Monday 12 June 2023

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, the Honourable Mark Furner MP; Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, the Honourable Glenn Butcher MP; Leader of the Opposition, Mr David Crisafulli MP; The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Members of Parliament;  Honorary Consul of the Philippines, Ms Sheryll Gabutero and Members of the Consular Corps; President of the Australia Philippines Business Council, Mr Rafael Toda; 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, and to any First Nations people here today.  

Today we come together to commemorate and celebrate the 125th year of independence enjoyed by the Philippines.  

Since the declaration of independence from Spain made in 1898, the Filipino community worldwide has seen the 12th of June as a day for celebrating their culture, which is as diverse as it is interesting.  

Gathering as like-minded groups throughout Queensland, and around Australia, allows for your rich cultural heritage to be shared not only with others from the Philippines, but members of the wider communities within which Filipinos live and work today. 

As Governor of Queensland, I would like to express our deep appreciation for the valuable and wide-ranging contributions those with Filipino heritage make to our great State.  

Over 400,000 Filipino-born people are currently living in Australia1, with more than 70,000 living and working in Queensland.  

The blue, yellow and red of the flag of the Philippines is a welcome sight to all who have been involved in the relationship building between our two countries, from the days of our diplomatic ties officially being established on 22 May 1946.  

That day is also known as Philippines-Australia Friendship Day. And what a lovely reminder it is of the coming together of the citizens of our two countries and the warm friendship we share. 

The celebrations to mark this year’s very special anniversary of Philippine Independence in Brisbane largely centre on the Barrio Fiesta. A generous, colourful community event that serves as a platform to showcase ‘all things Filipino’.  

We are so pleased to see this festival happening once again and I’m sure it will be a great success. 

So, from us to you, congratulations on your special day – the 125th Philippine Independence Day.  

I am honoured to be here this evening to share in your celebrations. Enjoy your evening.