Dinner in support of Queenslanders Recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List

Recipients of Australian Honours and Awards recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List; 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 this evening.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you all back to Government House for this special celebratory dinner, which is our way of reiterating our shared admiration for the achievements that earned you your recently bestowed King’s Birthday honours and awards.

We also welcome all of you accompanying our recipients, who have given your ongoing support and encouragement. I know you are absolutely bursting with pride.

Tonight’s guest list brings together people who wear uniforms as members of the Australian Defence Forces, or emergency services, with civilians who give their focus and energy to disparate fields within our communities.

It is this very diversity of skills and capabilities, that highlights both the strength and value of our Australian Honours and Awards system itself, and the depth, scope, generosity and commitment of our citizens, whose everyday efforts are helping to shape a stronger, smarter, more equitable nation for us all.

In a world where it can seem like bad news is so common, it is incredibly uplifting to have this chance to celebrate the great capacity ordinary Queenslanders have to innovate, encourage and lead.

It is also inspirational to know that embedded in our communities are people prepared to do all they can to improve the lives of others—in ways that are deeply personal and draw on the unique strengths of each individual.

I know that you do not act out of desire for benefits or admiration, but from a deep sense of duty to serve others—to make our world a better place.

But it is important that as a nation we unearth and recognise efforts such as yours, because your example motivates others to solve a problem, strive for betterment, and propel our state and country forwards.

In this, the 50^th anniversary year of our Australian Awards and Honours system, I am so very glad that it continues to successfully discover such remarkable people, whose differences represent the buoyancy and vitality of a properly functioning democracy—one that places enormous value on compassion and commitment.

I once again congratulate you all for being such deserving awardees, and outstanding Queenslanders.

Graeme and I hope you enjoy discovering more about what each brought you here this evening—I am sure you will marvel at the incredible range of abilities gathered in this room tonight.