Reception for the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland awards and scholarships

Current members of the Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland Branch Council; Past President; ladies and gentlemen.

Kaye and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon for the presentation of the 2018 Australian Institute of International Affairs Queensland awards and scholarships.

As Governor and Patron of the Institute in Queensland, it is a pleasure to be your host.

As some of you may already know, Government House – Fernberg –   has international origins, with its construction commissioned by former diplomat Johann Christian Heussler.

It became the Vice-Regal residence in 1910, and since then Government House has played host to a steady stream of visitors, people from all walks of life visiting Queensland from all corners of the globe.

Not only our own State of Queensland, of course, but Australia as a whole has long been part of a globalising world.

A diverse, welcoming and caring country, Australia’s population has surpassed the 25 million mark, with Queensland now home to more than five million people.

A rising population brings with it the redefinition, reshaping and realignment of our international image – a theme at the very heart of the Institute.

With this change, and indeed with reimagined ideas of what it means to be an Australian in modern society, comes the need for robust and informed debate, as well as measured and thoughtful advice from experts like you.

I am – and I believe I speak on behalf of all Queenslanders – deeply impressed by the marvellous contributions you have made to both our State and our nation over the years.

For nearly a century, the Australian Institute of International Affairs has informed, enlightened and educated us.

In doing so, you have helped us make sense, and make the most of, our place in the global community.

Today’s awards acknowledge your outstanding accomplishments in international relations and provide scholarships that encourage the study of international relations by younger people.

I would like to congratulate you on your achievements, and express my sincere gratitude for the good work you have done, and which I am sure you will continue to do.

I now look forward to joining Queensland Branch President, Ms Amelia Shaw, for the presentation of the awards and scholarships.

Thank you.