PM Tony Abbott says it's appropriate for the governor-general to publicly support gay marriage. Source: AAP
ANGRY constitutional monarchists have called for the governor-general's scalp after she backed the republican movement in a landmark speech.
Quentin Bryce threw her support behind gay marriage and the republican movement while delivering the final ABC Boyer Lecture of the year in Sydney.
She reflected on her hope that "one day, one young girl or boy may even grow up to be our nation's first head of state".
Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was director of Australians for Constitutional Monarchy before entering parliament, said it was "more than appropriate" for Ms Bryce to share her personal views as the end of her term approached.
"She did it with grace and style," he told reporters in Sydney on Saturday.
"Obviously different people have different views on these subjects."
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."
Ms Bryce's term expires in March.
NSW Liberal MP David Elliott said Ms 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," Mr Elliott, who led the 1999 "no republic" campaign, said in a statement.
Australian Republican Movement spokesman Geoff Gallop told reporters in Canberra Ms 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."
Mr Gallop said her comments may re-energise the movement.
"There's no doubt we've been in lean times," he said.
"The people need to own this cause."
Asked if the popularity of Prince William and his wife Catherine had set back the cause, Mr Gallop said there was no doubt the "celebrity" status of the royal family gave them an entry point to popular consciousness.
"Australia has outgrown our old dependence on Britain for our identity," he said.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Ms 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."
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has defended his mother-in-law's comments, saying he supports 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 Mr Shorten said.
He's married to Ms Bryce's daughter Chloe.
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