ABORIGINAL LANDS PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE: ANNUAL REPORT

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. J.M. Gazzola:

That the report of the committee, 2008-09, be noted.

(Continued from 9 September 2009. Page 3102.)

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (17:13): I rise to commend the report to the council. I thank all members who participate in the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee. We travel far and wide to take evidence and visit communities and have received many witnesses to come and tell us their stories, for which I am very appreciative. I am very fortunate since I have been a member of this committee with the quality of the secretaries to the committee we have had, and I take the opportunity to thank Ms Sarah Alpers for her passion and dedication to this committee. She was wonderful at driving the agenda and received support from all members from all parties. Since the time of this report, we have been fortunate enough to have Mr Terry Sparrow come on board, and he shares a similar passion and is extremely diligent in carrying out his duties, so as a committee we are very fortunate. With those few words I commend the report to the council.

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (17:14): I thank the Hon. Mr Stephens for his contribution and again thank the staff of the committee past and present and commend the report to the council.

Motion carried.