Greens leader slammed over Queen Elizabeth II tweet

Australia’s Greens leader has been accused of “disrespect” after a tweet regarding Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

The leader of the Australian Greens party has been accused of “disrespect” and distastefulness after a tweet regarding Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Just five hours after her passing Adam Bandt MP tweeted his condolences, swiftly followed by a call for Australia to “move on”.

“Rest In Peace Queen Elizabeth II. Our thoughts are with her family and all who loved her,” he wrote.

In the next sentence he wrote: “Now Australia must move forward.

“We need Treaty with First Nations people, and we need to become a Republic.”

The tweet instantly sparked backlash online, even from those who agreed with his views.

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Australian Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, said it’s time to start discussions around a republic and Treaty with First Nations people. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“You truly are a disgrace Adam Bandt. Could you not wait even 24 hours before you politicised the death of the longest reigning Monarch? I’m all for a republic but seriously?” one tweeted.

“Could you say that tomorrow? I’m no fan of the royals but have some respect?” another said.

“Good grief – This is plain distasteful,” another wrote.

A Greens spokesman told news.com.au the Member for Melbourne stood by the tweet, saying now was as good a time as any to start discussions around a republic and Treaty with First Nations people.

One of Australia’s leading health officials through the Covid-19 agreed the tweet was disrespectful.

Former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth tweeted: “Just quietly compare this with the statesmanlike words from Albanese and Dutton and reflect on why these guys are perpetually at 10 per cent.

“Have some respect son,” he said.

Just quietly compare this with the statesmanlike words from Albanese and Dutton and reflect on why these guys are perpetually at 10%. Have some respect son. https://t.co/8wKR10gG2W

— Dr. Nick Coatsworth (@nick_coatsworth) September 8, 2022

Others said today was not the day to politicise issues regarding the monarch

“Take your political agenda and shove it today Adam. You have no respect. Shame on you,” one said.

Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland overnight The Palace revealed she was under medical supervision amid escalating concerns for her health.

Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022 in Aberdeen, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

She died 8.30pm local time (3.30am AEDT). Britain’s longest-serving monarch was 96 years old.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said of Queen Elizabeth’s passing he will be travelling to London in the coming days to attend her funeral and meet King Charles III.

“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most of us have known, and the only one to ever visit Australia,” he said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon fly to the UK for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Picture: PMO

“Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and turbulence of the years, she embodies and exhibited a timeless decency and enduring calm.”

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also offered his heartfelt condolences to the royal family and to the Commonwealth following Her Majesty’s death.

“An extraordinary life which touched so many has sadly come to an end,” Mr Dutton said.

“The last page has been inked on an exceptional reign; she was our sovereign as she was for many other nations of the Commonwealth.

The Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Queens Elizabeth II led Britain through the dark times. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“She led Britain through the darkest of days and through the times of triumph.

“As Leader of the Opposition and on behalf of the federal Coalition, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the royal family and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for everything.”