Government House Queensland
A Message to Parliament signed by the Governor of Queensland has been formally delivered to the Legislative Assembly Chamber, marking the first sitting day of the year.
In keeping with long-standing parliamentary tradition, Her Excellency’s messenger, Honorary Aide-de-Camp Commander Nick Cusack RAN, entered the Chamber in uniform to hand-deliver the message directly to the Speaker. Proceedings paused briefly as the messenger crossed the floor of the House — a rare and highly ceremonial interruption that revived a tradition not seen since 2016.
This formal march-in, rich in history and pageantry, underscored the Governor’s constitutional role in the legislative process and signalled the moment at which legislation, signed on behalf of His Majesty, is transformed into law. As has long been the case in Westminster-style parliaments, the ceremony prompted a lively reaction from the Chamber, with applause, murmurs and partisan responses reflecting both the significance of the occasion and the enduring theatre of parliamentary life.
The message from Her Excellency advised assent to the following Bills passed by the Queensland Legislative Assembly: the Health Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 3) 2025, Energy Roadmap Amendment Bill 2025, Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill 2025, and the Defamation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
This rare ceremonial moment added a strong sense of history and occasion to the opening of Parliament, highlighting the enduring traditions that continue to shape Queensland’s democratic processes.