The suggestion that Australia may readopt the honorary titles of " Sir " and " Dame " will certainly send the Socialist set into a frenzy. Imperial honours were scrapped when Gough Whitlam swept Labor into office in 1972 after decades in the wilderness - and before a cabinet was even selected - governed by edict in implementing a socialist agenda.
The argument at that time was that Australia deserved it's own form of recognition for exemplary public service. Imperial honours were replaced with the Order of Australia and this set four levels of recognition, with each having restrictions on the number that could be awarded each year.
The top " Gong " was the "Companion of the Order of Australia", signified by the initials " AC " and limited to twenty-five in one year. The next level was "Officer of the Order of Australia," " AO " with a one hundred limit. Then the" Member of the Order of Australia " - " AM " with a two hundred and twenty five quota limit - and finally the " Medal of the Order of Australia " - " OAM " which carried no number restrictions.
Over four decades later very little has changed. The annual announcement of the award of honours is eagerly awaited by recipients and is sprinkled through all sections of society, just as it had been under the Imperial system. Few receive the top " AC " to accompany their name, just as the addition of " Sir " or " Dame " was dispensed sparingly in the Imperial honours era.
The suggestion being considered is not to replace the Order of Australia, but to add to it with what is really a " Knighthood " becoming an exceptional award for the very few whose service merits a special distinction, probably limited to the extent that no award will be forthcoming in some years.
The very idea will scandalize our true blue socialist element but it would be a handy addition to those Australians of merit who are tasked with representing us in the councils of the world. The title " Sir " or " Dame " has recognition overseas that even " AC " lacks in public recognition. It simply allows an Australian representative to hold their own when titles become a hallmark of status.
No doubt this proposal will divide along political lines. The issue of Knighthoods has been an ongoing battle of abandonment and restoration as the government numbers have changed hands. It's return as an issue will probably draw flak in the parliament - but be treated with indifference in the public arena.
Few expect to have " Sir " precede their given name !
No comments:
Post a Comment