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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 9 Hansard (28 August) . . Page.. 3400 ..
MRS DUNNE (continuing):
aside areas for housing affordability in its land release program. That is a recommendation of the Affordable Housing Taskforce, but it has been agreed to only in principle.
There are many ways that this government could step in and, whilst working within the market, address the issues of housing affordability. We have heard much puffing and blowing from this government on housing affordability but, again, it is a case of a government which can talk the talk but not walk the walk.
At 5.00 pm, in accordance with standing order 34, the debate was interrupted. The motion for the adjournment of the Assembly having been put and negatived, the debate was adjourned.
Debate (on motion by Ms Dundas ) adjourned to the next sitting.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Quinlan ) proposed:That the Assembly do now adjourn
Members staff
MS DUNDAS (5.01): Mr Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work of my staff. I believe that I have a hard-working and dedicated team who help to ensure that the Democrats provide an effective voice in the political discourse of the ACT. I would like to welcome Andrew Blake to my team and pay tribute to Geoffrey Rutledge, who has recently departed for more lucrative pastures. Geoffrey joined my team very early on in the term and was key in establishing my office. He might not be too impressed with this adjournment speech, as it is ill prepared and self-indulgent, two things he always counselled against.
Whilst in my office, Geoffrey was always there, working hard on a range of issues. His research and advice on civil law reform, youth and child protection and a range of health topics, among others, was much appreciated. His dedication, sense of humour, attention to odd details and ability to deal with a member in a bad mood are admirable qualities that I hope are serving him well in his new position. But since Geoffrey's departure, popcorn has not been burnt in the office once.
Our staff do work hard, and this is not always acknowledged. It is important to note that we do not do things all on our own; we have teams working with us to make sure that the laws that we make in the ACT represent the views of the community and lead us forward. I understand that there are ongoing negotiations with regard to the staff certified agreement. I hope that they are successful, so that our staff are better recognised and work in better conditions. They work long hours and deal with a whole range of issues, and that needs to be respected and supported. I know that I have a very hard-working team, and I hope that they feel appreciated, not just by me but by all members in this Assembly, for the work that they do.
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