Adjournment Debate

VALEDICTORIES

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (17:02): I would just like to say a few words in closing. Obviously this is not the end of our parliamentary work year; nevertheless, it being the last sitting day of this calendar year, it gives us a good opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of members and staff here.

In rising at the end of what has been a very hectic year, I want to acknowledge on behalf of my colleagues the immense contribution of parliamentary members and staff. Between rounds of what has been fairly robust debate at times—which we have pursued in our traditionally vigorous manner but also with a degree of corporation—we have accomplished a significant amount, having completed a substantial range of legislative changes and amendments. I want to congratulate the chamber on its diligence and look forward to a similar level of application when we return refreshed in the new year.

I also want to pay tribute to you, Mr President. While you have been in the chair for only a relatively short period of time, you have maintained calm and have shown very principled leadership. It has been a challenging job, and I have to say, Mr President, that I think you have handled it with a deft skill that is appreciated by all here in this chamber. Working under your direction is a team of very hard-working people who not only make our work more than just possible, but they certainly help raise our task as legislators to the high standard that is obviously expected in this place.

The courteous and friendly wave of the whips, the table staff, the messengers, the Hansard staff, all work with us to make our lives as members of parliament, as I said, that of the highest standard. They deal with a wide range of very detailed and often very complex bills and motions and they make our lives very much easier and far more productive.

I also wish to record our thanks to parliamentary counsel, whose impartial wisdom and assistance are greatly valued by all who work with them and without whom our task as legislators would be, quite simply, impossible. We have all benefitted greatly from the efforts of the kitchen and dining staff, some more so than others.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: We are not allowed to talk about stomachs any more; apparently it is sexist. Apparently only men have stomachs and women do not, but I will not go into that. As I said, we greatly appreciate the efforts of the kitchen and dining staff, the library staff and the building staff, as always, they look after our needs, are considerate and friendly and certainly help make our long hours much easier to bear and more comfortable.

I would particularly like to thank my own staff, a hardworking team who have risen to many challenges from this session with great fortitude and unfailing commitment. They are certainly an incredible delight and pleasure to work with. Although it has been hard work, we have had lots of laughs and lots of fun throughout the year as well. They are an absolute delight.

When we return to the fray next year, I hope that all members and staff will come back to their duties renewed, inspired and in good health. In the meantime, I extend my wishes for a safe and enjoyable festive season to all.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (17:06): I wish to echo and endorse the remarks of the Leader of the Government and wish all members (the government, opposition members and all crossbenchers) a very merry Christmas and thank them for their contribution for the year. Of course you, the new President, thank you for your few days of presiding over our affairs and I do hope you carry on in the same manner next year. I thank the whips for their great work, the Clerk, the Black Rod and the rest of the staff who work in here and keep us all operating well—thank you very much.

Hansard and parliamentary counsel do a great job of supporting us and looking after us. All of the members' staff who interact together, I think that is important because it means that this place functions and flows. Of course, the catering staff are very important and they look after us well. One of the things they do is promote some of the finest South Australian food and wine in this place that, sadly, the minister does not promote as well as she should. To all of the other staff who work here in Parliament House, the library staff and all of the others, I wish everybody a very merry Christmas and a happy new year and I will see you on the next Tuesday in February.

The PRESIDENT (17:08): I would like to acknowledge the work and dedication and help of our own Clerk, Mrs Davis, who, as a sign of her dedication, on her birthday today had to work and put up with us and will still be working tonight when we go to dinner, and her team of the Black Rod, Chris Schwarz, Leslie Guy, Guy Dickson, Anthony Beasley and Margaret Hodgins, who is always out there in the back room working assiduously for the council to continue its work. Thank you, Margaret, I know you are listening.

I would like to thank all of you for your attention to the protocols and standing orders that apply to this place and the assistance you have offered. We are also fortunate to be assisted by our attendants, Todd Mesecke, Karen Vander Veeken, Mario Visentin and Antoni Rejman, thank you, you are a wonderful team. I would also like to thank the library, Hansard, parliamentary counsel, the building attendants and the catering staff, especially, you truly keep this place going and I appreciate your efforts.

I also appreciate the outstanding service of our whips, the Hon. Mr Dawkins and the Hon. Mr Maher, and their staff in helping to prepare and organise the council's business. I would also like to acknowledge my former honourable colleague—well, he is still honourable—and past president, the Hon. Bob Sneath, for his good humour, support and commitment to the Labor cause. I know he is an avid reader of Hansard.

Finally, to you, my honourable colleagues, thank you for your support, patience (especially), understanding, and goodwill. There is a warning to you, though: you will have to read and understand standing order No. 193, as I will be referring you to it next year. May you all have safe and happy festive season, and I trust you will return next year refreshed and prepared for work.

At 17:10 the council adjourned until Tuesday 5 February 2013 at 14:15.