Swearing-in of Dr Jeannette Young PSM as the Twenty-seventh Governor of Queensland

Premier; Chief Justice; Ministers of State; Mr Speaker; Leader of the Opposition; Your Honours; Lord Mayor; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

 

I acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend my heartfelt respectful greetings and best wishes to Elders.

 

I thank the Premier and Leader of the Opposition for their kind words of welcome and encouragement.

 

I am deeply conscious of the immense honour and responsibility of being appointed as Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in our State.

 

I stand here today as a very proud Queenslander.

 

In 1994, I chose to come to this State – to Rockhampton – to start a new chapter with my young daughter.

It was the best decision of my life.

 

I will always be grateful for the supportive community which so warmly embraced us and kept an eye out for my daughter.

 

The qualities which made me feel so welcome then, are the same qualities which have kept Queenslanders safe these past 18 months.

 

Queenslanders look out for each other, they are generous in spirit, and are uncomplainingly pragmatic.

 

Today, I start another new chapter, as the proud 27^th Governor of Queensland.

 

Like the two other medical practitioners appointed Queensland Governor before me, Sir William MacGregor and Sir John Goodwin, my career has been built on gathering information, listening, and acting on behalf of the common good.

I will apply these qualities as I seek to fulfil the constitutional, ceremonial and community duties entrusted in me.

 

Apart from upholding my central constitutional responsibilities, I see my mission, as Governor, to serve, acknowledge and support Queenslanders wherever they may live, and to honour the pride we all have in being Queenslanders.

 

I pledge, with my husband Graeme’s support, to be a Governor for all of Queensland, and to travel widely throughout the State, especially to Indigenous communities.

 

In doing so, we seek to build on the inspirational legacy of Paul and Kaye de Jersey.

 

My other priorities as Governor are to promote literacy, especially for Indigenous children and young girls, to encourage a healthy and active Queensland, and to visit every public hospital throughout my term.

I am just so in awe of all healthcare workers and emergency services personnel in this State. They are truly incredible people.

 

I will be greatly assisted in my duties by the encouragement, love and support of Graeme, daughters Jane and Rebecca, Rebecca’s husband Grant and their son, our grandchild, Calvin.

 

Thank you all for your presence here today.

 

I look forward, with great optimism, to serving the people of Queensland as their 27^th Governor.