Investiture Ceremony 13 May 2024, 2pm

Representing the Premier, Minister for Police and Community Safety, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP; Representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan MP; President of the Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mrs Ronda Nix OAM; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

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

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all to Government House for this afternoon’s very special event—as I present Australian Honours and Awards to a group of outstanding and inspiring people.

Investiture ceremonies are tremendously uplifting occasions, because they signify a level of achievement that has significant benefits for the wider community, and carry a powerful positive message of commitment and dedication that permeates deeply into our society.

They are, after all, the highest level of commendation our country can bestow, and, with this important recognition of your efforts, you should be very proud of all you have achieved.

It is clear from your citations, that you are each thinkers and doers—prepared to roll up your sleeves, and put in the hard work required to see initiatives become reality.

Many of the industrious awardees here today, are contributing to the broad field of health—through diverse areas encompassing biological science, chemistry, medicine, behavioural sciences, allied health, pathology and research.

As experts in your fields, your roles have taken you to places near and far—within our own state, and overseas—as your incredibly rich careers have made you thought-leaders, whose opinions, knowledge and passion for industry advancement, are highly regarded by your peers, here and globally. 

Alongside exceptional service in your specific fields, your efforts have been amplified by your contributions to our tertiary institutions—through research, or by imparting wisdom to the next generation through lecturing—or as valued advisors to industry and government, in your activities with professional affiliations, or through your published works.

As a fellow medical professional—and one who remains fiercely supportive of driving better health and wellbeing outcomes for all Queenslanders—I am so very proud to see these endeavours being rewarded today.  I know that your contributions will have a lasting, life-enhancing impact into the future.

This afternoon, as well as those from the medical, health, and science fields, we have with us remarkable individuals whose activities and actions reach deeply into our communities, encouraging greater vitality, involvement and inclusion for all.

Again, your areas of focus differ—we have awards recipients working in service to conservation and the environment, to people with disabilities, our democratic system, our young people, the building and construction industry, sport, education, the performing arts, and to the places you call home.

Different though you may be, you share a motivation to advance the lives of others, often through voluntary activities that take unpaid time and energy—that you willingly give—because you care so deeply about those you are helping.

As leaders and advocates, you are ensuring that significant and innovative ideas are not only considered, but also executed, in tangible and transformative ways.

Regardless of what accomplishments have brought you here today, your efforts touch many lives, as the improvements and enhancements you are making drive change towards a more understanding and accepting society.

You are united by a selfless allegiance to make our State, country and world a better place.

The legacy you are building today will strengthen us for years to come.

I therefore encourage you to wear your medals and decorations with pride, as they symbolise the power of the individual to make a valuable difference.

On behalf of our Head of State, His Majesty King Charles III, and indeed, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I again congratulate you on your achievements with my sincerest admiration and gratitude.

Please enjoy this special occasion.