Page 4019 - Week 13 - Tuesday, 12 December 2006
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A team that consisted of Liz Lopa, my media adviser, doing the swimming leg, me, in the cycling leg, and Penelope Layland, the Chief Minister’s chief media advisor, was successful in winning the state and territory division of the short course of the triathlon. For Liz and me, it was our first triathlon event. It may well be that there were not that many competitors in our division, but nonetheless it was very pleasing first up to be able to have a win in that event—and also to see just how much money was raised for diabetes research and how many people were involved in what is a fantastic event.
I encourage keen members of the Assembly to join me in an Assembly team next year. We have a bit of a title to defend now in the short course. As it involves only a 200-metre swim, a six-kilometre bike ride and a two-kilometre run, I am sure it would be within the means of the Assembly to put together a team next year. (Time expired)
Wally Cup
Motor sport
MR STEFANIAK (Ginninderra—Leader of the Opposition) (5.30): I am delighted to hear Mr Barr talk about the triathlon. I thought it was just a very strange excuse he used for not playing in another excellent epic event involving members of the Assembly—the Wally Cup, which he missed. He was meant to play in the back line. Mr Seselja did, I must say, but helped by the ACT vets and sundry others, including staffers. I must commend Karin MacDonald’s former staffer Jeremy Johnson, who did a couple of effectively try-saving tackles on some rather quick media guy to start with. We managed to be one all until nearly half-time, when we nudged in front. The second half clearly showed our great superiority. We won by about five tries to one, or whatever it was—winning the Wally Cup for the third time in a row. The Assembly now has won the Wally Cup three times out of five. It is very pleasing. I must go and get it engraved for the last two victories.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Wally Cup. Mr Barr has now put on record his excuse—and a very reasonable one it was—for not attending. I hope that event does not clash in future, Andrew. I look forward to going in that triathlon myself, actually. We should put in an Assembly team. But make sure you play in the next match. You will be selected—I give you forewarning—for the states and territories versus the commonwealth match. I expect to see you there at the very least.
While I am talking on sporting matters, I note that we only have two more days of sitting before the Christmas break. The dragway community are getting a bit concerned as to what, if anything, the government are doing in relation to this project. I reiterate what I have said earlier: I certainly hope they are not setting it up to fail or be shafted. I note that they are to make an announcement by the end of the year. I hope they honour their promises and I look forward to seeing what they are doing there. It would be a great betrayal if that did not go ahead.
On a more positive note, and also involving motor sport, I am pleased to see a lease being issued for Fairbairn Park. There were some issues in relation to just exactly how much they have to pay, but I think that is a positive step. I attended a number of Christmas parties on the weekend, going from the vets out to Fairbairn Park and then
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