Page 2297 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020
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I have highlighted this government’s failures in education, with shocking incidents of bullying and violence, our continuing decline in academic outcomes, ageing and dangerous infrastructure issues, and the absolute fiasco that was the extremely ill-conceived hub schools train wreck; our continuing support for a nation-leading position on tackling climate change; our strong advocacy for our local community groups that support Canberrans living with a disability that were let down so badly by this government in the transition to the NDIS; my committee work in establishing the ACT’s Integrity Commission; my involvement with inquiries into consent laws, domestic and family violence and youth mental health; and even stepping up for duty in the chair as Assistant Speaker.
I have fought hard for my constituents, whether it be on planning issues, on maintenance of basic local amenities or to save West Basin. Madam Speaker, I will not shy away from the impact that I have had, and continue to have, as one of the very few visible Asian faces in Australian politics. It is the kind of thing that means nothing to anyone else unless you are that invisible Asian face that can see very starkly that Australian politics is not for someone like you. It is the kind of thing that means the world, when you can see that someone who looks like you does have a place and can make a difference in that way.
I am humbled to be standing here today, giving a valedictory at the end of my first term as an elected member. This, of course, would not be possible on my own. To all the OLA staff who keep this place ticking over every day, thank you. To all the staff of all members here, for everything you do, thank you. To all members in this chamber, across all parties, it has been everything from infuriating to exhilarating to work with you. Caroline, best wishes on your retirement. Whilst we may have had fierce disagreements on some issues, I know that you hold a true commitment to serving our community and you will be missed in this place.
To my colleagues—Alistair, Nicole, Andrew, Jeremy, Giulia, Candice, James, Mark and Kikko—thank you for being by my side as we fight the good fight each and every day.
Vicki, what a year, what a decade, what a career. We might not always see eye to eye on every issue, but what we do share is our commitment to serving our constituents, our belief in the rule of law and our desire to create and leave a better Canberra for the next generation. From your knowledge of the rules that try to keep us in check in this place, your unhealthy love of grammar and your unusually watery eyes, to your uncanny ability to Zoom into the party room no matter where you are in the world, thank you for your years of dedication to Ginninderra and its people, thank you for your commitment to the Liberal Party and our beliefs, thank you for your wise counsel on all matters of parliamentary procedure and process, and, most importantly, thank you for your friendship, which I know will be ongoing.
To my constituents, thank you for putting your faith in me. It has been an enormous privilege to represent you in this term. I hope that I will be returned to continue to do so. I have previously said, and I say again: it was, it is and it will always be about you.
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