Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Afternoon Tea

Delivered by the Honourable Justice Martin Burns, Acting Governor of Queensland

Chief Executive Officer, Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Justin McGowan; Members of the TIQ Board and staff; finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards; sponsors; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this afternoon.

Good afternoon, everyone. As Acting Governor, it is both a pleasure and a privilege to continue the long-standing Vice-Regal tradition of hosting a reception here at Government House to honour the finalists in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards.

At the outset, I extend congratulations to the 2025 finalists on their selection. Whatever the outcome tomorrow night, when the winners of each category––and the Queensland Exporter of the Year––are announced, each of you is an inspiring example of the excellence of our state’s products and services, and of the determination, passion and commitment needed to succeed internationally.

Collectively, the 46 award finalists also constitute an impressive demonstration of the power of imagination, ingenuity and creativity.

It is all a very far cry from 1865 when an enterprising Queensland merchant first built this residence here in Paddington. Queensland’s export industries then were wool, timber and sugar, and primary industries, including mining and beef, were to remain dominant for more than a century.

This year’s finalists, and the award categories themselves, demonstrate just how far the focus has expanded in recent decades. Today, we have the privilege of celebrating the success of businesses of all sizes across Queensland, along with international enterprises led by First Nations people and women. Their achievements span industries that would have been unimaginable in the era of timber and tallow: the creative industries; agribusiness; e-commerce; the green economy; manufacturing, resources, energy and technology; and services in education, training, health and the professions.

I also take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the committed organisations who make these awards possible through their sponsorship. This support is vital if Queensland exports are to increase in strength and diversity and continue to expand into new markets.

And I wish to acknowledge and thank the staff of Trade and Industry Queensland, led by CEO Justin McGowan. I commend Justin and his staff, and the TIQ Board, on the expertise and support they provide to Queensland entrepreneurs as they reach out to the world.

The experience of each finalist is unique, but each one of you has been on an extraordinary journey to this point––assessing the risks, persuading the naysayers, and coping with self-doubt, rejection, and failure, but ultimately succeeding and continuing to dream the big, bold dreams that have taken you to the world and inspired us all.

I once again congratulate the finalists and wish them well for tomorrow night.

And I extend my very best wishes to those named as our state’s winners as they progress to the Australian Export Awards national ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on the 26^th of November.

Thank you.