Speeches
Monday, 03 November 2025
ATSE Awards
I am pleased to join you with my husband Rod for the 2025 ATSE Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating the theme Bringing Innovation to Life: a Dynamic Journey.
ATSE has spent five decades building bridges between Australia's best minds and the decisions that shape our future.
In this, your 50th anniversary year, I think it is fair to say your role is more critical than ever, as the importance of evidence-based advice in an increasingly complex world has perhaps never been greater but perhaps also never under greater challenge.
ATSE's Fellowship of almost 900 leaders spans our nation, bringing together the expertise we need to tackle challenges that take no account of state or national borders.
I am delighted that these national awards are being presented this year in Adelaide. Our city is a dynamic hub for the kind of innovation that ATSE champions.
In South Australia, science is all around us.
Historically, we are proud to call Lord Florey, Sir Lawrence and Sir William Bragg, Sir Mark Oliphant, Basil Hetzel our own; and more recently Reg Sprigg, Robin Warren, Professor Maria Makrides, and Professor Helen Marshall among many others.
We are the Defence State, leading the building of surface ships, sustaining Collins class submarines, and preparing for SSN-AUKUS to meet Australia's long term defence needs.
We are the Space State, home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Mission Control Centre and Australian Space Discovery Centre, along with more than 100 space-related organisations.
And we are leading the country in the difficult transition to green energy – projected to reach 100% net renewable energy by 2027[1] having started only sixteen years ago at 1%.
As Governor it's my great privilege to be briefed regularly on some of South Australia's most exciting scientific research work and to visit local institutions and businesses applying research outcomes to develop cutting edge technologies that make our lives better.
I am always impressed by the innovative approaches being taken, and the commitment of individuals and organisations to setting and achieving ambitious goals.
Innovation, in its truest sense, is not just about breakthrough discoveries.
It's about translating knowledge into solutions that improve how we live, work and respond to the challenges before us.
The finalists and winners we honour tonight exemplify this, from the Clunies Ross Technology Innovation Awards, recognising game-changing achievement, to the Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award, celebrating the modern STEM-powered application of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge.
I thank each finalist for their dedication to advancing not only their fields, but our collective capacity to build a more resilient and agile Australia.
As someone who has engaged with leaders in the defence, space, renewable energy and medical research sectors, in both my current and previous roles, I have seen firsthand how collaboration between researchers, industry and government forges new opportunities and deepens the ties that drive progress.
ATSE's role in coordinating these awards and elevating the voices of high achievers is vital to maintaining Australia's reputation as a nation of innovators.
Your STEM career programs - STELR, now in its 15th year, the Industry Mentoring Network in STEM marking its 10th, and the new Propel scholarship supporting AUKUS pathways - are shaping the knowledge-makers of our future.
I am deeply encouraged by the work being done to amplify innovation across our nation, and I wish ATSE every success as you continue building Australia's reputation for technological excellence.