Page 3561 - Week 08 - Friday, 24 August 2012
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marginalisation or discrimination in our community—John has been a passionate advocate of them all.
But in my brief comments today what I really want to say is that, of all the things I admire about John Hargreaves, it is his humanity: his ability to recognise that he is not perfect, that he has his flaws, that he has foibles—that that is what makes him who he is. He brings his humanity to his politics and to his own life journey. John and I have had our battles, but over recent years I have greatly valued, in particular, the capacity to sit down and have a good conversation.
John, thank you for your contribution to this place, for your work as a member for Brindabella and for your work as a member of this Assembly. I wish you all the very best for your retirement from this place and the life that now will unfold before you.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Gaming and Racing), by leave: I would like to make some very brief statements today. The words follow on from the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Simon Corbell, who shared the 14 years of John Hargreaves’s time here.
Your time, John, has been recognised. You served us well as a backbencher, as a whip and as a minister. You hold a place in this Assembly and elsewhere as the great parliamentarian that you are.
I had a look earlier today at your inaugural speech and, if I may, I will read some of it. John said in 1998:
I would like to see a Canberra where cultural diversity is celebrated in real terms, where interracial differences do not exist, where the different cultures are encouraged to be part of our society and where we take advantage of the richness of those cultures to enrich our world …
So, how do we do it? We embrace the spirit of reconciliation in our hearts as well as in other ways; we encourage the celebration of other cultures and foster the continuation of diverse languages, music and personal beliefs through education and the arts.
I would have to say Mr Hargreaves has been absolutely true to the spirit of his inaugural speech back in 1998.
You have been described as a colourful character. You have come here today in black and white, and someone would think you are a Collingwood supporter. I, too, in your honour, have dolled myself in black and white. Sorry, Andrew; you might find me to be a Collingwood supporter. But on the spirit of Collingwood, I also looked at their theme song and, for you, John:
Good old Collingwood forever,
We know how to play the game …
Oh, the premiership’s a cakewalk
For the good old Collingwood.
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