Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with great pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II is only the second British monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The last, as we heard from the member for Cowan, was Queen Victoria. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest lived and the second longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, and also the second longest serving current head of state.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne on 6 February 1952 and was proclaimed Queen on 8 February 1952. She was crowned at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. Sixty years of public service is certainly an incredible achievement and a remarkable milestone. She has seen 11 Australian prime ministers during her reign.

It was this Queen who, in 1970, invented the walkabout which gives the public the opportunity to meet the royals—a memory that they will cherish and hold dear forever. Others have already noted that, while there is so much that has changed over the past 60 years within our country, there are some things that remain the same. As the Leader of the Opposition stated yesterday, what has not changed is the Queen's unstinting devotion to the ideals of duty and service, nor has Australia's affection for the Queen. This was clearly on display across the country during last year's royal tour to Australia. I as a monarchist was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, albeit very briefly, in Parliament House last year, an experience I certainly I will never, ever forget.

I was interested to learn that the Queen and Prince Philip have visited Australia 16 times in her 60-year reign. During her second visit to Australia, in 1963, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the naming of the capital and the Canberra jubilee celebrations, she toured the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is based in Alice Springs, my hometown. During her sixth visit to Australia, in March 1977, Her Majesty and Prince Philip visited Darwin. As a symbol of this visit, at the Darwin Civic Centre in Harry Chan Avenue there is a photo of them both inspecting a plaque which pays tribute to victims of Cyclone Tracy.

I would also like to thank Her Majesty for her commitment and service to our country over the past 60 years. As a role model she continues to inspire people from all walks of life with her spirit, energy, wisdom and dedication to public service. I offer my congratulations and very best wishes for her Diamond Jubilee. God save the Queen.

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