The Prime Minister, the NSW Premier and the Australian Republic Movement, have made statements about the Queen this morning.
Anthony Albanese said that with the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.
‘This is a morning of sadness for the world for the Commonwealth and all Australians. It is a day of profound sadness and grief for the royal family who have lost a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother – the person who for so long was their greatest inner strength.
‘Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.
‘It is a time of mourning for the people in Britain, across the Commonwealth, and indeed around the world.
Grief is the price we pay
‘There is comfort to be found in her majesty’s own words: “Grief is the price we pay for love”.’
‘This is a loss. We feel deeply in Australia. Queen Elizabeth the Second is the only reigning monarch most of us have known and the only one to ever visit Australia.
‘Over the course of a remarkable seven decades, Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change through the noise and turbulence of the years.’
‘She embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and an enduring calm. Her Majesty served our nation and the Commonwealth for 70 years.
‘After her first trip here, it was clear Her Majesty had a special place in our hearts, and we in hers.
’In the coming days, the Governor General and I will be heading to London, where we will meet the King. We will convey the sorrow of Australians as well as our best wishes to him and the Queen Consort, as he takes on his duties as sovereign.’
Deepest sympathies from the people of New South Wales
New South Wales Premier Domonic Perrottet extended his deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family on behalf of the people of New South Wales.
‘Queen Elizabeth II has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our State 12 times.
‘Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history. She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.
‘She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers.
‘While we mourn her passing, it is the occasion for the people of NSW to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.
A significant contribution
The Australian Republic Movement have released a statement saying it recognises and pays due respect to the significant contribution made by Queen Elizabeth II over more than seven decades as Head of State to Australia and 14 other nations, and extends its condolences to the Royal Family.
‘Many Australians have known no other Head of State – the length of her reign was unrivalled. As monarch, Queen Elizabeth was a patron of more than 600 organisations and served them admirably. She rose to become a respected representative of Britain and the Commonwealth.
‘Queen Elizabeth respected the self-determination of the Australian people. During her reign the Australia Act 1986 was passed eliminating many of the remaining opportunities for UK interference in Australian government. Appeals from Australian courts to British courts were abolished.
‘The Queen backed the right of Australians to become a fully independent nation during the referendum on an Australian republic in 1999, saying that she has “always made it clear that the future of the Monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means”,’ the movement said in their media release.
Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Peter FitzSimons AM expressed his sympathies and gratitude on behalf of the Movement. ‘We are deeply saddened by the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and express deep gratitude and thanks for her service to the Commonwealth.
‘During her reign, Australia has grown into a mature and independent nation. It is unlikely we will ever see a Monarch as respected or admired by the Australian people again.’
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