Save Share Every year, Dean Smith, a neat, thoughtful West Australian politician pivotal in the legalisation of same-sex marriage, asks the Senate to acknowledge the anniversary of the ascension of the âQueen of Australiaâ to the throne in 1952 and express appreciation for âher sense of duty and extraordinary graceâ. Every year, without dissent, the Senate accedes to Smithâs expression of fealty. Senator Dean Smith: âI am someone who believes that the Queen in particular, but other members of the royal family and indeed her father, have been unquestioing in their decision to put duty and service above self.â Alex Ellinghausen