Australian Institute of Company Directors 2021 Queensland Gold Medal Award Dinner

Australian Institute of Company Directors Queensland Division President, Ms Anne Cross; Queensland State Manager, Mr John Devine; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are delighted to be with you for tonight’s AICD Gold Medal award dinner.

This annual event is an undoubted highlight of the AICD calendar.

Tonight also marks the culmination of another year of providing the advice, advocacy, education and resources which are so vital to strengthening corporate governance in our State.

For some 60 years, the Institute and its predecessor institutions have earned the respect and trust of the women and men who sit around Australia’s board tables.

Becoming that trusted voice of governance is due in no small part to the Institute’s commitment to being the best possible model of the policies and practices it develops and promotes.

The high regard in the community for the AICD is also due its rapid response to the needs of members.

When COVID-19 began its impact on our lives and livelihoods, the Institute quickly developed resources and practical strategies to help members survive the pandemic and, itself, pivoted seamlessly to on-line courses, webinars, and virtual meetings.

Similarly, it has produced useful resources on topics from climate change and aged care to authentic leadership and how to increase board diversity and advance Indigenous board membership.

This work has benefited all organisations, from small not-for-profit clubs and societies to major international corporations and, in the process, has greatly strengthened Australian society, our communities, and our people.

This is an outcome which is very closely aligned to my own goals, as Governor, and I thank the Institute for recognising the new world in which businesses now operate and for providing the guidance they need to recognise both the risks and the opportunities they will encounter.

Finally, I warmly congratulate the Council, Divisional staff, and the organising committee on bringing this glittering event to fruition so brilliantly, and thank the sponsors for their generous support.

I am looking forward to the announcement of the 2021 Gold Medal winner and to congratulating the awardee on behalf of all Queenslanders. Thank you.