Page 2846 - Week 08 - Thursday, 11 August 2016
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One way or another, as I mentioned to Andrew in the chamber one day, the opposition will be getting closer to government even if it is through that central table just there. We are very confident of taking that extra step over the central table and restoring a Liberal government, which has been absent for 15 years.
In conclusion, I wish everybody all the best for the campaign. I also want to wish all the best to the Raiders and the Cats.
MR WALL (Brindabella) (9.20): I must say that it has been an absolute pleasure and honour, a privilege and a steep learning curve coming into this place after the 2012 election, particularly coming from the world of small business. As I entered this place in 2012 after the last election—looking at who I was elected alongside, in particular on this side of the chamber, when you think you are the third candidate, which was a feat that had never been done by the Liberals in a five-member electorate, and I had the leader and the deputy leader in front of me—I thought, “What prospects are there for re-election?” But how things change in politics. It is the last man standing.
More seriously, it has been an absolute delight working in this place with those opposite and fighting to get a better deal for Canberra, particularly Tuggeranong. It is not often in opposition that you can point to things and say, “I have made a change.” But every weekend I get to take my daughter to Calwell to swimming lessons at the swim school down there, which I feel largely would not be there if it was not for the work I did in raising the issue and bringing it into this place. Likewise, I was standing shoulder to shoulder with the residents of Uriarra, who still no longer have a solar farm across the road from their homes. Working with the mothers of young children with autism or global developmental delay in making sure that they got a better deal as we transitioned across into the NDIS also is one of those moments that is a very rare opportunity where you can work with such a large part of the community and try to have such an impact on not just the futures of these parents but also the futures of their children.
None of this, though, would have been possible without the great support of the staff in my office, most particularly Kate Davis, who has been there since January in 2013. She has been on the whole journey with me through this term and, hopefully, with a bit of luck, we can continue the journey next time round.
I also thank Paula, who came on midway through the term and has been an absolute driving force, telling me when I am wrong, telling me when I am right and telling me when she does not agree. I would especially like to pay special mention to Paula, who has risen to the challenge in the last few weeks, as I have taken on the whip’s role for this side of the chamber, in her diligence in negotiating with the other side on pairs and making sure that the chamber roster is going and everyone is down here on time and doing their bit. That is very much appreciated.
Julie, who has been a recent addition to my office, has certainly brought a creative spark, and that has been very, very much appreciated. And James has been one of the tireless workers, getting the electorate and constituent work done in the office.
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