On July 1, 2024, Sam Mostyn was officially sworn in as Australia’s 28th Governor-General in a ceremony held in Canberra. Mostyn, a prominent businesswoman and advocate for gender equality, emphasised her commitment to bringing a humanitarian approach to the role, aiming to foster kindness, care, and respect throughout her tenure.
“I will be an optimistic, modern, and visible governor-general, committed to the service and contribution that all Australians expect and deserve from the holder of this office,”
Mostyn declared following her swearing-in.
The ceremony, presided over by High Court Chief Justice Stephen Gageler, featured traditional military fanfare and concluded with a 21-gun salute. It also included an Indigenous smoking ceremony outside Parliament House, symbolising a new chapter in Australia’s governance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Mostyn’s appointment, highlighting her intelligence, compassion, and integrity.
“In Sam Mostyn, our nation has the right leader. She represents the best of modern Australia,”
he said.
Born in Canberra, Mostyn began her professional journey as a lawyer and later served as a communications advisor to former Prime Minister Paul Keating. Her diverse career includes roles on the boards of major corporations like Transurban, Virgin Australia, and Citibank Australia. Notably, in 2005, she became the first female commissioner of the AFL, playing a key role in establishing the women’s league.
Mostyn’s extensive experience in non-profit organisations, including the Climate Council and Beyond Blue, and her Women’s Economic Taskforce leadership underscore her commitment to social causes.
Reflecting on her new role, Mostyn said,
“Care is that 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.”
The ceremony marked a significant transition as Mostyn took over from David Hurley, who had served since 2019. She acknowledged Australia’s challenges, including climate change, cost-of-living pressures, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but expressed optimism for the nation’s future.
“Despite all these challenges, I will always feel tremendous optimism for Australia,”
Mostyn affirmed.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also commended Mostyn’s appointment, emphasising her diverse qualifications and her ability to connect with everyday Australians and international dignitaries.
As Governor-General, Mostyn will serve a five-year term, acting as the monarch’s representative in Australia. Her appointment, recommended by Prime Minister Albanese to King Charles, signals a progressive and compassionate approach to the role, aligning with the evolving values of modern Australia.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
