Community Recognition Statement

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) [5.38 p.m.]: On this day 12 months ago this country lost one of its greatest sons. Much has been said and written about Gough Whitlam, his legacy and his impact on our nation. Now is not the time for me to recount his achievements; Noel Pearson, Cate Blanchett, John Faulkner, Graham Freudenberg and Antony Whitlam did that so eloquently at his memorial service at the Sydney Town Hall a year ago. But now is an appropriate time for me to restate in this place one of the central tenets of Whitlam's political philosophy: contemporary relevance. For those on this side of the Chamber, the concept of contemporary relevance is an essential guiding principle. In addressing issues confronting our community, our response must always be relevant, never abstract or hypothetical. The solutions and responses we propose must be practical and deliverable. Gough knew this. His life was devoted to that cause, both while elected and beyond. Men and women of the New South Wales Parliament: It's time.