On 1 July 2024, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, was officially sworn in as the 28th Governor-General of Australia at a Parliament House ceremony.
With a long career in law and business, Ms Mostyn is the second female in Australian history to hold the position, following the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO who served as Australia’s 25th Governor-General from 2008 to 2014.
Accompanied by her husband Mr Simeon Beckett SC, Ms Mostyn was welcomed with a smoking ceremony led by Ngunnawal Elder Ms Serena Williams, followed by the General Salute from the Royal Military College in the parliament forecourt of Parliament House.
In the Senate chamber, Ms Mostyn took the affirmation of allegiance and affirmation of office before the Chief Justice of Australia, the Honourable Stephen Gageler AC, swore in Ms Mostyn reading and signing the oaths of allegiance and office. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Ms Mostyn then signed the proclamation, followed by the Australian National Anthem and a Welcome to Country ceremony in the Members' Hall.
In her swearing-in speech Ms Mostyn thanked her predecessor, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), who held the office for five years.
In summing up her aspirations for her role and Australia, Ms Mostyn said ‘Care has a deep and resonant place in our Australian identity. Care is the gentle thought and the outstretched hand that Australians have always been ready to share when great challenges present themselves. Care is the quieter, better part of ourselves. And it is that sense of care that Simeon and I will seek to depict and amplify as we take on this role.’
The Governor-General is appointed by the King on recommendation of the Prime Minister, to be the representative of Australia’s Head of State. The position holds a range of constitutional and ceremonial duties, including as Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, and serves as patron to a number of charity and service organisations.
Read the full PM transcript or visit the Governor-General’s website for more information.