2026 Anzac Day Breakfast at Government House

Head of Naval Capability, Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes AM CSC RAN; Commander HMAS Moreton, Commander Christopher Unwin RAN; representing Commander, 1st Australian Division, Brigadier Jen Harris CSC; Regimental Colonel, Royal Queensland Regiment, Major General Stephen Porter AO AM; Commander, Combat Support Group, Air Commodore Andrew McHugh CSM; Acting Commissioner, Queensland Police Service, Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing APM; staff and families from Army, Navy, Air Force and Police Service in Queensland; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I wish to acknowledge 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 among us.

Good morning everyone. Graeme and I are delighted you can join us for this special breakfast, held here each year after the Dawn Service, to refresh the early risers and provide sustenance for those of us embarking on a very demanding day ahead, physically and often emotionally.

Sharing this breakfast with you—those who help make many of our Anzac Day events possible —means a great deal to me. Many of you have played a vital role in ensuring that the commemorations we hold here in Queensland are conducted with dignity and precision.

To the senior members of the Australian Defence Force here today, thank you for the leadership you provide, not only to those you command but to our nation. Queensland is proud of its deep connection to the ADF, and proud of the men and women who serve. 

I am grateful for the courtesy and help you afford me as I fulfil my Vice‑Regal responsibilities, and for the trust and cooperation you regularly extend to the Office of the Governor.

To the Queensland Police Service, your presence each Anzac Day and your work throughout the year ensures that our communities can gather safely in remembrance. Your work is deeply appreciated.

Before we begin our breakfast, however, I would like to draw your attention to the two impressive military sculptures Government House is excited to be able to exhibit by renowned Queensland sculptor Peter Doran AM, who is with us here this morning.

These sculptures are known as The Last Post and the Middle East Area of Operations Soldier.1 The Last Post will be displayed on the table underneath the Cathy Ellem painting, A Lasting Tribute, which Graeme and I commissioned last year to represent the Australian Armed Forces in the Government House collection.

The Soldier, which will be displayed in the small sitting room, was commissioned by the United Services Club in Brisbane in 2012 to commemorate the 10 years of service by Australians fighting alongside NATO partners in Afghanistan.

I invite everyone to take a close-up look at these marvellous sculptures this morning. For now, please enjoy your meal.

Thank you.