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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001-2002 Week 1 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 43 ..

MRS CROSS (continuing):

I have balanced the often conflicting demands of home and career, and I look forward to joining with the other female MLAs in offering to Canberra a view of the world which encompasses the needs and aspirations of every one of our citizens.

I am a passionate woman. I am passionate about life, my career, my family and my friends. I am also passionate about my city, Canberra. I am passionate about its moods, the light, its breeziness, its air of freshness and purpose. But we must be vigilant about things that spark our passions.

Canberra has evolved through a fine balance of government planning and private initiative, and it is the latter that has brought new spark and life into a place that was once derided as a company town. We must be careful that the heavy hand of government does not return to stifle the place, and I am concerned that proposed changes to planning laws have the potential to turn back the clock.

Finally, one of the things that are constantly shown by the people of Canberra and Australia is the lack of respect the electorate has for parliament, let alone individual politicians. With so many of us being new here, with the new perspective we bring, blended with the experience of others within this chamber, I hope we can change that perception. I will certainly be committing myself to that end.

In closing, I would like to put on record my thanks to a number of people who worked tirelessly to help me reach this point, and without whom I would not be standing here. These people know who they are and are too modest to want their names mentioned, but there are a few I particularly want to thank: Mr David Kibbey, for his unstinting support and faith in me during the campaign; my campaign team of Peter Taylor, Matthew Beltran, Kate Prior, Marie Bampton, Helga Noakes, Kaye Cameron, Chris Stavridis and Gareth Ward; my dear friends the Capezios, the Beavers, the Tiirikainens, the Reddens; and my darling husband, David Cross, who has always displayed great leadership and courage while serving his country and who continues to inspire me to stay true to myself. Thank you.

I would also like to thank the Liberal Party for the confidence they have shown in me. In particular, I am honoured that the leader of our party, Mr Humphries, has entrusted me with portfolio responsibilities as a shadow minister. I congratulate him on the distinction of his term as Chief Minister, and the respect which he attracted so widely in our community for his clarity of judgment, his good sense and calm leadership. I will ensure I repay his trust with hard work, enthusiasm and loyalty.

I would also like to congratulate the new Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope. I am sure you will work hard for the people of Canberra during the next three years, but don't get too comfortable because we would like to have our offices on the second floor in 2004.

Thank you everyone for indulging me. I look forward to the next three years. Please don't mistake weepiness and tears for weakness. I find that it takes great strength to be able to show emotion. I would like to end my speech by paying tribute to my fellow colleagues Vicki Dunne and Steve Pratt, who were enormously supportive of me during my campaign and whom I am looking forward to working very closely with in the next three years. Thank you.

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