Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to echo the people of Tasmania's condolences on the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, our former head of state and leader of the Commonwealth of Nations. For most Australians, Queen Elizabeth II is the only monarch and head of state that they have known. Winston Churchill was the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Sir Robert Menzies was the Prime Minister of Australia when Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne.

The Queen was a stoic leader who provided strength, continuity and dignity in an ever-changing and, at times, uncertain world during her 70-year reign. She was always above politics, refusing to get involved in the daily rituals of political life—an attractive quality to the people of the world. Queen Elizabeth II represented a strength and resolve unmatched by any leader of the last century. I concur with the views that have been expressed that no-one else in human history has been as well mourned and mourned as much as Queen Elizabeth II because of her long reign, and our modern forms of technology, whereby almost everyone on earth knew who Queen Elizabeth was and what she represented.

During her time as sovereign she executed her duties with the utmost respect and diligence, and with great grace. Queen Elizabeth II not only served in the armed forces but was the royal head of the British army, navy and air force. During the Second World War she fixed and drove trucks, while training others to do so. She later went on to christen battleships and to visit military in garrisons and in the field. She was the first member of the royal family to serve on active duty during wartime. Her Majesty was a consummate professional and she did whatever it took to get the job done and serve her people until her final hours.

During her 70-year reign, Her Majesty visited Australia 16 times, making the trip to Tasmania seven times. She was the first reigning monarch to visit Tasmania, and during her visits she spent time meeting Tasmanians in Hobart, Launceston and the north-west coast of Tasmania. She visited military barracks, attended community events and interacted with the public. I had the pleasure, at that time, of meeting Her Majesty with her husband when she visited Launceston. I recall the visit in 2000 on 29 March, I assisted in the organisation to host Her Majesty at the Albert Hall and at City Park. I remember fondly the positive way Her Majesty and Prince Philip spoke of Launceston, and Tasmania more broadly. They were extremely interested in Tasmania, its history and its people. They were forever engaging and really consummate diplomats and leaders of their time.

I, along with the world, am mourning her, and I believe we will be feeling her loss for some time. We are unlikely to see a leader like her again. She was unmatched, and her contribution will not be forgotten. Her Majesty lived a life well lived, and the people of Tasmania thank her for all she gave us—her time, her energy, and her good grace. We may not see a Queen of England for decades, given the current line of succession, which makes her legacy even greater. She never asked or expected to be Queen of England and the leader of the Commonwealth of Nations, but from when she took the throne on 6 February 1952 until her death on 8 September 2022 she respected the office and protected it.

My thoughts are with the royal family and the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during this difficult time. I wish King Charles III good health and prosperity during his reign. We will remember Queen Elizabeth II for her commitment and dedication to serving her family and her faith. Rest in eternal peace, and thank you, Ma'am, for all that you have done for us.