Reception in Support of World Haemophilia Day 2026

Haemophilia Foundation Queensland Executive Board Members, Mr Chris Fullelove, Mr Charles Eddy, Mrs Shannon Gracey, Mrs Lisa Bowdler, and Mrs Bernadette Stanton; HFQ Manager, Mrs Lauren Green; members; staff and supporters; distinguished guests. 

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 warmly welcome you all to Government House this afternoon. As Patron of the Haemophilia Foundation Queensland, I am pleased we can meet on World Haemophilia Day and join the millions around the globe who are committed to finding a brighter future for people living with inherited and acquired bleeding disorders. 

This year’s theme focuses on the vital importance of receiving an early, accurate diagnosis, as the crucial first step in delivering the right treatment, support and care. 

While our country is recognised as a leader in this area of medicine, there are still significant improvements to be made—because, although 8,000 Australians have received a definitive diagnosis, there are many others who have not. 

In particular, girls and women can face delays in diagnosis of bleeding disorders, and it is often the case that it is not until excessive or unexplained bleeding occurs during childbirth or surgery, that further exploration is triggered. 

I am sure that the Haemophilia Foundation’s recent ‘Women Bleed Too’ survey will provide fascinating and useful insights that will highlight our strengths and weaknesses and help improve our national approach. 

In regional, remote, and Indigenous communities, access to the specialised knowledge required to ensure appropriate testing and management can be challenging, which further complicates the problem4. And this is why the work of The Foundation, nationally, and here in Queensland, is so important. 

I am proud to champion an organisation that is committed to improving the quality of life for its members and families—acting as a strong public voice, sharing stories of lived experiences to inform and enlighten others, and delivering an innovative array of programs and events. 

Building understanding is an essential part of this process, because when people are better informed, they can more clearly discuss concerns about their own health with their medical practitioners.  

Raising the profile of the Foundation’s important work also attracts additional financial assistance, which goes towards funding life-changing support programs, education resources, and research projects.  

I know you all feel passionately about both the issues your community is facing, and the vital work being done by the HFQ5, and are excited about emerging cutting-edge treatments, including gene therapy—which is showing such promising early results in clinical trials. 

Your support is absolutely vital to ensuring this positive momentum can continue, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone here today, who has generously contributed to advancing this objective. 

I also acknowledge and thank the HFQ Board, management, staff and volunteers who every day devote their energies to enhancing life for others.  

As landmarks around our state glow red—including here at Government House—we are reminded that, while there is still significant work to be done, the possibility of a permanent cure is ever more promising. 

Thank you.