November 2006 already and I have just passed the half way mark in my first term as a Member for Ginninderra. I am sure many will be turning their minds to Christmas and holiday plans perhaps. I am looking forward to the next 2 years representing you and continuing to work hard to make a difference in our community.

I feel honoured to have been given this opportunity and that is why I have attempted, in every way possible, to make myself available to you such as through my regular mobile offices and my website. I have dealt with over 2000 individual constituency matters as well as met with numerous individuals and groups during the past 2 years. I am pleased to say that on the whole I have been able to achieve a satisfactory result for those who have requested my assistance. It's not always possible to achieve exactly what each member of the community wants, as you can imagine. However I will of course write again on behalf of someone pursuing an issue, to try to find a more satisfactory outcome.

I hope you are enjoying getting news from "Porter Report" on the web, and my webmaster's latest upgrade of the site. Feedback is always welcome. Re the dates and venues etc for my Mobile Offices, I do send apologies to anyone who tried to meet with me at my last scheduled Mobile Office at the large shopping mall at Kaleen. I did put a note up on my web at the time, when I discovered that the managing agent of the centre was no longer allowing groups or individuals in the centre. I believe he will review his decision in the New Year and until then I want to assure you that I am happy to follow up any issue you have, and my other Mobile Offices will continue up until Christmas at all other venues. I will have break in January as I did this year, as many people take the opportunity to go away during this period.

No sooner Estimates are finished and we are back examining the Minister's in relation to their Annual Reports. All the standing committees request their particular Minister, or Ministers, to appear before them, with their Departmental officials. As you know I am on 3 standing committees, one select committee and one advisory committee so this means the few weeks between the October sitting week and the November sitting weeks are the weeks where committee secretaries compete for Ministers' and Members' time.

Additionally some public hearings are taking place and, as Chair of the Standing Committee on Education, Training and Young People, I have had several groups appear before me regarding the Inquiry into lowering the voting age in the ACT to 16 years of age. Details of that Committee's work can be viewed on the Legislative Assembly Website

Mary.