Page 4695 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 27 November 2019
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I acknowledge my party room colleagues and their staff. We are all focused on bringing about a Canberra Liberals government next year, and we have the best team to make that happen.
Joining that team is an amazing group of new candidates who are being preselected this week. I cannot wait to have them join us on the campaign trail. It is this team that will be pounding the pavement next year, spreading the message about so much that the Canberra Liberals will deliver for Canberra, so much more we will be announcing next year.
We are already delivering from opposition. I was proud to announce our commitment to installing flashing lights and crossing supervisors at every school that needed them. I was proud to announce our world-class language education plan. I was proud to shine a light on the government’s failings in looking after our CALD community in accessing disability services. I was proud to announce a funding commitment for the catchment groups for Landcare ACT. I was proud to confirm the Canberra Liberals’ ongoing commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity into the future, and securing this by cementing into legislation the capacity to deliver on this promise for at least the next 10 years. I was proud to take on the job of chair of the integrity commission committee and see it go from an election promise to opening its doors this weekend. I was also proud to take it to the government in terms of the bullying and violence that we have seen in our schools. And of course, I was proud to be the local member that the people of Kurrajong go to with their local issues: everything from maintenance to our local shops and poor planning decisions in my electorate.
Madam Speaker, I acknowledge all members in this place and their staff. As much as we trade barbs across the table, we are all here to serve the people of the Australian Capital Territory. The privileged role that we have is one that is shared across political parties. To the entire OLA staff, thank you for your support, advice and guidance.
Last year I finished my valedictory by thanking the people of Kurrajong; it was, it is and it will always be about them. This year is no exception; it is them that I serve. But today I finish with two final messages.
Anyone who has had any dealings with my office will be aware that Josh has been my rock. He is always by my side, and goes above and beyond the call of duty. Josh will finish working full-time in my office next month. I know that it will not be just me who will miss his bow ties and three-piece suits; seemingly never-ending knowledge of all things parliamentary procedure and High Court judges; show tune singing, quoting Keating!, the musical; lunchtime trivia; and, of course, cupcakes. Josh, you have grown in so many ways during the past three years. I know that you will continue to spread your professional wings. Even though you are not going to be gracing these corridors every day, you will always be a part of Team Elizabeth Lee.
Finally, Madam Speaker, I go to my family: my parents, who have now become the most doting grandparents in the world; my sisters, who have, without fail, been my greatest supporters; and my partner, Nathan, who puts up with my crazy life. To my daughter, Mia, you have brought a joy to our lives that we never thought possible.
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