Robert McClelland, Tony Crook, Mal Washer give valedictory speeches in Parliament

Posted

June 19, 2013 22:02:48

Former attorney-general Robert McClelland has called for more action to reduce the rate of Aboriginal children in custody in his valedictory speech to Federal Parliament.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard dropped Mr McClelland from Cabinet in December 2011 and he moved to the back bench last year after publicly backing Kevin Rudd in a leadership challenge.

In February he announced he would retire from politics at this election after 17 years as the member for Barton, bringing to an end three generations of involvement from the McClelland family in state and federal politics.

In his final speech to the House he said he would have liked to have served as attorney-general longer.

H implored governments to address the overrepresentation of young Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

“All attorneys-general really want to focus on that issue,” he said.

“And I think the time has come where, not only the rates of victimisation but also the rates of incarceration, bringing down those rates, need to be made part of the closing the gap targets.”

Mr McClelland was one several MPs not contesting the September election to deliver their final speeches in Parliament.

The outgoing Member for O’Connor, Tony Crook, used his valedictory speech to accuse the current parliament of failing regional Australia.

He said the Western Australian Government’s Royalties for Regions program has delivered nearly $6 billion to thousands of projects across regional WA.

“This situation, unfortunately, cannot be said of this hung Parliament,” he said.

“For a Parliament that promised so much for regional Australia, by virtue of those who gave it power, it has failed dismally by comparison.”

West Australian Liberal backbencher Mal Washer delivered a humorous final speech.

Dr Washer is a Liberal moderate and during one of the serious moments in his speech he said he was grateful for conscience votes.

He then spent a considerable amount of time talking about his personal assistant of 35 years, Gloria, who followed him from general practice into politics.

“I’ve had to try to get her certified but other doctors are too frightened to support me doing it,” he said.

“So she was known as dragon lady and, Kevin, you’ll be proud to know that they tattooed Kevin 07 on her.

“I think she told you the story when they had her as a victim while she was under anaesthetic.”

Dr Washer also thanked his wife Nola and his children for their support.

Topics:
federal-parliament,
parliament,
federal-government,
australia,
canberra-2600,
wa

Source Article from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-19/departing-mps-give-their-valedictory-speeches/4766886

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