Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to give the House some good news. I draw to the attention of honourable members an event that took place in my electorate over the past weekend—the opening of the new Hornsby Aquatic Centre. It was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Australia—although he did not have a swim, he was welcome to and he will always be welcome to—and the reception for the Prime Minister was something that I found very positive. I was delighted that people like Bill Bradley, one of my disabled people who will tomorrow be considered for a national disability award, was there, and Sean McArdle, who I know talks on 2GB almost every day, was there able to be photographed with the Prime Minister.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Hornsby council on what it has achieved. Mayor Russell had an event that was well planned and well executed for the opening of this exciting piece of community infrastructure. What members need to know is that this enterprise was established on budget. I am fortunate in my area to have a council under Liberal leadership, which over the first three years has repaired its budget from $6 million in the red to $20 million in the black—it is something that those opposite could learn from. It is a very good news story. (Time expired)