British Consulate-General Brisbane Autumn Reception

Member for Surfers Paradise, Mr John-Paul Langbroek MP; Consul-General of the United Kingdom for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Mr Richard Cowin MBE; Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I too, begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past and present and to any First Nations people here this evening.

How lovely it is to be invited to this Autumn Reception hosted by the British Consulate-General in Brisbane and the opportunity it provides for us to strengthen the relationship between our two countries. These connections are both productive and mutually beneficial, so it is always important not only to maintain, but to sustain, the ties that bind us.

Having been in the role for more than one year now, I would like to congratulate Mr Cowin for the dedication you have shown in that time to the work of the British Consulate-General and the strong relationships you have forged with British residents here in Queensland, and beyond.

Continuing to nourish our longstanding relationship is important, as is working together on a range of matters of interest to both the United Kingdom and Australia.

These common interests focus on the political, social, economic and humanitarian spheres, and support the adage that ‘two heads are better than one’ when it comes to finding solutions to issues that concern us both.

There is no doubt that the valued hand of friendship is necessary in times of challenge and uncertainty. But not only is it essential in times of need, equally, celebrating together in the good times is also important, and serves to fasten our ties.

I know that we will continue to work closely in the diplomatic domain.

In closing, I would once again like to acknowledge the work of the entire team here at the British Consulate-General, but also take this opportunity to share our well wishes for both His Majesty The King and The Princess of Wales as they deal with their individual health battles.

We form part of the legion of supporters who have their best interests at heart.

Thank you.