The Daniel Morcombe Foundation 20th Walk for Daniel

Representing the Prime Minister, Senator the Honourable Murray Watt, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP; Leader of the Opposition, Mr David Crisafulli MP; Federal Opposition Leader, the Honourable Peter Dutton MP; Members of Parliament; Sunshine Coast Mayor, Councillor Rosanna Natoli;  the Morcombe Family, in particular Bruce Morcombe OAM and Denise Morcombe OAM and the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Board, Foundation Patron Ms Kay McGrath OAM; staff, volunteers, supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Kaye, for your kind introduction. I also begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

This morning, on Day for Daniel, we meet to honour the memory of a much-cherished young boy, whose story has not only touched all of our hearts, but has had a profound and lasting impact on the conversations, and actions around child safety in this country.

As the 20^th anniversary of the Walk for Daniel event, today is especially significant—not just for Daniel’s family and friends, and for the Foundation Bruce and Denise founded—but as a potent symbol of hope in the face of tragedy, and the strength that comes from togetherness.

By wearing red, and taking this well-trodden path as one, we are demonstrating that the responsibility—for ensuring a future where our children can live free from harm and abuse—falls upon all of us.

On this National Day of Action for child safety, we follow the leadership and vision of the Daniel Morecombe Foundation, which over these decades, has so beneficially developed its vital educational programs and initiatives, and encourages us to have difficult yet important discussions in our homes and classrooms…

…We pay tribute to the courage and tenacity of Bruce and Denise Morecombe, who built the Foundation out of unfathomable sadness, yet who—for the past 20 years—have unflaggingly advocated for the protection of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

…And we pledge our support for the efforts of an organisation that has worked so hard, over so many years, to protect and save lives, and support young victims of crime.

As Governor of this state, I am so proud to see the Sunshine Coast community once again showing such solidarity.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to Bruce and Denise, the Board and team of the Daniel Morecombe Foundation, and all of your amazing donors and supporters, for creating such a valuable force for good—and of course, I commend all of you for being here on this most special of days.

Thank you all.