Page 6010 - Week 14 - Thursday, 8 December 2011
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To my Assembly colleagues, whilst we do not always agree with each other—in fact, often we do not—I do sincerely wish all of you a reasonable break and a happy festive season with your families. The job of an MLA is not easy. It is often high pressure, demanding and the hours are extensive. I do hope that people are able to enjoy some quiet time over the festive season.
I am very lucky to have a wonderful family. I would also like to acknowledge them as I finish today. I often leave an exceptionally shouty chamber and go home to an equally shouty household. For that I am eternally grateful, and I am very lucky to have the supportive partner and the three wonderful children who always remind me of the importance of the work we do here.
So to all of you, merry Christmas, and here’s to 2012.
Valedictory
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (5.30): I did not realise that Kas Paul was leaving us, so I pay tribute to Kas. Kas is always great for a chat. He is good to compare running tips with, although he runs a lot faster than I do. We often catch up around the place, including watching a bit of junior Rugby League. I wish Kas a good Christmas and a great retirement.
Firstly, I would like to say to the people of Molonglo: thank you for the opportunity to represent you this year. I look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to represent the people of Brindabella in coming years. To all the people of Canberra, I wish you a merry Christmas, particularly to our workers who do not get a break at Christmas—our firies, our ambos, police, nurses, doctors, SES and other crucial workers who play such an important role. I wish you especially a merry Christmas.
I would like to pay tribute to the Assembly staff, the attendants and the committee staff. I would like to pay tribute to Sam Salvaneschi. I think Sam does a sensational job. I think she is just amazingly efficient, and I would like to wish her especially a merry Christmas. I say to all of the Corporate Services staff, to Tom Duncan and the Clerk’s office: well done.
I would like to pay tribute to all of our Liberal staff, and I know that a number of them are here. They hate being acknowledged, so I am going to acknowledge them individually because I think it is important that we do that. They do not like to be acknowledged because they like to work behind the scenes, but I think on occasions like this we should, as it is a Liberal Party team. I acknowledge all of the staff who work for the Liberal Party and who have worked for the Liberal Party over this year: Steve Doyle, Tio Faulkner, Ian Hagan, Nick Chapman, Maria Viola, Merlin Kong, Juliet Toohey, Keith Old, Adam Duke, Hannah Passfield, Emily Davis, Kate Davis, Sue White, Jess Hynson, Brigitte Morten, Clinton White, Belinda Chapman, George Ober, Tim McGhie, Haidee Cornish, Candace Burch, Duncan McDonald, Ruth Biggs, Elizabeth Biggs, and also Lee Hillier, who did work experience here. I apologise if I have missed anyone. I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful work they have done.
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