Page 87 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 December 2016
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up in a safe, secure and loving home. It is having a family who will be there for me when things go horribly wrong, who will love me and be proud of me no matter what.
I would not be standing here today without the support of my family and friends. My father, Ben, who is here today, in particular has been a rock for my family in a very difficult time. I thank all of my family—Ben; my mum, Liz; my stepmother, Jane; my brother, Peat; and my stepsister, Eleanor; as well as Peat’s and Elle’s families—for the emotional and practical support they have given me throughout the campaign and over the last year. I thank my friends, including those who are here today. Words cannot express just how much your friendship and support have meant to me and continue to mean.
It is a devastating reality that too many children in our community do not have a safe, secure and loving home. Too many individuals, parents and families do not have anyone to call on when the going gets tough. I genuinely believe, as the old saying goes, that a society can be measured by how it supports its most vulnerable citizens. I am truly humbled to have a portfolio that embodies our collective responsibility to ensure every child has the chance to thrive and every person has the opportunity to engage in our community.
Madam Assistant Speaker, I wish every day that Michael was still here with us in this world. I have no doubt that if he were here today there would be plenty of gratuitous advice coming my way about what I did and did not say and the manner in which I said it. But I also know he would be proud of me. He so wanted me to give this politics thing a go, and I can assure you, Madam Assistant Speaker, I intend to give it my very best shot.
Visitor
MADAM ASSISTANT SPEAKER (Ms Lee): Before we proceed, the Assembly acknowledges the presence of Senator Claire Moore, who is present with us today.
Inaugural speeches
MS CODY (Murrumbidgee) (4.43), by leave: Today we meet on Aboriginal land. I acknowledge the traditional custodians, the Ngunnawal people. I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging, and those here today. I know we are not finished with reconciliation, but I believe we will live to see a treaty.
I would like to congratulate all members of the new Assembly on their election, and thank my Labor colleagues for the opportunity to share government with them. I want to talk about me, but first I would like to talk about everyone else, because they are why I am here.
Being an elected representative for such an incredible community is a privilege, one which I could not have achieved on my own. For every member and candidate there is a group of supporters, believers. Without them, no politician could succeed. I would like to acknowledge not just the work of my supporters, but all those who gave up
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