Page 4696 - Week 13 - Wednesday, 27 November 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
Juggling my duty to serve the people of the ACT and my duty as a mum is a challenge. I know that it has not been easy being dragged along to all corners of Kurrajong as I have tried to discharge both duties. My hope for you is that you will not resent this start to your life but grow to learn that each and every one of us will contribute to our community in our own way: mine is to serve the people of Kurrajong, and one day you will find yours.
Veterans Advisory Council
Valedictory
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra––Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (6.11): I am honoured to rise today to reflect on the achievements of the ACT Veterans Advisory Council as the current term of the council has come to an end and we welcome the new ministerial advisory council for veterans and their families.
I have been greatly privileged to work with and to seek the advice of such highly professional, engaged and committed individuals. Throughout their term over the past two years they have been a highly active advisory body. They have advocated on a wide range of issues affecting the lives of veterans and provided advice on issues to improve life outcomes for veterans. Their service and their advice to me as Minister for Seniors and Veterans has been invaluable, tailoring their advice to ensure that we consider not only the issues affecting veterans of all ages, but how those issues affect their families.
They have engaged personally with members of veterans organisations and the community across the ACT, as well interstate, to ensure that what they have provided me with is reflective of the needs of the community, is grounded in a high level of understanding of issues and would make a real impact on the lives of veterans here in the ACT.
They have been instrumental in the creation of the ACT Remembrance Day ceremony at the Arboretum. That day acknowledged and celebrated local veterans while solemnly remembering those who had given their life in service for our country.
Their consultation and advice have formed the basis of a large part of the ACT government’s submission to the Senate inquiry into defence transition. Their experience and their connections across the veterans community and the ACT have allowed the government to provide an extensive submission with a large number of tangible recommendations for that committee to consider.
The council also provided advice that led to the creation of Veterans Day at Floriade, a growing event which saw its second year this year. These are just a few examples of the many achievements of this council. They have been one of the most energised and connected councils that I have had the pleasure of working with in my role across a number of portfolios. They have been in regular communication with the directorate and my office. They have provided tangible and actionable outcomes.
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video