The Emperor’s Birthday Reception Japan’s National Day of Celebration

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, the State Member for Surfers Paradise, Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP; The Right Honourable, the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Justice, Mr Tim Nicholls MP; Judge of the Federal Court of Australia, the Honourable Justice David Thomas; tonight’s hosts, Consul-General of Japan Mr Masuo ONO and Mrs Ki ONO; Dean of the Consular Corps of Queensland, the Honorary Consul of Switzerland Mr Daniel Gschwind and members of the Consular Corp of Queensland; Councillors; Director-Generals; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera  people, and extend respectful greetings to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I were truly honoured to receive the very kind invitation of the Consul-General of Japan, Mr Masuo ONO to join you this evening to honour the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.

We are delighted to be here, and as Governor, I am grateful to have this opportunity to reflect on the strong and valuable bonds of friendship that have grown and developed between the great nation of Japan and our mighty State of Queensland.

The importance of these ties has been long recognised — the Consulate-General of Japan having been established here in Brisbane in 1966.

Over these fifty plus years, the work of the Consulate has been vital, not only in being a valuable source of assistance for Japanese nationals travelling here, but in building successful partnerships through trade and cultural exchanges that have enriched both of our countries’ experiences.

Tonight, I would also like to acknowledge the long-standing and valuable contribution made by the Australia Japan Society - Queensland.  As Chancellor of the Society, it was a privilege for me last year to support them in commemorating a monumental 50 years of service!

The organisation’s commitment and dedication have also played a pivotal role in nurturing a deeper and richer understanding of Japanese culture by the people of Queensland.

Long-standing and trusted friendships are a powerful base for cooperation, and so it is with deep confidence that Queensland and Japan are able to work together to address the many and varied challenges that currently face our world.

Japan is Queensland’s second-largest trading partner and third largest source of direct foreign investment.  As we look to the future, I am more than confident that new and continuing research and collaboration between us will thrive — driving lasting and positive change — not only for our own nations, but also for many other countries around the globe.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate everyone here this evening for their commitment to strengthening the special relationship that exists between Japan and Queensland.

I look forward to proposing a toast to His Majesty the Emperor later in this evening’s proceedings, and warmly wish him a healthy and prosperous year ahead. Thank you.