Page 4495 - Week 14 - Thursday, 28 November 2013
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There are many people I would like to thank for their support, starting with my own staff—senior adviser Sue White, who has been a most valuable contributor, not only to my office but to the newer members on our side of the Assembly. Sue, a sincere thank you to you for your contribution. Paula Nash, who has joined us this year, has done such a great job in assisting with the many constituent issues that our office handles. Thanks also to Albert Orszaczky, who helped us out this year as a volunteer.
To all my Liberal colleagues—Jeremy, Vicki, Alistair, Brendan, Andrew, Giulia and Nicole—thank you for your friendship and support during the year. I thank colleagues’ staff members—Ian, Theo, Clinton, Merlin, Kate, newcomer Joe Prevedello, Keith, Chris, Ruth, Danielle, Emily, Angela, Emma, Jess and Maria, and two people who have left our employ, Hannah and Juliet, as well.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety and the JACS scrutiny committee, I thank all members of these committees for their contribution—the secretary of JACS, Dr Brian Lloyd; and the secretariat of the JACS scrutiny committee: Mr Max Kiermaier, secretary; Anne Shannon, assistant secretary; Joanne Cullen, acting assistant secretary; Mr Peter Bayne, legal adviser, bills; and Mr Stephen Argument, legal adviser, subordinate legislation.
To all our parliamentary colleagues in government and on the crossbench and the Assembly secretariat, I wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and time spent with your families. I hope that you have a very good Christmas this coming year. I have enjoyed working with all of you.
Finally, to my family—Maureen, Adam, Amy, Nettie, Ed, Isabella, Noah, Kasia and Andrew—thank you for your support, love and understanding.
Valedictory
DR BOURKE (Ginninderra) (6.39): Not only are Canberrans confident, bold and ready; we are fortunate to live in a city with a short average commute to work of 20 minutes, allowing us time and energy to pursue personal interests, to spend time with family and friends, and to enjoy the wonderful cultural offerings of the bush capital that have been especially fine this centenary year.
I particularly thank my constituents in Belconnen and west Gungahlin for taking the time to write to me or meet me about their concerns or issues. Often it is about issues where people’s experiences do not meet our best expectations. The observations and insights people share help keep us grounded and keep us working to make Canberra the best it can be for all.
On a human level, I continue to learn of poverty, homelessness, neighbourly disputes, racism and misfortune. I also learn about the best of human nature: self-sacrifice, caring for one another and the wonderful creative ideas people have that make our lives richer. Whatever the issue, it is a privilege to play a part in improving the lives of the residents in my electorate, Ginninderra, and Canberra generally.
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