RSPCA Million Paws Walk – One Last Lap

Member for Inala, Ms Margie Nightingale MP; Vice-Chancellor, University of Queensland, Professor Deborah Terry AC; Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer, Department of Primary Industries, Ms Rachel Chay; RSPCA Queensland Chair, Ms Louise Cox and Board Members, Interim CEO and Director Ms Kylie Sprott and Director, Mr Ben Deverson; sponsors; staff and supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys and of course our many four-legged friends.

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

As Governor of Queensland, I am delighted to be joining you all this morning, for One Last Lap of the Million Paws Walk; an iconic RSPCA event staged across Australia for the past 30 years in honour of animals, and against animal cruelty. It is often said that ‘all good things must come to an end’ and I know that it is with heavy hearts that organisers have had to make the decision to retire the RSPCA Million Paws Walk from their fundraising platform. So, together this morning, I know that we can make this great event shine one last time.

The RSPCA and the Million Paws Walk in particular, have been synonymous with supporting animals in need for the past 30 years. What a fabulous opportunity it has afforded the more than ‘765,000 people and 410,000 dogs’ over the course of those three decades to advocate for the wellbeing of animals, and against abandonment and abuse.

As the State’s leading animal welfare charity, the RSPCA is so very well known and loved for its commitment to improving the lives of animals – domestic, farmed and native – throughout Queensland.

It’s a commitment that was chartered almost 140 years ago, and one that recognises that an animal’s welfare comprises both its physical and mental state, as well as its fitness and sense of wellbeing. This, coupled with its power to prosecute animal cruelty and neglect under the law, make the RSPCA an effective and influential organisation.

Thank you to the RSPCA Board, staff, supporters and volunteers, dog club members and enthusiasts, and to the many local residents and families here this morning, for embracing the Million Paws Walk and its significance for the past 30 years.

This walk in the fight against animal cruelty will be the 31^st and the last but our love of animals will continue, as will the fight to protect them from mistreatment. I look forward to our morning together and on behalf of all Queenslanders I congratulate the RSPCA on its incredible work.