Governor general says Queen ‘a symbol of stability, inspiration and servant leadership’ as PM calls 1954 visit ‘a defining moment in our nation’s history’
The death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the ascension of King Charles III as sovereign, has reanimated republican debate in Australia, as the country formally pays tribute to its longest-serving monarch, “a symbol of stability, inspiration and servant leadership”.
The Queen’s death in Scotland, aged 96, will signal widespread change across Australia – from the suspension of parliament for 15 days, to the gradual phasing in of newly issued currency.
The King’s representative in Australia, the governor-general, David Hurley, described the late monarch as an “example of selfless service, devotion to duty and compassion”.