- It was a first visit for many, and they were impressed with the surroundings; surveyed the 'gallery' of prominent women parliamentarians with interest (but confessed the only one they recognised was former Premier Carmen Lawrence.) and eyed the Aboriginal art in the same area too. Matthew hosted one table and was heard to offer to drive wheels’ bus when he retires! The other table was hosted by Upper House MP Lorna Harper and Karen Beale, Mundaring Councillor, member of Matthew’s staff and at this stage heir elect to Matthew as Labor’s candidate in the Kalamunda electorate. Everyone enjoyed their lunch and the choice available satisfied even the fussiest of eaters; appreciated too were the efficient staff and silver service, not an everyday experience for us. We had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of democracy at work from the Speaker’s Lounge for the Parliamentary ritual of Question Time.
