Sam Mostyn sworn in as Australia’s next Governor-General
Sam Mostyn has become the second woman to be sworn in as Australia’s governor-general, in a formal ceremony that included a guard of honour.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appointed the businesswoman, advocate and former AFL commissioner for a five-year term, replacing former chief of defence David Hurley, to become Australia’s 28th governor-general.
“I stand here now as Australia’s 28th Governor-General immensely conscious of this great honour and privilege.” Ms Mostyn said at the ceremony in the Senate chamber.
“When announcing my appointment Prime Minister, you said you saw a modern optimistic Governor-General, capable of uniting and celebrating the very best of Australia.
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“In the past few months since accepting the position, I have reflected deeply on your words.
“I have had to ask myself many questions about the role and impact of the office of Governor-General in 2024.
“I decided there was only one way to answer these questions, to get on the road
and listen to people. Listen carefully to those with unique experiences and insights.”
Sam Mostyn has been sworn in as the 28th Governor-General of Australia at Parliament House in Canberra. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: NewsWire
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Albanese said Ms Mostyn would bring “dignity, compassion, hard work, and integrity” to the job.
“She grew up in a defence family here in Canberra, she’s also worked in business and sport in the not-for-profit sector,” he said.
“She’s someone who’s eminently qualified, and I think she’ll be an outstanding leader for our nation.”
Ms Mostyn’s husband, Sydney barrister Simeon Beckett, daughter Lotte and her father and sisters were at Parliament House on Monday morning to witness the ceremony.
“Today, I miss the presence of my mother, Jenny, who, if she was still alive, she would be the proudest person here,” she said.
Ms Mostyn is the second woman after Dame Quentin Bryce to hold the position.
Her lengthy resume showcased her achievements, including being the first woman in Australia to be appointed as AFL commissioner, where she championed the creation of the women’s competition.
Australia was sworn in its second female governor-general in a formal ceremony complete with a guard-of-honour. Gaye Gerard/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia
She has also previously served in roles at Reconciliation Australia, Beyond Blue, the Australia Council for the Art and the National Mental Health Commission.
Her most recent role saw her chair the federal government’s Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.
But her appointment hasn’t come without its controversy.
Last week the government passed legislation to provide the Governor-General with a $709,000 annual salary – $200,000 more than her predecessor.
The reason for the $200,000 boost follows the constitutional requirement that the governor-general’s pay cannot be changed in the five-year term and is set in relation to the chief justice of the High Court’s remuneration.
The pay rise sparked outrage among the Coalition and the Greens for being out of touch during a cost of living crisis but ultimately passed through parliament without too much difficulty.