Speeches
Monday, 23 June 2025
Christ University
Good afternoon everyone.
Thank you for your warm welcome. It is a pleasure to join you today at Christ University.
It is encouraging to see so many engaged, thoughtful students - leaders now and in future.
The gift of education is invaluable, and higher education in particular plays a central role in shaping societies.
It is not only a place to acquire knowledge and skills, but a foundation for civic responsibility, critical thinking, and global awareness.
Today, before I answer your questions, I want to reflect on some of the experiences that have shaped my understanding of leadership and diplomacy – themes central to my career, and ones I began exploring during my own education.
These qualities sit at the heart of international affairs, but they also influence how we engage with others, contribute to our communities, and lead with integrity in everyday life.
In diplomacy, every conversation matters.
Whether sitting across from a counterpart in Beijing as Australia’s Ambassador to China, or briefing leaders in Canberra as head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, I found that progress rarely comes immediately.
It takes patience, from listening carefully, and understanding how context shapes perspective.
Throughout my career, I have led teams, negotiated agreements, and worked through complex challenges facing our region - always with the aim of strengthening relationships and supporting Australia’s place in the world.
My career has demanded deep engagement with Australia's partners across the Indo-Pacific and beyond, which has reminded me, again and again, that diplomacy is ultimately about people - listening carefully, finding common ground, and earning trust over time.
The same can be said of leadership.
Leadership goes well beyond titles or authority. It is about knowing what you stand for, inspiring others through your example, and staying the course when outcomes are not immediate.
It also requires persistence and a willingness to work steadily, often behind the scenes, to build relationships, shape decisions, and see things through.
As Governor of South Australia, I now have the opportunity to see these principles at work in a different context.
South Australia is globally connected, and I am proud to use the experience gained throughout my career and education to support our state’s progress.
South Australia has strong relationships across the Indo-Pacific, particularly with India. Our connection spans education, cultural exchange, research, and growing business partnerships.
Our capital, Adelaide, is regularly ranked among the most liveable cities in the world, and has a welcoming, multicultural community.
It is safe, inclusive and forward-looking.
It is also home to some of Australia’s most respected universities, recognised globally for their research in areas such as renewable energy, health, defence, space and social policy.
The new Adelaide University is scheduled to open in 2026, bringing together future-focused curriculum and strong industry connections from its two antecedent universities.
We are pleased that Christ University has historically shared a partnership with South Australia’s Flinders University in the area of social work.
I hope my visit encourages further engagement, including opportunities for you to consider postgraduate study or research in South Australia.
Education is transformative. It opens doors. It strengthens communities. And, importantly, it builds lasting connections between countries and communities.
But what we learn - and how we apply it - must serve something greater than ourselves.
The global challenges we face today, whether climate change, technological disruption, or inequality, cannot be addressed in isolation.
They require collaboration and leadership from people who are informed, reflective, and willing to work with others.
I have great confidence in your generation. You bring a global perspective, you value dialogue, and you are ready to lead on shared challenges.
And you are a generation whose values and actions will help define what comes next.
The way you choose to lead, to collaborate, and to build connections will shape your future and the future of the world around you.
Your ideas, commitment and integrity matter.
I look forward to our conversation shortly – there will be a Q&A session following this address, and I encourage you to ask questions.
Thank you.