Pat Conaghan (Cowper, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

It is hard to capture the essence of a life as dedicated to service as Queen Elizabeth II's and the impact that that life has had on Australians in such a short time. It is reflective of the love and respect of Her Majesty that so many members here today wish to pay their respects.

It should be noted, though, that the longest-reigning English monarch was not born to be Queen. Had it not been for her uncle's abdication and her father's untimely death, the 25-year-old Princess Elizabeth would not have ascended to the throne she was to hold for 70 years. Couple the unexpected ascension with the fact that Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 was the first to be broadcast on television, and what resulted was a level of public access and scrutiny never seen before. A young woman grieving the loss of her father and creating a family of her own was thrust further into the limelight of a world of expectation.

As she fronted the cameras upon returning to England after her father's death, she stated:

By the sudden death of my dear father I am called to assume the duties and responsibility of sovereignty … My heart is too full for me to say more to you to-day than that I shall always work, as my father did throughout his reign, to … advance the happiness and prosperity of my peoples, spread as they are all the world over.

There were many assumptions that she would fail, would not be able to step up to the responsibilities expected of her and would falter at the task of uniting the Commonwealth. But, with poise, dignity, an innate understanding of symbolism and a deep appreciation for humanity, she persevered and created a modern monarchy, the likes of which we will never see again.

Queen Elizabeth II was a bastion of strength, calm and pride for many Australians. 'Our Lizzie' was relatable as a wife, a mother and a grandmother who appeared to add Queen to her list of titles with warm affection rather than stuffy superiority. While it was ever clear that she took on her role with the solemnity and gravity it deserved, she did so with an approachable smile and a kindly, considered word. At the time of her ascension, her steady, calm presence gave Australians exactly what was needed as we emerged from the chaotic postwar period. While the process of establishing what is today known as the Commonwealth began in the late 19th century, it fell to Queen Elizabeth II to guide its acceleration. She oversaw a process in which the British Empire was transformed into a voluntary association of sovereign nations, in which Australia is included.

The Queen visited Australia on 16 separate occasions throughout her reign and drew crowds of thousands wherever she went, including in Coffs Harbour within my own electorate of Cowper in 1970. Coffs was quite a different place 52 years ago, and many in my electorate recall the thrill they felt upon hearing the Queen would visit what was then a small, modest seaside town. Many felt her visit put us on the map, and they remember how proud they felt to show off our beauty to royalty. The Queen had that effect on Australians. We wanted to show off our country, our culture, our natural beauty and—let's face it—our far superior weather. She possessed a motherly symbolism that we wanted to impress and, in wanting her to experience our country fondly, we found ourselves showcasing and appreciating all the things that make Australia great and of which we should be proud.

In 1989, as a 19-year-old probationary police officer, I swore an oath to the Queen; in 2001, having been sworn into the New South Wales Supreme Court, I took an oath to the Supreme Court under the Commonwealth of Australia; and in 2019 I swore an oath to Her Majesty in this place. It has been a pleasure to serve Her Majesty, and I thank her for her service to our country.

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