ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE ...... 49 ASSENT TO BILLS ...... 50 AUDIT OFFICE ...... 50 BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE ...... 50 CENTENARY OF FIRST WORLD WAR ...... 46 COMMITTEE ON THE OMBUDSMAN, THE POLICE INTEGRITY COMMISSION AND THE CRIME COMMISSION ...... 50 DEATH OF RONALD JOSEPH MULOCK, A FORMER MINISTER OF THE CROWN AND MEMBER FOR THE ELECTORATES OF NEPEAN, PENRITH AND ST MARYS ...... 49 DEATH OF WILLIAM ARTHUR WADE, A FORMER MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE ...... 49 ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF CHARLESTOWN ...... 49 ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF NEWCASTLE ...... 49 GOVERNOR'S SPEECH ...... 48 GOVERNOR'S SPEECH: ADDRESS-IN-REPLY ...... 68, 100 JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON SENTENCING OF CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENDERS67, 101 LAW OF EVIDENCE BILL (PRO FORMA) 2014 ...... 48 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ...... 46 OFFICE OF TRANSPORT SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS ...... 50 OPENING OF SESSION BY HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR ...... 48 PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET OFFICER ...... 49 RESTORATION OF BUSINESS OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION ...... 66, 101, 101 SESSIONAL ORDERS ...... 51 SITTING SCHEDULE SPRING 2014 ...... 51 STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ...... 50
46
NEW SOUTH WALES
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES
(HANSARD)
______
SECOND SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT
______
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Tuesday 9 September 2014
______
The House met at 11.00 a.m. pursuant to the proclamation of Her Excellency the Governor.
The Speaker (The Hon. Shelley Elizabeth Hancock) took the chair at 11.00 a.m.
The Speaker offered the Prayer and acknowledgement of country.
The Clerk read the proclamation.
CENTENARY OF FIRST WORLD WAR
The SPEAKER: I draw the attention of the House to important historic events from a century ago during World War I. On 8 September 1914, on the motion of the Premier and with the unanimous support of the House, the member for Armidale and the member for Willoughby were granted leave to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force, which the House noted was "being raised to assist the Empire in the present deplorable war". There could hardly have been two less similar characters than Lieutenant Colonel George Frederick Braund and Edward Rennix Larkin. Braund, English-born and highly educated, had migrated to Australia with his family and prospered with them in the business community of Armidale, where they became leaders of the community. In 1913 he was elected as the Liberal member for that electorate. A conservative local magistrate, President of the Chamber of Commerce and an officer, theosophist, teetotaller, vegetarian and fitness fanatic, he became the first Australian parliamentarian to enlist for active duty.
Larkin, who was born in North Lambton, was a foot-constable in the Metropolitan Police Force, represented Australia in international rugby and demonstrated that code-switching is no recent phenomenon. He later played for the Kangaroos and became the first full-time Secretary of the Australian Rugby League. He joined the Australian Labor Party [ALP] and in 1913 was elected the member for Willoughby—the first ALP member to win an electorate on the North Shore.
Mr Adrian Piccoli: And the last.
The SPEAKER: I would like to complete the statement with some respect from members. Larkin served on the board of Royal North Shore Hospital and agitated for the building of the harbour bridge. In his final address to the New South Wales Parliament on 18 August 1914 Larkin said, "I cannot engage in the work of recruiting and urge others to enlist unless I do so myself." Both landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and both died there. Ted Larkin and his brother, Martin, both fell on the first day. They have no known grave and their names are recorded on the Lone Pine memorial. Frederick Braund died in the early hours of 4 May 1915 and lies in the Beach Cemetery at Anzac Cove. They were the only two Australian parliamentarians to lose their lives in the great conflict of World War I: Different indeed, but united in doing what they saw as their duty. They were willing to pay the ultimate price for their beliefs—and together, they did. I invite other members of the House to also mark the historical significance of the end of World War I through some short statements.
9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 47
Mrs ROZA SAGE (Blue Mountains) [11.06 a.m.], by concurrence: As we all know, this year is the beginning of the commemoration of the Centenary of Anzac—the 100-year milestone of the beginning of World War I, the Great War, and the war to end all wars. As history shows us, unfortunately this was not the war to end all wars, but it was the war that changed the world forever. As the centenary commemorations progress through to 2018, we will shift our focus from Turkey and Gallipoli to the Western Front in Belgium and France before the conclusion of the war and the armistice is remembered. The drums of war reached into all regions of the new nation of Australia. Every city, town and region in the State was touched, including the Blue Mountains.
More than 8.8 per cent of the entire population of New South Wales enlisted: Every family in the State had a representative—a brother, a father, a husband, a nephew or a cousin—serving in the Australian Imperial Force [AIF]. Blue Mountains historical organisations have a vast treasure-trove of information about the area during those war years. As was common in most small towns during the war, the communities were very committed to the war effort, despite the action taking place far from Australia and the safety of the Blue Mountains. Extracts from historian Peter Rickwood tell of Blue Mountains villages quickly mobilising to support the boys at the front. Residents of Lawson, as they did in some of the villages, quickly organised fundraising events, while Katoomba established a Patriotic Fund.
The Leura group had the intention of purchasing comforts for the troops and giving support to families deprived of a breadwinner. Residents of Blackheath chose to commence preparing garments, so the ladies of Blackheath took to sewing and knitting. In 1915 a movement known as the Coo-ee March came through our own Blue Mountains enlisting recruits during stops at Mount Victoria, Katoomba, Lawson and Springwood. I am indebted to local historian Ken Goodlet for information about the Coo-ee March in his excellent book Blue Mountains Journeys, which was written for the bicentenary of the crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth.
Three Gilgandra men—William (Bill) Hitchen, Alex Halden (Joe) Miller and John Lee—had the idea of a recruitment March from Gilgandra in the Central West, all 320 miles over the Western Road, now the Great Western Highway, to Sydney. All the way men entered the coo-ee call, walking to volunteer to fight against the Germans and their allies in World War I. The Gilgandra men put the idea of the march to the Defence Department, which was less than impressed, so the Gilgandra Recruiting Association raised its own resources. They commenced their march on 8 October 1915 to great fanfare. They marched up to Mount Victoria on 4 November along Berghofers Pass and were greeted by local dignitaries, the Reverend Heffernan of the Church of England, the local shire president and councillor to unfurl the flag, the Union Jack. The marchers were treated to a campfire concert filled with songs and recruitment speeches. This was a grand affair for the 476 residents of Mount Victoria.
As the marchers progressed over the mountains it was reported that each village vied to extend lavish hospitality. They were not planning to stop at Blackheath, but were waylaid by the generosity of the residents and had a short spell under the palms at the Hydro Majestic Hotel in Medlow Bath. Katoomba gave the marchers a civic reception. It was reported in the local newspaper that almost the entire population of the town left at 11.00 a.m. to greet the marchers at the Marked Tree. March records recount the company passing through smoke and soot as bushfires raged on either side of the road. Some things just do not change. Onward the marchers went through Leura, Wentworth Falls and to the Lawson Mechanics Institute Hall for a concert and speeches. An unexpected visitor was the Governor-General Sir Ronald Munro-Ferguson, who inspected the men at Bellevue Park in Lawson. As the troops continued their march through the towns of Hazelbrook and Woodford they were greeted along the road by cheering residents with banners.
When they reached Springwood after lunch some of the marchers were required to help save property from bushfires that filled the gullies around the town. After reaching Sydney the Coo-ee marchers received training, before being sent to Egypt. They were recognised as one of the best balanced and drilled companies in camp. This was a remarkable achievement in a remarkable time; clearly, patriotic fervour abounded in every town and village across the nation, including the Blue Mountains. When the Great War ended, many tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors and nurses had died in the conflagrations. They were buried near the battlefields where they fell. A great anguish was felt by those left at home. Fathers, brother, uncles and cousins left grieving families at home in faraway Australia. Those at home built memorials in nearly every township as a place they could remember their fallen families. All over the country memorials were erected as reminders of the losses our nation felt in those dark days. Each had its own roll of honour with names remembering their own local boys.
The Blue Mountains has two very unusual memorials, one being the Blue Mountains District ANZAC Memorial Hospital, dedicated to those lost in World War I. There are very few, if any, hospitals that were built as a memorial by the community. The other is the Private Harold Campbell memorial at Blaxland, dedicated to a 48 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
single individual, which is particularly rare. The memorial was dedicated to Private Harold Kenneth Campbell on 28 March 925 by the President of Blue Mountains Shire and Major General Sir Charles Rosenthal, KCB, CMG, DSO. Private Harold Campbell died in Pozières in France aged 19 years, during the war. He is buried at St Sever Cemetery in France. Private Campbell was the only son of Edith and James Campbell, who were well known within the Blaxland community and related through marriage to a number of well-known, regionally significant families in the early colony of New South Wales, including the Hassall and Antill families.
The memorial has been restored recently to its original state with funding from the New South Wales Government. The Blaxland-Glenbrook RSL Sub-branch, the custodians of the memorial, has been instrumental in ensuring this Blue Mountains landmark is cared for. The Blue Mountains has its own unique experience and history of the Great War. Most notably on Anzac Day each year, but in many other ways, the current generations are mindful to recognise and preserve the memory of those who served with such distinction during the Great War. This is certain to be particularly prevalent throughout the Centenary of Anzac commemorations as the people of my region take this opportunity to honour the sacrifices made a century ago. Lest we forget.
Mr GUY ZANGARI (Fairfield) [11.14 a.m.], by concurrence: This year we are commemorating the centenary of the First World War. It has been 100 years since the start of the Great War, and for all of us here as Australians this is a truly momentous occasion. The First World War impacted greatly on the lives of every Australian of the time and will continue to do so for generations to come. We do not have to look very far in our local communities to find evidence of this. It is important to commemorate and, of course, to remember the deeds, the bravery and the sacrifices that so many brave men and women made in service to our great nation and for the protection of their loved ones during the war years 1914 to 1918.
The First World War began in 1914 when Britain and Germany went to war. Our Prime Minister at the time, Andrew Fisher, pledged full support for Britain in this war against Germany. This was met with great enthusiasm and support throughout Australia. Preparations were made almost immediately to begin sending forces overseas to participate in the conflict. This enthusiasm, however, was ill-met many years later when our young soldiers faced real war and found the tales of adventure and excitement they were promised to be somewhat skewed against the reality. Australia had made vast contributions to the war, including one that would be very familiar to every member of this House. I am, of course, referring to the Gallipoli campaign. This was a costly campaign that lasted eight months. It consisted of Australian, New Zealand, British, French and other allied military forces and resulted in an enormous number of allied soldiers being wounded and/or killed.
Over our four-year involvement in the Great War, Australia was involved in a number of campaigns throughout many different regions, including New Guinea, the Western Front and the Middle East, with naval operations covering the North Sea, Black Sea, Adriatic Sea and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. It would be remiss not to acknowledge the courageous efforts of the Australian women who volunteered for service in a range of auxiliary jobs; they were the backbone of our nation and helped keep us together. Many Australian nurses served overseas, putting their lives on the line, often facing shelling and bombardments while performing their duties and caring for injured soldiers.
[Business interrupted.]
OPENING OF SESSION BY HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
The Usher of the Black Rod, being admitted, delivered a message from Her Excellency the Governor requesting the immediate attendance of this honourable House in the Legislative Council Chamber.
The members of the House, having attended the Legislative Council Chamber, reassembled.
LAW OF EVIDENCE BILL (PRO FORMA) 2014
Bill introduced on motion by Mr Mike Baird.
GOVERNOR'S SPEECH
The SPEAKER: I report that the House attended the Governor in the Legislative Council Chamber where Her Excellency was pleased to deliver an opening speech to both Houses of Parliament. For greater accuracy, I have obtained a copy, which I lay upon the table of the House and order that it be recorded in Votes and Proceedings.
[The Speaker left the chair at 11.46 a.m. The House resumed at 3.00 p.m.] 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 49
DEATH OF WILLIAM ARTHUR WADE, A FORMER MEMBER FOR NEWCASTLE
The SPEAKER: It is with regret that I have to announce to the House the death on 24 August 2014 of William Arthur Wade, a former member of the Legislative Assembly, who served as the member for Newcastle from 24 February 1968 to 22 February 1988. On behalf of the House I extend to the family the deep sympathy of the Legislative Assembly in the loss sustained.
Members and officers of the House stood in their places as a mark of respect.
DEATH OF RONALD JOSEPH MULOCK, A FORMER MINISTER OF THE CROWN AND MEMBER FOR THE ELECTORATES OF NEPEAN, PENRITH AND ST MARYS
The SPEAKER: It is with regret that I have to announce to the House the death on 4 September 2014 of Ronald Joseph Mulock, a former Minister of the Crown, who served as the member for Nepean from 13 February 1971 to 12 October 1973, as the member for Penrith from 17 November 1973 to 28 August 1981, and as the member for St Marys from 19 September 1981 to 22 February 1988. On behalf of the House I extend to the family the deep sympathy of the Legislative Assembly in the loss sustained. The death of Ronald Joseph Mulock will be the subject of a motion of sympathy on a future day.
Members and officers of the House stood in their places as a mark of respect.
ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF CHARLESTOWN
ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF NEWCASTLE
Issue of Writs
The SPEAKER: I advise the House that, pursuant to section 70 of the Parliamentary Electorates and Elections Act 1912, it is my intention to issue writs for by-elections to fill the vacant seats of Charlestown and Newcastle. The particulars of the writs are as follows:
Issue of the writs—no later than Friday 3 October 2014;
Nomination day—Thursday 9 October 2014;
Polling day—Saturday 25 October 2014; and
Return of the writs—Friday 7 November 2014.
PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET OFFICER
Appointment
The SPEAKER: I inform the House that, pursuant to section 6 of the Parliamentary Budget Officer Act 2010, the President and I have appointed Mr Stephen Bartos as Parliamentary Budget Officer. Mr Bartos was most recently employed as a director and head of the Canberra office of ACIL Allen, an economic consulting and advisory firm. He has extensive experience working in the Federal public service, including as Deputy Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration, where he was responsible for the Government Budget Group. Mr Bartos will be located at Parliament House from 22 September 2014 until 26 June 2015.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE
The SPEAKER: I report the receipt of the following message from Her Excellency the Governor:
MARIE BASHIR Office of the Governor Governor Sydney, 16 August 2014
Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, Governor of New South Wales, has the honour to inform the Legislative Assembly that she has re-assumed the administration of the Government of the State.
50 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
ASSENT TO BILLS
Assent to the following bills reported:
St. Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Monastery (NSW) Property Trust Bill 2014 Disability Inclusion Bill 2014 Road Transport Amendment (Mandatory Alcohol Interlock Program) Bill 2014 Universities Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reforms) Bill 2014
COMMITTEE ON THE OMBUDSMAN, THE POLICE INTEGRITY COMMISSION AND THE CRIME COMMISSION
Report
The Clerk announced the receipt, pursuant to section 31FA of the Ombudsman Act 1974, of report No. 8/55, entitled "2014 General Meetings", dated August 2014, received out of session and authorised to be printed on 18 August 2014.
AUDIT OFFICE
Report
The Clerk announced the receipt, pursuant to section 12A of the Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984, of the report of the Audit Office of New South Wales for the year ended 30 June 2014, received out of session and authorised to be printed on 29 August 2014.
OFFICE OF TRANSPORT SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS
Report
The Clerk announced the receipt, pursuant to section 46D of the Passenger Transport Act 1990, of the report entitled "Ferry Safety Investigation Report, Close Quarters Incident involving Collaroy and Captain Cook II, Sydney Harbour, 18 February 2014", received out of session and authorised to be printed on 3 September 2014.
STATE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Government Response to Report
The Clerk announced the receipt of the Government's response to report No. 1/55, entitled "Inter-Regional Public Transport", received out of session and authorised to be printed on 4 September 2014.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders: Order of Business
Motion by Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS agreed to:
That standing and sessional orders be suspended to provide:
(1) For the following routine of business for the remainder of this sitting:
(a) motion for days of meeting;
(b) motion for the adoption of sessional orders;
(c) motion for the restoration of items to the Business Paper and the Questions and Answers paper;
(d) motion for the re-appointment of the Joint Select Committee on Sentencing of Child Sexual Assault Offenders;
(e) Address-in-Reply; and
(f) the House to adjourn without motion moved.
(2) For the speaking time limits for the Address-in-Reply to be 10 minutes per member, with no extension of time.
(3) That, from the commencement of the Address-in-Reply until the rising of the House, no divisions be conducted or quorums be called.
9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 51
SITTING SCHEDULE SPRING 2014
Motion by Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS agreed to:
That unless otherwise ordered, the House meet during the 2014 Spring Sittings as follows:
September 10, 11, 16, 17, 18; October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23; November 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and November 25, 26, 27 as a potential reserve week.
SESSIONAL ORDERS
Motion by Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS agreed to:
That the following sessional orders be now adopted:
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 35 shall read as follows:
35. The timing for bells is as follows:
Tuesday Bells are rung at 11.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 11.58 a.m. for 60 seconds.
Wednesday Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 a.m. for 60 seconds.
Thursday Bells are rung at 9.45 a.m. for 20 seconds and at 9.58 a.m. for 60 seconds.
After lunch Bells are rung at 2.00 p.m. for 20 seconds and at 2.13 p.m. for 60 seconds.
After dinner Bells are rung at 6.58 p.m. for 20 seconds.
Division First bell 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; second bell 10 seconds, pause 10 seconds; third bell 20 seconds. The doors are locked four minutes after the bells are first rung.
Quorum One long continuous bell (for up to four minutes until a quorum is present in the Chamber).
House adjournment Two short bells.
One long bell A continuous bell rung at the discretion of the Chair.
RESTRICTION ON QUORUM CALLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 45 shall read as follows:
45. Members shall not be permitted to call attention to the want of a quorum:
(1) During Private Members' Statements or Community Recognition Statements;
(2) During Matters of Public Importance or the Discussion on a Petition signed by 10,000 or more persons;
(3) During the establishment of and debate on a Motion Accorded Priority; or
(4) Before 10.30 a.m. on any sitting day.
ADJOURNMENT AND NEXT MEETING
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 46 shall read as follows:
46. Unless otherwise ordered, the House shall be adjourned without motion moved at 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday, at 10.00 p.m. on Wednesday and at the conclusion of private members' statements on Thursday.
REPLY
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 66 shall read as follows:
66. A Member may speak in reply if the Member has moved:
(1) a substantive motion or
(2) a motion "That this bill be now read a second time" or
(3) a motion "That this bill be now read a third time".
52 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
MATTERS NOT OPEN TO DEBATE OR AMENDMENT
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 80 shall read as follows:
80. The following matters are not open to debate nor amendment:
(1) Adjournment of debate.
(2) Adjournment of the House.
(3) Extension of time.
(4) Leave of the House.
(5) Motion that a Member be suspended.
(6) Motion that a Message be sent to the Legislative Council.
(7) Motion that leave of absence be granted.
(8) To withdraw or postpone an order of the day.
(9) Personal explanation.
(10) "That inspection of the paper be restricted to members only and that no copies or extracts thereof be permitted".
(11) "That visitors be ordered to withdraw".
(12) "That the bill be considered an urgent bill".
(13) "That this bill be read at a later time".
(14) "That the Order of the Day be discharged and the bill be withdrawn".
(15) "That the Committee report be printed".
(16) "That the Member for … be further heard".
(17) "That the Member for … be not further heard".
(18) "That the Member for … be now heard".
(19) "That the petition not be received".
(20) "That the question be put as separate questions".
(21) "That the question be now put".
(22) "That the question be not now put".
(23) "That the Member's speaking time be extended".
MAXIMUM TIME LIMITS FOR DEBATES AND SPEECHES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 85 be amended in part as follows:
Bills (SO 188-239)
Second Reading:
(i) Introduced by a Minister Mover -unspecified Leader of the Opposition or one Member deputed, next speaking -unspecified Any other Member -10 minutes† Reply - unspecified
(ii) Appropriation Bill Mover - unspecified Party Leaders - unspecified Any other Member - 15 minutes† Reply - unspecified
9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 53
(iii) Introduced by a Private Member Mover - unspecified Premier or one Minister deputed - unspecified Leader of the Opposition or one Member deputed - unspecified Any other Member - 10 minutes† Reply - unspecified
Bill be now read a third time (SO 218)
All Members - 10 minutes†
Bill be now read a third time after consideration in detail (SO 218)
All Members - 10 minutes†
Committee, reports from—take note debate (SO 306)
Chair or Member tabling the Report - 6 minutes Any other Member - 4 minutes each (Question being put after 22 minutes)
Community Recognition Statements (SO 108A)
Member making statement - 1 minute each.
Consideration in detail of a bill or other matter (SO 240-242)
Minister - unspecified number of periods limited to 15 minutes each Leader of the Opposition or one Member deputed - unspecified number of periods limited to 15 minutes each Any other Member- three periods each on any one question not exceeding - 5 minutes each
Motion Accorded Priority (SO 109)
Statement establishing priority - 3 minutes
Debate: Mover - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes Two other Members - 3 minutes each Reply - 3 minutes
General Business notices of motions or orders of the day (not for bills) (SO 107)
In each debate: Mover - 7 minutes Member next speaking - 7 minutes Four Members - 4 minutes each Reply - 4 minutes
Matters of Public Importance (SO 110)
Mover - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes One other Member - 3 minutes Reply - 3 minutes
Petitions signed by 10,000 or more persons
First speaker - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes Two other Members - 3 minutes each Total - 16 minutes
Private Members' Statements (SO 108)
Member making statement - 5 minutes Replies by Ministers - 1 minutes
Re-ordering General Business (SO 106)
Member in charge of the bill or notice of motion - 3 minutes One other Member - 3 minutes
† A member may request and the Speaker shall put, without debate or amendment, a question that the Member be allowed to continue that speech for a further period of up to 5 minutes.
54 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
ALLOCATION OF TIME FOR DEBATE (GUILLOTINE)
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 90 shall read as follows:
90. The Premier, or a Minister acting on the Premier's behalf, may at any time state in the House the intention of the Government to deal with any business to a certain stage at a specified time at the next or a subsequent sitting.
Written notification must subsequently be given to the Speaker and the Party Leaders and the notice shall be published in the Business Paper.
To give effect to the notification a Member shall move at the specified time on the date given or at a later time at the same sitting the motion "That the question be now put".
The carrying of this question is an instruction to the Speaker to put to the vote every question necessary to give effect to the notification. No further debate, amendment or reply is permitted.
After the carrying of the closure, the Speaker shall put to the vote any amendments proposed by a Minister provided that the amendments were lodged with the Clerk and printed and circulated by the Clerk at least two hours before the specified time.
The closure may not be moved on any question contained in a notification of allocation of time under this standing order.
If the closure under this standing order is agreed to during the second reading stage and there have been no Minister's amendments circulated, the Speaker shall forthwith put to the vote the third reading of the Bill.
PRIVILEGE OR CONTEMPT SUDDENLY ARISING IN THE HOUSE
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 91 be amended as follows:
91.
(1) A Member may rise on a matter of contempt or a breach of privilege suddenly arising relating to the proceedings then before the House. In order to move a substantive motion immediately or to request the Speaker to have a notice placed on the Business Paper with precedence, the Member must satisfy the Speaker that:
(a) the matter is one suddenly arising, relating to a matter then before the House which should be dealt with at the earliest opportunity;
(b) there is a prima facie case; and
(c) the Member has a prepared notice of motion.
(2) When a matter of contempt or a breach of privilege suddenly arising relating to the proceedings then before the House is raised, the business before the House is suspended until the Speaker:
(a) determines that there is no matter of contempt or breach of privilege; or
(b) defers the matter and either continues or adjourns the business under consideration; or
(c) determines that a prima facie case exists and allows a notice of motion to be moved forthwith or have precedence for the next sitting; or
(d) takes some other form of action.
(3) The maximum time available to a Member to satisfy the Speaker in accordance with paragraph (1) of this standing order is 10 minutes. The Speaker may determine the matter prior to the expiration of the 10 minutes.
(4) If the Speaker determines that a prima facie case exists the Member must move a motion seeking either:
(a) the declaration of the House that a contempt or breach of privilege has occurred; or
(b) the referral of the matter by the House to the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics for consideration.
MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE NOT SUDDENLY ARISING
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 92 shall read as follows:
92. Except as provided in Standing Order 91 and in paragraph (5) of this Standing Order, a matter of privilege or contempt shall be brought before the House as follows:
(1) A Member desiring to raise a matter of privilege or contempt must inform the Speaker of the details in writing.
(2) The Speaker must consider the matter within 14 days and decide whether a motion to refer the matter to the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics (the Committee) is to take precedence under the Standing Orders. The Speaker must notify this decision in writing to the Member.
9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 55
(3) While a matter is being considered by the Speaker, a Member must not take any action or refer to the matter in the House.
(4) If the Speaker decides that a motion for referral should take precedence, the Member may, at any time when there is no business before the House, give notice of a motion to refer the matter to the Committee. The notice must take precedence under Standing Order 118 on the next sitting day.
(5) If the Speaker decides that the matter should not be the subject of a notice of referral, a Member is not prevented from giving a notice of motion in relation to the matter. Such notice shall not have precedence.
(6) If notice of a motion is given under paragraph (4), but the House is not expected to meet on the day following the giving of the notice, with the leave of the House, the motion may be moved at a later hour of the sitting at which the notice is given.
ROUTINE OF BUSINESS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 97 shall read as follows:
Tuesdays 1. At 12 noon the Speaker takes the chair
2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices)
3. Private Members' Statements
4. At 1.30 p.m. the Speaker leaves the chair
5. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the chair
6. Ministerial Statements
7. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence)
8. Giving of Notices of Motions to be Accorded Priority
9. Question Time
10. Ministerial Statements
11. Papers
12. Committees—Tabling of reports and notification of inquiries
13. Petitions
14. Announcement of Matter of Public Importance
15. Placing or Disposal of Business
16. Motion Accorded Priority
17. Business with Precedence
18. At 4.00 p.m. Business before the House is interrupted for Government Business. Any interrupted business lapses except when the House is considering Business with Precedence which shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow.
19. At 7.00 p.m. Business before the House is interrupted for Private Members' Statements. Any interrupted item of Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
20. Matter of Public Importance
21. Adjournment at 7.45 p.m. or at the conclusion of the Matter of Public Importance, if concluded before 7.45 p.m.
Wednesdays 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the chair
2. Giving of Notices of Motions (General Notices)
3. Government Business concluding at 1.15 p.m. Any interrupted item of Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for a later hour of the day. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
4. Community Recognition Statements concluding at 1.30 p.m.
5. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the chair
56 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
6. Ministerial Statements
7. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence, and notices to be the subject of a motion to re-order later in the sitting)
8. Giving of Notices of Motions to be Accorded Priority
9. Question Time
10. Ministerial Statements
11. Papers
12. Committees—Tabling of reports and notification of inquiries
13. Petitions
14. Announcement of Matter of Public Importance
15. Re-ordering of General Business Orders of the Day (for Bills) and General Business (Notices of Motions)
16. Placing or Disposal of Business
17. Motion Accorded Priority
18. Business with Precedence
19. At 4.00 p.m. business before the House is interrupted for Government Business. Any interrupted business lapses except when the House is considering Business with Precedence which shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow.
20. At 6.30 p.m. the Speaker leaves the chair. Any interrupted item of Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for a later time. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
21. At 7.00 p.m. the Speaker resumes the chair.
22. Private Members' Statements.
23. Government Business concluding at 9.45 p.m. Any interrupted item of Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
24. Matter of Public Importance.
25. Adjournment at 10.00 p.m. or at the conclusion of the Matter of Public Importance if concluded before 10.00 p.m.
Thursdays 1. At 10.00 a.m. the Speaker takes the chair.
2. Giving of General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices)
3. General Business Notices of Motions for Bills (concluding not later than 10.30 a.m.) Any interrupted item of Business shall be set down as an order of the day for tomorrow with precedence of other General Business Notices of Motions for Bills.
4. General Business Orders of the Day for Bills (concluding not later than 11.30 a.m. or after the expiry of 60 minutes from the commencement of General Business Orders of the Day for Bills if commenced earlier than 10.30 a.m.) Any interrupted item of business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption, a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
5. General Business Notices of Motions or Orders of the Day (not being Bills) concluding at 1.00 p.m. Any interrupted business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow with precedence of other General Business (not being Bills). If at the time of interruption a division is in progress that division and any other division(s) to determine the matter shall be completed.
6. At 1.00 p.m. consideration of committee reports presented concluding at 1.30 p.m. Any interrupted item of business shall stand as an Order of the Day for tomorrow.
7. At 2.15 p.m. the Speaker resumes the chair.
8. Ministerial Statements
9. Giving of Notices of Motions (Government Business, Bills, Business with Precedence)
10. Question Time
11. Ministerial Statements
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12. Papers
13. Committees—Tabling of reports and notification of inquiries
14. Petitions
15. Placing or Disposal of Business
16. Business with Precedence
17. Government Business
18. At 4.30 p.m. business before the House is interrupted for Business of the House—Petitions. Any interrupted item of Business with Precedence or Government Business shall stand as an order of the day for tomorrow. If at the time of interruption a division is in progress, that division shall be completed.
19. Community Recognition Statements
20. Private Members' Statements after which the House shall adjourn without motion until the next sitting day.
FRIDAY SITTINGS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 98 shall be suspended.
GENERAL BUSINESS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 105 shall read as follows:
105.
(1) General Business Notices of Motions and Orders of the Day shall retain their relative places on the Business Paper and be considered in the order in which they are given or set down.
(2) General Business interrupted by the operation of the routine of business shall stand adjourned and be set down as an order of the day for tomorrow with precedence of all other notices and orders, except any General Business Order of the Day or Notice of Motion accorded precedence for that day in accordance with Standing Order 106.
(3) General Business Notices of Motions and Orders of the Day not commenced or completed 6 months from the date given shall lapse.
RE-ORDERING GENERAL BUSINESS ORDERS OF THE DAY (FOR BILLS) AND GENERAL BUSINESS NOTICES OF MOTIONS (GENERAL NOTICES)
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 106 shall read as follows:
106. At the re-ordering of General Business Orders of the Day (for Bills) and General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices) in the routine of business:
(1) Any two Private Members may move to re-order an order of the day for a bill of which they have carriage, to give precedence to the resumption of the debate over other orders of the day listed for the following sitting day.
(2) Any two Private Members may move to re-order a general business notice of motion standing in their name, to give the notice precedence over other notices on the following sitting day.
(3) The carrying of one motion in (1) or (2) above prevents another Member moving a subsequent motion.
(4) On a motion for re-ordering, the Member in charge of the bill or notice of motion shall be permitted to make a statement of up to 3 minutes and one other Member may reply for up to 3 minutes.
DEBATE ON GENERAL BUSINESS NOTICES OF MOTIONS OR ORDERS OF THE DAY (NOT BEING BILLS)
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 107 shall read as follows:
107.
(1) At the time listed in the routine of business, the House will consider General Business Notices of Motions or Orders of the Day (not being Bills).
(2) In each debate the following time limits shall apply: Mover - 7 minutes Member next speaking - 7 minutes Four Members - 4 minutes each Reply - 4 minutes
58 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 108 shall read as follows:
108. The procedure for Private Members' Statements is as follows:
(1) In accordance with the routine of business, the Speaker shall ask if there are any Private Members' Statements.
(2) Up to 47 Private Members' Statements may be made over any one sitting week, within the time allocated in the routine of business, for up to 5 minutes each and replies by Ministers shall be limited to 1 minute each.
(3) Private Members' Statements may be taken between items of business with the leave of the House for a specified period or a specified number of Members or until certain business is to be conducted as notified by the Minister in charge of the House at that time.
(4) A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during Private Members' Statements.
(5) The House shall adjourn without motion moved until the next sitting day:
(a) At the conclusion of Private Members' Statements when it is the last item on the day's routine of business of business and concludes earlier than the time set for adjournment; or
(b) At the time set by the routine of business for adjournment.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATEMENTS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, the following sessional order be adopted:
108A. The procedure for community recognition statements is as follows:
(1) In accordance with the routine of business, the Speaker will ask if there are any community recognition statements.
(2) Within the time allocated in the routine of business, Members may give community recognition statements for up to 1 minute each, for a total of 15 minutes.
(3) Members may not give consecutive community recognition statements.
(4) Community recognition statements may be taken between items of business with the leave of the House for a specified period or a specified number of Members or until certain business is to be conducted as notified by the Minister in charge of the House at that time.
(5) Community recognition statements must not contain:
(a) Matters of policy;
(b) Requests for the Government or the House, or another body to take some form of action or not; or
(c) Criticisms or negative reflections on any person, including Members, Office Holders, the Government, the Opposition or a third party.
(6) A division on any question or quorum call shall not be permitted during community recognition statements.
MOTIONS ACCORDED PRIORITY
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 109 shall read as follows:
109. The procedure for consideration of motions accorded priority shall be as follows:
(1) Prior to Question Time on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Speaker shall ask if there are any written notices of motions to be accorded priority over the other business of the House.
(2) No more than two notices shall be accepted at any one sitting of the House.
(3) The notices shall be set down for consideration later in the sitting in accordance with the routine of business.
(4) (a) The Members giving the notices shall each be permitted to make statements of up to 3 minutes as to why their notice should be accorded priority. No points of order regarding the scope or substance of the notice, or a quorum call will be entertained during the 3 minutes provided for the statement.
(b) At the conclusion of the 3 minute statements the Speaker shall put the question on the first notice "That the motion of the Member for ... be accorded priority".
(c) If the motion to accord priority is carried the Member may proceed to move their motion.
(d) If the first motion to accord priority is not carried, the Speaker will then put the question on the second motion "That the motion of the Member for ... be accorded priority".
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(5) When the motion for priority is determined and the motion is moved, the following time limits shall apply:
Mover - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes Two other Members - 3 minutes Reply - 3 minutes Total - 19 minutes
(6) No quorum call will be permitted during the time set aside for a Motion Accorded Priority.
(7) The motion will lapse at the time for interruption unless a division is in progress whereupon that division and any other division(s) to determine the matter shall be completed.
MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 110 shall read as follows:
110. The procedure for matters of public importance within the daily routine of business, is as follows:
(1) The matter, which must be definite, shall be handed in writing to the Speaker no later than 12.00 noon and immediately published.
(2) The Speaker, in the event that more than one matter is submitted, shall determine which matter is of the greatest public importance.
(3) At least 30 minutes prior to the time for Question Time
(a) The Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the responsible Minister in the House, Members submitting matters and the Independent Members shall be informed in writing by the Speaker of the matter determined by the Speaker to be discussed.
(b) The Speaker, by placing a notice on notice boards, shall inform Members of the matter.
(4) If the Speaker decides that any matter proposed is in order it shall be announced to the House by the Speaker.
(5) As provided in the routine of business the Speaker shall call the Member concerned to proceed with the matter. The matter cannot be amended.
(6) The following time limits shall apply:
Member submitting matter - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes One other Member - 3 minutes Reply - 3 minutes Total - 16 minutes
(7) At the conclusion of the discussion no question shall be put.
(8) There shall be no dissent from the ruling of the Speaker in relation to the operation of this standing order.
PROCEDURE FOR LODGEMENT AND PRESENTATION
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 123 shall read as follows:
123. The procedure for the lodging and presentation of a petition is as follows:
(1) The Member must be acquainted with the contents of the petition.
(2) The Member must ensure that the petition is in conformity with the Standing Orders.
(3) The Member must sign the front sheet and, if applicable, certify that the petition has been signed by 500 or more persons.
(4) The petition may be lodged for presentation with the Clerk.
(5) In the House the Clerk shall announce that petitions have been received.
(6) The terms of the petition presented shall be printed in Hansard and in the Votes and Proceedings.
(7) No discussion upon the subject matter of a petition shall be allowed, except in accordance with Standing Order 125A or by way of substantive motion.
PETITIONS DEEMED TO HAVE NOT BEEN RECEIVED
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 124 shall read as follows:
124. Petitions shall be deemed to be received by the House unless a motion, moved on the next sitting day, is agreed to, without debate or amendment, that a petition be not received.
60 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
DISCUSSION ON PETITIONS SIGNED BY 10,000 OR MORE PERSONS
That during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, the following sessional order be adopted:
125A.
(1) The subject matter of every petition received by the House and certified by a Member and announced by the Speaker as having been signed by 10,000 or more persons, shall be automatically set down as an Order of the Day for discussion on a future day.
(2) The Order of the Day shall take place at 4.30 p.m. on the Thursday of the next sitting week.
(3) Any further petitions received before the first Order of the Day is disposed of shall be set down on succeeding Thursdays in the order in which they are presented.
(4) The following time limits shall apply:
First speaker - 5 minutes Member next speaking - 5 minutes Two other Members - 3 minutes each Total - 16 minutes
(5) If a Member does not seek the call when the Order of the Day is called on, the Order of the Day will lapse.
(6) The Order of the Day cannot be amended and at the conclusion of the discussion no question shall be put.
WRITTEN QUESTIONS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 132 shall read as follows:
132. The procedure for written questions is as follows:
(1) Questions shall be handed to one of the Clerks-at-the-Table or lodged in the Table Office by 12 noon.
(2) A question containing argument, unbecoming expressions or otherwise not conforming with the practice of the House may:
(a) Under the authority of the Speaker, be amended by the Clerk or divided if it contains matters that are not relevant to each other.
(b) Be ordered not to be printed by the Speaker or removed from the Questions and Answers Paper.
(3) The number of questions able to be lodged over one sitting week are:
(a) Members—Nine questions per sitting week;
(b) Leader of the Opposition—Twelve questions per sitting week.
(4) Ministers shall lodge answers to written questions within 35 calendar days after the question is first published. On sitting days answers must be submitted by 12 noon on the due date, to be published in the next sitting day's paper. Any answers lodged after this time will be published at a subsequent time. Answers must be signed and lodged in hard copy and also electronically.
(5) If an answer to a written question is not received within 35 calendar days the Speaker, at the next sitting day after the expiry date, shall forthwith inform the House and the Minister shall immediately explain to the House the reason for non-compliance.
(6) If the Minister, after explanation in the House, has not submitted an answer within 3 sitting days the Speaker shall again inform the House and the Minister shall again be called to explain. The Minister will continue to be called each sitting day until a written answer is submitted.
NOTICES OF MOTIONS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 133 shall read as follows:
133.
(1) A notice of motion for:
(a) A bill;
(b) Government Business;
(c) No confidence in the Government, Minister or Speaker, or censure of Member or Speaker;
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(d) Business with precedence (SO 118) with the exception of motions of condolence and the printing of papers; and
(e) A General Notice to be the subject of a motion for re-ordering must be given verbally at the time prescribed in the routine of business.
(2) General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices):
(a) May only be given when called for at the time prescribed in the routine of business each day;
(b) The period for giving General Business Notices of Motions (General Notices) is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes. The Speaker has discretion to allow the giving of notices to exceed this 10 minutes period.
POSTPONEMENT OR WITHDRAWAL OF NOTICES OF MOTIONS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 141 shall read as follows:
141.
(1) A notice of motion shall be postponed or withdrawn at the direction of the Member who gave the notice, or by another Member with the written authority of that Member, during the placing or disposal of business or when called on.
(2) On any day when General Business is being considered by the House the Speaker has discretion to postpone any notice of motion if the Member is absent from the Chamber.
PREVIOUS QUESTION
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing orders 149 and 150 shall be suspended.
RESTRICTIONS ON DIVISIONS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 187 shall read as follows:
187. The House shall not conduct a division on any question before 10.30 a.m. on days when the House meets at an earlier time, during Private Members' Statements, Community Recognition Statements, Matters of Public Importance or the discussion on a petition signed by 10,000 or more persons. If a division is called prior to 10.30 a.m. on such days, the division shall be deferred and conducted at 10.30 a.m. and any business then before the House shall be interrupted and recommenced after the division(s).
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 188 shall read as follows:
188. The procedure for the introduction and the passage of a bill up to the mover's second reading speech is as follows:
(1) The title of a bill must agree with the notice of intention to present it, and every clause must come within the title. It shall not be necessary to specify in the long title every Act which it is proposed to amend.
(2) A notice of motion shall be given: "I give notice of motion to introduce the [short title of the bill]". It is sufficient for the mover to read the short title.
(3) The motion to introduce the bill may be moved on the same day notice is given and shall include the long title.
(4) The question "That this bill be now introduced" shall be put without debate or amendment and the bill shall be taken as read a first time without question put.
(5) The bill as introduced shall correspond with the notice of motion.
(6) Three copies of the bill shall be handed to the Clerk.
(7) The bill shall be printed, with an explanatory note if applicable, without motion put.
(8) The motion "That this bill be now read a second time" may be moved forthwith or set down for a later time.
(9) Immediately following the mover's second reading speech the debate shall be adjourned.
(10) The mover shall ask the Speaker to fix the resumption of the debate as an Order of the Day for a future day which shall be at least five clear days ahead.
(11) On the reading of the Order of the Day a motion may be moved "That this bill be now read a second time", or "That the order be postponed" or, on a motion without notice, "That the order be discharged and the bill be withdrawn".
62 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
PROCEDURE FOR URGENT BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 189 shall read as follows:
189. The procedure for the consideration of a bill as an urgent bill is as follows:
(1) Sufficient copies being available to Members, the Member in charge of the bill, after making a second reading speech, may declare a bill to be an urgent bill.
(2) The question "That the bill be considered an urgent bill" is put forthwith, no debate or amendment being allowed.
(3) If agreed to, the second reading debate and other stages may be proceeded with forthwith or at any time during that or any future sitting of the House.
COGNATE BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 193 shall read as follows:
193. The procedure for two or more bills to be dealt with as cognate bills is as follows:
(1) The notice of motion for the bills shall state that the bills are cognate.
(2) One motion may be moved and one question put in regard to, respectively, the introduction, the second reading, the consideration in detail stage and the third reading of the bills together.
(3) The bills may be considered together in detail.
SECOND AND THIRD READING OF COGNATE BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 194 shall read as follows:
194. An amendment may be moved to a question on the second or third reading of cognate bills to leave out one or more of the bills from the question.
SEPARATE QUESTIONS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 195 shall read as follows:
195. In respect of cognate bills, a Member may move a motion for the question to be put on the second or third reading of cognate bills as separate questions.
DEBATE ON SECOND READING
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 198 shall read as follows:
198. Amendments may be moved to the question "That this bill be now read a second time" to leave out all words after the word "That" and adding words to refer the bill to a committee (as specified).
DISPOSAL OF BILL
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 199 shall read as follows:
199. An amendment may be moved to the question "That this bill be now read a second time" to leave out all words after "That" and adding "this bill be disposed of". No amendment may be moved to this amendment.
AMENDMENT—DEFERRAL OF QUESTION
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 200 shall read as follows:
200. An amendment may be moved to the question "That this bill be now read a second time" to leave out the word "now" and adding a later time.
DISCHARGE OF ORDER AND INTRODUCTION OF SECOND BILL
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 202 shall read as follows:
202. An Order of the Day for the second reading (or any subsequent stage of a bill) having been discharged and the bill withdrawn, the House may direct on motion for another bill to be brought in.
PROCEEDINGS AFTER THE SECOND READING
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 203 shall read as follows:
203. After the second reading, the Member in charge of the bill shall move forthwith, without debate or amendment, "That this bill be now read a third time" unless:
(1) A Member requests consideration of the bill in detail; or
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(2) The Member in charge of the Bill:
(a) moves a motion for consideration in detail pro forma; or
(b) requests the Speaker to set down consideration of the bill in detail as an Order of the Day for a later time.
PRO FORMA CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 204 shall read as follows:
204. The procedure for dealing with a pro forma consideration in detail is as follows:
(1) After the second reading, the Member in charge of the bill shall move "That the House consider the bill in detail pro forma". The question shall be put without amendment or debate.
(2) The proposed amendments, which have been previously printed, shall be put in one question, without amendment or debate, "That the amendments as printed be inserted in the bill".
(3) If the motion is agreed to the bill shall be reprinted in its amended form, set down for reconsideration and, on reconsideration, be dealt with as if considered for the first time.
(4) If the question for the pro forma consideration, or for the inclusion of the amendments is negatived, the bill shall be proceeded with in consideration in detail in the usual manner.
RECONSIDERATION IN WHOLE OR PART
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 217 shall read as follows:
217. After consideration in detail a bill may be reconsidered in whole or in part by amendment to the motion "That this bill be now read a third time".
BILL PASSES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 218 shall read as follows:
218. After the third reading no further question shall be put, and the bill shall have passed the House.
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 220 shall read as follows:
220. A bill having been read a third time, the Clerk shall certify, at the top of the first page "That this public [or private] bill, originated in the Legislative Assembly and, having this day passed, is now ready for presentation to the Legislative Council for its concurrence."
PROCEDURE IN THE ASSEMBLY FOR COUNCIL BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 229 shall read as follows:
229.
(1) When the message from the Council forwarding a bill for concurrence is reported, the bill shall be introduced and read a first time without motion put.
(2) A message forwarding a private member's public bill or a private bill from the Council cannot be reported until the Speaker is advised which Member of the Assembly will have carriage of the bill. Once reported the bill will be set down as an Order of the Day.
(3) A motion "That this bill be now read a second time" may be moved forthwith or made an Order of the Day for a later time. Except in the case of a private member's bill which can only be moved when it is called on in accordance with the routine of business.
(4) A truncated second reading speech may be given if the bill is received in the same form as introduced into the Council.
(5) Immediately following the mover's second reading speech, the debate may be adjourned or proceeded with forthwith.
(6) If adjourned, the resumption of the debate shall be set down as an Order of the Day for a later time.
(7) The bill shall then be proceeded with in the same manner as a bill originating in the Assembly.
PROCEEDINGS AFTER CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 238 shall read as follows:
238. After consideration in detail, the Member in charge of the bill may:
(1) Request the Speaker to set down the motion "That this bill be now read a third time" as an order of the day for a later time; or
(2) Move the motion "That this bill be now read a third time" forthwith.
64 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
ESTIMATES COMMITTEES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 246 shall read as follows:
246.
(1) On a motion of a Minister, during the second reading debate on the Appropriation Bill, the House may appoint Estimates Committees.
(2) The Estimates Committees shall examine and report on proposed expenditures from the Consolidated Fund for each organisational unit for each Minister listed in the Tabled Estimates, and the corresponding clauses and schedules in the Appropriation Bill and the Parliamentary Appropriation Bill which shall stand referred to the appropriate committee.
(3) The report of each Estimates Committee shall state whether the votes of each organisational unit in the Estimates and the corresponding clauses and schedules in the Appropriation Bill are recommended or otherwise. The failure of an Estimates Committee to report on any part of the votes shall be deemed to be a report recommending the proposed expenditure.
(4) The Chair of each Committee or a Member deputed by the Chair shall, after the committee has concluded its deliberations and after the question on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill and the Parliamentary Appropriation Bill has been agreed to, present the Committee's report to the Speaker in the House. The Speaker shall set down consideration of the reports in detail with the Appropriation Bill and the Parliamentary Appropriation Bill respectively as an Order of the Day.
(5) Consideration of a report in detail shall be deemed to be consideration of those clauses and schedules of the Appropriation Bill and the Parliamentary Appropriation Bill referred to that Estimates Committee.
(6) When considering a report in detail:
(a) The Speaker shall put the question in respect of each Committee report, "That the report of the (name of the Committee) be adopted".
(b) A Member may speak for a maximum of 5 minutes and the Minister in reply may speak for a maximum of 15 minutes on each of the questions.
(c) Those clauses and schedules of the Appropriation Bill and the Parliamentary Appropriation Bill not referred to an Estimates Committee shall be considered as one question, "That the remaining clauses and schedules of the Bill be agreed to".
DISORDER—MEMBER REMOVED FROM THE CHAMBER
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, the following sessional order be adopted:
249A. The Speaker may direct a Member who is grossly disorderly to leave the Chamber for up to three hours. The direction shall not be open to debate or dissent.
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND DEPUTY CHAIR
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 282 shall read as follows:
282.
(1) At the first meeting of a committee, or if a vacancy occurs, a Chair and Deputy Chair shall be elected.
(2) The Speaker, upon being advised, shall report the appointments of a committee Chair and a Deputy Chair to the House.
COMMITTEE REPORTS, TABLING IN THE HOUSE AND DEBATE
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 306 shall read as follows:
306.
(1) The report and associated documents of any committee (not being a legislation committee) shall be presented at the time provided in the routine of business, or at any other time with the leave of the House.
(2) The Member presenting the report may move "That the document be printed". This question shall be decided without debate or amendment.
(3) Reports from committees shall stand in the order in which they are presented (or reported by the Clerk when received during an adjournment) as Orders of the Day "That the House take note of the Report".
(4) Such Orders of the Day may be considered between 1.00 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. on Thursdays. Any interrupted item of business shall stand as an Order of the Day for tomorrow.
(5) Debate on an Order of the Day may be adjourned and the resumption of the debate set down as an Order of the Day for tomorrow.
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(6) When the Order of the Day is called on and not proceeded with, consideration of the report shall be postponed until the next Thursday sitting when reports are considered. If the Order of the Day is called on at that subsequent sitting and is not proceeded with, the question shall be put.
(7) If a committee has more than one report on the Business Paper, the Chair or Member who tabled the report may move a motion without notice, amendment or debate to facilitate the consideration of two or more of the committee's reports together.
(8) The Member tabling the report may speak for up to 6 minutes and any other Member may speak for up to 4 minutes to the question "That the House take note of the Report" with the question being put after 22 minutes. No reply is permitted.
LEGISLATION COMMITTEES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 323 shall read as follows:
323.
(1) Immediately after a motion for a bill to be read a second time has been agreed to, any Member may move without notice "That the (name of the bill) be referred to a legislation committee for consideration and report".
(2) A legislation committee shall consider and report to the House on amendments to the clauses and schedules of the bill which it considers could be proposed for consideration in detail, together with a schedule of amendments which should be proposed.
(3) A committee shall have a maximum of six Members—three shall be Members representing the Government and three shall be non-Government Members.
(4) The Chair and Deputy Chair shall be elected by the committee and shall be Government Members.
(5) A quorum shall be four Members.
(6) The Chair shall exercise a deliberative vote, and in the event of an equality of votes, a casting vote.
(7) A committee may meet during the sittings or any adjournment of the House and shall have power to take evidence and call for persons, papers, exhibits and things and to report from time to time.
(8) In all other respects a committee shall be conducted in accordance with the general provisions relating to committees.
(9) A committee shall not travel.
(10) The Minister having portfolio responsibility for the bill shall provide the committee with such drafting and support services as requested by the committee.
(11) A committee shall table its final report no later than 6 months from the date of the committee's establishment.
(12) When the Chair tables the final report of a committee the Speaker shall set down its consideration in detail as an Order of the Day with the bill.
(13) If the House is not sitting at the time of report the Chair shall forward such report to the Clerk for report at the next sitting of the House.
PRIVATE BILLS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 358 shall read as follows:
358. The procedure for the passage of a private bill on petition is as follows:
(1) At least 3 months prior to the presentation of the petition, a notice of intention to introduce a bill containing a true statement of the general objects of the bill shall be published once a week for 4 consecutive weeks in the Government Gazette, in at least one major newspaper published in Sydney and in the district affected by the bill.
(2) The petition, with a printed copy of the proposed bill attached and signed by one or more of the parties applying for the bill shall be presented and received by the House.
(3) The petition must contain:
(a) proof of the publication of the notice in the Government Gazette and the newspapers.
(b) a true statement of the general objects of the bill.
(c) a request to introduce the bill.
(4) When the petition has been received, notice of motion for the introduction of the bill shall be given, and such bill shall be brought in within 30 days.
66 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
(5) The motion for the introduction of the bill cannot be objected to and the motion cannot be amended or debated.
(6) Before being introduced and read a first time, the bill shall be printed and sufficient copies shall be delivered to the Clerk.
(7) Before being introduced and read a first time, and from time to time thereafter, the Clerk shall be entitled to claim such expenses from the promoters of the bill as the Clerk deems reasonable.
(8) After the first reading, the bill by motion on notice shall be referred to a select committee.
SPECIAL RULES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 360 shall read as follows:
360. In the select committee:
(1) The committee shall require proof of the allegations contained in the preamble.
(2) The Chair shall have a deliberative and a casting vote.
(3) Every petition in reference to the bill shall be deemed to be referred to the committee.
(4) After taking evidence a question shall be put from the Chair—"That the preamble be agreed to"
(a) If the question passes in the negative, the committee shall not proceed further with the bill and report accordingly.
(b) If the question is resolved in the affirmative the committee shall consider the clauses of the bill and any amendments may be proposed.
(5) The committee having reported in favour of the bill, it shall be proceeded with as in the case of public bills, and a later time set down for the second reading.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, standing order 366 be amended in part with the removal of 251(1) Suspension of Member.
SUBSTITUTE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
That, during the current session, unless otherwise ordered, the following sessional order be adopted:
(1) Where a member of a Portfolio or a Specialist Standing Committee finds they are unable to continue to sit on the Committee temporarily they may stand down for a period of time, or for a particular inquiry, and a member may be appointed by the House as their substitute for the period concerned.
(2) If the House is not sitting, the member unable to attend a meeting of the Committee may, in writing to the Chair of the Committee, nominate a member to act as a substitute member at that meeting.
(3) If the member is incapacitated or unavailable, a letter to the Chair of the Committee nominating a member to act as a substitute member of the Committee may be signed on behalf of the member by the office holders responsible for nominating members to the Committee.
(4) The substitute member has all the rights of a Committee member, including to participate in all Committee proceedings and to vote on any question before the Committee.
RESTORATION OF BUSINESS OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION
Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove—Minister for Resources and Energy, and Special Minister of State) [3.09 p.m.]: I move:
(1) The following items of business be restored to the Business Paper:
(a) Government business:
Mine Subsidence Compensation Amendment Bill; Budget Estimates and related papers 2014-2015; Centenary of the First World War; Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment Bill; Bail Amendment Bill; Constitution Amendment (Parliamentary Presiding Officers) Bill; Legislative Council Select Committee Report on the Sale of the Currawong Property at Pittwater; and Planning Bill and the Planning Administration Bill.
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(b) All Business of the House—Petitions;
(c) General business retaining their original dates for lapsing:
(i) Notices of Motions (for Bills):
Election Funding, Expenditure and Disclosures Amendment (Restrictions on Political Donations) Bill; Animal Welfare (Population Control Programs) Bill; and Relationships Register Amendment (Recognition of Same-sex and Gender-diverse Relationships) Bill.
(ii) Orders of the Day (for Bills):
Health Services Amendment (Guaranteeing Free Public Hospital Services) Bill; City of Sydney Amendment (Business Voting and Council Elections) Bill; and Technical and Further Education Commission Amendment (Fees) Bill;
(iii) Notices of Motions (General Notices) Nos 2924 to 3108 and 3110 to 3148; and
(d) All orders of the day—committee reports.
(2) A message be sent to the Council requesting that the following bills, forwarded to the Legislative Council during the previous session of the present Parliament not having been finally dealt with because of the prorogation of the Legislature, be restored to the Council's Business Paper:
Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Amendment (Snowy Advisory Committee) Bill; Passenger Transport Bill; Health Services Amendment (Ambulance Fees) Bill; Fair Trading Amendment (Ticket Reselling) Bill; Drug Court Legislation Amendment Bill; Courts Legislation Amendment (Broadcasting Judgments) Bill; Water Industry Competition Amendment (Review) Bill; Water Management Amendment Bill; Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill; State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Bill; Mining Amendment (Small-Scale Title Compensation) Bill; Energy Legislation Amendment (Retail Price Deregulation) Bill; Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme (Jobs Action Plan) Amendment (Fresh Start Support) Bill; Crimes Amendment (Intoxication) Bill; Government Sector Employment Legislation Amendment Bill; Petroleum (Onshore) Amendment Bill; and Crimes Amendment (Zoe's Law) Bill (No. 2).
(3) Written questions Nos 5916 to 5942, 5944 to 5968, 5971 to 5984, and 5986 to 6077 be restored to the Questions and Answers paper, retaining their original dates for answer.
Mr MICHAEL DALEY (Maroubra) [3.10 p.m.]: The Opposition supports this motion, but I would like the Leader of the House, for the record and to give comfort to the House, to indicate in reply whether there are any items of business that were on the Business Paper that are not mentioned in his motion—that is, any items of business that were otherwise before the House in the previous session and that are not covered by his motion.
Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove—Minister for Resources and Energy, and Special Minister of State) [3.11 p.m.], in reply: To the best of my knowledge—and that of the clerks of the Parliament—I give every assurance that we have covered everything the member for Maroubra has mentioned. If not, we are happy to engage in discussion to put items back on the Business Paper.
Question—That the motion be agreed to—put and resolved in the affirmative.
Motion agreed to.
JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON SENTENCING OF CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENDERS
Reappointment and Membership
Motion by Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS agreed to:
(1) A joint parliamentary select committee be reappointed to inquire into and report on:
(a) whether current sentencing options for perpetrators of child sexual assault remain effective; and
68 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
(b) whether greater consistency in sentencing and improving public confidence in the judicial system could be achieved through alternative sentencing options, including but not limited to minimum mandatory sentencing and anti-androgenic medication.
(2) In examining this issue the committee should have regard to:
(a) the current sentencing patterns for child sexual assault;
(b) the operation of the standard minimum non-parole scheme;
(c) the experience of other jurisdictions with alternative sentencing options; and
(d) the New South Wales Law Reform Commission's report 139 on Sentencing.
(3) The committee to consist of seven members as follows:
(a) four members of the Legislative Assembly, namely Mr Casuscelli, Ms Gibbons, Mr Grant, who shall be Chair, and Mr Lynch; and
(b) three members of the Legislative Council.
(4) That at any meeting of the committee four members shall constitute a quorum, provided that the committee meets as a joint committee at all times.
(5) The committee have leave to make visits of inspection within the State of New South Wales and other States and Territories of Australia.
Message sent to the Legislative Council advising it of the resolution.
GOVERNOR'S SPEECH: ADDRESS-IN-REPLY
Mr MIKE BAIRD (Manly—Premier, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Western Sydney) [3.13 p.m.]: I move:
That the following Address be adopted by this House, in reply to the Speech which Her Excellency had been pleased to make to both Houses of Parliament:
To Her Excellency Professor the Hon. Dame Marie Bashir, Dame of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia.
May it Please Your Excellency—
We, the Members of the Legislative Assembly of the State of New South Wales, in Parliament assembled, desire to express our thanks for Your Excellency's Speech, and to express our loyalty to Australia and the people of New South Wales.
We offer Your Excellency our sincere congratulations on undertaking the duties of your office with distinction and devotion and extend to Your Excellency and Sir Nicholas the warm regards of the House.
As I relayed at lunch, I heard about Her Excellency before I met her. That is not unusual perhaps, but stories about her personality and her actions travelled far and wide. One story about her came to me via a homeless man in my community. He has a reputation for being a character, and he has a love for life. His name is Sherlock. I was amazed when he told me that he had a relationship—indeed, a friendship—with the Governor. He relayed the story about how he was in town one day when a car pulled up next to him and its window was rolled down. It was the Governor. She asked, "How can I help you? Are you okay?" From that, a friendship developed between them that has continued via letters exchanged back and forth. The Governor made sure she found out where Sherlock was and had letters delivered to him. He showed me some of the letters: they showed warmth and they showed someone who cared very deeply for the person who had been in front of her.
I think similar stories could be told, time and again, about our great Governor. It did not matter who she was dealing with—what rank they held, who they represented or what community they were from—the Governor listened intently, loved people dearly and wanted the best for them. I think her passion to improve conditions for those less fortunate, one life at a time, is an inspiration for all who have had the opportunity to cross her path. In her 13 years as Governor she has transformed the areas of her dedication and focus: juvenile justice; Aboriginal and children's health, mental health and welfare; and mental health issues affecting refugee 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 69
and immigrant children. They have been her passions, and she has made a huge difference in those areas. She is the second longest serving Governor of New South Wales and has travelled widely, representing New South Wales and indeed Australia.
As both a medical doctor and the highest-ranking representative of New South Wales, Her Excellency has successfully married those two roles. Colleagues and friends report that it is no exaggeration to say that she has been directly responsible for saving many thousands of lives in some of the poorest countries across South-East Asia. Her efforts in establishing medical links between New South Wales and Australia and countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia and Burma have been inspiring. She recently returned from a visit to Burma, where she and a University of Sydney medical team put in place procedures that will prosper and save lives for years to come. On her first morning there, an agreement was signed between the University of Public Health in Yangon and the University of Sydney medical school for a medical student exchange program. Only three days later she and Professor Bruce Robinson witnessed exactly why this kind of partnership is needed, as they stood with tears in their eyes at a local hospital comforting adults and children struck down by dysentery and tetanus.
We can only imagine what it was like for Her Excellency at that moment: to stand there and to see those children struggling in the most desperate circumstances. I think it is important that we all pay tribute to the important work that she has done to try to save these children and safeguard their future, just as she has fought for every child in New South Wales. The work of Her Excellency and Professor Robinson in Burma has resulted in the establishment of a joint National Institute of Maternal and Child Health, which seeks to reduce child and maternal mortality rates in Myanmar. Just last week the Ministry of Health in Burma agreed to work with the University of Adelaide and the University of Sydney to update medical teaching programs. This is the kind of work that not only saves lives but also inspires generations to come. That is what our Governor will leave as her legacy.
I think these stories illustrate something the Governor does best: She builds community by building relationships. She believes in the person who is in front of her. She believes in the network of friends and support behind the person. She believes in the community that makes up that network. One person at a time across this State, Her Excellency has done an amazing job. Her Excellency has an academic procession of honorary degrees, and I do not want to list them all here. They reflect a galaxy of honours that represent her interest in various organisations and subjects. Her Excellency is one of Australia's national living treasures. We cannot overlook one fundamental honour, which I think will surprise members of the House. Her Excellency is an honorary member of the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Contractors Association of New South Wales. She holds an honorary contractor licence for plumbing, draining and gasfitting.
I am told this came about after the Governor was approached by a person who said, "I don't suppose you'd come to a function for the plumbers?" She said, as we would expect, "Well, why wouldn't I?" She went to the function and the relationship endured. Indeed, she has attended every year since the first invitation. The plumbers association loves the Governor so much that it went through two years of red tape to get her an honorary contractor licence in plumbing, draining and gasfitting. It is now known as Marie's Excellent Plumbing Service. Anyone who has leaking taps knows where to go when the Governor has more time on her hands.
The notion of our Governor having free time is almost a foreign concept when we look at her list of achievements. She is tireless and generous with not only her time but also her spirit. I can recall no other Governor who has travelled as widely or touched so many lives. She has not done it out of the call of duty but because of her genuine, unfiltered passion and love for the country. All of us who have spoken to her or heard her speak in public on subject matters that mean most to her—whether it be our diggers, Aborigines or disadvantaged youth—know that every speech is deeply personal and always ends with the strong exclamation that we live in a great country.
The Governor celebrates this nation day in and day out. Today she will be almost embarrassed that we indulged to take the time to talk about someone who has done so much for us as a State and a nation. When we reflect on her tears and her passion we will always look back on her time with a deep sense of fondness, appreciation and gratitude. The lesson is that we do not celebrate enough great acts of service. We do not celebrate enough individuals who have made longstanding contributions, sacrifice and service. On behalf of every member of the House and every person in this State I say to the Governor that we are incredibly proud that she has been our Governor and we are grateful for the service she has provided for this great State. We thank her for her leadership and compassion and for her love of this incredible country. 70 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
Mr JOHN ROBERTSON (Blacktown—Leader of the Opposition) [3.22 p.m.]: Today our Parliament gathers in extraordinary circumstances. It is an historic and exceptional day when both Chambers pause in their proceedings to honour a great Australian. The departure of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir after 13½ years of outstanding service is the end of an era. It is truly a watershed in the life of our State. Having had her term extended so many times, first by Premier Carr then Premier Iemma and Premier O'Farrell, it is almost as if we cannot bear to let Governor Marie Bashir leave her post.
Her Excellency will forever be remembered as a trailblazer. In fact, hers is an improbable story that could only have happened in Australia. An unassuming girl named Marie from Narrandera in the Riverina district, whose parents came to this nation from Lebanon, would go on to have a brilliant and accomplished career capped by her inspired appointment by Premier Carr as the first female Governor of New South Wales. The story of Marie Bashir quintessentially is an Australian story. Long may it serve as an inspiration to women and immigrant communities that in this nation all things are possible.
Her Excellency came to the role with extensive expertise in the fields of psychiatry and public health. As a product of public school, she brought with her a genuine concern for the educational needs of young Australians. She also carried a special compassion for Indigenous communities, which was reflected in her establishment of the Aboriginal Mental Health Service in Redfern that continues to perform vital work today. As Governor she has seen six Premiers of New South Wales and five Leaders of the Opposition. She has stood steadfast as New South Wales has become busier, more diverse and some would say more complex and fractured.
How carefree and innocent now seem those early days of 2001 when Her Excellency began her tenure as Governor. Having run down the curtain on the best ever Olympics in 2000 nobody could have predicted that 12 months later life in New South Wales would change forever with the terrorist atrocities of September 11 and the Bali bombings. We could never know that our State would send troops and frigates to the war in Iraq, that Redfern would erupt in 2004 or Cronulla in 2005. During Her Excellency's tenure as Governor of New South Wales our population has swelled and as a State we have largely succeeded in absorbing a new wave of migrants.
As wounds in our community have emerged Her Excellency's example has helped them heal. She has been an unstinting voice for tolerance and respect. Whether it was the recent Blue Mountains or Coonabarabran bushfires, the northern rivers floods or the searing millennium drought that left our State parched, she has shepherded us through heartbreak and natural disasters. Her Excellency's leadership of charitable causes and her visits to Rural Fire Service volunteers and people displaced from their homes have rallied spirits and touched the lives of so many. Today the fight to remove barriers and spread opportunity to all corners of New South Wales goes on. In this cause I believe the example of Her Excellency will live on as our State's guiding star.
I recall the quiet and wise words of Her Excellency's inauguration speech. She said that for a State and a people to prosper into the longer term there needs to be a climate of reciprocity involving the ordinary citizens as well as the powerful. She also said that such a society rejects, as its highest aim, materialism but strives for the participation and contribution of all citizens in our Commonwealth. Whether as Chancellor of the University of Sydney, patron of the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service, a passionate supporter of operas, choirs and orchestras or a world-renowned advocate for mental health, few people have worked more diligently to promote the dignity and potential of every person in New South Wales. In her frequent visits to rural, regional and Indigenous communities nobody has more successfully brought the mosaic of our State together.
Every Governor brings his or her own touch to the role. The 36 men who served as Governor of New South Wales before Her Excellency stand out as some of our most accomplished citizens. It was Arthur Phillip, the first Governor, who foresaw that our State's future was to be so much more than a convict settlement and who had a vision for a society of laws and justice. It was Governor Lachlan Macquarie who explored our State's interior, appointed emancipists to government positions and planned some of Sydney's iconic buildings and plotted its narrow streets. Two centuries later Her Excellency departs the governorship leaving a very different but no less profound legacy.
While the early Governors advanced our State's interests and material needs and those who have come since have served nobly through prosperity, war and peace, it is Her Excellency who I believe has truly redefined the role of Governor for the twenty-first century. She has carried herself with intelligence, compassion and grace. She has served as the State's conscience, its healer and its heart. As Governor of New South Wales, and occasional Administrator of the Commonwealth, Her Excellency has worked tirelessly 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 71
to fulfil her duties. She leaves with the highest regard of all who have come in contact with her. She has brought credit to New South Wales and I have no doubt that her sterling contribution to the life of our nation will continue.
I believe I speak for everyone in New South Wales when I wish Her Excellency and her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, the very best for the future. To Her Excellency I say: Thank you for watching over this great State. Thank you for gently guiding us to be a better community and a better people. Most of all, thank you for giving the governorship your life and your heart.
Mr ANDREW STONER (Oxley—Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Small Business, and Minister for the North Coast) [3.29 p.m.]: As Deputy Premier and Leader of The Nationals, it is an honour to respond to Her Excellency the Governor's address and to thank her for her service to this State for the past 13 years as well as acknowledge her extraordinary contribution to rural and regional New South Wales. Indeed, the Governor hails from country New South Wales having been born in Narrandera. As they say, you can take the girl out of the bush but you cannot take the bush out of the girl. Her Excellency has travelled extensively well beyond Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle.
Right from the outset of her tenure as Governor, she showed her interest in rural and regional issues. Within her first year she travelled to Moree and surrounding districts, visiting primary schools and health facilities in local Aboriginal communities. The Governor always has been a strong advocate for mental health issues, particularly in regional and rural areas where this is such a major factor as a result of the harsh life that many in farming communities endure. It is often a sad fact that people in remote areas can feel isolated and alone during times of hardship, particularly during periods of drought, which currently is being experienced in the north-west of the State, floods, which we also experience at other times, and bushfires.
The Governor always took a deep and passionate interest in mental health when visiting those communities, not as an outsider but as someone who genuinely understood the trials that those communities face. On both the drought and mental health fronts, I am proud to say that this Government is mindful of both issues. During the current financial year this Government is investing big money in drought preparation, including the regional water security program that was introduced in 2013, and in paving the way for the first major inland dam in more than 30 years. In the 2013-14 and 2014-15 financial years, we will invest almost $50 million in drought support for our farmers on top of the measures agreed in 2008 as part of the then intergovernmental agreement.
To improve rural and regional health, including mental health, this Government also is investing record amounts in major hospital upgrades at places that include Tamworth, Lismore, Dubbo, Parkes, Forbes, Bega, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie and Kempsey. I note that when Her Excellency looks back on her extensive visits throughout New South Wales, her experiences from south to the north and from west to the east of the State have been amazingly deep. As the Leader of The Nationals I too have travelled a fair bit across New South Wales, but probably only one other person has out-clocked me on the speedometer, mile-ometer, kilometre or whatever it is.
Mr Troy Grant: Odometer.
Mr ANDREW STONER: That is it—I got it—the odometer. That person is the Governor, who has been everywhere, as Lucky Starr would once have said. Her visits have been for a vast and eclectic array of events, but her ease at being among the people, sharing stories and conversations, is legendary. From supporting Riverina tourism with a dinner at the Deniliquin RSL Club to commemorating in Lithgow a scientific visit of Charles Darwin, she was there to meet and engage with appreciative crowds. I recall the delight from her visit to my electorate of Oxley of Indigenous communities at Kempsey and Bowraville and the delight on the faces of people who met and engaged with the Governor of this State, not as a Governor and person who holds a high position but as a person with a deep and genuine concern for their welfare and wellbeing. She was able to communicate on their level—absolutely amazing. One got the sense that for our Governor travelling around New South Wales was never a chore. She relished the interesting experiences that came with being among many wide and diverse communities across this great State.
The Governor also has been an outstanding ambassador for women in rural and regional areas of New South Wales, including as patron of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales. Just last week I know she travelled to Dubbo—and I notice the member for Dubbo is nodding enthusiastically—where she 72 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
officially opened the sixteenth conference of the South Pacific area of the Associated Country Women of the World, all of which was focused in beautiful Dubbo, or Dubvegas as they call it. The conference, Working Together for a Better Future, was hosted at that great venue, the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club. I know that the member for Lismore, Thomas George, will fondly recall the Governor's visit to Lismore where she unveiled a cabinet by Lismore-based fine furniture maker, Geoff Hannah, at the Southern Cross University. The Hannah cabinet took six years to build and is estimated to be worth $1.4 million. It was eventually exhibited in the Fountain Court of Parliament House in July 2010.
I mention that because the Governor has helped to focus attention on communities that often are overlooked by mainstream news cycles, and that has been of help to those communities by building their profile and highlighting the fantastic contribution that rural and regional areas make to our great State and our economy. Her Excellency has brought to the attention of the rest of the State and sometimes to national attention fascinating and noteworthy stories surrounding extraordinary features such as the Hannah cabinet. But the Governor did not need to leave Sydney to be a strong supporter of many rural communities across New South Wales. As joint patron of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie—a great bloke and a faithful fellow traveller, albeit not at the same pace as Her Excellency, who was always there in support and loving it—Her Excellency recently hosted morning tea at Government House for students and teachers from the Far West, particularly Wilcannia and Menindee, whose visit to Sydney was sponsored by the Royal Flying Doctor Service in partnership with the Department of Rural Health, the University of New South Wales, Broken Hill and the Far West Local Health District to enable them to participate in the City2Surf.
Another annual event in Sydney is the meeting of city and country which is the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales Royal Easter Show. The Governor's yearly attendance at the show is overshadowed only by the patronage and support she gives to the Royal Agricultural Society over the course of each and every year, not just at show time. One of the reasons that our Governor is so well loved by people right across our great State is that she has made it an important part of her duties as Governor to bring the good news to the whole of New South Wales by relating wonderful stories of merit, achievement, struggle and perseverance with the boundless optimism that she has, bringing stories from many different corners of our State and giving them the recognition that they deserve. Our Governor has woven a richer narrative for all of New South Wales. In doing so she has helped to diminish that sometimes seemingly large division between the city and the country. On behalf of the Government and the party I lead, The Nationals, I thank Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir for her typically outstanding address and particularly for being a marvellous friend to the many communities and people of regional New South Wales.
Ms LINDA BURNEY (Canterbury) [3.37 p.m.]: I join other members of the House in paying tribute to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. I have very few notes for this speech because I do not feel I need them. Every speech today will refer to how astoundingly wonderful our Governor has been, and rightly so. We all know that the Governor was born in 1930 in Narrandera. Today I really want to state for the record not only my professional but also my personal connections to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir. Narrandera, the Governor's birthplace, is in the heart of Wiradjuri country and she will often say in her speeches how proud she is to have been born in and embrace Wiradjuri country and the Wiradjuri people. I am a member of the Wiradjuri nation. Narrandera is the town where my father and his family, the Ingram family, have lived their whole lives. A visit to Narrandera reveals that the people there are so proud of the Governor. Today the Governor told me that her brother still lives in Narrandera in the house they all grew up in. That is a very deep connection for the Wiradjuri people, the Governor and me.
I have known the Governor for well over 20 years, probably 25 years. We first came into contact when she was Director of the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit. Her long association with migrant and Indigenous health began in 1987 when she was appointed Director of the Community Health Service in Central Sydney. It was there also that our relationship grew. I also have a deep relationship with Sir Nicholas Shehadie. Sir Nicholas was the Chairperson of the Board of Vocational Education and Training, to which I was appointed during his chairmanship. He was also a member of the board of SBS Radio and Television, to which I was appointed, also under Sir Nicholas's governance and leadership. I also worked closely with Sir Nicholas's and Her Excellency's daughter, Alex, at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs when I was the assistant director and then the Director General. So I feel my connection is one not only of a professional relationship and a citizen of this State, but also as a Wiradjuri woman and someone who has had both professional and friendship connections with Sir Nicholas and Alex, Sir Nicholas's and Her Excellency's daughter.
When one goes into the Aboriginal community, and I have seen this on many occasions—I know others will focus on other aspects, but I really want to focus on this—it is not "Her Excellency", or "The Honourable 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 73
Dame Marie Bashir"; it is simply "Marie" or "Aunty Marie". I remember, most notably, not so long ago the wonderful welcome that Aunty Marie got at the Aboriginal Health Training College at Little Bay. She said how proud she was of her involvement over the years particularly in supporting young Aboriginal people. I think it is also important for me to put on the record some of the personal support received from Her Excellency when my daughter was so ill. That is something I will never forget.
The role of Governor is, of course, one of great standing in New South Wales, and many great people have held that position. But I do not think any has been as amazing as Her Excellency. We all hear of that notion the common touch. For those of us in this House, elected representatives of the people, it is a concept that we know well. It is a concept that is so important to our being good representatives. If ever there was a mentor or person who exemplifies this common touch so well, it is our Governor. It is the capacity, as many have said, not only to mix with the great and the powerful but also to understand and be one with those who are much less fortunate.
I would like to finish by saying a couple of things. I want to put on the record my great admiration for Her Excellency. Those in this game often get asked, "Who are the people that you look up to? Who are the people that you see as your mentors? Who are the people that you see as your champions?" I have to say that Marie Bashir absolutely fills those roles for me. She exemplifies the traditions that manners cost nothing; that kindness is the fundamental grasp that we all have and should practise; and that caring for everyone is a valued and important part of humanity and of being a humanist. Marie Bashir exemplifies all of that. On behalf of my family and me I say, "Thank you." On behalf of the Indigenous communities of Australia, and New South Wales in particular, from one Wiradjuri girl to another I say, "Thank you."
Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove—Minister for Resources and Energy, and Special Minister of State) [3.44 p.m.]: I join the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy-Premier, the Deputy Opposition Leader, and I am sure all members of this House in expressing my thanks and gratitude to Her Excellency for her service to the people of this great State of New South Wales. Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, Dame of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia, was appointed to her role in March 2001. Other speakers before me have taken the time to outline the hard work and dedication of Her Excellency over her lifetime and the contribution she has made to the life of this State. I am also certain that as this debate progresses many members will speak of more personal stories of their interactions with Her Excellency and the role she has played in all areas and electorates of this State.
In trying to comprehend just how significant Her Excellency's impact has been on this State, it is instructive to look at the honours that have been bestowed upon Her Excellency, both within this State, in the Commonwealth and internationally. In 1971 Her Excellency was awarded "Mother of the Year". In 1988 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. In 2001 she was made a Companion of the Order of Australia. In 2003 she was awarded the Centenary Medal. In 2003 she was awarded by Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana of Thailand the Mental Health Princess Award. In 2004 she was made an Honorary Member of the United Nations Development Fund for Women. In 2006 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II invested Her Excellency as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. In 2008 Her Excellency was appointed as Honorary Commodore, Navy Warfare Training, Royal Australian Navy.
In 2012 Her Excellency was invested with the Lebanese National Order of Cedar, Grand Cordon Grade by the President of the Republic of Lebanon. In June 2014 Her Excellency was named as a Dame of the Order of Australia—the pinnacle of our honours system and reserved for those few who show the highest levels of public service in their lifetime. Aside from Her Excellency's dedicated life of public service, there was also a more personal warmth she emanated to all those fortunate to cross her path. My own experience of this was in watching the relationship Her Excellency developed with my two young boys, John and Sam—or as they are better known at Government House, Search and Destroy.
When I visited Government House, along with the member for Penrith, in December to be sworn in to my new portfolios, it was obvious that Search and Destroy were on a mission to make sure things did not run smoothly. The boys promptly took to climbing over antique furniture and trying to stretch their paws onto the paintings adorning the walls of Government House. However Her Excellency, being Her Excellency, took all this in her stride. Without missing a beat, Her Excellency proceeded with the formalities of the ceremony. Following the swearing in, a media gaggle assembled demanding to be addressed. Without a word or without making a fuss, Her Excellency took both my boys by the hand and proceeded to take them around the gardens and into various halls at Government House, all the while satisfying their youthful curiosity and attending to their high energy levels. 74 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
At one stage she even sat them down at the grand piano and started teaching them some of the keys. They say those who are best suited for public life are those who are called to it, rather than those who seek it. Her Excellency has taken on her roles, titles and offices with a quiet, hardworking demeanour characteristic of one who seeks to serve others in all she does. Indeed the level of public respect and admiration Her Excellency has gained from her dedication to the role of Governor rivals, and perhaps exceeds, that of Sir Roden Cutler. It is without any reservation that I can say that Her Excellency will be remembered as one of the most dedicated servants, if not the most dedicated servant, of the New South Wales public since the times of Governor Macquarie and Governor Phillip.
In finishing, I am mindful of a Latin motto from antiquity that served many great Houses and orders of chivalry throughout the ages. It is a motto that I firmly believe neatly sums up Her Excellency and her service to our great State, and it is most appropriate to describe a Dame of Australia. That motto is sincere et constanter— sincerely and constantly. On behalf of my family, my constituency and the people of New South Wales, I wish both Her Excellency and Sir Nicholas the very best of good health and happiness in their retirement—though I dare say, knowing both of them, it will not be a retirement enjoyed quietly by a beach, but one in which they remain active in developing New South Wales and certainly the people of this State.
Mr RICHARD AMERY (Mount Druitt) [3.49 p.m.]: I add my comments to those of previous speakers in passing on my respects, appreciation and thanks to Her Excellency Governor Marie Bashir and, of course, her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie. In the last few hours in the confines of this place she has opened the Second Session of the Fifty-fifth Parliament and also attended the luncheon at which the Presiding Officers officiated. I thank the Parliament and the Presiding Officers for their work in making sure this occasion was fitting for the Governor and her husband. No doubt she will look back on this occasion with great fondness. Of course, this Address-in-Reply debate responds to the speech she gave earlier today at the joint sitting of both Houses. Over the years this debate has changed somewhat, perhaps not in format but in significance. In years gone by all members would speak in the substantial Address-in-Reply debate. I am sure you, Mr Assistant-Speaker, recall from your early days in this place that the Address-in-Reply following an election certainly was a major debate; as it was following the last election.
Generally, the government of the day would select a number of members it considered had future potential to move and second the motion for debate after which, of course, bound copies would be taken to Government House by all members of Parliament for presentation to the Governor, usually at an afternoon reception. All those procedures continue to happen in the formal Address-in-Reply debate, but I am not incorrect in saying that its significance has changed somewhat over the years. Of course, today's Address-in-Reply debate is not talking about the Government's program for the years ahead after an election win. Today members of Parliament are making farewell speeches to Her Excellency for the excellent work she has done for the State and for our communities.
In her speech today Her Excellency made no reference to future government programs that generally highlight a Governor's speech in opening a Parliament. We note the ceremony and, I suppose, the sadness of today's occasion as we see her illustrious career as Governor coming to a close. Again, I thank the Presiding Officers for putting on this special occasion. I am sure she will look upon it with great fondness. I support the many references to the Governor by all of the speakers in this debate, particularly the fact that she is the first woman Governor of New South Wales—a Governor who is the child of migrant parents. That is an important achievement for people in my electorate of Mount Druitt, half of whose residents were born overseas. Many of the electorate's second generation are from migrant families. When they see the potential of this country and State, and know that their grandchildren can achieve the position of Governor of a State, they know that anything is possible.
I thank Governor Bashir for her numerous visits to my electorate. The one I remember always and mention to her from time to time is her visit many years ago to Hebersham Public School. Her speech for such an official occasion that day and her warmth in addressing the children, parents and others was often the subject of conversation for many years. After visiting Hebersham Public School, which I frequently did, I often left with these words from parents or teachers, "Don't forget to say hello to the Governor for us." That is a typical example of the impact the Governor had on people. She visited a number of women's refuges and her compassion towards women, particularly those having experienced domestic violence and similar situations, demonstrated clearly her special warmth and care in a vice-regal role.
Often we talk about the fact that she is the first woman Governor of the State. This reflects well on what has changed around this Parliament and in the workings of government, et cetera, as shown clearly by the 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 75
fact that we have a woman as Minister for Health, who is in the Chamber. When members walk around this Chamber and bring guests to this place, I ask them to look at the old black and white pictures on the wall, not only the ones from the 1920s and 1950s, but also those more recent ones. They will see that in this place nearly all its members were men, all the clerks were men, and all the people in the press gallery were men as, indeed, were the Hansard reporters. I must say that a woman will not be seen anywhere in some of those photographs. The evolution of the role of women in our community, exemplified by our Governor, is highlighted more recently.
In the time I have been in this Parliament not only have I seen the number of women members of Parliament increase quite dramatically, but also for the first time a woman holds the position of Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and a woman is Speaker of this House. A woman held the position of Premier, and another woman held the position of Deputy Premier. Women have held and continue to hold various ministerial portfolios. The position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition is held not only by a woman—she spoke earlier in the debate—but by an Indigenous Australian. These examples show how women's roles have expanded, particularly in the years I have been in this place.
As I look around this place I can see that the role of women has expanded to the attendants, members of the press gallery and Hansard. The Governor exemplifies that expansion of the role of women within public life in Australia. Marie Bashir can take much credit for the example she set as the first woman to hold the position of Governor of New South Wales. I do not need to repeat what other members have said. In Marie Bashir we had a very special person holding the position of Governor. For that we say thank you and we wish both her and her husband well in their retirement or, I should say, future activities. I congratulate her on the excellent service she has given to this State and to the people of New South Wales.
Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER (North Shore—Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research) [3.56 p.m.]: I am pleased to be afforded the opportunity during this Address-in-Reply debate to honour the significant contribution of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, to the State of New South Wales as Governor. Her Excellency has been an inspiration for countless individuals during her long and distinguished career. As many have said, she has touched the lives of so many, providing empathy and insight. I first met Dame Marie when I was director of the New South Wales Office of Youth Affairs. Federal Human Rights Commissioner Brian Burdekin had just released his report on the National Inquiry into the Human Rights of People with Mental Illness. His report on youth homelessness, "Our Homeless Children" had been released in 1989. It was no surprise that the focus of the Office of Youth Affairs was on youth homelessness and mental health issues, and also no surprise to anyone who knew Dame Marie that it was an absolute priority for her.
In fact, she went on to become patron, along with Brian Burdekin, of the Burdekin Association. She is, of course, the patron of many other organisations, including the Taldumande Youth Service in my electorate, of which I have the great privilege of being vice-patron. I have had the good fortune to cross paths with our beloved Governor over many years. She has never lost her passion for improving health outcomes for those who face challenges in accessing the care they need, such as those with mental illness, Aboriginal people, older people and migrants. In fact, I once had the privilege of attending a fairly exclusive luncheon for visiting royalty hosted by our Governor and found myself in an energetic conversation with a young Sydney university Aboriginal student who explained that the previous evening he had "a call from Marie" to invite him along because he might meet some people who could be useful to him—compassion typical of Marie Bashir.
Despite delighting many diplomats and high-level dignitaries with her knowledge of history, music, medicine and world affairs, Dame Marie speaks regularly about the disadvantaged. She spent some of her formative career years working in women's health clinics and in general practice in Redfern while raising her young family. Following the completion of postgraduate studies in psychiatry, she was asked to establish the Rivendell Child Adolescent and Family Unit. This service, which was located in south-western Sydney, provided comprehensive specialist consulting services for young people with emotional and psychiatric problems. It carries on this work today.
In 1987 Her Excellency was appointed Director of Community Health Services in the Central Sydney area. Building closer links to primary health care was a key priority, with a significant role in the oversight of health promotion and health education strategies. Her contribution to the field of medicine and, in particular, adolescent mental health, was recognised in 1988 when she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia. During the early 1990s Her Excellency was involved in major reforms to the mental health system, improving the delivery of public mental health services in New South Wales. In 1994 she became Director of Mental 76 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
Health Services at the Central Sydney Area Health Service, working with some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in our society, such as an urban Aboriginal community, the homeless, isolated and sick, aged citizens and the chronically mentally ill.
Her generosity of spirit extended to sharing her knowledge and experience not only in Australia but also overseas—much has been said about that by previous speakers. By establishing links with psychiatry departments in South-East Asia, she was able to facilitate educational exchanges and placements for postgraduates at the University of Sydney teaching hospital facilities. Having had a special interest over many years in Indigenous health, Her Excellency has also travelled extensively to visit remote communities in Central Australia, the Kimberley and Arnhem Land. In 1994, in partnership with the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern, she established the Aboriginal Mental Health Unit, which provided regular clinics and counselling at the Aboriginal Medical Service in Sydney and in mainstream centres. We have been privileged to have a Governor with a most generous spirit and marvellous sense of humour who has extensive knowledge of and experience in the health system. Her Excellency is a wonderful ambassador for our State no matter where she is.
On a personal note, I recall a spirited dinner conversation years ago on matters feminist with nuns from North Sydney. I suspect those sitting at adjoining tables would have been quite shocked to hear the radical nature of our conversation. We experienced the hilarious enjoyment of quite outrageous entertainment at the Aurora Ball at the Sydney Town Hall, although Sir Nicholas looked not quite as comfortable as Dame Marie. Recently, at a research awards night, we shared anti-ageing tips with the 2014 Australian Society for Medical Research medallist, Professor David Sinclair, who is an expert in the field. To hear about Dame Marie's sparkling wit at its best, we only have to ask about her three most important professions: nursing, teaching and plumbing, which the Premier alluded to in his contribution.
Undoubtedly she will regale us with her stories of accepting Master Plumber Association invitations. She has been known to pull from her evening bag her worn gold-plated membership card for Marie's Excellent Plumbing Service, which entitles her to regular trade discounts; she carries it in her evening bag wherever she goes. We will miss Dame Marie. She has served our State with grace and distinction. I look forward to bumping into her in the supermarket. When people ask her what she is doing shopping for her own supplies, her response is usually, "I like to test the quality of the veggies." Good luck, Dame Marie. May you live long in a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Mr BARRY COLLIER (Miranda) [4.03 p.m.]: Whether we are Monarchists or Republicans, no-one could not have been moved by the wonderful speech given by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir in the Legislative Council. How appropriate is it that we in this House should pay tribute to Governor Bashir as she nears retirement after 13½ years as our head of State. Premiers have come and gone, parliaments have been formed and prorogued, but she is the one person who has remained above the politicians and the political turmoil, serving the people of New South Wales with commitment, compassion and caring that was above and beyond what we perhaps had a right to expect. But it is her commitment, compassion and caring that we have come to admire, respect and love.
From humble beginnings as a member of a migrant family in Narrandera, Marie Bashir became a first class member of the profession of psychiatry and Governor of this State, bringing her experience, knowledge and understanding with her. As head of State she has been an asset for our State and ambassador, at times, for our nation and we can all be justly proud of her. She has been a head of State that we will find hard to replace. I recall three visits by Her Excellency to my electorate of Miranda during my first term in Parliament before my retirement in 2011. The first time was the fiftieth anniversary celebrations at my church at Gymea, St Catherine Laboure Catholic Church. My wife, Jeanette, and I had the privilege of greeting Her Excellency, along with the parish priest, Monsignor Brian Rayner, OAM. It was a sunny day and the choir performed at its very best. The church was packed, with standing room only and many children sat on the sanctuary and on the edge of the altar.
I was sitting nearby and watched the Governor read a beautifully constructed speech that sincerely touched every person who was present in the church. Later, I saw that her speech was written in her own hand and clearly from her own heart. We hear some great speeches in Parliament but hers was truly exceptional. I soon learned thereafter that all of her speeches are truly exceptional. After the mass she met with parishioners in the hall, paying particular attention to the seniors, the infirm and the children. She was a magnet in that church hall; everybody wanted to speak to Governor Marie Bashir.
My next contact with Her Excellency was with Lorna Stone, the President of Sylvanvale, which is a facility that cares for special needs children with physical and intellectual disabilities. The Governor's passion, 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 77
warmth and sincerity filled the room. I felt honoured to be in her presence at the same event. I am sure everyone is aware of her presence, which every member of any Parliament in this world would no doubt die to possess. Her Excellency's third visit to the Miranda electorate during my time in this place was to the Bonnet Bay Public School on the thirtieth anniversary of its opening. In a way it was a royal occasion because 30 years previously the same school had been opened by the Princess Royal, Princess Anne. It was an outstanding event. The children, teachers and staff, my wife and I, and parents past and present were blown away by her understanding of educational issues and her presentation. Again she was a magnet; everybody wanted to speak with and shake hands with Her Excellency.
As Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Attorney General during the last term of the Labor Government, I had the privilege of representing the Government at the presentation of honours at Government House. It was a pleasure to watch Her Excellency greet people. The words that she spoke were outstanding. I felt honoured and privileged to be representing the Government in the same room with her and all the wonderful people from across the State who earned awards. When I think of Her Excellency's breadth of knowledge and understanding of so many subjects I think of the biblical character Joseph, who had a coat of many colours. There is no subject on which Her Excellency cannot speak. She makes us all proud.
Her Excellency has a love and warmth for our country and a concern for our Indigenous people; she cares for everyone in the State, no matter their gender, age, heritage, ability or, indeed, their disability. On behalf of the people of the electorate of Miranda, I wish Her Excellency and Sir Nicholas Shehadie all the best in their retirement. I know she will find many things to fill up her days and she will continue to serve this State in her retirement. Today the Premier described Her Excellency's time as "service beyond serving". I agree, but it is more than that. Here we have the first female Governor who is not from the military, legal profession or royalty. Indeed, she is not royalty. She has served the State with distinction. She has set the modern standard for all of those who come after her. Beyond "serving beyond service", I think of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Marie Bashir as the Governor's Governor.
Mr BRAD HAZZARD (Wakehurst—Attorney General, and Minister for Justice) [4.10 p.m.]: I join with other members in acknowledging the amazing contribution of the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Roslyn Bashir, AD, CVO. I also acknowledge the contribution of her husband, Sir Nicholas Michael Shehadie, AC, OBE, who has served in his own way as the Lord Mayor of Sydney and on rugby union fields internationally, nationally and in this State.
In her unique way the Governor has undertaken a task that most of us would fear to embark upon. The Governor and Sir Nicholas are parents of three children, grandparents of six children and in my view she is not only the Governor but also a caring and guiding soul to the 7.3 million residents of this State. Over my long political life I have had ample opportunity to both meet and get to know Professor Marie Bashir and her husband. In a formal sense my first memories of her are when she was appointed as Governor: My father knew her as a very senior medical specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Her expertise was in psychiatry, but her passion was children, particularly young people suffering with depression. Her passion has extended to Indigenous Australians and the range of challenges they face. She has an interest in everybody. Indeed, I can say with certainty that at some point the 7.3 million people of this State will have been very much on her radar.
When I first meet Professor Marie Bashir—and she reminded me of this again today at the formal luncheon held in her honour—my father was the Chief Engineer at the Royal Prince Alfred group of hospitals. He challenged her on some ordering issues for her department. She told me in a very nice way that she learnt a lot from having to be as detailed as my father expected her to be. I suspect my father learnt a lot from her, too, because when her name was announced as the Governor he told me what an amazing person she was. He also told me of the incredible job she had done at the hospital and the care she had given to all who came in contact with her.
When Marie Bashir became Governor I had the great privilege, as many in this place do, of regularly crossing paths with her, but the evening of 9/11/2001 stands out in my memory. I will never forget it—in fact, Dame Marie was talking to me about it today. A number of us had travelled to Moree—a place the Governor is very fond of—for the handover of the Aboriginal Employment Service from the original cotton farmers. Dick Estens was responsible for getting a very effective group together to provide employment for Aboriginal people. The Governor was a magnet to everybody in the tents that day. First we attended CropFest and I was fascinated to see how much she reached out to all the young Aboriginal people who had come from across the State. This exposé happened annually at that stage. A number of Aboriginal lawyers and other leading community members, including doctors, were there as role models to show young Indigenous people what opportunities lay ahead if they were to apply themselves to their academic tasks. 78 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
That night we had a wonderful celebration and the cotton farmers handed over the management to the Aboriginal group to manage the Aboriginal Employment Service. The next morning we were all shocked by the vision of aeroplanes under the influence of terrorists flying into those New York buildings—we thought it was some sort of movie. The Governor was visibly shaken. We went from the hope of the night before to the hell that was occurring in other parts of the world, but nothing would deter her from embarking with hope and humanity and she has continued that task in subsequent years.
I can also tell the House—and I did ask the Governor if it was appropriate for me to do so—that when I drove into the motel at Moree on the first day, before the terrible incidents to which I have just referred, Sir Nicholas was sitting in his shorts at the entrance to his motel room. As I drove past he yelled out, "Brad, do you want to come and have a drink with me?" I parked the car. I then sat on the concrete deck of his motel room and said, "Where's Marie?" He said, "Oh mate, she's in there sewing some buttons on my clothes." Marie Bashir, no matter what level she has risen to in this State, was always capable of doing absolutely everything for everyone, including Sir Nicholas and the 7.3 million residents of this State. There was no pomposity and no recognition of her position, except in the good that she could do.
I will briefly share with the House another story. Bruce Miles, whom I had known for many, many years in my youth, was a lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service. He was an ex-bomber pilot who had served in the war and spent scores of years afterwards serving the community, particularly Aboriginal people. Through family connections I was aware that the Governor had an interest in what he was doing. Sadly, Bruce was dying and when it became apparent that his Order of Australia award would probably arrive a little too late, she volunteered to visit his small fibro cottage at Brookvale. She had no hesitation in going to Brookvale on the day before he died to present Bruce Miles, in the presence of his unassuming family, with his medal. That typifies Marie Bashir: No pretence, just good, honest representation as we could all dream of for the perfect Governor.
I thank Marie Bashir most sincerely for everything she has done for New South Wales and for each individual she has come into contact with. I have enjoyed, as Ministers on both sides of the political divide have enjoyed, other special moments that have come about because of our jobs. When I attended Executive Council I discovered that the warmth that exists in the outside world is also to be found in the private parts of Government House. After the formal Executive Council she would invite Ministers to join her for breakfast or morning tea and invariably would share with us her hopes and love for Australia.
As other members have said, she would often talk about some of the incredible contributions of other Australians—the Anzacs were high on her agenda. She has knowledge beyond belief of all the Governors and the roles they have played. She understands our history and the benefit of a multicultural New South Wales. Mare Bashir is committed to all those aspects that make New South Wales such a great place. I thank Marie and Nick for everything they have given us and for making New South Wales a much better place than it was 13½ years ago.
Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie) [4.19 p.m.]: I contribute to the Address-in-Reply to the Speech of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, Dame of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia. I humbly make a contribution today on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Lake Macquarie. I wish to acknowledge the fine contributions made before mine, and I am sure many others will follow. I particularly recognise the wonderful contribution of the Premier to this debate and that of the Leader of the Opposition.
There is no denying that Her Excellency will be sorely missed by many New South Welshmen when her tenure as Governor, which has spanned the terms of six Premiers, ends on 1 October this year. The public has developed a great affection for her over the past 13½ years, no doubt due to her many outstanding attributes but perhaps mostly because of her leadership, as evidenced through heartfelt speeches, her genuine interest in local communities and her determined support for society's marginalised groups. There would be few Australians as highly decorated and recognised for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in services to the administration of public office; to medicine, particularly as an advocate for improved mental health outcomes for the young, the marginalised and the disadvantaged; to international relations, through the promotion of collaborative health programs; and as a leader in tertiary education.
Indeed, Her Excellency's service to the people of New South Wales has been exemplary. Without affectation, Dame Bashir has always stood head and shoulders above her peers, and done so with grace and dignity. It seems obvious that Her Excellency does not seek, and has not sought, the attention associated with her position for any personal aggrandisement. But she does of course lend her support to many causes, which 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 79
benefit from the interest she generates in the public and in the media. As to her medical career, Her Excellency has often spoken about the privilege and joy of working amongst disadvantaged individuals and seeing their lives turned around for the better. Her appointment as Governor made her a powerful advocate for the powerless, and yet she never dreamt of being recognised.
I have had only a few opportunities to experience the "Bashir effect" personally. I fondly remember being seated beside Her Excellency at a women's forum at the Toronto Workers Club in 2010. It was my first meeting with her, other than following my election to Parliament in 2007. Her Excellency was of course the guest of honour and there to officially open the proceedings. The Governor was a delight and gracious as can be, even in the face of being dragooned by the emcee into a brief dance. I guess I can say I danced with her although I think saying I was "in close proximity" would be more accurate—if, indeed, it could be described as dancing. Anyhow, I am sure the exercise helped people relax, but not so much Her Excellency or me as we shared the confidence that it is one of those things we least like doing.
Her Excellency has always been a Governor of the people and maintains a relationship with the citizens of New South Wales that we should all strive to build. Her work and friendships have risen above her titles. I recall a conversation I had in a cafe in Martin Place with one of the owners by the name of Fran—many members would know her. We got talking about the Governor, and it transpired that some 30 years ago Fran used to cut Her Excellency's hair. The then Speaker, Richard Torbay, was with me and passed on Fran's regards to Her Excellency. A little while after, a delighted Fran told me of her joy at having had her former friend and client, the now Governor, call her to say hello and catch up. I am not sure how many others in public service would have the grace to do something like that, but I know this simple action by the Governor meant a great deal to Fran—and I am sure to Her Excellency as well. It was a simple act that serves as a great example to others.
A further recollection is that, prior to my retiring as Mayor of the City of Lake Macquarie in 2012 and being keen to secure a patron of calibre for the International Children's Games in Lake Macquarie, I sent an email to the Governor's office describing the event that was to be held in Australia for the first time later this year and requesting information about the protocol for asking the Governor to be patron. I was hoping for a timely reply so as to be able to make a formal request for consideration. But when only a few days later I answered the phone to a voice saying, "Hello Greg, it's Marie Bashir about your request for me to be patron", I was completely taken aback. I was delighted that Her Excellency would be not only so in tune with such a request but also happy to make a response in person rather than through the official channels that I had expected. She was concerned that she might not be able to fulfil the role as requested because she would not be Governor at the time of the games.
Perhaps Her Excellency was being overly modest, but she could not have been more wrong: I am sure the council and residents of Lake Macquarie would be truly honoured to have her as patron for the upcoming International Children's Games—something I recently confirmed with Councillor Jodie Harrison, the current mayor. If she is no longer in a position to do that then I am certain the residents of Lake Macquarie wish to thank her for her encouragement and support in this endeavour to date. With her ability to understand and to empathise with all sections of the community and through her life experience and knowledge of the important issues, Her Excellency has had an enormous impact on the lives of many people. She has given this historic and important position a new lease on life and a significance for the people of this State.
Her Excellency is humble, modest and a true champion of the people of New South Wales. We hope that, even as her tenure comes to an end, her care for, and presence in, the community does not and that her determination to improve the lives of others will resonate in people's hearts. On behalf of the constituents of Lake Macquarie, I thank the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir and her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, for the exemplary service they have given to the people of New South Wales, and indeed Australia, through their public lives and wish them all the best for the future.
Mr DARYL MAGUIRE (Wagga Wagga—Parliamentary Secretary) [4.25 p.m.]: I am delighted to join other members in making some remarks about the girl from Narrandera, the honorary Wiradjuri woman, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. The Governor has been a regular visitor to Wagga Wagga. Indeed, when I would meet her at Wagga Wagga Airport she always remarked, "I am just 76 miles down the river from my home town of Narrandera." When the Governor visits we always make a special point of taking her past the Murrumbidgee River, where remarks are made about how beautiful the area is, with the river red gums. I have never seen someone appreciate the natural beauty of Australia more than our Governor. 80 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
The Governor has visited Wagga Wagga many times. Memorable occasions include the opening of the radiotherapy centre in 2002. A young journalist came up to me and said, "Mr Maguire, do you think the Governor would do a TV interview?" I asked the Governor and she agreed. The journalist was a very attractive young lady. When the Governor met her she said, "Hello, you gorgeous thing." It is the first time I have ever seen a journalist lost for words. We visited centres of interest throughout the length and breadth of the electorate, including at Lockhart and Wagga Wagga. We attended fundraisers for African orphans. Members may know that I am part of a group that funds 150 orphans in Nakuru in Kenya. The Governor graciously agreed to be the guest of honour at a fundraiser where we raised almost $10,000 for that cause. She also attended a fundraiser for the Regional Oxygen Bank, which is a foundation we put together to fund oxygen machines for those with degenerative lung disease.
Most recently, the Governor met with workers at the Wagga Women's Health Centre and praised the work they are doing. She offered to help us raise funds, and she did—$40,000 was raised with the Governor's help towards the cost of a new women's health centre building. We visited schools, the riding for the disabled association, the Kurrajong Waratah Early Childhood Intervention Centre and, most recently, Brungle Public School. On the Governor's last official visit to my electorate we travelled to Tumut, Brungle and Batlow. Why? We had visited most other places in the electorate of Wagga Wagga. There was not one place of substantial size we could name that had not been visited by our Governor. Importantly, while we were in Batlow a civic reception was held by the Mayor of Tumut Shire, Trina Thomson, to whom the Governor presented a set of mayoral chains.
On previous visits to Tumut the Governor had a very warm connection with the local Indigenous community. She promised to visit Brungle Public School, and she did so just this year. She had an affinity with the elders and the locals. One who springs to mind is Uncle Vince Bulger, whom we lost last year. I rang the Governor's office to inform her and a letter was sent immediately to the family to be read out at his funeral service. I know that that was appreciated. It is that common touch that has endeared the Governor to men, women and children from all walks of life. The funeral gathering was told that Uncle Vince had the Governor's phone number. I do not have that phone number—and I dare say neither do you, Mr Acting-Speaker—but Uncle Vince was a regular caller.
The Governor took office soon after I became the member for Wagga Wagga in 1999. On her first visit to Wagga Wagga I told her that we had a terrible problem with mental health and we needed to enhance our facilities. She told me that we had to create a centre of excellence by enhancing teaching facilities and building on that. I have always appreciated that advice because I recently had the honour of hosting the Governor again and taking her through the brand-new mental health facility that we have constructed and opened. It includes another 30 beds to treat local people who are suffering from mental illness. In addition, Sunflower House and other facilities have developed around the centre to support the delivery of mental health services.
We have experienced several natural disasters during the time the Governor has been in office, including in 2010 and 2012. After the 2012 disaster the Governor rang me and said that she had the plane and she thought we should go to Wagga Wagga to see the people of that electorate, which we did. We visited The Rock and saw that it was devastated. The Governor stood in a house that had only its frame remaining. The walls were gone and the residents had lost everything. The Governor said to the owners, "Is there something I can do? Can I get a broom and help you clean up? I wish I could do something for you." We also visited Lockhart, where the Governor's strong connection with the people and her depth of feeling for those who had experienced the disaster was clear.
On a number of occasions the Governor embarked upon excursions unannounced. In the early days her security would always be with her. One morning I turned up to their hotel to see Sir Nicholas on the verandah and I asked him whether he and the Governor were ready to go. He said no because they could not find Marie. I asked him where she was and he told me that she had gone to the markets. She had her security team in a spin and the Rotary club members were shocked to see the Governor delivering her 50¢ and doing her Christmas shopping with helpers in tow. That is the kind of person she is. She has no airs and graces. She is a down-to-earth person who loves her community and her family.
The Governor sometimes came to town unofficially and I had the pleasure of hosting her and driving her to different functions unannounced and of her own accord. That is another mark of the character and calibre of this lady who has held the highest office in the State, and sometimes in the land, for 13 years. On one occasion she met with the Aboriginal women elders with whom she has a great affinity. I suspect they also have the Governor's phone number. I really enjoyed those occasions because there were no protocols; it was just Marie—as she liked to be called—and the elders. 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 81
I could not let this occasion pass without acknowledging the great work of Sir Nicholas Shehadie in partnering the Governor at many events. I have to admit that sometimes events can be a little tiresome for people who do not have a real connection with the occasion. One night Sir Nicholas asked whether I could get him out of a function at a reasonable hour. I told him that I could and asked whether he was not well. He said he was fine but that the football was on. When I asked him whether he wanted to wait for the Governor he said, "Mate, she'll be the last one out of here tonight." True to his word, she was. She was the first person there and the last person out at almost every function. Sir Nicholas also told me that when the Governor got home from an evening out she would read until 3 o'clock in the morning. She constantly reads and studies. We can see by her qualifications that she has a depth of knowledge that should be respected across this State, the country and the world. I thank Sir Nicholas for everything he has done for this State in his role.
We have had governors in office who have deserved respect. We have a Governor who has also earned respect and who continues to hold a very warm place in the hearts of all New South Welshmen. When Albert Burgman received his Medal of the Order of Australia he was too ill to travel to Sydney to receive it. I offered to pick him up from the airport and take him to Government House but as he was a returned serviceman and prisoner of war and attached to an oxygen machine his wife forbade him to travel because he was too unwell. I asked the Governor whether we could arrange something for him and she said she would present his medal to him in Wagga Wagga, which she did. It was a great occasion and Albert was allowed to invite a number of family and friends. Once again, that demonstrates how much the Governor understood the public and would go out of her way for them. I wish the Governor and Sir Nicholas good health and happiness. I thank them for their outstanding service and for always putting Wagga Wagga—76 miles down the river from Narrandera—in their diary. I wish I had more time to place on record our appreciation. I wish them both well.
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT (Marrickville) [4.35 p.m.]: I take this opportunity at the opening of the second session of the Fifty-fifth Parliament of New South Wales by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir to say a few words about our thirty-seventh Governor. I place on record my admiration for how she has undertaken her role and my appreciation for the support and wisdom she has provided over the years to me personally and to the people of New South Wales.
In her address to the joint sitting of Parliament today Her Excellency demonstrated in her words the intelligence, compassion and grace that have epitomised her 13 years as Governor of New South Wales. She spoke about her deep commitment to ensuring that in her role she gave consideration to all the people of New South Wales—the poor and the disadvantaged as well as the privileged and the brilliant. She spoke of the importance of supporting rural and regional New South Wales, which we know she understands intimately from growing up in Narrandera. She also spoke of the importance of reconciliation. In my view, few have done more than the Governor to advance the cause of reconciliation and the understanding of and respect for Indigenous culture and Aboriginal people.
The Governor spoke about the tremendous pride she feels at truly significant national days of commemoration, such as Anzac Day, and her respect for the men and women of the armed services. In the way that we have come to expect from the Governor, her Speech was not just fine words: It contained a message for us to guard against the foe of complacency in defending all that we have in Australia. As the Premier said, Governor Marie Bashir truly has been the people's Governor. She has the extraordinary ability not only to be caring and compassionate but also to tell us things we need to hear. Her inclusive language, her deep love of Australia, her genuine humility and her common-sense country style have found receptive audiences across New South Wales and Australia. Her quiet yet insistent leadership and commitment to the ideals of social justice and championing the needs of the marginalised have made us a more compassionate and caring society.
I first got to know Her Excellency when she was chair of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. At that time she was also director of the mental health service for the Central Sydney Area Health Service. She had a very good understanding of the backgrounds and factors that contribute to young people's offending behaviour. Under her chairpersonship the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council released a seminal report called "Future directions for juvenile justice in New South Wales". It was a bold report. It said many things that were not necessarily popular but which underpinned significant future reform in juvenile justice to strengthen its rehabilitative focus. I only worked with Dame Marie for a short time in this role—in 1999 I became Minister and she finished her term as chair of the council—but it was enough time for me to absorb some of her attitudes and understanding of young people in the juvenile justice system. It stood me in good stead as a Minister.
I got to know Her Excellency better through the many Executive Council meetings I attended as one of two Ministers, usually. These were somewhat unusual meetings as they were both very formal—fulfilling an 82 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
important constitutional function—and yet they were usually followed by breakfast, which was very informal and often a welcome respite from the busyness and stress of life as a Minister. The Governor, as the Attorney General mentioned and as I am sure other Ministers will recall, was a very gracious host. She was extraordinary in her ability to remember the details of your life and to take a personal interest. Her knowledge and understanding of a broad range of subject areas, such as music, the arts, politics and international affairs, always meant that discussion was lively. But she was also very generous in sharing details of her personal life. She would give you a window into how someone as successful, dedicated and committed as she made it all work. I still remember many pieces of practical and helpful advice she gave me that have stood me in good stead.
I also recall that she took her role in presiding over Executive Council meetings very seriously. She would often question Ministers about this or that piece of legislation. This was not something that we were used to as a way of conducting Executive Council meetings. However, we all adapted quickly to her style. I think it was with young people that I saw how truly inspirational the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor Dame Marie Bashir, really was. At schools—and she attended many school functions across the breadth of this State—young people would flock to her. They would all want a part of her and she would return that interest in spades, sharing her warmth and kindness. She had so many stories to tell and I have often sat attentively as she said, "Let me tell you a story." She told me another story today—which I think is just vintage Marie Bashir—about a young Aboriginal student from a small town near Menindee.
The Governor was visiting Menindee and she met this year 8 student, who wanted the Governor to come to her home town that was a bit closer to the border with South Australia. The Governor said, "If I receive an invitation, I would be very happy to come and visit your home town and your school", as she did for so many schools across the State. She worked so hard. The young student got the invitation to the Governor and she was very proud that she got "her friend Marie", as she called her—someone important—to come to her town. But the Governor, never one to miss an opportunity, asked whether this young girl would do something for her in return: Would she promise to study hard, finish her schooling and get her Higher School Certificate? How could the young girl say no? Six years down the track the young girl has kept in touch with the Governor. It is a great mark of the Governor that she will take time to communicate with young people by replying to their emails and their letters.
This young student has now finished her Higher School Certificate and is studying to be a teacher. It is this sort of encounter that has been replicated so many times in so many towns right across New South Wales. Numerous young people have benefited from the Governor's interest in them and from her confidence that they can make a success of their lives. Sometimes that is all it takes: someone in a position of power showing a bit of interest, giving a bit of encouragement and continuing that interest throughout their lives. This speaks volumes about what a committed, practical, dedicated and caring person the Governor is.
We have been so very fortunate as a State to have had Her Excellency Marie Bashir as our Governor. As others have mentioned, she has been well supported by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, who has also given a lot of his time and energy to the State of New South Wales. Her Excellency has been a wonderful example of what a true leader should be. She has inspired people across New South Wales. She has given selflessly of herself and of her time, and she will be greatly missed.
Mr ANDREW FRASER (Coffs Harbour—The Assistant-Speaker) [4.43 p.m.]: I support the motion that the address by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia be adopted. I remember my grandmother impressing upon me when I was a child the importance of the role of Governor in New South Wales. She did so because she had an enduring respect for the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler, who to her mind was the greatest person to represent the needs of war widows in New South Wales. He carried forward through his influence the opportunity for war widows in New South Wales to receive home loans, thereby enabling them to support their families. My grandmother raised four children. She impressed on me that it was the role of the Governor, as well as the personal nature of Governor Sir Roden Cutler, that had to be respected.
Today I had the opportunity to speak with Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas, as all members have on a number of occasions. Today, as the Governor has always done, she exuded humility, warmth, equality, empathy and humanity not only in her address but to each and every one of the people to whom she spoke, just as she has done for the past 13½ years. Proroguing Parliament to give her an opportunity to address us as members of Parliament was the least we could do for someone who has served this State so well for so long. Wherever we go in New South Wales, people who have met her tell us of the great 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 83
respect they have for her. She has brought the office of Governor to the people of New South Wales. She has put the people of New South Wales above herself. She has been a true representative of governance in New South Wales.
In his book entitled The King and His Dominion Governors—a book that was requested by the government of the day for the sole purpose of seeking retribution for the sacking of then Premier Jack Lang— H. V. Evatt was asked to examine the role of the Governor of New South Wales. Todd's thesis and conclusion in the book, which was adopted by H. V. Evatt, was that the Crown was constituted by the people of New South Wales and the Governor was the person to protect the people's rights against Parliament in New South Wales. Although Evatt was commissioned originally to find reasons to get rid of the office of Governor, he supported it because it is the Governor's role to protect people. In Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, we have seen exactly that.
We have heard member after member refer today to her great humanity in not just speaking to people but with the people of New South Wales. She has done that with the support of Sir Nicholas Shehadie, who is a great bloke. Anyone who has a spouse and who has ever met him or sat down and had at chat to him—as I did today about the Wallabies' performance last Saturday night in the test; he told me he no longer watches rugby with the enthusiasm he had in the past but he was still pleased that we beat South Africa—knows that we cannot represent our electorates and do our job properly without the support of our spouse. Sir Nicholas has been an absolutely great support to Her Excellency Dame Marie Bashir over 13½ years. When the Governor visited the Coffs Harbour electorate Sir Nicholas said to my wife, "We're just a pair of handbags." That is how he saw himself—as someone to support Dame Marie—and my wife fondly remembers his company during that visit.
Among a number of organisations in which I am involved, I am chairman of the New South Wales Freemasons charity. The support received by the Freemasons of New South Wales from the Governor has been absolutely phenomenal. She has never refused an invitation to the Masonic centre to open something or launch something. She has held Freemasons in the highest esteem. I think I am correct in saying that her father was a Freemason and, because of his involvement, she has supported us incredibly well over the years I have been involved. My wish for the Governor and Sir Nicholas is that they have an enjoyable retirement.
Comments made earlier by the member for Miranda about the Governor's handwritten speeches reminded me that Sir Nicholas told me today she was still writing her address to Parliament in the car on the way to Parliament House. The Governor is not the type of person who would have someone else write a speech for her. I wish them both well in whatever they do, because I believe they will not retire. Her Excellency may retire from the office of Governor, but not from public office, as she has always been available and I expect will continue to be available. Wouldn't it be lovely if we could bottle her and keep her for future years?
Ms Katrina Hodgkinson: She is a little bottler.
Mr ANDREW FRASER: As the Minister and member for Burrinjuck says, "She is a little bottler." She is a good example of the Aussie battler—someone raised in regional New South Wales, has never forgotten that, and returned there as often as she could and supported those living in regional and rural New South Wales. If we could put her in a bottle, put that bottle on the desk at Government House, and commend it to all incoming Governors, I think the State would be in good hands.
Mr NATHAN REES (Toongabbie) [4.50 p.m.]: I speak in support of the motion and laud one of the great adornments to constitutional architecture in Australian history. I have had the pleasure of working closely with Marie Bashir. She is a woman of extraordinary capacity, much of which has been put on the record today. But she is a person who, despite her stature as Governor of this State, is both disarming and charming to all she has met. She has that knack that cannot be taught, cannot be bought, cannot be transferred—and that is to make the person to whom she is speaking feel as though he or she is to her the only person in the world at that time.
Marie Bashir grew the role that she was in, rather than grew into it. I have sympathy for whoever comes after her immediately and in the years and decades to come as she will have left enormous shoes to fill. The fact that she is so warmly spoken of by members on both sides of the House is testament to the regard, reverence and admiration that we all have for her. She is a woman of extraordinary distinction—equally compassionate, articulate, warm and empathetic; a woman of extraordinary style, grace and substance with a quiet presence that imposed itself gently wherever she was. It is well documented that Marie Bashir was born in Narrandera of migrant parents. We cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like half a century ago to come from Lebanon and to settle in Narrandera. Narrandera is a magic place, but more than half a century ago it 84 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
had considerably fewer of the creature comforts that we all enjoy these days. It must have been a struggle for her mother and father, notwithstanding the fact that they all did very well for themselves and the Governor excelled at school.
I am in the fortunate position of having had Marie and Sir Nick live in my electorate. She first practised medicine in Magowar Road, Pendle Hill. There are still in our streets people who remember Marie and Nick fondly, patients of Marie at that time. I remember when I was first campaigning in 2007 I wandered into a real estate agency when introducing myself to shopkeepers. A real estate agent there, a fellow called Boris Govorko, had a small library in his office which included texts such as The Truth of the Matter, by Geoff Whitlam, and I think The Latham Diaries, as well as a range of other left-leaning texts that I had not in my wildest dreams expected to see in the office of a real estate agent. But Boris, his brother and family had grown up with Marie up the road, and Boris's brother was a doctor practising alongside Marie in Pendle Hill in those days. It is fair to say that everyone who lived with her and Sir Nick in Pendle Hill during that period has very warm words to say about and very fond memories of their contribution.
Sir Nick's achievements were outlined by the Speaker earlier today, so I will not go through them again. Wallaby prop would have been sufficient for anyone, but he went well beyond that to become Lord Mayor of Sydney and an esteemed chairman and board member right across Australia. A trait in common with Marie's was his humility. I recall attending with the Governor and Sir Nick a Wallabies versus Barbarians football match. I took my dad, a rugby tragic. He had Sir Nick on one side of him at dinner and his boyhood hero, Ken Catchpole, on the other side. Dad was treated to an evening at rugby with Sir Nick engaging with him in a way that went well beyond what was required. It was very kind of Nick to do that.
There is one element of Marie's contribution that has not been mentioned, but I am in the fortunate position to be able to provide some sort of insight into it. It was what I could only term the pastoral care role that she played. It is fair to say that Marie Bashir as Governor was a rock of consistency in Australia's Premier State during a period in which we experienced six Premiers. Whilst we might grin about it on occasions, it was pretty lamentable. Throughout that period Marie showed great grace, great sympathy and great empathy for the goings-on of the governments of the day, and no doubt she extended that to former Premier O'Farrell and Premier Baird. Leadership is a lonely business at the best of times, let alone when things go wrong at the top of the totem pole. Marie was always sympathetic to what was going on and also the personal impact that that may have on the individuals as leaders and on their families.
I place on record my particular thanks for Marie's special form of pastoral care during a difficult period. I recall my last day in office, having been rolled the night before. Convention dictates that you offer your resignation to the Governor the next day. I still have the diary page, which just says, "12 o'clock meet Governor". I have kept that. Marie and I spent a good 45 minutes that day, and I was very appreciative of the sentiments that she expressed. Marie Bashir has been an extraordinary Australian. She has grown our expectations of the role of Governor. She is an extraordinary person, and New South Wales and our country have been incredibly lucky to enjoy her services. Marie, you will be deeply missed. You are deeply loved and honoured, and we revere you and wish you all the very best for the future.
Mr TROY GRANT (Dubbo—Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, and Minister for the Arts) [4.57 p.m.]: It gives me extraordinary pleasure to be privileged to speak on behalf of the constituents of the Dubbo electorate in the Address-in-Reply adopted by this House in response to the Speech which Her Excellency made to both Houses of Parliament this day. To Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, Dame of the Order of Australia, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia: Your Excellency, on behalf of the Dubbo electorate, you simply are extraordinary. As a member of Parliament, and as a Minister of the Crown, one is afforded many wonderful opportunities and privileges.
I rank knowing Her Excellency Marie Bashir as probably the highest privilege I have been bestowed in those two positions. Her Excellency in her Speech today articulated what we have all come to know and, as those who have known her longer than I deeply understand, what makes this woman so extraordinary. Her devotion to duty during her long and distinguished career is second to none. I think the key to her success in everything she has pursued, both personally and professionally, comes down to a simple statement. She simply values those around her in the great State and country in which she lives.
Her extraordinary humility has allowed her to perform and provide the most amazing service over a long career in everything she has done that makes us marvel at our marvellous Marie. The Dubbo electorate has 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 85
been very special because the Governor has visited on 12 occasions, largely in part because of her deep affection and affinity for the township of Parkes, named after one of her heroes, Sir Henry Parkes. I love accompanying the Governor when she comes to Parkes. In her last days in office I had the privilege to accompany her twice in seven days—quite extraordinary and something about which I feel very blessed. She stepped out of the car and said:
I just love Parkes, smell those gum leaves, and look at that beautiful rich red soil; it's so good to be back.
That simple statement speaks volumes about the manner in which Her Excellency approached her role. We heard very articulate and elegant remarks from other speakers, and without wishing to repeat any of those sentiments, particularly from the Premier and the excellent speech from the Leader of the Opposition, they summed up the remit, impact and power of the Governor's contribution to New South Wales. During this short time I shall reflect on how that is so true and relevant to her impact on and powerful contribution to the communities of the Dubbo electorate. On 17 August 2002 Her Excellency came to Parkes and participated in a Guinness World Record attempt with Sir Nicholas Shehadie as part of the longest line of people reading a book. On 30 August 2005 she officially opened the 125th Parkes Show—an example of her devotion to the Royal Agricultural Society show. On 12 May 2008 she attended a special event for 125 years of Local Government in Parkes, which speaks of her deep affection for this wonderful State and the institutions that serve our communities.
On 19 October 2010 in Dubbo she officially opened the Nguurambang-gu Bangamalanha Aboriginal Knowledge and Practice Centre, which demonstrates very much her deep love of our Indigenous people and acknowledges the significant step in 2010 to preserve the cultural language of the Wiradjuri people, the same nation with whom she grew up in Narrandera. It is now the leading training centre for local teachers in the Wiradjuri language. On 6 November 2010 I had my first opportunity to join Her Excellency when she opened the Northparkes E48 gold and copper mine. She also unveiled a plaque for the brand new Henry Parkes Centre. Again, this was an opportunity to honour a man about whom she would stand proudly at any presentation and say, "I love Henry Parkes" raise her arm and repeat the words of Sir Henry's oration, "One people one nation."
She appreciated also the great value of regional New South Wales not only to this State but also to our country, whether in agricultural pursuits, the value of the farmer—those visionaries in our pioneering days—or the richness of the resources that help underpin our economy and contribute so much to our regional communities. She valued, understood and was a great supporter of all things regional. On 16 July 2011 she reopened the $1.6 million refurbished redevelopment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service base in Dubbo. We heard earlier that the Governor has been asked to remain patron of some 25 organisations, which is simply extraordinary, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service is one of those organisations.
On 25 November 2011 I had the great privilege of being invited by Her Excellency to accompany her with my wife, Toni, to the Broken Hill Royal Flying Doctor Service as part of the official party to welcome Her Royal Highness Mary Crown Princess of Denmark—an experience my wife and I will never forget. We joined Her Excellency and the member for Murray-Darling at Broken Hill to receive Her Royal Highness, enjoy lunch and take a tour of that wonderful regional service. On 24 August Governor Bashir was back in Parkes opening the Rio Tinto Northparkes Mine Block Cave Knowledge Centre, one of the world's leading mining educational centres. Again, this showed her amazing ability to embrace agricultural pursuits and resource contributions to our State.
On 15 February 2013 she was again at Dubbo Base hangar for the Royal Flying Doctor Service to officially name a plane after one of the founders of and great contributors to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dr Bruce Reid. On 29 August, just recently, her name was given to the road leading into the new Parkes Hospital that is currently under development. Dame Marie Bashir Drive will lead people into the new, wonderful health precinct, synonymous with her professional career as her contribution to health, particularly mental health, is second to none. She did what she loves best and engaged with children that day launching the REaDtember program by reading to young children. She was welcomed at a civic reception where I spoke of the enormous privilege I had to join her to discuss our favourite governors.
She was a great student of history and a great narrator of each governor's contribution. As I told that reception, we are both fans of Governor Philip and Governor Macquarie for their pioneering efforts and contributions to our State. As the Parkes Champion Post reported, I am proud to say that I was able to make the Governor blush when I described her as this State's greatest Governor because, despite the efforts of others, she became the people's Governor, as described by the Premier. She embraced the community of New South Wales. She let us understand her capacity to give to others and how one can truly lead a State, its community and its 86 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
people in a most distinguished, noble and wonderful way. This State, the Dubbo electorate and I are enormously grateful for her devotion to duty. Regional New South Wales was a love of the Governor and regional New South Wales loved her right back.
Dr ANDREW McDONALD (Macquarie Fields) [5.07 p.m.]: The generosity of spirit that characterises Dame Marie Bashir, coupled with her empathy and extraordinary work ethic, not only made her one of the great governors of New South Wales; it also made her, before she became Governor, one of the most brilliant medical educators in the State. A whole generation of doctors, including my wife, was taught by Professor Marie Bashir and to this day they remember her brilliant teaching as well as her generosity of spirit. She has an extraordinary list of achievements. She not only has a contractor licence for plumbing, draining and gasfitting but also is an Officer in the Legion of Honour. She is an honorary professor at Hanoi Medical University, a Doctor of Letters from the University of Western Sydney and a Dame of the Order of Australia. No-one said it better than Graham Long on ABC radio yesterday. His words deserve a permanent tribute in the Hansard of the New South Wales Parliament. He said:
Was there ever such a gracious person as Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, who acted as the Governor of New South Wales? This was a Governor who loved all people from all walks of life. Who could calculate the sheer energy and hours she put in serving the people of this State. I've met her at rock concerts; I've met her at tiny functions for unknown community groups who were celebrating something or other; I've met her at important occasions; I've been visiting a homeless person in hospital and found that the Governor was already at the bedside. I've known her to stop her official car in order to lend assistance to some distressed person. At Wayside we've come not only to respect our Governor but love her. She has been our Patron right from the time when we were doing it tough and not even sure if we had a future. In our early days we cheekily held a celebration called, "Resurrection Day" and our Governor attended and gave her vote of faith in our resurrection yet to come. On that occasion she called Wayside, "the jewel in Sydney's crown". She explained that a city should be judged by how it treats its poorest citizen and for that reason Wayside was a precious possession of the city. Our beloved Patron and Governor of NSW is retiring and there is a concert at the Opera House to mark the service of this wonderful person. Although she is Patron to over 300 organisations, she has chosen Wayside to be one of the two charities to benefit from the sale of tickets to her farewell concert.
I cannot say it any better than Graham Long. I add only that Youth Off The Streets, based in the electorate of Macquarie Fields, is the other organisation that she has chosen to be the beneficiary of concert tickets. At Parliament a few years ago six young women from St Catherine of Siena Primary School were running late for their school captains day when they met the Governor. She treated them as though they were the most important people in the world, which is how she treats everybody. She had her photo taken with them on the steps of Parliament House. They had a life-changing experience when they met the Governor, who is a wonderful person. She is and always will be one of the great governors of New South Wales. I commend her for her work and wish her the best in her future.
Ms KATRINA HODGKINSON (Burrinjuck—Minister for Primary Industries, and Assistant Minister for Tourism and Major Events) [5.11 p.m.]: It gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of the retiring Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. The Premier stated at lunch that she is truly the people's Governor. I thank the Presiding Officers for lunch. I took the opportunity to have a conversation with Her Excellency. It was terrific to see her in fine form. I was chatting with her and an Indigenous woman, Norma. Her Excellency described the three of us—all coming from southern New South Wales—as true Wiradjuri women. She gave us each a broad grin and a warm embrace. It was a lovely day.
I feel fortunate to have known Her Excellency and to have worked with her in support of a wide range of activities and initiatives promoting rural and regional communities in New South Wales. Her Excellency and I come from small towns in southern New South Wales and share a passion for regional communities. Her Excellency grew up in Narrandera, which she holds dear to her heart. She has remained supportive of its community wherever possible throughout her career and she has forged great and lifelong friendships there. In fact her youngest brother, Brian, still lives in Narrandera and she has described the family home to me.
Her Excellency and I went to local primary schools and enjoyed a rural childhood. While I spent the August school holidays in our shearing shed outside Yass, she spent her school holidays with her cousins in Braidwood, another lovely part of regional New South Wales. Her down-to-earth nature, her genuine interest in country people and communities, and her passion for Australian agriculture are all traits that can be attributed to this early beginning. I know for a fact that the country holds a dear place in her heart and is the epitome of home for her. She was not just the people's Governor but also a governor for rural and regional New South Wales. Her Excellency's address to us today in the other place proved that point.
Since being appointed Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency has dedicated thousands of hours to a range of causes, including mental health awareness, Indigenous health, and issues relating to women 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 87
and children. There are so many achievements, professional appointments and community work that will be and should be acknowledged today and throughout the final weeks of her tenure as Governor. She is an outstanding role model for women, having handled with magnificent aplomb the roles of wife, mother, psychiatrist and Governor of New South Wales with undisputed success, humility and compassion. I would be proud if I were just a fraction of what Her Excellency is. She is loved dearly by her family and friends, respected by her colleagues and held in the highest esteem by the people of New South Wales.
I also recognise her contribution to agriculture and to rural communities. Through her role of Governor, Her Excellency never missed an opportunity to promote the food and wine produced in New South Wales and encouraged people to support our treasured farmers wherever possible. Hailing from the State's south-west, a region that is generally known as the food bowl of New South Wales, Her Excellency has an exceptional appreciation of and love for the world-class quality crops grown there and throughout New South Wales. She also understands the significant role our primary industry sector plays in supporting regional New South Wales through direct employment opportunities and the flow-on benefits it passes to regional economies.
Her compassion and empathy for farming families and communities affected by drought and by other natural disasters has also provided comfort for many. She has always made herself available to support local community events such as country show openings and celebrations of volunteer groups such as Riding for the Disabled. An active supporter of groups such as the Country Women's Association, Her Excellency has valued the contribution of volunteers in the community, especially in smaller towns and villages. She has been an aspiring advocate for women of all ages from all walks of life.
Her Excellency has also contributed her time and energy to the Royal Agricultural Society [RAS] by opening many Sydney Royal Easter Shows. I have joined her at the past four official openings of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. She has also spoken at many official functions for the RAS. The recently retired president of the RAS, Glenn Dudley, asked me to pass on his appreciation for her efforts with the Royal Agricultural Society and the new RAS President, Robert Ryan, similarly has passed on his best wishes. I have a feeling she was one of the favourite special guests of the RAS during show time, with councillors, staff, other guests and members of the public always extra keen to attend functions at which they might have an opportunity to meet the Governor.
Her Excellency has been a great supporter and speaker for the RAS Charity Brunch, which is held each year in support of country residents in order to improve their communities. One of my favourite memories is of Her Excellency's 2008 visit to my home town of Yass. Students and teachers from all the schools in Yass— Berinba Public School, Yass Public School, Mount Carmel Catholic College and Yass High School—gathered at the Yass Memorial Hall to meet our elegant Governor. Her Excellency travelled to Yass High School to listen to the talented Yass High School band. She went to the Crisp Galleries at Bowning and planted a tree and delighted everybody who encountered her that day.
Most recently, she graced us with her presence at the Boorowa Show at the invitation of the Boorowa Show Committee. We sat next to each other and wore red jackets, which we had to remove at one stage because they attracted the attention of some of the bovine creatures in the grand parade. What has struck me, as many members have said today, is that there are many tours of many electorates and towns that Her Excellency has completed with Sir Nicholas. Her willingness to listen to every person—the young, the old, those with the gift of eloquence and the quiet—is one reason she is so well loved as our Governor. In the Yass Memorial Hall she listened carefully to every child and every parent who wanted to talk to her and she waited until everybody had spent time with her. There are so many terrific stories that can and will be shared about our greatly admired and dearly beloved Governor. One remark I recently overheard was, "She really rocks an Akubra."
On a personal note, I acknowledge her compassion, her commitment and her care for the thousands of people and their families who are affected by depression and mental illness, which has struck my family also. In addition to raising her family with her husband, Nicholas Shehadie, AC, OBE, she has dedicated her life to helping others in so many ways. I commend Sir Nicholas for his outstanding public service during Her Excellency's term as our Governor. Her Excellency also has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of New South Wales governors, and I could listen to her for hours on this topic. As the member for Marrickville commented, it is always a pleasure to attend Executive Council where Her Excellency shares her pleasant company over tea and toast at its conclusion. I will miss her in that role. On behalf of the electorate of Burrinjuck and my family, especially my mother, Rosemary Hodgkinson, who is one of her greatest admirers, I thank the Governor for all she has done and for all that is yet to come. May God bless her. 88 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
Mr BARRY O'FARRELL (Ku-ring-gai) [5.19 p.m.]: Many speakers in this debate have spoken about what the Governor has done over her 13½ years in office and when I look at the speech I made in this place on 3 April 2001 the Governor has fulfilled every expectation we had. I will speak briefly on behalf of the citizens of New South Wales about what this woman means to us. The words of Thomas Ford, composer and poet, reflect the gratitude and love the people of New South Wales feel for our Governor.
There is a lady sweet and kind, Was never face so pleas'd my mind; I did but see her passing by, And yet I will love her till I die.
Her gesture, motion, and her smiles, Her wit, her voice, my heart beguiles, Beguiles my heart, I know not why, And yet I love her till I die.
Her free behaviour, winning looks, Will make a lawyer burn his books; I touch'd her not, alas! not I, And yet I love her till I die.
Had I her fast betwixt mine arms, Judge you that think such sports were harms, Weren't any harm? no, no, fie, fie, For I will love her till I die.
Should I remain confined there So long as Phoebus in his sphere, I to request, she to deny, Yet would I love her till I die.
Cupid is winged and doth range, Her country so my love doth change: But change she earth, or change she shy, Yet will I love her till I die.
Mr GREG SMITH (Epping) [5.21 p.m.]: On behalf of the electorate of Epping I pay tribute to the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. The Governor has visited my electorate several times—for example, she attended the Beecroft Bowling and Recreation Club for the centenary celebrations and also a special dinner at the Epping RSL Sub-branch. The Governor exemplifies the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. She shows great wisdom and is an understanding person; she is superb in her counsel of others; she has phenomenal knowledge—we have all experienced that— although most kind, she has shown great fortitude; in her faith in God she has shown piety; and she shows a great sense of the sacred when at liturgies.
I have had many breakfast discussions with her after Executive Council. I have always found her to be a strong supporter of offenders rehabilitating themselves. While having great sympathy for victims of crime and abhorring violent crime, she has shown concern for less serious offenders who are often lacking education and an earlier chance in their lives. She has supported advanced learning programs in prisons. She was concerned about offenders with mental disabilities, physical or learning disabilities. She was concerned about Aboriginal offenders, particularly the inordinate numbers in juvenile detention centres. The Governor and I also share a common interest in music. I do not know if it is well known, but the Governor is in fact an accomplished violinist. Although she went to a State school she was taught to play by the nuns at Narrandera. The parish priest there was Monsignor Patrick Hartigan, also known as John O'Brien, who wrote the great Australian book Around the Boree Log and Other Verses, including wonderful poems like We will all be ruined, said Hanrahan, Tangmalangmaloo and others. She learnt how to play Danny Boy, which happens to be my favourite song, at his request.
Mr Victor Dominello: Give us a rendition.
Mr GREG SMITH: Not today. I also want to say something about her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, who was once a tough footballer. It is said that opposite poles attract. Marie Bashir and Nicholas Shehadie appear to be opposite poles. He was so tough that in his first tour of the British Isles he gained a great reputation, of which he was very proud. He took out one of the top forwards in a game and gained the reputation of the second-most hated man in Ireland. When he went on his second tour of the British Isles it was stated on 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 89
one of the front pages of a county newspaper that he was second only to Oliver Cromwell. But Nicholas softened and when he was proposing marriage to Marie he sang this song, which was made very popular by The Bachelors, to her:
♫ Marie, the dawn is breaking, Marie, you'll soon be waking To find, your heart is breaking And tears, will fall, as you recall
The moon, in all its splendour Your kiss, so very tender, The words "will you surrender to me" my Marie ♫
Mr VICTOR DOMINELLO (Ryde—Minister for Citizenship and Communities, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Minister for Veterans Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education) [5.25 p.m.]: Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir has been recognised with a series of honours, including Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988, Companion of the Order of Australia in 2001, elected one of Australia's Living Treasures in 2004 and Dame of the Order of Australia in 2014. Her awards and decorations are a reflection of a lifetime of distinguished service at local, State, national and international levels. There will be many great speeches, poems and songs today that catalogue the extraordinary contribution that Her Excellency has made to the people of New South Wales and beyond.
However, as Minister for Communities, which includes responsibilities for Aboriginal Affairs, Veterans Affairs, youth, volunteering and multicultural affairs it is appropriate that on this historic occasion I record in perpetuity examples of the ways in which Her Excellency has contributed to each area of my engagement. Her Excellency has had a special interest in Indigenous communities from a young age. She was born and raised in Narrandera, in southern New South Wales, which she proudly acknowledges as Wiradjuri country. In a speech delivered at the launch of the novel A Kinchela Boy Her Excellency said:
Perhaps Aboriginal people have taught me more than anything I learnt at university. They have humanity and love of families and, above all, incredible resilience.
Throughout her career as a medical practitioner, university professor, chancellor and Governor, Her Excellency has recognised and valued the enduring culture of Indigenous Australians. She has travelled extensively to visit remote communities in Central Australia, the Kimberley and Arnhem Land to gain a closer understanding of issues of culture and history, which impact significantly on Indigenous health. In 1995, in a partnership with the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern, Her Excellency was instrumental in the establishment of the Aboriginal Mental Health Unit, which provides regular clinics and counselling at both the Aboriginal Medical Service in Sydney and mainstream centres.
From 1996, she also took up the consultative role of senior psychiatrist to the Aboriginal Medical Service. During her two terms as Chancellor of the University of Sydney, from 2007 to December 2012, Her Excellency worked closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. She considers her involvement with the growth of the university's Koori Centre and the ever-increasing number of students of Indigenous background, along with retention rates supported by the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience program, to be the highlights of her two terms as Chancellor.
As Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency has continued to advocate for improved outcomes for Aboriginal Australians. Her many contributions include serving as the Vice Regal Patron of the Aboriginal Health College, she officiated at the formal opening of the new health facility for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease at the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, she honoured Sister Alison Bush at the 2011 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Indigenous Women's Health Meeting, and she was a guest speaker at the 2014 New South Wales Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference. She also has a history of commitment to children and young people. In an interview with Kira Spucys-Tahar for Honi Soit, Her Excellency stated:
It is important to make sure no-one gets left behind and that all young people are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Her Excellency first began supporting young people to achieve their potential when she decided to study psychiatry in her postgraduate years after becoming aware of the significant levels of depression among young people. Once she had completed her studies in psychiatry, she was appointed to establish the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit to provide comprehensive specialist consultative services for young people with 90 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
emotional and psychiatric problems. From 1991 to 1999, she chaired the New South Wales Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, and worked as a consultative psychiatrist to juvenile justice facilities from 1993 to 2000. This passion for justice reinvestment continued into her governorship. In March 2012, Her Excellency hosted a reception at Government House for the launch of the Justice Reinvestment Now campaign for Aboriginal young people. As Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency has also demonstrated a commitment to supporting young local artists. Last month, a young Sydney artist wrote:
Her support is warm, personal and extremely generous. She attends performances and exhibitions, writes letters of encouragement, phones people, remembers everything about them and their work, donates money, and much more. When a world-famous artist is in town, the Governor often puts on a luncheon or dinner for them, making sure to invite youngsters along so they have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the luminary.
When it comes to our diverse multicultural communities in New South Wales, Her Excellency has also facilitated greater access to mental health services for refugee and immigrant children, and young people. She was particularly concerned about the mental health of young refugee children arriving from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos following the war in Vietnam. Many of these young people remain in contact with her to this day, and have gone on to make a contribution in various professions and trades. Her Excellency's interest in these young refugees stimulated her interest in their countries of origin and Her Excellency has travelled extensively throughout these nations.
In 2001, the Governor was a keynote speaker at the inaugural event of the Community Relations Commission, where she highlighted our State's achievements as a model of multiculturalism and inclusiveness. During her speech she reflected on the enriching experience of working in medicine and health with multicultural colleagues of Chinese, Vietnamese, Khmer, Lao, Arabic and European backgrounds throughout her career. She also recognised that early refugees and other migrants have the ability to make outstanding contributions to our nation. Her Excellency has lent her support to and participated in countless initiatives and events to promote cultural exchange and volunteering among culturally diverse communities in New South Wales and abroad.
When it comes to volunteering, as patron to more than 370 organisations Her Excellency has devoted herself tirelessly to advancing the causes of these organisations and recognising the invaluable contribution and efforts of their volunteers. Australian Red Cross New South Wales, Cancer Council New South Wales, Deaf Society of New South Wales, Rotary Club of Sydney, Aboriginal Education Council (NSW) and Guide Dogs NSW and ACT, to name but a few, have all benefited from Her Excellency's patronage. She is a role model for their volunteers. Her Excellency is also known for her Anzac spirit, and her respect for the sacrifice of our soldiers and their families. Six of her close family members served in World War II. After presenting this year's dawn service and leading the Anzac Day march, she stated:
"Ever since my childhood, for back as long as I can remember, Anzac Day has been a holy day for us."
Her Excellency has been a patron of the War Widows' Guild of Australia NSW, Sydney Legacy Women's Auxiliary, the Veteran Car Club of Australia, Sydney Legacy, and the New South Wales Branch of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and Women. It would not be possible to capture in words the contribution that Her Excellency has made to the various communities in New South Wales. I hope that the examples that I have placed on record provide a window into the extraordinary service of an extraordinary woman. With indulgence, I would also like to record my personal thanks and that of my staff to Her Excellency. People of her calibre are rare indeed. She has been a true light in our society. As former Premier Barry O'Farrell once said, "She is an angel masquerading as a Governor". We are obliged in many ways to respect the office of Governor. However, I can bear witness to the fact that not only is Governor Bashir respected, but Marie Bashir is much loved by the people of New South Wales.
Mr RAY WILLIAMS (Hawkesbury—Parliamentary Secretary) [5.34 p.m.]: It gives me great pleasure this afternoon to pay tribute to our Governor Her Excellency Professor Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. She has been nothing less than an inspiring, compassionate and visionary leader of this State. She has been awarded many accolades. I think one of her lasting legacies, which I will always remember and is certainly etched in the minds of all who had the opportunity to meet her during her 13½ year tenure, is her warm and friendly nature. I had the opportunity to meet her many times, and we have become very good friends.
I first met the Governor when I was serving as a councillor on The Hills Shire Council in 2005. The Governor was asked to come to the Castle Hill Show to mark its 120th anniversary. As has already been put on record, the Governor is a great supporter of the Royal Agricultural Society shows. She has travelled to many 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 91
rural and regional areas to attend country shows. On this occasion the Governor was invited to attend and she kindly accepted. She brought with her a mounted guard, which was a great spectacle for the many thousands of people who turned out at Castle Hill to see her on that day.
The Hills Shire Council decided to give Her Excellency a gift during her visit on that particular day. They commissioned a very good local artist to travel to Narrandera to paint an historic house—the house that the Governor was born in. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Mayor said, "We would like to present you with a gift." She gave it to the Governor and insisted that she unwrap it whilst she was there, rather than just taking it home. The Governor did as the Mayor requested and unwrapped the painting. I will never forget the incredible and heartfelt exclamation of the Governor, in front of the entire crowd and broadcast over the microphone, as she saw this picture of what had been her home. She screamed. She said, "That's my home. I was born in that room," and she pointed to that very room in this painting. She has never forgotten that. Whenever we met subsequently, which is many times over the past decade, I asked her, "Are you taking good care of the painting?" It holds a special place in her heart, and certainly a special place in her home.
I was very fortunate in 2007 upon being elected to this Parliament to become a member of the NSW Macquarie 2010 Bicentenary Commemorations Committee. The Macquarie 2010 parliamentary committee was to set in place a series of events throughout the Hawkesbury area and across New South Wales to honour Governor Lachlan Macquarie. He served this State for 12 years as Governor. It is no secret that he holds a very special place not only in the heart of our Governor Marie Bashir but also in my heart. As I have said many times on the record, my original ancestor in this country, Charles Whalan, arrived in the colony as a convict. He was a mere teenager at the time. He rose to the rank of sergeant and served three governors—first, Governor Bligh, then Governor Macquarie and subsequently Governor King. Governor Bashir and I spoke often about the history of Governor Macquarie. Her Excellency knew of my connection to Macquarie, and we struck up a terrific association.
Throughout 2010, when these celebrations were taking place, the Governor and I spent an incredible amount of time together. I joked at one stage that I had spent so much time with Governor Bashir that Sir Nicholas Shehadie would be asking questions of me. Of course I said that in jest. But it seemed as though every week the Governor would be in the Hawkesbury area. Many members have mentioned the Governor's great love of not only this State but also this country. She held a special place in relation to the Hawkesbury area. As a very young nurse she served at the Hawkesbury Hospital. She visited sometime after our first introduction—I think it was probably in about 2007 or 2008. The Governor and I renewed our acquaintance when she visited Windsor for the 200th anniversary of one of our significant churches. She spoke of the area in glowing terms and about her tenure at Hawkesbury Hospital as a young nurse.
She also spoke about the years she could remember of the country in wartime. She was an absolute delight who touched the hearts of everyone she met. The ABC made a documentary about the bicentennial of Lachlan Macquarie in 2010 and interviewed Professor Marie Bashir. I also became part of the documentary when we placed a plaque in Pitt Town to mark 200 years since its founding. Pitt Town was one of the five Macquarie towns in the area. After I had the pleasure of unveiling the plaque I met up with the people from the ABC who were making the documentary. A special preview of the documentary was held at Ryde, and the Governor and I were invited to attend. It was lovely to be introduced as an ancestor of Charles Whalan along with Marie Bashir as the Governor of the day. It was a touching moment.
Following the time we spent together in 2010 the Governor visited Scheyville National Park in my electorate. The area was originally an educational farm for boys known as the Dreadnought Boys at around the turn of the nineteenth century. It went on to become an immigration camp and then a State Emergency Service training ground. Today it is a national park. The event that the Governor and I attended was a type of return to Scheyville day. Ancestors of immigrants who had been held there attended and it was quite fitting that the Governor, whose parents were immigrants to this country, honoured the event with her presence.
I told the Governor on the day that I was trying to establish an educational facility for disaffected youth in Western Sydney, particularly boys. She loved the idea and said, "Hawkesbury"—as she affectionately called me—"let me know if there is anything I can do." Afterwards I wrote to her with my ideas and told her what I had put in place. Sometime later I was meeting with about four or five people in my office when my staffer walked into the room and said that the Governor of New South Wales was on the phone. The people who were sitting in my office were gobsmacked to learn that the Governor just picks up the phone to talk to members of Parliament. That is what she is like. 92 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
We had a quick chat in which she thanked me for the letter and told me that she would support everything I could do. She told me to use her name and that she was happy to be patron or do whatever else she could. Today I can say that the Dural Men's Shed has a great workshop in which senior elderly people mentor young people from Western Sydney. It is a terrific program. We are formulating the model and the Governor is delighted by what we are doing. As she always says, sometimes young people just need a hand and a bit of support. That shows her caring and lovely nature, which has endeared her to every person across New South Wales. We have adored her and we will miss her. She has certainly left big shoes to fill.
ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr Christopher Gulaptis): Order! I welcome to the gallery Simon Larkin, Ben Rainsford, Chris Synnott, Jona Siebel and Oliver Ciesla, guests of the member for Coffs Harbour.
Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN (Willoughby—Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Hunter) [5.44 p.m.]: It is with a great sense of admiration and a little sadness that I make my contribution to mark the extraordinary tenure of Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir. She has exhibited all the hallmarks of humility, compassion, respect and selflessness along with her many qualifications and experiences of life. There is no doubt that her upbringing in Narrandera, about which she is very proud, and her affinity with Indigenous Australians and many other communities including those in the medical field and psychiatry prepared her for her amazing tenure and outstanding leadership.
It is rare that people in public life attract much love and admiration whilst in office. Without exception Dame Marie Bashir is in that category. Her contribution to all facets of life in New South Wales has been outstanding. At all times she has demonstrated a level of professionalism and respect for our constitutional rights, responsibilities and system of government in New South Wales. More than anything, she has led by example. I suspect that in every corner of this State there are young Australians who in the future will remember the time they met her and the time she gave to them, and that it has already changed the course of their lives.
Her influence at the grassroots level is unsurpassed and unparalleled. I believe her greatest contribution is at the human level through the way in which she has demonstrated the values we regard so highly in our community such as egalitarianism, respect for others and tolerance. She has lived those values every day in her job and she will continue to do so in the various areas of interest that she will maintain once her formal responsibilities have concluded.
I thank Professor Marie Bashir on behalf of my constituents. On a number of occasions she visited my electorate as well as many others throughout the State. I defy anyone to tell me about an invitation she declined or a cause she did not support. It seems that she made every effort and had the amazing stamina needed to attend every organisation in every part of the State to support local communities no matter what the cause. It is that great sense of public service that has brought her so close to the public and made her the people's Governor in every way. She has touched many lives and set a high benchmark for anyone who takes on the role of Governor in the future.
Her address this morning highlighted her inclusiveness, ability to bring people together and the tolerance that she exhibits for different views, backgrounds and walks of life. It also demonstrated the utmost humility with which she does her job. Words cannot adequately describe the contribution Professor Marie Bashir has made and will continue to make to New South Wales. Of course, her contribution is ably supported by Sir Nicholas Shehadie, who in his own right has put his stamp on what it means to be the spouse or partner of a Governor. He is also a great supporter of many causes.
We are fortunate to have had Professor Marie Bashir as our Governor for 13½ years. I know all members feel enormous admiration as well as a sense of sadness that her tenure is coming to an end. I feel extremely proud to have served her as a Minister. Many of us have been fortunate to have experienced Executive Council with her in our various capacities whilst she was the Governor of this State. We will remember fondly the time that we spent with her and no doubt she will continue to be a beacon for how all of us in public life should conduct ourselves. Most importantly, she will continue to be a role model for the selflessness that public office requires and the attention to detail and sense of responsibility that elected representatives must take with them every day into their roles.
On behalf of my constituents and every member of this place I reiterate our enormous gratitude for the contribution of Professor Marie Bashir. She is an outstanding student of Australian and New South Wales history. There is no doubt that history will look back upon her tenure with tremendous fondness. Her love for 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 93
everything that is Australian, including the Anzac tradition, and her respect and admiration for those who are less fortunate has made her not only an outstanding Governor but also an outstanding human being. For that we are truly grateful.
Mr BRYAN DOYLE (Campbelltown) [5.49 p.m.]: I contribute briefly to debate on this motion to express the thanks of the Campbelltown electorate to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, who has been a remarkable Governor and who has served the people of New South Wales with great distinction. It is most appropriate that the Governor returned to reside at Government House, which is a remarkable piece of architecture. It is right that the Governor of this State should reside there. It is a building that has a great connection for students of Campbelltown and other areas throughout the State.
School leavers, including both my daughters, have had the privilege of attending Parliament House as part of their leadership program and they also enjoyed the great distinction and honour of attending Government House to speak with the Governor. Both my daughters were deeply impressed with the Governor and the way in which she treated each and every one of them. They were also impressed by her great knowledge of Campbelltown. They said to me, "Dad, she really knows Campbelltown and she knows our community." Students from all over the State would have gone home to their parents and said that the Governor cares about them and knows about them.
The Governor has been a regular, honoured and loved visitor to Campbelltown. The first time I met the Governor was in March 2007 when I was the Chief Inspector of Police at Campbelltown. We attended the accreditation celebration for the Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, which is a local Aboriginal health organisation. I know that chief executive officer Darryl Wright, Uncle Ivan Wellington, Auntie Muriel and all the Aboriginal elders were deeply impressed by the care, love and attention shown by the Governor on that occasion. Her Excellency will be pleased to know that the Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation's Medical Centre continues to do great things for our community and I am sure she will follow its progress closely. On behalf of that community and all the students I referred to earlier, I pass on to the Governor my great thanks.
The Governor was also known to turn up to events that we would not normally expect the Governor to attend, such as the Ingleburn Horticultural Society and Garden Club, which last year held one of the largest flower shows outside of the Royal Agricultural Society's show. It is an annual event and each year some of the best dahlias anyone is likely to see are exhibited by the Dahlia Society of New South Wales. Last year Graham Andrews was tickled pink when the Governor was the guest of honour and inspected the plants. I was astounded by the Governor's knowledge of horticulture and flowers. Her Excellency made the event so much more special, and I know she will have an ongoing association with the club.
The Governor also attended one of the world's unique facilities, the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan, which has a seed bank that conserves more than 250,000 native plant species in a most remarkable building. It is always deeply appreciated by all involved to have the Governor attend and support our community. On behalf of both our scientists and the community, I thank the Governor for her interest. Many people may not be aware that part of the Governor's role is to present awards. Many of my former fellow officers received the Australian Police Medal and medals for bravery from the gentle hand of the Governor. Among civilian awards presented by the Governor, Ann Parsons of Airds received a Royal Humane Society bronze medal for bravery for saving her next-door neighbour's life.
In each instance the Governor takes great care and pride in presenting awards on behalf of the people of New South Wales. For 13 years Her Excellency has graced this State as our Governor. Today members of both Houses were fortunate to hear Her Excellency's last formal address to this Parliament. I will remember with great thanks the warm welcome that she gave me and other new members of Parliament when we were elected to this august place in 2011. I know she will continue to take an interest in and provide wise counsel to members, not as Governor but as Dame Marie Bashir.
Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) [5.55 p.m.]: It is an honour and a great pleasure to pay tribute to Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, and a pleasure to join her, the Speaker and the President as well as members of both Houses at this afternoon's Commonwealth Parliamentary Association luncheon to celebrate the Governor's outstanding service to New South Wales. Before I go into greater detail about the State's second longest serving Governor, I will briefly acknowledge the history of the position. I will be sending my speech to local schools so that students can better understand the importance of the office of Governor. I have no doubt that our Governor would have it no other way. Between 1788 and 1957 all governors were born outside New South Wales and often were members of the peerage. Historian A. J. P. Taylor once noted that "going out and governing New South Wales" became the British aristocracy's "abiding consolation". 94 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
However, even though the implementation of the Australian Citizenship Act in 1948 established the concept of independent Australian citizenship, the idea of Australian-born persons being appointed Governor of New South Wales came much earlier. The first Australian-born Governor was Sir John Northcott on 1 August 1946. He was also the first State vice-regal appointment. However, as Northcott was born in Victoria it was not until Sir Eric Woodward's appointment by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 that the position was filled by a New South Welshman. This practice continued until 1996, when Queen Elizabeth II commissioned Gordon Samuels, who was a London-born immigrant to Australia.
Although required by the tenets of a constitutional monarchy to be non-partisan while in office, governors frequently were former politicians, many of whom were members of the House of Lords by virtue of their peerage. The first governors were all military officers and the majority of governors since have come from the military: A total of 19 governors have had a military background. The incoming Governor, David Hurley, will be among their number. Gordon Samuels was the first Governor in New South Wales without a political, public service or military background. He was a former justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. For the first 35 years after Europeans arrived in New South Wales, the Governor was generally supreme in the colony. The imperial Parliament was nearly 20,000 kilometres and eight months by sea away and it was the only superior authority. Because communications with the British Parliament were slow and infrequent, governors could use wider powers than the Parliament had intended.
The first real opposition to that had nothing to do with demands for democracy. When Governor William Bligh, who served between 1806 and 1810, challenged the near monopoly of trade and land grants being exercised by Army officers of the New South Wales Corps and their associates among the leading landowners, he was arrested by the Army in 1808. This was Australia's only military coup. For the next two years until the arrival of a new Governor, officers of the Rum Corps took the role of Governor upon themselves. The arrival of Governor Lachlan Macquarie with his own regiment in 1810 restored the power of the Governor and resulted in the Rum Corps being disbanded. As the colony expanded, a greater say by colonialists was demanded. In 1856 William Charles Wentworth, whose portrait adorns this Parliament, was successful in his campaign for self-government with the passing of the Electoral Reform Act. In realising a new voter franchise, our colony had achieved something that would take England another 60 years to do. But this franchise, sadly, was limited and lacking. It was not until 1902 that women were given the right to vote—again, several years ahead of England.
Interestingly, it was not until 1918 that women could stand for the Legislative Assembly and 1928 for the Legislative Council—the Legislative Council being, typically, behind this Chamber. Millicent Preston Stanley was the first female member of the New South Wales Parliament in 1925. It was not until 2001 that New South Wales had its first female Governor. Professor Marie Bashir was born in Narrandera, and is a medical graduate of the University of Sydney, and a former medical resident officer of St Vincent's Hospital and of The Children's Hospital. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. After completion of her post-graduate studies in psychiatry, she was appointed to establish the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Service to provide comprehensive specialist consultative services for young people with emotional and psychiatric problems. Her key interests have included child and adolescent depression, mental health issues affecting refugee and immigrant children, juvenile justice and Aboriginal health.
Having had a special interest over many years in Indigenous health, Professor Bashir has travelled extensively to remote communities in Central Australia, the Kimberley and Arnhem Land to gain a closer understanding of issues of culture and history that impact significantly on health. In 1995, in a partnership with the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, she established the Aboriginal Mental Health Unit, which provides regular clinics and counselling at both the Aboriginal Medical Service in Sydney and mainstream centres. Links to some Indigenous rural communities have also been developed through the availability of telemedicine technology. She was appointed by the Hon. Craig Knowles, MP, then Minister for Health, to chair the Implementation Group on Mental Health to oversee the development of further mental health services in New South Wales as part of the overall health reform process. In March 2001, Professor Bashir was appointed Governor of New South Wales.
I have had the enormous privilege of being present on two occasions when the Governor visited my electorate. On the first occasion the Governor and Sir Nicholas came to officially open the Berry Men's Shed. I know how thrilled the Berry community were to have the Governor visit our community and to take part in this most auspicious event. To this day they are most proud of that. Following this, we attended a reception of community volunteers and leaders, with almost 400 people in attendance. I remember the Governor being overwhelmed as she arrived at the Kiama Group Sevens Leagues Club with an honour guard of school captains 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 95
and vice-captains greeting her. What happened next was a testament to our Governor's character—the Governor shook the hand of and spoke with every one of those students as she walked to the lift to come up to the function centre. She did not just give them the time of day; she engaged with those young people, speaking to them about their ambitions and their goals in life. It was, indeed, a sight to see.
When the Governor arrived, it was clear she was taken aback by the very full room that greeted her. She moved through the crowd without fuss, but warmed the heart of every person she touched in that room. As I watched her interact with locals, it was clear that Marie Bashir is something extraordinary—a genuine, caring, insightful and strong person of enormous empathy and extreme eloquence. The second occasion on which I was pleased to join the Governor in my electorate was during her visit in her capacity as Patron of Arts in the Valley. On the occasions I have been fortunate to speak with the Governor we have chatted about our mutual love of music—both of us violinists; although I dare say she is much more accomplished than I. Ten minutes cannot possibly do justice to or capture all my fond memories of this remarkable woman and leader of our State. On behalf of the residents of my electorate, I extend a very heartfelt thanks to both Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie for all they have done and continue to do.
To quote the Hon. Barry O'Farrell, "Marie Bashir is the closest thing to a saint on earth." How right he is. Our State is a stronger and kinder place for her service. Her place in history is assured as the people's Governor of this great State. Today it was with enormous pride that I took part in the joint sitting of the second session of this Parliament to hear the words of our Governor and to reflect on her time in that role. She has seen six Premiers and five Leaders of the Opposition, and in that time I have no doubt her Ministers and her leaders as well. She is a person of enormous character. We have been fortunate to have her in the role that she has occupied. But we have also been fortunate to have Sir Nicholas as her partner as an enormous asset not just to her but to this State. Sir Nicholas served the City of Sydney as Lord Mayor and is a former hero of the rugby fields. Together they have been a stellar partnership in leading this State. This afternoon we as members of Parliament, on behalf of our communities, get to say to them: Thank you for your service to this State; thank you for all you have done and, I am sure, will continue to do.
Mr ANDREW GEE (Orange) [6.04 p.m.]: Rudyard Kipling once wrote of the ability to walk with kings yet retain the common touch. I think nobody personifies that quality more than Her Excellency the Governor. Marie Bashir is in many ways the perfect vice-regal appointment: She operates at a level well above party and partisan politics, yet at the same time remains deeply engaged with and connected to the people of New South Wales. She is particularly loved in the country. She has always defended the country; she has always supported the country; and her affection for the country is deeply reciprocated. That is because the Governor is from the country, having been born in Narrandera and having spent some formative years there. She has that uncanny ability, like no other person I know, to be considered a personal friend by so many of the people she has met or come into contact with. That is a great measure of her personal warmth, sincerity and generosity of spirit.
Marie Bashir has made two official visits to the Orange electorate over the term of this Government. The first was in 2013, when she came to Mudgee to open the refurbished town hall and entertainment space. It was a wonderful day. She also visited St Matthews Catholic School as well as attending the parish dinner that evening. That visit will be remembered by the people of Mudgee for many years. Earlier this year she attended Orange to help celebrate the 150th birthday of that great Australian poet Banjo Paterson. That wonderful event took place just a stone's throw from the birthplace of Banjo himself. Marie Bashir has been a wonderful servant of New South Wales, and today, on behalf of the people of the Orange electorate, I would like to thank Her Excellency for her service to the people of this State, and in particular country New South Wales, over all these years. She will be deeply missed and long remembered. I conclude with a verse from Clancy of the Overflow—a poem that the great Jack Thompson recited at Banjo's 150th birthday dinner, so graciously attended by Her Excellency:
And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars, And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plans extended, And at night the wond'rous glory of the everlasting stars.
I hope when Her Excellency reads those words they take her back, for just a moment, to those wonderful starlit Narrandera evenings that she described so well on her visit to Orange. On behalf of the people of Orange, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Governor for all her wonderful work for the people of New South Wales.
Mr JONATHAN O'DEA (Davidson) [6.08 p.m.]: I speak on the Address-in-Reply to the Speech delivered this morning by Her Excellency the Governor Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO. As indicated in my 96 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
contribution to the Address-in-Reply on the opening by Her Excellency the Governor of the Fifty-fifth Parliament in early May 2011, the expectation of the Governor's role is extremely important to the public of New South Wales—and the current Governor has delivered in spades. Her Excellency has delivered in her role of Governor like no other, and now prepares to retire gracefully from the role next month after a stellar period of service as the thirty-seventh Governor and first female in the role. That period has spanned 13½ years and, as others have noted, six Premiers of this State have come and gone—one is still with us, thankfully.
Her lifetime achievements in so many and varied areas of society, such as tertiary education, Indigenous matters and psychiatry, will be admired for a very long time. Her ongoing advocacy for the disadvantaged in our community has ensured that the focus remains on helping them. With wonderful compassion and care, she has used her role as Governor to bring ethnic groups closer together and address poverty in New South Wales. She has truly looked out for the disabled, marginalised and hurt, as well as encouraged the successful and brilliant towards their potential. Her interests have extended far and wide, taking her to developing countries and experiencing health issues. Along with a number of professional medical roles, she has been a member of organisations including Amnesty International, the National Trust, Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute and the NSW Camellia Research Society, just to name a few. She is also a patron of Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, consistent with her love of music.
Her Excellency's tireless dedication to the arts and broader community has been recognised through a number of concerts to honour her. We all celebrate and appreciate her interest, dedication and substantial achievements. One very important award was being named Mother of the Year in 1971, recognition of which her whole family no doubt would be extremely proud. I note that while she has excelled at the very highest professional levels, her family focus is evident today. In early June this year a well-deserved title of Dame of the Order of Australia was bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the recommendation of our Prime Minister. Judging by her Speech this morning and her recent activity across New South Wales—and indeed evident from other speeches today—Governor Bashir's energy and enthusiasm do not appear to have dissipated at all over her years in office. For example, Her Excellency has made various appearances recently in the Davidson electorate, two of which I also had the pleasure of attending.
In April the Governor attended the launch of the Eryldene Foundation's Centenary Fundraising Appeal for the historic property in Gordon. In July Her Excellency opened the Anita Murray Centre for Performing Arts and Sciences at Brigidine College, St Ives, and attended the celebration and commissioning of the Choir of St Swithun's Anglican Church, Pymble, before it left to sing as the choir in residence at Durham Cathedral in August this year. These few late examples are further instances of how the Governor is committed and dedicated to representing the head of state and this State across its perimeters. On many occasions she has been accompanied by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, whose own contributions and achievements have been appropriately acknowledged beyond his role in supporting the Governor. At such community events it has always been clear that the Governor is equally at ease—warm and engaging—with ordinary people as with heads of state and other VIPs with whom her position warranted engagement. At lunch today the Premier very aptly described her as the people's Governor.
On behalf of the citizens of my electorate of Davidson, I thank Governor Bashir for her extraordinary 13½ years of service to New South Wales and its people in beautifully representing our head of state. She has contributed greatly towards creating a better New South Wales and Australia. Her advice today against complacency in her memorable address should help us to continue to head in the right direction. In concluding, I note that, while the Governor in representing the head of state is not permitted to set foot in this Chamber, her presence is and will continue to be felt very much.
Mrs BARBARA PERRY (Auburn) [6.14 p.m.]: On behalf of the Auburn community, I shall talk about a remarkable woman, an extraordinary Australian, a woman of inner strength, great compassion and integrity: Professor Marie Bashir, our Governor, the people's Governor. My contribution will be on a very personal level because Marie has been an inspiration to me, as she has been to all of New South Wales. She has been a role model for me and has taught me what service is about: sacrifice, dignity and one's actions. Actions speak louder than any words. Though Marie's words were always beautiful, her actions spoke louder. I shall give the House a few examples. When she came to the Auburn electorate or its surrounding regions, Professor Bashir was loved and adored absolutely. I recall her visiting the Punchbowl area just after she was appointed Governor, which was shortly after I became the member for Auburn. She attended an Australian-Lebanese function during the day in honour of her becoming Governor. Her Excellency was greeted in a very traditional Lebanese way: by the sound of timbales—Lebanese drums—and people yodelling as the Lebanese do in celebration. 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 97
I remember Her Excellency was touched by it all. As she moved around the crowd I could see the pride of the people because she had reached such heights in this State in assuming that official position. She provided inspiration to those present that day, including many young people. She talked to the young people and encouraged them. She asked them what they were doing and how they were doing it. She encouraged them to be the best they could be. The second visit by Marie was for a small event: the presentation of a mural, a beautiful piece of artwork along the brickwork on Rawson Road, Auburn, that forms part of the boundary of Auburn railway station. The mural was painted by young people and the colours depict the unity and diversity of multicultural Auburn. Governor Bashir stood on that very busy road for the presentation. I do not know whether she remembers, but I recall people tooting their car horns as they drove by in recognition of her. It was remarkable. I thank her on behalf of the people of Auburn and the surrounding communities in Western Sydney for being such an inspiration.
On a personal level, whether it was youth awards ceremonies, local community art events or school functions, Marie attended many at which I was present. Jackie Maley's comment on the Sydney Morning Herald website today that Professor Bashir is her own Governor and a Governor for everyone is spot on. I recall particularly when I was sworn in for the first time as a Minister in April 2007. I was sworn in on my own because I came to the ministry later than everyone else. I was lucky to have present my grandmother and uncle, who has since passed away, who also was my godfather. They were there, as was my family. I was lucky that I was sworn in on my own.
My grandmother forged an incredible affection for Professor Bashir, who had the same affection for her. Our family spent a beautiful afternoon at Government House with Her Excellency. For every Good Friday after that until her passing, my grandmother would send Monk's soup to Her Excellency, which is the special soup that Lebanese people consume on Good Friday. When I was growing up my father told me it was the last meal that Jesus ate at the Last Supper. I am not sure whether that is fact or fiction. I have kept a beautiful note from Marie Bashir to my grandmother thanking her for the soup. A relationship was forged and I am forever grateful that my grandmother met Professor Bashir, who had an impact on her.
I first met Professor Bashir when I was a young lawyer at Legal Aid. I was representing children in proceedings at which she was giving evidence as a psychiatrist. Her knowledge was impressive, as was her articulation and advocacy for children with mental illnesses. There was often an incredible dysfunction that occurred in their families and she was clear about the way forward. I know that many young people and families have benefited from her support as a professional psychiatrist. She is a woman of many talents who has shown great compassion to the ordinary person. She is an extraordinary person who has made a profound impact on ordinary people. I do not think she would like being called an extraordinary person but we know that she is. On behalf of the Auburn community, the State of New South Wales and Australia, I thank Marie Bashir. To her husband, Nicholas Shehadie, and to her family I say, "Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives."
Ms MELANIE GIBBONS (Menai) [6.22 p.m.]: I sat through this special day and I listened to what our Governor offered to the community over the past 13½ years. She is an inspirational and incredibly giving person. She has an amazing family which has always supported her. While reminiscing about the times that I have met the Governor, I did a Google search for some information and noticed that the Governor's events are listed on her website. I spent time with her at a Schizophrenia Fellowship of New South Wales function at Parliament but I did not realise that that was only one of four major events she had attended that day. She is tireless and she is the ultimate public servant. She serves for no self-gain, no ego and no pat on the back but simply because she is a giving person who wishes to make this State and this world a better place.
I had the honour of meeting our Governor a year ago this Sunday at the anniversary of 89.32GLF, the Liverpool radio station. It was the day of the Federal election so a lot was happening. I heard her speech and there is nothing more nerve-racking than sharing a stage with the Governor or speaking after her. I know no other person who can deliver a speech that is more personal, heartfelt or inspiring. She has a method of speaking that takes us to another place as her words weave the magic that engrosses us and takes us on a journey. I have noticed that with each speech she has a folder at which she looks for only one second. Although she may tell five or six stories, they always come full circle with a personal anecdote that explains why she is where she is at the time.
She did that at the anniversary of 89.32GLF and at a Benevolent Society function that I also attended. She spoke about her time at the Rivendell Child, Adolescent and Family Unit, what she managed to achieve there and how important it was to her. I had the nervous task of introducing the Governor at the Schizophrenia Fellowship function that was held in the theatrette. She is such an inspirational woman that my nervousness 98 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
levels went through the roof. That day she had come from a function with the Utzon family to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Opera House. She mentioned that in her speech, which meant it was well-rounded, relevant, went full circle, and explained the reasons she was there.
At a Chinese function I had the joy of listening to her talk about the special place that Chinese people hold in her heart and the family memories that come from objects that her mother obtained from China. Recently when I was with the Governor at the Sydney Women's Fund and the Sydney Women's Community Foundation function I had the audacity to ask her if I could take a selfie, which I enjoyed doing. The photo also included the Premier's wife, Karen Baird. I could not resist doing so because it is not often that one gets an opportunity to ask the Governor for a selfie. The Governor was gracious enough to allow us to take the photo, which I will treasure. At that function she talked about meeting a young girl from her country town. The young girl said to her, "You would never come out to our country town. There are not enough people there and you would never see it." The Governor replied, "You just have to ask me. Invite me and I will be there." That is the kind of woman our Governor is. No place is too small for her to visit; she gives selflessly of her time.
I also had an interesting experience with her at the ANSTO node facility at the University of Sydney. I had no idea what it did and I still cannot wrap my head around it, but the Governor managed to do so. The facility has cyclotron-based radioisotopes which they understand but it is not my field of expertise. However, I had the joy of walking around the ANSTO node facility with the Governor holding onto my arm— an experience that I will treasure. Governor Marie Bashir has had incredible experience in early childhood services, migrant and Indigenous health and with the elderly, which shines through every event she attends. I have often wondered who her role model must be. The member for Kiama mentioned female members of Parliament and others from various industries.
The Governor has been at the forefront of every area in which she has worked. I wonder who guided her and from where she got her support because she is a role model to many. The Governor brings a smile to everyone's face. In fact, I have never heard anything bad said about her, something which is rarely said at the end of one's time in public life. When the announcement was made that Professor Marie Bashir would be the Governor of New South Wales the Sydney Morning Herald reported that she was "an inspired choice" and "a powerful advocate for the powerless". She has wholeheartedly lived up to that reputation. Indeed, on extending her term as Governor former Premier O'Farrell said, "Professor Bashir has given an historic and important post a contemporary relevance and resonance." That is very true.
I am thrilled that a school at Strathfield was recently named after her. I know the importance the Governor places on education but in Sydney we have streets named after Governor Macquarie, Governor King, Governor Phillip and Governor Hunter. Surely a Governor Bashir street will not be too far away in honour of our second longest serving Governor and our people's Governor. I also take a moment to thank Sir Nicholas Shehadie's and the Governor's family. Sir Nicholas and the Governor make a wonderful team. He often accompanies her to events. Indeed, they gave up their home to move into Government House and they gave up their time. I thank them both for their service to the State. It is with much pleasure that I have made a contribution to this Address-in-Reply debate. I am so pleased to have been a member of this House on this special day and to have been able to thank the Governor of New South Wales for all she has done.
Mr MICHAEL DALEY (Maroubra) [6.31 p.m.]: Invested as I am with the representative authority to speak on behalf of the residents of the electorate of Maroubra I say thank you to the Governor of New South Wales Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, for everything she has done and will continue to do for the people of Maroubra. So many things have been written and said about the Governor. Today accolades have rightly flowed so I will make but a brief contribution to that mountain of words. Professor Marie Bashir is more than an inspiration; she is an example. I said in my inaugural speech in this place that one of the most valuable commodities that a young and aspiring politician can have is a great example, and I am lucky to have had some great examples in my life.
In the sphere of life, in particular for young children, young migrant children and young females, who could offer themselves up as a greater inspiration than this Governor? She is the daughter of immigrants and through the love of her family, education and hard work she has risen to the top of Australian society. If one is the Governor-General of Australia or the Queen's representative in New South Wales they are at the top of society. Professor Marie Bashir stands as a shining example to all young children that, given the right gifts from family and hard work, they too can achieve anything. In the Governor's address to the joint sitting of both Houses earlier today she commented on what a beautiful country Australia is but that our greatest enemy is complacency. One of the things I most admire about the Governor is that she always leaves her audience wanting more. 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 99
I was told when I entered this place that the art of a good speech is to leave people wanting more. The Governor is one of those people. It does not matter what audience she addresses; she directly touches people. She has a great gift of leaving people thinking they know her well even if they have listened to her only for a few minutes. Not many people in public positions possess that gift but she has it in spades. I remember as a Minister and executive councillor my meetings with the Governor at Government House. Indeed, I was struck by her determination and that, without giving away any confidences, she was not merely a Vice Regal rubber stamp. At those meetings she took executive councillors and Ministers such as me through our paces and asked about the nitty-gritty details of each bill, executive instrument or regulation. We had to know our stuff. But her examination was always towards one end—to ensure that the enactment did not hurt the little person. She adopted that nonconventional style throughout her governorship.
The Queen's representative in Australia in all its manifestations has a great deal of vested geniality about it. She was determined that she was not going to be a mere symbol. She redefined a symbolic role into a role of the heart. The governors who follow her will have more than big shoes to fill. She is a great example of what it takes to be a great governor. Her Excellency visited Maroubra a few times. As the local member I remember her first visit was to a little art show run by the Walsh's Village Pharmacy at the South Maroubra shopping centre. Maroubra is renowned for its great sporting achievements, including the Ella brothers and sisters as well as a range of sporting people from surfing, footy and rugby. We have done the lot but we are not terribly renowned as yet for our artists. This was just a community art show that the Governor took the time to attend and it blew everyone away.
On behalf of the people of Maroubra I thank the Governor. I also thank her chief consort Sir Nicholas Shehadie or, as we from the Randwick Rugby Club call him, Nick. He is a terrific bloke. Indeed, we have a couple of things in common. We have both played for the greatest rugby club the world has ever seen— Randwick Rugby Club, Coogee—but I played sixth grade and he made it to the Wallabies. Nick is just as happy sitting on the bench with his mates at Coogee Oval watching the greens run around as he is in any other audience. Professor Marie Bashir and Sir Nick will always be one of the great Australian couples. I thank them both on behalf of the people of Maroubra and the Randwick Rugby Club.
Mr ADAM MARSHALL (Northern Tablelands) [6.38 p.m.]: Members have been effusive today in their praise of our Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, AD, CVO, and rightly so as many plaudits have been thrown her way. Earlier today the Premier referred to the Governor as the people's Governor. I can only endorse those remarks. Many people throughout the Northern Tablelands have been touched by the Governor's generosity, her calming influence and her deep sincerity—no matter where she was, no matter the occasion and no matter to whom she was talking. Long after she leaves office next month it will be for those things that she will be most remembered. I think she can look back on her time as Governor and be immensely proud of those qualities.
As we have heard today, the Governor has had an incredibly hectic schedule over her 13½ years in that role. She has visited all corners of this State and attended all sorts of wonderful functions. I know that the Governor has opened many buildings in the Northern Tablelands, including earlier this year the Roxy Greek Museum in the town of Bingara about which I will talk later. In 2012 the Governor visited the Northern Tablelands and attended the Armidale Unhoused Merino Ram Sale, an event at which one would not expect to see a person of the Governor's stature.
It is a mark of how she saw her role that no event was too minor or too major for her to attend. I think that is why the Premier appropriately labelled her today the people's Governor. I think that is how she will be remembered by the citizens of this State—as a person who held the highest office in the State and yet had the common touch. No matter what crowd she was in or who she was talking to she made them feel like they were the most important persons in the world at that moment in time. She had amazing empathy. Listening to members speak this afternoon reminded me of the first time I met Her Excellency in 2002 when I was school captain at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School.
Mrs Barbara Perry: Which was only yesterday.
Mr ADAM MARSHALL: It seems like a long time ago. As was the case then, and as it is now, school captains from public schools right across the State come to Sydney for the annual student leadership program. Being at boarding school at Farrer I was up very early to catch the 6.30 a.m. flight. In fact I got up at about 4 o'clock to polish my shoes, because I was going to meet the Governor. I was going to Parliament House and then to Government House to meet the Governor. It was extremely exciting. I remember meeting 100 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 9 September 2014
Her Excellency for the first time. I was so proud; I was as proud as punch. The first remark she made to me was, "Those are wonderfully shined shoes." I thought, "You beauty." From that day forth I always made sure that my shoes were shined. It was a simple remark but it made me feel so important and it validated getting up at 4 o'clock to shine my shoes.
I have heard so many members today tell similar stories about themselves or the people in their electorates. Her Excellency had the knack of hitting the mark perfectly to make every person feel that they were it—they were the focus for that moment. I will never forget that moment. During my time in local government I had the opportunity to host Her Excellency in my community and as a member of Parliament to have her visit Bingara in April was an amazing experience. Her Excellency and Sir Nicholas came to Bingara for the opening of the Roxy Greek Museum on 5 April. It was a special celebration for what is a vibrant town. More than 300 people lined Bingara's main street for an evening of Greek feasting under the stars, celebrating the long-awaited opening of the Roxy Greek Museum. The museum joins the Roxy Theatre and the Roxy Cafe as iconic establishments in rural and regional New South Wales. It was fitting, therefore, that another icon of this great State—our much-loved Governor—was there to lead the celebrations.
It is a night that will go down in Bingara's history. The Greek weather gods were smiling upon us, as they were today, as the celebrations continued. It was a gorgeous night. The stars were out, and the threatening rain did not arrive. The Governor made a wonderful speech and I am still amazed at her speaking style. She puts everyone at ease. She speaks formally and yet at the same time casually so everyone feels as though they are included and the message she is delivering is for them. The Governor spoke about the contributions over many decades of the Greek people who came to Australia and created legendary establishments in almost every country town—the famous, the quintessential Greek cafe. Every rural town seemed to have one, and many still do.
The Governor spoke about the way the Greek people fitted into creating the Australian spirit and contributing to a real sense of community and wellbeing—which she knew well, given her migrant background. The Governor certainly touched the hearts of the Bingara community and the many visitors that night. It is a night that the people of Bingara will never forget. It was the day their Governor came to visit them. I say "their Governor" because if one looks at the plaque at the Roxy Greek Museum one sees that while it has the proper reference to the Governor's title as Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir, it also refers to her as "their Governor" so it is there in stone for all to see.
There are many qualities that make this Governor so special. As we have heard, she is the thirty-seventh Governor of this State and the first woman to hold that position, which is extraordinary. Also extraordinary is the support she has received from Sir Nicholas Shehadie. I remember vividly, and I always will, the great company that Sir Nicholas was on that night in Bingara. While the Governor was up on her feet having a bit of a dance, moving around all the tables on the main street of Bingara and talking to people, Sir Nicholas was holding court with a group of largely middle-aged men talking about rugby union and politics in general. It was wonderful to see how they complemented one another. Sir Nicholas is a wonderful foil for our Governor and he had the people enraptured. They were laughing and telling stories. It was great to see them both in action. They are tremendous representatives of our State and great examples for everyone to follow.
It is a huge honour to contribute to this debate and to be a member of this Parliament on this auspicious occasion today as we formally farewell one of the greatest governors this State has ever seen—certainly one who had a common touch and who will be lovingly remembered by thousands and thousands of people across this State. On behalf of the people of the Northern Tablelands it is my great pleasure to wish Professor Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas all the best in their retirement. I wish them good health and happiness and hopefully a little rest time as well. The people of the Northern Tablelands will remember them vividly. I thank them both and I wish them all the very best.
Question—That the motion be agreed to—put and resolved in the affirmative.
Motion agreed to.
GOVERNOR'S SPEECH: ADDRESS-IN-REPLY
Presentation
ACTING-SPEAKER (Ms Melanie Gibbons): The date and time for Her Excellency the Governor to receive the Address-in-Reply to Her Excellency's Speech will be advised at a later time. 9 September 2014 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY 101
RESTORATION OF BUSINESS OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION
Bills Originating in the Legislative Council
ACTING-SPEAKER (Ms Melanie Gibbons): I report the receipt of the following message from the Legislative Council:
Madam SPEAKER
The Legislative Council desires to inform the Legislative Assembly that it has this day agreed to the following resolution:
That, under standing order 159, the Legislative Council requests that the following bills, forwarded to the Legislative Assembly during the previous session of the Parliament and which were not finally dealt with because of the prorogation of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly, be restored to the Legislative Assembly's Business Paper:
• Mutual Recognition (Automatic Licensed Occupations Recognition) Bill 2014 • Road Transport Amendment (Alcohol and Drug Testing) Bill 2014 • TAFE Changes Moratorium (Secure Future for Public Provision of Vocational Education and Training) Bill 2014.
Legislative Council DON HARWIN 9 September 2014 President
Consideration of message set down as an order of the day for a future day.
RESTORATION OF BUSINESS OF THE PREVIOUS SESSION
Committee on the Ombudsman, the Police Integrity Commission and the Crime Commission
ACTING-SPEAKER (Ms Melanie Gibbons): I report the receipt of the following message from the Legislative Council:
Madam SPEAKER
The Legislative Council desires to inform the Legislative Assembly that it has this day agreed to the following resolution:
That the Legislative Council requests that the message of 29 May 2012 regarding a reference to the Committee on the Ombudsman, the Police Integrity Commission and the Crime Commission, forwarded to the Legislative Assembly during the previous session of the Parliament and which was not finally dealt with because of the prorogation of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly, be restored to the Legislative Assembly's Business Paper.
Legislative Council DON HARWIN 9 September 2014 President
Consideration of message set down as an order of the day for a future day.
JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON SENTENCING OF CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT OFFENDERS
Reappointment and Membership
ACTING-SPEAKER (Ms Melanie Gibbons): I report the receipt of the following message from the Legislative Council:
Madam SPEAKER
The Legislative Council desires to inform the Legislative Assembly that it has this day agreed to the following resolution:
(1) That this House, notwithstanding the view of the Legislative Council that select committees may sit during the life of the Parliament until such time as the committee completes its inquiry and presents its final report:
(a) agrees to the resolution in the Legislative Assembly's message of Tuesday 9 September 2014 relating to the re-appointment of the Joint Select Committee on sentencing of child sexual assault offenders, and
(b) desires to inform the Legislative Assembly that the following members of the Legislative Council have been nominated for membership of the committee:
Government: Mrs Pavey Opposition: Ms Westwood Cross bench: Revd Mr Nile.
(2) That the time and place for the first meeting be Thursday 18 September 2014 at 1.00 p.m. in Room 1043.
Legislative Council TREVOR KHAN 9 September 2014 Deputy President
The House adjourned, pursuant to resolution, at 6.50 p.m. until Wednesday 10 September 2014 at 10.00 a.m.
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