India - Australia Day Celebrations

Representing the Premier, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction and Member for Burleigh, Mr Hermann Vorster MP; representing the Lord Mayor, Councillor Tracy Davis; State and Commonwealth Members of Parliament; Consul-General of India, Ms Neetu Bhaagotia; The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland President, Dr Preethi Suraj, Patron Dr Maha Sinnathamby AM and FICQ Committee Members; Mayors and Councillors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

I am delighted I was able to return in time from my official duties at the Australia Day Flag Raising ceremony in Townsville to be with you all this evening, and I feel very privileged to be able to share two national celebrations in one day.

I thank Dr Preethi Suraj for inviting me to be here and take this moment to acknowledge the immense contributions made by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, and its member organisations, to the fortunes of our state.

Today is a very special one for the Indian people, marking as it has—each year since 1950—the pivotal date in history, when the long journey to independence and the creation of a democratic republic was completed by the enactment of the Constitution of India.

As with Australia’s own national day, India’s Republic Day highlights the strength that comes from togetherness, which coupled with an enduring commitment to advancement, reinforces the immense value both of our countries place on freedom and peace.

Yet our successes and achievements also rely on the endeavours of remarkable individuals, those who are prepared to go above and beyond to improve the lives of others.

Today, the Australia Day Honours and Awards recipients were announced, with 2025 representing the 50th year that we—as a nation—have officially recognised the outstanding contributions of Australians.

In India, Republic Day brings with it the Gallantry and Padma Awards —applauding those who have served the country in diverse ways, and who have demonstrated exceptional capability, tenacity and courage.

By honouring our people through these public commendations, we are demonstrating that their efforts are worthy of wider celebration, because they are helping to build stronger, more caring nations, better placed to tackle the complexities of our contemporary world.

Around 100,000 people with Indian ancestry live here in Queensland, and the vitality and vibrancy brought to our state by the rich customs and traditions, and enterprising spirit of Indian people, are of tremendous benefit to all.

These connections have a much wider impact, as evidenced by the growing cultural and business ties between India and Australia, across a range of sectors.

Next month, my husband Graeme and I will travel to India, as part of a Queensland trade and investment delegation.

It will be our first visit there, and over a busy week, we will visit New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, meeting leaders in information technology, aerospace and business, and attending the Opening Ceremony of BioAsia 2025—which brings together world leaders in health care.

The trip will enable me to meet some of the incredible people involved in industries that will most certainly have a beneficial, transformative impact on the future. They each highlight the strength that comes from fusing traditions with groundbreaking thinking. I am positive the visit will be of tremendous value to both countries, as we continue to grow our state’s relationship with India.

In conclusion, it is with immense gratitude and pride that I wish you all an enjoyable Republic Day, a happy Australia Day, and a most fulfilling year ahead.

Dhanyavaad.