On behalf of the nation’s 537 local governments, I extend my deepest sympathies to all members of the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96.
We offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.
ALGA and local governments will work with the Commonwealth, State and Territory governments to mark observances of her passing.
ALGA has been working closely with the office of Minister Kristy McBain.
Advice from the federal government is that Australian citizenship ceremonies should continue to take place and the Queen’s portrait should continue to be displayed in line with the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code. Formal advice from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet states that the Queen’s portrait should continue to be displayed throughout a period of mourning.
The Citizenship Ceremonies team in the Department of Home Affairs has emailed all councils and will continue to provide updates directly to councils as further information comes to hand.
There will be an official announcement in parliament for when His Royal Highness, King Charles III will be proclaimed as the new Sovereign. Following this announcement further advice on future protocols (including the use of portraits of the new King) will be provided.
Australia is not in an official state of mourning so council meetings should not be impacted, although federal parliament has been suspended.
Councils wishing to pay their respects by half-masting flags should follow guidance provided on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website:
www.pmc.gov.au/frequently-asked-questions
This is a sad time for Australia but it is also a time to commemorate the enormous contribution Queen Elizabeth II has made to Australia.
