Dutch Ambassador's official King's Day Reception

Representing the Premier, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP; Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Amanda Stoker MP; Ambassador of Netherlands, Her Excellency Mrs Ardi; representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Councillor Vicki Howard; Shadow Minister for Trade, Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Shadow Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shadow Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Charis Mullen MP; Senator for Queensland, Senator Susan McDonald; Consul-General of the Netherlands in Sydney, Mr Hugo Klijn; Honorary Consul, Ms Marjon Wind and Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

It is a pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate King’s Day — a joyful and deeply significant occasion for the people of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

On behalf of Queensland, I extend warm congratulations to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on his birthday, and to all those gathered here who share in this proud national celebration. 

King’s Day is not only a moment of festivity, but also a reflection of a rich national story — one that stretches back generations and, since its origins in 1885, has evolved into a vibrant expression of Dutch identity, community, and continuity—values Queensland understands and holds deeply. 

The relationship between the Netherlands and Queensland spans more than four centuries — beginning with the arrival of the Duyfken off the coast of Cape York in 1606. What began as a moment of exploration has grown into a relationship defined by mutual respect, shared interests, and enduring friendship.

Today, that relationship is more relevant than ever. 

Queensland is entering a defining decade of growth and transformation as we look towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This period presents extraordinary opportunities — not only for our state, but for our international partners also. 

The Netherlands has long been recognised as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and urban design —  all  areas in which Queensland is seeking to grow — and where collaboration can deliver meaningful outcomes for our communities. 

We warmly welcome the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening engagement with Queensland, including the upcoming trade mission to Australia in September, which will focus on smart and sustainable cities in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.  

This is a partnership grounded not just in shared economic interests, but in a common vision — creating liveable, resilient, and future-focused communities. 

For Queenslanders, relationships like this not only promote goodwill between nations that share societal values; they also deliver long‑lasting, practical benefits—supporting jobs, knowledge exchange, stronger industries, and better outcomes across our regions and cities. 

Your Excellency, your decision to host this year’s official King’s Day reception in Brisbane is a meaningful recognition of the strength of this relationship, and of Queensland’s growing role on the global stage. 

As we celebrate tonight, we do so not only in honour of His Majesty, but in recognition of a friendship that continues to evolve — one built on history, strengthened by collaboration, and full of promise for the future. 

Happy King’s Day. Fijne Koningsdag. Thank you.