Leadership Connect Forum Goondiwindi

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Mr Pat Weir MP; Member for Southern Downs, Mr James Lister MP; Goondiwindi Regional Mayor, the Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM and Councillors; teachers, students, parents and carers from the schools represented here today; ladies and gentlemen

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands on which we are gathered, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

Good morning, everyone. I am delighted to be here in beautiful “Gundy”, joining Mayor Springborg in today’s question-and-answer session—which I am sure will be informative and also lots of fun.

Before we begin, I want to tell you a little about my job as Governor of Queensland, because it might help you come up with your questions.

I am the representative of King Charles the Third in this state, and so the position is referred to as “Vice-Regal”, because I act on His Majesty’s behalf.

The first Governor of Queensland was sworn-in 166 years ago—in 1859—when Queensland separated from New South Wales, and I am the 27th in that long Vice-Regal chain.

Over time the role of the Governor has changed, and now modern Governors do not participate in the political process, or take an active part in running the day-to-day affairs of the state, and instead are appointed to ensure that Queensland’s democratic system remains stable and robust.

There are many different aspects to my job, and these are summarised into three main areas, which we at Government House call “the 3 Cs” – constitutional, ceremonial and community.

My constitutional duties are those concerned with laws and government, such as:

• Presiding over the weekly meetings of the Executive Council—which is comprised of the Cabinet Ministers of our State Government;
• Appointing Government Ministers who are making a pledge to serve Queensland; and
• Signing legislation—known as giving Royal Assent—which must happen before legislation becomes law.

My ceremonial duties include:

• Opening Parliament—which is a traditional, formal event marking the beginning of a new parliamentary term following an election;
• Attending significant Queensland and national occasions, such as State Funerals;
• Supporting our Australian Defence Forces on Anzac Day or as part of other special commemorations, services or parades;
• Presenting Australian Honours and Awards to well-deserving Queenslanders;
• And…hosting visiting heads of state or diplomats.

And my community duties include:

• What I am happily doing today—visiting places all around Queensland, particularly in regional areas, to meet the people who make our state so vibrant;
• Encouraging the importance of youth literacy; and health and wellbeing for all;
• Promoting our state’s producers and industries—for example, supporting the importance of Goondiwindi’s cotton to Queensland, to Australia, and as a major global export;
• Helping boost morale after natural disasters;
• Supporting the many not-for-profit organisations of which I am patron; and
• Opening the Government House Estate in Brisbane so more people can enjoy its beauty and learn more about the role of Governor.

In a nutshell, my job is to listen to and serve the people of Queensland, wherever they may live.

Of particular interest to me is ensuring our young people have the opportunities to become the leaders of tomorrow, and I hope that by being involved today, and asking us lots of challenging questions, you will learn more about our democratic system, and perhaps one day become one of Queensland’s future Governors!