Speeches
Tuesday, 11 August 2026
SAHMRI address
It is a pleasure to be with you as Patron and have the opportunity to meet with those whose work has so much import for people not only in South Australia, but around the world.
During my term, Rod and I have been pleased to engage with the SAHMRI team whether that’s through:
• Touring your facilities and hearing about the work researchers are engaging in;
• Attending launches of SAHMRI initiatives;
• Welcoming your senior leaders and researchers to various Government House events including our Winter Conversation session on Genomics and Precision medicine, which sparked interesting discussion by the public.
• Thanking your supporters
Patronage of an organisation gives the opportunity to highlight important work and champion how it enriches our State, and I have been pleased to do so.
I have met SAHMRI researchers who are curious, innovative, and determined to search for breakthroughs that will have impact. Impact on people. Impact on communities. Impact on the future.
Everyone in this room knows that by its very nature, research is a long and arduous journey.
The end goal is not a breakthrough in the laboratory. The end goal is the impact that breakthroughs can have on people’s lives.
And SAHMRI has that at its heart and as its focus.
I am of course aware that SAHMRI has had some challenges outside the scientific arena over recent years and can imagine that this has taken a toll on both management time and morale.
But as the challenges are met, and as the headlines pass, SAHMRI’s core and vitally important work continues.
SAHMRI is helping to deepen our understanding of how disease develops, how it can be treated more effectively and, ideally, prevented. You tackle some of the most significant challenges affecting longevity and quality of life.
That’s work worth celebrating and of which we as South Australians can be proud, and of which you should be proud.
I want also to specifically mention SAHMRI’s Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, working in partnership with communities to drive solutions to improve health and wellbeing for Indigenous Australians.
All your work strengthens our State’s reputation for excellence, attracts talent and investment, and reinforces our position as a hub for research and innovation.
Each of you plays a part in what makes SAHMRI an important institution. Each role adds to the bigger picture.
Thank you for your dedication, your experience, your talents, and your commitment to creating healthier future.
It has been an honour to be your Patron during my term.
Rest assured, I will continue to follow your achievements.