Dinner in support of Queensland's University Chancellors

Chancellors and your partners and guests; Director-General of the Department of Education, Mr Michael De'Ath, good evening.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Welcome all. Graeme and I are so pleased you could join us this evening.

While I have been privileged to meet many of you on previous occasions (notably at some of your installation ceremonies) tonight’s special dinner gives me the opportunity to thank each of you—as leaders of your respective universities—for overseeing institutions that contribute so vitally to our State’s, and our country’s, fortunes.

In 1906, before the University of Queensland was established, the then Governor, Lord Chelmsford remarked that a university is “one of the essential institutions of statehood”.

I am so proud that our state now boasts so many of these “essential institutions” that deliver outstanding education and ground-breaking research, and foster the talents and capabilities of people from all backgrounds and localities.

Of course, much has changed since those earliest days—when Lord Chelmsford spoke about training “men who would deal with the great problems which the country had set before her”.

Recently, and wonderfully, Professor Ngiare Brown was sworn in, not only as JCU’s first female Chancellor, but also the first Indigenous person to be appointed Chancellor of a University in our state.

And now, more than ever, our universities are providing greater accessibility and opportunities for all, through a growing range of course offerings, multiple campus locations, innovative learning and much more.

Collaborations with industry, business and the community are also building stronger connections, not just by enhancing employment outcomes for students, but also by promoting a more cohesive, and therefore, more productive State.

I am so proud that Queensland has earned a first-class global reputation in the tertiary sector, with graduates making a positive difference here, and in countries across the world.

Of course, achieving such outcomes takes both tremendous effort and remarkable leadership, particularly in recent years, with the additional challenges brought by COVID, and with the lightening speed of change.

Your job requires immense knowledge, integrity and vision, and also incredible courage—being able to tackle difficulties and keep our tertiary institutions responsive, and in touch with current needs.

And, while each of your universities may differ in approach and focus, I know you are all striving to do the best for the people you educate, your staff, for our State, and for the global community.

Thank you for your exceptional service, and we hope you enjoy tonight’s dinner, featuring Queensland’s beautiful fresh produce.