New South Wales Election

Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (12:53): I move:

That his house congratulates Premier Mike Baird on his government's re-election in the state of New South Wales and further acknowledges the appointment of new members of his ministry, including Ms Leslie Williams, formerly of Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

I rise to speak on this motion to congratulate Premier Mike Brand on his government's re-election in the state of New South Wales and further acknowledge the appointment of new members of his ministry, including Ms Leslie Williams, formerly of Kangaroo Island South Australia.

The Hon. P. Caica: I think you said Mike Rann.

Ms CHAPMAN: Did I? Mike Baird.

Members interjecting:

Ms CHAPMAN: No, Baird.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It could have been a Freudian slip!

Ms CHAPMAN: Many months have passed since I proposed this motion in April. Of course, my congratulations have developed into their own merit as the government's achievements in that time have led to a very successful government. I particularly acknowledge the new ministers who have been appointed and also Premier Mike Baird's absolute commitment to the recycling of assets in his state.

His state is moving ahead at an enormously fast pace, and it is very much as a result of the work he is doing there. I congratulate he and his government in achieving that. Whilst South Australia wallows in unemployment and economic dysfunction, together with the mismanagement of its government, Premier Baird can show Australia how it is done, and of course his state is streaking ahead and good on him.

Of the new ministers, Ms Leslie Williams I particularly acknowledge. She is a member of the National Party in New South Wales and has been re-elected as the member for Port Macquarie and been appointed under new ministries as the Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Assistant Minister for Education in New South Wales.

Leslie and her husband Don have spent the last 15 years or so living in the Lake Cathie area, having gone there to own and operate the local post office. They took their children there, having lived in other parts of South Australia. However, at a personal level, as she is my first cousin and was born and grew up on Kangaroo Island, I wish to particularly commend her. The local community were overjoyed at her election, and very impressed that in a short time she has been promoted to the ministry in the Baird government. Good on you, Leslie: we greatly recognise your achievement and wish you well with Premier Baird's new government.

Debate adjourned on motion of Ms Digance.

Sitting suspended from 12:57 to 14:00.