Morning Tea in support of the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) and Healing through Expressive Arts and Learning (HEAL)

Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Treatment, Families and Seniors and Central Queensland, Mrs Donna Kirkland MP; Patron, HEAL, Ms Jasmina Joldic PSM; Co-Chief Executive Officers of the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, Ms Sally Stewart and Ms Vivienne Braddock; 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 Governor and Patron of the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma it is my pleasure welcome you to Government House.

Today we gather to acknowledge two extraordinary successful programs that have shaped the lives of countless refugees and asylum seekers transitioning to new lives in Queensland—the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma, and Healing Through Expressive Arts and Learning.

Together, they represent a powerful alliance of specialist torture and trauma recovery services and support programs helping refugees and asylum seekers who have fled unimaginable circumstances to navigate the profound challenges associated with displacement and resettlement. They provide vital services, which give people hope and the chance to truly rebuild their lives.

Today’s gathering is especially meaningful, as this Sunday marks the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. Despite our hopes for peace, around the world devastating armed conflicts have forced millions of people to make one of the most difficult decisions of their lives––to leave their homes in search of a safer, better life. Many of these people are forced to flee because of persecution or human rights violations such as torture. 

Refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Australia have had to rebuild their lives from scratch. They have had to learn a new language, find employment and housing, and a regain a sense of belonging while dealing with the traumas associated with their forced displacement.

Later this year, Australia is set to grant its one millionth refugee visa since 1947, with the milestone described by the Refugee Council of Australia as “a moment of national significance” for our country and its population of 27 million people.

We cannot underestimate the importance of support services, offered by organisations such as yours, which help refugees and asylum seekers to rebuild and reclaim their lives.

And it is undeniable that people who started their journeys here as refugees have gone on to contribute greatly to our communities and to help shape modern Australia.  

The Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma has been active in this space for 30 years now and, through its programs and services, has supported over 60,000 refugees from almost 100 different countries to heal, recover, rebuild their lives in Queensland and, importantly, to flourish.

‘Healing Through Expressive Arts and Learning’, or HEAL as it is known, has supported the learning needs of refugee children for more than 20 years. Its merger with the Program in 2021 has enabled a continuum of care which has transformed the lives of over 3,000 young people from refugee backgrounds.

Today I extend my sincerest thanks to every board member, staff member, volunteer, therapist, educator, arts administrator, and supporter involved in these programs. The work you do is not easy. It requires deep empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep-seated commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers to successful resettle and thrive in Queensland.

As Governor, I am proud that Queensland is home to such visionary and compassionate initiatives. I wish you all continued success with the marvellous work that you do.