Honours and Awards within the Australian Honours System: Investiture Ceremony C

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.

It is with great pleasure that Kaye and I warmly welcome you to your Government House for today’s Investiture Ceremony.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present – with encouragement to their young emerging leaders. 

This week, it is my privilege to welcome a diverse assembly of Queenslanders to Government House as we celebrate the achievements of our community and recognise those who have received Australian Honours and Awards.

May I begin by congratulating all of our recipients and commend you for your achievements in receiving this recognition. 

I also warmly acknowledge and pay respects to those who are with you for today’s ceremony: your family and friends, supporters and champions. Thank you for your support of today’s recipients. The encouragement of family and friends is instrumental in the success of our brightest citizens. 

For that is what we are celebrating here today, and indeed throughout the week: our brightest citizens. Those whose work serves as beacon to the community for what can be achieved. 

Many of today’s recipients are from the Australian Defence Forces and receiving honours in the Military Division of the Australian Honours and Awards system. 

It is inspiring to read the commendations and to reflect on the breadth of our military personnel. Perhaps at first glance, we associate words like bravery and strength with the military. And indeed, the many actions of our Defence Forces demonstrate those sentiments. But so too should we consider words such as innovation, creativity and leadership as integral to the duties of our military personnel. Indeed, we can all be encouraged to look beyond what is happening now, to how things could work in the future.

We are fortunate in Australia to live in a time of relative peace with theatres of war not directly on our doorstep, but we are reminded that our Defence Forces continue to serve, to innovate, to build their skills and legacy. 

Even at home, our dedicated military personnel have been called on when natural disasters strike, as they unfortunately have in parts of Queensland in recent months. We are all fortunate, and grateful, for the professionalism with which our Defence Forces can be activated to respond to such calamity.

I pause here to pay special mention to the family of the late Private Arthur Ford who was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry today. His capture and execution during World War 2 is a reminder of the human cost of warfare.

Today also we recognise those who have dedicated themselves to supporting veterans and their families. Military service affects more than the person serving, it has an impact across a network of connected people, most notably the families of those who have chosen to serve.

Of particular note are the many different communities in which those dedicated to veterans and their families are instrumental in providing services and support. You are providing vital support and on behalf of the people of Queensland, I extend our gratitude to you for all that you do. 

We also have among us doctors and medical professionals who serve both in the army and in our community. Your advancements in healthcare give us cause for hope and a vision for a future in which medical innovations can contribute to the overall wellbeing of our community.

Indeed, all of our recipients here today remind us to be hopeful. I referred to you as a beacon in the community. My hope is that these Awards and Honours you have received today are very much beacons. When you wear yours, may it remind you of your honourable contribution and also shine brightly for those around you inspiring others to strive for excellence. 

In conclusion, I invite you to enjoy the hospitality of Government House and encourage you to talk to your fellow recipients as you celebrate your collective achievements. 

Thank you.