TRANSCRIPT
Ushering in a new era, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia's 28th governor-general will be Samantha Mostyn.
"I am honoured to announce that His Majesty The King has approved my recommendation to appoint Ms Samantha Mostyn AO as Australia’s next Governor‑General. Ms Mostyn will be the 28th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and the second woman to hold this office."
King Charles has approved the appointment of the prominent business leader who will begin the role in July, replacing David Hurley.
Ms Mostyn says she considers the appointment a great honour, particularly as the idea of public service is something that was instilled in her at a young age.
"Like most people, and certainly most people in Australia, my fundamental values were set early by my parents and our family life. Along with my three younger sisters, I grew up in an army family, our father a Royal Military College Duntroon graduate who served Australia with distinction for almost 40 years, supported by the generosity, love, care and selflessness of our late mother...My memories are of deep service, community involvement, education and learning, sport and music, volunteering and engaging in the disability sector."
The former lawyer and staffer during the Keating government earned public recognition and an Order of Australia for her advocacy work for gender equality.
She's sat on the boards of Reconciliation Australia, Beyond Blue and Virgin and is currently the chair of the government's Women's Economic Equality Taskforce.
While such credentials aren't typically seen in the role, the Prime Minister says Ms Mostyn is a suitable leader for the times.
"Ms Mostyn is a modern and optimistic leader for our modern and optimistic nation. Her leadership reflects our enduring Australian values of equality, fairness and a responsibility to build a better future for the next generation. I am confident Ms Mostyn will discharge her duties as Governor-General with her customary dedication, creativity and compassion – and an unwavering sense of service to our nation."
The representative of the British monarchy in Australia, some question the relevancy of the role of the governor-general in Australian society today.
The issue came up in the 1999 referendum when Australian voters rejected a proposal to establish a republic with a parliamentary appointed head of state.
The co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, Craig Foster, says he welcomes the appointment of Ms Mostyn.
He described the appointment as an "an inspired choice", saying that she would serve as a wonderful president if Australia became a republic.
Mr Albanese says after last year's failed Voice referendum, he has no plans to hold another referendum on the matter of a republic.
"Today's the day for the appointment of Australia's next governor-general. I made it very clear that I had one referendum in mind. And that took place last year."
Ms Mostyn's role will involve ceremonial day-to-day duties on behalf of the King, submitting proposals for referendums, making proclamations and regulations, and establishing departments of state as well as making statutory appointments.
A governor-general's powers also include: summoning, proroguing and dissolving parliament, as well as appointing and dismissing ministers.
It's a role the Prime Minister says shines a light on all Australians.
"The Governor-General serves the community as well as the nation, shining a light on the generosity, resilience and compassion of everyday Australians. The Governor-General travels far and wide throughout our country to celebrate our achievements, mark significant milestones and support people facing adversity. They serve as patron to a diverse group of grassroots organisations and support the countless Australians who work tirelessly in service to their communities."
While much of the role of the governor-general is served through ceremonial processes, they do hold the power to dismiss even the Prime Minister.
It's a power that's only been exercised once in Australia's history.
In 1975, Governor-General John Kerr dismissed Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in what's remembered as one of the most dramatic events in Australia's political history.
"May God save the Queen. Because nothing, nothing! can save the Governor General."
Professor of History at the Australian National University, Frank Bongiorno says there have been attempts to revitalise the role of the governor-general.
"There is a long tradition of Labor seeking to breathe life and change these kinds of institutions, certainly going back to at least Gough Whitlam. And you know, Albanese's very much a creature I think of that sort of Whitlam-ite approach to these kinds of issues. So certainly Labor is always looking to change the meaning of these institutions and to give them a more modern feel and I think we can see that at work in this particular appointment."
The choice has not been without some controversy.
The appointment is based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Conservative lobby group Advance says it is concerned by Ms Mostyn's previous statements in support for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament and First Nations causes.
In a since-deleted tweet from 2020, she praised an NITV broadcast on January 26 "discussing survival, truth, Invasion Day and the future".
Ms Mostyn says she is not one-dimensional - and plans to bring her diverse experience to her new role.
"It is fitting to be here today in Canberra on Ngunnawal country, where I pay my respects to the traditional owners of this land, to elders, past and present, and to any other people or families with connections to the lands of the ACT and the surrounding regions. I was born not far from here, at the old Canberra hospital and most of the formative experiences and influences that have shaped my life happen here. I have always believed that we are all so much more interesting and complex than the stereotypes often drawn of us by those who have only limited understanding of our character and essence."
