Queensland Police Service Constable Induction Ceremony

Queensland Police Service Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski APM; emergency services representatives; distinguished guests; QPS inductees, your family and friends, good morning.

I would also like to begin by also acknowledging the Traditional Owners 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 today.

Thank you all for your kind welcome.

As Governor, and representative of His Majesty, King Charles the Third in our State, I am honoured to be attending this morning’s ceremony that will induct a group of very special individuals into the Queensland Police Service.

Shortly, our inductees will be reading aloud the Oath of Office—your binding pledge to fulfil your duties to the people of Queensland, and to uphold the values and sense of purpose that are fundamental to the QPS.   

As a solemn statement of intent, these words carry considerable weight, but as the inaugural graduates to recite the updated Affirmation—amended for the first time since 1990—this event also marks a significant milestone in the history of our Police Service.

The changes that have been made are important, because they represent a contemporary reflection of our people and the places they call home, and focus on the diverse needs and expectations of all Queenslanders—in line with the philosophy and objectives of the QPS itself.

Today is therefore a day deserving of congratulations and celebration.

I commend all of our recruits for being ready to make this powerful commitment to the people of Queensland.

Each of you have successfully completed the extensive training required to qualify as Queensland’s newest First Year Constables. You have demonstrated that you have the capabilities and determination required to pursue a career in law enforcement, and are prepared to do all you can to ensure the wellbeing and safety of others.  

And while your cultural and social backgrounds, ages and skills may vary considerably, it is the unique experiences you each bring that will strengthen the QPS and build greater understanding, as you face complex challenges or adversities.

This takes courage and resilience, and the road ahead may not always be a smooth one, but your career will enable you to connect with people, and make a real and lasting difference to their lives, and to the wider communities you serve—which I know will be incredibly rewarding.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of those members of the working group who crafted an Oath of Office that encapsulates the heart and spirit of modern policing, and will continue to guide those who serve.

Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the previous Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll, for her role in overseeing the development of these changes—one of many outstanding initiatives implemented during her years of service to our State, as I welcome Acting Commissioner, Steve Gollschewski to the position.

My deepest congratulations once again to all of this morning’s inductees. You should be immensely proud of your achievements, and I wish you every success ahead.