The National Cabinet has agreed to hold a National Day of Mourning on Thursday 22 September 2022 in honour of the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The National Day of Mourning will be a one-off national public holiday and an opportunity for all Australians to pay tribute to the life of The Queen, outside of a work and study setting.
The Queen was the only reigning monarch most Australians have known and the only reigning monarch to ever visit Australia. On her first visit in 1954, The Queen travelled around the country, to almost 60 cities and towns, in every state and territory. It was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in the hearts of Australians. The National Day of Mourning will provide time to grieve this collective loss and commemorate our late Queen’s extraordinary life of service, devotion and loyalty.
On the day, a National Memorial Service will be held at Parliament House in Canberra with all state and territory leaders in attendance. The Service will be broadcast live across the nation at 11.00am (AEST) and begin with a minute’s silence. National Cabinet encourages all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on The Queen’s faithful service, that will be remembered for centuries to come.
Over the next few weeks, all Australians can also send condolences to the Royal Family and His Majesty King Charles III. Condolence books are available at Parliament House and Government House in Canberra and in various locations around Australia (refer to Government House in your state or territory for further information). An online condolence form has also been established on the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet website: Condolence form.