Dinner in support of the Queensland Cabinet

Premier and Executive Councillors, and my Official Secretary, Ms Yolande Yorke, 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.

Graeme and I are so pleased you could all join us at Government House this evening, particularly as there are so many demands on your time.

Tonight’s special dinner is an important way of acknowledging the commitment you are making each and every day to the principles, values and objectives of our democratic system. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your very important role as Executive Councillors, advising me on the exercise of the powers of the Governor in Council.

As elected representatives of the Queensland people and members of the Cabinet, you are responsible for leading our State, and for shaping the initiatives that contribute both to the progress and to the wellbeing of our diverse communities.

Collectively, you are making the important decisions and setting the priorities that will have a lasting impact on our State’s fortunes, and this is no small task.

When Queensland’s Parliament was formed in 1860, the population was small—fewer than 24,000 non-Indigenous people, and Lady Bowen was the first, and at that time only, Greek woman in the colony.

Today, we have well over 5 million people, and multiculturalism and diversity are not only celebrated, but are integral to our dynamism and vitality.

With complexities, challenges and obstacles an expected part of the job description, your responsibilities are great. Amongst many other qualities, your roles require innovation, tenacity and a good dose of courage.

The pledge you made when you were sworn in as Premier, Deputy Premier, or Ministers of the State is one that requires fearless determination.

It is an immense honour to serve the people of Queensland and, like me, I know you are tremendously proud of the people and places that make this State so vibrant and successful.

Our dinner tonight—created by our talented Head Chef, Paul Newsham—features Queensland’s own fresh produce, sourced from across our State, from North Queensland to the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

This meal is symbolic of the amazing wealth of opportunity we are fortunate to have here.

We have so much to look forward to, as the renowned resilience and ingenuity of Queenslanders continue to forge new paths for industry and enterprise, supported by a democratic system that always strives towards the “peace, welfare and good government” laid out in the Letters Patent that endorsed the creation of Queensland.

Thank you, on behalf of all Queenslanders, for your dedicated service to the principles and conventions of Cabinet—which so highly values consultation, rigorous analysis and the influence of different perspectives—and for your devoted resolve to improving all aspects of life in our State.