2022 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Afternoon Tea

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; Assistant Minister for Treasury, Mrs Charis Mullen MP; Trade and Investment Queensland Board Members and Acting CEO, Mr Richard Watson; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands of Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I extend that respect to any First Nations people here today.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you here this afternoon to celebrate the achievements of our State’s top exporters.

It has no doubt been a nervous, 11-week wait for you all since July when the Premier and the Treasurer announced the 2022 finalists of the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, and we wish you all well for the exciting Awards Gala at the Royal International Convention Centre tomorrow night.

The growth of these awards over the past 32 years has been quite remarkable and is a great example of just how much Queensland has grown in that time.

Today, to have 34 finalists across all 13 national award categories reflects not only the strength and competitiveness of our export industry in this State, but the diversity of ideas and the spirit of innovation that are the hallmarks of Queensland enterprise.

The 15 judges of this year’s awards had no easy task to select the finalists and I thank them for the role they have played in ensuring that Queensland has the best possible representation at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra later this year.

I also thank the Board and senior staff of Trade and Investment Queensland and the Commissioners who are helping to ensure that our companies have the skills, connections and market intelligence to be able to access overseas markets and develop their potential to rank among the nation’s most outstanding exporters.

This afternoon tea also gives me the opportunity to thank the partners who support this program. It is through their generous backing that Queensland companies can pursue their global ambitions and unlock exciting future opportunities.

Finally, to the finalists…

As Governor, I am privileged to speak for all Queenslanders and, on their behalf, I congratulate each of you and wish you future success. I look forward to hearing that more Queenslanders have joined the total of the astounding 744 businesses that have won Australian Export Awards since 1963.  

Thank you, and please enjoy the warm hospitality of Government House.