On behalf of all Australians, it is an honour to host you here – on your first Official State Visit as Denmark’s King and Queen, and the first visit to Australia of a Danish Monarch in almost 40 years. 

You are no strangers to this country, of course – and I think all Australians were moved and delighted to hear your words in the Northern Territory just last night, Your Majesty, that it was good to be home. 

You have visited Australia several times, including a stay here at Government House in 2005, where I know you met many of our kangaroos. 

You have travelled across our vast and beautiful country in the past two days, across our great land, and I am so delighted that you spent precious, and I hope transcendent, time at Uluru, including starting your day today – it must seem a very long time ago – with a dawn walk around the base at of Uluru. 

I know that the Anangu elders, Sammy Wilson and Valerie Brumby, will have shared stories and ceremonies with you with great kindness and generosity. 

Just a few months ago, I travelled with our Prime Minister to the very same sites you have visited to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the handback of Uluru – Kata Thuta to the Anangu, its traditional owners. 

It was a previous Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen, who returned the title deeds in 1985. 

Your time in Central Australia speaks to the beginning of our unique braided history. 

Beginning with 65,000 years of Indigenous culture, country, and kindship. 

Joined by our British institutions of government and democratic processes that we cherish to this day.  

Modernised in the past 80 years with successful multiculturalism – migrants and refugees from almost every part of the world who have made Australia home with Australian values – including more than 65,000 people who have traced their family story to Denmark. 

Our nations have so much in common – our deep commitment to democracy, modernity and the safety, stability and sovereignty of nations, and, as your visit so clearly brings to life, our shared commitment to sustainability. 

Australia and Denmark have always been like-minded partners. 

In our cooperation on renewable energy – which this visit, I hope, will further deepen. 

In our shared stance against Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

In our collaboration on critical and emerging technologies. 

Thank you, Your Majesties, for your focus on this historic trip on growing the economic and investment links between our two nations, particularly in renewable and green transition and energy efficient urban development, and for brining such an impressive business delegation with you. 

Now on a personal note, this is not my first time sharing dinner with Your Majesties. 

You may not remember it, but I certainly do.  

Ten years ago, King Frederick, you kindly invited me to join an official dinner at your home in Copenhagen, during the 2016 3GF Forum – an event focused on a global common purpose – to drive the social, environmental and economic transformation required to guarantee a sustainable future. 

The conference was the embodiment of Demark’s leadership –then convening thousands of the world’s experts in Copenhagen to find collaborative ways to meet the urgency of the sustainability and climate change challenge. It was uplifting and a serious commitment to action at scale and speed – and it was a decade ago. 

I reflect now how more advanced in energy transition and engagement with nature we might be if the recommendations of that forum had been really enthusiastically taken up across the globe. You were teaching us something then, as you are now. 

What struck me at that moment, and it does today, is the Danish spirit of innovation, cooperation, ingenuity and optimism. Underpinned by exceptional design. 

And it is design that most obviously and gloriously unites us across the globe through one of our most iconic and beloved sites, the Sydney Opera House.  

I am delighted that the chair of the Opera House joins us this evening and can share more about the journey the Opera House has been on in recent years.  

Australians, and the millions of visitors who come to see the Opera House every year, are reminded of the timeless gift of Danish architect Jorn Utzen and his audacious brilliance. His willingness and determination to be bold – envisaged, imagined and created a future for this country we did not know we were capable of, and he thought possible when we might not have.  

And since its opening in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has stood as one of the important cultural precincts in the country – second only to perhaps Uluru and the many ancient First Nations sites around this extraordinary continent.  

Now it is World Heritage Site, holding a 6-star Green Star Rating, and awarded in 2023 for ‘World Leadership in Sustainability’ – with 100 per cent renewable energy, 90 per cent waste diversion, carbon neutrality and a brilliant sea-water cooling system operating from Sydney Harbour. 

A magnificent, tangible, living example of possibility, innovation and facing the future with determination, which started with the foresight and uncompromising leadership of a Dane – who understood the power and longevity of extraordinary and great design. 

I believe that on this tour, Denmark is once again teaching us how to design a sustainable future, and it’s evidenced by the remarkable people you have brought to our country. 

Your tour also reminds us of the profound value of people-to-people links, and our futures can only be imagined and built together. 

Our bilateral strategic partnership arrangement on climate and clean energy, on peace and security, and critical technologies is testament to that. 

If I might, your Majesty, Queen Mary, you were described this afternoon at the welcome ceremony as our Palawa Australian Mary. For those that don’t know, Palawa are the original inhabitants of Tasmania – the First Nations inhabitants.  

And I loved it when Serena welcomed you and looked deeply into your eyes and welcomed you as our Palawa Australian Mary. 

These moments are very important.  

Australians are so delighted that you come back as the Queen of Denmark, having started in Tasmania as an Australian. That you can still say you’re coming home, to your first home, that we know that was your home as part of the great tradition of the Monarch of Denmark. It means a great deal to all of us. 

I know that your love story has captured the hearts of Australians and that wherever you travel in the days ahead, whether it’s Canberra tomorrow, Melbourne two days following or in Tasmania, where I think you’ll be very, very warmly welcomed, Australians will show their affection and their thanks for everything you are doing for the world and all on behalf of Denmark as one of our great leaders. 

It is the embodiment of the people-to-people relationships that form our country and we’re so thrilled that you’re here tonight. 

I’m delighted to welcome you both to this place. 

You have talked, Queen Mary, through your Mary Foundation in Denmark, about the need to combat social isolation – based on the belief that everyone has a right to belong. 

Here at Government House tonight I’m delighted to welcome all of you, but particularly Their Majesties, to a place that we speak of as being a place of peace and belonging.  

We’re delighted to host you. 

Your Majesty, can I invite you to offer your remarks. 

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