Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 14 Hansard (11 December) . . Page.. 5295 ..

MR STEFANIAK (continuing):

Steve Pratt recently returned from playing in the Middle East and former Yugoslavia, where he was sin-binned for a long period of time by local referee Slobodan Milosevic. A very hardworking breakaway and sometimes second rower, he can give it and take it-and that happens quite often. He is very concerned about problems with ground security and the current disturbing lack of security staff around the club grounds, especially during junior matches.

Our referee, Mr Berry, is a former New South Wales country player. An original member, he is a very experienced ex-No 8, who, in his playing days, loved to niggle and go the biff with the opposition. He used to argue the toss with referees a lot and has a record for the most send-offs and sin-binnings. Now that he is the referee he knows every trick in the book and he has maintained a firm but fair control over the game. He is not whistle happy and he generally lets the game flow.

Finally, thanks to the team management and staff. We have got the best team management and staff you could possibly have in Tom Duncan and his magnificent staff.

Death of Mr Arthur John West

Valedictory

MS MacDONALD (5.33): In the adjournment debate yesterday I spoke about the death of Arthur John West, who is my adoptive grandfather. He adopted me as his granddaughter. I didn't get to finish my speech so I will do that now. I was saying that I felt very privileged to have had Grandma and Pop attend my wedding last year. I am told he was under strict instructions from Grandma to behave himself. During the reception Pop came up to me and said, "Karin, you'll be happy to know that I've found a few members of the left."He then gave a cheeky chuckle and wandered off. Pop enjoyed a good wine and was a member of the Revesby Workers Wine Club-but then he also enjoyed a gin and tonic, sparkling red, sparkling white, a few beers and anything else that he could get his hands on.

My abiding memory will be of Pop sitting at the head of the table, his family around him, a glass of something in front of him, a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. Pop loved to have his family around him. His family-his wife, Marge; his daughters, Marilyn, Jill and Lesley; sons-in-law, Greg and Rudolph; grandchildren, Jane, Matthew, Luke, James, Peter and Ben; and their partners, David, Jo and Kerryn; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Jack and Lily; and adoptive grandchildren, Chris in China and me-will all miss him dearly even though we know that he is at peace. I feel very lucky to have known Arthur West. There should be more people like him in the world.

On a slightly happier note, I wish all members of the Assembly and staff a happy Hanukkah, merry Christmas and a safe New Year. I am looking forward to a regenerative break and I wish everybody else the same.

Valedictory

MR PRATT (5.35): Firstly, I wish Bryan Guest a merry Christmas and festive season. I thank him for all his work and I wish him all the best for the future. I thank my staff, Tracey and Skye, for their support and the onerous task they have of keeping this rough diamond on the straight and narrow. I thank Tom, the chamber staff, and Ian Duckworth

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . .