Story highlights Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says they're outdated

The honorifics were revived by ousted former PM Tony Abbott last year

Abbott was criticized for giving one of the first to the Queen's husband, Prince Philip

(CNN) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says the country will no longer appoint knights and dames, calling the titles anachronistic.

The cabinet "agreed that knights and dames are not appropriate in our modern honors system," a statement from the government said on Monday.

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"Her Majesty The Queen has agreed to the government's recommendation to remove knights and dames from the Order of Australia."

The change will not affect those already bestowed with either title.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Order of Australia, an honors system recognizing individuals for achievement or service to Australia.