Page 1163 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
They speak often in this place about openness and transparency. This is a straight-bat motion just seeking information. It was an opportunity for the government to demonstrate their commitment to transparency. I am disappointed that they have not supported the motion today.
Ms Berry indicated that she had turned the statement, if you like, into a motion. All it actually does is note a whole lot of things. It does not call on the government to do something. It could have been a ministerial statement just as easily, because it is not a motion; it is just noting a whole lot of points. It is unfortunate, I think, for public housing tenants and people who visit those public housing properties, including tradespeople, that the government is not prepared to make this information available at this time.
Motion, as amended, agreed to.
Adjournment
Motion (by Ms Burch) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
HeartKids Hillclimb
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Planning, Minister for Roads and Parking, Minister for Workplace Safety and Industrial Relations, Minister for Children and Young People and Minister for Ageing) (5.21): On Sunday, 22 March, I, along with 40 other competitors, took part in the annual HeartKids Hillclimb, run by the Southern District Motorsports Association.
The annual event—and Mr Coe was there as well—is now in its sixth year. It is organised by local competitor, Daniel Cummins, who lost his brother Will to heart disease at the age of just 12. Will was born premature with a complex chromosome syndrome. As part of his health problem, he had a congenital heart defect, and doctors were not sure how he would survive for some days, never mind years. He was flown from Canberra to Sydney, to the children’s hospital, where specialists discovered he had problems with how his lungs connected to his heart.
To honour his brother’s memory, Daniel started HeartKids Hillclimb, an event unique to the ACT. It is held every year to raise awareness and funds and provide support for those with childhood heart disease. The drugs and technology used for the type of illness Will suffered have come a long way, but ongoing research and funding support is needed. HeartKids in the ACT and New South Wales join forces to raise the funds. Will’s and Daniel’s last conversation was about Will’s dream to own and race a “cool black car”, which is why Daniel now competes in his black Magna, which is definitely a cool black car.
The event was a large success, with all competitors and spectators enjoying the day while raising over $11,000, bringing the total up to $55,000 raised by the six HeartKids Hillclimbs.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video