Ceremony E - Australian Honours & Awards Investiture Ceremony

Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Lockyer, Mr James McDonald MP; Commissioner Public Sector, Mr David Mackie; Corrective Services Queensland Commissioner Paul Stewart APM; Representing the Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Rescue Services, Assistant Commissioner David Hermann AFSM; Representing Commissioner, Queensland Ambulance Service, Mr Stephen Zsombok ASM; Representing the Chair of The Order of Australia, Queensland Branch, Mr Graham Hyde OAM; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

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 today.

I am so delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, to honour the outstanding efforts of a group of very special people.

As Governor, and the representative of His Majesty, King Charles III in this State, it is my duty, but also my great pleasure, to preside over the bi-annual Investiture Ceremonies, which highlight, acknowledge and commend the outstanding contributions being made by Australian citizens that strengthen and enhance our whole society.

Today, we have in the Investiture Room individuals who, over many years of service, have demonstrated not only incredible dedication to their roles and responsibilities, but have been deeply inspirational to others through their unwavering enthusiasm and passion.

Those receiving Public Service Medals have proven a steadfast loyalty to the systems and processes of our government, which are fundamental to the success of our democracy. You have each demonstrated remarkable leadership—often during times of crisis—and a selfless determination to always innovate and improve.

Such initiatives have had an immense, even transformational impact, and these benefits will have a lasting positive influence on the people of Queensland into the future.

Those of you receiving Australian Fire Service or Ambulance Services Medals today, have demonstrated a level of commitment that requires a unique blend of courage and resourcefulness—a willingness to put your own lives at risk to help others, as you face confronting and challenging situations with expertise, or work diligently to enhance the processes that make our approach to emergencies more effective. You are our State’s everyday heroes.

To our recipient of the Australian Corrections Medal – you are an exemplar for ensuring our prison system operates smoothly, with integrity at its core. The exceptional work you are doing in such a complex and challenging environment is elevating the reputation of Corrective Services in our State, as well as helping our community feel protected.

And, of course, our OAM recipient with us today, is proof that an individual who is passionate about their local community, can make a genuine difference to the lives of many, by being actively involved, and showing a willingness to take on a range of hands-on roles.

While the areas and requirements of your work differ, there are some striking qualities you have in common.

These are:

• That outstanding vision, along with the courage to tackle challenges head-on leads to positive change;
• That being exceptional mentors or trainers who are passionate about sharing mastery and wisdom is crucial to shaping our next generation of leaders;
• And that being prepared to go above and beyond in service to the public or to community is the hallmark of people who are compelled to make a lasting difference.

Most significantly, you understand that everything you do is motivated by concern for others—and the relationships you have fostered and nurtured throughout your working lives—within your teams, with stakeholders or partners, and within the community itself—are vital for the success and wellbeing of all.

Today, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I commend each of you for the many ways you have served people in this state, and our country, with an effect that is, in many cases, also felt much further afield.

You should be incredibly proud of all you have achieved, as I am inspired by the intelligence, capabilities and commitment of each of you.

Please continue to wear your medals after you leave here today, because as outstanding role models, your influence will encourage those around you.  Thank you once again, for your dedicated service.