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Tony Abbott endorses Quentin Bryce's right to speak out on republic Tony Abbott endorses Quentin Bryce's right to speak out on republic
(about 2 hours later)
Tony Abbott says it is "more than appropriate" for the governor-general to publicly support gay marriage and a push for Australia to become a republic.Tony Abbott says it is "more than appropriate" for the governor-general to publicly support gay marriage and a push for Australia to become a republic.
Quentin Bryce, the Queen's Australian representative, said in the final Boyer lecture of the year in Sydney on Friday she hoped the nation would evolve into a country where "people are free to love and marry whom they choose".Quentin Bryce, the Queen's Australian representative, said in the final Boyer lecture of the year in Sydney on Friday she hoped the nation would evolve into a country where "people are free to love and marry whom they choose".
"And where perhaps, my friends, one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first head of state.""And where perhaps, my friends, one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first head of state."
Abbott, a staunch monarchist who opposes gay marriage, said: "It's more than appropriate for the governor-general approaching the end of her term to express a personal view.Abbott, a staunch monarchist who opposes gay marriage, said: "It's more than appropriate for the governor-general approaching the end of her term to express a personal view.
"And as you'd expect of Quentin Bryce, she did it in graceful style.""And as you'd expect of Quentin Bryce, she did it in graceful style."
 Asked whether Bryce's comments had swayed his view, Abbott said: "Different people have different views on these subjects. She was expressing her view, others express their views." Asked whether Bryce's comments had swayed his view, Abbott said: "Different people have different views on these subjects. She was expressing her view, others express their views."
Bryce, the former governor of Queensland, was appointed Australia's first woman governor-general in 2008 by then-prime minister Kevin Rudd.Bryce, the former governor of Queensland, was appointed Australia's first woman governor-general in 2008 by then-prime minister Kevin Rudd.
Governors-general serve at the Queen's pleasure, but five-year appointments are typical.Governors-general serve at the Queen's pleasure, but five-year appointments are typical.
While Abbott was happy for the governor-general to express personal views, another member of the Liberal party was infuriated by her comments.While Abbott was happy for the governor-general to express personal views, another member of the Liberal party was infuriated by her comments.
The NSW state MP David Elliott said Bryce should retire immediately for "partaking in a blatantly political debate over the constitution".The NSW state MP David Elliott said Bryce should retire immediately for "partaking in a blatantly political debate over the constitution".
"If Quentin Bryce wants to debate policy and legislation she should run for parliament, not use her vice-regal position to pursue her own political agenda," Elliott, who led the 1999 "no republic" campaign, said in a statement."If Quentin Bryce wants to debate policy and legislation she should run for parliament, not use her vice-regal position to pursue her own political agenda," Elliott, who led the 1999 "no republic" campaign, said in a statement.
"The governor-general has guaranteed her legacy will be one of division.""The governor-general has guaranteed her legacy will be one of division."
Australians for Constitutional Monarchy accused Ms Bryce of blotting her record in office by weighing into political debate.
"It will be said she has damaged the institution," the group said in a statement.
"The problem now is that in breaching protocol and convention, Her Excellency has now become a divisive figure."
Bryce's term expires in March.
Australian Republican Movement spokesman Geoff Gallop told reporters in Canberra Bryce had given authentic reflections on her views for the future.
"We don't want her saying things that don't have any meaning attached to them," he said.
"She sees what's happening in the community, she sees the pain, she sees the happiness, she sees Australia from a particular vantage point and we're delighted she's reached this conclusion."
Gallop said Bryce's comments might re-energise the Republican movement.
"There's no doubt we've been in lean times," he said. "The people need to own this cause."
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Bryce's comments would carry weight with voters of all ages.
"To have the governor-general step forward and say this is something Australians care about, and as the governor-general, she believes that marriage equality is a human right ... it's hugely influential across all voter groups."
The opposition leader, Bill Shorten, defended his mother-in-law's comments, saying he supported both gay marriage and Australia becoming a republic.
"The governor-general has made a remarkable contribution to our country and she is entitled to express her views," a spokesman for Shorten said.
He is married to Bryce's daughter Chloe.
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