Government House Investiture Ceremony B, May 2023

Representing the Premier, Member for Ipswich, Ms Jennifer Howard MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Glass House Mr Andrew Powell MP; Commander, Combat Support Group, Australian Air Force, Air Commodore David Paddison AM PSC; representing the Commander, 1st Division and Deployable Joint Force Headquarters of the Australian Army, Commander, 11^th Brigade, Brigadier Mark Armstrong; representing the Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Royal Australian Navy, Lieutenant Robert Platter; representing the Chair of the Order of Australia Association (Queensland Branch), Dr Dennis Young AM; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

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, and to any First Nations people here today.

I warmly welcome you to Government House this morning for this very special occasion in the Vice-Regal calendar.

Of the many duties I undertake as Governor of Queensland—including attending the recent Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla—hosting Investiture Ceremonies is one of the most important, and enjoyable aspects of my role.  

When I present my fellow Queenslanders with the honours and awards they have earned under our Australian Honours System, I have the honour of meeting individuals whose stories of service and commitment are truly inspiring. 

The stories we are hearing today are varied and diverse, and while many of this morning’s recipients are either members of the Australian Defence Force or involved in philanthropic work supporting military veterans, I know that for each of you, a sense of “duty” does not mean “obligation”.

Each of you are committed to going above and beyond to make a positive difference for others—whether you are helping to keep Australians safe and secure, improving our nation’s military capabilities and efficiencies, or building stronger connections in our communities in myriad ways.

You may be working in an aircraft hangar, or have seen active military service. You may have taught in classrooms, saved lives on our beaches, or been deeply involved with local charitable organisations that touch so many lives.

Yet, what connects you is innovative thinking, outstanding focus in the face of complexity, and an unquenchable drive to surpass the expected—all the while considering how your deeds will impact others.

You each recognise that working with, and for, other people builds greater strength and resilience—whether that is as part of a special operation, command unit or division, or from within a community-based support organisation, or sporting team.

This teamwork is the mark of true leadership, where attributes such as compassion and understanding are just as important as professionalism and drive…and where adjectives like proficiency, foresight and initiative demonstrate how prepared you are to always strive for betterment.

I know you will join with me in acknowledging the special people in your lives who have supported you in your endeavours, because this incredible encouragement has enabled you to develop your skills, and follow your passions.

The old proverb “actions speak louder than words” is one that applies to each of you—because you express your abilities through tangible, enduring efforts that will leave a lasting legacy to benefit others in the years to come.

Every Conspicuous Service Cross, Conspicuous Service Medal or Commendation for Distinguished Service—and every military or civilian Officer, Member or Medal of the Order reinforces the essential qualities that underpin the free and inclusive society we cherish.

These precious qualities require our ongoing protection, and by proudly wearing your medals and pins outside this Investiture Room, you will be demonstrating to others that it is possible for individuals to make a significant difference in pursuit of our nation’s ideals.

I commend and congratulate the recipients we honour today for their commitment and contribution to our State, and to Australia.

Now, I invite you all to enjoy the Government House hospitality, as we look forward to sharing more of your stories of exceptional achievement.