Saturday 23 March 2024

Representing the Premier, Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice, the Honourable Di Farmer MP; Federal Opposition Leader, the Honourable Peter Dutton MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Sandy Landers; Members of Parliament; 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 and major donors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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.

Graeme and I are delighted to be joining you here this evening, a wonderful occasion that supports the crucial work of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, and the far-reaching effects it has in Queensland and beyond.

This Gala, in honour of Daniel, whose name is so well-known among people of all ages throughout our State that it needs no introduction, provides us with a rare moment of pause and reflection.

The work that Bruce and Denise started, and which so many of you here tonight have continued, as staff, supporters and volunteers of the Foundation,  is so critical to the wellbeing and safety of so many children and young people. 

Of course, the work of organisations such as this is sadly never done.

Even tonight, as we dance and dine we are raising much needed funds that will go toward ensuring our children are protected, and young victims of crime are cared for.

The Foundation provides resources to parents, carers, educators, and the wider community, with the goal of preventing abuse and supporting lifelong health and wellbeing.

But it cannot do this without support and commitment from all of us, and so I would like to thank the many donor organisations represented here this evening for that support and that ongoing commitment.

Bruce and Denise have made the ongoing protection of our most vulnerable Queenslanders their life’s work, and countless lives will have been changed or indeed saved because of them.

Despite the challenging nature of their work, their strength, stoicism and resolve has become the bedrock of the movement they started.

Our most heartfelt thanks, on the behalf of the people of Queensland, goes to them, and to the Foundation, for paving the way to a safer future for all.

We may look back with tears in our eyes, but we look forward with a sharp focus on a future where children are safe from harm and abuse.

Thank you, for all you do, in helping to build that future. 

Before I finish my remarks, I am sure you will join me in wishing the Princess of Wales the best following the sad news that broke overnight. Thank you.