Reception in support of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Anniversary of Independence

Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Honourable Fiona Simpson MP; Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Cameron Dick MP; Consul-General of Papua New Guinea Mr Reatau Maraki RAU and Mrs Susan RAU; Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland past and present; CEO of Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Justin McGowan and Director of the Queensland State Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Trudy McGowan, OAM; 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 here today.

Graeme and I welcome you all to Government House this afternoon, on the anniversary of the day—exactly 50 years ago—when Papua New Guinea achieved its independence.

At the time, Australian Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, addressed the crowds at Port Moresby, saying: “There can never be a more important day in a nation’s history, than its birthday” and today, I am proud to be celebrating this historic golden jubilee milestone with all of you, on behalf of the people of Queensland.

While we reflect on the events of the 16^th of September 1975, and the immense excitement and pride that special day brought, we also acknowledge the courage, enthusiasm and ambition of the people of Papua New Guinea, who had worked so hard and with such determination to create a self-governing, democratic nation.

Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural diversity, and vibrant traditions draw on a past that stretches back millennia, to a time when our two countries were part of the same ancient mega-continent.

We share histories that have shaped our part of the world, and are united by a commitment for peace and prosperity. Together, we have lived through two world wars, and of course, this year, while we recognise the 80^th Anniversary of the Victory in the Pacific, we also acknowledge the significance of such campaigns as those fought at Milne Bay and on the Kokoda Trail, and the vital contribution of the brave Papuan and New Guinean men who saved lives and helped prevent the war from reaching Australia’s shores.

As trading partners, we are each strengthened by a healthy exchange of goods, investment and ideas that enhance both of our nations, and generate enormous optimism. And as Australia’s closest neighbour, we enjoy a friendship built on understanding and trust, that reaches back to long before the Australian flag was lowered and that of Papua New Guinea raised.

While our pasts are intertwined, we also look towards a shared future with confidence and hope… and a mutual love for rugby league that in 2028 will see a new team become part of the NRL Premiership!

In Queensland, we are proud to be home to many thousands of Papua New Guinean Australians, and we welcome the richness they bring to their communities, and the enterprise they bring to business.

And, of course, Papua New Guinea itself is a beautiful and unique country that continues to attract ever increasing tourists. Its waters hold the highest level of marine biodiversity on the planet, the scope of its tropical rainforests is second only to those of the Amazon and Congo basin, and there are more than 800 known languages spoken by its people.

With a young and growing population, I know that Papua New Guinea will continue to face any challenges with tenacity, and to embrace the hopes of the future with passion.

Thank you everyone for your contributions to building such a valuable bond between our nations, and with our state, and I hope you enjoy this opportunity to celebrate this most special of days.