Battle of the Coral Sea 82nd Anniversary Commemoration Service

Representing the Premier, Member for Macalister, Mrs Melissa McMahon MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Southern Downs, Mr James Lister MP; Lord Mayor of Brisbane, The Right Honourable Councillor Adrian Schrinner; Federal Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Peter Dutton MP; Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; representatives of the Australian Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces; President of the Australian-American Association Queensland Division, Mr Mike Harris; Veterans and their families; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

Graham and I are most grateful for the invitation to join you today as we mark the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

This event holds deep significance, reminding us of the sacrifices made during a critical moment in history.

In 1942, Australia faced a profound threat to its survival, and the Coral Sea battle played a crucial role in shaping its outcome.

This engagement was unique for its early use of naval air power, fundamentally changing how maritime warfare was waged.

By preventing the Japanese from seizing Port Moresby, it altered the course of the Pacific War and safeguarded Australia from invasion.

The Coral Sea battle also inspired renewed determination in our armed forces, leading to subsequent victories that included the Kokoda Campaign and the Battle of Milne Bay.

Across the Pacific, the US Navy's resilience, culminating in the Battle of Midway, showcased the power of cooperation in the face of adversity.

Kokoda, Milne Bay, Midway … You do not have to be a student of history, nor necessarily from an older generation, to recognise these names and know at least some of what happened in these places.

Thankfully, as we saw a little over a week ago at ANZAC Day services across Queensland, the details of Australia’s involvement in important military actions are being kept alive through commemorative services such as this.

As long as we continue to mark these occasions and honour our fallen defenders and all those who have served, the lessons of war remain clear and present in our collective memory.

Commemorating the Battle of the Coral Sea serves a dual purpose in that it honours the enduring bonds between Australia and the United States, forged in times of hardship.

Let us pay tribute to those who made sacrifices for freedom and democracy, and may their legacy inspire future generations.