It's also noteworthy that his "subversive" act was performed by using a fax machine, a device that has gone the way of video players, cassette tapes and floppy disks.

How it should have been: Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove showing former prime minister Tony Abbott the way out. Credit:Ben Rushton

Veteran political correspondent Laurie Oakes reported the news of the faxed letter of resignation on Tuesday night.

BuzzFeed News has since that reported that Mr Abbott and Mr Cosgrove's offices had agreed to the fax and met later in the day for a good old chat.

People online were really shocked about the fax.