Farewell Maria and Thank You!
Since July 2007 to May 2010, Maria Silos has been my Parliamentary Advisor. A highly intelligent and well-credentialed graduate, Maria endeared herself to all who came to know her. Maria is one of the most competent and pleasant people with whom I have ever worked. I have great appreciation for her skills and her personality.
Maria is a bright and enthusiastic young woman. Her academic achievements and her subsequent research for me would place her in the top level of intellects. In nearly three years I have never found her judgments wanting or her conclusions wrong.
In this role she was expected to offer high-level strategic policy advice on legislation. She was expected to research, analyse, and evaluate issues pertaining to Government legislation and policy issues; liaise with Ministerial and Departmental staff on legislative and policy issues; develop and work the enactment of private members’ bills through dialogue with stakeholders, and Parliamentary Counsel; provide knowledge on the operations of Parliament and Government as well as knowledge and awareness of significant legislation and policy issues; research and writing Parliamentary Questions to Ministers; research and writing Second Reading Speeches; research and writing Adjournment speeches; be responsible for planning, designing, executing and monitoring and evaluating the impact of communication strategies and activities; writing and overseeing the preparation, production and dissemination of media and public affairs information materials such as media releases, brochures, web content, electronic newsletter, briefing notes.
Because ours is a very busy office Maria was required to digest and assess large volumes of complex information within a high-pressure environment often with strict deadlines and minimal supervision. She coped with these situations extremely well. She related well to other staff and those who worked in Parliament House.
As with important Government positions, I had need of a person to organize a number of regular and special functions, dinners, monthly constituents’ meetings and conferences which involved hundreds of community leaders and decision makers. These were organized without fuss or error.
As a step along her career path in the diplomatic service, Maria has applied for and gained appointment as an Economic Analyst within the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Canberra where she will now live. She will also be travelling to Dubai frequently. She leaves Family First and my Parliamentary office with our deepest appreciation and good wishes. I will continue to take an interest in her chosen career path. She is a woman of truthfulness and integrity, who is trustworthy and responsible.
We say “Goodbye” with genuine appreciation and best wishes.