Dinner in support of Queenslanders Recognised in the 2025 Australia Day Honours List

Distinguished guests.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are so pleased you could join us at Government House for this very special dinner.

We are delighted to have another opportunity to meet some of our state’s recent Australia Day honours recipients, as well as the important people in your lives who have supported you in your endeavours, and who I know, are immensely proud of your achievements.

The Investiture Ceremonies at which Australian Honours and Awards are presented are an absolute highlight for us—occasions that bring with them so many remarkable stories of inspiration and courage.

In fact, it is the variety of your efforts, and the remarkable differences you are each making in your areas of focus, that demonstrate the strength of our national awards system itself.

As I mentioned in my Investiture remarks, this year is a significant one for our country, representing the 50^th anniversary of an awards system that values fairness and inclusion. It is very important that as a nation, we seek out and commend those individuals who are working with determination and dedication in our public institutions, our defence forces, in our sporting arenas and deep in the heart of our communities—whose contributions ensure that our society is enriched, and improved.

I know that each of you is motivated by a keen desire to serve others, and that you do not expect accolades and recognition.

Yet, through your example, you are highlighting how the superpowers of generosity and bravery—especially when times are difficult—drive forward positive changes that will continue to have an effect into the future.

By making the decisions and taking on the activities that reflect our nation’s core values of integrity and togetherness, you are helping to strengthen the fundamental aspirations that make us a more caring nation; one that welcomes the differences that make us unique.

Tonight, I again express my sincerest congratulations to each of you, for being such worthy awardees and incredible Queenslanders.

Graeme and I hope you enjoy this evening’s dinner in Fernberg’s beautiful dining room, and the chance it also gives you to discover more about each other.

Thank you all.