250th Anniversary of American Independence Celebration Dinner

Representing the Lord Mayor, Councillor Kim Marx; The Honourable Justice John Logan AM RFD; Federal Member for Moreton, Ms Julie Ann Campbell MP; Representing Commander HMAS Moreton, Lieutenant Commander Nam Nguyen; Representing the Consul-General of the United States of America, Mr Joe Biedlingmaier; Consul-General of Japan, Mr Katsutoshi Ishikawa; President, United Service Club, Major General Darryl Low Choy AM MBE RFD;  President of the Australian American Association, Brisbane, Mr Mike Harris; President of the Australian American Association Gold Coast, Mrs Carole Morris; distinguished guests.

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

Graeme and I are pleased to be with you this evening to celebrate a significant milestone in the story of the United States of America—the 250th Anniversary of its Independence.

On this day, two-and-half centuries ago, the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia ratified a one-page document that brought 13 former colonies together—to shape a new nation built on equality, freedom, and the right of every individual to seek happiness.

The United States Declaration of Independence was bold and brave, and it was to have a significant impact on the world. 

A British MP of the time commented: "A great revolution has happened—a revolution made, not by chopping and changing of power in any one of the existing states, but by the appearance of a new state, of a new species, in a new part of the globe."

The Declaration’s principal author, Thomas Jefferson, referred to it as “an expression of the American mind”.

Independence gave the American people the opportunity to forge their own paths; to nurture the qualities that captured the essence of the American spirit—optimism, energy and enterprise—and a keen desire to innovate.

As we celebrate 250 years of the vibrant, multi-layered story of the United States of America, we can also reflect on the obligation we all share to continually strive towards the Declaration’s foundational ideals.

In an increasingly connected, yet complex world, the friendships between nations become ever-more valuable, and, as Governor of Queensland, I am deeply proud of the enduring bonds that exist between our two countries.

These were cemented during World War 2, when Australia and America were brought together as allies, fighting to protect the fundamental principle of democracy we both hold dear.

Formal bilateral diplomatic relations were established in 1940, but it was on the seas, in the skies and on the battlefields of the South Pacific, that a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect grew.  

In August last year, we recognised the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific, and I was honoured to attend the moving joint US-Australian Commemorative Service in Townsville—laying a wreath at the US 5th Air Force Memorial in memory of those who lost their lives to bring peace to the region and acknowledging those who carried the scars of war home.

Poignant events like this—alongside others, including the annual Battle of the Coral Sea Commemoration Service—reminds us that this legacy continues to enhance our contemporary alliance.

Joint US/Australian military exercises, such as Operation Talisman Sabre, which 2025 brought back to our shores, promotes the significance of collaboration, cooperation and trust in the 21st century.

And, of course, aside from defence-related activities, our bilateral economic, technological, and cultural ties have only been strengthened over the years—helped along in no small way, by the vital work of the Australian American Association, Brisbane, which was formed here in 1941, came into prominence during General Douglas MacArthur’s time, and has flourished ever since.

As Governor and Patron of both the Association and the United Service Club Queensland, I acknowledge and thank both organisations for hosting tonight’s dinner, and for reinforcing our shared sense of purpose—particularly as we look towards 2028, when Los Angeles passes the Olympic Flag to Brisbane.

I also thank the incredible “Shonan Brass Quintet” of the US Navy Seventh Fleet, for bringing us the music of America.

As we reflect on this most influential declaration of self-determination—we celebrate a nation whose partnerships, achievements and ideals over 250 years have been inspirational.

Congratulations on this historic occasion.