Retirement of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembl

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Retirement of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Russell David Grove, PSM (Proof)
About this Item
Speakers - Speaker; O'Farrell Mr Barry; Robertson Mr John; Stoner Mr Andrew; Torbay Mr Richard; Hazzard Mr Brad; Amery Mr Richard; Souris Mr George; Burney Ms Linda
Business - Business of the House, Message
RETIREMENT OF THE CLERK OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, RUSSELL DAVID GROVE, PSM
Page: 1


The SPEAKER: I advise the House that, sadly, I have received a letter from the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly dated 20 October 2011 in the following terms:

Dear Madam Speaker

As you are aware it is my intention to take my "leave" from my post as Clerk of the Legislative Assembly in November having completed over forty years of service, thirty of which have been at the Table-of-the-House.

It has been both an honour and privilege to serve Australia's oldest Parliament. Over this long period there have been great challenges and many changes. Throughout these times I have come to the view that only by having confidence in itself, and an ability to adapt to the new challenges while respecting the value of past practices, can the House survive as the sovereign body of our State. Unwarranted and unfounded criticism from whatever quarter should not deflect Members from their important duties and responsibility as representatives of the people of New South Wales.

Can I also express my great debt of gratitude to members of the staff of the House, at all levels, who have given me loyalty as a very diligent and efficient team. Especially can I mention Manuela Sudic in my office without whose invaluable help and support in recent years I would have not been able to fulfil my role as Clerk of the House. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Legislative Council and Department of Parliamentary Services for their collegiate support. Most importantly can I say that my career with the Legislative Assembly would have not been possible without the love, support and encouragement of my wife Frances and daughter Sarah-Jane.

Friendships with Members and colleagues in the scattered Commonwealth parliaments, which together form an important parliamentary community, has given me both much pleasure and many valuable experiences. Here in New South Wales I have enjoyed working, across party divides, with Members of the House, past and present and with Members and colleagues in the other place.

Madam Speaker, may I thank you and former Speakers, with whom I have worked closely over many years, for the trust and candid exchanges we have enjoyed which have at times assisted in dealing with serious and sometimes difficult situations.

Finally, may I offer my very best wishes to all Members and Officers of the Legislative Assembly for every success in their future endeavours.

Yours faithfully

Russell D. Grove
Clerk of the Legislative Assembly

On 4 November 2011 Russell David Grove is to retire as the seventeenth Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Mr Grove joined the staff of the Legislative Assembly on 15 February 1971 via Kyogle High School and the University of Sydney. He held a variety of positions in the Legislative Assembly office, when on 1 February 1974 he was promoted to Parliamentary Officer—Table, the most senior non-Chamber position on staff. His experience in that position provided him with a solid grounding in the practice of the Legislative Assembly and invaluable experience in preparation for service at the Table, which commenced on 19 February 1981 when he was appointed Second Clerk-Assistant. On 15 October 1984 he was appointed Clerk-Assistant, a position that in March 1989 was redesignated Deputy Clerk. Consequent on the resignation of his predecessor, Grahame Cooksley, Mr Grove was appointed Clerk of the Legislative Assembly on 8 September 1990. He will have been Clerk of the Legislative Assembly for 21 years, one month and 26 days, and as such is the longest serving Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, having already achieved that milestone on 18 November 2008.

Since 1971 Mr Grove has witnessed much redevelopment of the parliamentary precinct, including the completion in the early 1980s of the office block that now accommodates members, the Parliamentary Library and dining rooms and the administrative offices that link the office block with the historic façade of Parliament House as well as the renovation of this Chamber. Mr Grove has also been an enthusiastic and supportive participant in the exponential growth and evolution of the role and functions of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly into significant management and administrative responsibilities, as well as the expansion of services provided to members; for instance, the provision to members of electorate offices and staff and the rise of the multitude of technologies now adapted for use in all aspects of parliamentary work. Perhaps none so profound as information and communications technology for the instantaneous dissemination of massive volumes of information and for the desktop publishing of the various House papers following the closure of the Government Printing Office.

Sir Kevin Ellis, the Speaker in 1971, would not recognise the precinct nor much parliamentary practice of today. The physical transformation from some of the rambling physical surrounds mirror the procedural changes that have taken place in the Legislative Assembly in the past 40 years. This period saw many procedural innovations. The standing orders have been revised on a regular basis with the notable feature the tradition breaking change that now provides for the contemporary stages in regard to the passage of legislation as "introduction", "agreement in principle", "consideration in detail", and "passing". They have replaced the original terms of "first, second and third readings" and "Committee of the Whole". In 1994 the standing orders were rewritten in plain English—a massive undertaking. The commanding reference book New South Wales Legislative Assembly Practice, Procedure and Privilege was also produced under Mr Grove's editorship and published in 2007.

In the traditional areas of the work of the Clerk, Mr Grove's procedural knowledge is authoritative, unsurpassed and is respected by all members and officers. He has always reacted to unfolding events in the House instantaneously under pressure and acted decisively in supporting the Speaker and members. This was especially highlighted as the Clerk during the tumult and procedural pragmatism of the hung Parliament from 1991 to 1995.

From 1984 Mr Grove has also held the position of Honorary Secretary, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, New South Wales. In that capacity many members and staff past and present of other jurisdictions would have made acquaintances with him. From 1986 Mr Grove has also been a regular attendee at annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Commonwealth Parliamentary conferences and the annual general meetings of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table. Mr Grove was last week made an honorary life member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, New South Wales Branch.

In 2001 Mr Grove was elected to the inaugural executive of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks-at-the-Table [ANZACATT], holding the office of Secretary-Treasurer until 2004, and more lately has been the returning officer for the association. He is also a member of the Australasian Study of Parliament Group and has been the chair of the New South Wales chapter. Mr Grove has also been a prolific contributor to a wide range of local, national and international conferences and seminars, presenting papers, being a panellist, chairing sessions, and offering considered comments and views from the floor. Mr Grove has also had extensive involvement in training and development activities to enhance the capacity of a number of legislatures, including in 1996 when invited as an expert adviser on the establishment of the Palestinian Legislative Council.

Mr Grove has built up an extensive network of relationships in all areas of his work and around the world. As Clerk he made it policy to provide prompt responses to queries and requests from other parliaments and in doing so he has enhanced the profile and reputation of the Legislative Assembly around Australia and the world.

In acknowledgement of Mr Grove's career he will be nominated for honorary life membership of the Australia and New Zealand Association of Clerks-at-the-Table at its annual meeting in January 2012. He has already been awarded life membership of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments as well as both the Association of Clerks at the Table in Canada and the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries. Also in recognition of his service he received the New South Wales Public Service Medal in 2000 and was made a Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia in 2011. He will shortly be awarded the Long Service Medal for 40 years service in the New South Wales public sector.

Despite Mr Grove's solid work schedule, he has found time to be an active member of Rotary International. For his services to Rotary he was made a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997. I believe also he has just been elected president of his local Rotary branch—the members of which can look forward to the reformation of that branch, no doubt.

The Legislative Assembly has been very ably served by Mr Grove. It is all the more a better place with senior officers of the calibre of Russell David Grove. His over 40 years service—more than 30 years of which have been as a Table Officer and with the past 21 years being the longest serving Clerk of the House—places Mr Grove as primus inter pares, first among equals, of all those senior officers who have served the Legislative Assembly and entitles him to tribute by this House.

Behind Russell, his wife, Frances, has been a constant and staunch supporter of his career. Mrs Grove has frequently and freely given of her time to accompany official visitors, being involved in their programs and making them feel welcome. Mrs Grove has also been an attendee at many official functions. I congratulate and thank Frances. Through these she has become known and liked by many members, including the current Speaker. While it is a sad occasion that Mr Grove's long official association with the Legislative Assembly must come to a close, on behalf of the House I wish him and Mrs Grove many happy and healthy years in retirement.

Mr BARRY O'FARRELL (Ku-ring-gai—Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney) [10.16 a.m.]: I move:

1. That the Speaker's remarks with reference to Mr Russell David Grove on his retirement from the position of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly be entered in the Votes and Proceedings.

2. That Mr Grove's 40 years of distinguished service to the Legislative Assembly, including a record 21 years as Clerk of the House, be noted.

3. That this House in recognition of his meritorious service, and on the occasion of his retirement, extends to Russell David Grove the honorary title Clerk Emeritus.

To some extent we are honouring today the man who was not there. The fact is that the officials who sit at the table of Parliaments like ours in the place are invisible. If we read Hansard we might see the odd reference to the Clerk at the start of each Parliament when the Speaker is elected or when a particular petition or paper is being presented to this place, but in many ways they are invisible. In recent weeks I have been looking through some of the books about this Parliament, including the history of the Parliament produced for the sesquicentenary, Decision and Deliberation, and I noted that in that publication Mr Grove did not even make the index. When In the books I looked at that were written by a number of Presiding Officers, including the Hon. Kevin Rozzoli, Mr Grove did not make the index. In a most recent publication written by a former member of this House The Fog on the Hill, its author, Frank Sartor, did not mention Russell Grove.

Every one of us who has served in this place is indebted to those who sit at the table of this Chamber. Each of us is indebted to Russell David Grove as Clerk of the House. He has loyally and skilfully provided advice without partisanship to people who have come here since he took a position with the Parliament in 1971. As you said Madam Speaker, he has been Clerk of the Legislative Assembly since 1990 and a member of the staff of this establishment since 1971. Forty years is a very long time to serve in a single place of employment these days. Russell Grove has done so and done so to the best of his ability.

For the benefit of the children from Copmanhurst and Tucabia Public schools who are in the gallery today, Mr Grove's achievement is an example of the great benefits of public education: a boy from the bush who went to Kyogle High School and came to the University of Sydney—although perhaps in his own words his time at the University of Sydney is not one to be held out to students as an example—ended up in this Parliament as the longest serving Clerk of this place.

Seventeen Clerks in the history of this building—the oldest of Australia's Parliaments—and 43 Premiers tells us something about the longevity of those who sit at the Table. When Russell Grove started with this establishment, Speaker Ellis was in the chair—that redoubtable fighter from Coogee; the man who lost his seat more often than he won his seat but who is regarded, even by Neville Wran, as one of the finest Speakers to have sat in the chair of this Chamber—a place now occupied by you, Madam Speaker, the first female to hold the position of Speaker in the Parliament's history. He served under too many Premiers to mention—from Bob Askin when he first arrived in this place, through to me. He served through four changes of government: in 1976 when the baton changed from Eric Willis to Neville Wran; in 1988 when it changed from Barrie Unsworth to Nick Greiner; in 1995 when it changed back from John Fahey to Bob Carr; and of course when the Coalition won office again at the recent election.

Like Neville Wran, Nick Greiner and Bob Carr, I am indebted to Russell Grove for the advice he provided to an incoming government, to a new government, to a new Premier, to a new Leader of the House on the way in which place operates. It has been a remarkable period of service, advising eight Speakers, 12 Premiers and eight Leaders of the House—and Mr Hazzard tells me that he is the best of the lot. Russell Grove has sat through 2,168 sitting days—more than 20,000 hours spent in this place—and 6,300 divisions. What is the importance of that? Mr Grove sat at the Table through if not all at least most of those divisions and during debate on more than 6,000 bills.

When he first arrived this was a Chamber of 96. It grew in 1987 to a Chamber of 109 and for the past 13 years it has been a Chamber of 93 individuals. Each of those individuals who have come and served in this place through that time owes something to Russell Grove. In our Westminster system members of Parliament are also sometimes called parliamentarians. The Australian Oxford Dictionary defines a parliamentarian as a member of Parliament, especially one who is particularly skilled with the procedures of the House. That certainly applies to some members of Parliament, but not all. But the most skilful people in this place in relation to the procedures of the House are those who sit at the Table—those who are invisible. Yet in other parliaments, for example, in the United States Congress, the term "parliamentarian" applies in both the Senate and the House of Representatives to the very position that Mr Grove holds—the position that provides procedural advice to those who preside over both of those Chambers.

In his period as Clerk, Russell Grove saw some of the highlights. He certainly saw Premiers Askin, Wran, Greiner and Carr at their peaks. He saw some of the great orators. I think the last member of this place whose speeches drew members to the Chamber was probably Jim Cameron, who was also a former Speaker of this place. He has seen the colourful characters—like George Peterson, who perhaps up until Michael Photios held the record for the member most thrown out of this Chamber. He has seen members like Paul Whelan and Eric Willis, who were great tacticians and great procedural experts for their parties in this place.

The point I make is that throughout all of his service, which has been supported by Frances and his daughter, Sarah-Jane, Russell Grove has given himself to this place. He and I used to share side-by-side parking spots downstairs in the car park. I do not think at any time I touched his car—certainly not with my car—although I noticed the odd scratch on his car from time to time. I knew the hours that he spent here because his car was in its space before I arrived and it was there after I left—and they were in the days when I was coming in early to visit level 2 and in the days when this place used to sit very late. He has put this place before himself and before his family and he has done so because of his service to the State.

I am pleased to move this motion. I am pleased to be acknowledging the sort of service that Russell Grove has given to this Parliament for four decades. I am pleased to be acknowledging the longest-serving Clerk in the history of the New South Wales Parliament who is joining part of the history of the longest-serving Parliament in the nation.

I want to break with tradition and will do so in the spirit of bipartisanship. During the election campaign I ran into Barrie Unsworth as I was out campaigning and we made a bet that became quite famous, having made its way onto television. If I may be permitted present a gift in the House—and I thought about doing this later at the morning tea in your courtyard, Madam Speaker, but I thought, what the heck, let's do it in front of everybody—I want to present Russell with the bottle of wine that Barrie Unsworth paid in honour of losing his bet about who would win the seat of Rockdale at the last election. The bottle is inscribed "To Premier Barry" and it is signed "Barrie Unsworth", and it says it is "from Rockdale". It is a bottle of the Parliament's 2009 vintage and I present it to Russell as a memento. It is probably worth drinking, Russell—you should drink it quickly and fill the bottle with coloured water.

I say again that those who sit at the Table of this Chamber ensure that this place works. Those who have sat at the Table of this place for the past 150 to 160 years have been central to everything that has happened here. Remarkably, for the first six months of this place there were no standing orders, so one can imagine that the first Clerk certainly earnt his money—but no less so has Russell Grove. This place is important; it brings all communities across New South Wales together to make laws for the betterment of our society and to ensure the opportunities that people in this State and nation have always had. Russell Grove is as much a part and parcel of that as any member who has served here, no matter in what office.

I conclude by saying that one of the things about Russell that I have always enjoyed is visiting his office—it is stuffed full of many wonderful things.

Mr Daryl Maguire: Eclectic.

Mr BARRY O'FARRELL: It is eclectic—that is a nice way of putting it. My wife would describe it differently if it was my study. As you walk that corridor in the older part of the building, as you look at yourself in that mirror that distorts the vision, as you hear the creaking floorboards—which I am sure in the old days, Russell, was a reminder for you to put out your cigarette—you walk into a wonderful part of this building, a building about which a decision was made in 1973, whilst Russell was here, to renovate, and which, again whilst Russell was here, was opened in 1984. There is a wonderful staircase outside the Clerk's offices. In that regard—and as I said earlier, to a large extent Russell has been invisible to the record because of the way in which Hansard operates—I was reminded of the following wonderful piece of poetry by William Hughes Mearns:

Yesterday upon the stair
I met a man who wasn't there
He wasn't there again today
Oh, how I wish he'd go away
Russell, I do not wish you would go away but regrettably you will not be in this place for much longer. I want to say on behalf of the Parliament and on behalf of the people of New South Wales that we have enjoyed your service and acknowledge your service; it has been lengthy, meritorious and loyal service to the people of New South Wales and we thank you for it.

Mr JOHN ROBERTSON (Blacktown—Leader of the Opposition) [10.27 a.m.]: It is a great privilege to support this motion and be able to honour Russell David Grove today for his decades of tireless service to the people of New South Wales and, of course, to the several generations of parliamentarians who have passed through this place during his tenure. I would like to say that I hope that the years have not been too difficult, but I am afraid the answer might not be something we would like to hear.

It is fitting that we farewell Russell Grove in this place—a building and institution that he has shaped and influenced more than anyone over his career. And what a career it has been. Russell Grove has been the longest serving Clerk of the Legislative Assembly in the Parliament's 155-year history. Indeed, when I first worked in this building as an apprentice electrician, Russell had already been a stalwart of this House for more than a decade. When I returned later in life as an elected representative he had held the office of the Clerk for almost 18 years.

While I have served in this place for all too brief a time when compared with the time spent here by our esteemed Clerk, I believe I can speak for all of us here today and for those who came before us when I say that Russell Grove's exemplary service and assistance has been invaluable. He more than any of us keeps this place running seamlessly. Without the advice and guidance of Russell Grove on procedure and protocol we would all be cast adrift in the sea of standing orders. Indeed, it was Russell Grove who undertook the significant reform of rewriting the standing orders in plain English during the tumultuous hung Parliament of 1991-95. It was also Russell who produced and edited the New South Wales Legislative Assembly Practice, Procedure and Privilege, providing an authoritative reference for dealing with matters within this House.

It is to his credit is that he has dealt so patiently with each new set of parliamentarians, and while the faces may have changed, I am sure the Clerk is still being asked the same questions. When I joined this House and then became Leader of the Opposition Russell was very giving of his time and allowed me many opportunities to ask questions and provided a great deal of advice. I genuinely appreciate that and I place on record my appreciation for the time he spent with me and some of my staff providing that advice and assistance. This place is rather different from the other place. To have come in as a new member and also as the new leader, I appreciate the assistance he has provided to me.

Russell has served with good humour and an impassiveness and impartiality that has seen him win bipartisan support. Nothing demonstrates that more than these proceedings today. He has gained the respect not only of both sides of the House but also of the entire range of the political spectrum. I doubt that there is any other person with Russell's extensive knowledge of the procedures and history of this place. Indeed, he embodies much of that recent history. During his 40 years of service in Australia' oldest Parliament, as the Premier said, he has worked with 12 premiers and eight speakers but, owing much to his own contribution, only five clerks, including himself. As the Premier also said, Russell has presided as Clerk of this House for well over 10,000 hours of sittings. That seems a great deal of time to spend sitting at that table listening to what at times I am sure is robust debate and at other times less than exciting contributions. Russell has always conducted himself with aplomb—an example that many of us could emulate. During his time in this place, Russell has overseen more than 3,000 divisions, the passage of 2,900 bills and the tabling of almost 25,000 petitions.

While I could go on and on about Russell's service in this place, it is his service to this Parliament and the institution of our State's democracy that is probably one of his most significant and lasting legacies. It is in great part Russell's drive and determination that has raised the profile of our Parliament through the excellent parliamentary education program and the many school programs that have been conducted across New South Wales during his time in this place. While cynicism and disengagement with the democratic process has sadly been rising steadily within our society, Russell has dedicated his time and efforts to encouraging young people and the community generally to take part in the parliamentary process. It is a shared belief we hold in this place that our Parliament is here to serve the people of New South Wales, and that if people want to make a change they cannot simply sit on the sidelines and criticise, they must stand up and get involved.

We are privileged to have someone in this place like Russell Grove, who has supported the democracy of New South Wales in the same way that members do. It is essential that we who serve within this place continue to engage our society with the discourse of Parliament. I would argue that no-one has been more committed to that goal than Russell Grove. I believe it will be thanks to Russell that the next generation of young leaders will take that step to represent their communities, and it is with great pleasure that I commend him for the drive and vigour with which he has pursued that goal.

While I can scarcely understand how he has found the time, Russell has also been a tremendous contributor to the wider community both at home and internationally. I will not detail the many different areas in which he has been involved because both you, Madam Speaker, and the Premier have already done so. However, I will cite one example of his commitment not only to democracy in New South Wales but also to fostering it across the world, and he is recognised throughout the world for the work he has done in that regard. In 1994 Russell was involved in training and development for the newly elected members of the Malawi Parliament in Africa following that country's very first democratic election. In 1996 he was also invited to assist in the establishment of Palestine's Legislative Council and to observe Palestine's first election. That was a task not for the faint of heart and it is yet another reflection of his commitment to the democratic process and support for its implementation across the world.

While we are here today honouring Russell Grove, it is the members and the people of New South Wales who have been honoured to have been able to lay claim to Russell's expertise for so long. He has not only served this Parliament admirably; he has also served the wider community and done an exemplary job of both. Russell is among the most respected and esteemed in the world within his profession and the New South Wales Parliament has been truly lucky to have him.

This morning I spoke to former Premier Bob Carr and asked him whether he believed there was anything I should say about Russell. I note that Russell just raised his eyebrows. The former Premier said that Russell is highly esteemed for his sense of humour and his great sense of duty to this place. He noted and appreciates that Russell has a genuine love of the institution, it is his passion and he is committed to it. The most telling thing that the former Premier said was that Russell Grove is part of the flavour of this place. That captures the situation perfectly. He has been the Clerk for so long that he is the essence of this place. While as the Premier said, he is not often referred to in Hansard or any of the histories that members write when they leave this place, he will leave a mark that will be remembered for many generations. We will miss Russell Grove and I certainly hope that he enjoys his well-deserved retirement with his wife Frances and his daughter. Having read so much about what he has done in his 40 years in this place, I cannot imagine that he will be resting on his laurels doing very little. I am sure our society will still benefit from his contribution. Like the Premier, I pay my respects to Russell Grove. I thank you for your fantastic service to this Parliament and to the people of New South Wales.

The SPEAKER: I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his comments.

Mr ANDREW STONER (Oxley—Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services) [10.37 a.m.]: As the Leader of The Nationals in New South Wales I am delighted to support this motion and to associate all Nationals members with the remarks made by the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition and your good self, Madam Speaker, about Russell Grove. Russell Grove's service to this Parliament has been both long and outstanding. Over the 155-year history of this House he has been in parliamentary service for more than one-quarter of its existence having served since 1971 and as Clerk of the House for one-eighth since 1990. During his time in the service of the House, he has seen 11 premiers, including the current Premier, nine as a Table Officer and seven as the Clerk. The significance of this is that while premiers, governments, oppositions and members come and go, Russell has remained as the keeper of the practices, traditions and dignity of this House come what may.

I was reminded of that fact the other day when on the ABC 7.30 program I saw footage of a past Treasurer and member for Willoughby, the Hon. Peter Collins, address the House as the then Leader of the Opposition. It struck me that the only people now still in the same seats from that time were, of course, the Table Officers, led by Russell Grove in his seat as the Clerk. I imagine that if one watched all the end-of-year blooper tapes compiled by the press gallery in one sitting one would also see that, while people came and went around him, the one constant would be the Clerk. I have been in this place for a relatively short period—about 12½ years. In my early years in opposition I observed Russell giving advice to Labor speakers and leaders of the House—characters like John Murray, John Aquilina, Paul Whelan and Carl Scully. On occasion some of my colleagues suggested that Russell favoured the Labor Party. However, his advice continued to be offered to the Independent Speaker, the member for Northern Tablelands, and subsequently to our Liberal Speaker and the Leader of the House.

Throughout that time Russell's advice has been impartial, procedural and helpful to the effective operation of this parliamentary institution. I am sure that other members appreciate the high-quality procedural advice that Russell has given to them over the years relating to the administration of the House. They would also appreciate his management of the Department of the Legislative Assembly. Being human beings, members sometimes slip up either behaviourally or with their paperwork, but Russell is always ready with discreet and helpful advice. Over the past 40 years there has been the odd incident in this House for which Russell has had to provide his frank, fearless, professional and discreet advice. In my time in this place there have been some amazing incidents that would have made good reading, but imagine what stories Russell could tell if he chose to write a memoir about his 40-year career. I recall a notorious criminal in the members bar, unfortunate incidents in Minister's offices, and the exploits of tired and emotional members in the Chamber, including a famous lunge over a bench in this Chamber.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: And I got thrown out.

Mr ANDREW STONER: At that time the Premier was ejected from this House for using unparliamentary language. These incidents are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what Russell has seen in his 40 years of dealings with famous and infamous characters. The Fog on the Hill, that notable tome that has been oft-quoted in recent debates, would be outsold and relegated to the bargain basement if Russell wrote his memoir. But, ever discreet, I am sure that Russell will not write his memoir. I will now address Russell's commitment and service to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and his commitment to the community more broadly through Rotary. As many members would know, over the years other parliamentary jurisdictions have called on Russell to draw on his experience and advice on parliamentary matters.

Russell has become an important part of the collective memory of the Westminster parliamentary tradition, particularly in our region. Many members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association abroad, particularly the national Parliament of the Solomon Islands and the autonomous region of Bougainville House of Representatives with which the New South Wales Parliament is twinned, have all relied greatly on Russell's knowledge and experience. They will be as sorry as we are to see him go. In Russell's role as secretary of the New South Wales branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association onerous travel requirements were often placed on his shoulders. Never one to complain, Russell dutifully packed his bags and endured the rigours of travel to numerous and far-flung Commonwealth jurisdictions around the globe. We thank him for that.

As local members of Parliament, many of us Rotarians ourselves, we frequently attend events hosted by Rotary and other service clubs in our electorates. We all understand the significance of the Paul Harris Fellowship that Russell was awarded in 1997 for his service to the international community, particularly in the area of developing countries. Along with his Public Service Medal for his long experience, dedication, commitment and professionalism these are worthy recognitions of his achievements. As retirement approaches, on behalf of The Nationals I wish Russell and his long-supportive wife, Frances, a long and enjoyable retirement. I thank him for everything that he has done for this place. We will never know what Russell's politics truly are. We have no idea, but I know he is an intelligent person.

The SPEAKER: Don't go on. Don't go there.

Mr ANDREW STONER: I know that he originally hailed from Kyogle, so should he retire to a regional area I am sure he will be voting National. Once again we extend to Russell, Frances and their family our best wishes. Russell's successor, when confirmed, will have a very big wig—I mean shoes—to fill.

Mr RICHARD TORBAY (Northern Tablelands) [10.44 a.m.]: Madam Speaker—

Mr Barry O'Farrell: He made you look good.

Mr RICHARD TORBAY: I acknowledge the Premier's valid interjection. The honourable Clerk, as I called him, did make me look good. It is with pleasure that I acknowledge the contribution of Russell Grove, PSM, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. Madam Speaker, I thank you and the Leader of the House for giving me an opportunity to speak at this time. The honourable Clerk, as I call him, will soon be known as Clerk Emeritus. I do not usually pre-empt the outcome of a motion of this House, but I think I can safely do so today.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: Russell has got the numbers.

Mr RICHARD TORBAY: The Clerk has the numbers today. The Premier, the Deputy Premier and the Leader of the Opposition went through the Clerk's curriculum vitae, listed his numerous achievements and informed us of the various roles in which he performed with distinction. I will not go over Russell's achievements again other than to endorse the remarks made earlier and to congratulate Russell on those achievements. When I was the Speaker of this House I worked closely with Russell, as have all Speakers, including Speaker Hancock, which is a tribute to Russell. I called Russell the honourable Clerk but I do not think he once called me Richard. He always referred to me as Mr Speaker. Russell was from the old school.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: He's got a good memory.

Mr RICHARD TORBAY: And he has a good memory. I am pleased to contribute in debate on this motion and to recognise Russell's distinguished service and contribution to the speakers and members of this Assembly, dedicated staff across the board and, as the Premier said, the people of New South Wales. In the four years in which I had the great honour of serving as Speaker I think I saw the Clerk more than I saw my wife. I do not want anyone to draw any conclusions from that comment but it simply underlines the close and positive working relationship that we had. Russell has continued those kinds of relationships with people at every level and with all the speakers who have served in this place. As Speaker I could rely on Russell's advice every time. Every time Russell gave me advice he did so with integrity and with the public interest in mind. I never doubted his advice. We dealt with a number of positive issues but we dealt also with a number of tough issues. Russell's professionalism and dedication always impressed me. As I said, I never had any occasion to doubt him.

The Deputy Premier referred earlier to the number of overseas trips Russell made—a truly international Clerk. When I visited even the remotest parts of Africa people would ask me, "Where are you from, Mr Speaker?" When I answered and said that I was from Australia they would ask, "Do you know Russell?" I say in jest that I got used to the fact that the Clerk had a much higher profile overseas than the Speaker of the day, which was appropriate. The high regard that members in this Chamber have for Russell is matched internationally. His advice is sought, he is highly regarded and he is a prolific contributor to a range of activities in Australia and abroad. His work with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, with other parliaments, and with Rotary, which has been acknowledged, is worthy of such special acknowledgement.

I could tell many stories about the lighter moments we shared at some of the conferences that I was fortunate to attend with Russell. However, as members know, the standing orders dictate that what happens between a Speaker and a Clerk at conference stays at conference. I will observe the standing orders. I recognise that my term as Speaker was short compared to Russell's distinguished 40-year career. I have many memories of and achieved many positive outcomes in my term as Speaker and I can only imagine how many Russell positive outcomes Russell has achieved in his 40 years in this place. I hope he publishes his memoirs—in about 50 years time—as many of us would need to die before it could be published. I am certain that Russell's memoirs would not be foggy; they would be very clear. I acknowledge all the publications to which Russell has contributed and the many conference papers that he prepared. I also offer my congratulations to Russell and his family, to Frances and Sarah-Jane. It was wonderful to get to know you. Frances, I know that the support you have given Russell throughout his career resulted in his significant contribution to this place, for which we thank you and Sarah-Jane. My wife Rosemary asked me to pass on her best wishes. I am pleased, honoured and privileged to have worked with the Clerk, who will always be Clerk Emeritus to me. I commend the motion to the House.

Mr BRAD HAZZARD (Wakehurst—Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW) [10.50 a.m.]: It is a great privilege to speak in debate on the retirement of Russell David Grove, PSM, from his esteemed role as Clerk of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. When I first came into this place in 1991 it quickly dawned on me that—at least within the walls of this Parliament, the mother Parliament of the nation—Russell Grove was the first and last bastion against the excesses that potentially could impinge on those great democratic freedoms that the New South Wales community enjoyed. There might be other avenues outside the Parliament but he was the man; he was the font of wisdom, very able to give guidance on all aspects of the parliamentary and democratic processes that underpin the democratic freedom that all New South Wales residents take for granted. For a brief time it is worthwhile reflecting on the history of the role that Russell Grove has fulfilled in this place. In fact, the role of the Clerk in Parliament goes back almost 650 years.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: He has been here that long?

Mr BRAD HAZZARD: No, Russell has not been here the whole of that time, as the Premier just suggested—back to 1363. The role of Clerk in Parliament has a history, a culture and an understanding that has evolved over hundreds of years. Russell has been the embodiment of so many of those values. In 2002 Ian Harris, who was the Clerk of the House of Representatives, addressed Juris Doctor students on the role of the Clerk in the Westminster system. He noted, amongst other things, that traditionally the Clerk is neither partisan nor politically motivated. Ian Harris highlighted these characteristics by quoting—and most members who have studied this at school will have a dim recollection of it—Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. He quoted from The Clerk's Tale, which I believe Russell has not read. Taking licence for just a moment, I think Chaucer's clerk might have come from Oxford but this Clerk came from Potts Point:

There was a Clerk from Potts Point,
His horse was lean as is a rake ...

And he was not very fat, I affirm,
But looked emaciated and moreover abstemious,
His short overcoat was very threadbare.

He spoke not one word more than was needed,
And that was said with due formality and respect,
And was short and lively, and full of elevated content.

Sir Clerk of Potts Point, our Host said.
You ride as demure as does a maid,
Who is just married, sitting at the banquet table,
This day I heard not one word from your tongue.

How appropriate for our Clerk from Potts Point. In the time that I have been the Leader of the House, more often than not I have not heard a word; I have simply seen the raised eyebrow—and I have seen that on a number of occasions. Setting aside the characteristics of emaciation and being abstemious, Russell fits all those other descriptors. With due formality and respect he has proffered to members on both sides of the House owl-like advice without fear or favour to premiers and members of Parliament who have served New South Wales over the past 40 years.

Russell, I will remember you, not just for the role that you have played in this place and for the advice that you have given me—sometimes quiet advice in your office—which has been enriching, uplifting and re-enforcing as we all face the challenges of parliamentary life. Anybody who has visited Russell's office on the eighth floor knows that it is a juxtaposition of the many intersecting avenues of Russell's life. The first thing that you notice is that there are many wise owls in his office. In addition to this wise owl, Russell Grove, he has many others that I am sure have been gifts reflecting on his role in the parliamentary process. There is the wind chime version as you go onto his balcony where cigars used to be smoked but which are no longer smoked. Another wise owl wears a full cloak that makes it look exactly like a clerk. In fact it looks remarkably like Russell but is not quite as tall as him.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: With the wig on.

Mr BRAD HAZZARD: With the wig on they look very similar. Today Russell has his wig on. In all the time that the owl has been in his office it has never worn one of Russell's loud shirts, so at least one of the owls has shown some discretion. There are bulldogs in Russell's office, one of which is lifting its leg. I am sure that from time to time, whenever Russell walks back into his office, he imagines a situation in which the bulldog is lifting its leg on someone who has fallen out of favour. In recent years a forlorn-looking wig has been visible on the left-hand side of his bureau. I remember when he regularly wore that wig. I am delighted that today the Clerks, historically, are wearing their wigs on Russell's last day in Parliament. Russell has other items of interest in his office, such as a platypus, soft toys, a wire lizard and Australian dried flower arrangements. I am sure members are all aware of his notorious incense burner. I have known Russell for 20 years but it seems to me that that incense burner came into Russell's life at about the time Parliament banned smoking, or what was redefined later by Russell as the smell of smoking.

Mr Daryl Maguire: He really is a closet hippy.

Mr BRAD HAZZARD: I am not sure about that. However, Russell has always been able to examine the intricacies of rules and regulations and ensure that we complied with them, at least in the technical sense. His office is also the repository of photographs and flags from his representations of democratic traditions at a number of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conferences. I know that Russell likes to travel but I have heard that various institutions throughout the world believe Russell Grove to be the font of all wisdom when it comes to parliamentary procedures. He has not only enhanced the New South Wales Parliament; he has also enhanced democratic roles overseas in a number of places that needed it.

Russell, you have looked after the democratic principles very well here and elsewhere. You have looked after all of us well, ensuring that we understand the importance of protecting those democratic principles, and you have safeguarded these essential issues for the people of New South Wales for 40 years. In 1941 Churchill, reflecting on his own circumstances said, "The journey has been enjoyable and well worth taking—once". Russell, I am sure that is probably how you see it. I hope your journey has been enjoyable and well worth taking. On behalf of many others in this place who will not get an opportunity to speak today I wish you, Russell and Frances, a very happy and continuing journey. I am sure it will be a journey that you now get to enjoy fully. I particularly thank Frances and Sarah-Jane, and their broader family and friends, for sharing Russell with us for the past 40 years. Russell, enjoy your retirement.

I do not have much power but I have enough to be able to change the business paper. Today, in concert with a number of other members, we decided that today was Russell Grove's Day. So far as I am aware the business program has never been dedicated to anybody in the history of the New South Wales Parliament, but today's business program is headed "Russell Grove's Day", reflecting that today is about your retirement, which forms the majority of our parliamentary business today. The business program is signed on the back by the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. Russell, we present to you the business program for today, duly framed, and we hope that it takes pride of place in your home and enables you to reflect on the contribution that you have made over so many years. Thank you again, Russell.

Mr RICHARD AMERY (Mount Druitt) [10.59 a.m.]: I will make a brief contribution to this motion on the retirement of Russell Grove. I thank the House for the opportunity to say a few words because I have worn various hats in this place over many years, none of which of course is like the hat Russell is wearing at the moment. There were some jibes as I walked to the lectern suggesting I had been here longer than Russell Grove. As a matter of fact, the Speaker was unkind enough one day to ask whether I was here when Sir Charles Wentworth was a member of this Chamber. To those members who suggested I was probably here when President Kennedy was shot I say that if that was the case then Russell Grove was here when the archduke was shot. Forty years—since 1971—is an incredible length of service for anyone.

The Leader of the Opposition said that he had been at this place some time prior to his parliamentary career. In 1971 I was walking a beat about a mile up the road from here at the Regent Street police station. I very rarely got to Parliament because this area was patrolled by police from Phillip Street, or No. 4. In 1972 I worked on the front verandah here a couple of times as a policeman when people were on leave. Russell, I have no evidence in my old notebooks that I can bring before the House that would in any way diminish your sparkling career.

Russell came to this place in 1971. It was certainly a long time ago. Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier had a big fight and it was broadcast around the place. Bill McMahon was the Prime Minister, Bob Askin was the Premier, Jim Southey was the member for Mount Druitt and Russell Grove started work at the New South Wales Parliament. Fashion was not at its highest point then. The 1970s were not a good decade for fashion.

Mr Barry O'Farrell: It's never worried you, Richard.

Mr RICHARD AMERY: That is true. I have to say it was better then than it is now because in 1971 the brand label of your underwear was on the inside of the garment, not where it is now. Russell would remember that the top of one's buttocks was not a fashion statement no matter what you were wearing or how good you looked. It was certainly an interesting time. We all knew in 1971 who the heavyweight boxing champion of the world was, who was challenging and what was the result of the last fight. The only electrical device that members looked at in this place in 1971 was the clock, if it was not a wind-up, and I understand a u-tube was something a doctor used to cure constipation. I do not know about anything that has changed since then.

Russell Grove came here as a very junior clerk and his career took a couple of bumps along the way. In about 1973 Speaker Ellis saw a particular problem arising in this Parliament. Since 1965 the New South Wales Parliamentary Bowling Club had not brought back the trophy to New South Wales. Drastic action was needed. The Speaker called on Russell Grove to do the top job and be manager of the New South Wales parliamentary team. He sent Russell on his first trip to Adelaide to contest the interstate carnival. It is my melancholy duty to inform the House that Russell's team was unsuccessful. Speaker Ellis's efforts to make the New South Wales bowling team number one again were a great failure.

It did not diminish Russell's support of the parliamentary bowling club—I say this half seriously—an organisation that many other former presiding officers and clerks have thought of as a great opportunity to get together not only former members and sitting members but members of all political parties from different States over a game of bowls, a few meetings, conferences and dinners. It was a great institution and as the president of that club I recognise Russell's support over a long time. His great judgment in appointing Les Gönye as manager in the 1990s resulted in the parliamentary team winning the carnival for the first time in 29 years, making Les Gönye the Jack Gibson of the parliamentary bowling team.

I was a shadow Minister between 1991 and 1995. It was a time when the government of the day did not have a majority. Opposition members were able to get private members' motions and even censure motions against the Government carried by this House. Private members' bills were introduced and some were passed. New standing orders were introduced. Having been a shadow Minister at the time, I can say the Opposition could not have functioned without the independent and professional advice of someone like Russell, who played that turbulent time in this State's history so well. The operation of this Parliament and our democracy owe him a great debt of gratitude for his impartial advice and stewardship during a very difficult time.

My time has expired. I think Russell is to be a life member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and I hope emeritus secretary. Russell Grove believes the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is an organisation that should be strongly supported and that members should take those trips that come about from time to time. No member ever travelled overseas without learning something. Russell Grove referred in his resignation speech to unfounded criticism of the Parliament. Members should proudly take those trips, learn something from them and be part of the advocacy for this Parliament in various places in the Commonwealth. Russell never flinched from that view despite some unfair media comment.

I wish Russell a great retirement and extend my best wishes to Frances and Sarah-Jane. I do not think he will be retired for very long. As a member of the House for only 28 years this Saturday, a shadow Minister and Minister and now Father of the House and Opposition Whip, I can say this man has been one of the stalwarts and a steadying influence on this Parliament. You should be congratulated. Your family and everybody is proud of you. I wish you all the very best for a long and successful retirement.

Mr GEORGE SOURIS (Upper Hunter—Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing, and Minister for the Arts) [11.06 a.m.]: I am honoured to be able to make a contribution to this motion and to honour Russell Grove in the way that others have. I will speak briefly because there is quite a line-up of speakers and time is limited. Firstly, I speak as a friend. I am delighted to see the Clerk in his wig, as it should be. I speak on behalf of my wife, Vasi, who is present in the gallery for this debate, to offer our very best wishes to Russell, Frances and Sarah-Jane on this occasion.

Our friendship started a long time ago, almost at the very beginning of my 23½ years here. It has endured the ebb and flow of political fortunes in this State. I have been on both sides of the Parliament and have been in a hung Parliament. One of the charter signatories to that period of time is still here. The political fortunes in New South Wales do ebb and flow. This is the lower Chamber of the mother Parliament and it has seen it all. It has been nicknamed "the bearpit" and it takes a Clerk with nerves of steel to be able to navigate the political parties who are here at close quarters. Just 2½ sword lengths separate the two sides of the House. The origin of that expression is that it separates the two sides so that their swords are useless and the quality of debate is the essence of our democracy. Russell Grove has been the custodian through all the vicissitudes of this place including that period of the hung Parliament.

I was Leader of the National Party at one time and I know that on a number of occasions I relied on Russell Grove's advice. I did so, especially during the period I referred to, in the knowledge that Russell was being asked similar questions about political strategy and tactics by the other side and by the crossbench. The advice he gave me was exclusively to the question asked and it was given impartially and perfectly. It had no bearing on advice he might have given to any other party seeking an opinion perhaps on the same matter.

The impression I formed at the time has endured and been demonstrated to this Chamber on many, many occasions. Russell is a person of the highest intellect and the highest integrity. I can think of no better person to have occupied the chair that he presently occupies and to have offered such an enormous period of service to the democracy of this State than Russell Grove. I offer also on behalf of my wife our wishes for the very best of good luck and good fortune to Russell in his retirement, and to Frances and Sarah-Jane as well. All the very best of luck, and thank you from a grateful Parliament and a grateful State.

Ms LINDA BURNEY (Canterbury) [11.10 a.m.]: I join with all members in paying due respect and acknowledging the very long service of Russell Grove to this Parliament. Today we see something of tradition—the wigs and the formality—but we also note the warmth of feeling and hear the expressions of recognition and respect being paid to the longest serving Clerk of this Parliament.

On that note, I begin my few remarks by recognising country, Russell, my traditional background, because that is an appropriate thing to do today.

I will keep my comments brief, Russell, because many speakers are to take part in this debate and I am sure you do not want to hear the same thing said 20,000 times. When I first came into this Parliament in 2003 I recall being—new members would relate to this—a little bit dazed, wondering how it all worked, and thinking, "Oh, I'll get the hang of this in about three months." Well, let me tell you, you do not get the hang of it in three months; it takes about three years.

Mr Andrew Fraser: You'll get there.

Ms LINDA BURNEY: That is correct; you do get there. I remember going to see Russell in his office and thinking, "Wow! This is like stepping back in time." There was the most extraordinary collection of beautiful lamps and items from all over the world. I think there was also a stuffed bird. I thought that was pretty remarkable. That was the first time I approached Russell to ask him to explain something that I did not understand. That is what I want to focus on: how much explaining Russell has done for us on things we did not understand. As I walked out of that remarkable office, I then understood the procedural matter that I went to see him about.

What is remarkable, Russell, about your service here is not only the mechanical and procedural things that you have been able to steer us through—the standing orders, the petitions and so forth—but also the nuances, I am sure some of the tantrums, and of course some of our troubles. When we took our challenges to the Clerk he would steer us through those challenges or our troubles, ensure we understood and then perhaps direct us to a place where they could be dealt with.

I have often watched you, Russell, as we all have through the many hours that we sit in this Parliament. I think that you have dancing eyes. I say that because sometimes you would be sitting there and I would wonder, "What on earth is Russell thinking?" Your eyes would dance, and that eyebrow would go up. I never knew what you were thinking, but I was sure it was something pretty well spot-on.

Others have said that in your 40 years of service you have seen off 12 Premiers and 8 Speakers, overseen thousands of divisions, and so forth. But I will not conclude my remarks on those sorts of things; I want to conclude my remarks on the honour able thing of public service. That is what you have given not just to this Chamber, and not just to this Parliament, but to the people of New South Wales. So it is not just members who are grateful, and it is not just members paying respect and acknowledgement to you today; we bring with us today, from the people who have put their trust and aspirations in us as members of Parliament, the gratitude of the many thousands of people that we represent.

There is no honour greater—we all do it and, Russell, you have done it longer than all of us—than providing a service to the people. The great honour of being a member of Parliament, and the great honour of serving the Parliament, is in being a servant to the people. You have brought about great change in the world—as we have heard from Richard Amery in particular and from other speakers—but, more importantly, you have given the people of this State a service that is nothing short of remarkable and nothing short of honourable. I believe that is something to carry with you and to be extraordinarily proud of, because there is nothing to be more proud of.

On behalf of all members of this side of the House I say to Sarah-Jane and Frances, thank you for allowing us to have him for so long; and thank you, Russell, for your service to this Parliament and, most importantly, to the many thousands of citizens in this State.

Mr BRAD HAZZARD (Wakehurst—Minister for Planning and Infrastructure, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Infrastructure NSW) [11.15 a.m.]: This is such a significant day, as has been reflected in members' comments, that there is now an opportunity for members and staff to share morning tea to celebrate Russell's 40 years of service. It may be appropriate now to adjourn to take advantage of the kind invitation of the Speaker to morning tea in the Speaker's Garden, and perhaps for the House to reassemble, on the ringing of a long bell, in about an hour to permit other members to address the House on Russell's retirement.

The SPEAKER: I extend my very warm invitation to all members, family, friends and members of staff everywhere in this place: Please come to morning tea in the Speaker's Garden. We have catered for a lot of people. Let's enjoy it.

[The Speaker left the chair at 11.17 p.m. The House resumed at 12.30 p.m.]