Government House Reception to celebrate Installation of Griffith University Chancellor The Honourable Andrew Fraser

Deputy Premier of Queensland, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure, the Honourable Dr Steven Miles MP; Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing, the Honourable Grace Grace MP; 22nd Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Leneen Forde AC; Former Premier of Queensland, the Honourable Anna Bligh AC; Members of Parliament and Senators; Griffith University Chancellor, the Honourable Andrew Fraser, Ms Therese O'Reilly and family; Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, and former Chancellors; Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors from other Queensland universities; members of the Griffith University community; supporters; distinguished guests.

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

Graeme and I are delighted to have you join us at Government House this evening to celebrate the installation of Griffith University’s new chancellor — The Honourable Andrew Fraser.

I extend a special welcome to Andrew’s family - his wife Therese, daughter Eleanor, son Angus and mother Jeanne. While Queensland is incredibly fortunate to have Andrew as one of its ‘sons’, I am sure his commitments have, at times, been difficult to juggle with family life.  So, on behalf of all Queenslanders, I sincerely thank each of you for your love and support of Andrew that has helped enable him to serve our state so commendably.

Andrew’s connection to Griffith University has been long and loyal, and this evening he is also surrounded by many of the friends, colleagues and professional mentors who have played a significant role in guiding his university, political and business career. 

His achievements are  — quite frankly — remarkable, and Andrew has acknowledged that they were only made possible because of the high quality education he received at Griffith University.

Upon graduating, Andrew quickly entered politics which saw him rise to become one of the State’s youngest Deputy Premiers.  His path in business and his acumen as a professional director are equally as impressive. As we all know, he is passionate about community wellbeing and providing opportunities for all, and this is reflected in his involvement in philanthropic work.

In a nutshell, Andrew can be described as a fiercely intelligent, hard-working, socially minded, family man whose vision is to help create an even better Queensland.

In fact, it could be said that these attributes are not dissimilar to some of those often used to describe another highly regarded Queenslander — Sir Samuel Griffith — Australia’s inaugural Chief Justice and the Griffith University’s namesake.

Andrew — congratulations!  Griffith University has made an astute choice. 

I know you will continue to be inspired by the strong social and environmental ethos that drives this University, and under your guidance and direction we will continue to see Griffith University graduates transform lives, add to human knowledge, and create a future that benefits all.

Before I conclude, I would like to pay particular homage to outgoing Chancellor, Mr Henry Smerdon AM, for his remarkable 25 years of distinguished service to Griffith University.

Under Henry’s stewardship, the university has seen the student population more than double, alongside incredible improvement in rankings worldwide and recognition as a world leader in several areas of expertise. Thank you, Henry, for the wonderful legacy you leave, and all the best Andrew.

I’m sure everyone here tonight agrees, the future of Griffith University is in excellent hands.

Graeme and I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas. Enjoy your evening.