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'Winter is coming' warns labor's Sam Dastyari, invoking medieval drama Game of Thrones in mockery of Tony Abbott's decision to reinstate knighthoods.

The Australian Republican Movement has welcomed Tony Abbott's reintroduction of knighthoods and damehoods, declaring it has re-invigorated the republic cause and prompted a boost in members.

The bizarre outcome was among the unintended consequences of Tuesday afternoon's surprise announcement, which sparked a tide of ridicule in Parliament, newspapers, radio and social media.

Illustration: Rocco Fazzari

Speaking at the National Press Club, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten asked if the country was in a time warp, noting that not even John Howard had revived the British titles in his almost 12 years as prime minister.

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With the Prime Minister on the defensive in Parliament, Labor used the announcement to claim the government's priorities were wrong.

Privately some ministers expressed incredulity that Mr Abbott had taken such an approach without recourse to either the cabinet or the party room.

David Morris, national director of the Australian Republican Movement, said the Prime Minister's announcement had reframed debate from the ''celebrity monarchy'' to pride in Australia's national institutions.

Original post:
Knights and dames a boost for republican movement