MS PATTEN (Northern Metropolitan) (10:30:01) — I would just like to take this time to thank all of the people here who have made this four years quite a journey, and in fact overall an incredibly pleasurable one. It seems like a long time ago that we were standing here being sworn in, but in actual fact it also seems that it has gone very fast. I would like to thank the red coats, the attendants, the clerks, Hansard, the library staff, the restaurant staff and particularly the committee staff, because I think the committee work was one of the most surprising parts of my time here.
I would also like to thank my electorate especially. It has been such a pleasure to work for the people of Northern Metropolitan Region. It is an incredibly diverse community, and I have had the pleasure to meet so many inspiring organisations and individuals. I have been privileged to experience so many things, from citizenship ceremonies to axe throwing in Collingwood, to the historic buildings of Thomastown and to, very importantly, the Fitzroy Lions winning the grand final last weekend.
I wish all of you all the very best in your election campaigns or in your life after Parliament. I would also like to note that tomorrow is the International Day of Peace, and I feel certain that peace will descend on this place tomorrow.
The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) — I have a feeling you are beating us all to the punch in our valedictory speeches, Ms Patten.
Ms PATTEN — Today is Punch Day.
The ACTING PRESIDENT (Mr Ramsay) — We will have lots of plays on words today, I suspect.
