Government House Investiture Ceremony A, Friday 18 November 2022, 10am

Representing the Premier and Minister for the Olympics, Member for Lyton, Ms Joan Pease MP; representing the Chair of the Order of Australia Association, Dr Carol Cox AM; President of the Bravery Association Queensland, Dr Sally Gregory; award recipients, your family and friends; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen; boys and girls.

I begin by acknowledging the original custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respect to Elders, past, present, and emerging. I extend that respect to any First Nations people here with us today.

I warmly welcome you to Government House as we celebrate a very special occasion – the presentation of Australian Honours and Awards to 20 outstanding Queenslanders.

Formal investiture ceremonies are significant events, providing evidence, if it were needed, that certain individuals have lived up to our nation’s best ideals and aspirations.

I am therefore so proud, as the representative of His Majesty The King, to continue to play a part in this important tradition.

Today, we honour men and women who have contributed to our communities, our State and our nation in many and diverse ways.

In light of the sad occasion of the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, our beloved monarch of 70 years, in early September, we delayed several Investiture Ceremonies.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in that regard.

I wish to pay special tribute to the late, the Honourable Tim Mulherin, who passed away in late 2020, and has been recognised for his significant service to the people and Parliament of Queensland.

I also wish to honour the late Mrs Fay Gleave, who passed away recently, and has been recognised to her contributions to emergency response organisations. I thank Mrs Erin Mulherin and Mr Brian Gleave for standing proudly to receive these awards in their honour.

Today it has been my pleasure to present awards including a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal; while two selfless women were awarded Commendations for Brave Conduct.

Several of you have become Members of the Order of Australia for your contributions to aviation safety, motorsport, rugby union and speech pathology; along with those of you invested with the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of your effort in support of communities here and elsewhere in the world in fields as diverse as medicine, psychiatry, child care, history, social welfare, safety, surf lifesaving, and vocational education.

We also have two recipients who won gold medals representing Australia at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2022.

Despite the obvious differences in what you do, and the reasons you are receiving your awards, you are united in your resolve to serve others and have demonstrated exceptional dedication.

You can be proud that the contribution you have made has been identified by your peers or colleagues as being above and beyond what duty demands.

“Service” is a powerful word, because it encompasses the admirable qualities of diligence, industry and effort, but also those of kindness, courage and sacrifice.

Service may also come at great personal risk, as demonstrated so vividly by the bravery awards presented today.

Or it may be seen in actions that lead to stronger communities, where people can live in safety and in harmony, feel valued and enjoy their lives.

Regardless, through your service, your leadership, your ability to act as a strong voice for others, and by using your skills, knowledge and expertise, you have each brought about positive change.

As role models, you have demonstrated what is possible, be it with practice, persistence or sheer selflessness.

I am delighted that we are able to bring you all together today, so that the family and friends who have supported and encouraged you along the way can share this celebration with you.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate and commend you for your effort and achievement, and for making such a positive difference to the lives of others.

I encourage you to wear these medals and decorations with pride, as they are potent symbols of what individuals can accomplish for the greater good.

Thank you.