Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to share condolences for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of my constituents of Fowler, one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia, where over 70 per cent of our population were born overseas or had parents born overseas, a community that's resilient, hardworking and the economic backbone of this country, an electorate that reflects a vibrant and rich multicultural Australia, an Australia which I share, from the sound of it, with the member for Fraser.

We are concluding a period of mourning or, as we call it in Australia, a period of observance. We have heard many condolences from members in the House today paying tribute to and farewelling one of the longest-reigning monarchs, who served her people with grace, humility and empathy. Queen Elizabeth's reign was unique and it was selfless. A woman ahead of her time, she reigned with compassion and led by example in acts of service instead of ruling with an iron fist as those before her did. She knew the Crown and the monarchy could exist not by demanding service from its people but, rather, by serving them.

There have been great stories shared today of her visits to Australia. The closest she got to south-western Sydney was on a train passing Penrith, as the member for Lindsay recalled in her condolence speech this morning. Even the late former prime minister Gough Whitlam, who represented the electorate of Fowler, as I do today, loved the Queen and what she stood for, as recalled by the Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, this morning.

I know that many of my constituents in Fowler love the Queen as well. Many are migrants and refugees and got to know the monarchy and its great democratic institutions following their resettlement here in Australia. Many of our culturally diverse groups have held memorial services to mark her passing, holding their own unique interpretations of a memorial service. Our Fowler electorate office has also been inundated with requests for her portrait, and we have a waiting list as we put in more orders.

I send my sincere condolences to the Queen's family and wish the new king, King Charles III, a prosperous and healthy reign. To the late Queen: now you can lay your crown at the feet of the Lord and rest your weary head, for he will give you rest in eternal peace in heaven.

I would like to end on a poem dedicated to the late Queen, written by some of my constituents, the Beherensch family of St Johns Park:

Today I walk this world with sorry

The darkest day I have now seen

For the news I have heard

The greatest Lady had past my Queen

Her life of service to the end

She walked the Commonwealth miles to miles

Alway's known for her Energetic Smiles

The greatest woman I have known

To the world she shone to all

A place in my heart will always's be there

My honour to your service will alway's be there

Your service has now come to past

We all feel with the heaviest of hearts

Vale to Queen Elizabeth II my Queen

With glinting eyes and beautiful smile to last

May a thousand Angel wing's

Will carry you to your heaven

The love of your life

To Phillip as to where the angels sing

Forever to your life service

And to all of those you rule over'

With a pure heart to all in between

Your my Ma'am, My sovereign, My Queen.

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