FEDERAL Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster is in Canberra today to attend King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit to the Australian Parliament House.
At the same time Dr Webster criticised Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and said she was disappointed that Ms Allan declined the invitation to attend the Royal reception.
“She was in bad company, with most of the Premiers declining the summons to Canberra,” Dr Webster said.
“Parliamentarians swear allegiance to the Crown in taking their seat in parliament, yet when Their Majesties first visit in that capacity, Premiers and Parliamentarians alike are too busy politicking.”
“Our successful, stable and peaceful democracy is founded on our constitutional monarchy and we neglect our constitution and heritage at our peril.”
Last week Ms Allan said she was unable to make the Royal event due to a State cabinet meeting.
Dr Webster said she felt it was her duty to represent Mallee at Their Majesties’ visit to Parliament House, especially considering the royalty’s fondness towards regional Victoria.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II loved regional Australia and visited Australia 16 times over 57 years, whereas this week’s Royal Visit is King Charles III’s seventeenth in 58 years,” she said.
“His first, some may remember, was in 1966 as a boarder exchange student aged 17 and a half at Geelong Grammar School.”
King and Queen arrived in Australia on Saturday and was greeted by the Prime Minister and the Governor General at Sydney Airport.
Their Majesties took part in a church service yesterday morning before heading to the nation’s capital for today’s reception.
They’ll then head back to Sydney for events on Tuesday.
We the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the ascension to the throne of King Charles III, Dr Webster encouraged anyone who would like to get a new royal portrait to contact her office.
“Countless community organisations mount a portrait of the King in their meeting rooms and had to be patient waiting for a new royal portrait after the passing of Queen Elizabeth and His Majesty’s accession.”
“If your community group would like to order a copy, feel free to reach out through annewebster.com.au.”
