Australia India Business Council’s Annual Queensland-India Diwali Gala Dinner and End of Year Celebration

The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Adrian Schrinner and Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner; Consul-General of India to Queensland, Mrs Neetu Bhagotia; Queensland President of the Australia India Business Council, Mrs Namrata Datt;   Chief Executive Officer, Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Justin McGowan; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

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 any First Nations people here tonight. 

I am delighted to join you all this evening, for this special celebration, and I thank you for the kind invitation to attend. 

Diwali—Festival of Lights—is of deep spiritual and cultural significance to those of Indian heritage right around the world, including here in Queensland– and this past month has seen some wonderful Diwali festivities taking place across our State. 

It brings with it tremendous joy, energy and hope, and encourages a sense of togetherness and unity that is beneficial for everyone, regardless of beliefs or backgrounds.  

In enabling the light to shine boldly—both literally and metaphorically—Diwali encourages a sense of more refined clarity, or purpose—a clearer path forward—and this evening’s dual celebration of this important festival, and the end of another year, provides us with an ideal moment to reflect on 2025, and all that has been achieved, so we may better determine our goals for 2026. 

From a personal viewpoint, I can now tick India off my bucket list of countries to visit, as in February 2025, Graeme and I made our first trip to your beautiful, fascinating country, as part of a Trade and Investment Queensland mission to New Delhi, Hyderabad, Noida and Bengaluru. 

Aside from being absolutely amazed by some of India’s most important historic sites—Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, and the Taj Mahal—we met many talented and passionate individuals working in key trading sectors, including information technology, health, aerospace and infrastructure.  

It was immensely encouraging to see such passion and enthusiasm being demonstrated by so many, which—along with a commitment to innovation and excellence, collaboration and partnerships—will, I am sure, continue to forge business and investment opportunities that enhance the prospects of both of our countries. 

I have also been fortunate, this year, to have attended a number of other India-focussed events that showcased the pride and vibrancy of Indian people—including your 76th Republic Day celebrations. 

Through these many interactions with the Indian community, here and overseas, I have been most encouraged by the tremendous vision and positivity of those I meet, and whose contributions to our State—through business ventures and cultural activities—are deeply valued. 

Together, we can achieve much, and I take this opportunity to acknowledge the beneficial efforts of the Queensland Chapter of the Australian India Business Council, and thank President Ms Namrata Datt, and the committee members1 for leading the charge. 

I know you work tirelessly to promote business growth, develop trade and investment avenues, and support your members through advocacy, networking and partner programs, and I am sincerely grateful for all you do. 

And as this year closes, and we look to the future, I hope that Diwali shines a light on your pathways ahead, and brings you all renewed optimism and success.