Janette Allen Retirement

Mr NATHAN REES (Toongabbie—Minister for Emergency Services, and Minister for Water) [3.13 p.m.]: I place on record the retirement of Janette Allen, recently a staff member of mine but, more importantly, a long-time staffer for a number of different Ministers on both sides of politics. Janette, or Netti as she was more often known, has been something of an institution in the New South Wales parliamentary precinct. Her first job as a staffer was with Frank Walker, but she subsequently worked for Robert Webster, Craig Knowles, Peter Anderson and me. When Peter and I spoke this morning he had this to say about Janette:

No-one could ever ask for a more loyal or capable staffer or friend. Just what you'd expect from a Sydney Girls High girl.

All up, Netti has been a staffer for more than 20 years. I, and many others, have had the honour of working alongside Netti. The fact that she has been able to work on both sides of the political fence is a testament to her honesty, discretion, professionalism and work ethic. Netti has always provided frank and fearless advice, telling you what you needed to hear, not what you wanted to hear; and if you did not hear it, she would tell you again, often with a little more colour. At a practical level, her knowledge of the standing orders was second to none, and she worked the bush telegraph overtime. Netti's instincts are brilliant, and her judgement has been impeccable. In addition, her boost to staff moral over the years has been inestimable.

Netti, your irreverent and sharp-witted humour will be greatly missed. More importantly, you have been a great friend to many of us over the years, and we look forward to catching up with you on the verandah of your new mid-North Coast home, where I am sure the member for Port Macquarie will be welcome on the occasion. Netti, for the record, I believe that you really did see a monkey in the domain that night. In answer to your daily question: "Is it time to go home yet?" Netti, it is time to stay home and enjoy your retirement. On behalf of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with you, thanks a million.

Mr ANDREW STONER (Oxley—Leader of The Nationals) [3.14 p.m.]: As the Minister said, Janette Allen worked for the Coalition, in particular The Nationals, for a long time. She worked for the member for Ballina, who was Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Minister for Planning and Housing between 1993 and 1995. The member for Ballina advised me that Janette was a most competent adviser, totally trusted by Coalition members and well regarded for her professionalism. He advised also that she was great fun to work with, enjoyed a joke and a drink after work but was always professional. The Hon. Robert Webster, a former Minister, advised me that Janette was a valued member of his staff for more than five years, during which time she demonstrated all the human qualities that made her special. He said that she was intelligent, forthright, knowledgeable, compassionate, outspoken and good-humoured, but above all loyal and hard working. If you can do that for both sides of politics, I think you are doing very well.

Netti, as all came to call her, joined Robert Webster's staff in 1990. His Chief of Staff, Jim Jolley's wife, Marie, worked with Netti and recommended her as a parliamentary liaison officer. She came on board and instantly clicked with all staff at the time, who were a mixed bunch from disparate backgrounds. The Hon. Robert Webster says that Janette is one of those rare ministerial staffers. On behalf of The Nationals and all the staff of the Coalition, Janette Allen, we wish you the very best for a long and happy retirement on the beautiful mid-North Coast.

The SPEAKER: Order! The House joins with the Minister and the Leader of The Nationals in saying congratulations. On this occasion I will allow a clear breach of the standing orders.

Members applauded.