It was a glossy-print blue and white booklet, delivered to letterboxes across Wollongong, which gave Noreen Hay the final say on a colourful political career.
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However, there’s one thing the outgoing Labor MP won’t say – how much it cost to print the commemorative booklets for constituents.
Almost one month on from her valedictory speech in the NSW Parliament, Thursday marks the official end of Ms Hay’s 13-year stint as the Member for Wollongong.
Ms Hay announced her retirement, effective September 1, on August 2 and delivered the speech in the Legislative Assembly two days later.
In case you missed it, a copy of those parting words – direct from Hansard, the written record of proceedings and debates in Parliament – began landing in mailboxes across the Wollongong electorate late last week.
The delivery of the valedictory speech booklets was Ms Hay’s last hurrah – a chance to say farewell to a community that’s backed her, through thick and thin.
It was also a chance for the MP to dodge the Mercury’s questions, probably for the final time.
Ms Hay was asked how many copies of the 12-page A5 booklet were printed, how much they cost, how many residents were delivered one and why they were sent.
The majority of those questions went unanswered.
“During my term as the elected member for Wollongong it has been my practice to communicate with my entire electorate on significant occurrences and issues I am undertaking,” Ms Hay said.
“My valedictory speech has been sent to the electorate to continue the communication practice ensuring that all those who do not have access to a computer or have difficulty with technology do not miss out on reading their representative’s last speech to the NSW Parliament.”
The booklet was printed by Snap Wollongong using parliamentary entitlements.
It is not uncommon for MPs to produce information pamphlets for their constituents. Ms Hay regularly had a full-colour newsletter, titled “A strong voice for Wollongong”, delivered to homes.
Ms Hay’s commemorative booklet could be the foreword of a book, or three, on her political career.
“I think you have a book in you,” the Speaker, South Coast MP, Shelley Hancock said as she introduced the Wollongong MP’s valedictory speech in Parliament.
“A trilogy,” Ms Hay replied.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
