Dinner in Support of the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists

Chair of the Forum of Australian Chief Scientists, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM and members; distinguished guests, welcome.

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.

Graeme and I are delighted you could join us for dinner on the eve of tomorrow’s Forum of Australian Chief Scientists, and we particularly welcome those who have travelled from interstate or across the Tasman to be here.

I know that everyone at this table is deeply passionate about how science—in all its forms— has the power to enhance every aspect of life, benefitting all of us, and the health of the planet itself.

What unites you, regardless of your fields, is the desire to make a tangible and lasting difference, to use science, research and innovation—applied with immense knowledge and expertise—to tackle the critical challenges we face.

There is no doubt that the role of Chief Scientist is incredibly demanding, as those of you with this responsibility lead our states, territories, and nation’s science strategies; work to build the cross-sector partnerships required to further vital research and discoveries; and promote the fundamental and comprehensive importance of science to us all.

At the same time, it is so vital we ensure that the brilliant minds in our schools, universities and laboratories are given the chance to develop, and so the emphasis being placed on education—in our places of learning and in the wider community—is also extremely encouraging.

Many of you have roles within our country’s tertiary institutions, and I thank you for bringing your incredible insight and experience to the next generation of scientists.

This Forum is tremendously valuable, because it highlights the merit of collaboration, and the fact that science thrives best with the involvement and influence of multiple sectors and disciplines.

I know from my career in medicine that a combination of perspectives, backgrounds and fields brings a valuable richness to our understanding, and ensures the successful implementation of initiatives.

As a doctor and as Governor of this State, I echo the comments Dr Foley recently made at the Science Meets Parliament Gala Dinner—“the reason the whole of Australia needs to care about, learn about and invest in science, is that it allows us to create a better nation and to look after each other in new ways”.

I thank each of you for making our country not just smarter, but much more considerate and compassionate.

Graeme and I wish you a very successful and fruitful Forum.