Speech to the National Youth Science Forum Gala Dinner, Australian Parliament House, Canberra

Good evening, everyone.

And a special welcome to all the young delegates to the forum. 

It is wonderful to join you here at Australia’s Parliament House.

Welcoming young people into this important building is a special privilege.

Because this place belongs to all of us.  

As Australians, we are all welcome here – to observe, to learn, to participate and to teach. 

Sharing these impressive spaces and the workings of our Parliament with the custodians of our future fills me with optimism.

With apologies to all the humans in this place, one of the greatest treasures in this building is the magnificent art collection.

The tapestry behind me was modelled on a painting by one of Australia’s finest artists, Arthur Boyd.

If you look to the left of the cockatoo in the centre, you can see Halley’s Comet, which appeared on its regular orbit in 1986, at the time the tapestry was being woven.

I vividly remember the excitement when Halley’s Comet began to be seen in Australia’s night sky.

Scientists from every discipline were in high demand to describe what we were seeing, bringing their expertise to educate, explain and reassure.

Just as scientists have done for ever. 

From the land management and astronomy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems …

… to the extraordinary research being undertaken right now across Australia …

… science and scientists have an enduring legacy of finding and communicating the answers to Australia’s, and the world’s, greatest challenges.

Since welcoming home our greatest medal-winning Olympic team last week, I have been thinking about how we celebrate the other great strengths of our nation.

The Australian newspaper recently published a list of the 60 ideas, beliefs, forces and innovations that have shaped and defined the world over the last six decades.

Top of the list, winning the gold, silver and bronze, were DNA, AI and the Internet.

But, with some reflection, achievements in science could complete the list from one through to 60.

Perhaps we need more obvious, public celebration of these winning performances, too.

As Australia’s Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley, remarked earlier this year, 

‘science unlocks the power of imagination and the world of possibility … it allows us to create a better nation and to look after each other in new ways’

The power of science to influence, transform, empower, preserve and sustain is boundless.

This was brought home to me during National Science Week, when I headed out into the community to connect with the best and brightest Australian scientists at work.

I was wowed by the work our Australians of the Year, professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, are doing on cancer prevention, treatment and cure at the Melanoma Institute Australia.

I marvelled at the ingenuity of the teams of scientists at CSIRO doing such vital work to halt the decline in Australia’s biodiversity.

I was delighted by the variety (and size) of Australian stud beef on display at the Royal Queensland Show – the Ekka – demonstrating remarkable developments in agricultural, genetic and biological sciences.

And, just before Science Week, I was able to spend in time in many of our schools across the country.

At Fort Street High I met the school’s RoboCup Asia Pacific Team to learn about the students’ incredible work in robotics. 

At each point I was struck by how powerfully science is bound to the human impulse to care for each other, our earth, its sustainability, and our future.

The sciences are a compelling national story being told across the country, every day. 

But without the energy, creativity and optimism of young people, the Australian success story could come to an abrupt end.

For 40 years, the National Youth Science Forum has nurtured young people to pursue a future in science, technology, engineering and maths. 

Its founders understood the power of science and its influence over every aspect of our lives.

And recognised that young people need great teachers, supportive mentors and inspiring role models to realise their passion for science.

I congratulate the National Youth Science Forum for four decades of giving young Australians the inspiration to be the scientists of tomorrow.

To our young scientists, thank you for giving the riches of your intellect, curiosity and determination.

Your discoveries, skills and insights underpin all our futures.

And for all these reasons, and as I wish you all the very best as you place science at the centre of your world of possibilities, I am honoured and excited to accept the National Youth Science Forum’s invitation to serve as Patron.

I look forward to spending the next years supporting you.