Mr Howard alleges the former Governor-General is a hypocrite for accepting the title of Dame and for being a Republican.

I suspect that Ms Bryce would share the view shared by the vast majority of Australians that Knights and Dames are anachronistic and their reintroduction helps to foster a culture of elites, completely at odds with our democratic values and modern identity as Australians. 

However, Ms Bryce probably had little choice but to accept the title of Dame from the Prime Minister. 

In her final days in office, it would have been churlish not to do so, given the title is now embedded into the office of Governor-General. 

Mr Howard then goes on to provide crude commentary on the former Governor-General’s appearance.

Frankly, I am disappointed the Bendigo Advertiser saw fit to publish. 

Ms Bryce’s elegant style is almost universally admired. 

The irony of Mr Howard excoriating Ms Bryce for her clothing is that Ms Bryce herself is a past sex discrimination commissioner. 

Perhaps Mr Howard needs to, in the words of former Prime Minister Gillard, “look in the mirror”.

Quentin Bryce was Australia’s first female Governor-General and a dignified presence in our public discourse. 

She was also a powerful advocate for the less fortunate and champion of many charities and social causes. 

I think one thing both Mr Howard and I can both agree on is a mutual hope that Quentin Bryce will also be Australia’s last female Governor-General. 

She is an extraordinary Australian and would make a fantastic President in a future Australian Republic.