ABC's embarrassing blunder over Australia's new Governor-General

The ABC has suffered an embarrassing blunder ahead of the swearing-in of Australia's new Governor-General.

ABC News host Gemma Veness confused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's fiancée Jodie Haydon for the woman of the hour, Sam Mostyn.

Ms Haydon walked out of Parliament House on Monday morning alongside Mr Albanese to greet waiting media.

But over the footage, Veness told viewers: 'We can see Sam Mostyn on our screens now arriving in Canberra for that swearing in ceremony.'

A moment later, as the duo approached the cameras, Veness realised her mistake and corrected herself, adding: 'In fact, my apologies... that is in fact Jodie Haydon'.

Ms Mostyn was seen walking in as the swearing in ceremony was just about to begin

Later in the Senate, Ms Mostyn was seen grinning as she walked in just as the swearing-in ceremony was about to begin.

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.

On Monday, Politicians from across both major parties crammed into the Senate to watch as Ms Mostyn, a known republican, vowed to 'be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, King Charles III, his heirs and successors according to law'.

Ms Mostyn vowed to 'be an optimistic, modern and visible Governor-General' who would 'strike a balance between observing traditions and protocol and being thoroughly contemporary'.

She revealed that in late May she travelled to England to spend time with King Charles in Buckingham Palace.

'I took the opportunity in that private meeting to pass on the best wishes of Australians for his and the Princess of Wales' health,' she said.

Journalist Gemma Veness confused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's fiancee Jodie Haydon for the woman of the hour, Sam Mostyn

Sam Mostyn has been sworn in as Australia's Governor-General

'I am not the first Australian to be struck by the interest and warmth the King feels for this country where he lived and studied as a young man.

'Prime Minister, everyone in the chamber, all Australians, I am ready and able to undertake the role you have entrusted in me.'

Ms Mostyn said since her appointment she'd hit the road to speak to everyday Australians, along with meeting senior politicians, former Governor-Generals and business leaders.

'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.

'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.'

Mr 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.

Her appointment makes her the second woman after Dame Quentin Bryce to hold the position.

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.'

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

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.

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 controversy, on top of the row over her massive pay rise.

She was criticised as a 'woke' appointment by conservative critics who decried her long history in identity politics. Ahead of her appointment, she wiped her social media presence from the internet.

She backed the Voice referendum, describing herself as 'completely untethered' when it was resoundingly defeated, and had also described Australia Day as 'invasion day' in a now-deleted social media post unearthed by Daily Mail Australia.

The banner picture of her X account was, for a lengthy period of time, a poster which declared, 'We support the Uluru Statement'.

Read more