Um.. I live in Australia and it is a common fact that the monarchy system is not well liked. You are referring to a referendum which occurred 15 years ago and since then more changes have occurred.
Yes, I do happen to quote a newspaper poll because it is accurate because as I said previously majority of Australians want to move away from the monarchy. This is a common known fact and has been proven on multiple occasions - I happened to just quote this poll because it was the one that came to mind at first. Even other cabinet members are shocked about this decision as Abbott only consulted senior members of the party not the backbenchers.
In the 21st century we don't need outdated awards which separates the politicians who have accepted office away from the rest of society. The outgoing Governor General has been announced a Dame. Who cares? It is just another fancy name which means jack all. She was a Governor General, well done on her, she doesn't need to be a Dame to be remembered.
This is just a stupid decision. Tony Abbott should be busy facing the real issues rather than making idiotic decisions which would be overruled by the Labor party if they get office in the next election. Also, this serves no purpose to the everyday Australian and isn't going to benefit us in anyway whatsoever.
Previous Liberal PM, John Howard said this system came up whilst he was in office and he thought didn't think it was worthy to bring back. He has also stated that if he was invited to be a Knight he would most likely decline.
Tony Abbott needs to realise that it isn't the 1970s anymore. In 1986 the Dame and Knighthood system was scrapped because it served no good purpose at all. Why bring it back when it wasn't successful in the past?
@
Daltron I actually would like to see your thoughts on this
