Afternoon Reception in Support of International Engagement Stakeholders

Dean of the Consular Corps of Queensland, Ms Irina Bruk and members of the Consular Corps; representatives of Trade and Investment Queensland, the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; distinguished guests; ladies and gentleman.

I at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders.

Kaye and I warmly welcome you all to Government House this afternoon.

We recently had the great pleasure of hosting Queensland’s Export Awards finalists in this room.

Today, we are delighted to welcome another group of distinguished guests who have made outstanding contributions to Queensland’s international relations –

members of our Consular Corps, and senior representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Trade and Investment Queensland, and Protocol Queensland.

As we all know, international relationships sometimes ebb and flow.

Whatever the case, representatives on the ground remain vital to maintain communication, to tend to the welfare of visiting citizens, and to maintain productive links with multicultural communities.

And that is by no means an exhaustive list.

Regrettably, this year has been as challenging as last year for many of you, with international travel remaining limited and COVID-19 restrictions disrupting travel within Australia.

The lack of the usual flow of interstate and international visitors has not meant, however, that any of my guests tonight have found themselves with excess leisure time.

All it has done is present you with a different set of challenges.

I know from my contacts with the Consular Corps as Governor, and prior to that as Chief Justice, that our individual consular representatives meet those challenges with energy and commitment. 

And that DFAT, TIQ, and Protocol Queensland will continue to provide the kind of excellent and greatly appreciated support that I have been privileged to receive when on official travel overseas.

Last December, good fortune allowed the Consular Corps to celebrate the festive season together.

Good fortune has also given me this additional opportunity to welcome you at ‘my place’, just before my term as 26^th Governor concludes.

Queensland too has been fortunate – in this group of dedicated professionals who, though often working out of the spotlight, are certainly prominent in guiding our external relationships.

Whether helping a visiting national in difficulty, contributing to our foreign and trade policy, promoting Queensland trade and investment, or ensuring that the dignity of visiting VIPs is respected, you all make marvellous contributions to Queensland’s vital connections with the world.

Kaye and I sincerely thank you, first, for the wonderful support you have given to us and, more importantly, for the work you do in supporting the well-being of our State. 

We extend to you all an early wish for a happy festive season, and best wishes for 2022 and beyond.

Thank you.