Dance for Daniel 2023

Representing the Premier, Minister Linard; representing the Prime Minister, Mr Graham Perrett; Minister Farmer; Minister Dutton; representing the Lord Mayor, Councillor Vicki Howard; Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll; the Morcombe Family and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Board; all other 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 tonight.

Graeme and I are pleased to join you this evening as we honour the very special legacy left by one young boy—Daniel Morcombe—which has forever changed the way we view child crime in this State and throughout Australia.

Tonight, resplendent in red, we come together, with Bruce and Denise, to keep Daniel’s memory alive—to remember the innocent child in the red t-shirt, who was simply waiting for a bus and never came home…

…And we also acknowledge the courageous efforts of his inspirational parents, who with their family and supporters, formed the Daniel Morcombe Foundation 18 years ago, and who have worked with incredible determination to see it grow and expand to the mighty force it is today.

This truly remarkable story speaks of the power of individuals to make a difference, and demonstrates how this effort is amplified by the support of others.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation is now one of the most well-known and well-regarded, not-for-profit child safety organisations in this country.

Through its extensive free information resources, and innovative programs, and alongside advocacy and events including Day for Daniel, the Foundation is building awareness to galvanize change—and most vitally, equipping our children with the practical information and tools they need to keep themselves safe.

The organisation remains true to its foundational vision—to ensure our youngest, most vulnerable citizens are protected, not just in the physical world, but also in the virtual one—now and into the future.

This takes immense energy, drive and passion, and, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I commend Bruce, Denise, their family, the Foundation team, and volunteers for the extraordinary impact they are having.

And I also thank all of you, who have dressed in Red Tie to be here tonight. Your involvement and generosity ensure that the Daniel Morcombe Foundation can continue to develop, and spread its valuable influence, so that hopefully no family will ever again suffer such a loss.

Tonight, as you remember Daniel, I encourage you to enjoy this special evening we are sharing, because it represents immense hope.

As Denise has said: “Collectively, let’s wipe away that tear and make a commitment to do all we possibly can to protect our children from predators.”

Let’s have a Dance for Daniel and work together to make that happen.

Thank you all for being here.