The University of Queensland End-of-Year Senate Dinner 2022

Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP; University of Queensland Chancellor, Mr Peter Varghese AO; Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deborah Terry AO; Deputy Chancellor, Ms Tonianne Dwyer; Provost and Senior Vice-President, Professor Aidan Byrne; Senate Members; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

I am truly honoured to be joining you this evening as Governor, and as the University’s Official Visitor. Thank you, for again welcoming Graeme and I so warmly to this wonderful annual occasion.

We are absolutely delighted to help celebrate the tremendous achievements of the University of Queensland, under the superb leadership and guidance of the Senate and Senior Management team.

It has been yet another year of momentous change for the world in which we live.

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second was perhaps the most poignant of reminders, that change is always afoot, and even a long, successful and well-lived life, must sadly come to an end.

I very much applaud the University of Queensland for its dedication and commitment to embrace change, for the need to adapt and reconsider our approach to life has never been more pressing. 

Our State has come to truly rely on your University as a powerful institution that is helping to address the profound environmental, social and economic issues that are facing our world.

Founded in 1910 with just three faculties and 83 students, this first-class educational facility has grown to today cater to over 55,000 students.

They are empowered by an award-winning academic staff, and go on to become talented, critical thinkers, who undertake ground-breaking research, and are ready to excel as inspiring leaders in tomorrow’s world.

When reading the UQ News, Graeme and I are simply astounded to witness the leadership, as well as the depth and scope of the extraordinary projects being undertaken by the University. 

The innovation and creativity of the staff and the students are awe-inspiring, and the legacy of this work will enhance life across Australia, and around the globe.

In particular, I commend the University for its dedication to Reconciliation, and also for its pledge to The Queensland Commitment campaign, which is striving to ensure 30% of domestic undergraduate students will come from a regional, remote or low socio-economic backgrounds by 2032.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I wholeheartedly thank the Senate and Senior Management for your devotion and hard work in supporting the brilliance and vision of the University of Queensland.

Thank you. Enjoy your evening.