Arthur Hunter Palmer was born on 28 December 1819 in Armagh, Ireland, son of Arthur Palmer and Emily, nee Hunter. Palmer arrived in Sydney in 1838. From 1840 until 1863 he managed the pastoral holdings of Henry Dangar during which time he accumulated capital and stock. From this he began his own pastoral endeavours in Queensland. As a successful pastorialist, Palmer took an active part in local politics, eventually becoming Colonial Secretary and Premier of Queensland. He acted as administrator of the colony in 1883 and 1888-1889 and was the first lieutenant-governor from 15 November 1895 to 9 April 1986. He died on 20 March 1898, at his home in Toowong, Brisbane.

George Randall was a confectionery manufacturer, migration officer and orchardist. He was born on 9 February 1843 at Hertford, England. He married Naomi Jackson on 20 May 1868 and the couple immediately left for Queensland. In 1881 Colonial Secretary Arthur Palmer appointed him emigration agent and lecturer for the Queensland Government in England. Randall held that position until 1902. He also represented Queensland as manager and commercial agent at the 1901 Glasgow International Exhibition. Randall was instrumental in settling many farm workers from England in Queensland. Between tours of duty he reported on the conditions, success, etc. of such migrants in Queensland, and campaigned for a migration policy.