Morning Tea and Presentation of Medals for the 2014 Australian Mathematics Competition

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome to Government House this morning a group of young Australians whose results in the Australian Mathematics Competition have demonstrated their outstanding abilities in that field.

We warmly welcome also senior representatives of the Australian Mathematics Trust and Board, and of the Trust’s partner organisations.

It has been rightly said that mathematics is fundamental to our lives, not least because the power of maths lies behind engineering, science and modern technology.

To take a specific example – the GPS technology we take for granted would not be possible without the mathematics behind Einstein’s theories of relativity.  I am reliably advised that, if these extra calculations were not made, within a month you could be fishing out in Moreton Bay while your GPS claimed your boat was in the swimming pool here at Government House, forty kilometres away.  

Maths certainly matters.

I am not for a moment suggesting that mathematics is limited only to serving science and technology. For many of you, mathematics is in itself fascinating and exciting.    

Mathematicians are not alone in this. The famous composer Mozart was so entranced by mathematics that he scribbled equations on walls. Nor is it unusual for great mathematicians to speak of the “beauty” and “elegance” of equations and solutions.

Mozart and the romance of mathematics may seem a distant prospect to, say, a typical year nine student sitting through an algebra lesson. 

Fortunately, the Australian Mathematics Trust works tirelessly to promote positive attitudes among young people to the importance of maths in our lives and communities.

The Trust not only runs a prestigious international competition, but also supports educators who are passionate about mathematics. This has untold benefits, and can provide the necessary ‘hook’ to keep students engaged. Just last week, I was honoured to announce that Queensland’s next Rhodes Scholar is an up-and-coming mathematician, Mr Brody Foy, who is currently studying at the Queensland University of Technology; credit to him, and his maths teachers!

I heartily congratulate the 2014 Competition Winners on their achievements and I thank their supportive families and teachers. I look forward with pleasure to presenting the Competition Medals. 

But not before expressing my appreciation to the Australian Mathematics Trust, its many volunteers and its generous partners.  Together, they do wonderful work in encouraging future generations to take up the challenge and the joy of mathematics. Thank you.