Wednesday 12 November 2025

Minister for Primary Industries, the Honourable Tony Perrett MP; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Sarah Hutton; Member for Ipswich, Ms Jennifer Howard MP; Director-General of the Department of Primary Industries, Mr Graeme Bolton; Chair, RSPCA Queensland, Ms Louise Cox, and Board Members; Chief Executive Officer Ms Emma Whitehead; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today. 

I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, to celebrate a significant milestone in the history of animal welfare legislation in our state.  

As Patron of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland, I am pleased to have this opportunity to reflect on the impact of this incredible organisation on shaping the laws that have made such an immense difference to the discovery and prosecution of animal ill-treatment. 

This includes, of course, the transformative Animals Protection Act which was assented to in Parliament on this very date, 100 years ago, and largely came about because of intense lobbying by RSPCA Queensland—which recognised the deficiencies of the 1901 Act—even though that itself, had been a monumental step forward. 

In 1925, when the Act was made public, one commentator said that “the decision of the Queensland Government to bring in a bill for more effectual prevention of cruelty to animals is a reminder that such humane moves are of comparatively modern times” as “it was not until 1822 that any real legislative notice was taken in England or elsewhere of animal protection”. 

Importantly, this new legislation gave RSPCA Queensland the legal right to enter properties to investigate, gather evidence, and to take possession of mistreated domestic or captive animals and remove them to safety—and this pivotal change has ensured that over the years, untold numbers of animals have been rescued from cruelty. 

Last financial year alone, over 23,000 animals were saved by the Rescue Teams and almost 14,000 animal welfare concerns were investigated by the Inspectorate—sadly showing that the power disparity between people and animals will always put the latter at risk. 

The threat of increased fines and imprisonment within the Act also helped to drive change in the way people dealt with their animals—empowering RSPCA Queensland to more effectively pursue its objective of teaching humans about their responsibilities and duty of care and demonstrated today by education programs that continue to successfully reach into our state’s schools and communities. 

And, although this Act has since been superseded, the 1925 legislation was the foundation upon which subsequent Acts and amendments have been based—and the legal authority it gave RSPCA Queensland, strengthened and propelled the organisation into the dynamic force for good that we know and cherish today. 

This afternoon, we celebrate the tremendous improvements that have helped establish a much more effective RSCPA in our state over the past century. 

And while this can be partly attributed to advances in the legislation that helps protect all animals—wild and domestic—it also comes down to the amazing individuals who are such passionate champions for animal welfare in Queensland. 

I commend all of those working on the frontlines who deal daily with sick and injured animals. I thank the Board, executive and staff of RSPCA Queensland for your unwavering commitment, the 3,000-plus volunteers and supporters who ensure all aspects of the organisation are helped, and the wonderful donors who give so generously—last year, to the tune of over $33 million. 

Please enjoy this opportunity to celebrate all that has been achieved. 

25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and the 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; Opera Queensland Chair, Ms Linda Apelt; CEO and Artistic Director, Mr Patrick Nolan; Executive Director, Mr Adam Tucker; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

I wish to acknowledge 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 all First Nations people here this evening. 

As Joint Patrons of Opera Queensland, Graeme and I are delighted to join you for this exciting occasion—the launch of the 2026 Season.  

Opera Queensland holds a special place in the cultural life of our State—a legacy that began in 1981 when the company set out to bring world-class opera to Queensland audiences.  

For more than four decades, it has remained a cornerstone of our artistic heritage, enriching communities from Brisbane to the most remote corners of the outback. 

This enduring commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility ensures that the joy of opera can be shared with all Queenslanders. 

One of the most inspiring examples of this vision is the Festival of Outback Opera initiative.  

Graeme and I have been privileged to experience its magic twice—most recently in May this year in Winton and Longreach, where the incomparable Sumi Jo captivated audiences, and previously in May 2023. These performances remind us that opera is not confined to the concert hall; it belongs to everyone, everywhere. 

Queensland’s arts landscape is as vibrant and diverse as our beautiful state, and Opera Queensland is at its heart, bringing world-class productions to our cities and regions, nurturing talent, and enriching lives through music.  

This work reflects the creativity and generosity of its supporters who believe in the transformative power of the arts. I extend my deepest thanks to the donors, sponsors, and partners whose philanthropy makes this possible. Your belief in the value of opera ensures that it continues to thrive and reach audiences across our State. 

As we look to the year ahead, the 2026 Season promises to be bold, imaginative, and deeply engaging. From the haunting beauty of A Winter’s Journey to the playful elegance of Rossini’s La Cenerentola, the 2026 lineup pays homage to Opera Queensland’s vision and artistic range. 

Audiences will be transported by the magical world of Rusalka, and later, the wit and wonder of Into the Woods, presented in partnership with Queensland Theatre.  

And, of course, the much-loved Festival of Outback Opera will once again unite music lovers under Queensland’s vast skies—a celebration of song and place that is uniquely ours. 

This ability of Opera Queensland to connect communities, celebrate our cultural identity, and showcase our extraordinary depth of artistic talent cannot be understated, nor taken for granted. 

Thank you all for your commitment to the arts in Queensland, and for your belief in the power of creativity to transform lives.