Tribute to HM The Queen

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

I rise to speak on an occasion which was inevitable, and yet which many of us forlornly hoped would never come.

Her Majesty, The Queen was unlike any other.

The Queen was a great-grandmother whose small stature will forever cast a towering shadow over the 20th and 21st Centuries.

She leaves in her wake a legacy we will never be able to quantify.

 

Her Majesty’s Visit to the Sunshine Coast

I vividly recall Her Majesty’s visit to the Sunshine Coast in 2002 – one of 16 trips to Australia during her reign.

Flanked by the leaders of over 50 Commonwealth countries, the Royal Household descended on the Sunshine Coast for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Here, at a hidden surfer’s haven, The Queen gave voice and effect to the historic 2002 Declaration on The Commonwealth in the 21st Century.

The declaration committed to eradicating terrorism, fostering cultural diversity, and emphasising the Commonwealth as a free association based on democratic ideals. 

In the wake of 9/11, I remember the constant roar of RAAF F18 Hornet fighter jets circling above the skies of the Sunshine Coast during the course of those few days.

Our world seemed to have changed for the worse.

Our world was less secure, less optimistic and much more guarded.

And yet, through those days of terrorism and change across the world, the Queen was the Commonwealth’s constant guiding light for more than 70 years.

 

Local Tributes to Her Majesty’s Passing

Her death stilled a frenzied world and continues to bring us together in gratitude and grief.

In my electorate of Fisher, I’ve been encouraged by the tributes offered in response to Her Majesty’s passing.

I think of the students of Buddina State School with their fantastic paintings of The Queen, Her Guard and Her Corgis.

I think of the Caloundra RSL, who hosted a moving memorial service earlier this week.

And I think of Valda Langton, a 96-year-old constituent from Dicky Beach, who penned a poem ‘The Queen and I’.

She wrote of The Queen:

 “Her crowning in the Abbey, with Prince Philip by her side,

The choir singing anthems! That mem’ry will abide.

That solemn coronation as per ancient rule and rite

Had sealed the new Queen’s destiny, to only do what’s right

For her Commonwealth of Nations,

North, South, East and West!

Needing God’s guidance to know for each what’s best!”

 

Her Majesty’s Faith and Example

Her Majesty’s faith in God, which she called her bedrock, has been noted in the days since her passing.

As Sovereign, she was, after all, anointed, not appointed.

Her pledge to serve was a lifelong vow to her people, before God.

This vow, she kept.

Whether in St George’s chapel on bended knee, or enthroned in the House of Lords, it was Her Majesty’s example of Christianity, humility and duty which marked this Second Elizabethan Age.

 

The Second Elizabethan Age: A Defining Era

And it really has been a defining era.

In the face of devastating disasters and the darkness of war and terror, Her Majesty inspired unity, forgiveness, and national pride.

In our throw-away culture, Her Majesty inspired reverence for ancient tradition.

In a world expanding at what she described as “a bewildering pace”, The Queen called for greater compassion and connection with one another.

The Queen could draw crowds of millions.

In fact, as many as 4 billion people have watched Her Majesty’s State Funeral.

Yet, in the same way, Her Majesty inspired families, streets, and community groups to join together in intimate celebration of every wedding, anniversary and jubilee.

Her faith and her faithfulness, her service and her selflessness have anchored our nation, and our family of nations, through thick and thin.

 

The Queen as a Constant

Our Queen was a constant in moments of national reckoning and global change.

She saw 16 Australian Prime Ministers and 16 Governors-Generals.

While kingdoms and countries have risen and fallen, she continued to rule with grit and grace.

Her Majesty personified the ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ attitude that the Brits are so renowned for.

Often this was in her quiet exhortation after tragedy or trying times.

In the throes of COVID-19, her challenge was to “take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return. We will meet again.”

This remarkable optimism characterised Elizabeth II, who, by the Grace of God, truly was the consummate Queen of Australia.

 

Some Parting Advice

In closing, I want to share a piece of advice offered by Her Majesty not too long ago.

In her 2021 Christmas Address, the Queen said, Adults, when weighed down with worries, sometimes fail to see the joy in simple things.”

Today, may we find the joy in the simple faith and service of Elizabeth the Great.

May God keep her and grant her peace.

And may God Save the King.

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