A slew of prominent supporters of an Australian republic have accepted Queen's birthday honours this year raising questions about their true commitment to the republican cause.
Conservative Party leader Cory Bernardi is a staunch monarchist and his Senate motion in support of the royal family last October is consistent with the Conservative Party's strong support for the constitutional monarchy, including our Action Plans marking the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the birth of Queen Victoria.
The Australian reports, former prime minister Kevin Rudd saw fit to accept a Queen's birthday honour this year despite his vocal support for a republic and a history of refusing the accolade.
In doing so, he joined author and journalist Jane Caro, former leader of the Australian Democrats Natasha Stott Despoja, actor Hugh Jackman and other republicans who all accepted honours from the Queen.
Caro said she was delighted to be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia, "I don't feel hypocritical, it doesn't bother me in the least," she said.
She has previously said it is "about time we cut the apron strings from mama England", and stirred controversy when she tweeted that she wished she was a New Zealander on the night of the May Federal election.
