Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is with great pleasure that I stand here to recognise Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. In doing so I acknowledge that she has been a fine Queen, and I say that as an ardent republican. The Queen has brought her own style and great grace to the office of Queen. It is acknowledged by all Australians that she has performed all her duties with great dignity and has been a truly regal monarch. I take great delight in paying tribute to the Queen—from my perspective she will probably be the last monarch who actually gets to be the Queen of Australia and serve a Diamond Jubilee—because, as I have already stated, I really appreciate what she has done, and the role she has played not only in Australia and the UK but worldwide. As a republican, I would like one day to be standing here talking about our Australian head of state. But I congratulate the Queen, wish her all the best for the future and congratulate her on the dignified and regal way that she has performed as Queen.

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