Reception to Celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan (1)

Representing the Premier, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP; Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and Member for Clayfield, the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP; Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, the Honourable Pat Weir MP; Representing the Leader of Opposition, Shadow Minister for Public Works, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ms Charis Mullen MP; Lord Mayor of Brisbane, The Right Honourable Adrian Schrinner and Mrs Nina Schrinner; Consul-General of Japan in Brisbane, Mr Katsutoshi Ishikawa and Mrs Mayumi Ishikawa; Members of the Consular Corps of Queensland; Directors-General; 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 tonight.

Graeme and I are delighted and honoured to be with you all this evening, to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. I thank our generous hosts, the Consul-General, Mr Katsutoshi Ishikawa, and Mrs Mayumi Ishikawa for welcoming us so warmly to their official residence, and for giving me the opportunity to reflect on the valued friendship that unites our two countries.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Friendship and Cooperation Treaty—a pledge made between Japan and Australia recognising our strong connections in trade, investment and our people, and underpinned by a partnership built on a shared vision for the future.

In Queensland, we are celebrating 60 years since the Consulate-General of Japan first opened its doors here, and there is no doubt that over these many years, the efforts of the Consuls-General who have held the position, have helped strengthen and develop our special relationship.

This bond is of bilateral benefit, stretching beyond trade and commerce—vital though these are—to encompass knowledge-sharing, collaborations across a range of sectors, and cultural exchanges that enrich us both and lead to life-changing innovation.

Last June, I was proud to accompany the Trade and Investment Queensland mission to your beautiful country, to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

It was an incredible experience to have the chance to champion our state’s exceptional products and producers, and to be part of a global event that saw 158 countries participate and over 29 million people attend. I was also thrilled to meet the renowned ‘Iron Chef’ Hiroyuki Sakai at his famed La Rochelle restaurant in Tokyo, as we enjoyed his amazing French cuisine, and discussed innovations in agribusiness. 

The spirit of enterprise between our nations is made possible by the stability that comes from mutual respect, and this is, of course, why we come together to celebrate Emperor Naruhito’s birthday. As the head of the world’s oldest continuous monarchy, and as a symbol of the nation, His Majesty brings unity and encouragement to his people, in good times and in times of hardship.

He is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of the Japanese people, and encouraging a peaceful world that supports humanitarianism, cooperation, and greater understanding.

As we look ahead, our shared values and commitment to improvement in all aspects of life, will continue to hold us in good stead for the future, whatever it may hold.

I thank everyone here this evening, who has contributed to reinforcing and enhancing the important ties between Queensland and Japan, in such diverse and productive ways. I look forward to proposing a toast to His Majesty the Emperor, and with all of you, and on behalf of the people of Queensland, wishing him a healthy and prosperous year ahead.