Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Hansard source

There being no further contributions, I will close this debate. I wish to join in acknowledging the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our federation—indeed, this chamber—is 121 years old, and she has shared 70 of those years. Most Australians know no other way than the sacrifice and quiet acceptance of a role she did not choose but has inhabited without complaint and with unerring grace for all her life. We join in commemorating this moment with the community of 54 nations that we know today as the Commonwealth.

Her Majesty has been with us in person for some of the defining events of our nation. Her Majesty opened the Opera House in Sydney in 1973; in 1980, the High Court of Australia; and, in 1998, this building. Her Majesty's visit to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2011 in my home state of Western Australia was her 16th visit to Australia. We hope to have her example of wise and enduring service for many years to come. I am sure all senators will join me in expressing our sincerest congratulations to Her Majesty and in extending our warmest regards on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

Question agreed to.