Page 4258 - Week 13 - Thursday, 27 November 2014
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work, I hope that everything is in good order for the replacement. If not, I fear that the high quality debate that exists in this chamber and in committees might not be heard. That would be a terrible thing. It has it upsides, I am sure. Certainly, Ray, it will not be the same without you. I wish you all the best in your retirement. I know you deserve it and there will be lots of fishing to be done.
In terms of my own colleagues here on this side, thank you very much for your support. I had a meeting this year with somebody who was putting an idea to me. I said, “There is no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” He said, “No, but there is three in individual brilliance.” But in terms of the—
Members interjecting—
MS GALLAGHER: It was not about me. It is a team effort in this place. I think we all recognise that. I could not do my job without the support that I have from my colleagues on this side of the chamber. They are an incredible bunch. They are talented, very committed and dedicated to the job they do. I thank them very much for it.
I also think it is probably time that we reflected on how lucky we are to live in a city like Canberra: 2014 has been a very difficult year for many communities around the world. I think that when we see some of the news footage and hear some of the stories we should reflect on how lucky we are to live in a place like this, with a robust democracy like this.
Mr Hanson: Such a good opposition.
MS GALLAGHER: I am not sure I would rank—you would not come in my top one. But we are living in the world’s most liveable city. I think we can probably all agree on that. At times like this I think it is incumbent upon us to reflect on that and think about how we can do things for others who perhaps are not as lucky as us.
I am going to keep it short. I thank everybody and I do wish everybody a fine festive season with their family and friends. Take time to rejuvenate. I am sure Mr Coe will be reading the capital metro business case on Christmas Eve with a candle burning. But we look forward to coming back and continuing the debate in this chamber in 2015.
Valedictory
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (6.19): Madam Deputy Speaker—
Mr Smyth: And the motion is.
MR HANSON: It appears that you have knocked off already. You are right into the festive spirit.
MADAM DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, I have not nodded off.
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