Investiture Ceremony 14 May 2024, 10am

Representing the Commander 1^st Division of the Australian Army, Brigadier Giles Cornelia DSM CSM; Commander of the Royal Australian Air Force Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Robert Graham; Commanding Officer of the HMAS Moreton, Royal Australian Navy, Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa RAN; Deputy Chair of The Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Dr Michael Davis AM ASM; 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 so pleased you could join us this morning for this important occasion in the Vice-Regal calendar.

As Governor of Queensland, it is my duty—as our State’s representative of His Majesty, King Charles III—to present the Australian Awards and Honours to outstanding Queenslanders, but it is also one of my favourite parts of the role, so thank you all for making my job so enjoyable!

This morning, we have in this room a diverse group of individuals who are members of our country’s defence forces, or “civilians” working hard in our communities. You represent a wonderful cross-section of Queenslanders, and highlight the incredible range of skills, competence, and talents required to contribute to our society’s smooth function and overall wellbeing.

What unites you is the quest to go above and beyond expectations—to take additional steps, to strive for continual improvement, and to take risks and face challenges with fearless determination.

You are not concerned with your own personal gain, but are driven by a deep sense of integrity, to ensure that the effect on others in your fields and arenas, is beneficially positive.

For those serving in the Australian Defence Forces, your commitment to the essential goal of safeguarding Australians means you are prepared to risk your own lives to help others; and while your ranks, roles and responsibilities differ, the vital work you each do—here and overseas—has a significant impact on our military capabilities.

Your citations speak of notable expertise, and technical acumen, of innovative thinking and incisive leadership, and of the value you each place on building stronger relationships within the ADF and with external partners.

Whether you are helping at home, or overseas, your contributions promote greater efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring every aspect of our armed services is operating at the highest level.

I commend you for being exemplary role models and on your exceptional service to our State and Nation.

For others of you being recognised for your service to society, the sheer variety of stories behind your awards is proof that it takes the efforts of many to build the strength and vitality that communities need to thrive. 

Whether you are enhancing the skills of others, or encouraging greater connection through Clubs and Associations or the church, serving your fields with professionalism and commitment, or helping the vulnerable, you are each propelled by a desire to enrich the experiences of others.

This morning, we celebrate those who have contributed to business, to women and social welfare, to orienteering, education, the environment, to sport, and to dentistry. We honour those who have helped our young people, and those who have encouraged understanding; those who ensured others have the skills they need to find employment; and those who wear many hats, contributing to their community in diverse ways, with extraordinary generosity and a drive to give back.

At the heart of each citation today is the understanding that working with, and for others is what promotes cohesion and inclusion—places where people are kept informed, are empowered through guidance, and feel supported, are involved, and heard.

Every military or civilian Member or Medal of the Order and each Conspicuous Service Cross or Conspicuous Service Medal, represents the qualities we strive for as a nation, and so I encourage you to wear your honours with pride, as exemplars of Australians who are devoted to service that always delivers more.  

On behalf of all Queenslanders, my heartfelt congratulations to each of our recipients today. I look forward to discovering more about your achievements.