FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has congratulated his colleague Andrew Laming, the Member for Bowman, for his move to abolish Knights and Dames from the Australian Honours System.
Once Parliamentary sittings resume this month, Dr Laming will introduce a Private Member’s Bill calling for the termination of any future Australian knighthoods and dames, while retaining all current recipients of the honour.
The move follows the decision by the Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, to award Prince Philip a knighthood on Australia Day – a move publicly criticised by Mr Entsch.
“Andrew Laming has my whole-hearted support on this Bill,” Mr Entsch said.
“I’m not a fan of knighthoods; lords and ladies and peerage went out a long time ago.
“I think we have grown far beyond that as a country.
“I’ve offered to co-sponsor or second this Bill and I certainly look forward to speaking on it when it is debated in the House.”
