Tuesday, 20 September 2022

 Mr DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan—Leader of the Opposition) (18:11): (2135) My adjournment matter tonight is for the attention of the Premier, and it relates directly to the appropriate recognition of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her enormous contribution to the Commonwealth and to the world, but in particular to Victoria. We have all been struck, I think, by the outpouring of emotion and respect and the strong understanding of her huge contribution over 70 years on the throne—her selfless approach, her preparedness to work in the interests of the broad Commonwealth, including Victoria. What I am seeking from the Premier is a response to the need to mark Queen Elizabeth II not necessarily through an institution but through, specifically, a statue or two. The first should be somewhere in the central region of Melbourne, and this is a matter that as a state we should take steps to implement. Secondly, I think it would be appropriate in the parliamentary precinct here if there was some formal recognition of Queen Elizabeth II and her enormous contribution to this institution. She did open Parliament here in the early 1950s period, and that was a significant day for Victoria and for this Parliament.

I think it would be appropriate that there be recognition through appropriate statues in public places, one somewhere near the centre of Melbourne and, secondly, we should have some recognition on this precinct as well. I think it would be something that the Premier could respond to and take on as a step forward. Certainly it is important to recognise our constitutional heritage, and that is typified by Queen Elizabeth II and her selfless contribution. I think it is an appropriate recognition of her as certainly the longest serving monarch that the British tradition has had. It is also a recognition of the exemplary role model that she has been for so many women. Across the Commonwealth there is huge respect, and we can play our role in that recognition too.