Twitter turns on Abbott’s knights and dames

Melissa Mack
Mar 26, 2014, updated Mar 26, 2014

Prime Minister Tony Abbott insists he’s not bringing knights and dames back in the Australian honours system to lock Australia into the monarchy.

Retiring Governor-General Quentin Bryce has become a dame and her successor Peter Cosgrove will become a knight, after Mr Abbott asked the Queen to restore the system of pre-eminent honours.

The honours category, which was removed in 1986, will recognise extraordinary and pre-eminent Australians for their service to Australia or humanity. Up to four knights or dames can be appointed each year.

“I believe this is an important grace note in our national life,” Mr Abbott said on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott, a former director of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy, defended the decision, saying it would enhance the dignity of the existing system.

Asked whether he was seeking to cement the monarchy into Australian life, Mr Abbott said: “No, I’m not.”

“Everyone knows where I stand on this particular issue,” he said.

“I am a staunch supporter of our existing constitutional arrangements – always have been and, I imagine, always will be.

“But … I think it is entirely appropriate that someone who represents the monarch should be honoured in this way.”

Opponents were quick to mock the government’s move, some adopting a humorous approach.

“I have consulted my economic roundtable and can categorically state that by adopting this policy, dozens and dozens of pounds can be saved,” a sarcastic Labor senator Sam Dastyari told the upper house, at times adopting Shakespearean language.

He welcomed news from “Sir Anthony Abbott of Warringah” that ministries will now be decided by way of a jousting tournament in the caucus room.

His Labor colleague Stephen Conroy was more serious in his criticism, asking why the government can find money for knighthoods but not $250,000 a year for the families of veterans.

Australian Republican Movement national director David Morris called it a retrograde step.

“This is turning the clock back to a colonial frame of mind that we have outgrown as a nation,” he said.

The Australian Monarchist League commended Mr Abbott’s announcement.

The prime minister consulted Dame Quentin and General Cosgrove on the proposition and said they were happy to accept.

The public reaction on social media has been one of disbelief and ridicule. Almost immediately the topic took over Twitter.

Here are some of the best responses to the issue.

The memes started the battle.

@mjrowland68 @LaTrioli Virginia should join us in the laugh! pic.twitter.com/w36dmNHJj9

— Sir Ver of Food (@chef09876) March 25, 2014

"Arise, Sir Pository of Wisdom." #GameOfTones #knightsanddames #auspol pic.twitter.com/yZ2WmLJEo4

— カシイちゃん (@kashiichan) March 25, 2014

Many harked back to medieval times. Or thought Australia was already there.

RT @RealNickHodge: Jousting: Australia's new national sport. (Knights only, Dames bring a plate)

— Latika Bourke (@latikambourke) March 25, 2014

Malcolm wishes to reassure republicans that his new parliamentary garb in no way sets back their cause #GameOfTones pic.twitter.com/1cyj07pSZy

— Sir Robert Denmore (@MrDenmore) March 25, 2014

Others hoped Australia had become a Monty Python movie.

Still laughing about this #knightsanddames business. Waiting for the Coalition to introduce a Ministry of Silly Walks pic.twitter.com/J3xHBJEAJL

— Rohan Salmond (@robofillet) March 25, 2014

Abbott unveils new front bench #auspol #knightsanddames pic.twitter.com/o5s5g2mPRI

— Sir James Scullin (@JamesScullin) March 25, 2014

Or contemplated taking action.

If we're going down the medieval route, can we lay siege to parliament house with trebuchets and catapaults of boiling tar? #auspol

— Sir Robert Denmore (@MrDenmore) March 25, 2014

News Ltd journalist Rick Morton’s tweets were so popular his user name started trending.