Reception to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

Representing the Premier, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tim Nicholls MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor for Hamilton Ward, Councillor Julia Dixon; Consul-General of Japan, Mr Junji Gomakubo and Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; Councillors; distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

It is an honour to be attending this birthday function for His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, and Graeme and I thank the Consul-General, Mr Junji Gomakubo, for extending his kind invitation for us to be with you all this evening.

It is wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate this special day with Mr Gomakubo, for the first time since he took on the role in our State.

As one of the key events in Japan’s calendar, this annual occasion honours His Majesty’s status as head of the oldest continuing monarchy in the world, and pays tribute to the unity and stability he brings to his people.

…And while birthdays signal the passing of time, they also encourage us to be grateful for what we have achieved, and to consider, with optimism, what the future might hold.

In 2024, we enter the 58^th year since the Japanese Consulate-General was first established in Brisbane, and I am delighted that the long and successful friendship that links Japan and Queensland continues to strengthen and grow.

Over this time, the Consulate-General has been pivotal to building the collaborative partnerships that traverse business, industry, and trade, and encourage greater cultural understanding between us.

As Queensland’s second-largest trading partner, Japan is vitally important to the fortunes of our state, and there are exciting opportunities ahead in diverse areas that will utilise our combined skills, expertise and resources in mutually beneficial ways.

Queensland and Japan share over 30 sister city relationships, with the Prefecture of Saitama as our Sister State. This long-standing kinship encourages the deep cooperation and rich cultural exchanges that have led to the solidity and fruitfulness of our alliance.

The Consulate-General is also always ready to support and assist the many Japanese nationals living and travelling in our State. In times of difficulty—such as the recent massive earthquake that devastated the Noto Peninsula—it provides a welcome connection for those who are away from home.

Queenslanders share your sadness at the terrible loss of life resulting from that catastrophic event.

On a brighter note, I know that we are all committed to making the world a better place, and that by working together, incredible, life-changing outcomes will be achieved.  

So, I thank each of you here tonight, for your contribution to cementing the bonds that unite us, in times of tragedy and in triumph.

I look forward to proposing a toast to His Majesty the Emperor, but for now, on behalf of the people of Queensland, I warmly wish him a long and prosperous reign.