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The honoured place of the Queen’s portrait in the Hobart City Council chamber will be diminished by accompanying artwork, argues FamilyVoice Australia.
“Hobart City Council yesterday voted to retain the portrait of the Queen’s portrait, but will symbolically marginalise Her Majesty, by cluttering the wall with artwork,” said FamilyVoice Australia spokesman David d'Lima.
“The additional artwork is likely to make for a very shabby scene,” he said.
FamilyVoice Australia recommends any additional artwork should be placed elsewhere in the chamber so the importance of the Queen is not undermined.
“It’s important to carefully acknowledge the Queen’s important constitutional role, such as appointing the State Governor of Tasmania along with the nation’s Governor-General, and approving the awarding of the Victoria Cross for Australia,” David d'Lima said.
“Every State MP promises to serve the Queen of Australia, and since local government is a creation of the State, it is completely inappropriate for the Council to diminish the honour due to Her Majesty.”
Portraits of the Queen remind public officials to maintain constancy of purpose, with gracious behaviour, following the remarkable example set by Queen Elizabeth, who will soon reach 70 years of service, David d'Lima said.
“Instead of disrespecting the Queen, honourable councillors would better serve the City of Hobart by considering how best to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Accession Anniversary that is just over 12 months away.”
The Christian promises of service and devotion made by Queen Elizabeth, to whom Tasmanian MPs must pledge their allegiance (as do Australian military personnel and the federal police) are part of Australia’s constitutional arrangements and Christian heritage, that should never be disrespected.