Chief Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen 

Thank you for your words of welcome. Prince Philip and I have been 
able to spend most of the last ten days based in Canberra, and it has
indeed been a pleasure for us both to be able to benefit from 
Canberra's peace and calm between engagements.

Today I am having an opportunity to see some of the developments 
and changes in the Australian National Capital over the past eight 
years. Since I first came forty-six years ago, I have watched with 
admiration the growth and expansion here. From its establishment as 
the seat of the Federal Parliament, Canberra has matured into a city 
of diverse cultures and many roles. I have been interested to learn 
of the significant progress in the arrangements by which the 
territory is run.

During these recent years the city has continued to develop its own
identity and it is impressive to see the ACT community both 
fulfilling its national obligations whilst celebrating its own 
individuality. This is indeed a national capital city of which all 
can be justly proud.