Far North Queensland Investiture Ceremony

Representing the Premier, Member for Barren River, Ms Bree James MP; representing the Leader of the Opposition, Member for Cairns, Mr Michael Healy MP; Cairns Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Amy Eden; Representing the Australian Bravery Association, Queensland Branch, Sergeant David Raymond BM APM; award recipients, your family and friends.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Cairns and their Elders past, present and emerging. I extend that respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here this morning.

I also extend a warm welcome to Ms James, Mr Healy, Councillor Amy Eden and Sergeant Raymond and thank them all for being here this morning to witness the presentation of medals to these three exceptional North Queenslanders.

One of the most pleasurable aspects of investiture ceremonies for me is the opportunity it gives me to welcome the families of recipients. Sharing an occasion like this with those closest to us makes it a moving and memorable experience, and I look forward to meeting and speaking to everyone when we celebrate together after this formal ceremony.

The medals presented today are three of a total of 60 different honours and awards that can be conferred to Australian citizens. Fifty years ago, when Australia first established its own unique system, there were just nine separate awards – four within the Order of Australia; four bravery decorations; and the National Medal which was created to recognise members of government and voluntary organisations who risked their lives to protect or assist the community.

The growth to 60 different awards is testament to the extent to which Australians have embraced our system since 1975. Before then, for three-quarters of a century, Australians could only be honoured through British Imperial honours such as the OBE and MBE.

It was a tradition that seemed very remote from the lives of everyday Australians, but that changed dramatically in 1975 when the Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, sought the approval of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second, for an independent Australian system. The defining features of the system Whitlam proposed were that awards would be determined solely by merit, that nominations would be independently assessed, and – importantly – that the process would be free from political interference. Those characteristics have been steadfastly maintained ever since and still define our system.

It is particularly pleasing that Sergeant Raymond can be here today, representing the President of the Bravery Association in Queensland, because, like Michael, he too has received bravery decorations – a Bravery Medal in 2007 and a Commendation for Brave Conduct in 2021.

In receiving his award today, Michael has joined a special group of Australians who have selflessly put themselves in jeopardy to protect the lives or property of others. The deliberate choice to leave a place of safety in order to provide help is an action that deserves the thanks and acknowledgement of all Australians, and I once again congratulate Michael on his award.

It is personally very pleasing to me to have awarded two Public Service Medals today. It was 10 years ago this month that I was humbled to be announced as a recipient the Public Service Medal for my service through Queensland Health. It was an honour I did not seek or expect – I simply saw myself as the head of a supportive, committed and productive team of people that I was proud to lead in serving our State and its people. I suspect that both of you feel the same, but today, I ask you to set aside your humility and proudly accept the recognition of our nation.

Medals are the most enduring of all historical records. As the decades pass, photographs and records will decay and memories will be lost, but the medals you have received today will continue as a record of your service for generations to come, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate you again on the awards you have received and thank you for the service you have given.