On this day …
Following, at Government House, Her Excellency and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD hosted a morning tea to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Protect All Children Today, and the Governor addressed guests.
In the evening, at Patrick Terminal, Port of Brisbane, Her Excellency attended an official Reception on board HMAS Brisbane and the Governor addressed guests.
Operations Commander, Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group, Crime and Intelligence Command – Queensland Police Service, Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark APM; Protect All Children Today Chair, Ms Melanie Mayne-Wilson and Members of the Board; CEO Mr Chris McCarthy; Founding Members, Ms Kay McGrath OAM and Mr David Jefferies; Lifetime Members, staff and volunteers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.
I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians 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 this morning.
As the Patron of Protect All Children Today, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House for this special morning tea to mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary of being incorporated.
Today’s gathering provides an important opportunity to acknowledge and honour the vital role each of you play in supporting children and adult victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system in Queensland.
The theme for this year’s National Child Protection Week in September – “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action” – reminds us of the need for practical steps to create safer environments and stronger support systems for children.
Providing such practical and reassuring support has always been at the heart of PACT’s mission, ensuring that children who find themselves in the justice system are not left to navigate the daunting experience alone. Of course, in more recent times, PACT has expanded its remit to include victims and witnesses of all ages who need such support.
Some of you may know that I am also the Patron of Volunteering Queensland and earlier this month, at the annual Volunteering Queensland Awards at City Hall, I was able to connect with hundreds of remarkable volunteers from diverse backgrounds and endeavours who – like you – are also generously and tirelessly serving our communities.
In fact, last year alone, over 1.8 million Queenslanders volunteered in some capacity, with their collective efforts contributing untold amounts of economic, cultural and social benefits. The far-reaching impact and goodwill generated by volunteers is a powerful reminder of how critical volunteering is to our state’s prosperity.
And it’s been the dedication and expertise of volunteers like you that have helped cement PACT’s reputation as a trusted voice and a vital presence in courtrooms, providing practical support to victims and witnesses navigating the justice system.
The work that you do matters deeply. By treating victims and witnesses with dignity, respect and compassion, you help position them to be able to give their best evidence, without further exposure to harm or trauma.
As Governor, I am proud that Queensland is home to such a compassionate and vital service, focussed on the wellbeing of others. As you mark your 40th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt thanks – as your Patron – to every board member, staff member, volunteer and supporter of PACT on the incredible impact you have made – and continue to make – in demystifying our legal and justice system for vulnerable adults and children.
I trust you’ll enjoy today’s celebration knowing that your collective efforts and generosity, which are held in highest regard across our justice system, have enriched our communities and helped shape a safer and fairer Queensland.
Thank you.
Representing the Premier of Queensland, Assistant Minister to the Premier, Leader of the House and Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan MP; Federal Member for Griffith, Ms Renee Coffey MP; Commanding Officer, HMAS Brisbane, Commander David Mason; Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Commander Chris Unwin; Commander 11th Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Mark Smith CSC; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Air Commodore Andrew McHugh CSM; Commissioners; defence personnel; distinguished guests.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands and waters around Brisbane and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here this evening.
It is a privilege to join you aboard HMAS Brisbane, here in the Port of Brisbane, and to acknowledge the significance of her presence in the waters of the city whose name she proudly bears.
Earlier today, HMAS Brisbane exercised its right to Freedom of Entry to the City of Brisbane – an honour first granted in 2018 – in a ceremony steeped in tradition that speaks to trust, respect, and the enduring bond between a community and those who serve to defend it.
To see that tradition continue in a modern Queensland – complete with swords, drums and a parading of the Colours – is both reassuring and deeply meaningful.
This is not the first time a ship named Brisbane has graced our city’s waters.
The first, commissioned in 1916, was one of the earliest cruisers of our young Navy; built in Australia, serving in the First World War across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and patrolling our own coastline at a time when our nation’s autonomy was still taking shape.
The second, commissioned in 1967, served with distinction in subsequent decades; supporting operations in Vietnam, helping provide disaster relief after Cyclone Tracy, and later deploying to the Persian Gulf.
Today’s HMAS Brisbane continues that proud lineage and carries forward the values of its predecessors – of service, resilience and watchful readiness to protect our shores.
Commissioned in 2018 and still our nation’s most lethal warship, she represents the very best of the Royal Australian Navy, equipped to provide advanced air defence, safeguard fellow vessels, and protect Australia’s interests in an increasingly complex region.
But beyond her capabilities, it is her people – those of you who serve on board – who give life to that mission. On behalf of a grateful state that is very much defined by its coastline and the waters that surround us, I thank you for your courage, commitment and dedication to ensuring we can live in safety and confidence.
As Governor of Queensland, I also reflect on the enduring relationship between the Crown and the Royal Australian Navy – a connection that began 125 years ago with the formation of the Commonwealth Naval Forces, and one that continues to be expressed through pride, professionalism, and unfailing commitment to the defence of our island continent.
To the HMAS Brisbane Commanding Officer and Company, I again thank you for your service, and wish you fair winds and safe seas.
Thank you.
