Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Awards in the Order of Australia have never been subject to cabinet—never, ever. They were not subject to cabinet under Labor governments, they were not subject to cabinet under coalition governments. They have never been subject to cabinet. As a matter of fact, the Hawke government gave an AC—a companionship in the Order of Australia—to Prince Philip. Prince Philip got a companionship in the Order of Australia under a Labor government. Presumably, under the doctrine of the Leader of the Opposition that would have been discussed at cabinet and cabinet would have said, 'Yes, let's give it to Prince Philip.' I want to make it absolutely, crystal clear—

Mr Fitzgibbon interjecting—

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