House debates

Friday, 23 September 2022

Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Ii and Accession of His Majesty King Charles Iii

Address

1:46 pm

Photo of Andrew GilesAndrew Giles (Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to make a brief contribution to what is an important debate in this House of Representatives. It is important that we acknowledge the passing of Her Majesty and the accession of King Charles III. There is much to reflect on, and I don't propose to go over ground that has been well covered—in particular by the remarks of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition this morning. But, across a reign that spanned 70 years, it is important that we look to what has happened to our country and its society in that time—as has been noted, the symmetry of 16 prime ministers and 16 visits. Our society has changed almost immeasurably, but Queen Elizabeth II's presence was an enduring constant, as the member for Wills just said, and I think this constancy is something that will not fade despite her passing.

In thinking about how to reflect appropriately on Her Majesty's passing, I have been thinking, as so many others have reflected upon, about service and the fact that each of us in this place has chosen public service. She, of course, did not. It was chosen for her. At a young age, she had extraordinary responsibilities thrust upon her—responsibilities that she could not at any time step away from. The scale of this seems almost unimaginable. What is to me equally unimaginable is that she was such an exemplar of a life in the service of others, and that is the reflection that I want to share with this House as a person who has chosen public service for the moment—to reflect on the manner in which she discharged her obligation to others and always put the community that she served first.

I rise here to speak on behalf of the people of the Scullin electorate, many of whom have been deeply affected by Her Majesty's passing. Unlike others, I have no personal story worthy of the telling. I never met Her Majesty, although as a primary school student I sought to wave to her. I'm not sure whether she saw my hand or my flag either. But I've been struck in the past fortnight by how much her passing has affected so many people, again in ways that I think many had not foreseen. I've seen the messages in the condolence book in my electorate office, and it's really touching to read those messages. The requests for Her Majesty's portraits have, I think, caused us all some logistical challenges in our electorate offices, so, if anyone could assist me, that would be much appreciated! Again, her passing has affected so many in so many ways. In recognising this, I'm mindful of those most affected: the royal family. In wishing that she rest in peace, my thoughts are with all of them. Vale.

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