Speeches
Thursday, 14 December 2023
Reception for AmCham Academy
Welcome to Government House this evening to mark the culmination of the AmCham Global Leadership Academy for 2023.
I congratulate all participants on being nominated for, and taking part in, this program.
As Governor I am committed to nurturing and encouraging South Australians, of all ages and backgrounds, who display leadership potential.
As our world grapples with geopolitical tensions, climate change and other issues, leadership has never been more important.
The role of leaders, and the impacts of their decisions and choices, has never been more apparent.
To navigate these challenges, we need leaders with vision, humanity, integrity and initiative; inclusive leaders who listen and are generous.
I thank the American Chamber of Commerce for running the Academy for five years now, contributing to fostering a strong culture of innovative and dynamic leadership in South Australia, with positive impacts beyond our borders, especially in the United States.
In my former roles, I was privileged to have insights into the extraordinary breadth and depth of the social, cultural, economic, business to business and government to government relationship between Australia and the United States, most recently enhanced through the AUKUS trilateral security partnership.
And having travelled this year to the UK, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia, I am encouraged by the close bilateral relationships South Australia has in trade, investment, defence and education and our people to people ties.
I am also encouraged by the very focused way in which South Australia is contributing to the achievement of our national objectives, including through the world-class naval shipbuilding precinct at Osborne.
South Australia has much to be proud of, and much to share with the world, leading the way in tech and innovation through Lot 14, the Australian Space Agency, Adelaide Biomedical Precinct, Tonsley Innovation district and other initiatives.
Our strengths in areas such as renewable energy, medical research, the arts, defence and space industries, wine and agriculture, and education, can be enhanced by incisive leadership, a global perspective and on-going commitment to relationship building.
As Governor, two of my priorities are to support and encourage leadership and South Australian business development.
Clearly both goals often cross over and are central to the AmCham Global Leadership Academy and your own aspirations.
In this regard, I stand ready to assist you in any way I can.
I am advised that this year’s program speakers have focused on best business practices, personal growth and accountability of leaders as well as the importance of diversity and inclusion.
A third priority for me is gender equality and I am pleased to see a very healthy number of women among today’s award recipients.
No doubt your program speakers also spoke of the value of courageous and generous leadership and of compelling leadership narratives.
I encourage you to be bold in telling and enhancing your own story and the broader South Australian story.
Friends,
I thank the American Chamber of Commerce for its role in advocacy, information sharing, support of trade missions, and for facilitating the Academy.
To the Academy participants, well done. You are now part of a 1000 plus national alumni body.
I encourage you all to be bold leaders who continue to think and act outside the square, and for the broader benefit of our community and our state.
Your influence is much greater than the boardroom. Afterall, leaders shape our community and our future.
I wish you all the best in your future careers.