Page 2357 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 30 July 2019
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As life moves on, lots of things have been thrown at me many times in my career. Most of them were demanding, challenging and exciting. In cricketing terms, I caught them all, and caught them well. This opportunity is no different. I therefore promise this to my captain, my team and the people of Gungahlin: I will catch any challenges that will be thrown at me, every time.
I would like to acknowledge outgoing minister Meegan Fitzharris and thank her for her commendable work. During her time Meegan was instrumental in delivering our biggest ever investment in health care in the ACT, delivering a new nurse-led walk-in centre for Gungahlin, as well as bringing the transformative light rail project to our city, to name just a few of her accomplishments. Meegan has established an exceptionally positive impact for our community. I wish her and her family all the best in the future. Thank you, Meegan.
Madam Speaker, human beings do not thrive alone. We need our families and friends as pillars of support, especially during challenging times. I must say that I find myself extremely blessed that I have so much support from family, friends, colleagues and the community, as you may have noticed in this chamber today.
To start with, I would like to mention a good friend, mentor and leader extraordinaire: Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Chief Minister, you have done so much for our city with your vision, your leadership and your contribution to achieving outcomes for a brighter future for the ACT. Thank you so much.
I would also like to thank former senator Kate Lundy, who introduced me to the Labor Party and gave me my ACT Labor membership form. Senator Katy Gallagher, Dr Andrew Leigh, Dr Mike Kelly and Chris Bowen all gave me much-needed advice throughout these days, and I am pleased to have you here today. I would like to acknowledge my current and former Assembly colleagues—in particular, Yvette Berry, Suzanne Orr, Mary Porter, former minister John Hargreaves, Madam Speaker Joy Burch, and the late Jayson Hinder. I would also like to thank my 2016 campaign team: Robert Potter, Adelene Cheah, Chris McGrane, John Brain, Mallika Raj, and many Labor volunteers.
I am extremely grateful to my wonderful friends from the Indian community and other local communities, many of whom are present here today, for their unconditional support before, during and after the election.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family. You do not choose your family; they are God’s gift to you, as you are to them. I am blessed to have so many great things in my life because of my family. It is the single most important influence in my life. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful family, especially my parents, Raj Narayan Gupta and Sharda Gupta, who, unfortunately, are no longer with us.
Madam Speaker, with all the love and joy that I have around me today, there is a big emptiness which I can feel in this room—that is, my parents. It is a dream of any child to see their parents being proud and witnessing the achievements of their children. I am sure mum and dad would have been very proud of this son today. I miss you every day.
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