Selected speeches

Good afternoon everyone.

I can’t tell you what a pleasure it is to be here today to officially open the 47th Litchfield Rural Show.

From humble beginnings as a Rural Fete at Howard Springs, the Fred’s Pass Show has now in its 47th year, outgrown itself, had a relocation and a rebirth, as the Litchfield Rural Show here at Livingstone Recreation Reserve.

This show has long held a special place in the life of the rural area, bringing together families, schools, exhibitors, industry, volunteers, local businesses and community organisations for a weekend of connection, competition and celebration.

For anyone who has grown up in the bush or spent time in rural and regional communities, they know there is always something special about an agricultural show. The smell of sawdust, livestock, seeing the horses, the cattle, the pavilions and produce - the cookery, the art, the craft and the food stalls. Especially the sound of children laughing and squealing on the big machines that go swoosh and my favourite - the grand parade.

This year’s program captures all the ingredients of a special show – animal nurseries, agricultural competitions, equestrian events, paddock-to-plate demonstrations, circus and comedy with The Farmy Farm, the car and bike show, market stalls and many other attractions.

I think though, above all, what makes a show special - is the people. The volunteers, organisers, exhibitors, competitors, sponsors and families who give their time, energy and enthusiasm to make the show happen.

To the committee and everyone involved in bringing the Litchfield Rural Show to life in its new home – thank you. Events like this do not happen by accident, they happen because people care about community.

May this new chapter be a great success and may the Litchfield Rural Show continue to grow here in its new home - as one of the Territories great rural community events.

It now gives me much pleasure to officially open the 47th Litchfield Rural Show.

Good evening distinguished guests,

I acknowledge the Larrakia people, the traditional saltwater people of this land on which we gather.

We are tickled pink that the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championship has come to Darwin for the very first time.

My wife Sue and I are absolutely delighted to welcome you and hope you enjoy Darwin’s tropical weather, multicultural community and relaxed Territory lifestyle.

Over the coming week, athletes from 23 Oceania nations and regions will compete here in the Top End. There will be fierce competition, personal bests, records broken and medals won, and I for one can’t wait to see it all unfold.

This Championships is also a tremendous vote of confidence in the Northern Territory and I sincerely thank everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to bring it here to Darwin. From the early visionaries and organisers, through to coaches, competitors, officials, volunteers and families supporting athletes every step of the way.

This week I had the pleasure of meeting some of Australia’s elite swimmers and their coaches who are training in Darwin ahead of their national trials in June and every one of them said the same thing - Darwin is the ideal place to prepare and perform.

We know athletics is one of the great universal sports. Ever since Dicky Dowling won a sprint race over 50 yards in Hyde Park in Sydney in 1810, athletics has been a wonderful part of our Australian way of life and what I particularly love about these championships is the strong sense of family and community that is a hallmark of Oceania Athletics. It brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities - from young athletes at 14 years age beginning their journey, to experienced competitors such as the Northern Territory’s Master’s athlete competing this week at 89 years of age.

My wife Sue and I both look forward to cheering all athletes on throughout the week ahead. As a medal winning Olympian and ex athlete herself, it is occasions such as this, I get to bask in the glow of Sue’s sporting prowess.

To the officials, coaches, volunteers and organisers: thank you for the work you do behind the scenes. Your commitment gives athletes the chance to perform, grow and succeed.

I wish you all a wonderful Championship, great competition, new friendship and an enjoyable stay in the Top End.

The Honourable Steve Edgington, Minister for Health, distinguished guests - all.

Good evening everyone.

I would like to acknowledge the Larrakia people, the saltwater people of this country.

It is a pleasure to be here tonight to celebrate the 2026 Northern Territory Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards with you all and to present the Administrator's Medals for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and Midwifery.

Earlier this week, I hosted a morning tea with the nominees and the enthusiasm and support that you all show one another in this sector is something special - coming together from near and far to celebrate one another with such passion.

PAUSE

The recipient of tonight's Administrator's Medal is someone who has demonstrated true leadership in sexual assault health care - which is not always an easy topic to discuss - yet it is one that demands courage, honesty and care.

They are recognised for their dedication, compassion and advocacy for the health and wellbeing of all Territorians.

With 31 years of service as a registered nurse, their experience spans rehabilitation and clinical care, before they moved into the fields of sexual health and sexual assault services.

Since joining the Sexual Assault Referral Centre in 2011 and as Manager since 2015, they have led the Top End’s only specialised sexual assault service with unwavering commitment.

This is work that asks for extraordinary professionalism and compassion, often in the most difficult and confronting circumstances.

Their leadership is grounded in care that is trauma-informed, culturally safe and compassionate, ensuring every person is met with dignity and respect.

With influence extending far beyond the Northern Territory – tonight’s winner has contributed to national organisations and peak bodies, helping shape difficult conversations, policy and practice across Australia - advocating for victim survivors and strengthening the systems that support them.

Those who work alongside tonight’s winner speak of them as a leader who is kind, authentic and deeply committed - not only to those in their care, but to their entire team.

Tonight, we honour not just an outstanding career; we gather to celebrate resilience, achievement and strong leadership that speaks to something even more powerful - character.

It now gives me great pleasure to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Northern Territory Administrator's Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and Midwifery is: Ms Prue Boylan.

Please join me in congratulating Prue on this well-deserved recognition.

I wish to congratulate our outstanding Territorians recognised this evening. Now you are formally invested with your awards, I hope you wear them with pride. Can we please give our recipients another round of applause.

You are fantastic individuals who have shaped communities, uplifted others and demonstrated the values of compassion, unity and service. These honours have brought light to the work you have done to make our community stronger, kinder and more connected.

I genuinely thank you all.

Honours help celebrate people who lead by example, strive for excellence and give generously of themselves. They acknowledge those Territorians who are having a real crack.

Your achievements and dedication speak volumes and on behalf of the Northern Territory and all Australians, I thank you.

You remind us that every one of us has the capacity to create positive change.

Tonight, we have seen the kind of individuals who deserve recognition through the honours and awards system. Across the Territory, I am meeting countless others - equally deserving, and your support is important in helping ensure more Territorians are recognised through the national honours and awards system.

So, I would like you to think about those in your networks who embody service, dedication and excellence.

I encourage you to take the time to nominate a Territorian for recognition through the Australian honours system. You can find details on how to nominate in your program.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the families – the partners, parents and children, friends and supporters of our recipients. Behind every great person stands a group of incredible supporters - your encouragement and sacrifices have shaped the individuals we celebrate tonight.

To our recipients, once again, I am proud and sincerely grateful for your achievements and service and look forward to celebrating with you shortly.

Well done!

Good morning and welcome to Government House.

I would like to commence this morning by acknowledging the Larrakia people, the saltwater people of this country.

It is a great pleasure to host you all today, especially the nominees for the Northern Territory Administrator’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Nursing and Midwifery.

Each of nominees have devoted their life to a profession that is both demanding and deeply meaningful. Nursing and midwifery call for skill, resilience and compassion in equal measure and through your work, you have provided care, comfort and advocacy to Territorians at their most vulnerable.

Your contribution to our community cannot be overstated. You have supported individuals and families through some of life’s most challenging moments, often quietly, and always with unwavering commitment.

I look forward to meeting each of you this morning and hearing more about your journeys and experiences.

While the award to be presented on Friday evening will formally recognise an individual, I acknowledge that every one of you here is worthy of this honour.

In my role I have the privilege to see and celebrate Territorians at their best - and you all represent the very best of those who care for Territorians.

On behalf of the Northern Territory, thank you for your dedication, your compassion and your enduring contribution. Please enjoy your time here at Government House and I wish you all the very best for Friday evening.

Good evening everyone.

I would like to commence this evening by acknowledging the Larrakia people, the saltwater people of this country.

I also acknowledge the many communities whose cultures, traditions and hard work have shaped the Northern Territory into the diverse and welcoming place it is today.

Distinguished guests, community leaders and friends,

It is a great honour to join you as patron of The NT Thai Association and be here tonight.

Songkran marks the traditional Thai New Year, a time of renewal, gratitude and community. Across Thailand and around the world, people have gathered this week to pay respect to elders, visit temples, and celebrate with family and friends.

Water is one of the most beautiful symbols of Songkran, representing cleansing, renewal and good fortune for the year ahead. It reminds us that every new year is an opportunity for fresh beginnings and stronger connections with one another.

Here in the Northern Territory, we are proud of our vibrant Thai community. The celebration of Songkran brings families, friends, neighbours, indeed Territorians together. Giving us a chance to honour the traditions people carry with them from around the world and to celebrate the richness added to our shared home.

The Thai community has made a wonderful contribution to the Territory through culture, cuisine, education, tourism and business. Tonight’s celebrations give Territorians the chance to experience the warmth, generosity and spirit of Thai culture. I want to thank the Territory’s very own ‘Mango Queen’ and President of the NT Thai Association, Ms Saramat (Tou) Ruchkaew, along with all association members, for your dedication and hard work across the community each year.

As we begin tonight’s celebration, let us embrace the spirit of Songkran: respect for one another, joy in community and hope for the future.

Unfortunately, I need to apologise as I have been double booked tonight and need to race off to another function.

I wish everyone a joyful and prosperous Thai New Year.

May the year ahead bring you happiness, good health and prosperity.

Thank you, and Sawasdee Pi Mai (Sah wah dee pee mai).

Happy New Year.

Good evening distinguished guests, athletes, coaches, administrators and friends of Territory sport.

It is a pleasure to be here tonight to recognise the remarkable talents of those involved in Territory sport.

I would like to commence this evening by paying my respects to the original custodians of this country we gather on tonight, the saltwater people of this country, the Larrakia people, and I pay my respects to them all, past and present.

I would also like to acknowledge all those who have contributed to making the Northern Territory what it is today, particularly those in Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency Services who every day, provide protection, security and support for all Territorians. Thanks to their dedication we can come together and enjoy occasions like tonight’s event.

The Steve Abala Sporting Role Model Administrator’s Medal was established in 2006 by former Administrator, The Honourable Ted Egan.

Ted named the Administrator’s medal after a man called Steve Abala, a Khungarakung (Kun-ar-ikin) man born in Darwin in 1924.

Steve was only 15 years old when he started playing Aussie Rules for the Darwin Buffaloes.

When Darwin was bombed in 1942, Steve, aged 18, joined the army. He served in Darwin and then fought in Papua New Guinea. When peace was declared in 1945, Steve volunteered as a member of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force and was posted to Japan until his return to Darwin in 1946.

In 1956, at the age of 32, playing for the Navy Rugby League Club at Gardens Oval, Steve Abala was injured and sadly died 2 days later.

Ted described Steve as embodying 'so many qualities that we admire and respect in our community.'

• He was born here.
• He was a First Australian.
• He fought for his country.
• He played sport at the absolute top-class level.
• He was admirable as a person in the general community, and
• A family man of the top order.

Steve Abala was widely regarded as one of the Northern Territory's most versatile athletes who believed deeply in the power of sport to build strong individuals and stronger communities. He understood that medals tarnish and records are broken, but integrity, mentorship and service endure. This award carries his name because it reflects those enduring qualities — leadership, humility, commitment and a genuine desire to lift others.

So tonight we gather not only to celebrate achievement but to celebrate something even more powerful — character. The Steve Abala Role Model Administrator’s Medal is one of the most meaningful honours presented at the Northern Territory Sports Awards because it recognises a truth that Steve Abala himself lived every day: sport is not just about results on a scoreboard. It is about the people we shape, the standards we set and the example we leave behind

It is a privilege to continue to honour Steve Abala’s memory and to recognise the positive impact that sport can have on all aspects of our society.

Tonight’s recipient embodies those values in every sense.

The winner of this year’s award is an exemplary sportsperson who contributes to our community in many ways.

As a successful high-performance athlete they dedicate countless hours to training and preparation for competition.

This person has made tremendous personal sacrifices to compete at the highest level, while remaining committed to developing and supporting grassroots participation and the growth of others in their chosen sport here in the Northern Territory—both on and off the court.

Born in Nhulunbuy, the winner of this award is one of Australia’s most accomplished Paralympic and international wheelchair basketball players.

Confined to a wheelchair from a very early age due to a congenital condition, he began playing wheelchair basketball at just 9 years old. By 15 he had made his National Wheelchair Basketball League debut for the Spinning Bullets—becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to compete at that level.

Today, our award winner is an integral member of the Australian Rollers, the senior men’s national wheelchair basketball team. He has competed in multiple Paralympic Games, World Championships and international leagues—and serves as an inspirational advocate for inclusion, youth engagement and disability sport development across the Northern Territory.

This person has represented Australia with pride while inspiring thousands of young Territorians to embrace sport and inclusion. Whether playing professionally in Spain, leading the Rollers or volunteering in Darwin schools, our award winner continues to prove that excellence and humility can coexist.

His achievements, resilience and dedication to others make him a true role model for sport and community across the Northern Territory and Australia.

In the Northern Territory, sport is woven into the fabric of our communities. It brings together remote and regional areas, diverse cultures and generations of Territorians. When someone represents us — whether locally, nationally or internationally — they carry more than a jersey. They carry our values. And tonight’s recipient has carried those values with pride, dignity and humility.

That is what a role model looks like.

Please join me in congratulating our deserving recipient, Tom O’Neill-Thorne.

Good morning everyone, welcome to Government House.

The Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory.

The Honourable Gerard Maley, Deputy Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr Henry Burke, President of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.

Ms Romy Carey, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.

Graduates, distinguished guests, all.

I would like to commence this morning by acknowledging the Larrakia people, the saltwater people of this country on which we stand, and I pay my respects to them all, past and present.

I would also like to acknowledge all those past and present who have contributed to making the Northern Territory what it is today, particularly those in Defence, Police, Fire and Emergency services, who every day, provide protection, security and support for all Territorians.

This is a grand day for you who have been part of the 2025/2026 NTCA Leadership program and are graduating today. What an amazing experience, and believe me, I know what an important and vital program this is to not only the NT Cattle industry, but also to the wider pastoral industry.

I know that this program identifies, works with and graduates future leaders within the Industry to understand, promote and advocate on behalf of industry and business.

Leadership during uncertain times is vital and I urge you to continue to invest in the Industry’s future, to invest in your future.

I also challenge you to take the next step, become involved in the branches, the committees and boardrooms of your industry.  Previous to my current role, my involvement in the NTCA was one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life.

So I urge you to get onto the Executive of the NTCA, get involved, shape your world. Make a difference.

Who knows, one day, one of you may be asked to consider a nomination as Administrator of the Northern Territory.

I would like to thank Peter and Jane Hughes, principles of Georgina Pastoral Company for your involvement once again and for investing in the youth of today for our leadership tomorrow.

Well done to NTCA and your members for continuing to understand the importance of this program and the investment of effort and time that goes into it.

After the official duties this morning, I invite you all to join with Sue and I, and the Government House team to enjoy a barbeque breakfast.

Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory and Mr Sam Burke.

Mr Brian Gallagher, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, representing the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory.

The Honourable Chief Justice Michael Grant, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and Ms Marita Fitzpatrick.

Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Distinguished guests all, friends, family and Territorians.

Thank you for your attendance here today.

I would like to commence this morning by thanking the Larrakia people, the saltwater people of this country on which we stand, and I pay my respects to them all, past and present. I especially extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr David Kurnoth for the special saltwater welcome to country at sunrise at Mindil Beach this morning. David asked me to extend a warm welcome to you all.

Darrin-dirra   men-egg-gwa batchi-wa  (good morning everyone)

It was an honour and incredibly special to begin my first day with the original custodians of these lands.

I would also like to acknowledge all those past and present who have contributed to making the Northern Territory what it is today, particularly those in Defence, Police, Fire and emergency services who every day, provide protection, security and support for all Territorians.

I would also like to acknowledge Professor the Honourable Hugh Heggie the 23rd Administrator of the Northern Territory and of course Ms Ruth Jones for their service.

I wish to thank all those who have contributed to the success of this ceremony – and there are many; especially the small teams within Protocol NT, the Department of the Legislative Assembly, Madam Speaker, and the small but highly efficient, Government House team.

As Administrator and Vice Regal couple, Sue and I especially wish to thank the Official Secretary, Mr Craig Kitchen, for his thoughtful guidance and counsel.

I am sure there will be more guidance and more counsel, and I will be thankful for that.

Today I accept this office with humility, and a deep respect for the responsibility entrusted to me but also with a clear head and a strong sense of purpose.

This is not a position to which I ever aspired or indeed thought may be considered for, and yet I have been called from the back country that I love, the bell has been rung, and I have answered the call.

I am a lot of things and none of them perfect, but I am not one to step back when asked to step forward. I have accepted the challenge. I have always been motivated to lend a hand and strive to make a difference.

It is proof that the position of Administrator is achievable to the everyday hard-working Territorian.

As Administrator, my role is to serve the constitutional framework of the Territory and the people who live here — all of them.

This is a duty I will approach with integrity, balance, and a deep sense of responsibility and without a backward step.

I will meet these challenges by drawing on my almost 20 years of life here and the lessons this land and its people have taught me.

One of these people of the Territory, Terry Underwood, OAM, wrote in her pioneering autobiography, “The Middle of Nowhere”,

“In this land of contrasts and contradictions, we continue to give our all. There remains a glorious sense of freedom tempered by accountability. There is the controlling sense of discipline that is vital to our survival. There is the majesty of this timeless land.”

And in speaking of the land she said,

“I have grown in belief and conviction that one must become of this country to survive it.”

In my past line of work, I have breathed the dust, choked on the smoke of bushfires, lost the blood and the sweat that the land has asked of me.

The Northern Territory is a hard place to sum up. It’s big, it’s demanding, and it doesn’t suffer fools. This land shapes the people who live on it — tough, practical, generous, direct and straight-talking.

This land has a way of keeping people honest, and I intend to be guided by that.

The Northern Territory is shaped by resilience, candour, diversity, and an enduring sense of community.

These qualities demand leadership that listens carefully, acts fairly, and serves with integrity and energy.

I am also conscious that my appointment has prompted a variety of strong views. That’s part of a healthy Democracy.

I believe it is okay to have an opinion, and for that opinion to be different to mine.

Debate, difference, and scrutiny are signs of an engaged society. I welcome them, and I commit to responding not with division, but with respect.

Unity does not mean uniformity, Unity doesn’t mean we all think the same. It means we treat each other fairly and keep pulling in the same direction when it counts.

Fairness doesn’t require sameness.

My focus now, however, is on getting on with the job, doing the job properly and to the best of my ability, and that work ahead will be focused and forward looking with impartiality, and with respect and care for every Territorian.

As Administrator, my job is simple in principle and serious in practice: to uphold the Constitution, to act impartially, and to serve the people of the Northern Territory — all of them.

Judge me not by the first headlines, but by the months and years of service to the Northern Territory and its people that I have committed to.

I bring energy to this role because this Territory deserves effort, not complacency, not noise for spectacle, but for steady purposeful work.

I bring commitment, not to any faction or interest but to the office itself and the responsibilities it carries; because the office matters, and how it is carried out matters.

And I bring a strong sense of purpose — to do the job properly, without favour, and without fear.

Above all, I bring respect.

Respect for First Nations peoples and their enduring custodianship of this land for tens of thousands of years.

Respect for the law and our institutions that hold us together.

Respect for those who agree with me — and those who do not.

And respect for every Territorian, no matter where they live, how they vote, or how they see the world.

My purpose is clear. My conduct will be steady.

And my focus will always be on the long-term good of the Northern Territory and its people.

The Northern Territory is still the land of Golden Opportunity.

As Administrator part of my role is to support those striving to make change and lift up those who most need it. It is often unappreciated how important a word of support or lending a friendly ear can be. To shine a spotlight on quiet courage, or a hand lent in kindness. In the legacy of this office and those gone before me, I vow to continue this worthy tradition and not look past the efforts of these everyday Territorians who are having a real crack.

Ours is an ancient and enduring land.

Home to both those who have come here, and those that have always been.

Our future will be built upon how well we harness both these legacies.

My small role in this is to be the symbol, the guide, the protector of the flame.

It is my great honour to take up this challenge as the 24th Administrator of the Northern Territory, on behalf of all Territorians.

On behalf of you all.

On behalf of all those who have come before, and all those who will come after.

This is just the latest fleeting chapter in this land without time.

It is my great privilege to be a part of it.

Thankyou for attending today, thank you for the trust placed in me, I will work hard everyday to ensure that the office of Administrator reflects the dignity of the Northern Territory and the aspirations of its people.

My door will be open.