Tom Duncan has heard more debates in the ACT's Legislative Assembly than anyone in a span stretching back to self government's early days. But his enthusiasm for Parliament remains undiminished.
Where some might see a municipal theatre of the absurd, the retiring clerk's belief in parliamentary process has stood fast through more than 1300 sitting days.
"I am passionate about Parliament. I believe in the institution," Mr Duncan, who has been the Assembly's most senior official since 2003, said.
