Queen Elizabeth II: WA Parliament suspended and landmarks illuminated as mark of respect

The WA Parliament will be suspended as a mark of respect for the Queen, while landmarks across Perth are set to be illuminated in royal purple.

Parliament was scheduled to sit for three days next week, but instead there will only be a brief sitting at 2pm on Tuesday so two addresses can be moved and forwarded to the new sovereign.

These will be an Address of Condolence on the death of the Queen and an Address of Congratulations to King Charles III on his accession to the throne.

Both houses of Parliament will then adjourn until the following Tuesday, the McGowan Government announced.

A Proclamation of Access to be held by the Federal Government will be followed by a Proclamation in WA at Government House.

Flags will be flown at half-mast at State Parliament and other WA Government buildings until further notice, with other organisations encouraged to participate.

Landmarks across Perth are being illuminated royal purple from tonight as a mark of respect for the Queen.

Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium were already being lit-up in purple this week ahead of the Fremantle Docker’s semi-final against Collingwood on Saturday.

Condolence books are available for the public to sign in the Government House Ballroom over the weekend.

The book will remain in the Government House ballroom until the end of the official mourning period when it will be bound and placed in State Archives.

Online condolence messages can also be left via the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website.

“Many Western Australians are mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Premier Mark McGowan said in a statement.

“The decision has been made to temporarily suspend State Parliament as a sign of respect for Her Majesty, whose commitment to public service over seven decades is unrivalled.

“The Queen’s grace and resilience were a powerful example for many generations, as was her stoic sense of duty, which is why it is important Her Majesty is honoured appropriately both in Perth and across Western Australia.

“I encourage Western Australians who want to pay their respects to sign the books of condolence that will be at Government House and Parliament House.”

Saturday, in a special 32 page commemorative liftout, The West Australian pays tribute to the extraordinary life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We celebrate her life, from early childhood and her ascension to the throne, to life with her beloved Prince Philip and family. Don’t miss this special edition of The West Australian on Saturday.