Mr SPEAKER (5:26 PM) —As I alluded to earlier today, I take this opportunity to inform the House of the impending retirement of Don Piper, Clerk Assistant (Table). Don will commence recreation leave in late March with a view to retiring toward the end of the financial year. This is his last sitting day, after close to 43 years of parliamentary service. Don's significant contribution to the department and the House has been greatly valued by members and their staff.

Don Piper joined the Department of the House of Representatives in March 1958 and served in a number of positions within the department, including as Private Secretary to the Speaker, before being appointed Serjeant-at-Arms in 1972. From September 1977 to November 1988, Don was Secretary to the Joint Standing Committee on the New Parliament House. This was a pivotal role during the design and construction period of the building, and in many ways the building which we now occupy is a permanent tribute to him. In 1989, Don was seconded to the ACT Legislative Assembly as acting Clerk, and he was promoted to Clerk Assistant (Table) in 1999. In that capacity he has played a major role in developing staff in one of the department's core areas.

Don has been an outstanding servant of the parliament. His service has included beating the Senate at soccer and cricket and the ABC at rugby—on occasions being beaten by them. His preferred sport was hockey, in which he represented both the ACT and NSW, and, at masters level, Australia. Don is an excellent all-round sportsman.

In all his endeavours he has demonstrated great professional knowledge, wisdom, calmness and a highly developed sense of humour. All his colleagues and friends in the department will sorely miss him. Congratulations, Don, on a job well done. All members past and present thank you for your significant contribution over these past 43 years and for the support Pam has provided throughout that time. We extend our best wishes to you, Pam and your family for the future.

I also take this opportunity, prevented by events in the House on 8 February, to advise the House of the retirement on 16 February of Mr Fraser Bradley from his senior management position in the Joint House Department. Fraser joined the parliamentary service in 1979. His early work was concerned with the planning and conceptual development of this building. Following that, he occupied management positions in all the major areas of the Joint House Department which provide key administrative support services to members, senators and all occupants of this building. Fraser's management skills were obvious to all, and he made a particularly strong contribution to the work of the Joint House Committee and, through it, to the parliament.

On behalf of the House, if a little belatedly, I extend to Fraser Bradley our thanks for his service and our best wishes to him and his wife Noelene on their retirement.