Speeches
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
University of Adelaide Graduation Ceremony
I am delighted to join you for this historic ceremony and I congratulate most warmly those graduating today from the School of Biomedical Science and the School of Psychology.
Forty-one years ago, a young woman sat where you are here in Bonython Hall waiting to receive an Economics Degree.
She had come home from Canberra, where she had just started work, as it was a significant milestone in her life. One that was a foundation for what was to come.
Little did she know then that her career would take her across the world advancing Australia’s interests.
Little did she know that her horizons would be broadened and she would be able to harness her experiences and opportunities to encourage people to help shape communities.
Little did she know that she would stand on this stage many years later to receive an Honorary Doctorate.
Back in 1985, her Economics degree was signed by the Chancellor, Dame Roma Mitchell, an outstanding jurist, and a former Governor.
Little did that graduate know then that one day she too would be Governor of South Australia, and in that role would give Royal Assent to legislation to create the new Adelaide University and have the privilege of addressing you today.
I mention my story because I am grateful for my education, and to those who provided opportunities and guided and encouraged me.
And because none of this was on the radar of the 23-year-old me when I sat here.
As gradutes of the University of Adelaide you are on the threshold of a future that is yours to shape.
Casting your minds forty years into the future may be too much to contemplate, perhaps ten years at a time is more realistic, but it is worth thinking about the longer term – what will you prioritise, how will you lead, what would you like to be able to give back, what sort of mark would you like to make?
And it is entirely possible that you will find yourself addressing a future Adelaide University graduation ceremony, as Governor or in some other capacity.
Medicine – whether in the doctor’s surgery, the operating theatre, the lab or in an industrial setting - comes with challenges for those who practice it, but rewards also, principally the opportunity to make a difference.
Whatever your chosen path, you will have the ability to change the way we do things – in clinical settings, through research breakthroughs, locally, system-wide, perhaps even globally.
Many high school students Rod and I meet as we travel around the State are motivated to choose a medical career because they have been shaped by circumstances.
They often have a powerful desire to help others after experiencing the anguish of seeing a loved relative or friend go through a serious illness, physical or mental, and they want to make things better in future.
Against that background, I encourage you to be the doctor, the clinician, the psychologist, the researcher who always puts patients at the centre of what you do.
Be the doctor who recognises that some issues have been overlooked for too long – women’s health issues such as endometriosis, Aboriginal health issues where access to services and prevention is vital – and seek to change that.
Be the person who recognises cultural differences and listens to patients with poor command of English who need time to articulate what’s wrong.
Be the disruptive thinker who challenges the norm and looks for new ways to change systems to improve outcomes.
As you progress your careers, I encourage you not only to be compassionate towards your patients, but also towards each other and your colleagues.
There will be times when you have to make difficult and challenging decisions. It will be important to find the support of each other for the wellbeing of your patients and yourselves.
For those who become specialists, I encourage you to integrate teaching and research into your roles.
In that way you will be at the forefront of knowledge to assist your patients but also embrace a rewarding career that will enable you still to be engaged and enthusiastic in 40 years’ time.
For those going on to postgraduate studies here you bridge two entities. You are a final graduate of the University of Adelaide and a founding student at Adelaide University. You will help the new university find its identity and rhythm.
To those who are embarking on your careers, I wish you all the best as you navigate the next phase of your life.
Best wishes and congratulations to you all.