TONY Abbott and John Howard live in the same political skin but the debate over the current Prime Minister’s decision to reinstate knights and dames to Australia’s honours system shows the difference between them as political beasts.
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While there were many who wouldn’t agree with Mr Howard’s politics, he was almost universally admired for making decisions in the interests of the community generally, with notable instances against his party’s traditional values. Mr Abbott, on the other hand, is yet to convince Australians he can bring the same perspective to the nation’s leadership.
Mr Howard’s criticism of the decision to reinstate knights and dames to the honours system was certainly not in the minority.
Liberal and Labor members alike have mocked the move as a step backwards.
An example was this from Liberal West Australian Premier Colin Barnett: “When people look back in history, the last vestiges of colonial history, you know, time to stand up Australia, be a big country in your own right.”
More pertinently, every-day Australians might query just why it is necessary.
We have in place a suitably vibrant honours system which recognises the work of Australians across a broad spectrum of the community.
There are levels of prestige which ensure the most worthy can be placed on a suitably acknowledged pedestal. Bringing back dames and knights brings an added perception of the haves and have nots and the potential to create greater distinction of classes.
That Mr Abbott chose to make a request of the Queen for reinstatement without discussing it with his party room or cabinet will only serve to emphasise such perceptions.
The newest recipients, Quentin Bryce and Peter Cosgrove, are pre-eminent Australians whose work is undoubtedly worthy of recognition.
But so is the time and efforts of volunteers in the streets of our smallest cities. Are we likely to see lofty recognition of these vital contributors to our society?
If nothing else, Australians were aware of before voting in the last election of Mr Abbott’s values and beliefs. We shouldn’t be surprised after being provided with a clear mandate that he implements policy and change based on these beliefs. The challenge for Mr Abbott is to understand the community as well as Mr Howard did.