Investiture Ceremony D, Wed 30 Apr 2pm

Chief Commissioner, Scouts Queensland, Mr Geoff Doo; representing the Order of Australia Association Queensland Branch, Mr Kelvin Brown OAM; families, friends and colleagues of the recipients; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.   

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people present here this afternoon.

I am delighted to welcome you all to Government House, on this most uplifting and inspirational of occasions.

This year, our nation’s honours and awards system celebrates its 50^th anniversary, and in replacing the previous British Imperial awards, it much better reflects both the diversity and the unique style of generosity demonstrated by contemporary Australians.

Since 1975, over a million people have received honours across 60 awards, including the Order of Australia, which is the focus of this afternoon’s Investiture.

The key ingredient in this system is that it is the members of our communities who nominate their fellow Australians.

This means that those extraordinary individuals living and working beside us can be publicly recognised for making such a notable difference to the vitality, equality and wellbeing of our society.

So, let me express my congratulations to all of today’s awards recipients, for representing what makes our honours system so distinctive and so valuable.

I know that the guests joining you today are justifiably proud of how you have earned your place amongst our country’s most outstanding citizens, and I take this moment to thank them for the vital support they have given you in your journeys.

Despite the objectivity and openness in our system, being ultimately approved by the Governor-General for such an award, is not rapid or easy. In fact, each of your nominations, has been carefully scrutinised by the 19 members of the Council for the Order of Australia to ensure that you have not only achieved at the highest level, but that you have gone over and above expectations in your work or voluntary efforts.

In coming together at Government House, we are able to show you our deepest appreciation for all you have done, which is why Investiture Ceremonies are such momentous events, and involve such a sense of ceremony and formality.

This afternoon, we have heard diverse stories of accomplishment and contribution, each connected by a tenacious drive to seek improvements that will endure into the future.

At this point, I would like to pay special tribute to the late Mr Lionel Morgan, who quite literally kicked impressive goals for Indigenous people in this state, not just as a star rugby league player, but as a man who was determined to share his wisdom, knowledge and skills with others. I thank Mr Morgan’s family for being here today, to accept his award in his memory. 

It is so encouraging to see the range of areas in which you are involved, because it means your positive and beneficial influence is reaching deeply into our communities, where it can have a truly transformative effect.

• This afternoon, we honour those who have contributed significantly to ensuring people with disabilities can fulfil their potential—building a fairer and more inclusive system by providing the essential life-skills training required to achieve greater independence in all areas of life; through incredible advocacy efforts; and by acting as important mentors and role models, particularly in supporting sport for those with a disability;
• We commend those who have used their remarkable expertise and proficiency to help disadvantaged, vulnerable or marginalised people in our communities—through areas such as social welfare, accountancy, community health and church activities.
• And we applaud those who have been champions for our young people, particularly through Scouts Queensland, who have helped promote the vibrancy of multiculturalism, fostered the talents of First Nations people, or who out of their own immense and devastating tragedy have become unstoppable forces for change to see an end to domestic violence in this country.
• Today, we honour those who have helped preserve our history for future generations, and the individuals who have substantially enhanced medical outcomes, or served in myriad ways to enrich and strengthen their local communities.
• And we honour the two gold medal Paralympians with us today, whose successes demonstrate what spectacular heights can be attained with determination and courage.

It is obvious from your citations, that you are all tremendously motivated, enthusiastic and energetic people. Whether you are working within organisations, clubs and associations, as founders of not-for-profits, or as part of the many initiatives that assist and benefit our communities, your deeds are having a much wider effect than you might imagine.

In fact, by exemplifying the values and merits we admire, you are helping to reinforce the ideals and standards we aspire to as a nation, which builds a tremendous sense of unity amongst us.

When you wear your medals and insignia, you are expressing a powerful message, because you are encouraging the conversations that ensure others are prompted to step up, tackle challenges, as you have done, and make a tangible and enduring difference.

So, on behalf of the people of Queensland, I commend you once again for being brilliant role-models and for serving our state and country with such resolve and fidelity.

I hope you all enjoy your time here at Government House. I am very much looking forward to meeting you, and discovering more about your endeavours.

Thank you.