Accession Day Service on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, St Paul’s Anglican Church, Manuka

I thank the Reverend Canon for a service befitting of this special Platinum Jubilee anniversary occasion.

Her Majesty has been a significant figure and influence in the life of our nation for 70 years. A symbol of stability, compassion and service.

The Old Testament reading chosen for this service is apt:

"She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths."

Such is the duration of her reign, she became our Queen before this Governor-General was born.

She has been represented by sixteen Governors-General and advised by sixteen Prime Ministers, commencing with Sir William McKell and Sir Robert Menzies respectively.

Today we begin the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee and give thanks for her lifetime of service and leadership.

I wrote to Her Majesty earlier this week, congratulating her on her 70 years’ reign.

I wrote that Australia had changed significantly over the past seven decades, transitioning from a primary industry-based economy to one that is diverse and driven by a research, science and technology base.

And that Australia had developed its own world view and today plays a significant role in many of the world’s major coordinating and consultative institutions and organisations.

I told Her Majesty that throughout this period of change she had been a constant and that our system of government – our constitutional monarchy – had provided stability.

For many Australians, including Linda and me, her presence in our lives has provided a source of comfort and reassurance.

Indeed, those fortunate enough to meet with her or see her up close during her visits to Australia will be able to recall instantly when and where they were the day they saw The Queen.

Her many visits and messages of congratulations and support in good times and in difficult, sometimes tragic, times have been well received.

When Linda and I spoke with her following the death of Prince Philip, the first thing she enquired about was the welfare of Australians, particularly Western Australians impacted by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

This is why we admire her greatly. She was mourning the death of her husband of 73 years yet her first question was to know how we were faring.

Today, I’m sure, she would not want the focus to be on her. For Her Majesty, service is not a chore; it is a privilege. And, she has been true to her word.

Following her Coronation on 2 June 1953, Her Majesty made a broadcast in the evening, reflecting on the events of the day, thanking the public for their support and promising to serve the nation:

"I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust."

She re-committed to that promise in her message today.

"As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service."

For so many Australians she epitomises servant leadership and, particularly in this age of extreme individualism, sets an example for all. She lives and serves for something greater than herself.

I searched for a passage that I might include in my congratulatory letter to Her Majesty. I settled on Colossians 1: 3-6:

‘We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people – the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you.’

We send Her Majesty our warmest congratulations on her Platinum Jubilee.

‘God save the Queen’.