Welcome Reception for Visiting Heads of Mission from the European Union and Member States

European Union Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Gabriele Visentin; Heads of Mission; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. 

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. 

As Governor of Queensland, it is indeed an honour to host this distinguished delegation and to welcome you to Brisbane on the eve of your week-long visit to our beautiful state. 

My husband Graeme and I warmly welcome you to Government House where we hope you can relax and recuperate after your journey here, and before you embark on your busy program of engagements and meetings around our State.  

By the end of your stay in Queensland, you will have travelled across a region whose vastness rivals the combined size of several of your home nations. Rest assured, however, there will be no need to pass through customs while here. 

As the representative of our Head of State, King Charles the Third, in Queensland, I have represented the State on three international trade missions during the past year—to India, China and Japan—and I understand how important it is to explore potential opportunities and collaborations first-hand, and to build meaningful connections.  

Australia and the European Union enjoy a long-standing relationship, with the ties between our economies strong and growing. Europe is a priority region for Queensland’s trade and investment, particularly in the areas of energy and resources.

As an island continent, Australia has a long history as a trading nation. We know that in the eighteenth century, our First Nation’s people traded sea-cucumbers—a much sought-after delicacy at the time—with Indonesian fishermen. 

Over the decades our exports diversified from whale oil and pearl shells to other commodities such as wool, gold, wine, sugar and beef, to education services and tourism. Today, we are a significant exporter to the world, especially in agricultural goods and natural resources. 

Your visit comes at a pivotal moment, as nations work together to strengthen partnerships focused on critical and strategic minerals and the technologies they underpin. 

Australia holds some of the world’s largest reserves of minerals vital to the transition to a net-zero economy and the technologies that support it. We are accelerating their development to meet growing global demand as decarbonisation gathers pace. 

As your itinerary will show, Queensland plays a major role in this effort—home to significant mineral resources alongside world-class innovation and industry. And of course, our wonderful State has much more to offer—from its iconic reefs and rainforests to its sparkling beaches and modern, vibrant cities. In a few short years, we will capture the world’s attention as we host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games! 

On behalf of Queenslanders, I wish you every success during your visit, and trust that you will leave with exciting prospects and fond memories. Please enjoy the hospitality of Government House. Thank you.