2025 General Sir John Monash Scholars Morning Tea

Representing the Minister for Education and the Arts, Deputy Director-General Schools and Student Support, Ms Stacie Hansel; General Sir John Monash Foundation CEO Mr Paul Ramadge and Members of the Board and Chairman’s Circle; staff and supporters; Education leaders; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

As Patron of the General Sir John Monash Foundation in Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the success of Queensland’s latest John Monash scholars.

This is the second occasion on which I have had the pleasure of hosting this morning tea.

As was the case in 2024, I am in awe of the achievements of this year’s scholars and of the potential that they represent, not just within their chosen field of endeavour, but for our nation, as leaders and change-makers.

One of the finest features of the John Monash Scholarships is their diversity, and it would be difficult to find two more diverse fields of study than those being pursued by this year’s scholars:

• a PhD in atomic and laser physics at the University of Oxford; and
• a Master of Science in sign language and deaf studies at the University College, London.

I congratulate Bernadette Dillon on her selection as the 2025 Queensland Government John Monash Scholar, and Max Foreman on being awarded an Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholarship, and I wish them both every success.

While you are based in the UK, I hope that you will take the opportunity to cross the Channel and visit the Sir John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux.

Last year, Graeme and I visited this marvellous centre which is designed to give visitors a better understanding of the experience of Australian soldiers on the Western Front in World War I.

The interactive installations tell individual soldiers’ stories through their letters, diaries and life-size images, making a direct connection to the battlefield where they fought and died.

It is an immensely moving experience that leaves a lasting impression, not only of the sacrifice made by Australian soldiers, but of the exceptional leadership of General Sir John Monash, and how fitting it is that this scholarship was created in his name 24 years ago – and why the focus of the scholarship is on service, leadership and community.

Monash led a brigade at Gallipoli and was noted for his brilliant command of the Australian Army Corps in France, but he also provided exceptional leadership and service in civilian life after the war, becoming the first General Manager of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Melbourne, as well as being one of the principal organisers of Anzac Day observances and a founding member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne.

He was a truly great contributor to Australian life and a fine example of lifelong leadership. As such, he serves as an exceptional role model for each of the 18 scholars selected Australia-wide to begin their studies in 2025, and for each of the total of 264 scholars who have now studied with the Foundation’s support, several of whom are with us today.

It is only through the generosity of governments, the corporate sector, the Australian Universities Consortium and private benefactors, especially the members of the Chairman’s Circle, that this unique program can continue, and, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank them for their continued investment in Australia’s future.

I also take this opportunity to thank the selection panel and Foundation staff for their diligence and integrity. Your commitment to excellence and to the spirit of the program has helped garner its international esteem.

I once again congratulate the 2025 scholars. I look forward to hearing much more of them and their contribution to Australian society when they return.