Australia will not award Jubilee Medals and is yet to announce any national plans to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee less than a month before the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952.
Monarchists are disappointed Jubilee Medals will not be included in Australia's celebrations, with some expressing their views on Facebook about ACT senator Kate Lundy, who as the Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Prime Minister, has traditionally had responsibility for such occasions.
Senator Lundy posted a response about the Jubilee Medals late last Thursday, shifting responsibility to the Prime Minister's office.
''The Prime Minister will shortly announce how the Australian Government intends to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee,'' Senator Lundy wrote.
Senator Lundy also said the medals were not part of the Australian honours system.
Other Commonwealth nations - such as Britain, New Zealand and Canada - have announced plans to celebrate the 85-year-old monarch's 60th year on the throne, including the presentation of Jubilee Medals, public exhibitions of famous artwork, jewels and other historic artefacts from the Royal Collection; a planned armada of decorated ships and boats on the Thames River; extravagant gifts; commemorative emblems, coins, and stamps; public holidays and an official ''Diamond Jubilee Week'' in Canada.
Canada unveiled a $7.5 million plan including presentation of 60,000 Diamond Jubilee medals and an early gift for the Queen - a platinum brooch featuring a maple leaf encrusted with 60 individual diamonds, a gold cannon and a stylised crown set with a sapphire, emeralds and rubies.
In Australia, a commemorative silver 50c coin will be produced by the Royal Australian Mint and local community events are planned by monarchist groups, the City of Sydney, and the Queensland State Government. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall also plan to visit Australia.
Ms Gillard committed to making a contribution to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Trust Fund during the royal visit to Australia last October, but is yet to put a dollar figure on the contribution.
''The Queen has been received here in Australia on this visit with a great deal of affection and I know that Australians will be very excited to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee,'' Ms Gillard said.
Source: Canberra Times
