The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as a “wise and enduring presence” in Australia’s national life.
Declaring the death of the monarch a “morning of sadness” for the country, Albanese addressed the nation on Friday expressing the country’s condolences to the people of the United Kingdom and to the royal family.
“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,” Albanese said.
“It is a day of profound sadness and grief for the royal family who have lost a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“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.”
Albanese also spoke about the Queen’s connection to Australia, as the only reigning monarch to ever to visit Australia, having visited 16 times during the course of her reign, to every state and territory.
He said the Queen’s first visit – in February 1954, just eight months after her coronation, was the biggest single event ever organised in Australia and “a defining moment in our nation’s history.”
Seven million Australians – or 70% of the population at the time – turned out to view the young Queen.
“From her first trip here, it was clear her majesty had a special place in our hearts, and we, in hers,” Albanese said.
“Her majesty celebrated our good times, and she stood with us during trials and hardships. Happy and glorious, but steadfast too.
“In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster — from floods and bushfires to wars and a pandemic.
“Her words and presence were a source of comfort, hope and solace for millions of Australians.”
“Queen Elizabeth II has been a wise and encouraging guide, always wanting the best for our nation and greeting each change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s judgment.”
He also praised Queen Elizabeth’s “dedication to duty and service” as the hallmarks of her reign, describing her as “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,” he said.
“This time of mourning will pass, but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians have always held for her will never fade.
“May she rest in eternal peace.”
The opposition leader, Peter Dutton, issued a statement marking the Queen’s passing, saying “one of humanity’s brightest lights has gone out”.
“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,” he said.
“An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end.”
Albanese and the governor general David Hurley will travel to London in coming days, where they will meet the new King Charles.
The Australian flag at Parliament House was lowered to half mast on Friday morning, and sittings of federal parliament due to take place next week will now be cancelled.
Parliament House will also host a gun salute at dusk on Friday evening, with one round for each year of the Queen’s life at 10 second intervals.
Hurley, Albanese, Dutton and other federal politicians will lay wreaths at Parliament House on Saturday. On Sunday, Hurley will read a proclamation at Parliament House, where there will again be a 21-gun salute.
