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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 6 Hansard (15 May) . . Page.. 1675 ..

MR PRATT (continuing):

I commend the motion. It is very important that we recognise families. I thank the house for its indulgence.

MRS CROSS (5.50), in reply: Mr Speaker, I thank members for their comments on this motion. It is good to hear such support for families in Canberra in varying forms. The wonderful thing about living in Australia's democracy is that we can have varying views on a number of issues and for the most part they meet a high level of tolerance and acceptance.

However, I trust that all this sweet sentiment does not turn out to be just talk when it comes to budget time. One of the criticisms I continually heard throughout the election campaign was about how politicians talk a lot but take little action. The community is cynical of politicians, but we can help to change that.

The government's first budget is an important one for them. Personally, I will be going through it with a fine toothcomb and from a family perspective.

I pay tribute to those in our society who enter into foster care. I applaud them highly. Mr Rugendyke, a former member of this place, has taken in up to nine foster children. I applaud him for that. Many foster parents also have a number of biological children of their own. They are to be commended.

I echo the sentiments of my colleague Mr Pratt in commending the influences of the multicultural community. The multicultural community encompasses every other nationality other than that which is indigenous to this country-not only those of non-English-speaking countries but those of English-speaking nations or nations that speak dialects of English. I commend all those people for their wonderful contributions to this country as well the indigenous population for their influence.

Again I thank members for their time. I wish everyone a happy International Day of Families.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Discrimination Amendment Bill 2002

Debate resumed from 10 April 2002, on motion by Mrs Cross:

That this bill be agreed to in principle.

Debate (on motion by Mr Wood ) adjourned to the next sitting.

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