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The Hon. DON HARWIN [10.58 p.m.]: All members of Parliament rely heavily on the assistance we receive from the staff in the Parliament's building and, in terms of our contributions to debates in the Chamber, particularly the assistance received from staff of the Parliamentary Library. The library has gone through a very difficult time in the last year and its two senior managers, David Clune and Greig Tillotson, have played a key role in ensuring that those difficulties have not disrupted our work. As a member of the Library Committee I saw this first-hand. I congratulate both of them on recently passing an important milestone—30 years of service as members of the library staff.
I salute their professionalism and thank them for their assistance and friendship, which has stretched over the almost 20 years that I have been associated with the Parliament, first as a staff member and now as a member of this House. Greig is one of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever met. His crucial role is appreciated by all members. My colleague the Deputy Leader of the Opposition tells me that he is a Newingtonian.
The Hon. Michael Egan: He has done well regardless, has he not?
The Hon. DON HARWIN: One of my best friends is a Newingtonian and he has many of Greig's fine qualities. I also serve with David on the Sesquicentenary of Responsible Government's History Project Committee, and regard him as probably the principal catalyst behind this very worthwhile initiative, and in the preparation of an excellent three-volume work, The People's Choice, which is supported by the Centenary of Federation. I am looking forward to David's book on the history of our Parliament, which he is writing with Gareth Griffith. It is one of the sesquicentenary committee's major projects. David is also co-editing what will be an important reference work containing biographical sketches of each New South Wales Premier since 1856. I have made many comments about the importance of encouraging the study of our history. I salute our parliamentary historian, Dr David Clune, for the work he is doing in ensuring that future generations will be able to read about the history of politics and government in our State.
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN (Treasurer, Minister for State Development, and Vice-President of the Executive Council) [11.00 p.m.]: I wish to associate the Government with the remarks made by the Hon. Don Harwin. Both Greig and David have been very loyal servants of the Parliament and are very fine members of the library staff. The Parliamentary Library has served all members of this Parliament very well over a number of years. They are two of the people I remember being here when I first attended the Parliament in 1978, and there are not many people left from that era.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: They are both younger than you, though.
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: They are both much, much younger than me and much more intelligent than any of us.
The Hon. Amanda Fazio: Speak for yourself!
The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: I think what I have said is true. All members of this Parliament are indebted to both of them.
Motion agreed to.
The House adjourned at 11.01 p.m. until Thursday 10 December 2004 at 9.45 a.m.
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