President, Election

The CLERK: I have to inform the council of the resignation of the Hon. J.M. Gazzola as President of the Legislative Council.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (11:25): I move:

That the Hon. Russell Wortley take the chair as President of the Legislative Council.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (11:25): I second the motion.

The CLERK: Does the honourable member accept the nomination?

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (11:25): I submit myself to the will of the council.

The CLERK: Are there any other nominations?

An honourable member: No.

The CLERK: There being no other nomination, I declare the Hon. R.P. Wortley duly elected as President of the council.

The Hon. R.P. Wortley was escorted to the President's chair by the mover and the seconder of the motion.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers) (11:26): Mr President, I congratulate you on your election to this most important office of President of the Legislative Council. I know, sir, that you grew up in the northern suburbs of Adelaide and spent 22 years as an elected union official, looking after the industrial and political interests of employees working in the gas industry, initially with the Federated Gas Employees Industrial Union and then, I understand, as an official of the Transport Workers Union.

Mr President, you have served on many different government and community organisations, including as a commissioner on the Occupational Health and Safety Commission and as a member of the Workers Appeal Tribunal and the Industrial Relations Advisory Committee. So I believe, sir, that you are indeed very qualified for the job of President of the Legislative Council, and I know that you will fairly uphold the standing orders of this chamber. Again, on behalf of government members, I congratulate you on your election to this very high office, and we look forward to working with you over the next four years of the 53^rd Parliament.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you, minister.

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (11:28): I rise on behalf of the opposition to congratulate you, Mr President, on your ascension to high office. I am sure that you will discharge your duties in accordance with the standing orders. With those few words, Mr President, please accept our congratulations.

The PRESIDENT (11:28): Thank you. I would like to thank everyone in this chamber for their support for my election to this position. I assure members of the Legislative Council that I will fulfil my duties in an unbiased way and with the respect that would be expected from the President of the Legislative Council.

At 11.29, accompanied by a deputation of members, the President proceeded to Government House.

On the council reassembling at 11:51:

The PRESIDENT: I have to report that, accompanied by honourable members, I proceeded to Government House and there presented myself as President to His Excellency the Governor, and claimed for the council the right of free access to and communication with His Excellency and that the most favourable construction might be placed on all its proceedings. His Excellency was pleased to reply:

I congratulate the honourable members of the Legislative Council on their choice of a President. I readily assure you, Mr President, of my confirmation of all the constitutional rights and privileges of the Legislative Council, the proceedings of which will always receive the most favourable consideration.

[Sitting suspended from 11:52 to 14:43]