Australia Day Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony C

Representing the Premier and Minister for Veterans, Assistant Minister to the Premier, Leader of the House and Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan MP; representing the Queensland Police Commissioner, Acting Superintendent Emma Fletcher; representing the Order of Australia, Queensland Branch, Dr Dennis Young AM; award recipients; your family, friends and colleagues; distinguished guests. 

I begin by acknowledging 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 all First Nations people here today. 

A warm welcome to you all to Government House, as we come together to celebrate a group of truly remarkable people.  

Investiture ceremonies are highlights in the Vice-Regal calendar—they are incredibly inspiring and positive events, reflecting the diversity and impact of contributions that are anything but ordinary. 

A defining feature of our honours system is that awardees are nominated by peers—people in the community who have identified outstanding qualities and actions in others that deserve recognition at the highest level. The process from nomination to approval by the Governor-General for an award is impartial, rigid, and thorough, and so, from the outset I express my sincere congratulations to each of you for earning your place amongst our nation’s great achievers. 

One of the most respected features of Australia’s unique system is that the honours of the Order of Australia can be awarded posthumously, and I thank the family of the late Mr Raymond Fien for being here today to accept this honour in his memory; my deep condolences to you and your loved ones on your loss.  

This afternoon’s citations speak of an impressive array of accomplishments, across multiple focus areas, and while each of our awardees have different qualifications, backgrounds and interests, what unites you is a deep and genuine determination to improve our society. 

You have done this in tangible and practical ways, and in ways that are measured by an overall enhancement in the vitality and wellbeing of communities throughout Queensland. 

This afternoon, we honour those operating at the highest levels in our legal and judicial systems, in health, or in higher education, and who offer their considered expertise. 

We commend the wisdom and understanding of those who are serving Indigenous people in regions right across our state, or who have devoted their energies to helping our young people or victims of domestic and family violence. 

 We applaud those who have contributed in significant ways to advance the areas of primary industry, business, aeronautical engineering and not-for-profits. 

 And we recognise the productive commitment of individuals actively involved in the heart of their communities—from Bribie Island to Emerald; from our Indigenous communities to Queensland’s vibrant Indian diaspora.   

 This variety of experiences is powerful, because each strengthens the complex web that binds us as a society, and which is underpinned by collective responsibility.  

This is a determination to ensure that those who are struggling or disadvantaged in some way, are given a helping hand; that health is prioritised for all; that precious cultural traditions and history are preserved; that people live in safety, and that the benefits of multiculturalism are supported…which are all central to making our state a fairer, more inclusive place. 

 There is no doubt that you are each defined by incredible energy and enthusiasm, for taking on assignments that go beyond your day jobs—acting as ambassadors, mentors, delegates, volunteers, broadcasters or authors; serving on boards, committees, discussion panels, and in the military—to name a few. 

I know the long journey that has brought you here this afternoon has not necessarily been clear or easy, and the ability to take setbacks with successes is one that demonstrates immense courage.  

When times are difficult, I am sure you have valued the support of your family and friends, and I take this opportunity to thank them for their encouragement. 

When you leave here this afternoon, I hope you will wear your medals and insignia with pride. They symbolise the deep good that dedication and altruism can deliver, which, in turn, reinforces the ideals and values we aspire to as a nation.  

As the representative of His Majesty King Charles III in this state, and on behalf of its people, I commend you once again for your achievements—that will continue to have a beneficial effect into the future. 

Congratulations.