Australian Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony F (1)

State Member for Traeger, Mr Robbie Katter MP; Federal Member for Kennedy, the Honourable Bob Katter MP; Representing the Commissioner, Queensland Fire Department, Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael O’Neil; Representing The Order of Australia Association, Queensland Branch, Mr Graham Hyde OAM; 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 the First Nations people who have joined us here today.

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Government House. Today we have come together to celebrate some truly remarkable Queenslanders.

As Governor, and the representative of King Charles The Third in Queensland, I am delighted you could all be here to honour the exceptional achievements of today’s recipients.

An Investiture ceremony is an important, formal occasion where we recognise years of skill, dedication and commitment. These ceremonies typically bring together Queenslanders from a diverse range of roles and experiences, and this morning’s impressive group is no exception.

From the courtroom to the classroom; from the operating theatre to the boardroom; from communities of all kinds — artistic, religious, charitable — it’s always a pleasure to celebrate such extraordinary people.

Gathering from busy cities and regional and remote locations across our magnificent state, the recipients here today have enriched their communities in multiple ways. In doing so, they have underpinned the strength of Queensland, our nation, and beyond.

Investiture ceremonies are highlights in the Vice-Regal calendar. Throughout my five-year term as Governor, which comes to an end in November, I have continued to be inspired by the passion and ability of so many exceptional recipients. These ceremonies remind us all of the remarkable diversity of talent that flourishes across our state.

These honours are not bestowed lightly. A defining feature of Australia’s honours system is that awardees are nominated by their peers.

To the recipients here today: this ceremony marks the culmination of a long and careful process involving many people, all of whom have played a role in your recognition as a citizen worthy of receiving these high and rare honours.

You have earned your place among our nation’s great achievers. I congratulate you most sincerely on the positive difference you have made to us all.

An important aspect 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 Ian Sobbe for being here today to accept this honour in memory of his long and valuable involvement in palaeontology. My deep condolences to you and your loved ones on your loss. 

The high levels of achievement that we celebrate today have not been secured alone.
Others have walked beside you, offering encouragement when challenges have arisen, and sharing your delight when achievements have been realised. I take this opportunity to thank family members and colleagues — some of whom are with us today — for the support they have shown you throughout your careers. Today’s celebration is also for them.

This morning’s citations speak of an impressive array of accomplishments. It is notable how strongly the theme of preservation has emerged in the diverse careers of today’s recipients.

Whether protecting life itself through medical and technical skills; the natural environment; the corporate and legal frameworks that shape our modern society; or fostering community in multiple ways — you have all protected and enhanced the wellbeing of countless people.

Notable, also, in this group, is the extensive involvement in nurturing others, especially through education. The skills you have cultivated have been shared right across our state, and beyond, bringing to future generations the fruits of your inspiring achievements. You reflect the very best of who we are.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for the remarkable contributions you have made, and continue to make. I hope you will wear your medals with pride.

Please enjoy your time at Fernberg today.