Installation Ceremony for the 6th Chancellor of Griffith University

Deputy Premier of Queensland, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure, the Honourable Dr Steven Miles MP; Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; the 22^nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Former Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Anna Bligh AC; Federal Treasurer and Member for Rankin, the Honourable Dr Jim Chalmers MP; Members of Parliament and Senators; Griffith University Chancellor, the Honourable Andrew Fraser and his wife, Ms Therese O'Reilly; Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans; Former Griffith University Chancellor, Mr Henry Smerdon AM; Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors of other Queensland Universities; members of the Griffith University community; Graduands and their families and friends; and other distinguished guests.

Thank you, Aunty Kerry and Uncle Ted, for your Welcome to Country. I would also like to acknowledge the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging, including all First Nations people here today.

I thank Vice-Chancellor Evans for her invitation to be present today.  It is a great honour to participate in this significant occasion in the life of Griffith University.

As Governor, I would first like to take a moment to proudly reflect upon the University’s Vice-Regal connections.

In 1992, The Honourable Leneen Forde became Queensland’s 22nd, and first female, Governor, and in the year 2000, she went on to become Griffith University’s first female Chancellor. Her contribution to this university and to our State has been tremendous, and we remain indebted to Leneen for her life-changing work.

Griffith University is one of Australia’s outstanding educational institutions.

Since its inception in 1975, the University has had the foresight to put social and environmental issues at the heart of its teaching, learning and research. Today, Griffith University is a highly ranked global institution, helping to address the many urgent challenges facing our nation, our neighbours and the world beyond.

Creating a first-class university requires exceptional guidance and vision, and I wholeheartedly commend the individual contributions of all five previous Chancellors.

I pay particular homage to outgoing Chancellor Mr Henry Smerdon AM for his many years of outstanding service, dedication and commitment to Griffith University, and its many notable achievements under his stewardship.

I also acknowledge the brilliant team leaders, researchers and teaching staff, both past and present.  Your dedication and hard work in pursuit of the principles of excellence, ethics and engagement has shaped the Griffith University we see today.

The position of Chancellor is a great privilege, and the visual display and solemnity of the installation and robing ceremony, reflects the enormous responsibility of the job.

Your new Chancellor, The Honourable Andrew Fraser, was unanimously elected to the role by the University Council. This is not surprising.

He brings to this position his experience as a lawyer, politician, board member and family-man. The value of his experiences only enhanced by his steadfast commitment to providing quality education as a means to transform lives.

I am confident Griffith University will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership.

However, what makes Andrew’s appointment unique, is the fact that he is one of ‘yours’.  Graduating from the University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce, First Class Honours and a University Medal, Andrew can truly say he believes in the power of a Griffith University education.

Chancellor, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate you on your installation and I wish you every success. Thank you.