Reception for the 31st YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament Youth Governor, Ms Madison Hilker, and Members; Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Queensland, Mr Damian Foley, your staff and YMCA mentors; representatives of Rhodes Scholarships Australia Queensland Rhodes Scholarship Selection Panel members, the newly named 2027 Rhodes Scholar from Queensland, Mr Ryo Takamizawa; members of the Blackall-Tambo Youth Council and representatives of Blackall-Tambo Regional Council; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

Good afternoon, everyone. I am delighted to welcome you to Government House. It is my pleasure to once again host a Reception for the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, which is now in its 31st year.

It is wonderful to think of the vitality and civic engagement that has been demonstrated during the course of more than three decades.

Across Queensland, our communities are strengthened by young people who are committed to making a positive difference.

It is therefore a particular pleasure to welcome the 2027 Queensland Rhodes Scholar here this evening, along with their family.

A short while ago, I had the honour — as Chair of Rhodes Scholarship Queensland and one of its judges — of announcing our next Rhodes Scholar: Mr Ryo Takamizawa.

It is indeed a momentous achievement, simply to make the shortlist in the first place, and we can expect to hear much more over the coming years about our Rhodes Scholar.

And we have a delegation of young leaders from Central Queensland — from the Blackall-Tambo Youth Council, a region that understands all too well the vastness and diverse nature of our state. I hope you are enjoying your educational tour to Brisbane, and I commend you on the work you are doing in your own region, especially in developing and improving community and youth spaces.

To my Vice-Regal counterpart for 2026, the 31^st Youth Governor, Ms Madison Hilker, and to all the Youth Members here today, I congratulate you on the hard work you have done over many months.

You are now midway through your Sitting Week, and I am sure you will have gained much from witnessing, at first hand, the democratic process in the Queensland Parliament.

You are gaining a better understanding of the legislative process, of the drafting and writing of Bills, and the passionate views that help shape them, including experiencing the rare privilege of debating your own Bill in Parliament House. 

You have come to learn, but you have also come to use your voices to advocate for youth in your communities, and for the causes that matter to you. This is deeply important work.

You are ensuring that democracy is protected and understood — that it remains a vital element in all our lives, as we strive for robust and united communities across Queensland’s electorates. I hope you will be inspired by the process you are witnessing, and resolve never to stop speaking out on behalf of your communities. Your involvement is helping to forge a better tomorrow for everyone.

I would like to acknowledge the tremendous work of the organisers of the YMCA Youth Parliament.

This wonderful initiative plays an essential role in ensuring that, every year, outstanding young Queenslanders like those in the room today, attain a thorough understanding of our democratic system and, in return, bring to the decision-makers of Queensland the voices of our next generation.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you sincerely for your enthusiasm, and for your deep commitment to upholding our precious democracy.

In doing so, you are strengthening the social fabric of our entire State. I hope the unique educational opportunities presented over the course of the week, and the connections and friendships you will make, will continue to inspire you into the future. 

As my own five-year term as Governor comes to an end in November, it is indeed heartening to see before me so many fine examples of young Queenslanders, working hard, caring for others, impatient to change the world. Thank you all.