Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

We've come to know the Queen in many different ways. We know the Queen as an image. We know the Queen through the passage of time. We know the Queen through her spirit, devotion and dedication. Sixteen presidents of the Australian Senate, 15 Australian prime ministers, 170 Commonwealth prime ministers and numerous presidents and popes—a record of public service that we could only dream of in this place. Indeed, in this Australian Senate, Senator Dodson was just four years and eight days old when the Queen ascended the throne. Senator Molan was just one year and nine months old when the Queen ascended the throne.

In my home state of Western Australia, we've been privileged to have her visit on six of the 16 occasions on which she's travelled to Australia. I like to think that six out of six is the number of times I perhaps stood by the road to catch a glimpse. But, of course, there are a variety of ways to look at this tremendous milestone. We can look at it through the lens of the societal and economic transformation that has taken place before her eyes. We can have a look at the durability of the Crown and the system of government that it has come to represent. We can also look at the subtle evolution of our own political system that has, over this tremendous period, also changed. And, of course, we can look at the Queen through the character of perseverance, devotion and service beyond self.

While today is a very important and auspicious occasion, it's also a very sad one. Of course, the Queen came to the throne only because of the passing of her father, the wartime monarch, George VI. I think it's important that, as we reflect on the virtues of this Queen, we also reflect on the tremendous virtues and, I would argue, tremendous unsung and unrecognised work of her father, George VI, during those bleakest hours not just in the United Kingdom and across continental Europe but, indeed, across the whole world. On the death of George VI, Menzies, in the other place, said that George VI had 'reigned over us with singular distinction, unfailing courage, and the most constant devotion'. When we reflect on the strengths of this Queen, I think we owe much to the fact that she was able to witness at first hand the tremendous contribution of her father and his ability to overcome physical difficulties and distrust in the British establishment. Of course, her father reigned for a comparatively short period of time.

Menzies also went on to say:

We … hope that Your Majesty's reign—

the reign of the new Queen—

may be a long and successful one, marked by the prosperity and progress of the countries of the Commonwealth.

The Queen's reign thus far has been synonymous with prosperity, discovery and scientific achievement. Of course, she's reigned in a world that has become more connected, not disconnected. Menzies could not have imagined how her reign has in fact realised those ambitions of prosperity and progress.

A decade ago, a prominent female, again in the other place, remarked on the Queen:

But beyond the statistics of this reign lies consideration of its quality and character. Today we honour a woman who has conducted herself with utmost propriety and dignity, who has served her people with wisdom, fidelity and an unfailing sense of duty. Elizabeth II has made history and become part of history. Today we honour her indelible place in the story of our nation. And we express thanks for the sense of loyalty and service she has shown as our monarch but also as our friend.

Over the decade since Julia Gillard made those remarks, much has changed, but of course the deep affection of so many Australians has only grown and become more entrenched. So, at the beginning of this Platinum Jubilee year, I am confident that Australians, whatever their political creed and whatever their ambitions for Australia's future form of government—and I remain totally committed to the preservation of constitutional monarchy—can all join together in an act of great unity and great grace in recognising what has been a most remarkable achievement thus far: service beyond self in a way that we cannot identify in any other.

I first met the Queen in my home town of Perth in Western Australia. I was sat on a rug in a school hall in Perth's northern suburbs. I happened to glance up, and there on the wall was a picture. I kid you not—I can still see it now. I think it must have been at the time of the Silver Jubilee, in 1977, which would fit with my early years at primary school. For some unexplainable reason, I've chosen to find in her a great, deep affection and, in my own way, try to live my life in public service as she lives hers: practically, with humility and constantly with grace, and never disturbed by the less gracious comments that might be made about her or around her.

On this great occasion, on behalf of all those Western Australians that share a deep affection for this Queen, like I do, I extend to her and all those that support her across the world our deepest affection, our congratulations and our very best wishes for what we hope will be an outstanding Platinum Jubilee year.