Afternoon Reception in support of Kidsafe Queensland

Minister, Shadow Ministers, Councillor, ladies and gentlemen,

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House. It is our great pleasure to host this reception in recognition of the vital, lifesaving work of Kidsafe Queensland.

It is with great fondness that I think back to that memorable day in July 2015 when Kaye and I participated in the reopening of your Herston home. That happy occasion gave me, as Governor and Patron of Kidsafe Queensland, and Kaye and me as grandparents, a chance to highlight your organisation’s impressive record of achievement, which began 39 years ago when you were established as the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia.

This record of achievement can be measured in the most profound way: by the number of precious, young lives saved, and in the groundswell of public awareness, most especially among parents, grandparents and caregivers, of the many things we can do to prevent the preventable. 

In helping Queensland families to make their homes, their cars, their backyards and community playgrounds safer and in aiding the protection of our youngest, most vulnerable citizens, you are making an invaluable contribution to society.

We are incredibly fortunate to have an organisation like Kidsafe in Queensland and I wholeheartedly commend you for your accomplishments. Well done indeed.

To today’s newly instated members of the Kidsafe Queensland board, to ambassadors, executives, staff members and supporters: Kaye and I would like to take the opportunity today to renew our compliments and again express our sincere gratitude for everything you have done and will continue to do. Your indomitable spirit and ongoing dedication to the wellbeing of the next generation of Queenslanders is tremendously appreciated.

Today also, I take great pleasure in welcoming to their new roles as Vice-Patrons of Kidsafe Queensland, Emeritus Professor John Pearn and Professor Roy Kimble, who bring with them a wealth of paediatric knowledge and a fierce resolve to ensure every young Queenslander in their formative years remains safe and well, and flourishing.

Kidsafe is fortunate to have you both on board, and Queensland families are fortune indeed to have Kidsafe by their side.

Thank you.