Investiture Ceremony 14 May 2024, 2pm

Representing the Queensland Police Service Commissioner, Acting Deputy Commissioner Christopher Stream; representing the Chair of The Order of Australia Association, Mr Darryl Seccombe OAM; Queensland President of the Australian Bravery Association, Dr Sally Gregory; 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.

I welcome you all most warmly to Government House this afternoon, for this very special Investiture Ceremony.

It is important we formally honour the incredible efforts of the individuals receiving awards today, because each one of you has contributed so significantly to making our State and nation safer, healthier, and more vibrant.

Shining a light on your achievements is not only highly inspirational for others, but also enables peers, colleagues and all of us, to express our deepest gratitude for your dedication and service—which is, of course, the wonderful objective of our country’s unique awards system.

At this point, I would like to make special mention of two awards recipients who have sadly passed away, but who are represented here by their spouses.

The Late Mrs Dorothy Ann Robert worked tirelessly to ensure women across the State were given access to quality mammography services; while the Late Mr David Patrick Robson devoted his energy, within the RAAF and as a civilian, to the field of aviation.  I thank their families for being with us today.

This afternoon, we pay tribute to the outstanding efforts of individuals in our State’s police service, alongside those of civilians, and while the reasons for receiving your awards differ greatly, you are all driven by a profound quest to help others.

At its most extreme, this means putting your own life at risk to save another, but it also includes harnessing the power of research to improve health outcomes through medicine, dentistry or indigenous health, furthering our scientific and exploration capabilities, innovating to protect the vulnerable, and working within our communities to enhance equity and opportunity whether through Surf Life Saving, Child Protection or Philanthropy.

The members of the Queensland Police Service who are receiving awards have each dedicated their professional lives to ensuring our society is safer and more inclusive. Regardless of your ranks and roles, you approach the challenges you face—each and every day—with enthusiasm and passion.

You are committed to advancing our State’s law enforcement capabilities through innovation, by developing stronger relationships and partnerships both within and outside the force, and demonstrating outstanding leadership as you guide, mentor and educate others.

Whether you are dealing with organised crime, child protection issues, domestic violence, or responding to a natural disaster, or pandemic response, you are each determined to enhance the way our police force operates and to improve the lives of those it serves.

For those receiving bravery awards and commendations, your willingness to step into danger to help another is deeply admirable. It not only takes extraordinary courage to face extreme situations—as you have each done—but it also requires immense self-assurance and initiative to approach the unpredictable with such resolve.

And for the civilians who are receiving Honours and Awards today, you have used your immense expertise, talents and wisdom to generate greater understanding, with an impact that is felt from the most remote parts of Queensland to the icy terrain of the Antarctic. Your work has been transformative, even life-saving, and always, you have demonstrated outstanding generosity to ensure the benefits of your efforts will continue to be felt into the future.

The diversity you each represent is inspirational, because you exemplify what we, as humans, are able to achieve, in our own distinctive ways.

As Governor of Queensland, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate each of today’s awardees, and commend you for contributing, so positively, to your professions, your communities, and to our State’s overall wellbeing.

I hope you will wear your medals and pins with pride, in recognition of your exceptional service to others. I look forward to chatting with you further over afternoon tea. Please enjoy this special occasion.