Page 3974 - Week 10 - Thursday, 28 August 2008
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when I first came into this place, I think how naive I was. Some of you may say that I still am and I would agree with that upon occasion, especially with some of the events that occurred last week.
I am pleased to have been able to contribute to the work of the Assembly through the committee system, although, given the report workload in the last few weeks, if I had the choice over again, I may not choose to go on four committees. It almost killed me in the last few days. In fact, Brendan can attest to that, too.
I would urge all members of the Seventh Assembly to give real attention to increasing the numbers in this place. I know self-government was considered to be an odious thing—and Mr Stefaniak has referred to that in his speech—when it was introduced. But after 20 years of existence it is time to get real about the need for a larger Assembly.
I pay tribute to all members of this place, both past and present, and to my colleagues for the hard work and dedication that they put in. Of course, I do believe that some of us work a bit harder than others.
I particularly want to acknowledge Dr Foskey, Mr Stefaniak and Mr Berry. I have worked with both Dr Foskey and Mr Stefaniak through the committee system. We have had hearings together, travelled together, shared meals together and deliberated on reports together and I think that we have been able to work well together. I thank both Mr Stefaniak and Dr Foskey for that. I was particularly sad for Dr Foskey that she felt so unwell today. I think she has done amazingly well, given how unwell she does feel.
Mr Berry, you have been an excellent Speaker. I believe that history will be kind to you in reflecting your fairness in this place. Of course, when you are not in the Speaker’s chair, in that other chair up there you are a real stirrer.
I would like to place on the record, one last time, my thanks to all the people in the Legislative Assembly that make this place tick along—the people who work in Hansard and Communications, Chamber Support, the Committee Office, Corporate Services, the library and many other areas which do not necessarily have a heading. You all do a great job.
I have been blessed to have a number of wonderful people work with me over the years. All members here know that you cannot do this job without a good team. And I have a great team. Lisa Brill, Ruth Stanfield and Marietta Le Grand who work for me now are all loyal, hardworking, protective and dedicated women and I consider them to be my friends and not just the people who work in my office. I thank you for your work.
This evening in the gallery I have been honoured to have many friends come to watch my final speech—too many to name them all. These people have supported me in my time in this place and I am very grateful to them. I look forward to having more time to spend with you after I finish my term. There are also a number of friends who could not make it this evening and I also thank them for their support over the years. To all of my friends I would give you this quote:
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