Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s decision to use Australia Day to bestow a knighthood on a member of the British royal family is bewildering, Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon says.
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Mr Abbott announced yesterday that he would make Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, a Knight of the Order of Australia.
Mr Fitzgibbon said everyone he spoke with since the announcement shook their heads in disbelief.
“I just find it bewildering,” he said.
“Even if you believe in the return of knights and dames, you couldn’t possibly believe that there wasn’t another Australian worthy of his consideration over Prince Philip.”
Mr Abbott, a renowned monarchist, has been widely criticised over the decision, which was reportedly made without consultion with other federal ministers.
He defended the announcement and said Prince Philip had lived a long life of duty and service.
Retired Australian Defence Force chief Angus Houston was also made a knight yesterday.
