Andrew Willcox (Dawson, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of my electorate of Dawson, I stand today to acknowledge and commemorate the life and leadership of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who, on 8 September, passed away peacefully at her Balmoral home at the age of 96. When Her Majesty acceded to the throne in 1952, aged just 25, her life changed overnight from that of a young naval wife and mother to a busy head of state. She was to become known as a symbol of stability and strength, an important figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during times of both crisis and celebration.

Throughout the Queen's 70-year reign, she appointed 15 UK prime ministers. Sixteen Australian prime ministers have served during her historic reign. She led the Commonwealth through many difficult times, the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic. The Queen's husband, Prince Philip, was a constant strength by her side. Her lifelong companion of 73 years passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 99 in April 2021. We all saw Her Majesty sitting alone and bereaved in St George's Chapel.

The Queen was the only reigning monarch to visit Australia; she travelled to our nation a total of 16 times. As the member for Dawson, it was unique to hear that she had visited Mackay on more than one occasion. She travelled up our way in 1954, only months after she was crowned, and again in 1970. Many Dawson residents have told their stories of the time they got to meet our Queen. She famously said, following her visit to Mackay, that she left with a deeper understanding of North Queensland, its people and their way of life.

I've got a metaphor here that I think truly captures what Queen Elizabeth meant to us. If Australia is a house, then Queen Elizabeth was the concrete slab that was our foundation. It was not going anywhere. It didn't matter what was thrown at the house, because, no matter what, it was locked into that slab, and there was no way that slab was moving. The slab never cracks, and it never breaks. It does not matter what happens to the house—pieces can fall off and it can sway in the breeze, but that concrete slab holds it together. Whenever the house felt like it was going to fall down or wasn't going to be as strong as it could be, it could always rely on that slab to be just as stable as when it was first poured. Queen Elizabeth was that concrete slab. She was that stable rock that kept us strong through thick and thin. We could always rely on her. She was a kind, caring and compassionate leader, and a daughter, sister, aunty, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whom everyone respected.

I would like to acknowledge the many people who have ordered a portrait of the Queen. I would also like to thank the many who have come into my office to leave a message of condolence. I will make sure that these messages are passed on. This outpouring of both grief and support demonstrates how highly regarded the late Queen was and how her legacy will stay with us. I'd like to pass on just one of those messages from Dawson. Mrs Jessie McCarthy of North Mackay says:

Thank you for your service to the commonwealth, your commitment loyalty with charm and dedication will always be remembered.

You are an amazing example to us all.

It is a sad time for the world, a time when we can all reflect. We really are the lucky country, and we're so lucky to have had a queen that brought out the best in us. May her inspirational life of service and sacrifice, fortitude and humility, grace and generosity, and forgiveness and empathy be remembered throughout the history of our nation. Rest in peace, o gracious lady. Long live the King.

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