Reception for Queensland Police Commissioned Officers’ Mess Members

As The Queen’s representative here in Queensland, with Kaye, I take great pleasure in welcoming to Government House tonight many of the distinguished men and women of the Queensland Police Commissioned Officers’ Mess who have sworn to keep Her Majesty’s peace.

There is in my experience great benefit to be found in the collegiality afforded by organisations like the Mess.

They encourage mutual support, thereby personal and professional development, and provide beneficial opportunities to let off a bit of steam!  

The latter I expect is particularly important for members of our Police Service, who, for obvious reasons, rely heavily on their peers, especially so, I should imagine, in light of the current testing world climate. 

The supervening purpose of tonight’s reception is really one of acknowledging service, and we do so on many fronts.

First, we acknowledge the very public service of all our current Queensland Police Service members – commissioned and, though not represented tonight, non-commissioned, and the able administration which supports you, for faithfully and diligently discharging your respective duties.

Second, we acknowledge our Commissioned officers who, with distinction, have ably risen to the challenge of promoting the public good, and through their conspicuous leadership support a robust administration of considerable integrity.

And you do so much for our State, maintaining public order and otherwise! The exemplarily executed G20 immediately comes to mind.

Third, Kaye and I, in a central way, acknowledge the support afforded to this office by the QPS over the past two years, the extent of which is truly breathtaking: from being briefed by the Water Police en route to Hervey Bay from Fraser Island; to being escorted by ceremonial Mounted and Motorcycle units (including last Friday to the Ekka); to Police Aides-de-Camp support for the vice-regal program (including, if I may, by our current Honorary contingent, and who are here tonight, Senior Sergeant John Hodge and Senior Sergeant Melissa Anderson).

And on Ekka matters, it is a source of considerable pride that I was named “VVIP of the Day” in the QPS Brisbane Central mypolice blog post on Tuesday, out-VVIP-ing a Senior Sergeant by the name of “Chook” Maxwell, having both been spotted at the Ekka on Tuesday!

Returning to task, Kaye’s and my gratitude extends also to the close personal protection provided by the QPS, especially, alongside the AFP, during periods of my being Administrator of the Commonwealth (as is currently the case).

And not yet falling into the category of ‘protection’ – and I say ‘yet’ with abundant optimism, there is our much loved Gavel.

Finally, tonight Kaye and I also acknowledge the heavy burden your service places upon your families, and we are delighted so many of your partners and supporters could join us tonight.

Thank you, it is once again our great pleasure to welcome you to Fernberg for tonight’s memorable occasion, as we express our sincere gratitude and encouragement to you all.