Queensland’s government institutions have stood the test of time. Since the Parliament of Queensland first convened in 1860, institutions such as Queensland Rail and the Supreme Court of Queensland have shaped our democracy, prosperity, and way of life.

These institutions have not only endured but evolved, meeting the changing needs of Queenslander’s while staying true to their purpose: strengthening democracy, growing our economy, and delivering public value. Their longevity is not only a testament to the essential nature of these services, but evidence of their ability to adapt, innovate, and remain relevant across generations.

Why longevity matters: Trust, economic prosperity and thriving communities

Trust in government and public institutions is a cornerstone of a thriving society. It is influenced by many factors, including how reliable, responsive, and transparent institutions are, and whether they uphold values such as fairness, integrity, and openness in decision-making. When citizens trust their institutions, they engage more, economies prosper, and communities thrive. Learn more about the drivers of trust in public institutions here.

For more than 160 years, Queensland’s institutions continue to earn that trust by focusing on governance and public value – connecting communities, managing public finances responsibly, and upholding fairness and justice. From rail lines linking remote regions and communities to courts protecting citizens’ rights, and making justice accessible, our enduring institutions and their role in shaping Queensland’s future.

How institutions build trust and prosperity

Public institutions work together in a living ecosystem, each playing an important role. Parliament creates laws, the judiciary interprets them, and the executive implements them – ensuring accountability, fairness, and transparency.

Queensland’s unique unicameral parliamentary system, adopted in 1922, reflects a commitment to streamlined and effective legislation. Meanwhile, government institutions such as Queensland Treasury and Public Works provide the financial and physical infrastructure that enables government to function efficiently and deliver for citizens. These systems are not just about governance – they’re about giving Queenslanders a voice and creating opportunities for growth. Some examples of their role in building trust, economic prosperity and thriving communities include:

• Queensland Rail: For more than 160 years, Queensland Rail has connected industries to markets and communities to opportunities. Today, projects like Cross River Rail continue that legacy of innovation and connection.
• Queensland Treasury: By managing the state’s finances responsibly, Treasury enables investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ensuring that growth benefits all Queenslanders.
• Public Works: The Department of Housing and Public Works has built the schools, hospitals, and civic spaces that shape Queensland’s future, ensuring that infrastructure meets the needs of a growing population.
• Brisbane City Council: The creation of Greater Brisbane a century ago proved transformative. By adapting its services to new challenges, from integrated public transport to flood reliance and climate action, Brisbane City Council shows how a local institution can endure by staying relevant. Learn more about Council’s history here.
  

Together, these institutions drive prosperity while ensuring that growth is inclusive and equitable, creating communities where all Queenslanders can thrive.

Stories that endure

Queensland’s institutions are filled with remarkable stories that reflect our resilience and innovation:

• Queensland Rail: The Ipswich to Grandchester line, opened in 1865, was the world’s first narrow-gauge main line – a Queensland-first that made rail travel affordable across vast distances. Learn more about Queensland Rail’s history here.
• Parliament of Queensland: The first sittings of Parliament were held in a converted convict barracks before moving into the purpose-built Parliament House in 1868. Explore Queensland Parliament’s history here.
• Queensland Treasury: Established in 1859 with handwritten ledgers, Treasury now uses digital economic models to shape the state’s financial future. Learn more about Queensland Treasury’s current focus here.
• The Supreme Court of Queensland: The Court’s first judge, Alfred Lutwyche (after whom the North Brisbane suburb is named), held court in a converted chapel that doubled as a church on Sundays.
• Queensland Police Service: Women were first appointed in 1931. The first two women police, Miss Zara Dare and Miss Eileen O’Donnell, were appointed on 16 March 1931, after Cabinet supported a submission by Irene Longman MP (after whom IPAA Queensland’s Annual Oration is named). They were attached to Roma Street Station in the centre of Brisbane but were not sworn in and had no powers of arrest or uniform. The QPS museum has a collection of fascinating historical stories here.

These stories remind us that institutions are not just buildings or bureaucracies; they are living parts of our shared history, constantly adapting to serve new generations.

Queensland’s strong foundation for the future

Through international conflicts, global pandemics, natural disasters, and rapid economic change, Queensland institutions have provided stability and continuity. Their ability to adapt while maintaining trust and transparency is the key to their longevity.

As Queensland prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this strong institutional foundation will again play a crucial role, ensuring our state is ready to meet new challenges and seize new opportunities. Institutions like Queensland Rail and Public Works will be instrumental in delivering the infrastructure needed to support this global event, while Treasury will ensure that investments are sustainable and equitable.

Honouring the people behind the institutions

Our institutions are more than organisations; they are part of Queensland’s story. They have shaped the beautiful state we call home, providing the foundation for growth, connection, and progress.

As we celebrate historical milestones, we also honour the people behind them – the public servants, stewards, and public purpose professionals who dedicate their lives to serving Queensland. Their work reminds us that public value is not only about what we build, but how we show up and serve each day.

At IPAA Queensland, we believe in the power of public service to shape a better future. Join us as we continue the conversation about what it means to lead and serve in Queensland.

As we recognise these milestones, we also acknowledge the full history of Queensland’s institutions, including their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By embedding First Nations perspectives and voices into our institutions, we can build a future that honours the past while fostering inclusion and equity for all Queenslanders.