Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Development) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak, on behalf of the people of Mallee, on this condolence motion to acknowledge the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

I remember as a child standing in the old quadrangle of my primary school every Monday morning—rain, hail or shine—and singing 'God save the Queen' as the Australian flag was hoisted up the flagpole. We stood in class lines and affirmed our allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Australia. As I reflect on those memories, I think the ritual embedded a sense of respect for authority more broadly. That was back in the 1960s. I reflect on the stability that the Queen has provided to Australia and, indeed, the world over seven decades. As the Leader of the Opposition stated yesterday, if 'grief is the price we pay for love'—quoting the Queen—then the outpouring of global grief in these past two weeks speaks to just how much she was loved.

I remember countless televised Christmas messages from the Queen, where she addressed the Commonwealth of Nations, not just Britain, with a message of hope. No matter how harrowing events may have been throughout the year and across the globe—due to war, natural disaster, recession or pandemic even—somehow she brought us all together to face a new year with optimism.

The late Queen reigned over 16 Australian prime ministers, from Menzies to the current Prime Minister, and over 16 governors-general, and she visited Australia 16 times. In my electorate of Mallee, she visited Maryborough, Mildura, Irymple and Red Cliffs in 1954 and then Swan Hill in 1970.

When she was just 21 years old, Princess Elizabeth said, 'My whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.' And she kept her word for 70 years. Queen Elizabeth came to timelessly represent the virtues of service, sacrifice, duty, humility and hard work. She walked the talk. To my way of thinking, there has been no greater role model to women in leadership than Queen Elizabeth II. Following her coronation in 1953, the Queen said:

I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.

She not only earned our trust; she also won our hearts. Queen Elizabeth II was, and will continue to be, held in respect and deep affection by our nation, the people of the Commonwealth and around the world. She leaves a legacy of service, faith, stability, sacrifice and strength, through dark days and times of triumph. Though the world changed constantly, she remained steadfast in her devotion to God, her family, her country and the Commonwealth of Nations.

There is no greater honour than a child being named after you. I know, because one of my grandchildren is named after me. Indeed, royal names have been popular choices for many newborns. When Princess Elizabeth became Queen, baby girls across the world were named Elizabeth for years, and I am one. My husband was named Philip, after her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh—yes, with one 'l'.

I was deeply honoured to represent my electorate of Mallee at the national memorial service for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Canberra yesterday. As we have now proclaimed our new sovereign, King Charles III, we look with anticipation to the service he will bring to Australia and to the Commonwealth. He has inherited a matchless legacy. On behalf of the people of Mallee, I thank Her Majesty the late Queen for her life of service and look to His Majesty King Charles III for his solemn devotion to continue for our nation. God save the King.

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