Government House Investiture Ceremony C, May 2023

Representing the Premier, Member for Stafford, Mr Jimmy Sullivan MP; representing the Queensland Police Service Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy; Queensland President of the Australian Bravery Association, Dr Sally Gregory; representing the Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Dr Mick Davis AM ASM; 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 am delighted to welcome you all to Government House this afternoon for this uplifting and inspiring investiture ceremony. While this event may be a little more modest than the recent Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla that I was fortunate to attend, Investitures are among the events I look forward to the most.

Today’s ceremony is significant for all Queenslanders and all Australians, because it enables us to publicly celebrate the incredible efforts of individuals whose achievements are helping to create a more connected, safer, smarter, productive, and happier state and nation.

It is therefore both a pleasure and a privilege to be able to personally congratulate the outstanding women and men who have been recognised through our unique awards system, which relies on nomination by peers and colleagues.

This afternoon, we celebrate the achievements of members of the Queensland Police Service, as well as those of civilians.  

 At first, it might seem that these are two very different categories, but the actions and efforts highlighted in your citations reveal an essential similarity between you—an altruistic drive to serve others.

 You have each faced your own complex challenges, whether overseas or at home—but in the face of difficulties—the most extreme of which have been life-threatening—you have demonstrated the style of leadership that has earned you our deepest respect and gratitude.

 Whether you are helping vulnerable people in our communities, using research to generate enhanced outcomes for industry, forging stronger business connections, or developing and promoting our arts industry, your actions are helping to build a safer and more enriched society, with the wellbeing of all at its heart.

 Those members of the Queensland Police Service who are receiving awards today exemplify what true “service to community” requires.

 Whether our State is coping with the threat of a new and deadly virus, dealing with critical life-threatening events, or the ongoing devastation of domestic and family violence, it is so reassuring to know that you are each there, with your unique sets of skills and expertise—helping to enhance our systems and responses, and providing deep wisdom through experience, to ensure Queenslanders are safe and can live in harmony.

 For those receiving bravery awards, I must say that I am astounded by your immense courage, and your willingness to put yourselves in danger to assist others. You should be incredibly proud of the way you have demonstrated such extraordinary composure and inventiveness despite adversity—in fact, qualities that align with how we strive to view ourselves as a nation.

 And for those civilians receiving Honours today, it is clear to me from your notable achievements that you give as much of yourselves as is humanly possible—that you share your knowledge, and guide others with remarkable generosity—ensuring that our State will continue to benefit from your impressive contributions well into the future. 

 In your own ways you are each innovators, showing great versatility and adaptability, and harnessing the tremendous energy and enthusiasm required to keep pushing forward, regardless of obstacles.

I congratulate everyone who has received an award today and, as Governor, I thank you, on behalf of all Queenslanders, for your contributions to advancing your professions, your communities, and the State we call home.

Your medals recognise and celebrate this contribution—for making such a positive difference by serving others—and I hope you will continue to wear them with pride.

Now, please enjoy our famous Government House hospitality!