Page 1513 - Week 05 - Friday, 10 May 2019
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I thank the ACT public service, which has served the community and the Assembly, providing quality, frank and fearless advice. And I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body and other community members present here today.
Most importantly, I acknowledge the ACT community for their strong and vocal participation in our democratic process. This place draws its strength from the community that it serves. Without that community and without that support, we would not be here today.
MR COE (Yerrabi—Leader of the Opposition) (10.21): I too rise in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Legislative Assembly of the Australia Capital Territory. But before I continue I would like to pass on the apology of my colleague Nicole Lawder, who cannot be with us. She is interstate with an unwell family member.
We are all fortunate to live in this wonderful city. For thousands of years this has been a home; it has been cherished and we are all charged with the responsibility of ensuring that it continues to be a place of opportunity.
Later this morning Elder Tina Brown is to lead a group of Aboriginal women in the presentation of a possum skin cloak. This is a very rare occurrence and one that I look forward to witnessing. This significant and strong symbol is a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. I also recognise Lillian Bell, Louise Brown, Roslyn Brown, Loretta Halloran, Matilda Howes and Agnes Shae.
The people of this region have always been resourceful, be it the Indigenous people, the early European settlers, the federation pioneers, the city planners, the builders, the civil servants who made it their home or the industry which helps sustain it. Canberra is a resourceful place and one that is yet to reach its full potential.
Of course, like so many institutions in Australia, the Assembly did not start from square one. We were fortunate to import or inherit so many traditions, conventions, rules and laws from the commonwealth parliament and other jurisdictions. We also inherited much from the ACT Advisory Council and the Australian Capital Territory House of Assembly. People including Jim Leedman, Paul Whalan, Trevor Kaine, Greg Cornwell, Elizabeth Grant, Ros Kelly and Susan Ryan are familiar names that served in these predecessor bodies.
The study of history is important. It helps us learn lessons from the past and, importantly, honour those that came before us. By honouring older and past generations we actively recognise that we have the opportunities that we have today because of the contribution of those before us.
Canberra is a fortunate city, and we are also an island in a region. It is wonderful to have mayors of neighbouring councils with us today. Whilst people may need to cross the border to go to work or buy a block of land, at least for the past 92 years you have been able to buy a drink in the capital territory. And we are coming up to that important centenary in 2027.
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