Official visit to Kelvin Grove State College

Executive Principal, Mr Paulger; students, staff and supporters of Kelvin Grove State College.

I at once acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, with respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Kaye and I are delighted to join you all this morning.

We are neighbours, really, Kelvin Grove and Paddington.

I am proud to see the Governor’s Standard flying here today, and it was wonderful to learn more about the building projects which will become tremendous assets for your campus for many years to come.

As Governor of Queensland, I have had the pleasure of visiting more than 60 schools since 2014, most recently Morayfield State School in Moreton Bay.

One of the questions I am often asked is: what do you actually do as Governor?

The short answer is – a great many things!

The role has been in place since 1859, when the colony of Queensland separated from New South Wales.

It is even older than the nation of Australia, which as you know commenced in 1901 with the federation of the States – previously the colonies.

I have the honour of being the 26th Governor of Queensland and representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queensland’s Head of State.

A large part of what I do is to ensure the Government of Queensland runs smoothly – I summon Parliament, and also dissolve it, which is a technical way of saying I bring Parliament to a close before an election.

I also grant Royal Assent to Bills passed by the Parliament, the last step in the long process of making a new law.

That is all part of my constitutional role.

I also have an important ceremonial role, where I represent Her Majesty The Queen at significant events such as ANZAC Day commemorations.

I also have the honour of presenting awards at Government House to exceptional Queenslanders who have done exceptional things.

Which brings me to the third pillar of my responsibilities as your Governor, the role I play in community engagements.

Almost every day I have the pleasure and privilege of meeting inspiring Queenslanders from across the State.

Regularly Kaye and I host receptions for outstanding community members at Government House; other times I travel to communities across rural, regional and remote Queensland.

So far this year, alongside many commitments in Brisbane, I have made official visits to Mackay, Bundaberg, Hughenden, Richmond and Julia Creek in North-West Queensland, two visits each to Townsville and the Gold Coast, and only yesterday to the Moreton Bay region.

As you can see, my role is most varied, and always interesting.

Indeed, I am humbled and inspired by the achievements of my fellow Queenslanders.

My hope is you will find equal fulfilment in your lives.

Work hard at school and enjoy your time here – it is the springboard to your future.

We are here today in part because we really do appreciate every year welcoming your champion tennis players to practice on the heritage grass court at Government House.

Please keep coming – and please keep winning!

Thank you for your hospitality today, I wish you all the very best – neighbours – for the rest of 2019.