Labor use Queen tributes for republic push

Labor MPs have used parliamentary tributes to Queen Elizabeth to say: "Thanks, but we can take it from here".

Queen Elizabeth II.

Labor MPs have used Queen Elizabeth's record tenure as British monarch to call for a republic. (AAP)

God save the Queen - because nothing will save her from some federal Labor MPs.

They have used Queen Elizabeth's record-breaking tenure as British monarch to call for a republic.

During parliamentary tributes on Thursday, Victorian Tim Watts acknowledged the Queen's milestone and thanked her for her efforts as Australia's head of state.

But that did not stop him from calling her time.

"Well done Liz, but we can take it from here," he told parliament.

Mr Watts argued it would be unfathomable that a person from another country would be chosen as head of state if the Australian constitution was rewritten today.

The institution of the monarchy was "wrong" and an affront to the democratic and egalitarian values Australians held dear.

"It is exclusive by its very nature and entrenches the kind of unearned privilege we seek to roll back," he said.

Fellow Labor MP Stephen Jones said it was clear those opposed to the dream of a republic believed not one Australian was good enough to be head of state.

"I pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth, but I can longer stare up at our flag and sing those words, `long may she reign over us'."

Staunch monarchist Tony Abbott hailed Queen Elizabeth's extraordinary life and duty of service from Port Moresby.

"The Crown has been a fixed and stable point in a shifting and changing world," the prime minister told reporters.


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Source: AAP


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