Investiture Ceremony, Tuesday 9 September, 2pm

Representing the Commander, 1st (Australian) Division, Australian Army, Brigadier Giles Cornelia DSM CSM; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force, Air Commodore Robert Graham; Representing the Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Royal Australian Navy, Commander Richard Christensen; 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 Turrbul and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all other First Nations people with us here today. 

As Governor of Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House and to this Investiture Ceremony, one of several being held here this week. I have the great privilege, as Governor, of investing Queenslanders with Honours and Awards for their outstanding and distinguished service and achievements.

Queensland is home to thousands of men and women in uniform, with Defence personnel and their families living and serving in communities right across the state. From Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane to Lavarack in Townsville, from Oakey and Amberley to HMAS Moreton in the south-east, and from the Navy’s presence in the far north to points all along our coastline, Queensland plays a vital role in supporting Australia’s Army, Navy and Air Force operations.

Today we gather to celebrate a remarkable group of servicemen and women––outstanding representatives of the Australian Army, the Royal Australian Airforce, and the Royal Australian Navy who have gone above and beyond in their duties to our nation.

This afternoon, through the reading of the citations, we have heard the diverse stories of their accomplishments and contributions, examples of which range from:

• meritorious achievement or dedication to duty in non-warlike operations––as is the case with the Conspicuous Service Crosses and Conspicuous Service Medals; 
• service worthy of particular recognition––as is the case for the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division; and 
• distinguished performance of duties in warlike operations––as is the case with the Commendations for Distinguished Service.

Some of you have worked tirelessly to maximise combat readiness.

Others have been dedicated to enhancing defence capabilities through innovative intelligence analysis, or focussed on improving operational capabilities including logistics, engineering, maintenance, or airspace control safety.

Some have championed better governance processes or new funding models. Others have implemented improved training systems and capabilities or gone above and beyond to care for the health and wellbeing of our defence personnel.

All of you have contributed greatly to the capabilities and overall reputation of our Defence Force.

Further, the citations for the two recipients of Commendations for Distinguished Service in warlike operations, who provided exemplary leadership during the downing of a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan in May 2011, remind us just how dangerous and unforgiving live military operations can be.

The Chinook incident also underscores the importance of first responders, one of whom received the Conspicuous Service Medal for her meritorious devotion to duty on that day.

Although the recipients’ stories may differ, what they share in common is a proven commitment to high standards of leadership and governance, to modernising practices to enhance combat readiness, and to ensuing professional standards of technical mastery and excellence across a range of endeavours.

I know that the families and colleagues of recipients gathered here today are immensely proud of all you have achieved, and I take this opportunity to thank them too for the support they have shown you throughout your careers.

To our recipients, may these awards serve not only to recognise your achievements but also be a reminder that your work matters deeply to all of us. Australia is safer, stronger and more united because of your service.  

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I once again congratulate all of you and thank you for your dedicated service to our defence force and to our nation. Thank you.