Renee Coffey (Griffith, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

This year's King's Birthday Honours recognised 14 Griffith recipients whose service reflects the best of our community. In my short few minutes here today, I want to acknowledge a few of them. Matthew Ames received his honour for significant service to community health, engineering, business administration and corporate governance. A Metro South Health board member since 2022, Matthew brings more than 20 years experience in environmental health and safety, risk management and governance. He has also been a strong consumer advocate across Queensland health, helping ensure patients and families have a voice in the systems that affect their lives. Matthew has given years of service to Hear and Say, supporting better outcomes for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. He has also been a leader in sepsis advocacy, helping improve awareness, care and recovery for people affected by sepsis.

Professor Hans Peter Soyer received his honour for distinguished service in dermatology, skin cancer diagnosis, medical research and governance. As Director of the Dermatology Research Centre at the University of Queensland's Frazer Institute and through his work at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Professor Soyer has helped advance the early detection and treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers. Professor Soyer's work has been vital in Queensland, where skin cancer affects too many families as the melanoma capital of the world. Professor Soyer's research brings together clinical care, new technology and collaboration, including 3D total body imaging and the use of artificial intelligence, in dermatology. His work aims to find skin cancers earlier, improve patient outcomes and address gaps in access to care, especially in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Katarina Carroll AO APM received her honour for distinguished service to law enforcement, disaster management and the community. As a former Queensland Police Commissioner, Commissioner of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and a leader through floods, cyclones and major public safety operations, Katarina has served Queensland with strength and calm.

Christine Castley OAM received the Medal for the Order of Australia for service to the multicultural community and public administration. As CEO of Multicultural Australia, she helped support refugees, migrants and new Australians to find safety, belonging and opportunity. Christine also contributed to the taskforce on domestic and family violence which delivered the landmark Not now, not ever report. She now serves on the board of DVConnect, continuing to work to support people experiencing violence and abuse.

I also acknowledge the other Griffith recipients named in this year's honours. Associate Professor Alan Gale OAM was recognised for service to cardiothoracic surgery and the community. Craig Holden OAM and Craig Williams OAM have given decades of service in surf lifesaving. Mark Neave OAM was recognised for service to youth. Kathleen Noonan OAM was named for service to social welfare. There are so many more of these outstanding leaders across my community. On behalf of my community, I congratulate each of them and I thank them sincerely for their service to our wonderful community of Griffith, to Queensland and, of course, to Australia.