Speaking at a celebration of the bicentenary of the NSW Legislative Council on Sunday, King Charles cast his mind back 200 years ago.
‘Thinking about those times (is) making me wonder what that inaugural handful of members of the New South Wales Legislative Council would make of this Parliament today.
‘And of how this Parliament today and this great state has progressed.
‘Those original council members were, as I understand it, squeezed into the Old Government House, not far from here, and then moved into borrowed rooms in this building.
‘From that vantage point, regardless of their optimism, it was no doubt impossible to imagine what is now the vast and vibrant state of New South Wales, which has evolved and grown,’ he said.
The King added that ‘To reflect on the story of this institution and this date is to see the promise and power of representative democracy.
‘Generations of voices have been brought together for discussion and debate. Grappling with each days’ challenges and opportunities. Holding power to account, and driving meaningful change.’
The Monarch pointed out that while ‘Democratic systems must evolve, of course, to remain fit for purpose, they are, nevertheless, essentially sound systems, as I said in this building 50 years ago.
‘When underpinned by wisdom and good faith, democracy has, I believe, an extraordinary capacity for innovation, compromise and adaptability as well as stability.
‘Moreover, strong parliamentary systems like the one we celebrate on this special occasion are fundamental to the democracies that serve today’s diverse societies, and a more vital given the ever changing, natural, social, economic and technological environment.’
The King then joked about his age.
‘Since I was here in 1974 – incidentally, I first came to Australia almost 60 years ago which is slightly worrying – this place and the people in it have continued to uphold strong representative traditions.
‘To everyone who has been a part of this, I can only offer my warmest congratulations. In the spirit of marking the passage of time, it is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the Parliament.
‘It is, in fact, an hourglass, a speech timer, to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the Legislative Council’s next chapter.
‘The sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great honour it is to come to Australia for the first time as Sovereign, and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long.
‘So, thank you. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.’
