– Second woman governor-general appointed in Australia
– Australia appoints second female governor-general in 123 years.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia has made history by appointing Sam Mostyn as only its second woman governor-general, a role that holds significant ceremonial importance as the representative of the British monarch, who serves as the nation’s head of state.
This appointment marks the first under the reign of King Charles III, which began in 2022. It is also the first appointment by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s center-left Labor Party government, which aims to eventually replace the British monarch with an Australian president as the country’s head of state.
Mostyn, a prominent businesswoman and advocate for gender equality, previously served as the first woman Australian Football League Commissioner in 2005. She was sworn in as Australia’s 28th governor-general since the nation’s federation in 1901.
Promoting Modernity and Service
In her inaugural speech, Mostyn referenced the words of Australia’s first woman governor-general, Quentin Bryce, who emphasised the importance of balancing tradition with contemporary values. Mostyn pledged to be an optimistic, modern, and visible governor-general, dedicated to serving and contributing to the needs and expectations of all Australians.
Having sought counsel from all five living former governors-general, including Bryce, who served from 2008 to 2014, Mostyn is committed to upholding the duties of her new role.
The Road to Republic
Albanese’s government, elected in 2022 on a platform advocating for an Australian republic, has yet to announce plans for a referendum on the matter. While efforts to enshrine an Indigenous panel in the constitution were unsuccessful, the government has created the position of Assistant Minister for the Republic to pave the way for potential changes.
Despite some critics questioning Mostyn’s past activism, including her support for an Australian republic and her use of the term “Invasion Day” in reference to Australia Day, she remains steadfast in her commitment to serving the nation.
Looking to the Future
Mostyn recently met with King Charles III in Britain, conveying the well wishes of Australians for his and Princess Kate’s health as they undergo cancer treatment. She noted the king’s fondness for Australia, where he spent time as a young man, attending a boarding school in 1966.
As Mostyn steps into her new role, she replaces Gen. David Hurley, the former Australian Defense Force chief. The recent passage of legislation to increase the governor-general’s salary to AU$709,000 per year for her five-year term has sparked debate among lawmakers over the perceived extravagance of the pay raise.
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Australia appoints second woman governor-general in years to represent British monarch.
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