NSW premier speaks at first official event

Gladys Berejiklian has honoured one of Australia's leading scientists in her first official event as NSW premier.

Introducing UNSW quantum physicist Michelle Simmons ahead of her annual Australia Day Address at the Conservatorium of Music on Tuesday, Ms Berejiklian commended her predecessor Mike Baird for selecting a "remarkable person" to speak.

Professor Simmons, she said, was an example of what could be achieved when a person didn't take anything for granted, seized opportunities and made courageous decisions.

"It's no exaggeration to say what she is doing is really shaping our world," she said.

Ms Berejiklian said the work of Prof Simmons's team had put Australia two or three years ahead of the world in "the space race of the 21st century", to build a prototype quantum computer in silicon.