Queensland has become the first state in Australia to have a female Premier, Chief Justice and Governor at the same time, after Dr Jeannette Young was sworn in as the state’s 27th Governor on Monday.
Dr Jeannette Young begins her new role as the Queensland’s Governor after ending 16 years as the state’s Chief Health Officer. Chief Justice Catherine Holmes and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk were both in attendance at the ceremony, where Dr Young took the Oath of Allegiance and of Office at Parliament House.
Dr Young has been responsible for leading the state through the pandemic as chief health hfficer and has now been selected to replace Paul De Jersey as governor. She becomes the fourth woman to serve in the role.
“I stand here today as a very proud Queenslander,” Dr Young said at the ceremony.
“Queenslanders look out for each other, they are generous in spirit, and are uncomplainingly pragmatic.
“Like the two other medical practitioners appointed Queensland governor before me – Sir William MacGregor and Sir John Goodwin – my career has been built on gathering information, listening, and acting on behalf of the common good.”
Dr Young said she plans to use her new role to travel throughout the state and will prioritise improving literacy for children and encourage Queenslanders to improve their health and wellbeing.
“My other priorities as Governor are to promote literacy, especially for Indigenous children and for young girls; to encourage a healthy and active Queensland and to visit every public hospital throughout my term.”
“I’m just so in awe of all healthcare workers and emergency services personnel in our state – they are truly incredible people.”
Speaking at Dr Young’s swearing in ceremony, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk spoke about her role in guiding Queensland through the pandemic, saying “we will never know how many lives you have saved”.
“You and I have stood here many times in the past 20 months. Our practice was simple — every morning you would brief me on the latest developments in the pandemic, and then we would tell Queensland,” Palaszczuk said.
“I know how deeply the people of this state appreciated it. As Queensland’s chief health officer your bedside manner was calm and direct. Guiding us through this dark time has meant enormous pressure, sleepless nights, and a tide of information which you processed calmly and clinically, with compassion and care.
“As you travel throughout the state, your reputation will precede you. Queensland knows you. They hold you in the greatest esteem and the greatest affection.”