Opening of the 15th World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists

Congress Chair and President of the Australasian College of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses, Associate Professor Vera Meeusen; International Federation of Nurse Anaesthetists President, Dr Jackie Rowles; nurse anaesthetists and perioperative nursing leaders from around the world; other health practitioners; distinguished guests. 

Thank you, Refiti Tovi, for your warm Welcome to Country. I too, would like to begin by 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 all First Nations people here this morning.  

As Governor of Queensland, and as a former medical professional who spent many years working alongside nursing colleagues in hospitals and in public health, it is my very special honour to be here with you all today. 

The work of perianaesthesia nurses is foundational to safe and effective health care.  

Before a patient enters theatre, and in the critical hours that follow, it is the skill, vigilance and compassion of anaesthesia nurses that makes a crucial difference to the outcome.  

The impact of this work is not always evident to the patient, let alone the wider public, but it is no less profoundly important. 

The founding of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists in 1989 reflected the shared conviction among the initial 11 member nations that a set of international standards and ongoing cooperation could advance nurse anaesthesia practice and patient safety.  

In the decades since, this shared vision has been adopted by nearly 502 countries whose nurse anaesthetists are committed to the advancement of educational standards and practices that will support and enhance health care worldwide.  

This World Congress, held every four years, is the outward expression of that community—a gathering of practitioners, educators, researchers and leaders committed to the proposition that knowledge shared, is care improved. 

That this Congress is being held here in Brisbane is a source of great pride for me as someone who spent the better part of two decades working within Queensland’s remarkable healthcare system.   

From the Royal Flying Doctor Service—which has long extended anaesthesia care to some of the most remote corners of this continent, and of which I am proud Patron—to the nurses of Queensland Health and Queensland Ambulance Service who deliver expert care day and night, and to those who have served in conflict and in crisis across generations, the contributions of Queensland are without measure. 

To all delegates, the program before you is ambitious and visionary, and promises to have far-reaching impacts.  

The themes of innovation, education and international collaboration that will shape these three days speak to the very best of what your profession stands for.  

May the connections formed here, and the ideas exchanged, strengthen the quality of anaesthesia care in every country represented in this room. 

Now, it is with great pleasure that I officially declare the 15th World Congress of Nurse Anaesthetists open. 

Thank you.