Knighthood for Duke stuns Libs
Tony Abbott's own MPs are freshly questioning his judgment after he awarded a knighthood to the Duke of Edinburgh in the Australia Day Honours.
The Prime Minister has defended the decision amid widespread public criticism but exasperated coalition ministers and MPs are angered that it reinforces feelings he is out of touch with modern Australia.
Mr Abbott recommended to the Queen that she award Australia's highest honour to her husband, as well as former Defence chief Angus Houston.
It appears to go against his original plan for the honour to be reserved for "pre-eminent" and high-achieving Australians.
Mr Abbott accepted the decision was a "captain's pick" and made no apologies for it.
"The monarchy has been an important part of Australia's life since 1788," he said. "And Prince Philip has been a great servant of Australia, he's been a great servant of all the countries of the Commonwealth.
"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."
Mr Abbott revealed he consulted Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Sir Angus as chairman of the Order of Australia Council about the honour for Prince Philip, leaving Cabinet out of the deliberations.
He dismissed the scorn on social media as electronic graffiti. But coalition MPs told _The West Australian _yesterday the announcement sowed further doubts about the PM's leadership.
"Let's look on the bright side," one said. "Given the Government's form, I'm relieved it's not Prince Andrew. The knighthood is showing the PM increasingly removed from where the community is."
Another said Mr Abbott's decision was "not smart".
On Twitter, Queensland LNP MP Ewen Jones blasted the decision. "I agree with knights and dames for Governor's General but no one else, especially British Royals. #weshouldntbetalkingaboutthis," he said.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who on Sunday revived calls for Australia to become a republic, said he initially thought news of a knighthood for Prince Philip was a hoax.
"It's a time warp where we're giving knighthoods to English royalty," he said.
Premier Colin Barnett admitted he was surprised. "However, I don't think it's a big deal and Prince Philip over his life has been a great friend and supporter of Australia," he said.
Former WA Labor premier and current Australian Republic Movement chairman Geoff Gallop called it "stupid". "Some people have said it was a joke but I think it was a tragedy," he said.
Northern Territory Country Liberal Chief Minister Adam Giles said the announcement made Australia a "bit of a joke".
Mr Abbott restored knights and dames last March.
The titles will be bestowed on no more than four people a year.
