit of relief when you are at home with the flu or some other sickness. Your family go with you to functions that you might not go to if you had the choice, and they front up to people that they might not front up to if they had the choice, but they are always there.

I want everybody to share a thought for the people of East Timor, who will be facing an election a bit more serious than ours.

Mr Wood: They voted today.

MR BERRY: I am reminded that they voted today. I think it would be appropriate to think for a few moments about the trials and tribulations of the East Timor people, fellows like Horta and other champions of democracy who have fought so hard to get independence for their country.

People in East Timor will be welcoming the opportunity to vote for their new politicians. I suspect the same could not be said for the people who were going to the polls here in 1989. Nevertheless, we should think about the emerging democracy in East Timor. I think it is going to be one of the most interesting chapters of one's lifetime to see that small democracy develop from the shambles that was created by the torture and mayhem that were inflicted on that small country.

Valedictory

MR HIRD (11.16): This being my second term, Mr Speaker, I would like to take my mind back to the year that you, Mr Kaine and I were elected to the first Legislative Assembly in 1974. Michael reminded me of that when he said that his son started school. Well, Mr Kaine and Mr Cornwell, you would remember that my daughter Julie-Anne was born on that day, 28 September 1974. This is my 10th election, and the commitment that my family has made is significant. My commitment to the belief that I can make a contribution to my community has put me in this place on numerous occasions, previously in the advisory body and now in what is called the real parliament.

I wish Michael all the best. Michael, you are not a Captain Smith. If you ask me who Captain Smith is-

Mr Moore: Who is Captain Smith?

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