In October 2011 , Queen Elizabeth II visited a number of cities in her role as Queen of Australia and Head of the Commonwealth . At a reception in her honour held at Parliament House in Canberra on 21 October 2011 , the Prime Minister , Julia Gillard , described the Queen as " a vital constitutional part of Australian democracy " . The Queen in her speech at the same reception stated that , " It has been a difficult year for this country in many ways despite the successes . The world witnessed the anguish of Australians as they lived through a summer of national disasters . We were all inspired by the courage and resolution shown by those affected in the face of crippling desolation . Ever since I first came here in 1954 I have watched Australia grow and develop at an extraordinary rate . This country has made dramatic progress economically in social scientific and industrial endeavours and above all in self-confidence . " The Queen visited Canberra , Brisbane , Melbourne and Perth during the tour . In Perth she attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2011
Royal visits to Australia