National Day Reception celebrating the 76th Republic Day of India

Representing the Premier, Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Honourable Fiona Simpson MP; Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP; High Commissioner of India to Australia, Mr Gopal Baglay;  The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner and Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner; Consul-General of India to Brisbane, Ms Neetu Bhaagotia and Members of the Consular Corps; Mayors and Councillors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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 any First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to join you all at this special reception to honour Republic Day, a significant event for India and its people, including, of course, the more than 90,000 Queenslanders with Indian ancestry.

On the 26th of January—a date shared with Australia’s own national day—India will celebrate a milestone moment in its history, when in 1950 the newly independent country officially adopted the Constitution of India and became a democratic republic.

This year’s Republic Day theme is centred around Heritage and Progress—and highlights the valuable connections between past, present and future.

It represents the sacrifices of those who came before, and it also acknowledges the contributions of those who are making a positive impact on the country today.

The rich traditions and landmark events that shaped modern India have provided a deep-felt unity of purpose that remains resolute among the Indian people. This is reflected in the unique industriousness, immense capability and quest for innovation that sets your country apart.

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

It will be our first visit there, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, colours and legendary vibrancy of your country.

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.

We will also pay tribute to the Father of the Nation of India—the great Mahatma Gandhi—at the Raj Ghat Memorial and visit what is undoubtedly humankind’s most beautiful and enduring homage to love—the Taj Mahal.

I am sure this trip will highlight the strength that comes from fusing traditions with groundbreaking thinking—and will also be of tremendous value to both countries, as we continue to grow our state’s relationship with India.

At the same time, I pay tribute to the contributions of Queensland’s Indian diaspora, and of the newly established Indian Consulate in Brisbane—for helping to strengthen the important cultural and trading ties between our two countries.

We all benefit from the richness that comes from diversity, and when the saffron, white and green colours fly high in this state, they represent the courage, strength and growth of India and its people, and the enduring quest for truth and peace.

I thank the Consul-General of India, Brisbane, Ms Bhagotia for her kind invitation to this evening’s reception. I wish you all a most enjoyable Republic Day.

Dhanyavaad.