Victoria-Denmark Business Reception

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which this House stands – the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people – and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present.

We meet in a House that is marking 150 years since its first occupation, and one that has hosted numerous Royal delegations over those decades.

Yet this place had a Royal connection even before the first stone was laid.

In March 1863, while just a reserve of parkland, there were ‘public rejoicings’ here to celebrate the marriage of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Alexandra was, of course, the great-great-aunt of His Majesty King Frederik X.

Later, in 1901, the Royal couple were planning a visit to Australia.

Yet the passing of Queen Victoria on the 22nd of January – less than a month after Australia’s Federation – meant that they had to prepare for a coronation.

Instead, it was Prince George, Duke of Cornwall and York, and his wife, Princess Mary, who were assigned to undertake the voyage in their place.

In May, the Prince – the son of a Danish-born Queen – presided at the opening of the first Federal Parliament here in Melbourne.

So it was that the oldest Monarchy in Europe had a connection to the birth of our nation.

In that same year, Danes were experiencing their own moment of national significance – with their first use of the secret ballot (a reform pioneered in Victoria), followed by the institution of Systemskiftet, a parliament elected by the people.

One hundred and twenty-five years later, and our nations are among the oldest continuous democracies in the world.

Our instincts for fair representation and strong civil liberties have served us well.

And though our lands are separated by many miles, we find in each other suitable partners, and continue to grow ever closer.

Victoria and Denmark not only share populations of similar size, but also a willingness to engage on the global stage.

Importantly, Victoria remains an outward-looking State.

Progress in our major sectors has come as a direct result of successes in collaborating with our friends abroad.

We, in Victoria, take pride in being a trusted parter and stand ready to work with those who share our values and aspirations – no matter how far away they may be.

That’s because good relationships are not dependent on proximity, but on mutual respect.

Australians, and Victorians in particular, have always been committed not only to seeking opportunity in our resources and circumstances – after all, the State began with one of the largest gold rushes ever seen – but in opportunity for all, which we have called the right to “a fair go.”

And we are always happy to shake the hands of those who believe the same.

I know the Danes have a word – hygge – that speaks to a feeling of comfort and familiarity.

In our context, we speak of our easygoing informality – a meeting between equals.

Here we might say, “no worries mate.”

I hope in welcoming this Danish delegation to Victoria we have succeeded in creating some sense of hygge away from home.

Despite our geographic separation, Victoria and Denmark have traced similar trajectories.

We have pioneered representative democracies and built strong foundations for public stability.

We have forged identities founded in notions of equality and fairness.

And we have consistently reached out to our friends abroad to innovate, exchange and cooperate to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

So, in the spirit of a “fair go” and in an atmosphere of “hygge”, I welcome Their Majesties and all our distinguished guests to Government House today.

I hope you find your discussions constructive as you explore shared opportunities for the ‘green transition’ in renewable energy and urban development – and that as we take next steps forward in our relationship – we can all say:

“No worries – she’ll be right mate.”

Thank you.

I now invite His Majesty The King to address us.