Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II marks the end of an era—an era of great social and political change marked by a world war, the Great Depression, the first landing on the moon, the increasing threat of terrorism and the rise of social media. Throughout these times, the Queen has remained a reassuring constant, the embodiment of decency and calm during turbulence and uncertainty.

The great majority of us have not known a time without Queen Elizabeth as our monarch. Many of us, including me, grew up singing 'God Save the Queen' at school assembly and seeing her image on our coins, notes and stamps. The Queen's historic reign and lifelong devotion to duty, family and service is unlikely ever to be equalled. On behalf of the people of my electorate of Corangamite, I offer our deep condolences to the royal family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother—yet this grief must be so publicly played out, with the world watching on.

In their own, less public ways, many people across my electorate and our nation are also grieving. Many are expressing their feelings of grief in condolence books like the one in my electorate office in Corangamite. Their grief and sadness are real and heartfelt. They are remembering how the Queen celebrated with us in good times and stood by us in times of challenge. They are recounting the sympathy and personal kindness Her Majesty extended to Australians during times of tragedy and disaster. She was a monarch who displayed humanity and performed her duty with integrity and humour. While memories will endure, adjusting to a new reality without the Queen will be difficult for many.

The Geelong region, which includes my electorate of Corangamite, has fond memories. The Queen visited the Geelong region twice: first in 1954 and then again in 1988. The Geelong Advertiser newspaper reported on the first visit, saying there was 'rousing applause and flag-waving' as the Queen's train carriage arrived at the South Geelong railway station. It went on to say, 'Petite and youthful with that fleeting but delightful smile, she came, she saw and she conquered the hearts of everyone.'

While in Geelong on her second visit, for the Australian bicentenary, she opened the National Wool Centre, which is still today home to a museum telling the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles. The Queen's famous sense of humour was on show. Crowds cheered as the Queen beamed in all directions when Spud the sheepdog temporarily lost his way in the crowd while displaying his sheep-herding talents for the royal couple. A resulting photo of the Queen, head back in laughter, was published in news reports around the world. The natural, good-natured spontaneity and humour that endeared the Queen to Australians was apparent. It was clear why Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia, just as Australians continue to hold a special place in their hearts for her.

People from all sides of the political divide have come together to mourn and pay tribute to her. It's testament to the Queen's integrity that people from across the political spectrum, regardless of their views on the monarchy, are recognising her selflessness, calm and stoicism. While the passing of the Queen has prompted many to consider our nation's future, there will be time to do so. But today we honour an extraordinary life, a life well lived, a life of service and public duty, and one that transcended politics.

During the Queen's reign, 16 different prime ministers led Australia—so much change, so much challenge, but all dealt with in good faith and good grace. Her diplomacy and embracing of diversity are significant reasons why people in Australia and around the world are mourning her passing. It's appropriate that we as Australians take time to reflect on the profound loss of this great woman and Queen. This time of mourning will pass. However, the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held Queen Elizabeth II will live on. May she rest in peace.

See this speech in context