A 20-year career in television with “inflated egos” and “foul language” was good preparation for life in politics, Albury MLA Greg Aplin said in his farewell speech to parliament on Wednesday.
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The Liberal member reflected on 15 years service, with his wife Jill, children Scott, Richard, Douglas and Kathy watching from the Legislative Assembly’s public gallery.
“Commercial television brought me into close contact with people who had outstanding creative abilities, strong work ethics, the ability to differentiate the practical from the ethereal in unforgiving timeframes,” Mr Aplin said.
“It also brought inflated egos, vaulting ambitions, foul language and a willingness to connive and manipulate to achieve a personal goal – good preparation for politics as it turned out.”
As well as his family, Mr Aplin’s staff Moira Stewart, Bruce Holmes and Peter Cerexhe, 2019 Albury Liberal election candidate Justin Clancy, Murray Conservatorium chief Stephen O’Connell and Liberal mentor Howard Hinde watched on.
“Howard Hinde has been on this journey from the outset, as campaign manager for four elections when we won every booth on every occasion,” Mr Aplin said.
“Thank you Howard for your friendship and guidance over the years in politics and even before that for your considerable but wise investments in television advertising when I was station manager of the local television station.”
Mr Aplin also told of growing up in Africa, breaking his arm playing rugby and how he prefers the term “parliamentarian” to “politician” because “it seems to have fewer connotations”.
He said being a MP saw him dealing with issues ranging from a neighbourhood dispute about homing pigeons’ poo in a swimming pool to judging pet shows.
Successes listed included a new Albury ambulance station, Riverina Highway upgrade and “my special project” the emerging brain and mind centre.
In retirement, Mr Aplin said he would help son Douglas and daughter-in-law Danika with their Albury letterpress business and babysit, with Kathy due to give birth to his latest grandchild in three weeks.
“Students in her French classes at Trinity Anglican College have been having fun suggesting unusual names, like baguette,” Mr Aplin said.
While Mr Aplin gave his valedictory address on Wednesday, he will have a speech next week when parliament rises for the last time before the state election in March.
