Address-in-Reply

On Tuesday 22 September, the Governor hosted the Presentation of the Address-in-Reply at Government House.

This ceremony marked the continuation of a parliamentary tradition that stretches back centuries.

The Address-in-Reply is the Queensland Parliament’s formal response to the Governor’s Opening Speech — in this case, the speech delivered by Her Excellency at the Opening of the 58th Parliament on 27 November 2024.

The Address is always moved and seconded by newly elected Members, and the debate provides an important opportunity for Members of Parliament to reflect on the government’s legislative program and raise matters of importance to their electorates. For many new Members, this is also the occasion of their first speeches in Parliament.

Once the debate concludes and the motion is passed, the Speaker, accompanied by the Sergeant-at-Arms with the Mace, the mover and seconder, and other Members who wish to attend, present the Address to the Governor at Government House. The Governor then replies on behalf of the Sovereign.

In this instance, the Speaker, the Honourable Pat Weir MP, presented the Address-in-Reply, joined by the seconder, the Member for Mackay, Mr Nigel Dalton MP.

Accepting the formal Address-in-Reply as the representative of His Majesty King Charles III in Queensland, Her Excellency extended her sincere gratitude to the Speaker, and to the Members of the Parliament of Queensland.

"It will be my pleasant duty to convey to His Majesty this expression of loyalty and warm regard from the Members of the Queensland Parliament," the Governor said.

"His Majesty remains a strong and unifying presence throughout Queensland, Australia and the nations of the Commonwealth, steadfast in his commitment to service and to our shared democratic values.

"Here in Queensland, I encourage all Members of the Legislative Assembly in their endeavours to promote the wellbeing and prosperity of our State.

"Speaking for all Queenslanders, I trust that your dedication will yield great success for our State and its people," Her Excellency said.

Watch highlights from this important moment in Queensland’s constitutional and parliamentary life in the video below.