Michelle Rowland (Greenway, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Communications) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the only sovereign many Australians have ever known and a head of state who will remembered fondly by our great nation as the perfect example of duty, respect and leadership. It is difficult to adequately reflect upon Her Majesty's long life in these brief remarks, but I do know she deeply touched the hearts of people in Greenway across generations during her 70 years as sovereign. I say this confidently, having seen photos from Her Majesty's coronation, an event warmly celebrated by the people of Greenway and right across the Commonwealth. Young boys and girls danced in Francis Park while a convoy of cars and floats paraded down Main Street, then dirt and gravel, to pay tribute to the newly crowned Queen. Military personnel, including sailors from the nearby HMAS Nirimba training facility in Quakers Hill, joined the procession in great numbers, supplemented by local young men dressed impeccably in the outfits of the National Guard. By all accounts it was a truly momentous occasion.

Yet it was Her Majesty's visit to Australia in 1954, the only visit of a reigning monarch to our shores, that remains firmly in our nation's history book. The royal tour brought our country to a standstill, with some 70 per cent of the population flocking to witness a young and energetic Queen. Her Majesty touched many hearts on that tour, including people in my community. I've often remarked that Western Sydney is a very large place, and it must have felt even more so when Her Majesty travelled by unelectrified train from Wynyard to Penrith on tour. Crowds of Blacktown residents lined the Western rail line to catch a glimpse of their new sovereign. Despite the long trip, Her Majesty remained steadfast, standing at the rear of the final carriage to smile and greet many Australians. This is how many would remember their Queen—steadfast in her duty, unwavering and resolute. Images from this visit pay great tribute to a sovereign who maintained the same energy throughout her whole life and into her final years.

Her Majesty would return to Western Sydney many times during her reign, including to open the Mount Druitt Hospital alongside former New South Wales premier Neville Wran. Here were two figures of completely different backgrounds: a member of the British royal family and a premier from humble beginnings who was the leader of our great state of New South Wales. Queen Elizabeth was comfortable with all people. There was a generosity and warmth in all she did, and it is evident in those photos as she graciously walked the crowds gathered to witness the historic event. The people of Western Sydney loved their Queen.

On behalf of the people of Greenway, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her long service to our great nation. For 70 years Her Majesty remained an anchor in a world engulfed by rapid change. Many, including myself, will miss the familiarity that came with Her Majesty's reign as the only sovereign I and many others had known for our entire lives. We will miss the comfort of Her Majesty's Christmas broadcasts and the wisdom imparted by the Crown. Above all else, we will miss a sovereign who showed a deep admiration and abiding respect for Australia, that unique island nation on the other side of the globe which so many before her had overlooked as just another colony, yet one Her Majesty lovingly embraced as part of the Commonwealth family and celebrated as an independent nation with its own sovereignty.

May Her Majesty rest in eternal peace in the love and comfort of the Lord. I also acknowledge the succession of His Majesty King Charles III. On behalf of the good people of Greenway, I extend His Majesty our very best wishes for his reign.

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