In a Senate estimates hearing on Monday the Governor-General's office revealed there were at least five leftover medals worth about $135,000 in total that were created before Malcolm Turnbull abolished the"anachronistic"titles when he came to power in 2015.
Four are waist badges,worth about $20,000 each. One is a slightly cheaper medal worn around the neck,worth about $15,000. Combined,the medals would be enough for two or three dames or knights,the Governor-General's secretary Paul Singer said under questioning from Labor Senator Tim Ayres.
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In contrast to honours like the titles of member or companion of the Order of Australia,Mr Abbott's knights and dames were given multiple insignia.
"I'm flabbergasted that they cost so much,"Senator Ayres said."I think they should go into the Museum of Australian Democracy down the road here[from Parliament House] as part of an exhibition on folly in government decision making".
He said the cost of the knights and dames medals was exorbitant."I'm sure the Emergency Services Medals they are going to hand out won't cost this much,"Senator Ayres said.
While the medals have been written off in the Governor-General's accounts because there will be no future knights and dames awarded,the medals are still held by his office.