Prince Philip 'extremely deserving' of Australian knighthood says minister

27 Jan 2015,

Two Federal Government frontbenchers have defended Prince Philip's contribution to Australia, as Prime Minister Tony Abbott faces an internal party backlash over his decision to grant the British royal a knighthood.

Mr Abbott's move, revealed on Australia Day, has both puzzled and angered many of his colleagues keen for the Government to start the year on the front foot.

But frontbench Senator Michaelia Cash has described Prince Philip as "extremely deserving" in terms of the contribution he has made through schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh's award.

"The backlash will be the backlash. Some people don't agree with the decision," she said.

"I'm all about celebrating. I choose to celebrate achievements. And both Angus Houston [also knighted on Australia Day] and Prince Philip have significant records of community service when it comes to the Commonwealth and Australia."

She described the controversy over the decision as a "small distraction" from the bigger picture for the Government.

This morning senior minister Mathias Cormann dodged questions about whether the Prime Minister made the appropriate decision.

"I'm not a commentator. That was a decision that was made by the Prime Minister," he told the AM program.

"Prince Philip has made a significant contribution in Australia. He's made a significant contribution in particular to the Duke of Edinburgh award, to the lives of hundreds of thousands of young Australians."