I am pretty sure our PM is going insane to award a Prince of the UK a knighthood. Cant the Queen do that herself? What bloomin century does Abbott think he lives in? What has the monarchy done for us? Prime minister defends the appointment, saying ‘Prince Philip has been a great servant of #Australia’ Tony Abbott has defended his decision to recommend the appointment of Prince Philip as a #knight of the Order of Australia and admitted he did #not consult his colleagues on the announcement. The prime minister announced Prince Philip’s appointment alongside (retired) Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who will join three other knights and dames elevated since Abbott’s reinstatement of the awards in March last year. They are former governor general Dame Quentin Bryce, former NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir and current governor general Sir Peter Cosgrove. When he reinstated the honours, Abbott seemed to suggest they would be reserved for Australians. He said: “This special recognition may be extended to Australians of extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit.” However at a national flag-raising and citizenship ceremony in Canberra on Monday he said the monarchy had been an important part of Australia’s life since 1788. “Prince Philip has been a great servant of Australia,” Abbott said. “I’m just really pleased that in his 90s, towards the end of a life of service and duty, we in this country are able to properly acknowledge what he’s done for us.” Abbott said he consulted the chairman of the Order of Australia, the newly appointed knight Houston, and the governor general. Asked if Prince Philip was a “captain’s pick”, Abbott said: “Look, I’m not going to dispute your characterisation. I think we’ve had a good thrash of this one. Are there any other subjects that you would like to ask me about?” The prime minister’s recommendation to the Queen that her husband be appointed knight of the order of Australia surprised Australians. Abbott said the Queen accepted his recommendation. theguardian/australia-news/2015/jan/26/tony-abbott-admits-colleagues-not-consulted-on-prince-philip-knighthood
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 10:27:51 +0000
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