Page 450 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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son a few weeks ago, and she and her husband will be spending their first Christmas with Zac. I wish them all the very best and thank her for all her work through 2008. Thank you, everyone.
Valedictory
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (10.42): I echo the comments that have been made by Mr Stanhope, my leader Mr Seselja and others. When I look at the clock and at the date, I reflect that exactly one year ago I was flying out of Baghdad to transition through the Middle East on my way home. I certainly recall, as I left and my replacements had recently arrived, the real thought I had was, “I’m glad it’s me going home for Christmas and they’re staying here.” I would like to reflect on the thousands of ADF members who are currently serving overseas and will not be home for Christmas. There was no greater pleasure I had than being with my family last year for Christmas, and a lot of us will be away, in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomons.
I would like to make mention of Giulia Jones. You would all know “Gulia with a G”. Throughout the election campaign, she did it pretty hard. Her husband, Bernard, was in Iraq and he still is. Their two young children will be opening their Christmas presents without Bernard being there. The ADF members are amongst us—mums and dads, these days. I would like to note that point. As you are opening your presents with your families this year, do spare a thought for those people who are not with their families, who are with the ADF and serving overseas.
Valedictory
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (10.44): I would like to add my words of greeting at Christmas time to all the members of the Assembly, particularly to my Liberal colleagues—to Zed Seselja, Brendan Smyth, Jeremy Hanson, Alistair Coe and Steve Doszpot. It is a pleasure to work with you. It has been a pleasure to work with such a professional team throughout this year, and I think we can say that they ain’t seen nothing yet.
I will mention the extraordinary staff of the Liberal Party in the Assembly again, because they deserve mentioning. They are, for the most part, very backward in accepting accolades. I mention Steve Doyle, in particular, who has been an absolute brick through this campaign and absolutely tireless. I think that if he does not take leave next week, we will actually hogtie him, take him home and deliver him to his wife.
Mr Seselja: He’s actually looking tired.
MRS DUNNE: Yes, very tired. I give my heartfelt thanks to Ian Hagan, Tio Faulkner—the indomitable Tio Faulkner—and some of the longer serving staff, people like Keith Old and Maria Violi, who have been with us in and out of season. I say to my new staff, to Clinton White, that it looks like a great working relationship, and I am very pleased to have him on board.
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