Arise, Sir Peter. Take a hike, Dame Quentin.
Decorated military man Peter Cosgrove (pictured) was sworn in as Australia’s 26th governor-general this morning, assuming the highest office in the land (well, technically) and a fancy new title — Australia’s newest knight. Quentin Bryce, of course, walks away from Yarralumla with her own honour: a damehood of the British Empire.
Cosgrove vowed today he comes to the role “agenda free”. As is appropriate. Bryce, too, served with apolitical dignity.
But both appear to be avowed republicans. Bryce made that known explicitly in her final months in the job; Cosgrove’s public position is a little more nuanced, but it seems clear which way he leans.
Which might make you wonder why they took the job in the first place. It might. It certainly makes you wonder why they’d accept their silly new honourifics.
The job demands they not make a political fuss. But on knights and dames, at least, the answer could have been private and simple.
Thanks, but no thanks.
I have never had much interest in the role of the GG, but accept that it forms part of the system of government in this country.
The problem, certainly since the 1970s, has been the calibre of some appointees to the role. While I appreciate that none have been worse then Kerr, Bryce and Cosgrove have definitely NOT covered themselves with glory over this ‘honours’ thing.
Agree with those above who say both should have refused to accept them. Perhaps the rAbbott would then have been given a lesson in how to behave as PM. But perhaps it’s not all bad – Abbott just looks like a bigger twit!!
Lifted straight from the comments section of The Guardian, because it sums up the position so well.
[From IanCW
The Governor-General is obliged to accept the recommendations (even the silly ones!) of the Prime Minister, regardless of her personal feelings on the matter. Whilst it would be pleasing to see a GG ‘stick it’ to Abbott, it also would’ve created a constitutional crisis.]
I suspect that both Cosgrove & Bryce were ambushed by Abbott with the honourifics. (As were most of his cabinet.)
Blaming them for being wedged by Abbott’s actions seems a little churlish.
I agree that these awards are silly and anachronistic, but by way of clarification, Quentin did not receive a damehood of the order of the british empire, it’s a damhood of the order of Australia.
Not at all Paddy. They could have politely and privately declined when first asked. Recipients are always given an option to decline an honour before it is awarded or even announced publicly just in case they do want to decline. It saves embarrassment all round.
Now, if Tony Abbott had announced it publicly first that would be a different thing entirely and Cosgrove and Bryce could say that they had been ambushed.