Knights, dames return under Abbott

Retiring Governor-General Quentin Bryce (R) has become a dame under changes suggested by the PM. Source: AAP

PRIME Minister Tony Abbott insists he's not bringing knights and dames back in the Australian honours system to lock Australia into the monarchy.

Retiring Governor-General Quentin Bryce has become a dame and her successor Peter Cosgrove will become a knight, after Mr Abbott asked the Queen to restore the system of pre-eminent honours.

The honours category, which was removed in 1986, will recognise extraordinary and pre-eminent Australians for their service to Australia or humanity. Up to four knights or dames can be appointed each year.

"I believe this is an important grace note in our national life," Mr Abbott said on Tuesday.

Mr Abbott, a former director of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy, defended the decision, saying it would enhance the dignity of the existing system.

Asked whether he was seeking to cement the monarchy into Australian life, Mr Abbott said: "No, I'm not."

"Everyone knows where I stand on this particular issue," he said.

"I am a staunch supporter of our existing constitutional arrangements - always have been and, I imagine, always will be.

"But ... I think it is entirely appropriate that someone who represents the monarch should be honoured in this way."

Opponents were quick to mock the government's move, some adopting a humorous approach.

"I have consulted my economic roundtable and can categorically state that by adopting this policy, dozens and dozens of pounds can be saved," a sarcastic Labor senator Sam Dastyari told the upper house, at times adopting Shakespearean language.

He welcomed news from "Sir Anthony Abbott of Warringah" that ministries will now be decided by way of a jousting tournament in the caucus room.

His Labor colleague Stephen Conroy was more serious in his criticism, asking why the government can find money for knighthoods but not $250,000 a year for the families of veterans.

Australian Republican Movement national director David Morris called it a retrograde step.

"This is turning the clock back to a colonial frame of mind that we have outgrown as a nation," he said.

Mr Morris also questioned why the current system was deemed insufficient.

"Our identity today is Australian, so our national honours should be thoroughly Australian."

The Australian Monarchist League commended Mr Abbott's announcement.

The prime minister consulted Dame Quentin and General Cosgrove on the proposition and said they were happy to accept.

Shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said the move showed the government was rushing back to the 19th century.

"Even the arch-monarchist John Howard didn't bring back knights and dames," Mr Dreyfus said.

Dame Quentin's son-in-law, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, said the government had a plan for knights and dames but no plan for job creation.

"I'm concerned the Abbott government thinks this is a priority - what about jobs, health and education?"

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said Australia had gone socially backwards under Mr Abbott's government.

"Bring on a republic," she said.

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