Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

In 1947, on Her Majesty's 21st birthday, the future Queen declared a life of service to the Commonwealth:

I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service …

Indeed, throughout her seven-decade reign, the challenges of war, the pandemic and various economic woes, domestically and abroad, Her Majesty's dedication to service has remained constant. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is already the longest-serving monarch in Britain's history, and this year Her Majesty the Queen will become the first Australian monarch to celebrate a platinum jubilee in honour of her 70 years of service.

Across the world, Her Majesty is held in the highest regard for her unwavering sense of duty to the people of the Commonwealth. Her grace, dignity and often subtle sense of humour have earned Her Majesty the widespread respect of citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. Her Majesty's commitment to creating a Commonwealth with 'a more powerful influence for good in the world' is one that has been unwavering. Admirably, Her Majesty the Queen has supported almost 3,000 charities worldwide, raising an accumulative 1.4 billion euros, as revealed by the Charities Aid Foundation. Notably, the Queen has elevated contributions towards cancer research, the Red Cross and Barnardos. Her Majesty's charitable support is exceptional and has been exemplary for leaders internationally.

I commend Her Majesty the Queen on this momentous anniversary. On behalf of the people of Greenway, I thank Her Majesty for her tireless service. We honour Her Majesty's dedication over seven decades. As I'm sure my colleagues here will reflect, there is a request just about every week for a picture of Her Majesty. People are excited to request it and even more excited to receive it, and that is wonderful to see. Whether in support of a republic or the monarchy, it is my opinion—and, I think, the opinion of many—that the Queen has served the Commonwealth in the best manner possible. I voted for a republic. I believe in an Australian head of state. I want my daughters to be able to do anything, including possibly becoming an Australian head of state. But my support for a republic does not diminish my deep admiration for the Queen, and I say most sincerely: God save the Queen.

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