Thankyous And Goodbyes - My Last Speech In The NSW Upper House

The change of Prime Minister meant that Thursday suddenly became very likely my last sitting day in the NSW Upper House.

I actually resign on the day the federal election is called. With an August date tipped by most commentators I will most likely finish up as a NSW MP sometime in the nine week winter break.

The busyness of this time just before the break is one of the aspects of the job I have always enjoyed.

The late night sittings are an appalling way for parliament to operate, but the diversity of issues we are dealing with and the preparations for campaign activities for the non-sitting weeks generates a huge buzz.

For me that parliamentary excitement is soon to be substituted for one very different – the exhilaration of a federal election campaign!

Right now though it is time for thankyous and a few reflections.

This is the Hansard extract of my final speech in the NSW Upper House on Thursday 24 June 2010:

I was elected to this House in 1999. When the Federal election is called I will resign from this Chamber to contest the Federal election on behalf of the Greens. I wish to thank the hardworking and dedicated staff of the New South Wales Parliament: the cleaners, building staff, attendants, staff in the Legislative Council, Legislative Assembly, Clerk and procedural offices, and staff in the Parliamentary Library, Hansard, education, security, catering and all the other departments that keep this wonderful institution going.

I pay particular tribute to my staff. I was only able to undertake the diverse work that came through my office because of the hard work and commitment of my personal staff. Many thanks—an outstanding feature of this job has been working with all of you.

When I was elected to this place I believed that the critical element in winning environmental protection and equality for all was the community-based actions of people. My time here has confirmed this view, that it is people's actions that drive progressive change. In saying that, I do not in any way detract from the work of the New South Wales Parliament.

I have great respect for this institution. Among the ranks of the parties represented here are dedicated people, and many receive little recognition for their years of commitment and hard work. I am proud that for 11 years I have represented the Greens as a New South Wales member of Parliament, and I pay tribute to my fellow Greens members of Parliament.

Ian Cohen has created an enduring culture for the Greens as an activist member of Parliament, participating in some of the most creative actions this country has witnessed. I can remember how pleased Ian and I were when Sylvia Hale was elected, bringing to our team a detailed knowledge of local government, planning and legal matters. John Kaye's election has further lifted the work of our team, with his in-depth knowledge of energy systems and public education and his ability to turn obscure issues into community campaigns. Cate Faehrmann will replace me as the next Greens member of this Parliament. Cate brings to the job a wealth of experience from the environment movement—until recently she was the director of the Nature Conservation Council—and her parliamentary knowledge, having worked as a staffer for me, Sylvia and Ian. I wish Cate, the sitting Greens members and the staff and members of Parliament of all parties all the best.

I particularly thank the many community groups, Greens members and Greens groups for their advice, support and inspiration over the past 11 years. The Greens work hard to amplify community campaigns. I am honoured to have had the opportunity to represent them through this Parliament. I will look back with great fondness on my years here. In leaving, my passion to work with communities for a fairer, safer, cleaner and more just world for all species burns bright. Wherever the coming months take me, this passion and commitment will frame my actions. Believe it or not, I will miss most of you. Thank you.