It was billed as an event focusing on education, but the presence of a former prime minister once ousted in a counter-coup - Julia Gillard - led to the inevitable question being asked.

"Why did you fight to not knight Prince Philip?" asked state Labor candidate Verity Firth in front of about 250 people packed into a Sydney bar on Monday night.

"I had this clearly eccentric idea that Australian honours should be for Australians," Gillard replied with a cheeky grin, as the crowd - which included federal deputy opposition leader, MC Tanya Plibersek and social commentator Jane Caro - roared with laughter.

"I'm trying not to involve myself too much in commentary on domestic politics ... but perhaps I should say that from my home in Adelaide that there are weeks when it's harder to watch Australian politics for me and there are weeks that are somewhat easier," Gillard continued in a more diplomatic tone.