Australian knights a backward step | Republic (http://republic.org.uk/what-we-do/news-and-updates/australian-knights-backward-step)
QuoteRepublic has branded Australia's decision to reintroduce knighthoods a 'backward step' and out of touch with modern Australian values.
Earlier this week Australian prime minister Tony Abbott - who in the 1990s was heading the pro-monarchy campaign - announced that the imperial honours system that was scrapped in the 1970s and 80s was to be re-introduced.
Republic pointed out during an interview for ABC radio that in the UK the honours system is little more than a way for political leaders to thank their friends, allies and donors.
Republic proposes fullscale reform of Britain's honours sytem and has given evidence to a parliamentary inquiry into the issue.
This invites a dialogue on three separate, but interrelated points:
1) What are Australia's "modern values"? Republic claims it is opposition to them, but what exactly are they?
2) Are Knighthoods just a way of forming political alliances or do they have a wider social value?
3) Tony Abbott - a pro-monarchy PM - is steering the reintroduction of the system. Does this undermine the political efforts and ideologies of the opposing parties or not?
Well in the words of the immortal George W Bush, "elections have consequences" PM Abbott's pro-monarchy views have been known for years.
Its been long overdue but better late than never. I would have liked to have seen the Duke of Cambridge perform an investiture while in Australia.
QuoteWhat are Australia's "modern values"? Republic claims it is opposition to them, but what exactly are they?
That's easy, republic's views is anything that opposes our constitutional monarchy. republic ironically doesn't appear to want to respect the democratic wishes of the Australian electorate. Maybe its not ironic.
Quote from: PrincessOfPeace on April 19, 2014, 11:04:31 PM
That's easy, republic's views is anything that opposes our constitutional monarchy. republic ironically doesn't appear to want to respect the democratic wishes of the Australian electorate. Maybe its not ironic.
I don't see how this response addresses the question of what Australia's modern values are [What are they?] and how, according to Republic the reintroduction of knighthoods stands in opposition [to them].
You claim that Republic does not respect the wishes of Australia's democratic electorate. Did Abbots' party hold a referendum on the reintroduction of knighthoods that was voted for by the entire electorate? This must be the case if you're claiming Republic are not respecting the electorates' wishes.
Quote from: Orchid on April 19, 2014, 03:51:22 PM
3) Tony Abbott - a pro-monarchy PM - is steering the reintroduction of the system. Does this undermine the political efforts and ideologies of the opposing parties or not?
New Zealand did something similar a number of years ago. Knighthoods were introduced by John Key, a Prime Minister who has openly suggested the Monarchy in New Zealand will end once Queen Elizabeth II passes away.
I think it is ridiculous, absurd and bizarre to do that... :shrug: What could possibly be gained from this?
I really don't know the answer to that, perhaps to keep traditions alive? Other than that, knighthoods serve no purpose as such, it provides people with recognition, and upholds tradition, not much else... :shrug:
Don't republics hand out gongs to their citizens? Presidential Medal of Freedom, Legion of Honour, Whats the point?
Knighthoods are a form of public recognition in a constitutional monarchy, I wonder in 'republican Australia' , how many new 'People's Medals of Honour' will be created and of course these will all be in keeping with 'modern Australian' values.
Everyone is equal in a republic, just some are more equal than others...