Well, Christmas is upon us and I wanted to take the opportunity to wish everyone in the Queensland public service all the best for Christmas and the new year.

When I did this message last year, I wasn't aware of just how much the disaster season would impact us but I also was completely and utterly blown away by the way that the public service rallied.

We had disasters in the north, in the south, in the west and the way that every agency mobilised to help Queenslanders was, quite frankly, an amazing display of spirit and competency of the public service.

It's been a really big year for us, and it's been a big year for Queenslanders and the changes that have been made have only been possible because of an empowered public service. And I do want to thank you for what you've done.

I think about things like Jack's Law and Daniel's Law. I think about our Destination 2045 plan, more biosecurity officers, the work that we've done around victim numbers, around our Hospital Rescue Plan, more housing, the Residential Activation Fund.

All of that has been possible because of the diligence of people working in offices and working on the frontline.

But it's Christmas time. So the message that I've got today is whatever time you do get off, please take the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, recharge and refresh. To those of you who don't get that opportunity.

And I know many of you, particularly on the frontline won't get that chance.

And you'll be there working on Christmas Day, on Boxing Day, on New Year's Day, when others get the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones.

And I want you to know how grateful the state is for that. To everyone, thanks for the year. It's a big year ahead.

I'm looking forward to it and I just want to let you know how much we respect and value the work you do.

Thanks very much. Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2026.