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

The 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is about more than observing a personal milestone; it is another reminder of the stability and unifying power of the Crown within Australia's own institutions.

It was in her first address to our parliament at the age of 27 in 1954 that the Queen underscored the central place of the Crown within Australia's parliamentary structure. At the outset, she quoted the first section of the Australian Constitution, which establishes that legislative power will be vested in a federal parliament which shall consist of the Crown, a Senate and a House of Representatives.

She went on to say:

It is therefore a joy for me, today, to address you not as a Queen from far away, but as your Queen and as a part of your Parliament. In a real sense, you are here as my colleagues, friends and advisers.

Many decades later, I am confident this is an attitude that endures and is reflected in the gracious way our sovereign continues to fulfil all her duties.

Senator DASTYARI (New South Wales) (16:39): I seek leave to make a short statement.