Speech delivered on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, Government House.

I’ll start, as Peter has done, by acknowledging that we are on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people, and I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge any First Nations people who are joining us here today.

It is a very important thing to do, the Acknowledgement. We have First Nations people here because the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people have long connections to this land. This place was once a farmhouse on a sheep station, and we have always held smoking ceremonies here to welcome our most recently credentialled ambassadors and commissioners. It is a very important part of the ceremonies at Government House, and I’m delighted to do that this morning alongside Kate.

Kate, as you have done, I want to acknowledge you. We have been close for many years — including through your role as Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, and of course as Chair of the Australian Red Cross. As a former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and the former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, you have always been someone deeply committed to advancing equality and wellbeing for all Australians — which I know sits at the very heart of the Australian Red Cross. It is wonderful to have you here.

I am so proud to be Patron of the Australian Red Cross, and I love it whenever we have the opportunity to work together. I think we’ve already had a few emotional moments this morning, because this is such an important ceremony, and I can’t tell you how proud I am to be here hosting it at Government House.

May I also acknowledge: 

• Andrew Colvin AO APM, CEO of the Australian Red Cross;
• Penny Harrison, Deputy CEO;
• Annette Ruhotas, Deputy Board Chair, and the national and local board members and team members joining us today;
• Noel Thilakan, Council Chair of the ACT Division of Australian Red Cross;
• AnneMarie McCabe, Head of Mission in Australia for the International Committee of the Red Cross;
• SallyAnne Jones, Federal President of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation;
• and of course our two extraordinary Florence Nightingale medallists, AnneMaree Furner and JeanPhilippe Miller — JP — along with your family and friends who are here with such pride in your achievements. 

Andrew Colvin AO APM, CEO of the Australian Red Cross;

Penny Harrison, Deputy CEO;

Annette Ruhotas, Deputy Board Chair, and the national and local board members and team members joining us today;

Noel Thilakan, Council Chair of the ACT Division of Australian Red Cross;

AnneMarie McCabe, Head of Mission in Australia for the International Committee of the Red Cross;

SallyAnne Jones, Federal President of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation;

and of course our two extraordinary Florence Nightingale medallists, AnneMaree Furner and JeanPhilippe Miller — JP — along with your family and friends who are here with such pride in your achievements.