Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Members statements

Barry Cull

Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (13:39): I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution Barry Cull has made to the Parliament over his 24 years of service.

Members: Hear, hear!

Lee TARLAMIS: For those who may not be aware, Barry is throwing in the towel as the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) member services manager and going to greener pastures. I think it is fair to say Barry has put in the hard yards, having had to deal with members of Parliament over all these years, tolerating all their unique quirks. I am sure he has developed a heightened sense of selective hearing as a coping mechanism. But in all seriousness, most if not all would have engaged in some way with Barry over his many years of service and, I have no doubt, been the beneficiary of his knowledge, patience, guidance and support. I have been around long enough to remember when Barry first started, and I have always found him to be a great source of support and a go-to person whenever I needed a question answered or required some clarity on a matter.

Barry spent most of his time with DPS working on the payroll team, and more recently he has been leading the member services team, often providing the first point of contact between members and DPS. That is what you will find him doing this week in the members kiosk in the library. And when he is not being his usual helpful self, he will be guarding the bowl of treats that sits on the corner of the desk, making sure members do not overindulge; I told you he is always looking out for us. I expect we will all miss Barry more than he will miss us, but I am sure he will leave this place with many friendships, fond memories and at least a couple of interesting stories of his interactions with members. I encourage all those who have had the pleasure of working with Barry to call past the members kiosk this week and say thank you. I am sure all members will join with me in wishing Barry success in his new role.