Radio Australia reported that the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott's decision to reintroduce the official honours of Knight and Dame for pre-eminent Australians was mocked by the opposition Labor party and the Republican movement.
But Tony Abb.ott's surprise announcement was celebrated by monarchists.
This report is by Simon Lauder and includes speech and comment from the following :-
Tony Abbott, Prime Minister; Sam Dastyari, Opposition Senator; Kelvin Thomson, Opposition backbencher; Senator George Brandis, Liberal frontbencher; David Morris, National Director, Australian Republican Movement; and Professor David Flint, National Convenor, Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy