Page 34 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 December 2016
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From there I joined the Belconnen Community Council and the Belconnen Arts Centre board, organisations that are committed to people. One of my proudest achievements as part of these organisations was encouraging as many people as possible to have their say on the Belconnen town centre master plan so that it best reflected community needs and desires.
But having achieved numerous community ambitions, I knew I wanted to and could do more for the city that had become my home. I knew the best way to make the biggest difference was by being here in the Assembly. I knew that in addition to caring deeply about the electorate, members should be energetic and hard working. That is the kind of member I want to be, and I knew I had those qualities to help me contribute in my own way to developing a positive vision for this city as part of a progressive Barr government.
Madam Speaker, I was also and still am inspired by those who sit beside me and those who came before me, but none more so than former MLA for Ginninderra Mary Porter. Mary set the standard for being an effective member, and I was determined that if I was lucky enough to be preselected as a candidate by my party I would attempt to do her enormous legacy justice.
I am indebted to the Belconnen Labor members, many who are here today, who put their trust in me to be an effective candidate for the Labor Party. I committed to each of them that I would work my hardest to ensure that Labor would retain three seats in Ginninderra, and I am pleased to have done that. I offer them my sincere thanks, and am grateful for their ongoing support and their friendship.
My campaign was powered by people, ideas and conversations. This is significant because I ran my campaign in the way I wish to be an MLA: I surrounded myself with a fantastic team. I would not be here if not for all the people who believed in me, who gave up their time to support and campaign with me, people who joined me before preselection as well as those who literally joined me on the final day. I regret that I cannot mention all the volunteers but I would like to make particular mention of Nicholas Argy; Damien Haas, who is here today; Mark Nelson, Hamish; Greg Lloyd; Kim Angove and Deb. Each of these persons gave me their unconditional support. I also want to thank Elizabeth, Michael, Eleanor and Mary Porter for going on the record with their support.
My campaign and Labor’s campaign was marked by positive vision, and I am proud to continue that in the Assembly. From innovative health services to an integrated world-class public transport system, there was and is an awful lot to talk about. But the people of Ginninderra had taught me local matters too. It is why I campaigned so hard for things like a bulky waste kerbside pick-up service and green bins to households, policies which are not terribly sexy but which will make a real difference to everyday Canberrans. I am proud these are Labor government commitments.
We are also a growing population and an ageing population. As in the campaign, I look forward to participating in ideas debates to ensure we continue to invest in the
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