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27th Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM

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Afternoon Tea for Finalists of the 2024 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards

Assistant Minister for Treasury, Trade and Investment and Member for Ipswich, Ms Jennifer Howard MP; Trade and Investment Queensland Agent-General, Mr Ross Buchanan and CEO Mr Justin McGowan; finalists and supporters of the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards; 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 all First Nations people here this afternoon.

As Governor, it gives me immense pleasure to host this afternoon tea alongside my husband Graeme, for some of Queensland’s best and brightest business minds represented here as Finalists of the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, which are now in their 34th year.

Queensland has a booming export trade, estimated to be worth more than $136 billion dollars, so there is much to celebrate, and these awards are our state’s highest honour in this realm. They recognise businesses who are leading the way in all manner of export products and services for which the world has shown an interest, and indeed, a demand.

The range of export prowess in the room this afternoon across the 15 state award categories is truly amazing – from those involved in the Green Economy, to regional business acumen, to the fields of professional services, health and wellbeing, and everything in between.

And while your businesses are already enjoying the limelight on the world stage, the recognition these awards bestow will continue to propel you forward and expand your global reach.

Whilst we salute the finalists of the 2024 Export Awards, we also acknowledge the support provided by Trade and Investment Queensland who coordinate the awards program in Queensland, along with the sponsors and corporate partners.

Hosting the finalists and sponsors of these awards for afternoon tea here at Government House on the day before the gala ceremony has been an important tradition of the awards program for many years now.

While Graeme and I wish you all the best for tomorrow evening’s announcement of the winners and the coveted title of Queensland’s Exporter of the Year, certainly, in the eyes of all Queenslanders, you are already winners, and we are proud of your efforts.