HOST: Prime Minister Albanese, you have announced a public holiday to mark The Queen's death. Why was that so important to you?

NATALIE BARR, HOST: World leaders, Heads of State and dignitaries will head to London for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral next week and amongst them will be very own Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

DAVID KOCH, HOST: He's also announced a public holiday to mark the Queen's passing. It'll be held on Thursday, 22 September.

BARR: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Canberra. Good morning to you.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.

ALLY LANGDON, HOST: We are very pleased to say that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins us now from Canberra. PM, good morning.

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning Ally.

LANGDON: Look, it's been a big couple of days, I think it's fair to say. Can I ask your thoughts when you saw Her Majesty's coffin leaving Balmoral?

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Gareth on what is a very sad day, but also a day to celebrate what was a historic reign of 70 years and a long life well lived.

GARETH PARKER, HOST: Well said. Anthony Albanese, how did you find out the news? I'm sure there's enormous protocol around this. When did you first find out that her Majesty had passed?

NEIL MITCHELL, HOST: Anthony Albanese. Good morning.

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning, Neil.

MITCHELL: Now, did they wake you to tell you?

VIRGINIA TRIOLI, HOST: Joining you first of all, is the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, who just delivered a powerful and moving message to the country upon hearing of the death of the sovereign. Anthony Albanese, good morning, and thank you for your time.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Virginia.

TRIOLI: It must have been a shock to wake up to.

BRENDAN JONES, HOST: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

AMANDA KELLER, HOST: Oh, hello, Anthony. I've been in tears all day. How are you feeling?

ANTHONY ALBANESE. PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Well, it's been quite a shock, even though the Queen, of course, led such a long life, it was as if she would be with us forever. So when I received the call, very early this morning to expect a call from the Governor-General, and was put on a bit of notice. It was quite a shock.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: As we've been hearing this morning, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has died. Tributes are coming from around the world as leaders honour the monarch who defined an era in her 70 year reign. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joins me now. Prime Minister, welcome.

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE: Good morning, Patricia.

KARVELAS: This is a sad day around the world. What are your reflections on the Queen?

The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated tonight in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Prime Minister of Australia and NSW Premier have announced.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Dominic Perrottet announced the lighting the sails of the Sydney Opera House as a fitting tribute to Her late Majesty.

“The late Queen Elizabeth the Second played an important role to the people of Australia during her reign and the lighting of the Sydney Opera House is a fitting tribute on behalf of the people of Australia,” said Mr Albanese.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Japan from 26 to 28 September to attend the State Funeral for Mr Abe Shinzo AC, former Japanese Prime Minister.

Former Prime Ministers, the Hon John Howard OM AC, the Hon Tony Abbott AC and the Hon Malcolm Turnbull AC, all of whom worked with Mr Abe during his two terms as Japanese Prime Minister, will join the official delegation.

Mr Abe’s State Funeral will be attended by past and present world leaders, foreign dignitaries, colleagues and family—in honour of his leadership and immense contribution on the international stage.