Queen’s portrait to be rehung in Tea Tree Gully’s council chambers after ‘crazy’ debate

An Adelaide mayor called it “crazy stuff”, but his council still embarked on debate over Her Majesty’s place in their chamber.

Tea Tree Gully Council Mayor Kevin Knight, with chief executive John Moyle and manager Ilona Cooper, took matters into his own hands last night. Picture: Lucas Jones

The Queen will once again hang in Tea Tree Gully Council’s chambers following lengthy debate, described by Mayor Kevin Knight as unnecessary and “crazy stuff”.

Cr Rob Unger’s motion to rehang a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, after she was removed several years ago for renovations, was supported by elected members 10-2 on Tuesday night.

Mayor Kevin Knight, who disappeared during the debate to fetch the Queen’s portrait, was disappointed the missing picture had become official council business.

Several councillors also stood on ceremony as God Save the Queen was played at the conclusion of the debate.

Mayor Knight said the portrait simply should have been “quietly put her back from whence she came” and the entire issue was “crazy stuff”.

“I wish I’d know about it before (it came to an official motion),” Mayor Knight said.

“I didn’t even know the Queen had gone. I didn’t know she had been taken down.”

Before fetching the picture, Mr Knight said the portrait was “currently having a rest in my office”.

“I have retrieved her,” he said.

Urging councillors to support his motion, Cr Unger said it was not his aim to “denigrate the debate” into a monarchy v republic discussion.

“This motion is about demonstrating respect,” Cr Unger said.

“It’s so much more than a simple picture on the wall. It’s a reminder of our history.

“It should never have been removed in the first place.”

Cr Damian Wyld said he would rather see the Queen’s portrait in the chamber than a “motley crew” of previous mayors while Cr Peter Field said “this debate really has no bounds in curiosity”.

Only councillors Olivia Savvas and Brett Rankine opposed the rehanging of the portrait.

“Our democracy is steeped in history and tradition,” Cr Rankine said.

“She has truly been a great Queen.

“The Queen is held dear in many people’s hearts, but her place is not in this decision-making chamber.”