Reception in support of Queensland Day 2024

Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Queensland, the Honourable Chief Justice Helen Bowskill; 25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; Former Administrator of Norfolk Island, the Honourable Gary Hardgrave; Senior Defence Force Representatives; Archbishop of Brisbane, The Most Reverend Jeremy Greaves KCSJ and Dean of Brisbane, The Very Reverend Dr Peter Catt, Anglican Church of Australia; His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia; Commissioner, Queensland Corrective Services, Commissioner Paul Stewart APM; Representing the Queensland Police Commissioner, Acting Deputy Commissioner Charysse Pond APM; 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 all First Nations people here this evening.

Graeme and I are very pleased to welcome you all to Government House to mark Queensland Day for 2024.

In large part, today is about acknowledging and celebrating what makes Queensland such a wonderful place to work, study, run a business, raise a family and hopefully plan a bright future.

However, before elaborating on the undeniable physical, cultural and economic advantages we hold over all other states, I’d like to touch on the historical significance of Queensland Day.

It is 165 years since Queen Victoria signed the Letters Patent, allowing Queensland to separate from New South Wales.

The state we live in today is a very different one to that which claimed independence as a colony in 1859, both in terms of its built environment and its sense of identity.

This identity is as unique as it is unifying. Here, we embrace a lifestyle that rewards hard work with a plenitude of outdoor recreation and relaxation options, whether that be at the beach or out in bush, in big cities or smaller regional towns.

Queensland is one of the most decentralised states in Australia, boasting fiercely self-reliant urban and regional communities, both on the coast and inland.

Yet wherever I am in the State, I sense a connection between our people, whether it comes from a love of our epic landscapes, pride in our accomplishments, or simply a shared outlook on life.

They are the farmers, the miners, the health workers, the teachers, the First Nations people, the volunteers, and the many extraordinary ‘ordinary’ people in between.

They are the embodiment of our state motto, imprinted on our Coat of Arms — Audax at Fidelis, or ‘Bold but Faithful’.

And it gives me a great sense of pride to represent Queenslanders in my role as Governor.

Queensland has much to be proud of, historically, in the present day, and as we face the future together.

I, for one, am excited to see what we can accomplish heading into the next century of independence.

While hardly enough time this evening to list all the reasons, I look forward to moving around the room and hearing your views on what makes Queensland such a great place to call home.

Thank you.