Albanese said “Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom”, remarking that she always performed her duty with “fidelity, integrity and humour”.
“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.
“The Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother—the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.
The Queen’s life in pictures
“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.
“There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.”
Governor-General David Hurley described the Queen as “remarkable”, saying that Australians can take inspiration from her tireless work ethic.
“I join with all Australians in mourning Her Majesty The Queen’s passing and in remembering her lifetime of tireless service. She was a truly remarkable person,” he said.
“When I reflect on my own memories – she was my Queen for my whole life – I think of Her Majesty’s dignity and her compassion. Her dedication and tireless work ethic. And her selflessness and unwavering commitment to the people that she served. To us.
“Her death will sadden all Australians and will be felt around the world.
“As we mourn, we should also take inspiration from and give thanks for the remarkable contribution Her Majesty has made.”
A number of former Australian Prime Ministers have also paid tribute to the late Monarch, including Kevin Rudd who praised her sense of duty.
“Therese and I had the opportunity to meet with the Queen on several occasions over the years, and it was clear from those conversations that her affection for Australia was as profound as it was enduring,” he said.
“Whether republicans or monarchists, Australians will be deeply affected by this news.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
“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,” Dutton said in a statement.
“An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end. The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign.”
Dutton described the Queen as “gentle, kind, and much-loved”.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived through the pivotal events of the 20th and 21st centuries – wars and conflicts, depression and recession, the end of empire and decolonisation, the race to the moon and the attainment of civil rights, the brilliance of Olympic Games and the barbarity of terrorism,” he said.
“She led Britain through the darkest of days and through the times of triumph.”
The profound world events Queen Elizabeth lived through
