Official Reception on board HMAS Brisbane

Representing the Premier of Queensland, Assistant Minister to the Premier, Leader of the House and Member for Moggill, Dr Christian Rowan MP; Federal Member for Griffith, Ms Renee Coffey MP; Commanding Officer, HMAS Brisbane, Commander David Mason; Commanding Officer, HMAS Moreton, Commander Chris Unwin; Commander 11th Brigade, Australian Army, Brigadier Mark Smith CSC; Commander, Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force,  Air Commodore Andrew McHugh CSM; Commissioners; defence personnel; distinguished guests. 

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

It is a privilege to join you aboard HMAS Brisbane, here in the Port of Brisbane, and to acknowledge the significance of her presence in the waters of the city whose name she proudly bears. 

Earlier today, HMAS Brisbane exercised its right to Freedom of Entry to the City of Brisbane – an honour first granted in 2018 – in a ceremony steeped in tradition that speaks to trust, respect, and the enduring bond between a community and those who serve to defend it.  

To see that tradition continue in a modern Queensland – complete with swords, drums and a parading of the Colours – is both reassuring and deeply meaningful. 

This is not the first time a ship named Brisbane has graced our city’s waters. 

The first, commissioned in 1916, was one of the earliest cruisers of our young Navy; built in Australia, serving in the First World War across the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and patrolling our own coastline at a time when our nation’s autonomy was still taking shape. 

The second, commissioned in 1967, served with distinction in subsequent decades; supporting operations in Vietnam, helping provide disaster relief after Cyclone Tracy, and later deploying to the Persian Gulf.  

Today’s HMAS Brisbane continues that proud lineage and carries forward the values of its predecessors – of service, resilience and watchful readiness to protect our shores. 

Commissioned in 2018 and still our nation’s most lethal warship, she represents the very best of the Royal Australian Navy, equipped to provide advanced air defence, safeguard fellow vessels, and protect Australia’s interests in an increasingly complex region. 

But beyond her capabilities, it is her people – those of you who serve on board – who give life to that mission. On behalf of a grateful state that is very much defined by its coastline and the waters that surround us, I thank you for your courage, commitment and dedication to ensuring we can live in safety and confidence. 

As Governor of Queensland, I also reflect on the enduring relationship between the Crown and the Royal Australian Navy – a connection that began 125 years ago with the formation of the Commonwealth Naval Forces, and one that continues to be expressed through pride, professionalism, and unfailing commitment to the defence of our island continent.  

To the HMAS Brisbane Commanding Officer and Company, I again thank you for your service, and wish you fair winds and safe seas. 

Thank you.