Leaders from around Australia have reacted to news that Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at Balmoral Palace in Scotland after more than seven decades on the throne.
Below are the reactions from around Australia:
PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE:
“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. 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.”
OPPOSITION LEADER PETER DUTTON:
“Never in modern history has there been a more dignified monarch, a more dutiful leader or a more decent human than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end. The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.”
GOVERNOR-GENERAL DAVID HURLEY:
“She was a truly remarkable person. When I reflect on my own memories – she was my Queen for my whole life – I think of Her Majesty’s dignity and her compassion. Her dedication and tireless work ethic. And her selflessness and unwavering commitment to the people that she served. To us.”
FORMER PRIME MINISTER TONY ABBOTT:
“We have lost an exemplar of duty, honour and faithfulness but deep thanks for her life should mingle with numbness and sadness at this loss. Nine tenths of the world’s people have known no other Queen. We can but hope the world might see her like again but none of us ever will. Although I served the Australian people as prime minister, I was always conscious of a duty to her as sovereign.”
FORMER PRIME MINISTER MALCOLM TURNBULL:
“Today we are united in grief as we mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth. Her long life of service inspired the whole world and was a calm and gracious presence through seven decades of turbulence and change. Farewell Your Majesty. Rest In Peace.”
FORMER PRIME MINISTER KEVIN RUDD:
“Her affection for Australia was as profound as it was enduring. This was also true of the Queen’s commitment to the Commonwealth. She was deeply engaged in supporting its success and was always conscious of how the institution could be strengthened to benefit is many members. Whether republicans or monarchists, Australians will be deeply affected by this news.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNOR FRANCES ADAMSON
“The death of Her Majesty is being met with profound sorrow in South Australia.Her Majesty’s was a life of dedication and service to her role and to her peoples which earned her respect and admiration the world over.”
TASMANIAN PREMIER JEREMY ROCKLIFF:
“In particular, Her Majesty was a friend to Tasmania and visited our shores on seven occasions, and I know Her Majesty had a very genuine interest in our people and our wonderful State. We all appreciated her warmth and kindness.”
NSW PREMIER DOMINIC PERROTTET:
“I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 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.”
VICTORIAN PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS:
“Very few of us know a world without The Queen in it. Her presence spanned countries, cultures, language and continents – her reign transcended decades and generations. And like no monarch before her, she captured our hearts and our affection. We treasured her, and the entire world respected her.”
QUEENSLAND PREMIER ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK:
“Her Majesty visited here often and displayed her care and concern for the people of this state, especially during times of natural disasters. The Queen was a great source of comfort and assurance to us all throughout Her Majesty’s long reign. Her Majesty was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.”
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PREMIER PETER MALINAUSKAS:
“Her Majesty served South Australia dutifully, with dignity and through significant eras of social change. Her Majesty’s great fondness and interest in the welfare of South Australians was evident through her seven visits to our state during her reign.”
NT CHIEF MINISTER NATASHA FYLES:
“She was a remarkable woman and had an extraordinary life, impacting positively on the lives of millions of people.The Queen loved Australia, and she loved the Northern Territory. Her multiple visits to the Territory meant she understood our strong cultural bonds and our connection to our land.”
AUSTRALIAN MONARCHIST LEAGUE CHAIR ERIC ABETZ:
“On this day we reflect on a life well lived, a life well served. And indeed, in the coronation ceremony she devoted herself to being the servant queen and … there is no doubt in anybody’s mind that that is exactly what she did.”
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