Acknowledgement of the Retirement of Archbishop Aspinall AC

His Grace, the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall AC, Dr Christa Aspinall and family; The Honourable Justice Debra Mullins AO and Mr Patrick Mullins; The Honourable Justice David Thomas; Bishops of the Anglican Diocese and partners; distinguished guests, welcome.

As always, here at Government House, I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, and pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Your Grace, Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you and Christa to Fernberg this evening and to have the opportunity to host this special dinner in acknowledgement of your recent retirement.

As the longest-serving Archbishop of Brisbane since the position of Archbishop was established almost 120 years ago, you have given remarkable service.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for that.

Twenty-one years, filled with love, peace and joy but also, in your words, a fair measure of difficulty and pain.

As you set out to many years ago, you have assisted the church in navigating through divisive issues and challenging circumstances.

And through it all, with the love and support of your family, and Christa’s steadfast companionship, you have shown exemplary leadership, kindness, compassion, faith and good humour.

And although you have “laid up the pastoral staff”, I know your unwavering commitment to the future of Anglicanism will continue.

However, much like The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith suggested, I hope you also find time for more golf, reading, cooking, reflecting and tinkering, if that's what floats your retirement boat.

Thank you all for joining us here at Government House on this special occasion of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. Graeme and I hope you enjoy your evening.