Morning tea in support of the 40th anniversary of Protect All Children Today (PACT)

Operations Commander, Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group, Crime and Intelligence Command - Queensland Police Service, Detective Superintendent Denzil Clark APM; Protect All Children Today Chair, Ms Melanie Mayne-Wilson and Members of the Board; CEO Mr Chris McCarthy; Founding Members, Ms Kay McGrath OAM and Mr David Jefferies; Lifetime Members, staff and volunteers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by also 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 any First Nations people here this morning.

As the Patron of Protect All Children Today, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House for this special morning tea to mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary of being incorporated.

Today’s gathering provides an important opportunity to acknowledge and honour the vital role each of you play in supporting children and adult victims and witnesses involved in the criminal justice system in Queensland.

The theme for this year’s National Child Protection Week in September - “Every Conversation Matters: Shifting Conversation to Action” - reminds us of the need for practical steps to create safer environments and stronger support systems for children. 

Providing such practical and reassuring support has always been at the heart of PACT’s mission, ensuring that children who find themselves in the justice system are not left to navigate the daunting experience alone. Of course, in more recent times, PACT has expanded its remit to include victims and witnesses of all ages who need such support.

Some of you may know that I am also the Patron of Volunteering Queensland and earlier this month, at the annual Volunteering Queensland Awards at City Hall, I was able to connect with hundreds of remarkable volunteers from diverse backgrounds and endeavours who – like you – are also generously and tirelessly serving our communities. 

In fact, last year alone, over 1.8 million Queenslanders volunteered in some capacity, with their collective efforts contributing untold amounts of economic, cultural and social benefits. The far-reaching impact and goodwill generated by volunteers is a powerful reminder of how critical volunteering is to our state’s prosperity.

And it’s been the dedication and expertise of volunteers like you that have helped cement PACT’s reputation as a trusted voice and a vital presence in courtrooms, providing practical support to victims and witnesses navigating the justice system. 

The work that you do matters deeply. By treating victims and witnesses with dignity, respect and compassion, you help position them to be able to give their best evidence, without further exposure to harm or trauma.

As Governor, I am proud that Queensland is home to such a compassionate and vital service, focussed on the wellbeing of others. As you mark your 40th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt thanks – as your Patron – to every board member, staff member, volunteer and supporter of PACT on the incredible impact you have made - and continue to make - in demystifying our legal and justice system for vulnerable adults and children.

I trust you’ll enjoy today’s celebration knowing that your collective efforts and generosity, which are held in highest regard across our justice system, have enriched our communities and helped shape a safer and fairer Queensland.

Thank you.