MEDIEVAL fans rejoice, knights and dames are back.
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On Tuesday, Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced he was reintroducing knights and dames, naming departing governer-general Quentin Bryce as the first recipient.
However, the announcement quickly fired up debate across the country, with many labelling it insulting, swaying towards the monarchy, or the government simply trying to cover up a bad week in politics.
The Courier hit the streets yesterday to find out what the people of Ballarat thought and who would be a worthy local recipient.
The result was a landslide.
Rod Harbour, of Horsham, summed up the people’s thoughts when he said: “who cares?”.
Mr Harbour hinted that our Prime Minister must have had a big night on the tiles before he made the decision (without taking it to his colleagues).
“What’s he on about?” he said with a laugh.
Equally unimpressed was Jesse Gray.
The Geelong student, now living in Ballarat, said no one in Ballarat would be worthy of such an honour, adding that his favourite restaurant, La Porchetta, was more deserving.
So, with the majority of people unable to nominate a local identity worthy of the honour, we decided to suggest a few.
The mayor?
“Nup”.
Steve Bracks?
“Who?”
Bruce Roberts?
“Please”.
The one Ballarat legend who did get some well deserved recognition was Steve Moneghetti.
Congratulations, Mona.
patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au