Page 2358 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 30 July 2019
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I would also like to thank my brothers and sister, who played a very important role in my life: my sister, Geeta Joshi; my brother-in-law, Col Neeraj Joshi; my brother Col Anil Raj; and Sunil Gupta, who was also my mentor. For some reason he used to refuse to go to the same school as I used to go to, and I do not know the reason why. Maybe he saw my sister standing in front of the principal’s office, advocating for me! To my nieces and nephew, Saumaya Joshi, Trisha Gupta, Shaan Raj and my friends, some from overseas, who came all the way from their respective countries to support my campaign, I thank them all.
Today my heart goes out to my wife, Shuchi, who has been a rock during several challenges that we have faced together. She is a wonderful person, an extremely understanding partner and a great mother. I say to my two beautiful kids, Mallika and Ashvin, who are pillars of my life and the reason for me being here today: my love for you is unconditional.
My unconditional love is also extended to my three dogs, Jimmy, Sky and Tank, who actually went for grooming last night and were thinking that they would be here today, but they were not allowed in the chamber. Some might say that Minister Chris Steel’s animal welfare legislation does not go far enough.
The list of people to thank is so long that perhaps I need one more session to acknowledge all of them individually, but they all know where they stand in my heart. I would not have made it this far without their love, encouragement and support.
I would like to thank my new colleagues in the Assembly for their warm welcome, and the OLA staff who made all of this possible. Finally, please allow me to thank each and every one of you who is present here today, and the electorate of Yerrabi. I look forward to receiving your continued support and I look forward to engaging with you all. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “In a gentle way, we can shake the world.” Thank you.
At 10.28 am, the sitting was suspended until the ringing of the bells.
The bells having been rung, Madam Speaker resumed the chair at 10.40 am.
Petitions
The following petitions were lodged for presentation:
Chisholm Village redevelopment—petition 22-19
By Ms J Burch, from 306 residents:
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory
The following residents of the ACT draw the attention of the Assembly to:
• recent media stories of community dissatisfaction with plans to develop and locate major fast food chains in small local shopping centres
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