Dinner in support of The Queensland Cabinet, November 2024

Premier and Executive Councillors, good evening.

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

In welcoming you tonight, I also take the opportunity to extend my congratulations on your success in the recent election and on your appointment as Ministers and members of Executive Council. Even for battle-hardened veterans with many years of experience, the transition from Opposition to Government can never be described as easy, but I know from my conversations with the Premier that you are all committed to work – and work hard – for the people of Queensland, and I wish you well as you settle into your portfolios.

I feel a great deal of empathy for all of you in making this change because last Friday marked the third anniversary of my swearing-in. On that day in 2021, I left behind a long career in health administration to become Queensland’s 27^th Governor. It was humbling to follow in the footsteps of some truly exceptional women and men and to be given the privilege of serving the people of Queensland in this way.

I’m sure you all share that same sense of responsibility and public service and I am committed to enhancing that by strengthening my working relationship with you all.

One initiative I hope to introduce in support of that goal is to hold Executive Council meetings at here Government House once a month, followed by a working lunch with the two Ministers in attendance.

Tonight’s special dinner is another step towards building the open and supportive relationships that will enable us to realise our shared objective of creating a safer, healthier Queensland.

I have been particularly pleased to see Premier Crisafulli’s strong appetite for promoting a healthy and active state. At my swearing-in, I made a specific commitment to do just this. Not only do I support literally dozens of relevant organisations as Patron, but Graeme and I host regular bushland walks here on the Fernberg estate, and I am well on the way to realising my goal of visiting every public hospital in Queensland during my term.

Apart from upholding my central constitutional responsibilities and fulfilling the pledges I made at my Swearing-in, my mission is to serve and support Queenslanders wherever they live. As part of this, I undertake a busy schedule of regional visits. As many of you know, these activities are far from superficial ribbon-cutting exercises; they are a vital way for me to hear directly from Queenslanders and to be better informed about community concerns – a process that benefits us all.

Here in Brisbane our program of Open Days, tours, investitures and receptions brings thousands of people to Government House each year. These activities provide yet another rich learning opportunity and I look forward to seeing many of you at future receptions and other events as you pursue your commitment to the Premier’s goal of making a fresh start and governing with vision, drive, and humility.

Congratulations again on your election and appointment.