Page 1023 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 25 February 2009
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No other community event brings together the breadth of the ACT community in the way that the Multicultural Festival does. It is a fantastic community event driven by the community and produced for the community. Mr Hargreaves is a very passionate supporter of the festival and, as minister, has championed its continued growth. After hearing some of the comments in this debate, I am sure that we can be assured that there is consistent support across the hearts and divide in this chamber for this festival to continue to grow from strength to strength.
I must say, though, that the contribution of Mr Doszpot in raising particular issues in relation to the late Al Grassby was perhaps an unfortunate addition to what was, and what should have been, a very positive motion. I think, Madam Assistant Speaker—
Mr Hanson: Do you support the statue then, Mr Barr?
MR BARR: It belies the approach this Assembly took in the condolence motion that was moved in this place on Mr Grassby’s death and what the then Leader of the Opposition, Mr Smyth, and Mr Stefaniak and Mr Pratt had to say at that time, just after his passing, about Mr Grassby’s contribution to Australian public life. I think it would be very disappointing for those members—Mr Smyth continues to serve in this place; Mr Stefaniak and Mr Pratt are former members—to reflect upon the more recent contributions from the Liberal Party. I think I will go to no more authoritative source than Mr Smyth and repeat some of the comments he made at the time. Mr Smyth said:
… the way Al approached life that endeared him most to Australians. He was not a man who stepped back from life; he was a man who embraced life and then just took it forward. While Minister for Immigration, he became famous for wearing his colourful ties.
Mr Smyth went on to say that the reforms that the Chief Minister had outlined in his speech in the condolence debate were testament to Al’s contribution. I could go on to observe—
Mr Hanson: It was a condolence motion, Andrew. What did you want him to say? What did you want him to say during that condolence motion?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order, members!
MR BARR: It is one thing, Madam Assistant Speaker, for people to come into this place and put on the public record a series of glowing endorsements. Mr Stefaniak—
Mr Hanson: Was it a good decision or do you agree with the Chief Minister? Whose side are you coming down on?
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER: Order members! Mr Hanson, I cannot hear Mr Barr.
MR BARR: Thank you, Madam Assistant Speaker. Mr Stefaniak in his comments indicated significant support for the contribution that Mr Grassby made to Australian society. Mr Pratt said:
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