Page 4224 - Week 13 - Thursday, 14 December 2006
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Government vehicle fleet
Valedictory
MR SESELJA (Molonglo) (5.48): If I might, before I get into some Christmas wishes I will briefly finish a speech I was giving last sitting.
Government members interjecting—
MR SESELJA: That was in relation to an issue you have been quoted on recently around this move to four-cylinder vehicles. I had put out the case in respect of crash data and emissions that the four versus six debate was not so clear cut. I would like to conclude on that because I did not get to it; I got cut off. I do not think we should be—I guess we are talking mainly about public servants as well as MLAs—putting young families in the position of choosing between safety and space and those kinds of things. I do not think we should be pushing them into a position where they have inappropriate vehicles for their needs. I think that it is important.
We need to remember that all of these issues around the environment often have a big effect on young families starting out. I think of issues like a lot of the compulsory things in home building that impact most on young families. I think both sides of politics always need to be aware of that in all our policies. I wanted to put on the record my concern about some of those issues.
Turning to some Christmas wishes, I am surprised. I was assured by Mr Gentleman earlier in the year that, as a result of WorkChoices, we would not be celebrating Christmas. I am happy that it is still going ahead, along with the barbecues and many other things.
I would like to take the opportunity, firstly, to wish all members of the community a merry Christmas and a safe holiday season. Unfortunately, we lose many members of our community around the country at this time. Many people die on our roads over Christmas. I would caution everyone to drive extra carefully and take breaks on the long trips.
I want to thank my staff—Bob O’Heir and Steve Doyle in particular. I had Julia Jones earlier on as well, who did a fantastic job. Bob and Steve have done a fantastic job throughout the year. They have supported me in many ways and worked absolutely tirelessly. I could not be happier with the contribution they have made to my office throughout this year. I am thankful to them.
I would like to, once again, in the same way as Brendan did, thank my family. I thank Ros, Michael, Thomas and William for their support and patience during the year. I would also like to thank my Liberal Party colleagues for all of their work during the year and their support. I would like to wish them and their families a merry Christmas.
To all members indeed, I wish you a merry Christmas and a safe and happy break over the December-January period. I would also like to wish all of the Assembly staff—the attendants, the committee staff and all the others who make this place
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